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Jantaruk P, Roytrakul S, Sistayanarain A, Kunthalert D. The pomegranate-derived peptide Pug-4 alleviates nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae-induced inflammation by suppressing NF-kB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16938. [PMID: 38406294 PMCID: PMC10885808 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The respiratory pathogen nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is the most common cause of exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), of which an excessive inflammatory response is a hallmark. With the limited success of current medicines there is an urgent need for the development of novel therapeutics that are both safe and effective. In this study, we explored the regulatory potential of pomegranate-derived peptides Pug-1, Pug-2, Pug-3, and Pug-4 on NTHi-induced inflammation. Our results clearly showed that to varying degrees the Pug peptides inhibited NTHi-induced production of IL-1β, a pivotal cytokine in COPD, and showed that these effects were not related to cytotoxicity. Pug-4 peptide exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity. This was demonstrated in all studied cell types including murine (RAW264.7) and human (differentiated THP-1) macrophages as well as human lung epithelial cells (A549). Substantial reduction by Pug-4 of TNF-α, NO and PGE2 in NTHi-infected A549 cells was also observed. In addition, Pug-4 strongly inhibited the expression of nuclear-NF-κB p65 protein and the NF-κB target genes (determined by IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS and COX-2 mRNA expression) in NTHi-infected A549 cells. Pug-4 suppressed the expression of NLRP3 and pro-IL-1β proteins and inhibited NTHi-mediated cleavage of caspase-1 and mature IL-1β. These results demonstrated that Pug-4 inhibited NTHi-induced inflammation through the NF-κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Our findings herein highlight the significant anti-inflammatory activity of Pug-4, a newly identified peptide from pomegranate, against NTHi-induced inflammation. We therefore strongly suggest the potential of the Pug-4 peptide as an anti-inflammatory medicine candidate for treatment of NTHi-mediated inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pornpimon Jantaruk
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Sittiruk Roytrakul
- National Science and Technology Development Agency, Thailand Science Park, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Anchalee Sistayanarain
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Duangkamol Kunthalert
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
- Centre of Excellence in Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
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Soto MA, MacLachlan MJ. Responsive macrocyclic and supramolecular structures powered by platinum. Chem Sci 2024; 15:431-441. [PMID: 38179527 PMCID: PMC10763547 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc05524h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Humankind's manipulation of platinum dates back more than two millennia to burial objects. Since then, its use has evolved from purely decorative purposes in jewelry to more functional applications such as in catalysts, pharmaceuticals, and bioimaging agents. Platinum offers a range of properties arguably unmatched by any other metal, including electroactivity, photoluminescence, chromic behaviour, catalysis, redox reactivity, photoreactivity, and stimuli-controlled intermetallic interactions. The vast body of knowledge generated by the exploration of these and other properties of platinum has recently merged with other areas of chemistry such as supramolecular and host-guest chemistry. This has shown us that platinum can incorporate its responsive character into supramolecular assemblies (e.g., macrocycles and polymers) to produce materials with tailorable functions and responses. In this Perspective Article, we cover some platinum-powered supramolecular structures reported by us and others, hoping to inspire new and exciting discoveries in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Soto
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia 2036 Main Mall Vancouver British Columbia V6T 1Z1 Canada
| | - Mark J MacLachlan
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia 2036 Main Mall Vancouver British Columbia V6T 1Z1 Canada
- Quantum Matter Institute, University of British Columbia 2355 East Mall Vancouver British Columbia V6T 1Z4 Canada
- WPI Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University Kanazawa 920-1192 Japan
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Rahman MM, Islam MR, Akash S, Hossain ME, Tumpa AA, Abrar Ishtiaque GM, Ahmed L, Rauf A, Khalil AA, Al Abdulmonem W, Simal-Gandara J. Pomegranate-specific natural compounds as onco-preventive and onco-therapeutic compounds: Comparison with conventional drugs acting on the same molecular mechanisms. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18090. [PMID: 37519687 PMCID: PMC10372646 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pomegranate, scientifically known as Punica granatum, has been a traditional medicinal remedy since ancient times. Research findings have shown that using pomegranate extracts can positively affect a variety of signaling pathways, including those involved in angiogenesis, inflammation, hyperproliferation, cellular transformation, the beginning stages of tumorigenesis, and lastly, a reduction in the final stages of metastasis and tumorigenesis. This is due to the fact that pomegranate extracts are rich in polyphenols, which are known to inhibit the activity of certain signaling pathways. In the United States, cancer is the second biggest cause of death after heart disease. The number of fatalities caused by cancer in the United States escalates yearly. Altering one's diet, getting involved in regular physical activity, and sustaining a healthy body weight are three easy steps an individual may follow to lower their cancer risk. Simply garnishing one's diet with vegetables and fruits has the potential to avert at least 20% of all cancer diagnoses and around 200,000 deaths caused by cancer each year. Vegetables, fruits, and other dietary constituents, such as minerals and phytochemicals, are currently being researched for their potential to prevent cancer. It is being done because they are safe, have minimal toxicity, possess antioxidant properties, and are universally accepted as dietary supplements. Ancient civilizations used the fruit of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) to prevent and cure a number of diseases. The anti-tumorigenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative qualities of pomegranate have been shown in studies with the fruit, juice, extract, and oil of the pomegranate. Pomegranate has the capacity to affect several signaling pathways, which implies that it may have the potential to be employed not only as a chemopreventive agent but also as a chemotherapeutic drug. This article elaborates on some recent preclinical and clinical research which shows that pomegranate seems to have a role in the prevention and treatment of a number of cancers, including but not limited to breast, bladder, skin, prostate, colon, and lung cancer, among others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mominur Rahman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Rezaul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shopnil Akash
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Emon Hossain
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Afroza Alam Tumpa
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Limon Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abdur Rauf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Anees Ahmed Khalil
- University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Waleed Al Abdulmonem
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jesus Simal-Gandara
- Universidade de Vigo, Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Analytical Chemistry and Food Science Department, Faculty of Science, E32004 Ourense, Spain
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Cortez-Trejo MC, Olivas-Aguirre FJ, Dufoo-Hurtado E, Castañeda-Moreno R, Villegas-Quintero H, Medina-Franco JL, Mendoza S, Wall-Medrano A. Potential Anticancer Activity of Pomegranate ( Punica granatum L.) Fruits of Different Color: In Vitro and In Silico Evidence. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1649. [PMID: 36358999 PMCID: PMC9687934 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pomegranate (PMG; Punica granatum L.) fruits possess a well-balanced nutrient/phytochemical composition, with proven adjuvant benefits in experimental cancer chemotherapy; however, such bioactivity could be affected by PMG's phenogenotype (varietal). Here, the chemical and phytochemical (UPLC-DAD-MS2) composition, antioxidant capacity and anticancer potential [in vitro (MTT assay) and in silico (foodinformatics)] of three PMG fruits of different aryl color [red (cv. Wonderful), pink (cv. Molar de Elche), and white (cv. Indian)] were evaluated. The macro/micronutrient (ascorbic acid, tocols, carotenoids), organic acid (citric/malic), and polyphenol content were changed by PMG's varietal and total antioxidant activity (ABTS, alcoholic > hexane extract) in the order of red > pink > white. However, their in vitro cytotoxicity was the same (IC50 > 200 μg.mL-1) against normal (retinal) and cancer (breast, lung, colorectal) cell lines. Sixteen major phytochemicals were tentatively identified, four of them with a high GI absorption/bioavailability score [Ellagic (pink), vanillic (red), gallic (white) acids, D-(+)-catechin (white)] and three of them with multiple molecular targets [Ellagic (52) > vanillic (32) > gallic (23)] associated with anticancer (at initiation and promotion stages) activity. The anticancer potential of the PMG fruit is phenogenotype-specific, although it could be more effective in nutraceutical formulations (concentrates).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C. Cortez-Trejo
- Programa de Posgrado en Alimentos del Centro de la República (PROPAC), Research and Graduate Studies in Food Science, School of Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Santiago de Querétaro 76010, Querétaro, Mexico
| | | | - Elisa Dufoo-Hurtado
- Programa de Posgrado en Alimentos del Centro de la República (PROPAC), Research and Graduate Studies in Food Science, School of Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Santiago de Querétaro 76010, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Raquel Castañeda-Moreno
- Programa de Posgrado en Alimentos del Centro de la República (PROPAC), Research and Graduate Studies in Food Science, School of Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Santiago de Querétaro 76010, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Hassan Villegas-Quintero
- DIFACQUIM Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemistry, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - José L. Medina-Franco
- DIFACQUIM Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemistry, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Sandra Mendoza
- Programa de Posgrado en Alimentos del Centro de la República (PROPAC), Research and Graduate Studies in Food Science, School of Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Santiago de Querétaro 76010, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Abraham Wall-Medrano
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Juárez 32310, Chihuahua, Mexico
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