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Filippelli A, Ciccone V, Del Gaudio C, Simonis V, Frosini M, Tusa I, Menconi A, Rovida E, Donnini S. ERK5 mediates pro-tumorigenic phenotype in non-small lung cancer cells induced by PGE2. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119810. [PMID: 39128596 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) constituting approximately 84 % of all lung cancer cases. The role of inflammation in the initiation and progression of NSCLC tumors has been the focus of extensive research. Among the various inflammatory mediators, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) plays a pivotal role in promoting the aggressiveness of epithelial tumors through multiple mechanisms, including the stimulation of growth, evasion of apoptosis, invasion, and induction of angiogenesis. The Extracellular signal-Regulated Kinase 5 (ERK5), the last discovered member among conventional mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), is implicated in cancer-associated inflammation. In this study, we explored whether ERK5 is involved in the process of tumorigenesis induced by PGE2. Using A549 and PC9 NSCLC cell lines, we found that PGE2 triggers the activation of ERK5 via the EP1 receptor. Moreover, both genetic and pharmacological inhibition of ERK5 reduced PGE2-induced proliferation, migration, invasion and stemness of A549 and PC9 cells, indicating that ERK5 plays a critical role in PGE2-induced tumorigenesis. In summary, our study underscores the pivotal role of the PGE2/EP1/ERK5 axis in driving the malignancy of NSCLC cells in vitro. Targeting this axis holds promise as a potential avenue for developing novel therapeutic strategies aimed at controlling the advancement of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valerio Ciccone
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Cinzia Del Gaudio
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Vittoria Simonis
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Frosini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Ignazia Tusa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Menconi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Rovida
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy.
| | - Sandra Donnini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy.
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Scognamiglio A, Cerqua I, Citi V, Martelli A, Spezzini J, Calderone V, Rimoli MG, Sodano F, Caliendo G, Santagada V, Fiorino F, Frecentese F, Perissutti E, Magli E, Simonelli M, Corvino A, Roviezzo F, Severino B. Isothiocyanate-Corticosteroid Conjugates against asthma: Unity makes strength. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 275:116636. [PMID: 38944936 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Asthma is a major noncommunicable disease, affecting both children and adults, and represents one of the major causes leading to high health care costs due to the need for chronic pharmacological treatments. The standard gold therapy of inflammation in asthmatic patients involves the use of glucocorticoids even if their chronic use is often related to serious adverse effects. Growing evidence suggests the biological relevance of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the pathogenesis of airway diseases. Hence, aiming to associate the beneficial effects of steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (SAIDs) to H2S biological activity, we designed and synthesized novel multi-target molecules by chemically combining a group of glucocorticoids, usually employed in asthma treatment, with an isothiocyanate moiety, well-known for its H2S releasing properties. Firstly, the synthesized compounds have been screened for their H2S-releasing profile using an amperometric approach and for their in vitro effects on the degranulation process, using RBL-2H3 cell line. The physicochemical profile, in terms of solubility, chemical and enzymatic stability of the newly hybrid molecules, has been assessed at different physiological pH values and in esterase-rich medium (bovine serum albumin, BSA). The selected compound 5c, through both its corticosteroid and H2S releasing component, has been evaluated in vivo in experimental model of asthma. The compound 5c inhibited in vivo all asthma features with a significative effect on the restoration of pulmonary structure and reduction of lung inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Scognamiglio
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Ida Cerqua
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Valentina Citi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Jacopo Spezzini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Rimoli
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Federica Sodano
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Caliendo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Santagada
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Fiorino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesco Frecentese
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Elisa Perissutti
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Elisa Magli
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via Panzini, 5, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Martina Simonelli
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Angela Corvino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Fiorentina Roviezzo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Beatrice Severino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy.
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3
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Narra F, Piragine E, Benedetti G, Ceccanti C, Florio M, Spezzini J, Troisi F, Giovannoni R, Martelli A, Guidi L. Impact of thermal processing on polyphenols, carotenoids, glucosinolates, and ascorbic acid in fruit and vegetables and their cardiovascular benefits. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2024:e13426. [PMID: 39169551 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Bioactive compounds in fruit and vegetables have a positive impact on human health by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular (CV) diseases, and metabolic disorders. However, some fruit and vegetables must be heated before consumption and thermal processes can modify the amount of nutraceuticals, that is, polyphenols, carotenoids, glucosinolates, and ascorbic acid, that can increase or decrease in relation to different factors such as type of processing, temperature, and time but also the plant part (e.g., flower, leaf, tuber, and root) utilized as food. Another important aspect is related to the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of nutraceuticals. Indeed, the key stage of nutraceutical bioefficiency is oral bioavailability, which involves the release of nutraceuticals from fruit and vegetables in gastrointestinal fluids, the solubilization of nutraceuticals and their interaction with other components of gastrointestinal fluids, the absorption of nutraceuticals by the epithelial layer, and the chemical and biochemical transformations into epithelial cells. Several studies have shown that thermal processing can enhance the absorption of nutraceuticals from fruit and vegetable. Once absorbed, they reach the blood vessels and promote multiple biological effects (e.g., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, vasoprotective, and cardioprotective). In this review, we described the impact of different thermal processes (such as boiling, steaming and superheated steaming, blanching, and microwaving) on the retention/degradation of bioactive compounds and their health-promoting effects after the intake. We then summarized the impact of heating on the absorption of nutraceuticals and the biological effects promoted by natural compounds in the CV system to provide a comprehensive overview of the potential impact of thermal processing on the CV benefits of fruit and vegetables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Narra
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Eugenia Piragine
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Costanza Ceccanti
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marta Florio
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Roberto Giovannoni
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alma Martelli
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Guidi
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Genah S, Ciccone V, Filippelli A, Simonis V, Martelli A, Piragine E, Pagnotta E, Pecchioni N, Calderone V, Morbidelli L. Erucin, a natural isothiocyanate, exerts pro-angiogenic properties in cultured endothelial cells and reverts angiogenic impairment induced by high glucose. Phytother Res 2024; 38:2641-2655. [PMID: 38488442 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Insufficient vessel maintenance adversely impacts patients in terms of tissue reperfusion following stroke or myocardial infarction, as well as during wound healing. Angiogenesis impairment is a feature typical of metabolic disorders acting at the cardiovascular level, such as diabetes. Therapeutic angiogenesis regulation offers promising clinical implications, and natural compounds as pro-angiogenic nutraceuticals hold valuable applications in regenerative medicine. By using cultured endothelial cells from human umbilical veins (HUVEC) we studied functional and molecular responses following exposure to erucin, a natural isothiocyanate derived from Brassicaceae plants and extracted from the seeds of rocket. Erucin (at nanomolar concentrations) promotes cell migration and tube formation, similar to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), through mobilizing paxillin at endothelial edges. At the molecular level, erucin induces signaling pathways typical of angiogenesis activation, namely Ras, PI3K/AKT, and ERK1/2, leading to VEGF expression and triggering its autocrine production, as pharmacological inhibition of soluble VEGF and VEGFR2 dampens endothelial functions. Furthermore, erucin, alone and together with VEGF, preserves endothelial angiogenic functions under pathological conditions, such as those induced in HUVEC by high glucose (HG) exposure. Erucin emerges as a compelling candidate for therapeutic revascularization applications, showcasing promising prospects for natural compounds in regenerative medicine, particularly in addressing angiogenesis-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Genah
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Valerio Ciccone
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | | | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Pagnotta
- Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, CREA, Bologna, Italy
| | - Nicola Pecchioni
- Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, CREA, Foggia, Italy
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Spezzini J, Piragine E, Flori L, Calderone V, Martelli A. Natural H 2S-donors: A new pharmacological opportunity for the management of overweight and obesity. Phytother Res 2024; 38:2388-2405. [PMID: 38430052 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of overweight and obesity has progressively increased in the last few years, becoming a real threat to healthcare systems. To date, the clinical management of body weight gain is an unmet medical need, as there are few approved anti-obesity drugs and most require an extensive monitoring and vigilance due to risk of adverse effects and poor patient adherence/persistence. Growing evidence has shown that the gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and, therefore, H2S-donors could have a central role in the prevention and treatment of overweight/obesity. The main natural sources of H2S-donors are plants from the Alliaceae (garlic and onion), Brassicaceae (e.g., broccoli, cabbage, and wasabi), and Moringaceae botanical families. In particular, polysulfides and isothiocyanates, which slowly release H2S, derive from the hydrolysis of alliin from Alliaceae and glucosinolates from Brassicaceae/Moringaceae, respectively. In this review, we describe the emerging role of endogenous H2S in regulating adipose tissue function and the potential efficacy of natural H2S-donors in animal models of overweight/obesity, with a final focus on the preliminary results from clinical trials. We conclude that organosulfur-containing plants and their extracts could be used before or in combination with conventional anti-obesity agents to improve treatment efficacy and reduce inflammation in obesogenic conditions. However, further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish their clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lorenzo Flori
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health (NUTRAFOOD)", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center "Biology and Pathology of Ageing", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health (NUTRAFOOD)", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center "Biology and Pathology of Ageing", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Cai T, Palumbo F, Miacola C, Ceruti C, Rizzo M, Liguori G, Gallelli L, Palmieri A. Icarifil ® in Association with Daily Use of Tadalafil (5 mg) versus Standard Tadalafil Daily Dose (5 mg) or Alone: Results from a Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2564. [PMID: 38731094 PMCID: PMC11084434 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13092564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The management of erectile dysfunction (ED) shows several grey zones and new treatments are required to reduce the percentage of patients discontinuing treatment. Here, we aim to evaluate the role of a natural mixture named Icarifil® (L-Citrulline, L-Carnitine, Eruca vesicaria, Panax ginseng, Tribulus terrestris, Turnera diffusa, Taurine, Vitamin E, Zinc) in the management of patients with ED. Methods: From September 2022 to March 2023, all patients attending 3 urological institutions due to ED were randomized to receive the following for 3 months: Icarifil® 1 sachet every 24 h (Group 1) or Icarifil® 1 sachet + tadalafil 5 mg 1 tablet every 24 h (Group 2) or tadalafil 5 mg 1 tablet daily (Group 3). All patients underwent urologic visits and dedicated questionnaires (IIEF-5, SEP-2, SEP-3) at enrollment and at the follow-up evaluation (3 months). Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) at the follow-up evaluation were used. The primary endpoint was the difference in the questionnaires at the follow-up visit compared to the one at enrollment among the study groups. Results: In the per-protocol analysis, 52 patients in Group 1, 55 in Group 2 and 57 in Group 3 were analyzed. At the follow-up evaluation, IIEF-5 scores improved in all the 3 groups between enrollment and the follow-up evaluation, but a statistically significant difference was reported between Group 2 (+7.4) and Group 1 (+4.1) or Group 3 (+5.1), (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). Moreover, 47 patients (94.0%) in Group 2 showed an improvement in the SEP questionnaires, when compared with the baseline, while 29 in Group 1 (56.9%) and 42 in Group 3 (82.3%) showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.004; p = 0.003) among the groups. The PRO analysis reported better efficacy and patient satisfaction in Group 2 when compared with Group 1 or Group 3. Conclusions: In conclusion, Icarifil® is able to improve penile erectile function in mild-moderate ED and significantly improve the clinical efficacy of daily used tadalafil 5 mg. Icarifil® could represent an interesting alternative treatment in patients experiencing adverse effects or with contraindications for chronic treatment with PDE5-is.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Cai
- Department of Urology, Santa Chiara Regional Hospital, 38122 Trento, Italy
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0313 Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Carlos Miacola
- Department of Urology, University of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy;
| | - Carlo Ceruti
- Department of Urology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | - Michele Rizzo
- Department of Urology, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (M.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Giovanni Liguori
- Department of Urology, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (M.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Luca Gallelli
- Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Palmieri
- Department of Urology, University of Naples, Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy;
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Dama A, Shpati K, Daliu P, Dumur S, Gorica E, Santini A. Targeting Metabolic Diseases: The Role of Nutraceuticals in Modulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation. Nutrients 2024; 16:507. [PMID: 38398830 PMCID: PMC10891887 DOI: 10.3390/nu16040507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The escalating prevalence of metabolic and cardiometabolic disorders, often characterized by oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, poses significant health challenges globally. As the traditional therapeutic approaches may sometimes fall short in managing these health conditions, attention is growing toward nutraceuticals worldwide; with compounds being obtained from natural sources with potential therapeutic beneficial effects being shown to potentially support and, in some cases, replace pharmacological treatments, especially for individuals who do not qualify for conventional pharmacological treatments. This review delves into the burgeoning field of nutraceutical-based pharmacological modulation as a promising strategy for attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation in metabolic and cardiometabolic disorders. Drawing from an extensive body of research, the review showcases various nutraceutical agents, such as polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, which exhibit antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. All these can be classified as novel nutraceutical-based drugs that are capable of regulating pathways to mitigate oxidative-stress- and inflammation-associated metabolic diseases. By exploring the mechanisms through which nutraceuticals interact with oxidative stress pathways and immune responses, this review highlights their potential to restore redox balance and temper chronic inflammation. Additionally, the challenges and prospects of nutraceutical-based interventions are discussed, encompassing bioavailability enhancement, personalized treatment approaches, and clinical translation. Through a comprehensive analysis of the latest scientific reports, this article underscores the potential of nutraceutical-based pharmacological treatment modulation as a novel avenue to fight oxidative stress and inflammation in the complex landscape of metabolic disorders, particularly accentuating their impact on cardiovascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Dama
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Albanian University, 1017 Tirana, Albania; (A.D.); (K.S.); (P.D.)
| | - Kleva Shpati
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Albanian University, 1017 Tirana, Albania; (A.D.); (K.S.); (P.D.)
| | - Patricia Daliu
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Albanian University, 1017 Tirana, Albania; (A.D.); (K.S.); (P.D.)
| | - Seyma Dumur
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Atlas University, 34408 Istanbul, Türkiye;
| | - Era Gorica
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Albanian University, 1017 Tirana, Albania; (A.D.); (K.S.); (P.D.)
- Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology, University Hospital Zürich and University of Zürich, Wagistrasse 12, Schlieren, 8952 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Antonello Santini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
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Shimoyama M, Hosokawa Y, Hosokawa I, Ozaki K, Hosaka K. Effects of erucin on inflammatory mediators and antioxidant enzymes' expression in TNF-α-stimulated human oral epithelial cells. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2024; 46:49-54. [PMID: 37624680 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2023.2250551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease induced by periodontal disease-causing bacteria. It has been shown that excessive immune response against bacteria is involved in periodontal tissue destruction including alveolar bone resorption. Erucin is a biologically active substance found in cruciferous plants such as arugula and is classified as an isothiocyanate. No previous studies have attempted to use erucin in the treatment of periodontitis, and there are no papers that have examined the effects of erucin on periodontal resident cells. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of erucin on the production of inflammatory and antioxidant mediators produced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-stimulated TR146 cells, an oral epithelial cell line, including its effects on signaling molecules. METHODS Cytokine and chemokine levels were measured by ELISA. Protein expression in TR146 cells and activations of signal transduction pathway were determined by Western blotting. RESULTS Our results indicate that erucin suppresses interleukin-6 and CXC-chemokine ligand 10 production and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression in TNF-α-stimulated TR146 cells. In addition, erucin induced the production of the antioxidant enzymes, Heme Oxygenase-1 and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 in TR146 cells. Furthermore, erucin suppressed TNF-α-stimulated nuclear factor-κB, signal transducer and activator of transcription3, and phospho-70S6 Kinase-S6 ribosomal protein signaling pathways in TR146 cells. We have shown that erucin has anti-inflammatory effects on oral epithelial cells and also induces the production of antioxidant mediators. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that erucin may provide a new anti-inflammatory agent that can be used in the treatment of periodontitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Shimoyama
- Department of Regenerative Dental Medicine, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Hosokawa
- Department of Regenerative Dental Medicine, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Ikuko Hosokawa
- Department of Regenerative Dental Medicine, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Kazumi Ozaki
- Department of Oral Health Care Promotion, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Keiichi Hosaka
- Department of Regenerative Dental Medicine, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
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9
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Grami D, Selmi S, Rtibi K, Sebai H, De Toni L. Emerging Role of Eruca sativa Mill. in Male Reproductive Health. Nutrients 2024; 16:253. [PMID: 38257145 PMCID: PMC10818603 DOI: 10.3390/nu16020253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
A growing interest has been drawn to the use of traditional medicinal plants for the treatment of human diseases and, in particular, infertility and reproductive toxicity associated with environmental factors. The Mediterranean basin area is a recognized source of plant species with therapeutic interest. In this frame, Eruca sativa (ES) is an annual edible plant and a member of the Brassicaceae family. A relatively large number of studies, focusing on the biological effects of the extract from the leaves of ES on in vitro and in vivo models of disease, have been published in recent years. The present narrative review aims to analyze the phytochemical constituents, traditional uses, possible pharmacological activities, and recognized effects of ES on male reproductive outcomes. Available investigations have revealed the presence of a number of compounds with antioxidant properties, such as polyphenols, glucosinolates, flavonoids, and carotenoids in extracts from ES. Based on the chemical and pharmacological characteristics of the aforementioned compounds, we show that ES has possible preventive properties and therapeutic uses, especially in the functional derangements of the male reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhekra Grami
- Laboratory of Functional Physiology and Valorization of Bioresources-Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Beja, University of Jendouba, Beja B.P. 382-9000, Tunisia; (S.S.); (K.R.); (H.S.)
| | - Slimen Selmi
- Laboratory of Functional Physiology and Valorization of Bioresources-Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Beja, University of Jendouba, Beja B.P. 382-9000, Tunisia; (S.S.); (K.R.); (H.S.)
| | - Kais Rtibi
- Laboratory of Functional Physiology and Valorization of Bioresources-Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Beja, University of Jendouba, Beja B.P. 382-9000, Tunisia; (S.S.); (K.R.); (H.S.)
| | - Hichem Sebai
- Laboratory of Functional Physiology and Valorization of Bioresources-Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Beja, University of Jendouba, Beja B.P. 382-9000, Tunisia; (S.S.); (K.R.); (H.S.)
| | - Luca De Toni
- Department of Medicine and Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
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Flori L, Montanaro R, Pagnotta E, Ugolini L, Righetti L, Martelli A, Di Cesare Mannelli L, Ghelardini C, Brancaleone V, Testai L, Calderone V. Erucin Exerts Cardioprotective Effects on Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury through the Modulation of mitoKATP Channels. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3281. [PMID: 38137502 PMCID: PMC10740937 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Modulation of mitochondrial K channels represents a pharmacological strategy to promote cardioprotective effects. Isothiocyanates emerge as molecules capable of releasing hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenous pleiotropic gasotransmitter responsible for anti-ischemic cardioprotective effects also through the involvement of mitoK channels. Erucin (ERU) is a natural isothiocyanate resulting from the enzymatic hydrolysis of glucosinolates (GSLs) present in Eruca sativa Mill. seeds, an edible plant of the Brassicaceae family. In this experimental work, the specific involvement of mitoKATP channels in the cardioprotective effect induced by ERU was evaluated in detail. An in vivo preclinical model of acute myocardial infarction was reproduced in rats to evaluate the cardioprotective effect of ERU. Diazoxide was used as a reference compound for the modulation of potassium fluxes and 5-hydroxydecanoic acid (5HD) as a selective blocker of KATP channels. Specific investigations on isolated cardiac mitochondria were carried out to evaluate the involvement of mitoKATP channels. The results obtained showed ERU cardioprotective effects against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) damage through the involvement of mitoKATP channels and the consequent depolarizing effect, which in turn reduced calcium entry and preserved mitochondrial integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Flori
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy; (L.F.); (A.M.); (V.C.)
| | - Rosangela Montanaro
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (R.M.); (V.B.)
| | - Eleonora Pagnotta
- Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, CREA—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (E.P.); (L.U.); (L.R.)
| | - Luisa Ugolini
- Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, CREA—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (E.P.); (L.U.); (L.R.)
| | - Laura Righetti
- Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, CREA—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (E.P.); (L.U.); (L.R.)
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy; (L.F.); (A.M.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (L.D.C.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (L.D.C.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Vincenzo Brancaleone
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (R.M.); (V.B.)
| | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy; (L.F.); (A.M.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy; (L.F.); (A.M.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy
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Khan F, Joshi A, Devkota HP, Subramaniyan V, Kumarasamy V, Arora J. Dietary glucosinolates derived isothiocyanates: chemical properties, metabolism and their potential in prevention of Alzheimer's disease. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1214881. [PMID: 37554984 PMCID: PMC10404612 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1214881] [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: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a progressive, irreversible, and incurable neurodegenerative disorder that disrupts the synaptic communication between millions of neurons, resulting in neuronal death and functional loss due to the abnormal accumulation of two naturally occurring proteins, amyloid β (Aβ) and tau. According to the 2018 World Alzheimer's Report, there is no single case of an Alzheimer's survivor; even 1 in 3 people die from Alzheimer's disease, and it is a growing epidemic across the globe fruits and vegetables rich in glucosinolates (GLCs), the precursors of isothiocyanates (ITCs), have long been known for their pharmacological properties and recently attracted increased interest for the possible prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Epidemiological evidence from systematic research findings and clinical trials suggests that nutritional and functional dietary isothiocyanates interfere with the molecular cascades of Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and prevent neurons from functional loss. The aim of this review is to explore the role of glucosinolates derived isothiocyanates in various molecular mechanisms involved in the progression of Alzheimer's disease and their potential in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. It also covers the chemical diversity of isothiocyanates and their detailed mechanisms of action as reported by various in vitro and in vivo studies. Further clinical studies are necessary to evaluate their pharmacokinetic parameters and effectiveness in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhana Khan
- Laboratory of Bio-Molecular Technology, Department of Botany, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Abhishek Joshi
- Laboratory of Bio-Molecular Technology, Department of Botany, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Hari Prasad Devkota
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Vetriselvan Subramaniyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Transdisciplinary Research, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vinoth Kumarasamy
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jaya Arora
- Laboratory of Bio-Molecular Technology, Department of Botany, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
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Piragine E, Malanima MA, Lucenteforte E, Martelli A, Calderone V. Circulating Levels of Hydrogen Sulfide (H 2S) in Patients with Age-Related Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1023. [PMID: 37509058 PMCID: PMC10376967 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gasotransmitter that promotes multiple biological effects in many organs and tissues. An imbalanced biosynthesis of H2S has been observed in animal models of age-related pathological conditions. However, the results from human studies are inconsistent. We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis of studies searched in Medline, Embase, Scopus, and CENTRAL databases. We included observational studies on patients with age-related diseases showing levels of H2S in blood, plasma, or serum. All the analyses were carried out with R software. 31 studies were included in the systematic review and 21 in the meta-analysis. The circulating levels of H2S were significantly reduced in patients with progressive, chronic, and degenerative diseases compared with healthy people (standardized mean difference, SMD: -1.25; 95% confidence interval, CI: -1.98; -0.52). When we stratified results by type of disorder, we observed a significant reduction in circulating levels of H2S in patients with vascular disease (e.g., hypertension) (SMD: -1.32; 95% CI: -2.43; -0.22) or kidney disease (SMD: -2.24; 95% CI: -4.40; -0.08) compared with the control group. These results could support the potential use of compounds targeting the "H2S system" to slow down the progression of many diseases in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Andrea Malanima
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ersilia Lucenteforte
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Bello I, Smimmo M, d'Emmanuele di Villa Bianca R, Bucci M, Cirino G, Panza E, Brancaleone V. Erucin, an H 2S-Releasing Isothiocyanate, Exerts Anticancer Effects in Human Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells Triggering Autophagy-Dependent Apoptotic Cell Death. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076764. [PMID: 37047736 PMCID: PMC10095418 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequent form of cancer occurring in women of any age. Among the different types, the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype is recognized as the most severe form, being associated with the highest mortality rate. Currently, there are no effective treatments for TNBC. For this reason, the research of novel therapeutics is urgently needed. Natural products and their analogs have historically made a major contribution to pharmacotherapy and the treatment of various human diseases, including cancer. In this study, we explored the potential anti-cancer effects of erucin, the most abundant H2S-releasing isothiocyanate present in arugula (Eruca sativa) in MDA-MB-231 cells, a validated in vitro model of TNBC. We found that erucin, in a concentration-dependent manner, significantly inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis and autophagy. Additionally, erucin prevented intracellular ROS generation promoting the expression of key antioxidant genes and halted MDA-MB-231 cell migration, invasion, and colony formation. In conclusion, using a cellular and molecular biology approach, we show that the consumption of erucin could represent a novel and promising strategy for intervention against TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Bello
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Smimmo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Mariarosaria Bucci
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cirino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Panza
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Huang Y, Omorou M, Gao M, Mu C, Xu W, Xu H. Hydrogen sulfide and its donors for the treatment of cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion injury: A comprehensive review. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114506. [PMID: 36906977 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
As an endogenous gas signalling molecule, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is frequently present in a variety of mammals and plays a significant role in the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in large quantities as a result of cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion, which is a very serious class of cerebrovascular diseases. ROS cause oxidative stress and induce specific gene expression that results in apoptosis. H2S reduces cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion-induced secondary injury via anti-oxidative stress injury, suppression of the inflammatory response, inhibition of apoptosis, attenuation of cerebrovascular endothelial cell injury, modulation of autophagy, and antagonism of P2X7 receptors, and it plays an important biological role in other cerebral ischaemic injury events. Despite the many limitations of the hydrogen sulfide therapy delivery strategy and the difficulty in controlling the ideal concentration, relevant experimental evidence demonstrating that H2S plays an excellent neuroprotective role in cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). This paper examines the synthesis and metabolism of the gas molecule H2S in the brain as well as the molecular mechanisms of H2S donors in cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion injury and possibly other unknown biological functions. With the active development in this field, it is expected that this review will assist researchers in their search for the potential value of hydrogen sulfide and provide new ideas for preclinical trials of exogenous H2S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Huang
- Basic Medical College, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi 154007, Heilongjiang, China; Key Laboratory of Microecology-Immune Regulatory Network and Related Diseases, Jiamusi 154007, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Moussa Omorou
- Key Laboratory of Microecology-Immune Regulatory Network and Related Diseases, Jiamusi 154007, Heilongjiang, China; Basic Medical College, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi 154007, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Meng Gao
- Key Laboratory of Microecology-Immune Regulatory Network and Related Diseases, Jiamusi 154007, Heilongjiang, China; Basic Medical College, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi 154007, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Chenxi Mu
- Key Laboratory of Microecology-Immune Regulatory Network and Related Diseases, Jiamusi 154007, Heilongjiang, China; Basic Medical College, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi 154007, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Weijing Xu
- School of Public Health, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi 154007, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Hui Xu
- Key Laboratory of Microecology-Immune Regulatory Network and Related Diseases, Jiamusi 154007, Heilongjiang, China.
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