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Revankar AG, Bagewadi ZK, Shaikh IA, Mannasaheb BA, Ghoneim MM, Khan AA, Asdaq SMB. In-vitro and computational analysis of Urolithin-A for anti-inflammatory activity on Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). Saudi J Biol Sci 2023; 30:103804. [PMID: 37727526 PMCID: PMC10505678 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) participates in the inflammation process by converting arachidonic acid into prostaglandin G2 which increases inflammation, pain and fever. COX-2 has an active site and a heme pocket and blocking these sites stops the inflammation. Urolithin A is metabolite of ellagitannin produced from humans and animals gut microbes. In the current study, Urolithin A showed good pharmacokinetic properties. Molecular docking of the complex of Urolithin A and COX-2 revealed the ligand affinity of -7.97 kcal/mol with the ligand binding sites at TYR355, PHE518, ILE517 and GLN192 with the 4-H bonds at a distance of 2.8 Å, 2.3 Å, 2.5 Å and 1.9 Å. The RMSD plot for Urolithin A and COX-2 complex was observed to be constant throughout the duration of dynamics. A total of 3 pair of hydrogen bonds was largely observed on average of 3 simulation positions for dynamics duration of 500 ns. The MMPBSA analysis showed that active site amino acids had a binding energy of -22.0368 kJ/mol indicating that throughout the simulation the protein of target was bounded by Urolithin A. In-silico results were validated by biological assays. Urolithin A strongly revealed to exhibit anti-inflammatory effect on COX-2 with an IC50 value of 44.04 µg/mL. The anti-inflammatory capability was also depicted through reduction of protein denaturation that showed 37.6 ± 0.1 % and 43.2 ± 0.07 % reduction of protein denaturation for BSA and egg albumin respectively at 500 µg/mL. The present study, suggests Urolithin A to be an effective anti-inflammatory compound for therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana G. Revankar
- Department of Biotechnology, KLE Technological University, Hubballi, Karnataka 580031, India
| | - Zabin K. Bagewadi
- Department of Biotechnology, KLE Technological University, Hubballi, Karnataka 580031, India
| | - Ibrahim Ahmed Shaikh
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran 66462, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mohammed M. Ghoneim
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Ad Diriyah 13713, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aejaz Abdullatif Khan
- Department of General Science, Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies, Jeddah 21418, Saudi Arabia
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Xu X, Liu Z, Yao L. The Synthesis of Urolithins and their Derivatives and the Modes of Antitumor Action. Mini Rev Med Chem 2023; 23:80-87. [PMID: 35578881 DOI: 10.2174/1389557522666220516125500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Urolithins are microbial metabolites derived from berries and pomegranate fruits, which display anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-aging activities. There are eight natural urolithins (urolithin A-E, M5, M6 and M7), which have been isolated by now. Structurally, urolithins are phenolic compounds and belong to 6H-dibenzo [b,d] pyran-6-one. They have drawn considerable attention because of their vast range of biological activities and health benefits. Recent studies also suggest that they possess anti-SARS-CoV-2 and anticancer effects. In this article, the recent advances in the synthesis of urolithins and their derivatives from 2015 to 2021 are reviewed. To improve or overcome the solubility and metabolism stability issues, the modifications of urolithins are mainly centered on the hydroxy group and lactone group, and some compounds have been found to display promising results and the potential for further study. The possible modes of antitumor action of urolithin are also discussed. Several signaling pathways, including PI3K-Akt, Wnt/β-catenin pathways, and multiple receptors (aryl hydrocarbon receptor, estrogen and androgen receptors) and enzymes (tyrosinase and lactate dehydrogenase) are involved in the antitumor activity of urolithins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangrong Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Zhuanhong Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Lei Yao
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
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Gandhi GR, Antony PJ, Ceasar SA, Vasconcelos ABS, Montalvão MM, Farias de Franca MN, Resende ADS, Sharanya CS, Liu Y, Hariharan G, Gan RY. Health functions and related molecular mechanisms of ellagitannin-derived urolithins. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 64:280-310. [PMID: 35959701 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2106179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Ellagitannins are vital bioactive polyphenols that are widely distributed in a variety of plant-based foods. The main metabolites of ellagitannins are urolithins, and current research suggests that urolithins provide a variety of health benefits. This review focused on the role of the gut bacteria in the conversion of ellagitannins to urolithins. Based on the results of in vitro and in vivo studies, the health benefits of urolithins, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-aging, cardiovascular protective, neuroprotective, kidney protective, and muscle mass protective effects, were thoroughly outlined, with a focus on their associated molecular mechanisms. Finally, we briefly commented on urolithins' safety. Overall, urolithins' diverse health benefits indicate the potential utilization of ellagitannins and urolithins in the creation of functional foods and nutraceuticals to treat and prevent some chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopalsamy Rajiv Gandhi
- Department of Biosciences, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kalamaserry, Kochi, India
| | | | | | - Alan Bruno Silva Vasconcelos
- Postgraduate Program of Physiological Sciences (PROCFIS), Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Monalisa Martins Montalvão
- Postgraduate Program of Physiological Sciences (PROCFIS), Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Mariana Nobre Farias de Franca
- Postgraduate Program of Health Sciences (PPGCS), Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Campus Prof. João Cardoso Nascimento, Aracaju, CEP, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Ayane de Sá Resende
- Postgraduate Program of Health Sciences (PPGCS), Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Campus Prof. João Cardoso Nascimento, Aracaju, CEP, Sergipe, Brazil
| | | | - Yi Liu
- Research Center for Plants and Human Health, Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Chengdu National Agricultural Science and Technology Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Govindasamy Hariharan
- Department of Biochemistry, Srimad Andavan Arts and Science College (Autonomous) affiliated to the Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirapalli, India
| | - Ren-You Gan
- Nepal Jesuit Society, St. Xavier's College, Jawalakhel, Lalitpur Dt. Kathmandu, Nepal
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Mirzaei S, Iranshahy M, Gholamhosseinian H, Matin MM, Rassouli FB. Urolithins increased anticancer effects of chemical drugs, ionizing radiation and hyperthermia on human esophageal carcinoma cells in vitro. Tissue Cell 2022; 77:101846. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2022.101846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Zhang M, Cui S, Mao B, Zhang Q, Zhao J, Zhang H, Tang X, Chen W. Ellagic acid and intestinal microflora metabolite urolithin A: A review on its sources, metabolic distribution, health benefits, and biotransformation. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 63:6900-6922. [PMID: 35142569 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2036693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Foods rich in ellagic tannins are first hydrolyzed into ellagic acid in the stomach and small intestine, and then converted into urolithins with high bioavailability by the intestinal flora. Urolithin has beneficially biological effects, it can induce adipocyte browning, improve cholesterol metabolism, inhibit graft tumor growth, relieve inflammation, and downregulate neuronal amyloid protein formation via the β3-AR/PKA/p38MAPK, ERK/AMPKα/SREBP1, PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, and TLR4, AHR receptors. But differences have been reported in urolithin production capacity among different individuals. Thus, it is of great significance to explore the biological functions of urolithin, screen the strains responsible for biotransformation of urolithin, and explore the corresponding functional genes. Tannin acyl hydrolase can hydrolyze tannins into ellagic acid, and the genera Gordonibacter and Ellagibacter can metabolize ellagic acid into urolithins. Therefore, application of "single bacterium", "single bacterium + enzyme", and "microflora" can achieve biotransformation of urolithin A. In this review, the source and metabolic pathway of ellagic tannins, and the mechanisms of the biological function of a metabolite, urolithin A, are discussed. The current strategies of biotransformation to obtain urolithin A are expounded to provide ideas for further studies on the relationship between urolithin and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R China
| | - Shumao Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R China
| | - Bingyong Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R China
| | - Qiuxiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R China
| | - Jianxin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R China
- Wuxi Translational Medicine Research Center, Jiangsu Translational Medicine Research Institute Wuxi Branch, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R China
| | - Xin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R China
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Vini R, Azeez JM, Remadevi V, Susmi TR, Ayswarya RS, Sujatha AS, Muraleedharan P, Lathika LM, Sreeharshan S. Urolithins: The Colon Microbiota Metabolites as Endocrine Modulators: Prospects and Perspectives. Front Nutr 2022; 8:800990. [PMID: 35187021 PMCID: PMC8849129 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.800990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) have been used in hormone related disorders, and their role in clinical medicine is evolving. Tamoxifen and raloxifen are the most commonly used synthetic SERMs, and their long-term use are known to create side effects. Hence, efforts have been directed to identify molecules which could retain the beneficial effects of estrogen, at the same time produce minimal side effects. Urolithins, the products of colon microbiota from ellagitannin rich foodstuff, have immense health benefits and have been demonstrated to bind to estrogen receptors. This class of compounds holds promise as therapeutic and nutritional supplement in cardiovascular disorders, osteoporosis, muscle health, neurological disorders, and cancers of breast, endometrium, and prostate, or, in essence, most of the hormone/endocrine-dependent diseases. One of our findings from the past decade of research on SERMs and estrogen modulators, showed that pomegranate, one of the indirect but major sources of urolithins, can act as SERM. The prospect of urolithins to act as agonist, antagonist, or SERM will depend on its structure; the estrogen receptor conformational change, availability and abundance of co-activators/co-repressors in the target tissues, and also the presence of other estrogen receptor ligands. Given that, urolithins need to be carefully studied for its SERM activity considering the pleotropic action of estrogen receptors and its numerous roles in physiological systems. In this review, we unveil the possibility of urolithins as a potent SERM, which we are currently investigating, in the hormone dependent tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravindran Vini
- Cancer Biology Division, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Juberiya M. Azeez
- Cancer Biology Division, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Viji Remadevi
- Cancer Biology Division, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - T. R. Susmi
- Cancer Biology Division, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - R. S. Ayswarya
- Cancer Biology Division, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | | | | | - Lakshmi Mohan Lathika
- Cancer Biology Division, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Sreeja Sreeharshan
- Cancer Biology Division, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
- *Correspondence: Sreeja Sreeharshan
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Abstract
Natural dibenzo-α-pyrones (DAPs) can be viewed from two opposite angles. From one angle, the gastrointestinal metabolites urolithins are regarded as beneficial, while from the other, the emerging mycotoxin alternariol and related fungal metabolites are evaluated critically with regards to potential hazardous effects. Thus, the important question is: can the structural characteristics of DAP subgroups be held responsible for distinct bioactivity patterns? If not, certain toxicological and/or pharmacological aspects of natural DAPs might yet await elucidation. Thus, this review focuses on comparing published data on the two groups of natural DAPs regarding both adverse and beneficial effects on human health. Literature on genotoxic, estrogenic, endocrine-disruptive effects, as well as on the induction of the cellular anti-oxidative defense system, anti-inflammatory properties, the inhibition of kinases, the activation of mitophagy and the induction of autophagy, is gathered and critically reviewed. Indeed, comparing published data suggests similar bioactivity profiles of alternariol and urolithin A. Thus, the current stratification into hazardous Alternaria toxins and healthy urolithins seems debatable. An extrapolation of bioactivities to the other DAP sub-class could serve as a promising base for further research. Conclusively, urolithins should be further evaluated toward high-dose toxicity, while alternariol derivatives could be promising chemicals for the development of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Aichinger
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
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Del Favero G, Aichinger G, Hohenbichler J, Marko D, Dall'Asta C, Dellafiora L. A target fishing study to spot possible biological targets of fusaric acid: Inhibition of protein kinase-A and insights on the underpinning mechanisms. Food Chem Toxicol 2021;:112663. [PMID: 34748883 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Fusaric acid is a secondary metabolite produced by various Fusarium fungi, present with relatively high incidence in Fusarium-contaminated foods. It was already described as phytotoxic and cytotoxic. However, the understanding of its molecular mechanisms is still fragmentary and further data are needed to ensure an informed assessment of the risk related to its presence in food. This work applied an integrated in silico/in vitro approach to reveal novel potential biological activities of fusaric acid and to investigate the underpinning mechanisms. An in silico reverse screening was used to identify novel biological targets for fusaric acid. Computational results indicated as target protein kinase-A, which was confirmed with biochemical cell-free assays providing evidence of its actual inhibitory potential. Cell-based experiments on intestinal cells (HCEC-1CT cells) identified the mitochondrial network and cell membranes as potentially affected organelles, possibly resulting from PKA inhibition. The integration of 3D molecular modeling supported the plausibility of fusaric acid-dependent inhibition. From the hazard identification perspective, considering the Low Observed Adverse Effect Level described here (0.1 mM) and the possible level of contamination in food, fusaric acid might raise concern from a food safety standpoint and the gastrointestinal tract was described as a meaningful system to investigate with priority.
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Hasheminezhad SH, Boozari M, Iranshahi M, Yazarlu O, Sahebkar A, Hasanpour M, Iranshahy M. A mechanistic insight into the biological activities of urolithins as gut microbial metabolites of ellagitannins. Phytother Res 2021; 36:112-146. [PMID: 34542202 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Urolithins are the gut metabolites produced from ellagitannin-rich foods such as pomegranates, tea, walnuts, as well as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and cloudberries. Urolithins are of growing interest due to their various biological activities including cardiovascular protection, anti-inflammatory activity, anticancer properties, antidiabetic activity, and antiaging properties. Several studies mostly based on in vitro and in vivo experiments have investigated the potential mechanisms of urolithins which support the beneficial effects of urolithins in the treatment of several diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and various cancers. It is now obvious that urolithins can involve several cellular mechanisms including inhibition of MDM2-p53 interaction, modulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, and suppressing nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) activity. Antiaging activity is the most appealing and probably the most important property of urolithin A that has been investigated in depth in recent studies, owing to its unique effects on activation of mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis. A recent clinical trial showed that urolithin A is safe up to 2,500 mg/day and can improve mitochondrial biomarkers in elderly patients. Regarding the importance of mitochondria in the pathophysiology of many diseases, urolithins merit further research especially in clinical trials to unravel more aspects of their clinical significance. Besides the nutritional value of urolithins, recent studies proved that urolithins can be used as pharmacological agents to prevent or cure several diseases. Here, we comprehensively review the potential role of urolithins as new therapeutic agents with a special focus on the molecular pathways that have been involved in their biological effects. The pharmacokinetics of urolithins is also included.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Motahareh Boozari
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Iranshahi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Omid Yazarlu
- Department of General Surgery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maede Hasanpour
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Milad Iranshahy
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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