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Perlikowska R, Silva J, Alves C, Susano P, Zakłos-Szyda M, Skibska A, Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk A, Wtorek K, do Rego JC, do Rego JL, Kluczyk A, Pedrosa R. Neuroprotective and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Rubiscolin-6 Analogs with Proline Surrogates in Position 2. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:895-918. [PMID: 38117448 PMCID: PMC10901950 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-04070-z] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Naturally occurring peptides, such as rubiscolins derived from spinach leaves, have been shown to possess some interesting activities. They exerted central effects, such as antinociception, memory consolidation and anxiolytic-like activity. The fact that rubiscolins are potent even when given orally makes them very promising drug candidates. The present work tested whether rubiscolin-6 (R-6, Tyr-Pro-Leu-Asp-Leu-Phe) analogs have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. These hypotheses were tested in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) injury model of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The determination of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), Caspase-3 activity, lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide (NO) production allowed us to determine the effects of peptides on hallmarks related to Parkinson's Disease (PD) and inflammation. Additionally, we investigated the impact of R-6 analogs on serine-threonine kinase (also known as protein kinase B, AKT) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation. The treatment with analogs 3 (Tyr-Inp-Leu-Asp-Leu-Phe-OH), 5 (Dmt-Inp-Leu-Asp-Leu-Phe-OH) and 7 (Tyr-Inp-Leu-Asp-Leu-Phe-NH2) most effectively prevented neuronal death via attenuation of ROS, mitochondrial dysfunction and Caspase-3 activity. Peptides 5 and 7 significantly increased the protein expression of the phosphorylated-AKT (p-AKT) and phosphorylated-mTOR (p-mTOR). Additionally, selected analogs could also ameliorate LPS-mediated inflammation in macrophages via inhibition of intracellular generation of ROS and NO production. Our findings suggest that R-6 analogs exert protective effects, possibly related to an anti-oxidation mechanism in in vitro model of PD. The data shows that the most potent peptides can inhibit 6-OHDA injury by activating the PI3-K/AKT/mTOR pathway, thus playing a neuroprotective role and may provide a rational and robust approach in the design of new therapeutics or even functional foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Perlikowska
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Joana Silva
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Politécnico de Leiria, 2520-630, Peniche, Portugal
| | - Celso Alves
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, ESTM, Politécnico de Leiria, 2520-614, Peniche, Portugal
| | - Patricia Susano
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Politécnico de Leiria, 2520-630, Peniche, Portugal
| | - Małgorzata Zakłos-Szyda
- Institute of Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 2/22, 90-537, Lodz, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Skibska
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | - Karol Wtorek
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | - Jean-Claude do Rego
- Platform of Behavioural Analysis (SCAC), Inserm US51 - CNRS UAR2026 HeRaCLes, Institute For Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), University of Rouen Normandy, Rouen, France
| | - Jean-Luc do Rego
- Platform of Behavioural Analysis (SCAC), Inserm US51 - CNRS UAR2026 HeRaCLes, Institute For Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), University of Rouen Normandy, Rouen, France
| | - Alicja Kluczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, 50-383, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Rui Pedrosa
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, ESTM, Politécnico de Leiria, 2520-614, Peniche, Portugal
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Olloquequi J, Ettcheto M, Cano A, Fortuna A, Bicker J, Sánchez-Lopez E, Paz C, Ureña J, Verdaguer E, Auladell C, Camins A. Licochalcone A: A Potential Multitarget Drug for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14177. [PMID: 37762479 PMCID: PMC10531537 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814177] [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] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Licochalcone A (Lico-A) is a flavonoid compound derived from the root of the Glycyrrhiza species, a plant commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. While the Glycyrrhiza species has shown promise in treating various diseases such as cancer, obesity, and skin diseases due to its active compounds, the investigation of Licochalcone A's effects on the central nervous system and its potential application in Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment have garnered significant interest. Studies have reported the neuroprotective effects of Lico-A, suggesting its potential as a multitarget compound. Lico-A acts as a PTP1B inhibitor, enhancing cognitive activity through the BDNF-TrkB pathway and exhibiting inhibitory effects on microglia activation, which enables mitigation of neuroinflammation. Moreover, Lico-A inhibits c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1, a key enzyme involved in tau phosphorylation, and modulates the brain insulin receptor, which plays a role in cognitive processes. Lico-A also acts as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, leading to increased levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (Ach) in the brain. This mechanism enhances cognitive capacity in individuals with AD. Finally, Lico-A has shown the ability to reduce amyloid plaques, a hallmark of AD, and exhibits antioxidant properties by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a key regulator of antioxidant defense mechanisms. In the present review, we discuss the available findings analyzing the potential of Lico-A as a neuroprotective agent. Continued research on Lico-A holds promise for the development of novel treatments for cognitive disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. Further investigations into its multitarget action and elucidation of underlying mechanisms will contribute to our understanding of its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Olloquequi
- Departament of Biochemistry and Physiology, Physiology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII 27/31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca 3460000, Chile
| | - Miren Ettcheto
- Departament of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (M.E.); (A.C.)
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.); (E.S.-L.); (J.U.); (E.V.); (C.A.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43005 Reus, Spain
| | - Amanda Cano
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.); (E.S.-L.); (J.U.); (E.V.); (C.A.)
- Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, International University of Catalunya (UIC), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Fortuna
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.); (J.B.)
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Bicker
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.); (J.B.)
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Elena Sánchez-Lopez
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.); (E.S.-L.); (J.U.); (E.V.); (C.A.)
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Unit of Synthesis and Biomedical Applications of Peptides, IQAC-CSIC, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristian Paz
- Laboratory of Natural Products & Drug Discovery, Center CEBIM, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile;
| | - Jesús Ureña
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.); (E.S.-L.); (J.U.); (E.V.); (C.A.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ester Verdaguer
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.); (E.S.-L.); (J.U.); (E.V.); (C.A.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carme Auladell
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.); (E.S.-L.); (J.U.); (E.V.); (C.A.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Camins
- Departament of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (M.E.); (A.C.)
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.); (E.S.-L.); (J.U.); (E.V.); (C.A.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43005 Reus, Spain
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Theerasri A, Janpaijit S, Tencomnao T, Prasansuklab A. Beyond the classical amyloid hypothesis in Alzheimer's disease: Molecular insights into current concepts of pathogenesis, therapeutic targets, and study models. WIREs Mech Dis 2023; 15:e1591. [PMID: 36494193 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the progressive neurodegenerative disorders and the most common cause of dementia in the elderly worldwide causing difficulties in the daily life of the patient. AD is characterized by the aberrant accumulation of β-amyloid plaques and tau protein-containing neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in the brain giving rise to neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, synaptic failure, and eventual neuronal cell death. The total cost of care in AD treatment and related health care activities is enormous and pharmaceutical drugs approved by Food and Drug Administration have not manifested sufficient efficacy in protection and therapy. In recent years, there are growing studies that contribute a fundamental understanding to AD pathogenesis, AD-associated risk factors, and pharmacological intervention. However, greater molecular process-oriented research in company with suitable experimental models is still of the essence to enhance the prospects for AD therapy and cell lines as a disease model are still the major part of this milestone. In this review, we provide an insight into molecular mechanisms, particularly the recent concept in gut-brain axis, vascular dysfunction and autophagy, and current models used in the study of AD. Here, we emphasized the importance of therapeutic strategy targeting multiple mechanisms together with utilizing appropriate models for the discovery of novel effective AD therapy. This article is categorized under: Neurological Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsadang Theerasri
- Graduate Program in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sakawrat Janpaijit
- Graduate Program in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tewin Tencomnao
- Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Anchalee Prasansuklab
- Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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