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Torcasio R, Gallo Cantafio ME, Veneziano C, De Marco C, Ganino L, Valentino I, Occhiuzzi MA, Perrotta ID, Mancuso T, Conforti F, Rizzuti B, Martino EA, Gentile M, Neri A, Viglietto G, Grande F, Amodio N. Targeting of mitochondrial fission through natural flavanones elicits anti-myeloma activity. J Transl Med 2024; 22:208. [PMID: 38413989 PMCID: PMC10898065 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05013-0] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mitochondrial alterations, often dependent on unbalanced mitochondrial dynamics, feature in the pathobiology of human cancers, including multiple myeloma (MM). Flavanones are natural flavonoids endowed with mitochondrial targeting activities. Herein, we investigated the capability of Hesperetin (Hes) and Naringenin (Nar), two aglycones of Hesperidin and Naringin flavanone glycosides, to selectively target Drp1, a pivotal regulator of mitochondrial dynamics, prompting anti-MM activity. METHODS Molecular docking analyses were performed on the crystallographic structure of Dynamin-1-like protein (Drp1), using Hes and Nar molecular structures. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed in MM cell lines, or in co-culture systems with primary bone marrow stromal cells, using Cell Titer Glo and Annexin V-7AAD staining, respectively; clonogenicity was determined using methylcellulose colony assays. Transcriptomic analyses were carried out using the Ion AmpliSeq™ platform; mRNA and protein expression levels were determined by quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. Mitochondrial architecture was assessed by transmission electron microscopy. Real time measurement of oxygen consumption was performed by high resolution respirometry in living cells. In vivo anti-tumor activity was evaluated in NOD-SCID mice subcutaneously engrafted with MM cells. RESULTS Hes and Nar were found to accommodate within the GTPase binding site of Drp1, and to inhibit Drp1 expression and activity, leading to hyperfused mitochondria with reduced OXPHOS. In vitro, Hes and Nar reduced MM clonogenicity and viability, even in the presence of patient-derived bone marrow stromal cells, triggering ER stress and apoptosis. Interestingly, Hes and Nar rewired MM cell metabolism through the down-regulation of master transcriptional activators (SREBF-1, c-MYC) of lipogenesis genes. An extract of Tacle, a Citrus variety rich in Hesperidin and Naringin, was capable to recapitulate the phenotypic and molecular perturbations of each flavanone, triggering anti-MM activity in vivo. CONCLUSION Hes and Nar inhibit proliferation, rewire the metabolism and induce apoptosis of MM cells via antagonism of the mitochondrial fission driver Drp1. These results provide a framework for the development of natural anti-MM therapeutics targeting aberrant mitochondrial dependencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Torcasio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Campus Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Veneziano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Campus Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Carmela De Marco
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Campus Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ludovica Ganino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Campus Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ilenia Valentino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Campus Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Occhiuzzi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Ida Daniela Perrotta
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Teresa Mancuso
- Annunziata" Regional Hospital Cosenza, 87100, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Filomena Conforti
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Bruno Rizzuti
- SS Rende (CS), Department of Physics, CNR-NANOTEC, University of Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, 87036, Rende, CS, Italy
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, University of Zaragoza, 50018, Saragossa, Spain
| | | | - Massimo Gentile
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, CS, Italy
- Annunziata" Regional Hospital Cosenza, 87100, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Antonino Neri
- Scientific Directorate, IRCCS Di Reggio Emilia, Emilia Romagna, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Viglietto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Campus Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Fedora Grande
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Nicola Amodio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Campus Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
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Lombardo GE, Russo C, Maugeri A, Navarra M. Sirtuins as Players in the Signal Transduction of Citrus Flavonoids. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1956. [PMID: 38396635 PMCID: PMC10889095 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25041956] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Sirtuins (SIRTs) belong to the family of nicotine adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent class III histone deacetylases, which come into play in the regulation of epigenetic processes through the deacetylation of histones and other substrates. The human genome encodes for seven homologs (SIRT1-7), which are localized into the nucleus, cytoplasm, and mitochondria, with different enzymatic activities and regulatory mechanisms. Indeed, SIRTs are involved in different physio-pathological processes responsible for the onset of several human illnesses, such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, obesity and diabetes, age-related disorders, and cancer. Nowadays, it is well-known that Citrus fruits, typical of the Mediterranean diet, are an important source of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols. Among these, flavonoids are recognized as potential agents endowed with a wide range of beneficial properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and antitumoral ones. On these bases, we offer a comprehensive overview on biological effects exerted by Citrus flavonoids via targeting SIRTs, which acted as modulator of several signaling pathways. According to the reported studies, Citrus flavonoids appear to be promising SIRT modulators in many different pathologies, a role which might be potentially evaluated in future therapies, along with encouraging the study of those SIRT members which still lack proper evidence on their support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Enrico Lombardo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (G.E.L.); (C.R.); (M.N.)
| | - Caterina Russo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (G.E.L.); (C.R.); (M.N.)
| | - Alessandro Maugeri
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Michele Navarra
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (G.E.L.); (C.R.); (M.N.)
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Russo C, Lombardo GE, Bruschetta G, Rapisarda A, Maugeri A, Navarra M. Bergamot Byproducts: A Sustainable Source to Counteract Inflammation. Nutrients 2024; 16:259. [PMID: 38257152 PMCID: PMC10819577 DOI: 10.3390/nu16020259] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is the result of an acute inflammatory response that fails to eliminate the pathogenic agent or heal the tissue injury. The consequence of this failure lays the foundations to the onset of several chronic ailments, including skin disorders, respiratory and neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndrome, and, eventually, cancer. In this context, the long-term use of synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs to treat chronic illnesses cannot be tolerated by patients owing to the severe side effects. Based on this, the need for novel agents endowed with anti-inflammatory effects prompted to search potential candidates also within the plant kingdom, being recognized as a source of molecules currently employed in several therapeutical areas. Indeed, the ever-growing evidence on the anti-inflammatory properties of dietary polyphenols traced the route towards the study of flavonoid-rich sources, such as Citrus bergamia (bergamot) and its derivatives. Interestingly, the recent paradigm of the circular economy has promoted the valorization of Citrus fruit waste and, in regard to bergamot, it brought to light new evidence corroborating the anti-inflammatory potential of bergamot byproducts, thus increasing the scientific knowledge in this field. Therefore, this review aims to gather the latest literature supporting the beneficial role of both bergamot derivatives and waste products in different models of inflammatory-based diseases, thus highlighting the great potentiality of a waste re-evaluation perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Russo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (C.R.); (G.E.L.); (A.R.); (M.N.)
| | - Giovanni Enrico Lombardo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (C.R.); (G.E.L.); (A.R.); (M.N.)
| | - Giuseppe Bruschetta
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale G. Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy;
| | - Antonio Rapisarda
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (C.R.); (G.E.L.); (A.R.); (M.N.)
| | - Alessandro Maugeri
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale G. Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy;
| | - Michele Navarra
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (C.R.); (G.E.L.); (A.R.); (M.N.)
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Luo Y, Zhao H, Zhu J, Zhang L, Zha J, Zhang L, Ding Y, Jian X, Xia J, Xu B, Qi Z. SIRT2 inhibitor SirReal2 enhances anti-tumor effects of PI3K/mTOR inhibitor VS-5584 on acute myeloid leukemia cells. Cancer Med 2023; 12:18901-18917. [PMID: 37658623 PMCID: PMC10557894 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6480] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly aggressive form of cancer that is frequently diagnosed in adults and small molecule inhibitors have gained significant attention as a potential treatment option for AML. METHODS The up-regulated genes in AML were identified through bioinformatics analysis. Potential candidate agents were selected through pharmacogenomics analysis. Proteomic experiments were conducted to determine the molecular mechanism after inhibitor treatment. To evaluate drug synergy, both cellular functional experiments and an AML mouse model were used. RESULTS Through bioinformatics analysis, we conducted a screening for genes that are highly expressed in AML, which led to the identification of nine small-molecule inhibitors. Among these inhibitors, the PI3K/mTOR inhibitor VS-5584 demonstrated significant effectiveness in inhibiting AML cell proliferation at low concentrations. Further testing revealed that VS-5584 induced apoptosis and cycle arrest of AML cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Proteomics analysis showed significant changes in protein expression profiles of AML cells after VS-5584 treatment, with 287 proteins being down-regulated and 71 proteins being up-regulated. The proteins that exhibited differential expression were primarily involved in regulating the cell cycle and apoptosis, as determined by GO analysis. Additionally, KEGG analysis indicated that the administration of VS-5584 predominantly affected the P53 and SIRT2 signaling pathways. The use of SIRT2 inhibitor SirReal2 alongside VS-5584 caused a significant reduction in the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) of VS-5584 on AML cells. In vivo, experiments suggested that VS-5584 combined with SirReal2 suppressed tumor growth in the subcutaneous model and extended the survival rate of mice injected with tumor cells via tail vein. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, the PI3K/mTOR inhibitor VS-5584 was effective in suppressing AML cell proliferation. PI3K/mTOR inhibitor combined with SIRT2 inhibitor exhibited a synergistic inhibitory effect on AML cells. Our findings offer promising therapeutic strategies and drug candidates for the treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Luo
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
- Key Laboratory of Xiamen for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematological MalignancyXiamenFujianChina
- The School of Clinical MedicineFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouFujianChina
| | - Haijun Zhao
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
- Key Laboratory of Xiamen for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematological MalignancyXiamenFujianChina
- The School of Clinical MedicineFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouFujianChina
| | - Jingtao Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology Surgery, Cancer CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
- The Third Clinical Medical CollegeFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouFujianChina
| | - Liyi Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in ShanghaiFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiChina
- Department of OncologyFudan University Shanghai Medical CollegeShanghaiChina
| | - Jie Zha
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
- Key Laboratory of Xiamen for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematological MalignancyXiamenFujianChina
- The School of Clinical MedicineFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouFujianChina
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
- Key Laboratory of Xiamen for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematological MalignancyXiamenFujianChina
- The School of Clinical MedicineFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouFujianChina
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Xinyi Jian
- Graduate College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouFujianChina
| | - Junjie Xia
- Organ Transplantation Institute of Xiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ and Tissue RegenerationXiamenFujianChina
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Regeneration MedicineSchool of Medicine, Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Bing Xu
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
- Key Laboratory of Xiamen for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematological MalignancyXiamenFujianChina
- The School of Clinical MedicineFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouFujianChina
| | - Zhongquan Qi
- Organ Transplantation Institute of Xiamen UniversityXiamenFujianChina
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ and Tissue RegenerationXiamenFujianChina
- Medical College of Guangxi UniversityNanningGuangxiChina
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Wen C, Lu X, Sun Y, Li Q, Liao J, Li L. Naringenin induces the cell apoptosis of acute myeloid leukemia cells by regulating the lncRNA XIST/miR-34a/HDAC1 signaling. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15826. [PMID: 37206002 PMCID: PMC10189189 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15826] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a life-threatening aggressive malignancy of the bone marrow and has posed a great challenge to the clinic, due to a lack of fully understanding of the molecular mechanism. Histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) has been reported to be a therapeutic target for treating AML. Naringenin (Nar) may act as an anti-leukemic agent and suppress the expression of HDACs. However, the potential underlying mechanism of Nar in suppressing the activity of HDAC1 remains unclear. Here, we found that Nar induced the apoptosis, decreased the expression of lncRNA XIST and HDAC1, and increased the expression of microRNA-34a in HL60 cells. Sh-XIST transfection could induce cell apoptosis. On the contrary, the forced expression of XIST might reverse the biological actions of Nar. XIST could sponge miR-34a, which targeted to degrade HDAC1. The forced expression of HDAC1 could effectively reverse the effects of Nar. Thus, Nar can induce cell apoptosis by mediating the expression of lncRNA XIST/miR-34a/HDAC1 signaling in HL60 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wen
- School of Nursing, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Xiaoliang Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Ningdu County People's Hospital, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Yingyin Sun
- Gannan Health Vocational College, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Basic Medicine, Chuxiong Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chuxiong, 675005, China
| | - Jing Liao
- School of Nursing, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Corresponding author.
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Russo C, Maugeri A, Albergamo A, Dugo G, Navarra M, Cirmi S. Protective Effects of a Red Grape Juice Extract against Bisphenol A-Induced Toxicity in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells. Toxics 2023; 11:391. [PMID: 37112618 PMCID: PMC10145567 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11040391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) occurs through the ingestion of contaminated food and water, thus leading to endothelial dysfunction, the first signal of atherosclerosis. Vitis vinifera L. (grape) juice is well known for its health-promoting properties, due to its numerous bioactive compounds among which are polyphenols. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of a red grape juice extract (RGJe) against the endothelial damage induced by BPA in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) as an in vitro model of endothelial dysfunction. Our results showed that RGJe treatment counteracted BPA-induced cell death and apoptosis in HUVECs, blocking caspase 3 and modulating p53, Bax, and Bcl-2. Moreover, RGJe demonstrated antioxidant properties in abiotic tests and in vitro, where it reduced BPA-induced reactive oxygen species as well as restored mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA integrity, and nitric oxide levels. Furthermore, RGJe reduced the increase of chemokines (IL-8, IL-1β, and MCP-1) and adhesion molecules (VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin), caused by BPA exposure, involved in the primary phase of atheromatous plaque formation. Overall, our results suggest that RGJe prevents BPA-induced vascular damage modulating specific intracellular mechanisms, along with protecting cells, owing to its antioxidant capability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Russo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (C.R.); (S.C.)
| | - Alessandro Maugeri
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy;
| | - Ambrogina Albergamo
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Images Sciences, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy; (A.A.); (G.D.)
- Science4Life s.r.l., a Spin-Off of the University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Giacomo Dugo
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Images Sciences, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy; (A.A.); (G.D.)
- Science4Life s.r.l., a Spin-Off of the University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Michele Navarra
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (C.R.); (S.C.)
| | - Santa Cirmi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (C.R.); (S.C.)
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Russo C, Maugeri A, Musumeci L, De Sarro G, Cirmi S, Navarra M. Inflammation and Obesity: The Pharmacological Role of Flavonoids in the Zebrafish Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24. [PMID: 36769222 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A Mediterranean-style diet is highly encouraged thanks to its healthy food pattern, which includes valuable nutraceuticals such as polyphenols. Among these, flavonoids are associated with relevant biological properties through which they prevent or fight the onset of several human pathologies. Globally, the enhanced incidence of overweight and obese people has caused a dramatic increase in comorbidities, raising the need to provide better therapies. Therefore, the development of sophisticated animal models of metabolic dysregulation has allowed for a deepening of knowledge on this subject. Recent advances in using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as model for metabolic disease have yielded fundamental insights into the potential anti-obesity effects of flavonoids. Chronic low-grade inflammation and immune system activation seem to characterize the pathogenesis of obesity; thus, their reduction might improve the lipid profile of obese patients or prevent the development of associated metabolic illnesses. In this review, we highlight the beneficial role of flavonoids on obesity and related diseases linked to their anti-inflammatory properties. In light of the summarized studies, we suggest that anti-inflammatory therapies could have a relevant place in the prevention and treatment of obesity and metabolic disorders.
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Maugeri A, Calderaro A, Patanè GT, Navarra M, Barreca D, Cirmi S, Felice MR. Targets Involved in the Anti-Cancer Activity of Quercetin in Breast, Colorectal and Liver Neoplasms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24. [PMID: 36769274 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Phytochemicals have long been effective partners in the fight against several diseases, including cancer. Among these, flavonoids are valuable allies for both cancer prevention and therapy since they are known to influence a large panel of tumor-related processes. Particularly, it was revealed that quercetin, one of the most common flavonoids, controls apoptosis and inhibits migration and proliferation, events essential for the development of cancer. In this review, we collected the evidence on the anti-cancer activity of quercetin exploring the network of interactions between this flavonol and the proteins responsible for cancer onset and progression focusing on breast, colorectal and liver cancers, owing to their high worldwide incidence. Moreover, quercetin proved to be also a potentiating agent able to push further the anti-cancer activity of common employed anti-neoplastic agents, thus allowing to lower their dosages and, above all, to sensitize again resistant cancer cells. Finally, novel approaches to delivery systems can enhance quercetin's pharmacokinetics, thus boosting its great potentiality even further. Overall, quercetin has a lot of promise, given its multi-target potentiality; thus, more research is strongly encouraged to properly define its pharmaco-toxicological profile and evaluate its potential for usage in adjuvant and chemoprevention therapy.
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