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Jianu C, Mioc M, Mioc A, Șoica C, Lukinich-Gruia AT, Bujancă G, Rădulescu M. Insights into the Paulownia Shan tong (Fortunei × Tomentosa) Essential Oil and In Silico Analysis of Potential Biological Targets of Its Compounds. Foods 2024; 13:1007. [PMID: 38611313 PMCID: PMC11012163 DOI: 10.3390/foods13071007] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The volatile composition of Paulownia Shan tong (Fortunei × Tomentosa) essential oil isolated by steam distillation (yielding 0.013% v/w) from flowers (forestry wastes) was investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Thirty-one components were identified, with 3-acetoxy-7, 8-epoxylanostan-11-ol (38.16%), β-monoolein (14.4%), lycopene, 1,2-dihydro-1-hydroxy- (10.21%), and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, 2-phenyl-1,3-dioxan-5-yl ester (9.21%) as main compounds. In addition, molecular docking was employed to identify potential protein targets for the 31 quantified essential oil components. Inhibition of these targets is typically associated with antibacterial or antioxidant properties. Molecular docking revealed that six of these components, namely, 13-heptadecyn-1-ol, ascabiol, geranylgeraniol, anethole, and quinol dimethyl ether, outperformed the native ligand (hypoxanthine) of xanthine oxidase in terms of theoretical binding affinity, therefore implying a significant in silico inhibitory potential against xanthine oxidase. These findings suggest that the essential oil extracted from Paulownia Shan tong flowers could be valuable for developing protein-targeted antioxidant compounds with applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Călin Jianu
- Faculty of Food Engineering, University of Life Sciences “King Michael I” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, RO-300645 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Marius Mioc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, RO-300041 Timisoara, Romania; (M.M.); (A.M.); (C.Ș.)
| | - Alexandra Mioc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, RO-300041 Timisoara, Romania; (M.M.); (A.M.); (C.Ș.)
| | - Codruța Șoica
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, RO-300041 Timisoara, Romania; (M.M.); (A.M.); (C.Ș.)
| | | | - Gabriel Bujancă
- Faculty of Food Engineering, University of Life Sciences “King Michael I” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, RO-300645 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Matilda Rădulescu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania;
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Budu O, Mioc A, Soica C, Caruntu F, Milan A, Oprean C, Lighezan D, Rotunjanu S, Ivan V, Banciu C. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Induces Apoptosis in Melanoma and Breast Cancer Cells. Microorganisms 2024; 12:182. [PMID: 38258008 PMCID: PMC10819835 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010182] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the notable advancements witnessed in the past decade in medical and health research domain, cancer remains a prominent global cause of mortality. Moreover, the conventional treatments employed to combat this disease have been found to considerably compromise the quality of life experienced by patients due to its severe side effects. Recent in vitro studies revealed encouraging findings on the potential beneficial effects of probiotics as adjuvants of anticancer therapy, and even as possible agents for the prevention and treatment of various types of malignancies. From this standpoint, the primary objective of this work was to investigate the anticancer properties of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP) and elucidate its underlying mechanism of action. In order to investigate this matter, several doses of LP (ranging from 105 to 1010 CFU/mL) were examined in relation to melanoma cancer cell lines (A375) and breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). The cell viability findings, which were substantiated by morphological investigations and annexin V/PI assay, indicated that LP exerted inhibitory effects on cellular activity and triggered apoptosis. Additionally, upon further investigation into its mechanism, it was observed through the apoptosis assay and Western blot analysis that the administration of LP resulted in an elevation of pro-apoptotic BAX protein levels and an upregulation of cleaved poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) protein expression. Conversely, the levels of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein were found to decrease in the A375 and MCF-7 cell lines. These findings provide insight into the pro-apoptotic mechanism of action of LP in these specific cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oana Budu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (O.B.); (F.C.); (D.L.); (V.I.); (C.B.)
| | - Alexandra Mioc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.S.); (A.M.); (C.O.); (S.R.)
| | - Codruta Soica
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.S.); (A.M.); (C.O.); (S.R.)
| | - Florina Caruntu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (O.B.); (F.C.); (D.L.); (V.I.); (C.B.)
| | - Andreea Milan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.S.); (A.M.); (C.O.); (S.R.)
| | - Camelia Oprean
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.S.); (A.M.); (C.O.); (S.R.)
- OncoGen Centre, County Hospital ‘Pius Branzeu’, Blvd. Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300736 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Daniel Lighezan
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (O.B.); (F.C.); (D.L.); (V.I.); (C.B.)
| | - Slavita Rotunjanu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.S.); (A.M.); (C.O.); (S.R.)
| | - Viviana Ivan
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (O.B.); (F.C.); (D.L.); (V.I.); (C.B.)
| | - Christian Banciu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (O.B.); (F.C.); (D.L.); (V.I.); (C.B.)
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Rotunjanu S, Racoviceanu R, Mioc A, Milan A, Negrea-Ghiulai R, Mioc M, Marangoci NL, Şoica C. Newly Synthesized CoFe 2-xDy xO 4 (x = 0; 0.1; 0.2; 0.4) Nanoparticles Reveal Promising Anticancer Activity against Melanoma (A375) and Breast Cancer (MCF-7) Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15733. [PMID: 37958717 PMCID: PMC10650938 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115733] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The current study focuses on the synthesis via combustion of dysprosium-doped cobalt ferrites that were subsequently physicochemically analyzed in terms of morphological and magnetic properties. Three types of doped nanoparticles were prepared containing different Dy substitutions and coated with HPGCD for higher dispersion properties and biocompatibility, and were later submitted to biological tests in order to reveal their potential anticancer utility. Experimental data obtained through FTIR, XRD, SEM and TEM confirmed the inclusion of Dy3+ ions in the nanoparticles' structure. The size of the newly formed nanoparticles ranged between 20 and 50 nm revealing an inverse proportional relationship with the Dy content. Magnetic studies conducted by VSM indicated a decrease in remanent and saturation mass magnetization, respectively, in Dy-doped nanoparticles in a direct proportionality with the Dy content; the decrease was further amplified by cyclodextrin complexation. Biological assessment in the presence/absence of red light revealed a significant cytotoxic activity in melanoma (A375) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cells, while healthy keratinocytes (HaCaT) remained generally unaffected, thus revealing adequate selectivity. The investigation of the underlying cytotoxic molecular mechanism revealed an apoptotic process as indicated by nuclear fragmentation and shrinkage, as well as by Western blot analysis of caspase 9, p53 and cyclin D1 proteins. The anticancer activity for all doped Co ferrites varied was in a direct correlation to their Dy content but without being affected by the red light irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slaviţa Rotunjanu
- Department of Pharmacology-Pharmacotherapy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.R.); (A.M.); (R.N.-G.); (C.Ş.)
| | - Roxana Racoviceanu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania; (A.M.); (M.M.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Mioc
- Department of Pharmacology-Pharmacotherapy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.R.); (A.M.); (R.N.-G.); (C.Ş.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Andreea Milan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania; (A.M.); (M.M.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Negrea-Ghiulai
- Department of Pharmacology-Pharmacotherapy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.R.); (A.M.); (R.N.-G.); (C.Ş.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Marius Mioc
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania; (A.M.); (M.M.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Narcisa Laura Marangoci
- Petru Poni Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Aleea Gr. Ghica Vodă, 700487 Iaşi, Romania;
| | - Codruţa Şoica
- Department of Pharmacology-Pharmacotherapy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.R.); (A.M.); (R.N.-G.); (C.Ş.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Mioc M, Mioc A, Racoviceanu R, Ghiulai R, Prodea A, Milan A, Barbu Tudoran L, Oprean C, Ivan V, Șoica C. The Antimelanoma Biological Assessment of Triterpenic Acid Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28010421. [PMID: 36615613 PMCID: PMC9823439 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010421] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
One of several promising strategies for increasing the bioavailability and therapeutic potential of high-lipophilic biologically active compounds is gold nanoparticle formulation. The current study describes the synthesis and biological antimelanoma evaluation of three triterpen-functionalized gold nanoparticles, obtained using our previously reported antimelanoma benzotriazole-triterpenic acid esters. Functionalized gold nanoparticle (GNP) formation was validated through UV-VIS and FTIR spectroscopy. The conjugate's cytotoxic effects were investigated using HaCaT healthy keratinocytes and A375 human melanoma cells. On A375 cells, all three conjugates demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxic activity, but no significant cytotoxic effects were observed on normal HaCaT keratinocytes. GNP-conjugates were found to be more cytotoxic than their parent compounds. After treatment with all three GNP-conjugates, 4,6'-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining revealed morphological changes consistent with apoptosis in A375 melanoma cells. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed that the triterpene-GNP conjugate treated A375 melanoma cells had a fold change increase in Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX) expression and a fold change decrease in B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expression. In A735 melanoma cells, high-resolution respirometry studies revealed that all three GNP-conjugates act as selective inhibitors of mitochondrial function. Furthermore, by examining the effect on each mitochondrial respiratory rate, the results indicate that all three conjugates are capable of increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), an apoptosis trigger in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Mioc
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Mioc
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Racoviceanu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Ghiulai
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Pharmacology-Pharmacotherapy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Prodea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Andreea Milan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Lucian Barbu Tudoran
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory "Prof. C. Craciun", Faculty of Biology & Geology, "Babes-Bolyai" University, 5-7 Clinicilor Street, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Electron Microscopy Integrated Laboratory, National Institute for R & D of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat Street, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Camelia Oprean
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, OncoGen Centre, County Hospital 'Pius Branzeu', Blvd. Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300736 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Drug Analysis, Food and Environmental Chemistry, Legislation, Management and Pharmaceutical Marketing, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Viviana Ivan
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Codruța Șoica
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Pharmacology-Pharmacotherapy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Ghiulai R, Mioc A, Racoviceanu R, Mioc M, Milan A, Prodea A, Semenescu A, Dehelean C, Barbu Tudoran L, Avram Ș, Trandafirescu C, Șoica C. The Anti-Melanoma Effect of Betulinic Acid Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles: A Mechanistic In Vitro Approach. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:1362. [PMID: 36355533 PMCID: PMC9698836 DOI: 10.3390/ph15111362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Implementing metallic nanoparticles as research instruments for the transport of therapeutically active compounds remains a fundamentally vital work direction that can still potentially generate novelties in the field of drug formulation development. Gold nanoparticles (GNP) are easily tunable carriers for active phytocompounds like pentacyclic triterpenes. These formulations can boost the bioavailability of a lipophilic structure and, in some instances, can also enhance its therapeutic efficacy. In our work, we proposed a biological in vitro assessment of betulinic acid (BA)-functionalized GNP. BA-GNP were obtained by grafting BA onto previously synthesized citrate-capped GNP through the use of cysteamine as a linker. The nanoformulation was tested in HaCaT human keratinocytes and RPMI-7951 human melanoma cells, revealing selective cytotoxic properties and stronger antiproliferative effects compared to free BA. Further examinations revealed a pro-apoptotic effect, as evidenced by morphological changes in melanoma cells and supported by western blot data showing the downregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression coupled with the upregulation of pro-apoptotic Bax. GNP also significantly inhibited mitochondrial respiration, confirming its mitochondrial-targeted activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Ghiulai
- Department of Pharmacology-Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Mioc
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Racoviceanu
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Marius Mioc
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Andreea Milan
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Prodea
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Semenescu
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Dehelean
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Lucian Barbu Tudoran
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Faculty of Biology and Geology, “Babes-Bolyai” University, 5–7 Clinicilor Street, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Electron Microscopy Integrated Laboratory, National Institute for R&D of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67–103 Donat Street, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ștefana Avram
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Deparment of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Trandafirescu
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Codruța Șoica
- Department of Pharmacology-Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
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Nistor G, Trandafirescu C, Prodea A, Milan A, Cristea A, Ghiulai R, Racoviceanu R, Mioc A, Mioc M, Ivan V, Șoica C. Semisynthetic Derivatives of Pentacyclic Triterpenes Bearing Heterocyclic Moieties with Therapeutic Potential. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27196552. [PMID: 36235089 PMCID: PMC9572482 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Medicinal plants have been used by humans since ancient times for the treatment of various diseases and currently represent the main source of a variety of phytocompounds, such as triterpenes. Pentacyclic triterpenes have been subjected to numerous studies that have revealed various biological activities, such as anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective effects, which can be employed in therapy. However, due to their high lipophilicity, which is considered to exert a significant influence on their bioavailability, their current use is limited. A frequent approach employed to overcome this obstacle is the chemical derivatization of the core structure with different types of moieties including heterocycles, which are considered key elements in medicinal chemistry. The present review aims to summarize the literature published in the last 10 years regarding the derivatives of pentacyclic triterpenes bearing heterocyclic moieties and focuses on the biologically active derivatives as well as their structure-activity relationships. Predominantly, the targeted positions for the derivatization of the triterpene skeleton are C-3 (hydroxyl/oxo group), C-28 (hydroxyl/carboxyl group), and C-30 (allylic group) or the extension of the main scaffold by fusing various heterocycles with the A-ring of the phytocompound. In addition, numerous derivatives also contain linker moieties that connect the triterpenic scaffold with heterocycles; one such linker, the triazole moiety, stands out as a key pharmacophore for its biological effect. All these studies support the hypothesis that triterpenoid conjugates with heterocyclic moieties may represent promising candidates for future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Nistor
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Trandafirescu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Prodea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (A.M.); Tel.: +40-256-494-604 (A.P.)
| | - Andreea Milan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (A.M.); Tel.: +40-256-494-604 (A.P.)
| | - Andreea Cristea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Ghiulai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Racoviceanu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Mioc
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Marius Mioc
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Viviana Ivan
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Codruța Șoica
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Mioc M, Milan A, Malița D, Mioc A, Prodea A, Racoviceanu R, Ghiulai R, Cristea A, Căruntu F, Șoica C. Recent Advances Regarding the Molecular Mechanisms of Triterpenic Acids: A Review (Part I). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147740. [PMID: 35887090 PMCID: PMC9322890 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Triterpenic acids are phytocompounds with a widespread range of biological activities that have been the subject of numerous in vitro and in vivo studies. However, their underlying mechanisms of action in various pathologies are not completely elucidated. The current review aims to summarize the most recent literature, published in the last five years, regarding the mechanism of action of three triterpenic acids (asiatic acid, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid), corelated with different biological activities such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial. All three discussed compounds share several mechanisms of action, such as the targeted modulation of the PI3K/AKT, Nrf2, NF-kB, EMT, and JAK/STAT3 signaling pathways, while other mechanisms that proved to only be specific for a part of the triterpenic acids discussed, such as the modulation of Notch, Hippo, and MALAT1/miR-206/PTGS1 signaling pathway, were highlighted as well. This paper stands as the first part in our literature study on the topic, which will be followed by a second part focusing on other triterpenic acids of therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Mioc
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (M.M.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (R.R.); (R.G.); (A.C.); (C.Ș.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Andreea Milan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (M.M.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (R.R.); (R.G.); (A.C.); (C.Ș.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Daniel Malița
- Department of Radiology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Correspondence: (D.M.); (A.M.); Tel.: +40-256-494-604 (D.M. & A.M.)
| | - Alexandra Mioc
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Correspondence: (D.M.); (A.M.); Tel.: +40-256-494-604 (D.M. & A.M.)
| | - Alexandra Prodea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (M.M.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (R.R.); (R.G.); (A.C.); (C.Ș.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Racoviceanu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (M.M.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (R.R.); (R.G.); (A.C.); (C.Ș.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Ghiulai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (M.M.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (R.R.); (R.G.); (A.C.); (C.Ș.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Andreea Cristea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (M.M.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (R.R.); (R.G.); (A.C.); (C.Ș.)
| | - Florina Căruntu
- Department of Medical Semiology II, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2 Eftimie Murgu Street, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Codruța Șoica
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (M.M.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (R.R.); (R.G.); (A.C.); (C.Ș.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Alexa VT, Galuscan A, Soica CM, Cozma A, Coricovac D, Borcan F, Popescu I, Mioc A, Szuhanek C, Dehelean CA, Jumanca D. In Vitro Assessment of the Cytotoxic and Antiproliferative Profile of Natural Preparations Containing Bergamot, Orange and Clove Essential Oils. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27030990. [PMID: 35164253 PMCID: PMC8838259 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Medicinal plants and essential oils (EOs), in particular, were intensively studied in recent years as viable alternatives for antiproliferative chemical synthetic agents. In the same lines, the present study focuses on investigating the effects of natural preparations (emulsions) based on EOs obtained from Citrus bergamia Risso (bergamot-BEO), Citrus sinensis Osbeck (orange-OEO), and Syzygium aromaticum Merill et L. M. Perry (clove-CEO) on different healthy (human immortalized keratinocytes—HaCaT and primary human gingival fibroblasts—HGF) and human tumor cell lines (human melanoma—A375 and oral squamous carcinoma—SCC-4) in terms of the cells’ viability and cellular morphology. The obtained results indicate that the CEO emulsion (ECEO) induced a dose-dependent cytotoxic in both healthy (HaCaT and HGF) and tumor (A375 and SCC-4) cells. OEO emulsion (EOEO) increased cell viability percentage both for HaCaT and A375 cells and had an antiproliferative effect at the highest concentration in HGF and SCC-4 cells. BEO emulsion (EBEO) decreased the viability percentage of SCC-4 tumor cells. By associating OEO with CEO as a binary mixture in an emulsified formulation, the inhibition of tumor cell viability increases. The E(BEO/OEO) binary emulsion induced an antiproliferative effect on oral health and tumor cells, with a minimal effect on skin cells. The non-invasive tests performed to verify the safety of the test compound’s emulsions at skin level indicated that these compounds do not significantly modify the physiological skin parameters and can be considered safe for human skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vlad Tiberiu Alexa
- Department of Preventive, Community Dentistry and Oral Health, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (V.T.A.); (A.G.); (D.J.)
- Orthodontic Research Center (ORTHO-CENTER), Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Atena Galuscan
- Department of Preventive, Community Dentistry and Oral Health, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (V.T.A.); (A.G.); (D.J.)
- Translational and Experimental Clinical Research Center in Oral Health (TEXC-OH), Department of Preventive, Community Dentistry and Oral Health, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy 14A TudorVladimirescu Ave., 300173 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Codruța M. Soica
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (D.C.); (C.A.D.)
- Correspondence: (C.M.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Antoanela Cozma
- Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului No. 119, 300641 Timisoara, Romania;
- Correspondence: (C.M.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Dorina Coricovac
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (D.C.); (C.A.D.)
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Florin Borcan
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Iuliana Popescu
- Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului No. 119, 300641 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Alexandra Mioc
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (D.C.); (C.A.D.)
| | - Camelia Szuhanek
- Orthodontic Research Center (ORTHO-CENTER), Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Adriana Dehelean
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (D.C.); (C.A.D.)
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Daniela Jumanca
- Department of Preventive, Community Dentistry and Oral Health, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (V.T.A.); (A.G.); (D.J.)
- Translational and Experimental Clinical Research Center in Oral Health (TEXC-OH), Department of Preventive, Community Dentistry and Oral Health, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy 14A TudorVladimirescu Ave., 300173 Timisoara, Romania
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9
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Milan A, Mioc A, Prodea A, Mioc M, Buzatu R, Ghiulai R, Racoviceanu R, Caruntu F, Şoica C. The Optimized Delivery of Triterpenes by Liposomal Nanoformulations: Overcoming the Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031140. [PMID: 35163063 PMCID: PMC8835305 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The last decade has witnessed a sustained increase in the research development of modern-day chemo-therapeutics, especially for those used for high mortality rate pathologies. However, the therapeutic landscape is continuously changing as a result of the currently existing toxic side effects induced by a substantial range of drug classes. One growing research direction driven to mitigate such inconveniences has converged towards the study of natural molecules for their promising therapeutic potential. Triterpenes are one such class of compounds, intensively investigated for their therapeutic versatility. Although the pharmacological effects reported for several representatives of this class has come as a well-deserved encouragement, the pharmacokinetic profile of these molecules has turned out to be an unwelcomed disappointment. Nevertheless, the light at the end of the tunnel arrived with the development of nanotechnology, more specifically, the use of liposomes as drug delivery systems. Liposomes are easily synthesizable phospholipid-based vesicles, with highly tunable surfaces, that have the ability to transport both hydrophilic and lipophilic structures ensuring superior drug bioavailability at the action site as well as an increased selectivity. This study aims to report the results related to the development of different types of liposomes, used as targeted vectors for the delivery of various triterpenes of high pharmacological interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Milan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 E. Murgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania; (A.M.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (R.G.); (R.R.); (C.Ş.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Mioc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 E. Murgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania; (A.M.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (R.G.); (R.R.); (C.Ş.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Prodea
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 E. Murgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania; (A.M.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (R.G.); (R.R.); (C.Ş.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Marius Mioc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 E. Murgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania; (A.M.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (R.G.); (R.R.); (C.Ş.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (R.B.); Tel.: +40-256-494-604 (M.M. & R.B.)
| | - Roxana Buzatu
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timişoara, 2 Eftimie Murgu Street, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (R.B.); Tel.: +40-256-494-604 (M.M. & R.B.)
| | - Roxana Ghiulai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 E. Murgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania; (A.M.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (R.G.); (R.R.); (C.Ş.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Racoviceanu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 E. Murgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania; (A.M.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (R.G.); (R.R.); (C.Ş.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Florina Caruntu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timişoara, 2 Eftimie Murgu Street, 300041 Timişoara, Romania;
| | - Codruţa Şoica
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 E. Murgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania; (A.M.); (A.M.); (A.P.); (R.G.); (R.R.); (C.Ş.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
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Prodea A, Mioc A, Banciu C, Trandafirescu C, Milan A, Racoviceanu R, Ghiulai R, Mioc M, Soica C. The Role of Cyclodextrins in the Design and Development of Triterpene-Based Therapeutic Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020736. [PMID: 35054925 PMCID: PMC8775686 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Triterpenic compounds stand as a widely investigated class of natural compounds due to their remarkable therapeutic potential. However, their use is currently being hampered by their low solubility and, subsequently, bioavailability. In order to overcome this drawback and increase the therapeutic use of triterpenes, cyclodextrins have been introduced as water solubility enhancers; cyclodextrins are starch derivatives that possess hydrophobic internal cavities that can incorporate lipophilic molecules and exterior surfaces that can be subjected to various derivatizations in order to improve their biological behavior. This review aims to summarize the most recent achievements in terms of triterpene:cyclodextrin inclusion complexes and bioconjugates, emphasizing their practical applications including the development of new isolation and bioproduction protocols, the elucidation of their underlying mechanism of action, the optimization of triterpenes’ therapeutic effects and the development of new topical formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Prodea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.P.); (A.M.); (R.R.); (R.G.); (M.M.); (C.S.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Alexandra Mioc
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Christian Banciu
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Faculty of Medicine, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (C.T.); Tel.: +40-256-494-604 (C.B. & C.T.)
| | - Cristina Trandafirescu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.P.); (A.M.); (R.R.); (R.G.); (M.M.); (C.S.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (C.T.); Tel.: +40-256-494-604 (C.B. & C.T.)
| | - Andreea Milan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.P.); (A.M.); (R.R.); (R.G.); (M.M.); (C.S.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Roxana Racoviceanu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.P.); (A.M.); (R.R.); (R.G.); (M.M.); (C.S.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Roxana Ghiulai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.P.); (A.M.); (R.R.); (R.G.); (M.M.); (C.S.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Marius Mioc
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.P.); (A.M.); (R.R.); (R.G.); (M.M.); (C.S.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Codruta Soica
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.P.); (A.M.); (R.R.); (R.G.); (M.M.); (C.S.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
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11
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Smirnova I, Drăghici G, Kazakova O, Vlaia L, Avram S, Mioc A, Mioc M, Macaşoi I, Dehelean C, Voicu A, Şoica C. Hollongdione arylidene derivatives induce antiproliferative activity against melanoma and breast cancer through pro-apoptotic and antiangiogenic mechanisms. Bioorg Chem 2021; 119:105535. [PMID: 34906859 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105535] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The use of natural compounds as starting point for semisynthetic derivatives has already been proven as a valuable source of active anticancer agents. Hollongdione (4,4,8,14-tetramethyl-18-norpregnan-3,20-dion), obtained by few steps from dammarane type triterpenoid dipterocarpol, was chemically modified at C2 and C21 carbon atoms by the Claisen-Schmidt aldol condensation to give a series of arylidene derivatives. The anticancer activity of the obtained compounds was assessed on NCI-60 cancer cell panel, revealing strong antiproliferative effects against a large variety of cancer cells. 2,21-Bis-[3-pyridinyl]-methylidenohollongdione 9 emerged as the most active derivative as indicated by its GI50 values in the micromolar range which, combined with its high selectivity index values, indicated its suitability for deeper biological investigation. The mechanisms involved in compound 9 antiproliferative activity, were investigated through in vitro (DAPI staining) and ex vivo (CAM assay) tests, which exhibited its apoptotic and antiangiogenic activities. In addition, compound 9 showed an overall inhibition of mitochondrial respiration. rtPCR analysis identified the more intimate activity at pro-survival/pro-apoptotic gene level. Collectively, the hollongdione derivative stand as a promising therapeutic option against melanoma and breast cancer provided that future in vivo analysis will certify its clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Smirnova
- Ufa Institute of Chemistry UFRC RAS, pr. Octyabrya 71, 450054 Ufa, Russian Federation
| | - George Drăghici
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., Timisoara 300041, Romania; Res. Ctr. Pharmacotoxicol Evaluat, Facculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Oxana Kazakova
- Ufa Institute of Chemistry UFRC RAS, pr. Octyabrya 71, 450054 Ufa, Russian Federation.
| | - Lavinia Vlaia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Stefana Avram
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., Timisoara 300041, Romania; Res. Ctr. Pharmacotoxicol Evaluat, Facculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Alexandra Mioc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., Timisoara 300041, Romania; Res. Ctr. Pharmacotoxicol Evaluat, Facculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Marius Mioc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., Timisoara 300041, Romania; Res. Ctr. Pharmacotoxicol Evaluat, Facculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Ioana Macaşoi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., Timisoara 300041, Romania; Res. Ctr. Pharmacotoxicol Evaluat, Facculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Cristina Dehelean
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., Timisoara 300041, Romania; Res. Ctr. Pharmacotoxicol Evaluat, Facculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Adrian Voicu
- Faculty of Medicine, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Codruța Şoica
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., Timisoara 300041, Romania; Res. Ctr. Pharmacotoxicol Evaluat, Facculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., Timisoara 300041, Romania
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12
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Kazakova O, Șoica C, Babaev M, Petrova A, Khusnutdinova E, Poptsov A, Macașoi I, Drăghici G, Avram Ș, Vlaia L, Mioc A, Mioc M, Dehelean C, Voicu A. 3-Pyridinylidene Derivatives of Chemically Modified Lupane and Ursane Triterpenes as Promising Anticancer Agents by Targeting Apoptosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910695. [PMID: 34639035 PMCID: PMC8509773 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer persists as a global challenge due to the extent to which conventional anticancer therapies pose high risks counterbalanced with their therapeutic benefit. Naturally occurring substances stand as an important safer alternative source for anticancer drug development. In the current study, a series of modified lupane and ursane derivatives was subjected to in vitro screening on the NCI-60 cancer cell line panel. Compounds 6 and 7 have been identified as highly active with GI50 values ranging from 0.03 µM to 5.9 µM (compound 6) and 0.18–1.53 µM (compound 7). Thus, these two compounds were further assessed in detail in order to identify a possible antiproliferative mechanism of action. DAPI (4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) staining revealed that both compounds induced nuclei condensation and overall cell morphological changes consistent with apoptotic cell death. rtPCR analysis showed that both compounds induced upregulation of proapoptotic Bak and Bad genes while downregulating Bcl-XL and Bcl-2 antiapoptotic genes. Molecular docking analysis revealed that both compounds exhibited high scores for Bcl-XL inhibition, while compound 7 showed higher in silico Bcl-XL inhibition potential as compared to the native inhibitor ATB-737, suggesting that compounds may induce apoptotic cell death through targeted antiapoptotic protein inhibition, as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oxana Kazakova
- Ufa Institute of Chemistry UFRC, Russian Academy of Science RAS, pr. Oktyabrya 71, 450054 Ufa, Russia; (M.B.); (A.P.); (E.K.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence: (O.K.); (M.M.)
| | - Codruța Șoica
- Formulation and Technology of Drugs Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.Ș.); (I.M.); (G.D.); (Ș.A.); (L.V.); (A.M.); (C.D.)
- Research Centre Pharmacotoxicol Evaluat, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Marat Babaev
- Ufa Institute of Chemistry UFRC, Russian Academy of Science RAS, pr. Oktyabrya 71, 450054 Ufa, Russia; (M.B.); (A.P.); (E.K.); (A.P.)
| | - Anastasiya Petrova
- Ufa Institute of Chemistry UFRC, Russian Academy of Science RAS, pr. Oktyabrya 71, 450054 Ufa, Russia; (M.B.); (A.P.); (E.K.); (A.P.)
| | - Elmira Khusnutdinova
- Ufa Institute of Chemistry UFRC, Russian Academy of Science RAS, pr. Oktyabrya 71, 450054 Ufa, Russia; (M.B.); (A.P.); (E.K.); (A.P.)
| | - Alexander Poptsov
- Ufa Institute of Chemistry UFRC, Russian Academy of Science RAS, pr. Oktyabrya 71, 450054 Ufa, Russia; (M.B.); (A.P.); (E.K.); (A.P.)
| | - Ioana Macașoi
- Formulation and Technology of Drugs Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.Ș.); (I.M.); (G.D.); (Ș.A.); (L.V.); (A.M.); (C.D.)
- Research Centre Pharmacotoxicol Evaluat, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - George Drăghici
- Formulation and Technology of Drugs Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.Ș.); (I.M.); (G.D.); (Ș.A.); (L.V.); (A.M.); (C.D.)
- Research Centre Pharmacotoxicol Evaluat, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ștefana Avram
- Formulation and Technology of Drugs Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.Ș.); (I.M.); (G.D.); (Ș.A.); (L.V.); (A.M.); (C.D.)
- Research Centre Pharmacotoxicol Evaluat, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Lavinia Vlaia
- Formulation and Technology of Drugs Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.Ș.); (I.M.); (G.D.); (Ș.A.); (L.V.); (A.M.); (C.D.)
- Formulation and Technology of Drugs Research Center, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Mioc
- Formulation and Technology of Drugs Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.Ș.); (I.M.); (G.D.); (Ș.A.); (L.V.); (A.M.); (C.D.)
- Research Centre Pharmacotoxicol Evaluat, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Marius Mioc
- Formulation and Technology of Drugs Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.Ș.); (I.M.); (G.D.); (Ș.A.); (L.V.); (A.M.); (C.D.)
- Research Centre Pharmacotoxicol Evaluat, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Correspondence: (O.K.); (M.M.)
| | - Cristina Dehelean
- Formulation and Technology of Drugs Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.Ș.); (I.M.); (G.D.); (Ș.A.); (L.V.); (A.M.); (C.D.)
- Research Centre Pharmacotoxicol Evaluat, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Adrian Voicu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
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13
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Coricovac D, Dehelean CA, Pinzaru I, Mioc A, Aburel OM, Macasoi I, Draghici GA, Petean C, Soica C, Boruga M, Vlaicu B, Muntean MD. Assessment of Betulinic Acid Cytotoxicity and Mitochondrial Metabolism Impairment in a Human Melanoma Cell Line. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094870. [PMID: 34064489 PMCID: PMC8125295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma represents one of the most aggressive and drug resistant skin cancers with poor prognosis in its advanced stages. Despite the increasing number of targeted therapies, novel approaches are needed to counteract both therapeutic resistance and the side effects of classic therapy. Betulinic acid (BA) is a bioactive phytocompound that has been reported to induce apoptosis in several types of cancers including melanomas; however, its effects on mitochondrial bioenergetics are less investigated. The present study performed in A375 human melanoma cells was aimed to characterize the effects of BA on mitochondrial bioenergetics and cellular behavior. BA demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibitory effect in both mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis in A375 melanoma cells and at sub-toxic concentrations (10 μM) induced mitochondrial dysfunction by eliciting a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential and changes in mitochondria morphology and localization. In addition, BA triggered a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect characterized by apoptotic features: morphological alterations (nuclear fragmentation, apoptotic bodies) and the upregulation of pro-apoptotic markers mRNA expression (Bax, Bad and Bak). BA represents a viable therapeutic option via a complex modulatory effect on mitochondrial metabolism that might be useful in advanced melanoma or as reliable strategy to counteract resistance to standard therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorina Coricovac
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania; (D.C.); (C.A.D.); (I.M.); (G.A.D.); (C.P.); (C.S.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Adriana Dehelean
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania; (D.C.); (C.A.D.); (I.M.); (G.A.D.); (C.P.); (C.S.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Iulia Pinzaru
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania; (D.C.); (C.A.D.); (I.M.); (G.A.D.); (C.P.); (C.S.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (A.M.); Tel.: +40-256-494-604
| | - Alexandra Mioc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania; (D.C.); (C.A.D.); (I.M.); (G.A.D.); (C.P.); (C.S.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (A.M.); Tel.: +40-256-494-604
| | - Oana-Maria Aburel
- Faculty of Medicine “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania; (O.-M.A.); (M.B.); (B.V.); (M.D.M.)
- Center for Translational Research and Systems Medicine, Faculty of Medicine,” Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Ioana Macasoi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania; (D.C.); (C.A.D.); (I.M.); (G.A.D.); (C.P.); (C.S.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - George Andrei Draghici
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania; (D.C.); (C.A.D.); (I.M.); (G.A.D.); (C.P.); (C.S.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Crina Petean
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania; (D.C.); (C.A.D.); (I.M.); (G.A.D.); (C.P.); (C.S.)
| | - Codruta Soica
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania; (D.C.); (C.A.D.); (I.M.); (G.A.D.); (C.P.); (C.S.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Madalina Boruga
- Faculty of Medicine “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania; (O.-M.A.); (M.B.); (B.V.); (M.D.M.)
| | - Brigitha Vlaicu
- Faculty of Medicine “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania; (O.-M.A.); (M.B.); (B.V.); (M.D.M.)
| | - Mirela Danina Muntean
- Faculty of Medicine “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania; (O.-M.A.); (M.B.); (B.V.); (M.D.M.)
- Center for Translational Research and Systems Medicine, Faculty of Medicine,” Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania
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Jianu C, Stoin D, Cocan I, David I, Pop G, Lukinich-Gruia AT, Mioc M, Mioc A, Șoica C, Muntean D, Rusu LC, Goleț I, Horhat DI. In Silico and In Vitro Evaluation of the Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Potential of Mentha × smithiana R. GRAHAM Essential Oil from Western Romania. Foods 2021; 10:815. [PMID: 33918674 PMCID: PMC8069324 DOI: 10.3390/foods10040815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [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: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to identify the volatile compounds of Mentha × smithiana essential oil (MSEO) and evaluate its antioxidant and antibacterial potential. The essential oil (EO) content was assessed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Carvone (55.71%), limonene (18.83%), trans-carveol (3.54%), cis-carveol (2.72%), beta-bourbonene (1.94%), and caryophyllene oxide (1.59%) were the main identified compounds. The MSEO displayed broad-spectrum antibacterial effects and was also found to be the most effective antifungal agent against Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis. The antioxidant activity of MSEO was tested against cold-pressed sunflower oil by peroxide, thiobarbituric acid, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), and β-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching methods. The EO showed strong antioxidant effects as reflected by IC50 values of 0.83 ± 0.01 mg/mL and relative antioxidative activity of 87.32 ± 0.03% in DPPH and β-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching assays, respectively. Moreover, in the first 8 days of the incubation period, the inhibition of primary and secondary oxidation compounds induced by the MSEO (0.3 mg/mL) was significantly stronger (p < 0.05) than that of butylated hydroxyanisole. In silico molecular docking studies were conducted to highlight the underlying antimicrobial mechanism as well as the in vitro antioxidant potential. Recorded data showed that the antimicrobial activity of MSEO compounds could be exerted through the D-Alanine-d-alanine ligase (DDl) inhibition and may be attributed to a cumulative effect. The most active compounds are minor components of the MSEO. Docking results also revealed that several mint EO components could exert their in vitro antioxidant activity by employing xanthine oxidase inhibition. Consequently, MSEO could be a new natural source of antioxidants and antiseptics, with potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries as an alternative to the utilization of synthetic additives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Călin Jianu
- Faculty of Food Engineering, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, RO-300645 Timișoara, Romania; (C.J.); (D.S.); (I.C.)
| | - Daniela Stoin
- Faculty of Food Engineering, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, RO-300645 Timișoara, Romania; (C.J.); (D.S.); (I.C.)
| | - Ileana Cocan
- Faculty of Food Engineering, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, RO-300645 Timișoara, Romania; (C.J.); (D.S.); (I.C.)
| | - Ioan David
- Faculty of Food Engineering, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, RO-300645 Timișoara, Romania; (C.J.); (D.S.); (I.C.)
| | - Georgeta Pop
- Faculty of Agriculture, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, RO-300645 Timișoara, Romania;
| | | | - Marius Mioc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, RO-300041 Timisoara, Romania; (M.M.); (A.M.); (C.Ș.)
| | - Alexandra Mioc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, RO-300041 Timisoara, Romania; (M.M.); (A.M.); (C.Ș.)
| | - Codruța Șoica
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, RO-300041 Timisoara, Romania; (M.M.); (A.M.); (C.Ș.)
| | - Delia Muntean
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, RO-300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.M.); (D.I.H.)
- Multidisciplinary Research Center on Antimicrobial Resistance, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, RO-300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Laura-Cristina Rusu
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, RO-300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Multidisciplinary Center for Research, Evaluation, Diagnosis and Therapies in Oral Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Spl. Tudor Vladimirescu 14A, RO-300173 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ionuț Goleț
- Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, West University of Timișoara, 300233 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Delia Ioana Horhat
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Square, RO-300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.M.); (D.I.H.)
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Macașoi I, Pavel IZ, Moacă AE, Avram Ș, David VL, Coricovac D, Mioc A, Spandidos DA, Tsatsakis A, Șoica C, Dumitrașcu V, Dehelean C. [Corrigendum] Mechanistic investigations of antitumor activity of a Rhodamine B‑oleanolic acid derivative bioconjugate. Oncol Rep 2021; 45:30. [PMID: 33649849 PMCID: PMC7905688 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.7981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Subsequently to the publication of the above paper, the authors have realized that they should have credited a Professor René Csuk [Martin‑Luther‑Universität Halle‑Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany] for the use of a compound that his group synthesized in the study. Therefore, the authors wish to include the following text in the Acknowledgements' section of the Declarations: 'The authors are grateful to Professor Rene Csuk, Department of Organic Chemistry, Martin‑Luther University Halle‑Wittenberg, for providing us with the rhodamine B‑conjugated oleanolic acid derivative (RhodOA)'. All the named authors agree to this Corrigendum, and apologize to Professor Csuk for the upset and inconvenience caused. [the original article was published in Oncology Reports 44: 1169‑1183, 2020; DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7666].
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Macașoi
- Department of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes', University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ioana Zinuca Pavel
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes', University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alina Elena Moacă
- Department of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes', University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ștefana Avram
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes', University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Vlad Laurențiu David
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, 'Victor Babes', University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Dorina Coricovac
- Department of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes', University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Mioc
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes', University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Codruța Șoica
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes', University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Victor Dumitrașcu
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, 'Victor Babes', University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Dehelean
- Department of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes', University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Şoica C, Voicu M, Ghiulai R, Dehelean C, Racoviceanu R, Trandafirescu C, Roșca OJ, Nistor G, Mioc M, Mioc A. Natural Compounds in Sex Hormone-Dependent Cancers: The Role of Triterpenes as Therapeutic Agents. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 11:612396. [PMID: 33552000 PMCID: PMC7859451 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.612396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex hormone-dependent cancers currently contribute to the high number of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The study and elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of these tumors was a double-edged sword, leading to the expansion and development of new treatment options, with the cost of triggering more aggressive, therapy resistant relapses. The interaction of androgen, estrogen and progesterone hormones with specific receptors (AR, ER, PR) has emerged as a key player in the development and progression of breast, ovarian, prostate and endometrium cancers. Sex hormone-dependent cancers share a common and rather unique carcinogenesis mechanism involving the active role of endogenous and exogenous sex hormones to maintain high mitotic rates and increased cell proliferation thus increasing the probability of aberrant gene occurrence and accumulation highly correlated with abnormal cell division and the occurrence of malignant phenotypes. Cancer related hormone therapy has evolved, currently being associated with the blockade of other signaling pathways often associated with carcinogenesis and tumor progression in cancers, with promising results. However, despite the established developments, there are still several shortcomings to be addressed. Triterpenes are natural occurring secondary metabolites biosynthesized by various pathways starting from squalene cyclization. Due to their versatile therapeutic potential, including the extensively researched antiproliferative effect, these compounds are most definitely a cornerstone in the research and development of new natural/semisynthetic anticancer therapies. The present work thoroughly describes the ongoing research related to the antitumor activity of triterpenes in sex hormone-dependent cancers. Also, the current review highlights both the biological activity of various triterpenoid compounds and their featured mechanisms of action correlated with important chemical structural features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Codruţa Şoica
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Mirela Voicu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Ghiulai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Dehelean
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Racoviceanu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Trandafirescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Oana-Janina Roșca
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Pius Brinzeu Timisoara City Emergency Clinical Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Gabriela Nistor
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Marius Mioc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Mioc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
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17
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Ghiulai R, Roşca OJ, Antal DS, Mioc M, Mioc A, Racoviceanu R, Macaşoi I, Olariu T, Dehelean C, Creţu OM, Voicu M, Şoica C. Tetracyclic and Pentacyclic Triterpenes with High Therapeutic Efficiency in Wound Healing Approaches. Molecules 2020; 25:E5557. [PMID: 33256207 PMCID: PMC7730621 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Wounds are among the most common skin conditions, displaying a large etiological diversity and being characterized by different degrees of severity. Wound healing is a complex process that involves multiple steps such as inflammation, proliferation and maturation and ends with scar formation. Since ancient times, a widely used option for treating skin wounds are plant- based treatments which currently have become the subject of modern pharmaceutical formulations. Triterpenes with tetracyclic and pentacyclic structure are extensively studied for their implication in wound healing as well as to determine their molecular mechanisms of action. The current review aims to summarize the main results of in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies conducted on lupane, ursane, oleanane, dammarane, lanostane and cycloartane type triterpenes as potential wound healing treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Ghiulai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania; (R.G.); (O.J.R.); (M.M.); (R.R.); (C.Ş.)
| | - Oana Janina Roşca
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania; (R.G.); (O.J.R.); (M.M.); (R.R.); (C.Ş.)
| | - Diana Simona Antal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Marius Mioc
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania; (R.G.); (O.J.R.); (M.M.); (R.R.); (C.Ş.)
| | - Alexandra Mioc
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania;
| | - Roxana Racoviceanu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania; (R.G.); (O.J.R.); (M.M.); (R.R.); (C.Ş.)
| | - Ioana Macaşoi
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd EftimieMurgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania; (I.M.); (C.D.)
| | - Tudor Olariu
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd EftimieMurgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania;
| | - Cristina Dehelean
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd EftimieMurgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania; (I.M.); (C.D.)
| | - Octavian Marius Creţu
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd EftimieMurgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania;
| | - Mirela Voicu
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd EftimieMurgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Codruţa Şoica
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania; (R.G.); (O.J.R.); (M.M.); (R.R.); (C.Ş.)
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18
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Racoviceanu R, Trandafirescu C, Voicu M, Ghiulai R, Borcan F, Dehelean C, Watz C, Aigner Z, Ambrus R, Coricovac DE, Cîrcioban D, Mioc A, Szuhanek CA, Şoica C. Solid Polymeric Nanoparticles of Albendazole: Synthesis, Physico-Chemical Characterization and Biological Activity. Molecules 2020; 25:E5130. [PMID: 33158183 PMCID: PMC7663605 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25215130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Albendazole is a benzimidazole derivative with documented antitumor activity and low toxicity to healthy cells. The major disadvantage in terms of clinical use is its low aqueous solubility which limits its bioavailability. Albendazole was incorporated into stable and homogeneous polyurethane structures with the aim of obtaining an improved drug delivery system model. Spectral and thermal analysis was used to investigate the encapsulation process and confirmed the presence of albendazole inside the nanoparticles. The in vitro anticancer properties of albendazole encapsulated in polyurethane structures versus the un-encapsulated compound were tested on two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, in terms of cellular viability and apoptosis induction. The study showed that the encapsulation process enhanced the antitumor activity of albendazole on the MCF-7 and MDA-MB-23 breast cancer lines. The cytotoxic activity manifested in a concentration-dependent manner and was accompanied by changes in cell morphology and nuclear fragmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Racoviceanu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (R.R.); (C.T.); (C.Ş.)
| | - Cristina Trandafirescu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (R.R.); (C.T.); (C.Ş.)
| | - Mirela Voicu
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Ghiulai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (R.R.); (C.T.); (C.Ş.)
| | - Florin Borcan
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (F.B.); (D.C.)
| | - Cristina Dehelean
- Department of Toxicology, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.D.); (D.E.C.)
| | - Claudia Watz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Physics, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Zoltán Aigner
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Regulatory Affairs, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Szeged, 6th Eotvos Str., 6720 Szeged, Hungary; (Z.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Rita Ambrus
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Regulatory Affairs, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Szeged, 6th Eotvos Str., 6720 Szeged, Hungary; (Z.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Dorina Elena Coricovac
- Department of Toxicology, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.D.); (D.E.C.)
| | - Denisa Cîrcioban
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (F.B.); (D.C.)
| | - Alexandra Mioc
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Physiopathology, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Camelia Alexandrina Szuhanek
- Department of Orthodontics, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 9th Revolutiei din 1989 Bvd, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Codruţa Şoica
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (R.R.); (C.T.); (C.Ş.)
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Macasoi I, Mioc A, Mioc M, Racoviceanu R, Soica I, Chevereșan A, Dehelean C, Dumitrașcu V. Targeting Mitochondria through the Use of Mitocans as Emerging Anticancer Agents. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:5730-5757. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190712150638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are key players with a multi-functional role in many vital cellular processes,
such as energy metabolism, redox regulation, calcium homeostasis, Reactive Oxygen Species
(ROS) as well as in cell signaling, survival and apoptosis. These functions are mainly regulated
through important enzyme signaling cascades, which if altered may influence the outcome of cell
viability and apoptosis. Therefore some of the key enzymes that are vital for these signaling pathways
are emerging as important targets for new anticancer agent development. Mitocans are compounds
aimed at targeting mitochondria in cancer cells by altering mitochondrial functions thus
causing cell growth inhibition or apoptosis. This review summarizes the till present known classes
of mitocans, their mechanism of action and potential therapeutic use in different forms of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Macasoi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Mioc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Marius Mioc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Racoviceanu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Irina Soica
- Earlscliffe Sixth Form, Earlscliffe, 29 Shorncliffe Road, Folkestone, CT20 2NB, United Kingdom
| | - Adelina Chevereșan
- Faculty of Medicine, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Dehelean
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Victor Dumitrașcu
- Faculty of Medicine, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu, Timisoara, Romania
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Macașoi I, Pavel IZ, Moacă AE, Avram Ș, David VL, Coricovac D, Mioc A, Spandidos DA, Tsatsakis A, Șoica C, Dumitrașcu V, Dehelean C. Mechanistic investigations of antitumor activity of a Rhodamine B‑oleanolic acid derivative bioconjugate. Oncol Rep 2020; 44:1169-1183. [PMID: 32705265 PMCID: PMC7388574 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a major health problem worldwide due to its high mortality rate. New therapeutic options highlight the importance of discovering new compounds that target the tumor microenvironment, interrupt angiogenesis and act selectively. The present study assessed the antitumor effect and investigated the mechanism of action of a rhodamine B-conjugated oleanolic acid derivative (RhodOA). Consequently, the compound was tested on different human tumor cell lines (A375 melanoma, A549 lung adenocarcinoma and MDA-MB-231 breast adenocarcinoma) and on a non-tumor cell line HaCaT human keratinocyte. RhodOA produced a dose-dependent decrease in tumor cell viability especially in the melanoma cells while affecting the keratinocytes less. In melanoma cells, RhodOA reduced cell migration and produced condensation of cell nuclei and of actin fibers. Furthermore, an impairment in melanoma cell mitochondrial function was observed, while the mitochondrial function of keratinocytes was left intact. In the in ovo chorioallantoic membrane model, RhodOA elicited antiangiogenic effect, without showing irritation effect on the membrane. The study provides information on the selective antitumor effect of the derivative and its ability to inhibit cellular respiration, therefore RhodOA can be classified as ‘MITOCAN’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Macașoi
- Department of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes', University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ioana Zinuca Pavel
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes', University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alina Elena Moacă
- Department of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes', University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ștefana Avram
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes', University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Vlad Laurențiu David
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, 'Victor Babes', University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Dorina Coricovac
- Department of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes', University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Mioc
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes', University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Codruța Șoica
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes', University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Victor Dumitrașcu
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, 'Victor Babes', University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Dehelean
- Department of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes', University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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21
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Mioc A, Mioc M, Ghiulai R, Voicu M, Racoviceanu R, Trandafirescu C, Dehelean C, Coricovac D, Soica C. Gold Nanoparticles as Targeted Delivery Systems and Theranostic Agents in Cancer Therapy. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:6493-6513. [PMID: 31057102 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190506123721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is still a leading cause of death worldwide, while most chemotherapies induce nonselective toxicity and severe systemic side effects. To address these problems, targeted nanoscience is an emerging field that promises to benefit cancer patients. Gold nanoparticles are nowadays in the spotlight due to their many well-established advantages. Gold nanoparticles are easily synthesizable in various shapes and sizes by a continuously developing set of means, including chemical, physical or eco-friendly biological methods. This review presents gold nanoparticles as versatile therapeutic agents playing many roles, such as targeted delivery systems (anticancer agents, nucleic acids, biological proteins, vaccines), theranostics and agents in photothermal therapy. They have also been outlined to bring great contributions in the bioimaging field such as radiotherapy, magnetic resonance angiography and photoacoustic imaging. Nevertheless, gold nanoparticles are therapeutic agents demonstrating its in vitro anti-angiogenic, anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on various cell lines, such as human cervix, human breast, human lung, human prostate and murine melanoma cancer cells. In vivo studies have pointed out data regarding the bioaccumulation and cytotoxicity of gold nanoparticles, but it has been emphasized that size, dose, surface charge, sex and especially administration routes are very important variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Mioc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Marius Mioc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Roxana Ghiulai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Mirela Voicu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Roxana Racoviceanu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Cristina Trandafirescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Cristina Dehelean
- Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Dorina Coricovac
- Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Codruta Soica
- Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara 300041, Romania
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22
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Macasoi I, Mioc M, Berceanu Vaduva D, Ghiulai R, Mioc A, Soica C, Muntean D, Dumitrascu V. In silico Evaluation of the Antiproliferative Mithocondrial Targeted Mechanism of Action of Some Pentacyclic Triterpene Derivatives. Rev Chim 2019. [DOI: 10.37358/rc.18.12.6749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria play an important role in regulating cell viability. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been associated with many known pathologies including cancer. Mitocans are a class of compounds that alter important mitochondrial functions in cancer cells thus inducing cellular death. New pentacyclic triterpene derivatives are constantly developed with the aim of obtaining highly active antiproliferative agents. In this study a set of previously synthesized rhodamine B triterpene conjugates, designed as mitocans, were in silico evaluated with the purpose of elucidating their targeted mithocondrial mechanism of action. Molecular docking revealed that the compounds would predominantly interact with proteins that are part of the mithocondrial electron transport chain (ETC), such as NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase (NDH) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH).
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23
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Mioc M, Avram S, Bercean V, Kurunczi L, Ghiulai RM, Oprean C, Coricovac DE, Dehelean C, Mioc A, Balan-Porcarasu M, Tatu C, Soica C. Design, Synthesis and Biological Activity Evaluation of S-Substituted 1 H-5-Mercapto-1,2,4-Triazole Derivatives as Antiproliferative Agents in Colorectal Cancer. Front Chem 2018; 6:373. [PMID: 30234098 PMCID: PMC6134806 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2018.00373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Colon cancer is a widespread pathology with complex biochemical etiology based on a significant number of intracellular signaling pathways that play important roles in carcinogenesis, tumor proliferation and metastasis. These pathways function due to the action of key enzymes that can be used as targets for new anticancer drug development. Herein we report the synthesis and biological antiproliferative evaluation of a series of novel S-substituted 1H-3-R-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazoles, on a colorectal cancer cell line, HT-29. Synthesized compounds were designed by docking based virtual screening (DBVS) of a previous constructed compound library against protein targets, known for their important role in colorectal cancer signaling: MEK1, ERK2, PDK1, VEGFR2. Among all synthesized structures, TZ55.7, which was retained as a possible PDK1 (phospholipid-dependent kinase 1) inhibitor, exhibited the most significant cytotoxic activity against HT-29 tumor cell line. The same compound alongside other two, TZ53.7 and TZ3a.7, led to a significant cell cycle arrest in both sub G0/G1 and G0/G1 phase. This study provides future perspectives for the development of new agents containing the 1,2,4-mercapto triazole scaffold with antiproliferative activities in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Mioc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Sorin Avram
- Department of Computational Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry Timisoara of the Romanian Academy, Timisoara, Romania
| | | | - Ludovic Kurunczi
- Department of Computational Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry Timisoara of the Romanian Academy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana M Ghiulai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Camelia Oprean
- Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania.,"Pius Brinzeu" Timisoara County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Oncogen Institute, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Dorina E Coricovac
- Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Dehelean
- Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Mioc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | | | - Calin Tatu
- "Pius Brinzeu" Timisoara County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Oncogen Institute, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Codruta Soica
- Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
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