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Marrone L, Romano S, Malasomma C, Di Giacomo V, Cerullo A, Abate R, Vecchione MA, Fratantonio D, Romano MF. Metabolic vulnerability of cancer stem cells and their niche. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1375993. [PMID: 38659591 PMCID: PMC11039812 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1375993] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSC) are the leading cause of the failure of anti-tumor treatments. These aggressive cancer cells are preserved and sustained by adjacent cells forming a specialized microenvironment, termed niche, among which tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are critical players. The cycle of tricarboxylic acids, fatty acid oxidation path, and electron transport chain have been proven to play central roles in the development and maintenance of CSCs and TAMs. By improving their oxidative metabolism, cancer cells are able to extract more energy from nutrients, which allows them to survive in nutritionally defective environments. Because mitochondria are crucial bioenergetic hubs and sites of these metabolic pathways, major hopes are posed for drugs targeting mitochondria. A wide range of medications targeting mitochondria, electron transport chain complexes, or oxidative enzymes are currently investigated in phase 1 and phase 2 clinical trials against hard-to-treat tumors. This review article aims to highlight recent literature on the metabolic adaptations of CSCs and their supporting macrophages. A focus is provided on the resistance and dormancy behaviors that give CSCs a selection advantage and quiescence capacity in particularly hostile microenvironments and the role of TAMs in supporting these attitudes. The article also describes medicaments that have demonstrated a robust ability to disrupt core oxidative metabolism in preclinical cancer studies and are currently being tested in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Marrone
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Romano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Malasomma
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Di Giacomo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Cerullo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosetta Abate
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Deborah Fratantonio
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, LUM University Giuseppe Degennaro, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Fiammetta Romano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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2
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Balestra C, Baldelli S, Virgili F, Salvagno M, Mrakic-Sposta S, Fratantonio D. Pulsed Hyperoxia Acts on Plasmatic Advanced Glycation End Products and Advanced Oxidation Protein Products and Modulates Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells: A Pilot Study on the "Normobaric Oxygen Paradox". Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2394. [PMID: 38397071 PMCID: PMC10889761 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042394] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The "normobaric oxygen paradox" (NOP) describes the response to the return to normoxia after a hyperoxic event, sensed by tissues as an oxygen shortage, up-regulating redox-sensitive transcription factors. We have previously characterized the time trend of oxygen-sensitive transcription factors in human PBMCs, in which the return to normoxia after 30% oxygen is sensed as a hypoxic trigger, characterized by hypoxia-induced factor (HIF-1) activation. On the contrary, 100% and 140% oxygen induce a shift toward an oxidative stress response, characterized by NRF2 and NF-kB activation in the first 24 h post exposure. Herein, we investigate whether this paradigm triggers Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs) and Advanced Oxidation Protein Products (AOPPs) as circulating biomarkers of oxidative stress. Secondly, we studied if mitochondrial biogenesis was involved to link the cellular response to oxidative stress in human PBMCs. Our results show that AGEs and AOPPs increase in a different manner according to oxygen dose. Mitochondrial levels of peroxiredoxin (PRX3) supported the cellular response to oxidative stress and increased at 24 h after mild hyperoxia, MH (30% O2), and high hyperoxia, HH (100% O2), while during very high hyperoxia, VHH (140% O2), the activation was significantly high only at 3 h after oxygen exposure. Mitochondrial biogenesis was activated through nuclear translocation of PGC-1α in all the experimental conditions. However, the consequent release of nuclear Mitochondrial Transcription Factor A (TFAM) was observed only after MH exposure. Conversely, HH and VHH are associated with a progressive loss of NOP response in the ability to induce TFAM expression despite a nuclear translocation of PGC-1α also occurring in these conditions. This study confirms that pulsed high oxygen treatment elicits specific cellular responses, according to its partial pressure and time of administration, and further emphasizes the importance of targeting the use of oxygen to activate specific effects on the whole organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costantino Balestra
- Environmental, Occupational, Aging (Integrative) Physiology Laboratory, Haute Ecole Bruxelles-Brabant (HE2B), 1160 Brussels, Belgium
- Physical Activity Teaching Unit, Motor Sciences Department, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- DAN Europe Research Division (Roseto-Brussels), 1160 Brussels, Belgium
- Anatomical Research and Clinical Studies, Vrije Universiteit Brussels (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sara Baldelli
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Virgili
- Interuniversitary Consortium "National Institute for Bio-Structures and Bio-Systems"-I.N.B.B., 13, 00136 Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Salvagno
- Department of Intensive Care, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (HUB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Simona Mrakic-Sposta
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council (CNR), 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Deborah Fratantonio
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, LUM University, S.S. 100 Km 18, 70100 Casamassima, Italy
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3
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Fratantonio D, Munir J, Shu J, Howard K, Baier SR, Cui J, Zempleni J. The RNA cargo in small extracellular vesicles from chicken eggs is bioactive in C57BL/6 J mice and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells ex vivo. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1162679. [PMID: 37305095 PMCID: PMC10249500 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1162679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) and their RNA cargo in milk are bioavailable in humans, pigs, and mice, and their dietary depletion and supplementation elicits phenotypes. Little is known about the content and biological activity of sEVs in foods of animal origin other than milk. Here we tested the hypothesis that sEVs in chicken eggs (Gallus gallus) facilitate the transfer of RNA cargo from an avian species to humans and mice, and their dietary depletion elicits phenotypes. sEVs were purified from raw egg yolk by ultracentrifugation and authenticated by transmission electron microscopy, nano-tracking device, and immunoblots. The miRNA profile was assessed by RNA-sequencing. Bioavailability of these miRNAs in humans was assessed by egg feeding study in adults, and by culturing human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with fluorophore-labeled egg sEVs ex vivo. To further assess bioavailability, fluorophore-labeled miRNAs, encapsulated in egg sEVs, were administered to C57BL/6 J mice by oral gavage. Phenotypes of sEV RNA cargo depletion were assessed by feeding egg sEV and RNA-defined diets to mice and using spatial learning and memory in the Barnes and water mazes as experimental readouts. Egg yolk contained 6.30 × 1010 ± 6.06 × 109 sEVs/mL, which harbored eighty-three distinct miRNAs. Human PBMCs internalized sEVs and their RNA cargo. Egg sEVs, loaded with fluorophore-labeled RNA and administered orally to mice, accumulated primarily in brain, intestine and lungs. Spatial learning and memory (SLM) was compromised in mice fed on egg sEV- and RNA-depleted diet compared to controls. Egg consumption elicited an increase of miRNAs in human plasma. We conclude that egg sEVs and their RNA cargo probably are bioavailable. The human study is registered as a clinical trial and accessible at https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN77867213.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Fratantonio
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Javaria Munir
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Jiang Shu
- School of Computing, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Katherine Howard
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Scott R. Baier
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Juan Cui
- School of Computing, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Janos Zempleni
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, United States
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4
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Butnariu M, Fratantonio D, Herrera-Bravo J, Sukreet S, Martorell M, Ekaterina Robertovna G, Les F, López V, Kumar M, Pentea M, Sarac I, Becherescu A, Cruz-Martins N, Setzer WN, Iriti M, Rasul Suleria HA, Sharifi-Rad J. Plant-food-derived bioactives in managing hypertension: From current findings to upcoming effective pharmacotherapies. Curr Top Med Chem 2023; 23:589-617. [PMID: 36617707 DOI: 10.2174/1568026623666230106144509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [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: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
A sedentary lifestyle has evoked a high risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease, diabetes, and obesity, all of them with high morbimortality rates and with a common denominator, hypertension. Numerous pharmacological drugs have been used for the treatment of hypertension. However, the side effects associated with the use of existing pharmacological therapies have triggered a demand for plant-based medications. In this connection, the aim of this review was to provide an in-depth analysis of the use of plant-derived bioactives for the effective management of hypertension. Phytoconstituents from leaves, bark, stem, roots, seeds, and fruits of medicinal plants grown in our different regions of the globe have been highly searched. Among them, polyphenols (e.g., flavonoids as quercetin, anthocyanins as cyanidin, tannins as ellagic acid, stilbenes as resveratrol, lignans as honokiol and others as hydroxytyrosol or curcumin), organosulfur compounds (e.g. s-allyl cysteine and allicin), fatty acids (e.g. α-lipoic acid, DHA and oleic acid), alkaloids (e.g. berberine or tetrandrine) and some terpenes have been intensively investigated for the management of hypertension, with effective ability being stated in controlling high blood pressure and related health problems both in vivo and in vitro studies. Some of the activities presented by these bioactive compounds are reducing oxidative stress, renin-angiotensin system control, SIRT1 activation, regulating platelet aggregation and COX activity, anti-atherogenic effects, anti-inflammatory properties, vasorelaxation and other results that translate into the prevention or control of hypertension. The knowledge of these bioactive compounds is important in developing countries where traditional medicine is the majority, but it can also give rise to new approaches in hypertension therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Butnariu
- University of Life Sciences 'King Mihai I' from Timisoara, 300645, Calea Aradului 119, Timis, Romania
| | - Deborah Fratantonio
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Jesús Herrera-Bravo
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomas, 4811230 Chile.,Center of Molecular Biology and Pharmacogenetics, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, 4811230, Chile
| | - Sonal Sukreet
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0806, USA
| | - Miquel Martorell
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Centre for Healthy Living, University of Concepción, 4070386 Concepción, Chile
| | - Garsiya Ekaterina Robertovna
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Botany and Technology of Phytopreparations, Pyatigorsk Medical-Pharmaceutical Institute (PMPI), Branch of Volgograd State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia, Pyatigorsk 357532, Russia
| | - Francisco Les
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad San Jorge, 50830 Villanueva de Gállego. Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Víctor López
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad San Jorge, 50830 Villanueva de Gállego. Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Chemical and Biochemical Processing Division, ICAR - Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, Mumbai-400019, India
| | - Marius Pentea
- University of Life Sciences 'King Mihai I' from Timisoara, 300645, Calea Aradului 119, Timis, Romania
| | - Ioan Sarac
- University of Life Sciences 'King Mihai I' from Timisoara, 300645, Calea Aradului 119, Timis, Romania
| | - Alexandra Becherescu
- University of Life Sciences 'King Mihai I' from Timisoara, 300645, Calea Aradului 119, Timis, Romania
| | - Natália Cruz-Martins
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal.,Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.,TOXRUN - Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - William N Setzer
- University of Alabama in Huntsville Department of Chemistry Huntsville United States
| | - Marcello Iriti
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy.,National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), 50121 Firenze
| | - Hafiz Ansar Rasul Suleria
- Department of Agriculture and Food Systems, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
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5
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Polimeno L, Viggiani MT, Giorgio F, Polimeno L, Fratantonio D, Di Domenico M, Boccellino M, Ballini A, Topi S, Di Leo A, Santacroce L, Barone M. Possible role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in the progression of human colon precancerous lesions. Dig Liver Dis 2022; 54:1716-1720. [PMID: 35210176 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2022.01.131] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased levels of oxidative stress/cell inflammation contribute to colorectal cancer (CRC) onset. Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its controlled growth factor erv1-like (Gfer) gene regulate redox-sensitive and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, respectively, which can contribute to promoting cancer development. AIM We evaluated Nrf2 and Gfer RNA expression and Nrf2 protein expression in colon mucosa in order to establish their possible involvement in the early stage of CRC. METHODS Forty subjects were enrolled after a histological evaluation of their colon biopsies. They included 20 subjects with a sporadic colorectal adenoma (SpCA group) and 20 without precancerous lesions (controls). Biopsy samples were processed for gene expression analysis and protein expression, using Real-time PCR and immunofluorescence confocal microscopy, respectively. RESULTS Nrf2 and Gfer mRNA expression were significantly reduced (p=0.007 and p<0.003, respectively) in SpCA tissues compared to normal mucosa from controls. Furthermore, immunofluorescence analysis confirmed a relevant reduction of Nrf2 in SpCA tissue compared to normal tissue from controls. CONCLUSIONS Our data confirm the hypothesis that Nrf2 and Gfer expression may be involved in the initial hits contributing to the multistep process of colon carcinogenesis. Further larger studies are needed to confirm if Nrf2 and Gfer are potential risk/prognostic factors for cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Polimeno
- Polypheno Academic Spin Off, University of Bari "A. Moro", Policlinico, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Viggiani
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari "A. Moro", Policlinico, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Floriana Giorgio
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari "A. Moro", Policlinico, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Polimeno
- Polypheno Academic Spin Off, University of Bari "A. Moro", Policlinico, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Deborah Fratantonio
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, Campus Universitario "G. Quagliarello", University of Bari "A. Moro", 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Marina Di Domenico
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Boccellino
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Ballini
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy; School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Skender Topi
- Department of Clinical Disciplines, School of Technical Medical Sciences, University of Elbasan "A. Xhuvani", Rruga Ismail Zyma, 3001 Elbasan, Albania
| | - Alfredo Di Leo
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari "A. Moro", Policlinico, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi Santacroce
- Polypheno Academic Spin Off, University of Bari "A. Moro", Policlinico, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; Department of Clinical Disciplines, School of Technical Medical Sciences, University of Elbasan "A. Xhuvani", Rruga Ismail Zyma, 3001 Elbasan, Albania; Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Microbiology and Virology Unit, Policlinico University Hospital of Bari, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Barone
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari "A. Moro", Policlinico, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
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6
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Desideri E, Ciccarone F, Ciriolo MR, Fratantonio D. Extracellular vesicles in endothelial cells: from mediators of cell-to-cell communication to cargo delivery tools. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 172:508-520. [PMID: 34214634 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized vesicles released from most cell types that play a key role in cell-to-cell communication by carrying DNA, non-coding RNAs, proteins and lipids out of cells. The composition of EVs depends on the cell or tissue of origin and changes according to their pathophysiological conditions, making EVs a potential circulating biomarker of disease. Additionally, the natural tropism of EVs for specific organs and cells has raised the interest in their use as delivery vehicles. In this review, we provide an overview of EV biogenesis, isolation and characterization. We also discuss EVs in the context of endothelial pathophysiology, summarizing the current knowledge about their role in cell communication in quiescent and activated endothelial cells. In the last part, we describe the potential use of EVs as delivery vehicles of bioactive compounds and the current strategies to load exogenous cargo and to functionalize EVs to drive them to a specific tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Desideri
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome
| | - Fabio Ciccarone
- IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Ciriolo
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome; IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Via della Pisana 235, 00163, Rome, Italy.
| | - Deborah Fratantonio
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy.
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7
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Natarelli L, Parca L, Mazza T, Weber C, Virgili F, Fratantonio D. MicroRNAs and Long Non-Coding RNAs as Potential Candidates to Target Specific Motifs of SARS-CoV-2. Noncoding RNA 2021; 7:14. [PMID: 33670580 PMCID: PMC7931055 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna7010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [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: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The respiratory system is one of the most affected targets of SARS-CoV-2. Various therapies have been utilized to counter viral-induced inflammatory complications, with diverse success rates. Pending the distribution of an effective vaccine to the whole population and the achievement of "herd immunity", the discovery of novel specific therapies is to be considered a very important objective. Here, we report a computational study demonstrating the existence of target motifs in the SARS-CoV-2 genome suitable for specific binding with endogenous human micro and long non-coding RNAs (miRNAs and lncRNAs, respectively), which can, therefore, be considered a conceptual background for the development of miRNA-based drugs against COVID-19. The SARS-CoV-2 genome contains three motifs in the 5'UTR leader sequence recognized by selective nucleotides within the seed sequence of specific human miRNAs. The seed of 57 microRNAs contained a "GGG" motif that promoted leader sequence-recognition, primarily through offset-6mer sites able to promote microRNAs noncanonical binding to viral RNA. Similarly, lncRNA H19 binds to the 5'UTR of the viral genome and, more specifically, to the transcript of the viral gene Spike, which has a pivotal role in viral infection. Notably, some of the non-coding RNAs identified in our study as candidates for inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 gene expression have already been proposed against diverse viral infections, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Natarelli
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), 800336 Munich, Germany
| | - Luca Parca
- IRCCS Casa sollievo della Sofferenza, Laboratory of Bioinformatics, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy; (L.P.); (T.M.)
| | - Tommaso Mazza
- IRCCS Casa sollievo della Sofferenza, Laboratory of Bioinformatics, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy; (L.P.); (T.M.)
| | - Christian Weber
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), 800336 Munich, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Fabio Virgili
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Center for Food and Nutrition, 00178 Rome, Italy;
| | - Deborah Fratantonio
- Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, Department of Biosciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy;
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8
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Raho S, Capobianco L, Malivindi R, Vozza A, Piazzolla C, De Leonardis F, Gorgoglione R, Scarcia P, Pezzuto F, Agrimi G, Barile SN, Pisano I, Reshkin SJ, Greco MR, Cardone RA, Rago V, Li Y, Marobbio CMT, Sommergruber W, Riley CL, Lasorsa FM, Mills E, Vegliante MC, De Benedetto GE, Fratantonio D, Palmieri L, Dolce V, Fiermonte G. KRAS-regulated glutamine metabolism requires UCP2-mediated aspartate transport to support pancreatic cancer growth. Nat Metab 2020; 2:1373-1381. [PMID: 33230296 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-020-00315-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The oncogenic KRAS mutation has a critical role in the initiation of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) since it rewires glutamine metabolism to increase reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) production, balancing cellular redox homeostasis with macromolecular synthesis1,2. Mitochondrial glutamine-derived aspartate must be transported into the cytosol to generate metabolic precursors for NADPH production2. The mitochondrial transporter responsible for this aspartate efflux has remained elusive. Here, we show that mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) catalyses this transport and promotes tumour growth. UCP2-silenced KRASmut cell lines display decreased glutaminolysis, lower NADPH/NADP+ and glutathione/glutathione disulfide ratios and higher reactive oxygen species levels compared to wild-type counterparts. UCP2 silencing reduces glutaminolysis also in KRASWT PDAC cells but does not affect their redox homeostasis or proliferation rates. In vitro and in vivo, UCP2 silencing strongly suppresses KRASmut PDAC cell growth. Collectively, these results demonstrate that UCP2 plays a vital role in PDAC, since its aspartate transport activity connects the mitochondrial and cytosolic reactions necessary for KRASmut rewired glutamine metabolism2, and thus it should be considered a key metabolic target for the treatment of this refractory tumour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Raho
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Loredana Capobianco
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Rocco Malivindi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Angelo Vozza
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Carmela Piazzolla
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco De Leonardis
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Ruggiero Gorgoglione
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Pasquale Scarcia
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Pezzuto
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Gennaro Agrimi
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Simona N Barile
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Isabella Pisano
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Stephan J Reshkin
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria R Greco
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Rosa A Cardone
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Vittoria Rago
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Faculty of Biological Engineering, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Yibin, China
| | - Carlo M T Marobbio
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesco M Lasorsa
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Institute of Biomembranes and Bioenergetics, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bari, Italy
| | - Edward Mills
- Division of Pharmacy and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Maria C Vegliante
- Hematology and Cell Therapy Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere scientifico-Istituto Tumori 'Giovanni Paolo II', Bari, Italy
| | | | - Deborah Fratantonio
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi Palmieri
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Institute of Biomembranes and Bioenergetics, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenza Dolce
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Fiermonte
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
- Institute of Biomembranes and Bioenergetics, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bari, Italy.
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9
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Ahmed S, Khan H, Fratantonio D, Hasan MM, Sharifi S, Fathi N, Ullah H, Rastrelli L. Apoptosis induced by luteolin in breast cancer: Mechanistic and therapeutic perspectives. Phytomedicine 2019; 59:152883. [PMID: 30986716 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2019.152883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is worldwide commonly found malignancy in women and effective treatment is regarded as a huge clinical challenge even in the presence of several options. Extensive literature is available that demonstrating polyphenols, the richly introduce phytopharmaceuticals as anticancer agents. Among these polyphenols, resveratrol, silibinin, quercetin, genistein, curcumin reported to have an awesome potential against breast cancer. However, till now no comprehensive survey found about the anticarcinogenic properties of luteolin against breast cancer. SCOPE AND APPROACH This review targeted the available literature on luteolin in the treatment of breast cancer, effects in combination with other anticancer drugs with possible mechanisms. KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION An outstanding therapeutic potential of luteolin in the treatment of breast cancer has been recorded not just as a chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent yet complemented by its synergistic effects with other anticancer therapies such as cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and NSAID such as celecoxib, and possible underlying mechanisms. Ideally, this review will open new dimensions for luteolin as an effective and safe therapeutic agent in diminishing breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salman Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali khan University Mardan 23200, Pakistan.
| | - Deborah Fratantonio
- "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital-IRCCS, Research Laboratories, V.le di San Paolo 15, 00146, Rome, Italy.
| | - Muhammad Mohtasheemul Hasan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - Simin Sharifi
- Dental and Periodontal Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nazanin Fathi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hammad Ullah
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali khan University Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Luca Rastrelli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084, Fisciano, Italy
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10
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Fratantonio D, Molonia MS, Bashllari R, Muscarà C, Ferlazzo G, Costa G, Saija A, Cimino F, Speciale A. Curcumin potentiates the antitumor activity of Paclitaxel in rat glioma C6 cells. Phytomedicine 2019; 55:23-30. [PMID: 30668434 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2018.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioma is the most common primary cancer in central nervous system, especially in brain. Paclitaxel (PTX) is a microtubule stabilizing agent with anticancer potential, but its clinical application to brain tumours is limited by drug resistance, side effects, and lower brain penetration. PURPOSE Herein we explored the in vitro effects, in glioma C6 cells, of the combination of PTX with curcumin, a natural compound with chemotherapeutic activity, in order to improve cytotoxic effects and overcome PTX limitations. RESULTS Our data confirmed PTX antiproliferative activity that was improved by curcumin. These effects were confirmed by clonogenic assay and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. PTX significantly promoted generation of intracellular reactive species (RS), while curcumin did not affect RS production; the combination of the two drugs resulted in a slight but significant increase in RS levels. Furthermore, we found a constitutive activation of NF-κB in C6 cell line that was inhibited by PTX and curcumin. Interestingly, combination of the drugs totally inhibited NF-κB nuclear translocation and reduced IκB phosphorylation. Our results also supported the involvement of p53-p21 axis in the anticancer effects of curcumin and PTX. The combination of the two drugs further increased p53 and p21 levels enhancing the antiproliferative effects. Furthermore, PTX plus curcumin most impressively activated caspase-3, effector of apoptosis pathways, and reduced the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that combination of PTX and curcumin exerts a potentiated anti-glioma efficacy in vitro that may help in reducing dosage and/or minimizing side effects of cytotoxic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Fratantonio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Sofia Molonia
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Romina Bashllari
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Claudia Muscarà
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Guido Ferlazzo
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biotherapy, Dept. of Human Pathology, Center of Research Cell Factory UniMe, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Gregorio Costa
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biotherapy, Dept. of Human Pathology, Center of Research Cell Factory UniMe, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonella Saija
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Cimino
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy.
| | - Antonio Speciale
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
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11
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Fratantonio D, Speciale A, Molonia MS, Bashllari R, Palumbo M, Saija A, Cimino F, Monastra G, Virgili F. Alpha-lipoic acid, but not di-hydrolipoic acid, activates Nrf2 response in primary human umbilical-vein endothelial cells and protects against TNF-α induced endothelium dysfunction. Arch Biochem Biophys 2018; 655:18-25. [PMID: 30096293 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The antioxidants role in cell response regulation attracted great interest in the last decades and it is undergoing to a profound reconsideration. The mere concept of "biological antioxidant" has been frequently misconceived or misused, possibly leading to the misinterpretation of some experimental observation. Organosulfur compounds in general and α-lipoic acid, a dithiol molecule, can be considered a typical example of the kind. Reduced α-lipoic acid, dehydrolipoic acid has been in fact originally considered a bona fide, reducing, electron donor molecule. A more recent approach, according to stoichiometric and thermodynamic evidences, lead to a reinterpretation of the biochemical role of "antioxidants". The electrophilic nature of oxidized nucleophilic molecules, including α-lipoic acid, renders more plausible a mechanism based on the ability to activate Nrf2/EpRE mediated hormetic response. In this study, we demonstrate that nmolar concentrations of oxidized α-lipoic acid, but not dehydrolipoic acid, protect human umbilical primary endothelial cells (HUVEC) from TNF-α induced dysfunction, inhibit NF-κB activation and block apoptosis following the activation of Nrf2 transcription factor. Our observations corroborate the concept that the major, if not the unique, mechanism by which α-lipoic acid can non-enzymatically exert its reducing activity is related to the electrophilic nature of the oxidized form.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Fratantonio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - A Speciale
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - M S Molonia
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - R Bashllari
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - M Palumbo
- Institute of Obstetric and Gynecological Pathology, Santo Bambino Hospital, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - A Saija
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - F Cimino
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - G Monastra
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - F Virgili
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics - Food and Nutrition Research Centre (CREA - AN), Italy
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12
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Fratantonio D, Cimino F, Speciale A, Virgili F. Need (more than) two to Tango: Multiple tools to adapt to changes in oxygen availability. Biofactors 2018; 44:207-218. [PMID: 29485192 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Oxygen is a fundamental element for the life of a large number of living organisms allowing an efficient energetic utilization of substrates. Organisms relying on oxygen evolved complex structures for oxygen delivery and biochemical machineries dealing with its safe utilization and the ability to overcome the potentially harmful consequences of changes in oxygen availability. On fact, cells composing complex Eukaryotic organisms are set to live within an optimum narrow range of oxygen, quite specific for each cell type. Minute modifications of oxygen availability, either positive or negative, induce the expression of specific genes, the major actors of this responses being the transcription factors HIF and Nrf2 that control the attempt to cope with low oxygen (hypoxia) or to either high oxygen or to an oxygen "overflow," respectively. This review describes the interaction between these two transcription factors and their interaction with the transcription factor NF-κB acting as a pivotal determinant of final cell response. © 2018 BioFactors, 44(3):207-218, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Fratantonio
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Francesco Cimino
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Speciale
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Fabio Virgili
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics-Food and Nutrition Research Centre (CREA-AN), Rome, Italy
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13
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Fratantonio D, Speciale A, Canali R, Natarelli L, Ferrari D, Saija A, Virgili F, Cimino F. Low nanomolar caffeic acid attenuates high glucose-induced endothelial dysfunction in primary human umbilical-vein endothelial cells by affecting NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways. Biofactors 2017; 43:54-62. [PMID: 27412371 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hyperglycemia contributes to dysregulate endothelial function associated with diabetes, leading to initiation and propagation of vascular complications and dysfunction. Caffeic acid (CA), a dietary hydroxycinnamic acid abundant in coffee, has been reported to exert antidiabetic effects in rat models. Herein, we investigated the molecular effects of physiological concentrations of CA (10 nM) against endothelial dysfunction induced by high glucose (HG) in human endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs were exposed to HG 25 mM, to mimic diabetic condition, in presence of CA. Intracellular redox status (reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant activity levels), and NF-κB pathway were examined. We also evaluated the involvement of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/electrophile responsive element (EpRE) pathway. Our data show that CA inhibits HG-induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB and the downstream expression of endothelial adhesion molecule 1 and restores antioxidant levels by upregulating Nrf2/EpRE pathway. Our data suggest that CA can suppress several aspects of HG-induced endothelial dysfunction through the modulation of intracellular redox status controlled by the transcription factor Nrf2. These findings highlight that low physiological concentration of CA achievable specifically upon food consumption are able to prevent endothelial dysfunction associated with inflammation and oxidative stress induced by high concentration of glucose. © 2016 BioFactors, 43(1):54-62, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Fratantonio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Speciale
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Raffaella Canali
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Food and Nutrition Research Centre, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Natarelli
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Food and Nutrition Research Centre, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Ferrari
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Antonina Saija
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Fabio Virgili
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Food and Nutrition Research Centre, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Cimino
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Italy
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14
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Fratantonio D, Cimino F, Molonia MS, Ferrari D, Saija A, Virgili F, Speciale A. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside ameliorates palmitate-induced insulin resistance by modulating IRS-1 phosphorylation and release of endothelial derived vasoactive factors. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2016; 1862:351-357. [PMID: 28011403 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2016.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Increased plasma levels of free fatty acids, including palmitic acid (PA), cause insulin resistance in endothelium characterized by a decreased synthesis of insulin-mediated vasodilator nitric oxide (NO), and by an increased production of the vasoconstrictor protein, endothelin-1. Several in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that anthocyanins, natural phenols commonly present in food and vegetables from Mediterranean Diet, exert significant cardiovascular health-promoting activities. These effects are possibly mediated by a positive regulation of the transcription factor Nrf2 and activation of cellular antioxidant and cytoprotective genes. The present study examined, at a molecular level, the effects of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), a widely distributed anthocyanin, on PA-induced endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Our results indicate that C3G pretreatment effectively reverses the effects of PA on PI3K/Akt axis, and restores eNOS expression and NO release, altered by PA. We observed that these effects were exerted by changes on the phosphorylation of IRS-1 on specific serine and tyrosine residues modulated by PA through the modulation of JNK and IKK activity. Furthermore, silencing Nrf2 transcripts demonstrated that the protective effects of C3G are directly related to the activation of Nrf2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Fratantonio
- Dep. of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, 98168, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Cimino
- Dep. of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, 98168, Messina, Italy.
| | - Maria Sofia Molonia
- Dep. of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, 98168, Messina, Italy
| | - Daniela Ferrari
- Dep. of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, 98168, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonella Saija
- Dep. of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, 98168, Messina, Italy
| | - Fabio Virgili
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Food and Nutrition Research Centre, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Speciale
- Dep. of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, 98168, Messina, Italy
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15
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Ferrari D, Speciale A, Cristani M, Fratantonio D, Molonia MS, Ranaldi G, Saija A, Cimino F. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside inhibits NF-kB signalling in intestinal epithelial cells exposed to TNF-α and exerts protective effects via Nrf2 pathway activation. Toxicol Lett 2016; 264:51-58. [PMID: 27793764 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2016.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [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: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Chronic intestinal inflammatory disorders, such as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs), are characterized by excessive release of proinflammatory mediators, intestinal barrier dysfunction and excessive activation of NF-kB cascade. Previous studies shown that TNF-α plays a central role in intestinal inflammation of IBDs and supported beneficial effects of flavonoids against chronic inflammatory diseases. In this study, we employed an in vitro model of acute intestinal inflammation using intestinal Caco-2 cells exposed to TNF-α. The protective effects of cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), an anthocyanin widely distributed in mediterranean diet, were then evaluated. Caco-2 cells exposure to TNF-α activated NF-kB proinflammatory pathway and induced IL6 and COX-2 expression. Cells pretreatment for 24h with C3G (20-40μM) prevented TNF-α-induced changes, and improved intracellular redox status. Our results demonstrated that C3G, also without any kind of stimulus, increased the translocation of the transcription factor Nrf2 into the nucleus so activating antioxidant and detoxifying genes. In conclusion, C3G exhibited protective effects through the inhibition of NF-kB signalling in Caco-2 cells and these beneficial effects appear to be due to its ability to activate cellular protective responses modulated by Nrf2. These data suggest that anthocyanins could contribute, as complementary or preventive approaches, to the management of chronic inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Ferrari
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Italy.
| | - Antonio Speciale
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Italy.
| | - Mariateresa Cristani
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Italy.
| | - Deborah Fratantonio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Italy.
| | - Maria Sofia Molonia
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Italy.
| | - Giulia Ranaldi
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Food and Nutrition Research Centre, (CREA - NUT), Rome, Italy.
| | - Antonella Saija
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Italy.
| | - Francesco Cimino
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Italy.
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16
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Anwar S, Fratantonio D, Ferrari D, Saija A, Cimino F, Speciale A. Berry anthocyanins reduce proliferation of human colorectal carcinoma cells by inducing caspase-3 activation and p21 upregulation. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:1397-403. [PMID: 27314273 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer worldwide, and adenocarcinoma cells that form the majority of colorectal tumors are markedly resistant to antineoplastic agents. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that consumption of fruits and vegetables that are rich in polyphenols, is linked to reduced risk of colorectal cancer. In the present study, the effect of a standardized anthocyanin (ACN)‑rich extract on proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle in the Caco-2 human colorectal cancer cell line was evaluated by trypan blue and clonogenic assays and western blot analysis of cleaved caspase‑3 and p21Waf/Cif1. The results of the current study demonstrated that the ACN extract markedly decreased Caco‑2 cell proliferation, induced apoptosis by activating caspase‑3 cleavage, and upregulated cyclin‑dependent kinase inhibitor 1 (p21Waf/Cif1) expression in a dose dependent manner. Furthermore, ACN extract was able to produce a dose‑dependent increase of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Caco‑2 cells, together with a light increase of the cell total antioxidant status. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that a standardized berry anthocyanin rich extract inhibited proliferation of Caco‑2 cells by promoting ROS accumulation, inducing caspase‑3 activation, and upregulating the expression of p21Waf/Cif1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirajudheen Anwar
- Department of Drug Sciences and Health Products, University of Messina, I‑98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Deborah Fratantonio
- Department of Drug Sciences and Health Products, University of Messina, I‑98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Daniela Ferrari
- Department of Drug Sciences and Health Products, University of Messina, I‑98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonella Saija
- Department of Drug Sciences and Health Products, University of Messina, I‑98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Cimino
- Department of Drug Sciences and Health Products, University of Messina, I‑98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Speciale
- Department of Drug Sciences and Health Products, University of Messina, I‑98168 Messina, Italy
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17
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Cristani M, Speciale A, Mancari F, Arcoraci T, Ferrari D, Fratantonio D, Saija A, Cimino F, Trombetta D. Protective activity of an anthocyanin-rich extract from bilberries and blackcurrants on acute acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Nat Prod Res 2016; 30:2845-2849. [PMID: 26998559 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2016.1160235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Acetaminophen (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol, APAP) overdosage can produce fatal centrilobular hepatic necrosis in humans. The present study attempted to investigate the protective effect of an anthocyanin-rich extract from bilberries and blackcurrants (AE) against APAP-induced acute hepatic damage in rats. Treatment with AE normalised blood activities of glutamate oxaloacetate and glutamate pyruvate transaminase and prevented APAP-induced plasmatic and tissutal alterations in biomarkers of oxidative stress, probably due to various bioproperties of the components of the extract.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cristani
- a Department of Drug Sciences and Health Products , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - A Speciale
- a Department of Drug Sciences and Health Products , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - F Mancari
- a Department of Drug Sciences and Health Products , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - T Arcoraci
- a Department of Drug Sciences and Health Products , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - D Ferrari
- a Department of Drug Sciences and Health Products , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - D Fratantonio
- a Department of Drug Sciences and Health Products , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - A Saija
- a Department of Drug Sciences and Health Products , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - F Cimino
- a Department of Drug Sciences and Health Products , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - D Trombetta
- a Department of Drug Sciences and Health Products , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
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