1
|
Longhitano L, Distefano A, Musso N, Bonacci P, Orlando L, Giallongo S, Tibullo D, Denaro S, Lazzarino G, Ferrigno J, Nicolosi A, Alanazi AM, Salomone F, Tropea E, Barbagallo IA, Bramanti V, Li Volti G, Lazzarino G, Torella D, Amorini AM. (+)-Lipoic acid reduces mitochondrial unfolded protein response and attenuates oxidative stress and aging in an in vitro model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. J Transl Med 2024; 22:82. [PMID: 38245790 PMCID: PMC10799515 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04880-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a liver disorder characterized by the ac-cumulation of fat in hepatocytes without alcohol consumption. Mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress play significant roles in NAFLD pathogenesis. The unfolded protein response in mitochondria (UPRmt) is an adaptive mechanism that aims to restore mitochondrial protein homeostasis and mitigate cellular stress. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ( +)-Lipoic acid (ALA) on UPRmt, inflammation, and oxidative stress in an in vitro model of NAFLD using HepG2 cells treated with palmitic acid and oleic acid to induce steatosis. RESULTS Treatment with palmitic and oleic acids increased UPRmt-related proteins HSP90 and HSP60 (heat shock protein), and decreased CLPP (caseinolytic protease P), indicating ER stress activation. ALA treatment at 1 μM and 5 μM restored UPRmt-related protein levels. PA:OA (palmitic acid:oleic acid)-induced ER stress markers IRE1α (Inositol requiring enzyme-1), CHOP (C/EBP Homologous Protein), BIP (Binding Immunoglobulin Protein), and BAX (Bcl-2-associated X protein) were significantly reduced by ALA treatment. ALA also enhanced ER-mediated protein glycosylation and reduced oxidative stress, as evidenced by decreased GPX1 (Glutathione peroxidase 1), GSTP1 (glutathione S-transferase pi 1), and GSR (glutathione-disulfide reductase) expression and increased GSH (Glutathione) levels, and improved cellular senescence as shown by the markers β-galactosidase, γH2Ax and Klotho-beta. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, ALA ameliorated ER stress, oxidative stress, and inflammation in HepG2 cells treated with palmitic and oleic acids, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for NAFLD providing a possible biochemical mechanism underlying ALA beneficial effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Longhitano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Alfio Distefano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Nicolò Musso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonacci
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Laura Orlando
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Giallongo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Daniele Tibullo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Simona Denaro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lazzarino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Jessica Ferrigno
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Anna Nicolosi
- Hospital Pharmacy Unit, Ospedale Cannizzaro, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Amer M Alanazi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Federico Salomone
- Division of Gastroenterology, Ospedale Di Acireale, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale Di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Emanuela Tropea
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Vincenzo Bramanti
- U.O.S. Laboratory Analysis, Maggiore "Nino Baglieri" Hospital - ASP Ragusa, 97015, Modica (RG), Italy
| | - Giovanni Li Volti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Lazzarino
- UniCamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via Di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Torella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Angela Maria Amorini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Urzì AG, Tropea E, Gattuso G, Spoto G, Marsala G, Calina D, Libra M, Falzone L. Ketogenic Diet and Breast Cancer: Recent Findings and Therapeutic Approaches. Nutrients 2023; 15:4357. [PMID: 37892432 PMCID: PMC10609494 DOI: 10.3390/nu15204357] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC), a complex disease with several influencing factors, is significantly impacted by dietary habits. The ketogenic diet (KD), characterized by high fat and low carbohydrate intake, has gained attention as a potential therapeutic approach, but its effects on BC remain unclear. This review seeks to summarize the current knowledge on the principles of the KD, its metabolic influence on BC cells, and the findings of recent clinical trials, in order to elucidate the potential therapeutic role of the KD in BC management. For these purposes, a comprehensive literature review was conducted selecting preclinical and clinical studies that investigate the relationship between the KD and BC. The selection criteria prioritized studies exploring the KD's metabolic effects on BC cells and current clinical trials involving the KD in BC management. The reviewed studies provide a diverse range of findings, with some suggesting potential benefits of the KD in inhibiting tumor growth and improving treatment response. However, robust clinical trials providing clear evidence of the KD's efficacy as a standalone therapeutic approach in BC are still lacking. There are also significant concerns regarding the safety and long-term effects of sustained ketosis in cancer patients. The therapeutic potential of the KD in BC remains an area of active research and debate. While preliminary findings are promising, definitive conclusions are hindered by inconsistent results and limited human trial data. Future research, specifically well-structured, large-scale clinical trials, is necessary to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of the KD in BC treatment. Until then, caution should be exercised in its application, and patients should continue prioritizing evidence-based, standard-of-care treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alfio Giuseppe Urzì
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.G.U.); (G.G.)
| | - Emanuela Tropea
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.G.U.); (G.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Gattuso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.G.U.); (G.G.)
| | - Graziana Spoto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.G.U.); (G.G.)
| | - Gabriella Marsala
- Dipartimento del Farmaco, U.O.C. di Farmaceutica Convenzionata, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.G.U.); (G.G.)
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Falzone
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Longhitano L, Distefano A, Amorini AM, Orlando L, Giallongo S, Tibullo D, Lazzarino G, Nicolosi A, Alanazi AM, Saoca C, Macaione V, Aguennouz M, Salomone F, Tropea E, Barbagallo IA, Volti GL, Lazzarino G. (+)-Lipoic Acid Reduces Lipotoxicity and Regulates Mitochondrial Homeostasis and Energy Balance in an In Vitro Model of Liver Steatosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14491. [PMID: 37833939 PMCID: PMC10572323 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914491] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by the accumulation of lipids within hepatocytes, which compromises liver functionality following mitochondrial dysfunction and increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Lipoic acid is one of the prosthetic groups of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex also known for its ability to confer protection from oxidative damage because of its antioxidant properties. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of lipoic acid on lipotoxicity and mitochondrial dynamics in an in vitro model of liver steatosis. HepG2 cells were treated with palmitic acid and oleic acid (1:2) to induce steatosis, without and with 1 and 5 µM lipoic acid. Following treatments, cell proliferation and lipid droplets accumulation were evaluated. Mitochondrial functions were assessed through the evaluation of membrane potential, MitoTracker Red staining, expression of genes of the mitochondrial quality control, and analysis of energy metabolism by HPLC and Seahorse. We showed that lipoic acid treatment restored membrane potential to values comparable to control cells, as well as protected cells from mitochondrial fragmentation following PA:OA treatment. Furthermore, our data showed that lipoic acid was able to determine an increase in the expression of mitochondrial fusion genes and a decrease in mitochondrial fission genes, as well as to restore the bioenergetics of cells after treatment with palmitic acid and oleic acid. In conclusion, our data suggest that lipoic acid reduces lipotoxicity and improves mitochondrial functions in an in vitro model of steatosis, thus providing a potentially valuable pharmacological tool for NAFLD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Longhitano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.L.); (A.D.); (A.M.A.); (L.O.); (S.G.); (D.T.); (G.L.); (E.T.); (I.A.B.)
| | - Alfio Distefano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.L.); (A.D.); (A.M.A.); (L.O.); (S.G.); (D.T.); (G.L.); (E.T.); (I.A.B.)
| | - Angela Maria Amorini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.L.); (A.D.); (A.M.A.); (L.O.); (S.G.); (D.T.); (G.L.); (E.T.); (I.A.B.)
| | - Laura Orlando
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.L.); (A.D.); (A.M.A.); (L.O.); (S.G.); (D.T.); (G.L.); (E.T.); (I.A.B.)
| | - Sebastiano Giallongo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.L.); (A.D.); (A.M.A.); (L.O.); (S.G.); (D.T.); (G.L.); (E.T.); (I.A.B.)
| | - Daniele Tibullo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.L.); (A.D.); (A.M.A.); (L.O.); (S.G.); (D.T.); (G.L.); (E.T.); (I.A.B.)
| | - Giuseppe Lazzarino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.L.); (A.D.); (A.M.A.); (L.O.); (S.G.); (D.T.); (G.L.); (E.T.); (I.A.B.)
| | - Anna Nicolosi
- Hospital Pharmacy Unit, Ospedale Cannizzaro, 95125 Catania, Italy;
| | - Amer M. Alanazi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Concetta Saoca
- Department Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (C.S.); (V.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Vincenzo Macaione
- Department Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (C.S.); (V.M.); (M.A.)
| | - M’hammed Aguennouz
- Department Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (C.S.); (V.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Federico Salomone
- Division of Gastroenterology, Ospedale di Acireale, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale di Catania, 95024 Catania, Italy;
| | - Emanuela Tropea
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.L.); (A.D.); (A.M.A.); (L.O.); (S.G.); (D.T.); (G.L.); (E.T.); (I.A.B.)
| | - Ignazio Alberto Barbagallo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.L.); (A.D.); (A.M.A.); (L.O.); (S.G.); (D.T.); (G.L.); (E.T.); (I.A.B.)
| | - Giovanni Li Volti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.L.); (A.D.); (A.M.A.); (L.O.); (S.G.); (D.T.); (G.L.); (E.T.); (I.A.B.)
| | - Giacomo Lazzarino
- Departmental Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, UniCamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant’Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Giallongo S, Costa F, Longhitano L, Giallongo C, Ferrigno J, Tropea E, Vicario N, Li Volti G, Parenti R, Barbagallo I, Bramanti V, Tibullo D. The Pleiotropic Effects of Fumarate: From Mitochondrial Respiration to Epigenetic Rewiring and DNA Repair Mechanisms. Metabolites 2023; 13:880. [PMID: 37512586 PMCID: PMC10384640 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13070880] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor onset and its progression are strictly linked to its metabolic rewiring on the basis of the Warburg effect. In this context, fumarate emerged as a putative oncometabolite mediating cancer progression. Fumarate accumulation is usually driven by fumarate hydratase (FH) loss of function, the enzyme responsible for the reversible conversion of fumarate into malate. Fumarate accumulation acts as a double edge sword: on one hand it takes part in the metabolic rewiring of cancer cells, while on the other it also plays a crucial role in chromatin architecture reorganization. The latter is achieved by competing with a-ketoglutarate-dependent enzymes, eventually altering the cellular methylome profile, which in turn leads to its transcriptome modeling. Furthermore, in recent years, it has emerged that FH has an ability to recruit DNA double strand breaks. The accumulation of fumarate into damaged sites might also determine the DNA repair pathway in charge for the seizure of the lesion, eventually affecting the mutational state of the cells. In this work, we aimed to review the current knowledge on the role of fumarate as an oncometabolite orchestrating the cellular epigenetic landscape and DNA repair machinery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiano Giallongo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Costa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Lucia Longhitano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Cesarina Giallongo
- Department of Medical-Surgical Science and Advanced Technologies "Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Jessica Ferrigno
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Emanuela Tropea
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Nunzio Vicario
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Li Volti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Ignazio Barbagallo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Daniele Tibullo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| |
Collapse
|