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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: 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] [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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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: 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: 12/20/2021] [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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Sipos S, Moacă EA, Pavel IZ, Avram Ş, Crețu OM, Coricovac D, Racoviceanu RM, Ghiulai R, Pană RD, Şoica CM, Borcan F, Dehelean CA, Crăiniceanu Z. Melissa officinalis L. Aqueous Extract Exerts Antioxidant and Antiangiogenic Effects and Improves Physiological Skin Parameters. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26082369. [PMID: 33921730 PMCID: PMC8073307 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Melissa officinalis (MO) is a medicinal plant well-known for its multiple pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer and beneficial effects on skin recovery. In this context, the present study was aimed to investigate the in vitro and in vivo safety profile of an MO aqueous extract by assessing cell viability on normal (HaCaT-human keratinocytes) and tumor (A375-human melanoma) cells and its impact on physiological skin parameters by a non-invasive method. In addition, the antioxidant activity and the antiangiogenic potential of the extract were verified. A selective cytotoxic effect was noted in A375 cells, while no toxicity was noticed in healthy cells. The MO aqueous extract safety profile after topical application was investigated on SKH-1 mice, and an enhanced skin hydration and decreased erythema and transepidermal water loss levels were observed. The in ovo CAM assay, performed to investigate the potential modulating effect on the angiogenesis process and the blood vessels impact, indicated that at concentrations of 100 and 500 µg/mL, MO aqueous extract induced a reduction of thin capillaries. No signs of vascular toxicity were recorded at concentrations as high as 1000 μg/mL. The aqueous extract of MO leaves can be considered a promising candidate for skin disorders with impaired physiological skin parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Sipos
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Elena-Alina Moacă
- Department of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (E.-A.M.); (D.C.); (C.A.D.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (R.-M.R.); (R.G.); (C.M.Ş.)
| | - Ioana Zinuca Pavel
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (R.-M.R.); (R.G.); (C.M.Ş.)
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Correspondence: (I.Z.P.); (Ş.A.)
| | - Ştefana Avram
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (R.-M.R.); (R.G.); (C.M.Ş.)
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Correspondence: (I.Z.P.); (Ş.A.)
| | - Octavian Marius Crețu
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Dorina Coricovac
- Department of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (E.-A.M.); (D.C.); (C.A.D.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (R.-M.R.); (R.G.); (C.M.Ş.)
| | - Roxana-Marcela Racoviceanu
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (R.-M.R.); (R.G.); (C.M.Ş.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Ghiulai
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (R.-M.R.); (R.G.); (C.M.Ş.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Ramona Daniela Pană
- Department VIII—Neuroscience, Discipline of Medical Deontology. Bioethics, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Codruţa Marinela Şoica
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (R.-M.R.); (R.G.); (C.M.Ş.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Florin Borcan
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Cristina Adriana Dehelean
- Department of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (E.-A.M.); (D.C.); (C.A.D.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (R.-M.R.); (R.G.); (C.M.Ş.)
| | - Zorin Crăiniceanu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
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Borcan F, Len A, Dehelean CA, Dudás Z, Ghiulai R, Iftode A, Racoviceanu R, Soica CM. Design and Assessment of a Polyurethane Carrier Used for the Transmembrane Transfer of Acyclovir. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2020; 11:nano11010051. [PMID: 33379150 PMCID: PMC7823466 DOI: 10.3390/nano11010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
THE Herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1, HSV-2) are responsible for a wide variety of conditions, from cutaneous-mucosal to central nervous system (CNS) infections and occasional infections of the visceral organs, some of them with a lethal end. Acyclovir is often used intravenously, orally, or locally to treat herpetic infections but it must be administered with caution to patients with kidney disease and to children of early age. The main objectives of this study were to synthesize and evaluate new polyurethane nanoparticles that might be used as proper transmembrane carriers for acyclovir. Polyurethane particles were obtained by a polyaddition process: a mixture of two aliphatic diisocyanates used as organic phase was added to a mixture of butanediol and polyethylene glycol used as aqueous phase. Two different samples (with and without acyclovir, respectively) were synthesized and characterized by UV-Vis spectra in order to assess the encapsulation efficacy and the release profile, FT-IR, DSC, SEM, and SANS for structural characterization, as well as skin irritation tests. Nearly homogeneous samples with particle sizes between 78 and 91 nm have been prepared and characterized revealing a medium tendency to form clusters and a high resistance to heat up to 300 °C. The release profile of these nanoparticles is characteristic to a drug delivery system with a late discharge of the loaded active agents. Very slight increases in the level of transepidermal water loss and erythema were found in a 15-day evaluation on human skin. The results suggest the synthesis of a non-irritative carrier with a high encapsulation efficacy that can be successfully used for the transmembrane transfer of acyclovir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florin Borcan
- Department I, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Adél Len
- Neutron Spectroscopy Department, Centre for Energy Research, H-1121 Budapest, Hungary;
- Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Cristina A. Dehelean
- Department II, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.A.D.); (A.I.); (R.R.); (C.M.S.)
| | - Zoltán Dudás
- Neutron Spectroscopy Department, Centre for Energy Research, H-1121 Budapest, Hungary;
- “Coriolan Drăgulescu” Institute of Chemistry, 300223 Timisoara, Romania
- Correspondence: (Z.D.); (R.G.); Tel.: +36-1-392-2222/1849 (Z.D.); +40-723-326-823 (R.G.)
| | - Roxana Ghiulai
- Department II, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.A.D.); (A.I.); (R.R.); (C.M.S.)
- Correspondence: (Z.D.); (R.G.); Tel.: +36-1-392-2222/1849 (Z.D.); +40-723-326-823 (R.G.)
| | - Andrada Iftode
- Department II, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.A.D.); (A.I.); (R.R.); (C.M.S.)
| | - Roxana Racoviceanu
- Department II, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.A.D.); (A.I.); (R.R.); (C.M.S.)
| | - Codruta M. Soica
- Department II, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.A.D.); (A.I.); (R.R.); (C.M.S.)
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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:molecules25235557. [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] [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
- Correspondence: (D.S.A.); (M.V.); Tel.: +40-256-494-604 (D.S.A. & M.V.)
| | - 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
- Correspondence: (D.S.A.); (M.V.); Tel.: +40-256-494-604 (D.S.A. & M.V.)
| | - 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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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:molecules25215130. [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] [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
- Correspondence: (M.V.); (R.G.); Tel.: +40-745-763-424 (M.V.); +40-723-326-823 (R.G.)
| | - 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.)
- Correspondence: (M.V.); (R.G.); Tel.: +40-745-763-424 (M.V.); +40-723-326-823 (R.G.)
| | - 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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Farcas CG, Dehelean C, Pinzaru IA, Mioc M, Socoliuc V, Moaca EA, Avram S, Ghiulai R, Coricovac D, Pavel I, Alla PK, Cretu OM, Soica C, Loghin F. Thermosensitive Betulinic Acid-Loaded Magnetoliposomes: A Promising Antitumor Potential for Highly Aggressive Human Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells Under Hyperthermic Conditions. Int J Nanomedicine 2020; 15:8175-8200. [PMID: 33122905 PMCID: PMC7591238 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s269630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [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: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Breast cancer presents one of the highest rates of prevalence around the world. Despite this, the current breast cancer therapy is characterized by significant side effects and high risk of recurrence. The present work aimed to develop a new therapeutic strategy that may improve the current breast cancer therapy by developing a heat-sensitive liposomal nano-platform suitable to incorporate both anti-tumor betulinic acid (BA) compound and magnetic iron nanoparticles (MIONPs), in order to address both remote drug release and hyperthermia-inducing features. To address the above-mentioned biomedical purposes, the nanocarrier must possess specific features such as specific phase transition temperature, diameter below 200 nm, superparamagnetic properties and heating capacity. Moreover, the anti-tumor activity of the developed nanocarrier should significantly affect human breast adenocarcinoma cells. Methods BA-loaded magnetoliposomes and corresponding controls (BA-free liposomes and liposomes containing no magnetic payload) were obtained through the thin-layer hydration method. The quality and stability of the multifunctional platforms were physico-chemically analysed by the means of RAMAN, scanning electron microscopy-EDAX, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential and DSC analysis. Besides this, the magnetic characterization of magnetoliposomes was performed in terms of superparamagnetic behaviour and heating capacity. The biological profile of the platforms and controls was screened through multiple in vitro methods, such as MTT, LDH and scratch assays, together with immunofluorescence staining. In addition, CAM assay was performed in order to assess a possible anti-angiogenic activity induced by the test samples. Results The physico-chemical analysis revealed that BA-loaded magnetoliposomes present suitable characteristics for the purpose of this study, showing biocompatible phase transition temperature, a diameter of 198 nm, superparamagnetic features and heating capacity. In vitro results showed that hyperthermia induces enhanced anti-tumor activity when breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells were exposed to BA-loaded magnetoliposomes, while a low cytotoxic rate was exhibited by the non-tumorigenic breast epithelial MCF 10A cells. Moreover, the in ovo angiogenesis assay endorsed the efficacy of this multifunctional platform as a good strategy for breast cancer therapy, under hyperthermal conditions. Regarding the possible mechanism of action of this multifunctional nano-platform, the immunocytochemistry of the MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma cells revealed a microtubule assembly modulatory activity, under hyperthermal conditions. Conclusion Collectively, these findings indicate that BA-loaded magnetoliposomes, under hyperthermal conditions, might serve as a promising strategy for breast adenocarcinoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Geanina Farcas
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj Napoca, Cluj Napoca, Romania.,Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babeș" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Dehelean
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babeș" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Iulia Andreea Pinzaru
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babeș" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Marius Mioc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babeș" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Vlad Socoliuc
- Laboratory of Magnetic Fluids, Center for Fundamental and Advanced Technical Research, Romanian Academy - Timisoara Branch, Timisoara, Romania.,Research Center for Complex Fluids Systems Engineering, Politehnica University of Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Elena-Alina Moaca
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babeș" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Stefana Avram
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babeș" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Ghiulai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babeș" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Dorina Coricovac
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babeș" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ioana Pavel
- Department of Chemistry, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA
| | | | - Octavian Marius Cretu
- Faculty of Medicine, "Victor Babeș" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Codruta Soica
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babeș" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Felicia Loghin
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj Napoca, Cluj Napoca, Romania
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Borcan F, Mioc M, Ghiulai R, Pinzaru I, Dehelean CA, Soica CM. A Study on the Behavior of a Polyurethane Drug Carrier in Various pH Media. J Med Life 2020; 13:195-199. [PMID: 32742513 PMCID: PMC7378333 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2020-0010] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyurethane nano- and micro-structures have been studied intensively in the last decade as drug delivery systems for various herbal extracts as well as pure active biological substances. Their biocompatibility, haemocompatibility, safe degradation, and low-cost production are just a few advantages of these materials that were already used in numerous medical applications (catheters, surgical drapes, wound dressing). The primary purposes of this study include obtaining empty polyurethane microstructures and the assessment of their modifications in media with different pH values. A mixture of two aliphatic diisocyanates and an aqueous phase based on a polyether were used during the synthesis process. The size, homogeneity, and surface charge were studied using a Cordouan Technol. Zetasizer, while the pH measurements were conducted with a portable pH Meter Checker®, Hanna Instruments. The results showed the obtaining of an almost homogeneous sample containing microstructures with sizes ranging between 139 and 151 nm, with a pH value of approximately 6.78 and a Zeta potential of 24.6. Expected decreases in microparticles’ sizes were observed in all types of media during a 15-days experiment, but the process was accelerated by a low pH when an increase of the Zeta potential value was noticed as well. Our data provide new information about the degradation process of the polyurethane microstructures on the one hand and the drug release rate of these materials when used as drug carriers, on the other hand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florin Borcan
- "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Faculty of Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Marius Mioc
- "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Faculty of Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Ghiulai
- "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Faculty of Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Iulia Pinzaru
- "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Faculty of Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Adriana Dehelean
- "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Faculty of Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Codruta Marinela Soica
- "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Faculty of Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
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Racoviceanu R, Farcas C, Ghiulai R, Sima LV, Dragoi RG, Trandafirescu C, Antal D, Mioc M, Dehelean C, Soica C. Hydro-alcoholic Extracts of Roots and Sprouts of Armoracia rusticana: Assessment of Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activity. Rev Chim 2020. [DOI: 10.37358/rc.20.5.8128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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
Armoracia rusticana � horseradish is a well-known vegetable used from ancient times and consumed nowadays more for its taste than its pharmacological properties, even though it proved to be a good agent in fighting several health problems. This study focuses on a comparative assessment of several horseradish hydro-alcoholic extracts, obtained from roots and sprouts, respectively, mainly evaluating the antioxidant activity but also a potential cytotoxic effect. The DPPH evaluation revealed that horseradish extracts made from roots or sprouts exhibit a strong antioxidant activity compared to the ascorbic acid used as etalon. The in vitro evaluation established that a significant inhibitory effect on cell viability and morphology of MDA-MB-231 � breast adenocarcinoma cell line was displayed by the hydroalcoholic extracts in a dose-dependent manner.
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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) 2020; 11:612396. [PMID: 33552000 PMCID: PMC7859451 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.612396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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] [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
- *Correspondence: Roxana Ghiulai,
| | - 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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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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Danciu C, Avram S, Pavel IZ, Ghiulai R, Dehelean CA, Ersilia A, Minda D, Petrescu C, Moaca EA, Soica C. Main Isoflavones Found in Dietary Sources as Natural Anti-inflammatory Agents. Curr Drug Targets 2019; 19:841-853. [PMID: 29141545 DOI: 10.2174/1389450118666171109150731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [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: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Isoflavones are natural compounds belonging to the class of isoflavonoids, molecules with a chemical structure based on the 3-phenyl chromen-4-one backbone. As a particular element, the isoflavones are also called phytoestrogens, due to the structural similarity with 17-β estradiol, the primary female sex hormone, presenting both estrogen-agonist and estrogen-antagonist properties. This class of secondary plant metabolites has been extensively reported in the literature for a wide range of therapeutic activities including antioxidant, chemopreventive, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antibacterial, and cardio preventive effects. OBJECTIVE To sum up the latest information regarding the main isoflavones found in dietary sources as natural anti-inflammatory agents. RESULTS The review updates with the recent research about genistein, daidzein, glycitein, biochanin A, formononetin and equol as anti-inflammatory phytocompounds. As a particular element, the implications of these isoflavones in the link between inflammation and angiogenesis are also discussed. CONCLUSION The review concludes that the main isoflavones in dietary sources display in vitro and/or in vivo anti inflammatory potential by activating various biochemical and molecular mechanisms. The depicted findings translated into practical aspects strengthen the idea that the isoflavones genistein, daidzein, glycitein, biochanin A, formononetin and equol can be used in various inflammation based diseases as an alternative source for classical medication and that consummation of foods rich in isoflavones may represent prerequisite use in order to prevent the evolution of inflammation based diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Danciu
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babes", Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Stefana Avram
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babes", Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ioana Zinuca Pavel
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babes", Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Ghiulai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babes", Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Adriana Dehelean
- Department of Toxicology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babes", Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alexa Ersilia
- Department of Food Control, Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania" from Timisoara, Calea Aradului No.119, 300641 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Daliana Minda
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babes", Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Petrescu
- Department of Microbiology, Discipline of Hygiene , University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babes", Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Elena-Alina Moaca
- Department of Toxicology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babes", Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Codruta Soica
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babes", Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Muntean D, Licker M, Alexa E, Popescu I, Jianu C, Buda V, Dehelean CA, Ghiulai R, Horhat F, Horhat D, Danciu C. Evaluation of essential oil obtained from Mentha× piperita L. against multidrug-resistant strains. Infect Drug Resist 2019; 12:2905-2914. [PMID: 31686869 PMCID: PMC6751511 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s218141] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bacterial multidrug resistance currently poses an increasingly serious threat, with important clinical consequences regarding treatment options. In 2017, the WHO released a global list of resistant bacteria, identifying multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria such as carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Acinetobacter baumannii, extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae as critical priorities for developing new strategies of treatment. Purpose The novelty presented in this study refers to the evaluation of the volatile oil obtained from the leaves of Mentha×piperita L., on MDR strains from hospitalized patients. Material and methods The essential oil was extracted by steam distillation and tested on six reference bacterial strains and also on the MDR strains collected from patients of the “Pius Brînzeu” Emergency Clinical County Hospital Timișoara. The in vitro antibacterial activity was evaluated by agar disk diffusion method and microdilution method. Results Testing the antibacterial activity of peppermint oil on both reference strains and isolated MDR strains from hospitalized patients demonstrated its bactericidal effect. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was lower (20 mg/mL) for Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis and higher (40 mg/mL) for Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii strains. Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was equal to MIC, with the exception of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, where MBC was the double of MIC. Conclusion The present study highlights the bactericidal activity of Mentha×piperita L. essential oil on all tested MDR or extensively drug-resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiellapneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. This oil may be a therapeutic option in the near future for many infectious diseases produced by MDR bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Muntean
- Department of Microbiology, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Monica Licker
- Department of Microbiology, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Ersilia Alexa
- Department of Food Control, Faculty of Food Processing Technology, Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania", Timisoara 300645, Romania
| | - Iuliana Popescu
- Department of Food Control, Faculty of Food Processing Technology, Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania", Timisoara 300645, Romania
| | - Calin Jianu
- Department of Food Tehnologies, Faculty of Food Engineering, Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine "King Michael I of Romania", Timişoara 300645, Romania
| | - Valentina Buda
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Cristina Adriana Dehelean
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Roxana Ghiulai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Florin Horhat
- Department of Microbiology, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Delia Horhat
- Department of ENT, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Corina Danciu
- Department of Pharmacognosy, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara 300041, Romania
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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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Danciu C, Soica C, Antal D, Alexa E, Pavel IZ, Ghiulai R, Ardelean F, Babuta RM, Popescu A, Dehelean CA. Natural Compounds in the Chemoprevention of Malignant Melanoma. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.2174/1871520617666171121142522 pmid: 29173184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is a very aggressive form of skin cancer, with increasing rates every year, with
an etiology that derives from the transformation and uncontrolled growth of melanocytes. There are several
treatment options which can be used as unique treatment or combined, depending upon the stage of melanoma
including surgical excision, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy. Plant Kingdom displays an unequalled
potential for the synthesis of highly diversified chemical structures. Although natural compounds are
synthesized in order to help the plant to interact with the environment, a large number of phytochemicals act as
drugs within the human or animal body by activating various biochemical pathways. The study aims to review
another approach in the management of this highly aggressive form of skin cancer, namely the effect of natural
compounds in the chemoprevention of malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Danciu
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, , Romania
| | | | - Diana Antal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, , Romania
| | - Ersilia Alexa
- Department of Food Control, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine , Romania
| | - Ioana Z. Pavel
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, , Romania
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Danciu C, Soica C, Antal D, Alexa E, Pavel IZ, Ghiulai R, Ardelean F, Babuta RM, Popescu A, Dehelean CA. Natural Compounds in the Chemoprevention of Malignant Melanoma. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2018; 18:631-644. [DOI: 10.2174/1871520617666171121142522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is a very aggressive form of skin cancer, with increasing rates every year, with
an etiology that derives from the transformation and uncontrolled growth of melanocytes. There are several
treatment options which can be used as unique treatment or combined, depending upon the stage of melanoma
including surgical excision, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy. Plant Kingdom displays an unequalled
potential for the synthesis of highly diversified chemical structures. Although natural compounds are
synthesized in order to help the plant to interact with the environment, a large number of phytochemicals act as
drugs within the human or animal body by activating various biochemical pathways. The study aims to review
another approach in the management of this highly aggressive form of skin cancer, namely the effect of natural
compounds in the chemoprevention of malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Danciu
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, , Romania
| | | | - Diana Antal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, , Romania
| | - Ersilia Alexa
- Department of Food Control, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine , Romania
| | - Ioana Z. Pavel
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, , Romania
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Mioc M, Pavel IZ, Ghiulai R, Coricovac DE, Farcaş C, Mihali CV, Oprean C, Serafim V, Popovici RA, Dehelean CA, Shtilman MI, Tsatsakis AM, Şoica C. The Cytotoxic Effects of Betulin-Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles as Stable Formulations in Normal and Melanoma Cells. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:429. [PMID: 29773989 PMCID: PMC5943567 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles are currently investigated as theranostics tools in cancer therapy due to their proper biocompatibility and increased efficacy related to the ease to customize the surface properties and to conjugate other molecules. Betulin, [lup-20(29)-ene-3β, 28-diol], is a pentacyclic triterpene that has raised scientific interest due to its antiproliferative effect on several cancer types. Herein we described the synthesis of surface modified betulin-conjugated gold nanoparticles using a slightly modified Turkevich method. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging, dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used for the characterization of obtained gold nanoparticles. Cytotoxic activity and apoptosis assessment were carried out using the MTT and Annexin V/PI apoptosis assays. The in vitro results showed that betulin coated gold nanoparticles presented a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect and induced apoptosis in all tested cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Mioc
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Ioana Zinuca Pavel
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Ghiulai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Dorina E Coricovac
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Claudia Farcaş
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Ciprian-Valentin Mihali
- "George Emil Palade" Electron Microscopy Center, Institute of Life Sciences, "Vasile Goldiş" Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Camelia Oprean
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania.,"Pius Brînzeu" Timişoara County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Oncogen Institute, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Vlad Serafim
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania.,Department of Natural Sciences, Middlesex University London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ramona A Popovici
- Faculty of Dentistry, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Cristina A Dehelean
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Michael I Shtilman
- Dmitry Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Aristidis M Tsatsakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Codruţa Şoica
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania
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Avram S, Coricovac DE, Pavel IZ, Pinzaru I, Ghiulai R, Baderca F, Soica C, Muntean D, Branisteanu DE, Spandidos DA, Tsatsakis AM, Dehelean CA. Standardization of A375 human melanoma models on chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane and Balb/c nude mice. Oncol Rep 2017; 38:89-99. [PMID: 28535001 PMCID: PMC5492638 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is a metastatic disease characterized by high resistance to treatment, the incidence of which has alarmingly increased worldwide over the past years. A thorough characterization of tumor onset, progression and metastasis is compulsory to overcome the gaps existent in melanoma biology. The present study suggests a well-established protocol and a detailed histological description of human melanoma models in ovo and in vivo obtained by the inoculation of A375 cells to chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and Balb/c nude mice. The inoculation of A375 cells on CAM led to the formation of compact primary and secondary tumors on day 4 post-inoculation, with mean surface area values of 2.2±0.4 mm2 and 1.5±0.3 mm2, respectively. Moreover, the vessels around the tumors presented a spike wheel pattern, indicating a strong angiogenic reaction. All the injected mice, apart from one, developed solid polypoid primary tumors with lobulated surfaces and intense vascularization, and achromic epithelioid malignant melanocytes with vesiculous nuclei and necrosis area were detected. Metastasis was histologically confirmed in only 30% of the mice with the tumor xenografts. These data indicate that the standardization protocols proposed are complex and reproducible, and can be further employed for the therapeutic surveillance of antiangiogenic and anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefana Avram
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara 30004, Romania
| | - Dorina-Elena Coricovac
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara 30004, Romania
| | - Ioana Zinuca Pavel
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara 30004, Romania
| | - Iulia Pinzaru
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara 30004, Romania
| | - Roxana Ghiulai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara 30004, Romania
| | - Flavia Baderca
- Department of Microscopic Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Codruta Soica
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara 30004, Romania
| | - Danina Muntean
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Daciana E Branisteanu
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, 'Grigore T. Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Iasi 7000115, Romania
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Aristides M Tsatsakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Cristina Adriana Dehelean
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara 30004, Romania
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Mioc M, Soica C, Bercean V, Avram S, Balan-Porcarasu M, Coricovac D, Ghiulai R, Muntean D, Andrica F, Dehelean C, Spandidos DA, Tsatsakis AM, Kurunczi L. Design, synthesis and pharmaco-toxicological assessment of 5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole derivatives with antibacterial and antiproliferative activity. Int J Oncol 2017; 50:1175-1183. [PMID: 28350123 PMCID: PMC5363884 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2017.3912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The extensive biochemical research of multiple types of cancer has revealed important enzymatic signaling pathways responsible for tumor occurrence and progression, thus compelling the need for the discovery of new means with which to block these signaling cascades. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway, which plays an important role in maintaining relevant cellular functions, exhibits various alterations in common human cancers, thus representing a suitable target in cancer treatment. Molecules bearing the 1,2,4-triazole moiety are known to possess multiple biological activities, including anticancer activity. The current study used molecular docking in the design of 5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole derivatives with antiproliferative activity targeting the PI3K/AKT pathway. Three structures emerged as the result of this method, which indicated for these a highly favorable accommodation within the active binding site of PI3K protein, thus acting as potential PI3K inhibitors, and hence interfering with the above-mentioned pathway. The molecules were synthesized and their chemical structure was confirmed. The antiproliferative activity of these compounds was tested on 4 cancer cell lines (A375, B164A5, MDA-MB-231 and A549) and on normal human keratinocytes (HaCaT) by in vitro alamarBlue assay. The 3 compounds revealed antitumor activity against the breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) and reduced toxicity on the normal cell line. The antibacterial activity of the compounds was also tested in vitro on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, revealing moderate activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Mioc
- 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
| | | | - Sorin Avram
- Department of Computational Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry Timisoara of the Romanian Academy, Timisoara 300223, Romania
| | | | - Dorina Coricovac
- 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
| | - Delia Muntean
- Faculty of Medicine, Victor Babes' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara 300041, Romania
| | - Florina Andrica
- 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
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion 71409, Greece
| | - Aristides M Tsatsakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Ludovic Kurunczi
- Department of Computational Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry Timisoara of the Romanian Academy, Timisoara 300223, Romania
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Coricovac D, Pinzaru I, Pavel I, Ghiulai R, Cimpean A, Soica C, Dehelean C, Avram S. Experimental models of human melanoma. Toxicol Lett 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2016.06.1407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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25
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Coricovac D, Pavel I, Avram S, Ghiulai R, Pinzaru I, Mioc M, Soica C, Dehelean C. Assessment of the in vitro effects of some new betulinic acid nanoformulations. Toxicol Lett 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2016.06.1967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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