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Smimmo M, Casale V, Casillo GM, Mitidieri E, d'Emmanuele di Villa Bianca R, Bello I, Schettino A, Montanaro R, Brancaleone V, Indolfi C, Cirino G, Di Lorenzo A, Bucci M, Panza E, Vellecco V. Hydrogen sulfide dysfunction in metabolic syndrome-associated vascular complications involves cGMP regulation through soluble guanylyl cyclase persulfidation. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116466. [PMID: 38552439 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Here, by using in vitro and ex vivo approaches, we elucidate the impairment of the hydrogen sulfide (H2S) pathway in vascular complications associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). In the in vitro model simulating hyperlipidemic/hyperglycemic conditions, we observe significant hallmarks of endothelial dysfunction, including eNOS/NO signaling impairment, ROS overproduction, and a reduction in CSE-derived H2S. Transitioning to an ex vivo model using db/db mice, a genetic MetS model, we identify a downregulation of CBS and CSE expression in aorta, coupled with a diminished L-cysteine-induced vasorelaxation. Molecular mechanisms of eNOS/NO signaling impairment, dissected using pharmacological and molecular approaches, indicate an altered eNOS/Cav-1 ratio, along with reduced Ach- and Iso-induced vasorelaxation and increased L-NIO-induced contraction. In vivo treatment with the H2S donor Erucin ameliorates vascular dysfunction observed in db/db mice without impacting eNOS, further highlighting a specific action on smooth muscle component rather than the endothelium. Analyzing the NO signaling pathway in db/db mice aortas, reduced cGMP levels were detected, implicating a defective sGC/cGMP signaling. In vivo Erucin administration restores cGMP content. This beneficial effect involves an increased sGC activity, due to enzyme persulfidation observed in sGC overexpressed cells, coupled with PDE5 inhibition. In conclusion, our study demonstrates a pivotal role of reduced cGMP levels in impaired vasorelaxation in a murine model of MetS involving an impairment of both H2S and NO signaling. Exogenous H2S supplementation through Erucin represents a promising alternative in MetS therapy, targeting smooth muscle cells and supporting the importance of lifestyle and nutrition in managing MetS.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Smimmo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - V Casale
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - G M Casillo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - E Mitidieri
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - I Bello
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - A Schettino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - R Montanaro
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - V Brancaleone
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - C Indolfi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - G Cirino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - A Di Lorenzo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Center for Vascular Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, USA
| | - M Bucci
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - E Panza
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - V Vellecco
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Testai L, Montanaro R, Flori L, Pagnotta E, Vellecco V, Gorica E, Ugolini L, Righetti L, Brancaleone V, Bucci M, Piragine E, Martelli A, Di Cesare Mannelli L, Ghelardini C, Calderone V. Persulfidation of mitoKv7.4 channels contributes to the cardioprotective effects of the H 2S-donor Erucin against ischemia/reperfusion injury. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115728. [PMID: 37524208 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115728] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gasotransmitter deeply involved in cardiovascular homeostasis and implicated in the myocardial protection against ischemia/reperfusion. The post-translational persulfidation of cysteine residues has been identified as the mechanism through which H2S regulates a plethora of biological targets. Erucin (ERU) is an isothiocyanate produced upon hydrolysis of the glucosinolate glucoerucin, presents in edible plants of Brassicaceae family, such as Eruca sativa Mill., and it has emerged as a slow and long-lasting H2S-donor. AIM In this study the cardioprotective profile of ERU has been investigated and the action mechanism explored, focusing on the possible role of the recently identified mitochondrial Kv7.4 (mitoKv7.4) potassium channels. RESULTS Interestingly, ERU showed to release H2S and concentration-dependently protected H9c2 cells against H2O2-induced oxidative damage. Moreover, in in vivo model of myocardial infarct ERU showed protective effects, reducing the extension of ischemic area, the levels of troponin I and increasing the amount of total AnxA1, as well as co-related inflammatory outcomes. Conversely, the pre-treatment with XE991, a blocker of Kv7.4 channels, abolished them. In isolated cardiac mitochondria ERU exhibited the typical profile of a mitochondrial potassium channels opener, in particular, this isothiocyanate produced a mild depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, a reduction of calcium accumulation into the matrix and finally a flow of potassium ions. Finally, mitoKv7.4 channels were persulfidated in ERU-treated mitochondria. CONCLUSIONS ERU modulates the cardiac mitoKv7.4 channels and this mechanism may be relevant for cardioprotective effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56120-Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - R Montanaro
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - L Flori
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56120-Pisa, Italy
| | - E Pagnotta
- CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy
| | - V Vellecco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - E Gorica
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56120-Pisa, Italy
| | - L Ugolini
- CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy
| | - L Righetti
- CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy
| | - V Brancaleone
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - M Bucci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - E Piragine
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56120-Pisa, Italy
| | - A Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56120-Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health-Neurofarba-Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - C Ghelardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health-Neurofarba-Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - V Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56120-Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Panza E, Vellecco V, Iannotti FA, Paris D, Manzo OL, Smimmo M, Mitilini N, Boscaino A, de Dominicis G, Bucci M, Di Lorenzo A, Cirino G. Duchenne's muscular dystrophy involves a defective transsulfuration pathway activity. Redox Biol 2021; 45:102040. [PMID: 34174560 PMCID: PMC8246642 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.102040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most frequent X chromosome-linked disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding for dystrophin, leading to progressive and unstoppable degeneration of skeletal muscle tissues. Despite recent advances in the understanding of the molecular processes involved in the pathogenesis of DMD, there is still no cure. In this study, we aim at investigating the potential involvement of the transsulfuration pathway (TSP), and its by-end product namely hydrogen sulfide (H2S), in primary human myoblasts isolated from DMD donors and skeletal muscles of dystrophic (mdx) mice. In myoblasts of DMD donors, we demonstrate that the expression of key genes regulating the H2S production and TSP activity, including cystathionine γ lyase (CSE), cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS), 3 mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST), cysteine dioxygenase (CDO), cysteine sulfonic acid decarboxylase (CSAD), glutathione synthase (GS) and γ -glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS) is reduced. Starting from these findings, using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) we show that the levels of TSP-related metabolites such as methionine, glycine, glutathione, glutamate and taurine, as well as the expression levels of the aforementioned TSP related genes, are significantly reduced in skeletal muscles of mdx mice compared to healthy controls, at both an early (7 weeks) and overt (17 weeks) stage of the disease. Importantly, the treatment with sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), a commonly used H2S donor, fully recovers the impaired locomotor activity in both 7 and 17 old mdx mice. This is an effect attributable to the reduced expression of pro-inflammatory markers and restoration of autophagy in skeletal muscle tissues. In conclusion, our study uncovers a defective TSP pathway activity in DMD and highlights the role of H2S-donors for novel and safe adjuvant therapy to treat symptoms of DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Panza
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - V Vellecco
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - F A Iannotti
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), National Research Council (CNR), Pozzuoli (NA), Italy
| | - D Paris
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), National Research Council (CNR), Pozzuoli (NA), Italy
| | - O L Manzo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Center for Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - M Smimmo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - N Mitilini
- UOSC, Pathological Anatomy, A. Cardarelli Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - A Boscaino
- UOSC, Pathological Anatomy, A. Cardarelli Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - G de Dominicis
- UOSC, Pathological Anatomy, A. Cardarelli Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - M Bucci
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - A Di Lorenzo
- Center for Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - G Cirino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Piragine E, Martelli A, Citi V, Testai L, Brancaleone V, Vellecco V, Bucci M, Pagnotta E, Ugolini L, Lazzeri L, Calderone V. The H2S-donor Erucin, a natural isothiocyanate from Eruca sativa Mill., protects vascular cells against oxidative stress and inflammation. Vascul Pharmacol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2020.106740] [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: 11/25/2022]
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Scuotto M, Persico M, Bucci M, Vellecco V, Borbone N, Morelli E, Oliviero G, Novellino E, Piccialli G, Cirino G, Varra M, Fattorusso C, Mayol L. Outstanding effects on antithrombin activity of modified TBA diastereomers containing an optically pure acyclic nucleotide analogue. Org Biomol Chem 2015; 12:5235-42. [PMID: 24920241 DOI: 10.1039/c4ob00149d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we report optically pure modified acyclic nucleosides as ideal probes for aptamer modification. These new monomers offer unique advantages in exploring the role played in thrombin inhibition by a single residue modification at key positions of the TBA structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Scuotto
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
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Terzuoli E, Monti M, Vellecco V, Bucci M, Cirino G, Ziche M, Morbidelli L. Characterization of zofenoprilat as an inducer of functional angiogenesis through increased H2 S availability. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:2961-73. [PMID: 25631232 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Revised: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Hydrogen sulfide (H2 S), an endogenous volatile mediator with pleiotropic functions, promotes vasorelaxation, exerts anti-inflammatory actions and regulates angiogenesis. Previously, the SH-containing angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), zofenopril, was identified as being effective in preserving endothelial function and inducing angiogenesis among ACEIs. Based on the H2 S donor property of its active metabolite zofenoprilat, the objective of this study was to evaluate whether zofenoprilat-induced angiogenesis was due to increased H2 S availability. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH HUVECs were used for in vitro studies of angiogenesis, whereas the Matrigel plug assay was used for in vivo assessments. KEY RESULTS Zofenoprilat-treated HUVECs showed an increase in all functional features of the angiogenic process in vitro. As zofenoprilat induced the expression of CSE (cystathionine-γ-lyase) and the continuous production of H2 S, CSE inhibition or silencing blocked the ability of zofenoprilat to induce angiogenesis, both in vitro and in vivo. The molecular mechanisms underlying H2 S/zofenoprilat-induced angiogenesis were dependent on Akt, eNOS and ERK1/2 cascades. ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP ) channels, the molecular target that mediates part of the vascular functions of H2 S, were shown to be involved in the upstream activation of Akt and ERK1/2. Moreover, the up-regulation of fibroblast growth factor-2 was dependent on CSE-derived H2 S response to H2 S and KATP activation. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Zofenoprilat induced a constant production of H2 S that stimulated the angiogenic process through a KATP channel/Akt/eNOS/ERK1/2 pathway. Thus, zofenopril can be considered as a pro-angiogenic drug acting through H2 S release and production, useful in cardiovascular pathologies where vascular functions need to be re-established and functional angiogenesis induced.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Terzuoli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - M Monti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - V Vellecco
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - M Bucci
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - G Cirino
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - M Ziche
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - L Morbidelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Brancaleone V, Vellecco V, Matassa DS, d'Emmanuele di Villa Bianca R, Sorrentino R, Ianaro A, Bucci M, Esposito F, Cirino G. Crucial role of androgen receptor in vascular H2S biosynthesis induced by testosterone. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 172:1505-15. [PMID: 24750035 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Revised: 04/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a gaseous mediator strongly involved in cardiovascular homeostasis, where it provokes vasodilatation. Having previously shown that H2 S contributes to testosterone-induced vasorelaxation, here we aim to uncover the mechanisms underlying this effect. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH H2 S biosynthesis was evaluated in rat isolated aortic rings following androgen receptor (NR3C4) stimulation. Co-immunoprecipitation and surface plasmon resonance analysis were performed to investigate mechanisms involved in NR3C4 activation. KEY RESULTS Pretreatment with NR3C4 antagonist nilutamide prevented testosterone-induced increase in H2S and reduced its vasodilator effect. Androgen agonist mesterolone also increased H2S and induced vasodilatation; effects attenuated by the selective cystathionine-γ lyase (CSE) inhibitor propargylglycine. The NR3C4-multicomplex-derived heat shock protein 90 (hsp90) was also involved in this effect; its specific inhibitor geldanamycin strongly reduced testosterone-induced H2S production. Neither progesterone nor 17-β-oestradiol induced H2S release. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CSE, the main vascular H2S-synthesizing enzyme, is physically associated with the NR3C4/hsp90 complex and the generation of such a ternary system represents a key event leading to CSE activation. Finally, H2S levels in human blood collected from male healthy volunteers were higher than those in female samples. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We demonstrated that selective activation of the NR3C4 is essential for H2S biosynthesis within vascular tissue, and this event is based on the formation of a ternary complex between cystathionine-γ lyase, NR3C4and hsp90. This novel molecular mechanism operating in the vasculature, corroborated by higher H2S levels in males, suggests that the L-cysteine/CSE/H2S pathway may be preferentially activated in males leading to gender-specific H2S biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Brancaleone
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy; Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Bucci M, Vellecco V, Harrington L, Brancaleone V, Roviezzo F, Mattace Raso G, Ianaro A, Lungarella G, De Palma R, Meli R, Cirino G. Cross-talk between toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR(2) ) is involved in vascular function. Br J Pharmacol 2013; 168:411-20. [PMID: 22957757 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.02205.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Revised: 07/16/2012] [Accepted: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Proteinase-activated receptors (PARs) and toll-like receptors (TLRs) are involved in innate immune responses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible cross-talk between PAR(2) and TLR4 in vessels in physiological condition and how it varies following stimulation of TLR4 by using in vivo and ex vivo models. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Thoracic aortas were harvested from both naïve and endotoxaemic rats for in vitro studies. Arterial blood pressure was monitored in anaesthetized rats in vivo. LPS was used as a TLR4 agonist while PAR(2) activating peptide (AP) was used as a PAR(2) agonist. Aortas harvested from TLR4(-/-) mice were also used to characterize the PAR(2) response. KEY RESULTS PAR(2) , but not TLR4, expression was enhanced in aortas of endotoxaemic rats. PAR(2) AP-induced vasorelaxation was increased in aortic rings of LPS-treated rats. TLR4 inhibitors, curcumine and resveratrol, reduced PAR(2) AP-induced vasorelaxation and PAR(2) AP-induced hypotension in both naïve and endotoxaemic rats. Finally, in aortic rings from TLR4(-/-) mice, the expression of PAR(2) was reduced and the PAR(2) AP-induced vasodilatation impaired compared with those from wild-type mice and both resveratrol and curcumine were ineffective. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Cross-talk between PAR(2) and TLR4 contributes to vascular homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bucci
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Naples 'Federico II', Napoli, Italy
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Posadas I, Vellecco V, Santos P, Prieto-Lloret J, Ceña V. Acetaminophen potentiates staurosporine-induced death in a human neuroblastoma cell line. Br J Pharmacol 2007; 150:577-85. [PMID: 17245372 PMCID: PMC2189768 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0706993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Neuroblastoma is the most common solid tumour in infants characterized by a high resistance to apoptosis. Recently, the cyclo-oxygenase pathway has been considered a potential target in the treatment of different kinds of tumours. The aim of the present work was to investigate a possible relationship between cyclo-oxygenase pathway and stauroporine-induced apoptosis in the neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Cellular viability was measured by release of LDH. DNA fragmentation was visualized by electrophoresis on agarose gel containing ethidium bromide. Cyclo-oxygenase activity was measured in microsomal fractions obtained from cells by quantification of its final product PGE2 by RIA. Caspase-3 activity was measured fluorimetrically and Western blot analysis was performed to assess cytochrome c expression. KEY RESULTS We have found that staurosporine (500 nM) induced cellular death in a time-dependent manner in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Cyclo-oxygenase enzymatic activity was present in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells under basal conditions and pharmacological experiments using COX inhibitors indicate that cyclo-oxygenase-1 and cyclo-oxygenase-3 are the active isoforms in these cells. Co-incubation of SH-SY5Y cells with staurosporine (500 nM) and acetaminophen for 24 h potentiated staurosporine-mediated cellular death in a concentration-dependent manner. This process is mediated by an increase in cytochrome c release and caspase 3 activation and is prevented by N-acetylcysteine or the superoxide dismutase mimetic, MnTBAP. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Acetaminophen potentiates staurosporine-mediated neuroblastoma cell death. The mechanism of action of acetaminophen seems to be related to production of reactive oxygen species and decreased intracellular glutathione levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Posadas
- Unidad Asociada Neurodeath, UCLM-CSIC, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha Avda. de Almansa, Albacete, Spain
| | - V Vellecco
- Dipartimento di Farmacologia Sperimentale, University of Napoli via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - P Santos
- Unidad Asociada Neurodeath, UCLM-CSIC, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha Avda. de Almansa, Albacete, Spain
| | - J Prieto-Lloret
- Unidad Asociada Neurodeath, UCLM-CSIC, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha Avda. de Almansa, Albacete, Spain
| | - V Ceña
- Unidad Asociada Neurodeath, UCLM-CSIC, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha Avda. de Almansa, Albacete, Spain
- Author for correspondence:
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