RESUMEN

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Triptolide is a major bioactive and toxic ingredient isolated from the traditional Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii (T. wilfordii) Hook F. It exhibits potent antitumor, immunosuppressive, and anti-inflammatory biological activities; however, its clinical application is hindered by severe systemic toxicity. Two preparations of T. wilfordii, including T. wilfordii glycoside tablets and T. wilfordii tablets, containing triptolide, are commonly used in clinical practice. However, their adverse side effects, particularly hepatotoxicity, limit their safe use. Therefore, it is crucial to discover potent and specific detoxification medicines for triptolide. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to investigate the detoxification effects and potential mechanism of action of spironolactone on triptolide-induced hepatotoxicity to provide a potential detoxifying strategy for triptolide, thereby promoting the safe applications of T. wilfordii preparations in clinical settings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cell viability was assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and crystal violet staining. Nuclear fragmentation was visualized using 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, and protein expression was analyzed by Western blotting. The inhibitory effect of spironolactone on triptolide-induced hepatotoxicity was evaluated by examining the effects of spironolactone on serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, as well as liver pathology in a mouse model of triptolide-induced acute hepatotoxicity. Furthermore, a survival assay was performed to investigate the effects of spironolactone on the survival rate of mice exposed to a lethal dose of triptolide. The effect of spironolactone on triptolide-induced global transcriptional repression was assessed through 5-ethynyl uridine staining. RESULTS: Triptolide treatment decreased the cell viability, increased the nuclear fragmentation and the cleaved caspase-3 levels in both hepatoma cells and hepatocytes. It also increased the alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, induced the hepatocyte swelling and necrosis, and led to seven deaths out of 11 mice. The above effects could be mitigated by pretreatment with spironolactone. Additionally, molecular mechanism exploration unveiled that spironolactone inhibited triptolide-induced DNA-directed RNA polymerase II subunit RPB1 degradation, consequently increased the fluorescence intensity of 5-ethynyl uridine staining for nascent RNA. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that spironolactone exhibits a potent detoxification role against triptolide hepatotoxicity, through inhibition of RPB1 degradation induced by triptolide and, in turn, retardation of global transcriptional inhibition in affected cells. These findings suggest a potential detoxification strategy for triptolide that may contribute to the safe use of T. wilfordii preparations.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedad Hepática Inducida por Sustancias y Drogas , Diterpenos , Compuestos Epoxi , Fenantrenos , Espironolactona , Compuestos Epoxi/toxicidad , Fenantrenos/toxicidad , Fenantrenos/farmacología , Diterpenos/farmacología , Diterpenos/toxicidad , Animales , Enfermedad Hepática Inducida por Sustancias y Drogas/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedad Hepática Inducida por Sustancias y Drogas/patología , Ratones , Espironolactona/farmacología , Masculino , Humanos , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Hígado/efectos de los fármacos , Hígado/patología , Hígado/metabolismo , Células Hep G2

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Metabolic engineering enables the sustainable and cost-efficient production of complex chemicals. Efficient production of terpenes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae can be achieved by recruiting an intermediate of the mevalonate pathway. The present study aimed to evaluate the engineering strategies of S. cerevisiae for the production of taxadiene, a precursor of taxol, an antineoplastic drug. RESULT: SCIGS22a, a previously engineered strain with modifications in the mevalonate pathway (MVA), was used as a background strain. This strain was engineered to enable a high flux towards farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) and the availability of NADPH. The strain MVA was generated from SCIGS22a by overexpressing all mevalonate pathway genes. Combining the background strains with 16 different episomal plasmids, which included the combination of 4 genes: tHMGR (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase), ERG20 (farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase), GGPPS (geranyl diphosphate synthase) and TS (taxadiene synthase) resulted in the highest taxadiene production in S. cerevisiae of 528 mg/L. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the critical role of pathway balance in metabolic engineering, mainly when dealing with toxic molecules like taxadiene. We achieved significant improvements in taxadiene production by employing a combinatorial approach and focusing on balancing the downstream and upstream pathways. These findings emphasize the importance of minor gene expression modification levels to achieve a well-balanced pathway, ultimately leading to enhanced taxadiene accumulation.

Asunto(s)

Ingeniería Metabólica , Ácido Mevalónico , Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genética , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolismo , Ingeniería Metabólica/métodos , Ácido Mevalónico/metabolismo , Alquenos/metabolismo , Fosfatos de Poliisoprenilo/metabolismo , Diterpenos/metabolismo , Hidroximetilglutaril-CoA Reductasas/genética , Hidroximetilglutaril-CoA Reductasas/metabolismo , NADP/metabolismo , Proteínas de Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genética , Proteínas de Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolismo , Sesquiterpenos

RESUMEN

Colistin is one of the last-resort antibiotics in treating infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Unfortunately, the emergence of colistin-resistant gram-negative strains limit its clinical application. Here, we identify an FDA-approved drug, valnemulin (Val), exhibit a synergistic effect with colistin in eradicating both colistin-resistant and colistin-susceptible gram-negative pathogens both in vitro and in the mouse infection model. Furthermore, Val acts synergistically with colistin in eliminating intracellular bacteria in vitro. Functional studies and transcriptional analysis confirm that the combinational use of Val and colistin could cause membrane permeabilization, proton motive force dissipation, reduction in intracellular ATP level, and suppression in bacterial motility, which result in bacterial membrane disruption and finally cell death. Our findings reveal the potential of Val as a colistin adjuvant to combat MDR bacterial pathogens and treat recalcitrant infections.

Asunto(s)

Antibacterianos , Colistina , Diterpenos , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana Múltiple , Bacterias Gramnegativas , Infecciones por Bacterias Gramnegativas , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Colistina/farmacología , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana Múltiple/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Ratones , Diterpenos/farmacología , Infecciones por Bacterias Gramnegativas/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones por Bacterias Gramnegativas/microbiología , Bacterias Gramnegativas/efectos de los fármacos , Sinergismo Farmacológico , Femenino , Humanos

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, natural compounds have been considered a significant source of new antitumor medicines due to their unique advantages. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have focused on the effect of terpenoids on apoptosis mediated by mitochondria in malignant cells. RECENT FINDINGS: In this review article, we focused on six extensively studied terpenoids, including sesquiterpenes (dihydroartemisinin and parthenolide), diterpenes (oridonin and triptolide), and triterpenes (betulinic acid and oleanolic acid), and their efficacy in targeting mitochondria to induce cell death. Terpenoid-induced mitochondria-related cell death includes apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, autophagy, and necrosis caused by mitochondrial permeability transition. Apoptosis and autophagy interact in meaningful ways. In addition, in view of several disadvantages of terpenoids, such as low stability and bioavailability, advances in research on combination chemotherapy and chemical modification were surveyed. CONCLUSION: This article deepens our understanding of the association between terpenoids and mitochondrial cell death, presenting a hypothetical basis for the use of terpenoids in anticancer management.

Asunto(s)

Mitocondrias , Neoplasias , Terpenos , Humanos , Mitocondrias/efectos de los fármacos , Mitocondrias/metabolismo , Neoplasias/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias/patología , Terpenos/farmacología , Terpenos/uso terapéutico , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos/uso terapéutico , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Diterpenos/farmacología , Diterpenos/uso terapéutico

RESUMEN

Tumor proliferation and metastasis are intricately linked to blood vessel formation, with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) playing a pivotal role in orchestrating angiogenesis throughout tumor progression. Pseudolaric acid B (PAB) has emerged as a potent inhibitor of tumor cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. In efforts to enhance its efficacy, 37 derivatives of PAB were synthesized and assessed for their capacity to suppress VEGF secretion in SiHa cells under hypoxic conditions. Notably, majority of these derivatives exhibited significant inhibition of VEGF protein secretion without inducing cytotoxicity. Among them, compound M2 displayed the most potent inhibitory activity, with an IC50 value of 0.68 µM, outperforming the lead compound PAB (IC50 = 5.44 µM). Compound M2 not only curbed the migration and angiogenesis of HUVECs under hypoxic conditions but also hindered the invasion of SiHa cells. Mechanistic investigations unveiled that compound M2 may impede the accumulation and nuclear translocation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in SiHa cells, thereby downregulating VEGF expression. This inhibitory effect on HIF-1α was corroborated by experiments utilizing the protease inhibitor MG-132 and protein synthesis inhibitor CHX, indicating that compound M2 diminishes HIF-1α levels by reducing its synthesis. Furthermore, compound M2 was observed to modulate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways in tumor cells, thereby regulating HIF-1α translation and synthesis. In vivo studies demonstrated that compound M2 exhibited low toxicity and effectively curbed tumor growth. Immunohistochemistry analyses validated that compound M2 effectively suppressed the expression of HIF-1α and VEGF in tumor tissues, underscoring its potential as a promising therapeutic agent for targeting tumor angiogenesis.

Asunto(s)

Inhibidores de la Angiogénesis , Antineoplásicos , Proliferación Celular , Diterpenos , Diseño de Fármacos , Subunidad alfa del Factor 1 Inducible por Hipoxia , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinasas , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt , Factor A de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular , Humanos , Factor A de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt/antagonistas & inhibidores , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinasas/metabolismo , Inhibidores de la Angiogénesis/farmacología , Inhibidores de la Angiogénesis/síntesis química , Inhibidores de la Angiogénesis/química , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Relación Estructura-Actividad , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos/síntesis química , Antineoplásicos/química , Subunidad alfa del Factor 1 Inducible por Hipoxia/metabolismo , Subunidad alfa del Factor 1 Inducible por Hipoxia/antagonistas & inhibidores , Diterpenos/farmacología , Diterpenos/síntesis química , Diterpenos/química , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Ensayos de Selección de Medicamentos Antitumorales , Estructura Molecular , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Línea Celular Tumoral , Animales , Movimiento Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Neovascularización Patológica/tratamiento farmacológico , Neovascularización Patológica/metabolismo

RESUMEN

The enmein-type diterpenoids are a class of anticancer ent-Kaurane diterpnoids that have received much attention in recent years. Herein, a novel 1,14-epoxy enmein-type diterpenoid 4, was reported in this project for the first time. A series of novel enmein-type diterpenoid derivatives were also synthesized and tested for anticancer activities. Among all the derivatives, compound 7h exhibited the most significant inhibitory effect against A549 cells (IC50 = 2.16 µM), being 11.03-folds better than its parental compound 4. Additionally, 7h exhibited relatively weak anti-proliferative activity (IC50 > 100 µM) against human normal L-02 cells, suggesting that it had excellent anti-proliferative selectivity for cancer cells. Mechanism studies suggested that 7h induced G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis in A549 cells by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. This process was associated with elevated intracellular ROS levels and collapsed MMP. In summary, these data identified 7h as a promising lead compound that warrants further investigation of its anticancer properties.

Asunto(s)

Antineoplásicos , Apoptosis , Proliferación Celular , Diterpenos , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinasas , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt , Transducción de Señal , Serina-Treonina Quinasas TOR , Humanos , Serina-Treonina Quinasas TOR/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt/metabolismo , Diterpenos/farmacología , Diterpenos/química , Diterpenos/síntesis química , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinasas/metabolismo , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos/síntesis química , Antineoplásicos/química , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Células A549 , Diseño de Fármacos , Línea Celular Tumoral , Relación Estructura-Actividad , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to optimize the formulation of a C60-modified self-microemulsifying drug delivery system loaded with triptolide (C60-SMEDDS/TP) and evaluate the cytoprotective effect of the C60-SMEDDS/TP on normal human cells. RESULTS: The C60-SMEDDS/TP exhibited rapid emulsification, an optimal particle size distribution of 50 ± 0.19 nm (PDI 0.211 ± 0.049), and a near-neutral zeta potential of -1.60 mV. The release kinetics of TP from the C60-SMEDDS/TP exhibited a sustained release profile and followed pseudo-first-order release kinetics. Cellular proliferation and apoptosis analysis indicated that the C60-SMEDDS/TP (with a mass ratio of TP: DSPE-PEG-C60 = 1:10) exhibited lower toxicity towards L02 and GES-1 cells. This was demonstrated by a higher IC50 (40.88 nM on L02 cells and 17.22 nM on GES-1 cells) compared to free TP (21.3 nM and 11.1 nM), and a lower apoptosis rate (20.8% on L02 cells and 26.3% on GES-1 cells, respectively) compared to free TP (50.5% and 47.0%) at a concentration of 50 nM. In comparison to the free TP group, L02 cells and GES-1 cells exposed to the C60-SMEDDS/TP exhibited a significant decrease in intracellular ROS and an increase in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔψM). On the other hand, the C60-SMEDDS/TP demonstrated a similar inhibitory effect on BEL-7402 cells (IC50 = 28.9 nM) and HepG2 cells (IC50 = 107.6 nM), comparable to that of the free TP (27.2 nM and 90.4 nM). The C60-SMEDDS/TP group also exhibited a similar intracellular level of ROS and mitochondrial membrane potential compared to the SMEDDS/TP and free TP groups. METHOD: Fullerenol-Grafted Distearoyl Phosphatidylethanolamine-Polyethylene Glycol (DSPE-PEG-C60) was synthesized and applied in the self-microemulsifying drug delivery system. The C60-SMEDDS/TP was formulated using Cremophor EL, medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), PEG-400, and DSPE-PEG-C60, and loaded with triptolide (TP). The toxicity and bioactivity of the C60-SMEDDS/TP were assessed using normal human liver cell lines (L02 cells), normal human gastric mucosal epithelial cell lines (GES-1 cells), and liver cancer cell lines (BEL-7402 cells and HepG2 cells). The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) after the C60-SMEDDS/TP treatment was assessed using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) staining. The alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔψM) were assessed by measuring JC-1 fluorescence. CONCLUSIONS: The cytoprotection provided by the C60-SMEDDS/TP favored normal cells (L02 and GES-1) over tumor cells (BEL-7402 and HepG2 cells) in vitro. This suggests a promising approach for the safe and effective treatment of TP.

Asunto(s)

Apoptosis , Diterpenos , Sistemas de Liberación de Medicamentos , Emulsiones , Compuestos Epoxi , Fulerenos , Fenantrenos , Humanos , Diterpenos/farmacología , Diterpenos/química , Fenantrenos/química , Fenantrenos/farmacología , Compuestos Epoxi/química , Compuestos Epoxi/farmacología , Fulerenos/química , Fulerenos/farmacología , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Línea Celular , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Potencial de la Membrana Mitocondrial/efectos de los fármacos , Citoprotección/efectos de los fármacos , Tamaño de la Partícula , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

Psoriasis, an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder, seriously affects the quality of life of nearly four percent of the world population. Euphorbia helioscopia L. is the monarch constituent of Chinese ZeQi powder preparation for psoriasis, so it is necessary to illustrate its active ingredients. Thus, twenty-three diterpenoids, including seven new ones, were isolated from the whole herb of E. helioscopia L. Compounds 1 and 2, each featuring a 2,3-dicarboxylic functionality, are the first examples in the ent-2,3-sceo-atisane or the ent-2,3-sceo-abietane family. Extensive spectroscopic analysis (1D, 2D NMR, and HRMS data) and computational methods were used to confirm their structures and absolute configurations. According to the previous study and NMR data from the jatropha diterpenes obtained in this study, some efficient 1H NMR spectroscopic rules for assigning the relative configurations of 3α-benzyloxy-jatroph-11E-ene and 7,8-seco-3α-benzyloxy-jatropha-11E-ene were summarized. Moreover, the hyperproliferation of T cells and keratinocytes is considered a key pathophysiology of psoriasis. Anti-proliferative activities against induced T/B lymphocytes and HaCaT cells were tested, and IC50 values of some compounds ranged from 6.7 to 31.5 µM. Compounds 7 and 11 reduced the secretions of IFN-γ and IL-2 significantly. Further immunofluorescence experiments and a docking study with NF-κB P65 showed that compound 13 interfered with the proliferation of HaCaT cells by inhibiting the NF-κB P65 phosphorylation at the protein level.

Asunto(s)

Diterpenos , Euphorbia , Psoriasis , Euphorbia/química , Humanos , Psoriasis/tratamiento farmacológico , Psoriasis/patología , Diterpenos/farmacología , Diterpenos/química , Diterpenos/aislamiento & purificación , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Estructura Molecular , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales/química , Queratinocitos/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

Cholestatic liver injury results from the accumulation of toxic bile acids in the liver, presenting a therapeutic challenge with no effective treatment available to date. Andrographolide (AP) has exhibited potential as a treatment for cholestatic liver disease. However, its limited oral bioavailability poses a significant obstacle to harnessing its potent therapeutic properties and restricts its clinical utility. This limitation is potentially attributed to the involvement of gut microbiota in AP metabolism. In our study, employing pseudo-germ-free, germ-free and strain colonization animal models, along with 16S rRNA and shotgun metagenomic sequencing analysis, we elucidate the pivotal role played by gut microbiota in the C-sulfonate metabolism of AP, a process profoundly affecting its bioavailability and anti-cholestatic efficacy. Subsequent investigations pinpoint a specific enzyme, adenosine-5'-phosphosulfate (APS) reductase, predominantly produced by Desulfovibrio piger, which catalyzes the reduction of SO42- to HSO3-. HSO3- subsequently interacts with AP, targeting its C=C unsaturated double bond, resulting in the formation of the C-sulfonate metabolite, 14-deoxy-12(R)-sulfo andrographolide (APM). Inhibition of APS reductase leads to a notable enhancement in AP bioavailability and anti-cholestatic efficacy. Furthermore, employing RNA sequencing analysis and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) knockout mice, our findings suggest that AP may exert its anti-cholestatic effects by activating the FXR pathway to promote bile acid efflux. In summary, our study unveils the significant involvement of gut microbiota in the C-sulfonate metabolism of AP and highlights the potential benefits of inhibiting APS reductase to enhance its therapeutic effects. These discoveries provide valuable insights into enhancing the clinical applicability of AP as a promising treatment for cholestatic liver injury.

Asunto(s)

Disponibilidad Biológica , Diterpenos , Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Animales , Microbioma Gastrointestinal/efectos de los fármacos , Diterpenos/metabolismo , Diterpenos/farmacología , Ratones , Colestasis/metabolismo , Colestasis/tratamiento farmacológico , Colestasis/microbiología , Masculino , ARN Ribosómico 16S/genética , Ácidos y Sales Biliares/metabolismo , Bacterias/metabolismo , Bacterias/clasificación , Bacterias/genética , Bacterias/efectos de los fármacos , Bacterias/aislamiento & purificación , Humanos , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Hígado/metabolismo , Hígado/efectos de los fármacos , Receptores Citoplasmáticos y Nucleares/metabolismo , Receptores Citoplasmáticos y Nucleares/genética , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad

RESUMEN

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Glioblastoma (GB) is the most aggressive and prevalent glioma within the central nervous system. Despite considerable efforts, GB continues to exhibit a dismal 5-year survival rate (∼6%). This is largely attributed to unfavorable prognosis and lack of viable treatment options. Therefore, novel therapies centered around plant-derived compounds emerge as a compelling avenue to enhance patient survival and well-being. The South African species, Plectranthus hadiensis Schweinf. (P. hadiensis), a member of the Lamiaceae family, has a history of use in traditional medicine for treating a range of diseases, including respiratory, digestive, and liver disorders. This species exhibits diverse biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory and antitumoral properties, likely attributed to its rich composition of naturally occurring diterpenes, like the abietane diterpene, 7α-acetoxy-6ß-hydroxyroyleanone (Roy). Roy has demonstrated promising antitumor effects in various cancer cell lines, making it a compelling candidate for further investigation into its mechanisms against GB. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aims to investigate the antitumor activity and potential mechanism of Roy, a natural lead compound, in GB cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Roy was isolated from the acetonic extract of P. hadiensis and its antitumor mechanism was assessed in a panel of human GB cell lines (U87, A172, H4, U373, and U118) to mimic tumor heterogeneity. Briefly, the impact of Roy treatment on the metabolic activity of cells was evaluated by Alamar Blue® assay, while cell death, cell cycle regulation, mitochondrial membrane potential, and activated caspase-3 activity were evaluated by flow cytometry. Measurement of mRNA levels of target genes was performed by qPCR, while protein expression was assessed by Western blotting. Cell uptake and impact on mitochondrial morphology were evaluated by confocal microscopy. RESULTS: Roy induced G2/M cell cycle arrest, mitochondrial fragmentation, and apoptosis by inhibiting the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins and increasing the levels of activated caspase-3. The concentrations of Roy needed to achieve significant inhibitory outcomes were notably lower (6-9 fold) than those of temozolomide (TMZ), the standard first-line treatment, for achieving comparable effects. In addition, at low concentrations (16 µM), Roy affected the metabolic activity of tumor cells while having no significant impact on non-tumoral cells (microglia and astrocytes). CONCLUSION: Overall, Roy demonstrated a robust antitumor activity against GB cells offering a promising avenue for the development of novel chemotherapeutic approaches.

Asunto(s)

Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos , Glioblastoma , Extractos Vegetales , Plectranthus , Humanos , Glioblastoma/tratamiento farmacológico , Glioblastoma/patología , Glioblastoma/metabolismo , Línea Celular Tumoral , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/aislamiento & purificación , Plectranthus/química , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales/química , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Neoplasias Encefálicas/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Encefálicas/metabolismo , Neoplasias Encefálicas/patología , Diterpenos/farmacología , Diterpenos/aislamiento & purificación , Potencial de la Membrana Mitocondrial/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is essential for converting epoxy fatty acids, such as epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), into their dihydroxy forms. EETs play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure, mediating anti-inflammatory responses, and modulating pain, making sEH a key target for therapeutic interventions. Current research is increasingly focused on identifying sEH inhibitors from natural sources, particularly marine environments, which are rich in bioactive compounds due to their unique metabolic adaptations. In this study, the sEH inhibitory activities of ten cembranoid diterpenes (1-10) isolated from the soft coral Sinularia maxima were evaluated. Among them, compounds 3 and 9 exhibited considerable sEH inhibition, with IC50 values of 70.68 µM and 78.83 µM, respectively. Enzyme kinetics analysis revealed that these two active compounds inhibit sEH through a non-competitive mode. Additionally, in silico approaches, including molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, confirmed their stability and interactions with sEH, highlighting their potential as natural therapeutic agents for managing cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases.

Asunto(s)

Antozoos , Diterpenos , Epóxido Hidrolasas , Simulación del Acoplamiento Molecular , Simulación de Dinámica Molecular , Epóxido Hidrolasas/antagonistas & inhibidores , Epóxido Hidrolasas/metabolismo , Antozoos/química , Animales , Diterpenos/farmacología , Diterpenos/química , Diterpenos/aislamiento & purificación , Cinética , Inhibidores Enzimáticos/farmacología , Inhibidores Enzimáticos/química

RESUMEN

Pseudolaric Acid B (PAB), a natural product with remarkable anti-tumor activity, is a starting point for new anticancer therapeutics. We designed and synthesized 27 PAB derivatives and evaluated their anti-proliferative activities against four cancer cell lines: MCF-7, HCT-116, HepG2, and A549. Compared with unmodified PAB, the PAB derivatives showed stronger anti-proliferative activity. The ability of compound D3 (IC50 = 0.21 µM) to inhibit HCT-116 cells was approximately 5.3 times that of PAB (IC50 = 1.11 µM) and the antiproliferative action was unrelated to cytotoxicity (SI=20.38), indicating its superior safety profile (PAB; SI=0.95). Compound D3 effectively suppressed the EdU-positive rate and reduced colony formation, arrested HCT-116 cells in the S and G2/M phases and induced apoptosis. In vivo experiments further demonstrated low toxicity of compound D3 while suppressing tumor growth in mice. In summary, given its strong anti-proliferative effect and relative safety, further development of compound D3 is warranted.

Asunto(s)

Antineoplásicos , Apoptosis , Proliferación Celular , Diterpenos , Diseño de Fármacos , Ensayos de Selección de Medicamentos Antitumorales , Humanos , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos/síntesis química , Antineoplásicos/química , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Relación Estructura-Actividad , Ratones , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Estructura Molecular , Diterpenos/farmacología , Diterpenos/química , Diterpenos/síntesis química , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Línea Celular Tumoral , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Ratones Desnudos

RESUMEN

Triptolide (TP), known for its effectiveness in treating various rheumatoid diseases, is also associated with significant hepatotoxicity risks. This study explored Catalpol (CAT), an iridoid glycoside with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, as a potential defense against TP-induced liver damage. In vivo and in vitro models of liver injury were established using TP in combination with different concentrations of CAT. Metabolomics analyses were conducted to assess energy metabolism in mouse livers. Additionally, a Seahorse XF Analyzer was employed to measure glycolysis rate, mitochondrial respiratory functionality, and real-time ATP generation rate in AML12 cells. The study also examined the expression of proteins related to glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. Using both in vitro SIRT1 knockout/overexpression and in vivo liver-specific SIRT1 knockout models, we confirmed SIRT1 as a mechanism of action for CAT. Our findings revealed that CAT could alleviate TP-induced liver injury by activating SIRT1, which inhibited lysine acetylation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), thereby restoring the balance between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. This action improved mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced glucose metabolism disorder and oxidative stress caused by TP. Taken together, these insights unveil a hitherto undocumented mechanism by which CAT ameliorates TP-induced liver injury, positioning it as a potential therapeutic agent for managing TP-induced hepatotoxicity.

Asunto(s)

Diterpenos , Compuestos Epoxi , Glucosa , Subunidad alfa del Factor 1 Inducible por Hipoxia , Glucósidos Iridoides , Hígado , Estrés Oxidativo , Fenantrenos , Sirtuina 1 , Animales , Sirtuina 1/metabolismo , Diterpenos/farmacología , Diterpenos/uso terapéutico , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Compuestos Epoxi/farmacología , Compuestos Epoxi/uso terapéutico , Fenantrenos/farmacología , Glucósidos Iridoides/farmacología , Glucósidos Iridoides/uso terapéutico , Ratones , Subunidad alfa del Factor 1 Inducible por Hipoxia/metabolismo , Hígado/metabolismo , Hígado/efectos de los fármacos , Glucosa/metabolismo , Masculino , Enfermedad Hepática Inducida por Sustancias y Drogas/metabolismo , Enfermedad Hepática Inducida por Sustancias y Drogas/tratamiento farmacológico , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL

RESUMEN

The perennial herb Aconitum sinomontanum Nakai (Ranunculaceae) has been utilized as a traditional oriental medicine in China for numerous years. The principal pharmacological constituent of A. sinomontanum, lappaconitine (LA), exhibits analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-arrhythmic, and anti-epileptic activities. Due to its potent efficacy and non-addictive nature, LA is widely utilized in the management of cancer pain and postoperative analgesia. This review encompasses the research advancements pertaining to LA including extraction methods, separation techniques, pharmacological properties, chemical modifications, and clinical applications. Additionally, it offers insights into the potential applications and current challenges associated with LA to facilitate future research endeavors.

Asunto(s)

Aconitina , Aconitum , Analgésicos , Aconitina/análogos & derivados , Aconitina/farmacología , Aconitina/uso terapéutico , Humanos , Analgésicos/uso terapéutico , Analgésicos/farmacología , Animales , Aconitum/química , Diterpenos/uso terapéutico , Diterpenos/farmacología , Diterpenos/química

RESUMEN

Four new diterpenoid tropolones, salvirrddones A-D (1-4), and four new icetexanes, salvirrddices A-D (9-12), along with thirteen new 11,12-seco-norabietane diterpenoids, salvirrddnor A-M (14-24, 31, 32) and sixteen known compounds (5-8, 13, 25-30, 33-37), were isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Salvia castanea Diels f. tomentosa Stib. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, quantum chemical calculations, and X-ray crystallography. Structurally, compounds 1-8 represent a class of rare natural products featuring a unique cyclohepta-2,4,6-trienone moiety with diterpenoid skeletons. Bioassays showed that only diterpenoid tropolones 3, 5, 6, and 7 exhibited significant activity against several human cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 3.01 to 11.63 µM. Additionally, 3 was shown to inhibit Hep3B cell proliferation, block the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, induce mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, promote apoptosis, as well as inhibit migration and invasion in vitro. Meanwhile, 3 demonstrated anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and migration-inhibitory effects in the Hep3B xenograft zebrafish model in vivo. Network pharmacological analysis and molecular docking results suggested that 3 may treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, as well as by binding PARP1 and CDK2 targets. Overall, the present results extremely expand the repertoire of diterpenoids from natural products and may provide a novel chemical scaffold for the discovery of new antitumor drugs.

Asunto(s)

Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos , Apoptosis , Proliferación Celular , Diterpenos , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Ensayos de Selección de Medicamentos Antitumorales , Salvia , Pez Cebra , Humanos , Salvia/química , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/química , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/aislamiento & purificación , Relación Estructura-Actividad , Animales , Estructura Molecular , Diterpenos/farmacología , Diterpenos/química , Diterpenos/aislamiento & purificación , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Línea Celular Tumoral

RESUMEN

The present study focused on the efficacy and role of triptolide (TPL) in relieving symptoms of acute gouty arthritis (AGA) in vivo and in vitro. The effects of TPL in AGA were investigated in monosodium urate (MSU)-treated rat ankles, RAW264.7 macrophages, and neutrophils isolated from mouse peritoneal cavity. Observation of pathological changes in the ankle joint of rats. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were performed to detect the expression levels of inflammatory factors and chemokines. The levels of the indicators of macrophage M1/M2 polarization, and the mechanistic targets of Akt and rapamycin complex 2, were determined via western blotting and RT-qPCR. The expression levels of CD86 and CD206 were detected using immunohistochemistry. Neutrophil migration was observed via air pouch experiments in vivo and Transwell cell migration assay in vitro. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and Neutrophil elastase (NE) release was analyzed by via immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The expression levels of beclin-1, LC3B, Bax, Bcl-2, and cleaved caspase-3 in neutrophils were determined via western blotting and immunofluorescence. Neutrophil apoptosis was detected using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. Our results suggest that TPL inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration in rat ankle joints and inflammatory factor and chemokine secretion in rat serum, regulated macrophage polarization through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, suppressed inflammatory factor and chemokine expression in neutrophils, and inhibited neutrophil migration, neutrophil extracellular trap formation, transitional autophagy, and apoptosis. This suggests that TPL can prevent and treat MSU-induced AGA by regulating macrophage polarization through the PI3K/Akt pathway and modulating neutrophil activity.

Asunto(s)

Artritis Gotosa , Diterpenos , Compuestos Epoxi , Macrófagos , Neutrófilos , Fenantrenos , Ácido Úrico , Animales , Diterpenos/farmacología , Diterpenos/uso terapéutico , Neutrófilos/inmunología , Neutrófilos/efectos de los fármacos , Neutrófilos/metabolismo , Ratas , Fenantrenos/farmacología , Fenantrenos/uso terapéutico , Artritis Gotosa/tratamiento farmacológico , Artritis Gotosa/inducido químicamente , Artritis Gotosa/metabolismo , Artritis Gotosa/inmunología , Macrófagos/inmunología , Macrófagos/metabolismo , Macrófagos/efectos de los fármacos , Ratones , Compuestos Epoxi/farmacología , Masculino , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Células RAW 264.7 , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Activación de Macrófagos/efectos de los fármacos , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Activación Neutrófila/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Movimiento Celular/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

Fusarium crown and root rot (FCRR) has emerged as a highly destructive soil-borne disease, posing a significant threat to the safe cultivation of tomatoes in recent years. The pathogen of tomato FCRR is Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici (Forl). To explore potential phytotoxins from Forl, eight undescribed diterpenoids namely fusariumic acids A-H (1-8) were isolated. Their structures were elucidated by using spectroscopic data analyses, quantum chemical calculations, and X-ray crystallography. Fusariumic acids A (1) and C-H (3-8) were typical isocassadiene-type diterpenoids, while fusariumic acid B (2) contained a cage-like structure with an unusual 7,8-seco-isocassadiene skeleton. A biosynthetic pathway of 2 was proposed. Fusariumic acids A (1) and C-H (3-8) were further assessed for their phytotoxic effects on tomato seedlings at 200 µg/mL. Among them, fusariumic acid F (6) exhibited the strongest inhibition against the hypocotyl and root elongation of tomato seedlings, with inhibitory rates of 61.3 and 45.3%, respectively.

Asunto(s)

Diterpenos , Fusarium , Enfermedades de las Plantas , Raíces de Plantas , Solanum lycopersicum , Fusarium/efectos de los fármacos , Solanum lycopersicum/microbiología , Diterpenos/química , Diterpenos/farmacología , Enfermedades de las Plantas/microbiología , Raíces de Plantas/microbiología , Raíces de Plantas/química , Estructura Molecular

RESUMEN

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease that is increasing in prevalence globally. Senescence is characterized by a specific chronic, low-grade, "sterile" inflammatory state known as inflammaging, suggesting that senescence may exacerbate the severity of UC. However, the link between UC and senescence remains unclear. Valnemulin (VAL) is a semi-synthetic derivative of a naturally occurring diterpenoid antibiotic (pleuromutilin), which can inhibit peptidyl transferase. Studies investigating the potential of valnemulin to inhibit senescence and alleviate colitis are currently limited. In this study, we revealed that dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), an inducer of UC, induces senescence in both colon epithelial NCM460 cells and colon tissues. Additionally, VAL, identified from a compound library, exhibited robust anti-senescence activity in DSS-treated NCM460 cells. Identified in our study as an anti-senescence agent, VAL effectively mitigated DSS-induced UC and colonic senescence in mice. Through network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation, the potential signaling pathway (AMPK/NF-κB) for VAL in treating UC was identified. We discovered that DSS significantly inhibited the AMPK signaling pathway and activated the NF-κB signaling pathway. However, supplementation with VAL remarkably restored AMPK activity and inhibited the NF-κB signaling pathway, which led to the inhibition of senescence. In summary, our study demonstrated that DSS-induced UC stimulates the senescence of colonic tissues, and VAL can effectively alleviate DSS-induced colonic damage and reduce colonic senescence. Our research findings provide a new perspective for targeting anti-senescence in the treatment of UC.

Asunto(s)

Senescencia Celular , Colitis Ulcerosa , Sulfato de Dextran , Diterpenos , Farmacología en Red , Animales , Colitis Ulcerosa/tratamiento farmacológico , Colitis Ulcerosa/inducido químicamente , Humanos , Diterpenos/farmacología , Diterpenos/uso terapéutico , Ratones , Senescencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Línea Celular , FN-kappa B/metabolismo , Masculino , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Colon/efectos de los fármacos , Colon/patología , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Mucosa Intestinal/efectos de los fármacos , Mucosa Intestinal/patología , Mucosa Intestinal/metabolismo , Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Antiinflamatorios/uso terapéutico , Proteínas Quinasas Activadas por AMP/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Nine previously unreported lathyrane diterpenoids named euphorantesters A-I, along with 16 known analogues, have been separated from the tubers of Euphorbia antiquorum. Their structures were established by means of spectroscopic analyses, time-dependent density functional theory based electronic circular dichroism calculation and single crystal X-ray crystallography. Their reversal ability against P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug resistance (MDR) in MCF-7/ADR cell line was then evaluated, and 15 ones exhibited moderate MDR reversal activity with reversal fold falling in the range of 1.12-13.15. The most active euphorantester B could effectively increase the sensitivity of MCF-7/ADR cell to adriamycin comparably to the reference drug verapamil.

Asunto(s)

Diterpenos , Resistencia a Múltiples Medicamentos , Resistencia a Antineoplásicos , Euphorbia , Tubérculos de la Planta , Diterpenos/química , Diterpenos/farmacología , Diterpenos/aislamiento & purificación , Euphorbia/química , Resistencia a Múltiples Medicamentos/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Resistencia a Antineoplásicos/efectos de los fármacos , Tubérculos de la Planta/química , Estructura Molecular , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/química , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/aislamiento & purificación , Células MCF-7 , Ensayos de Selección de Medicamentos Antitumorales , Relación Estructura-Actividad , Doxorrubicina/farmacología , Conformación Molecular , Modelos Moleculares , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Cristalografía por Rayos X , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

Fourteen undescribed diterpenoids, including eleven lathyrane diterpenoids wallathyanes A-K (1-11) and three ent-isopimarane diterpenoids wallisopiranes A-C (12-14), together with fourteen known analogues 15-28, were obtained from the whole plant of Euphorbia wallichii. Their chemical structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis, experimental electronic circular dichroism measurements, and X-ray crystallography. Bioactivity screening indicated that compound 2 exhibited an inhibitory effect on NO generation in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells with an IC50 value of 4.76 ± 1.08 µM. The network pharmacology and molecular docking studies also revealed that compound 2 can bind with the potential targets GRB, AKT1, MAPK1, MAPK14, HSP90AA1, PIK3R1, PIK3CB, PRKACA, SRC, CASP3, RXRA, PTPNA11, ZAP70, and PRKC of inflammation.

Asunto(s)

Diterpenos , Euphorbia , Euphorbia/química , Diterpenos/química , Diterpenos/farmacología , Diterpenos/aislamiento & purificación , Ratones , Animales , Células RAW 264.7 , Estructura Molecular , Simulación del Acoplamiento Molecular , Lipopolisacáridos/farmacología , Lipopolisacáridos/antagonistas & inhibidores , Óxido Nítrico/antagonistas & inhibidores , Óxido Nítrico/biosíntesis , Óxido Nítrico/metabolismo , Relación Estructura-Actividad , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Macrófagos/efectos de los fármacos , Macrófagos/metabolismo