scholarly journals Curcumin-Piperlongumine Hybrids with a Multitarget Profile Elicit Neuroprotection in In Vitro Models of Oxidative Stress and Hyperphosphorylation

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 28
Author(s):  
Ángel Cores ◽  
Noelia Carmona-Zafra ◽  
Olmo Martín-Cámara ◽  
Juan Domingo Sánchez ◽  
Pablo Duarte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Absorption ◽  
Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain ◽  
Antioxidant Response ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
Primary Amines ◽  
Structural Fragment ◽  
Cellular Models ◽  
Three Component Reaction ◽  
Low Toxicity

Curcumin shows a broad spectrum of activities of relevance in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, it is poorly absorbed and is also chemically and metabolically unstable, leading to a very low oral bioavailability. A small library of hybrid compounds designed as curcumin analogues and incorporating the key structural fragment of piperlongumine, a natural neuroinflammation inhibitor, were synthesized by a two-step route that combines a three-component reaction between primary amines, β-ketoesters and α-haloesters and a base-promoted acylation with cinnamoyl chlorides. These compounds were predicted to have good oral absorption and CNS permeation, had good scavenging properties in the in vitro DPPH experiment and in a cellular assay based on the oxidation of dichlorofluorescin to a fluorescent species. The compounds showed low toxicity in two cellular models, were potent inductors of the Nrf2-ARE phase II antioxidant response, inhibited PHF6 peptide aggregation, closely related to Tau protein aggregation and were active against the LPS-induced inflammatory response. They also afforded neuroprotection against an oxidative insult induced by inhibition of the mitochondrial respiratory chain with the rotenone-oligomycin A combination and against Tau hyperphosphorylation induced by the phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid. This multitarget pharmacological profile is highly promising in the development of treatments for AD and provides a good hit structure for future optimization efforts.

scholarly journals Bisavenathramide Analogues as Nrf2 Inductors and Neuroprotectors in In Vitro Models of Oxidative Stress and Hyperphosphorylation

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 941
Author(s):  
Ángel Cores ◽  
Sheila Abril ◽  
Patrycja Michalska ◽  
Pablo Duarte ◽  
Ana I. Olives ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Common Factor ◽  
Natural Antioxidants ◽  
Antioxidant Response ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
Primary Amines ◽  
Three Component Reaction ◽  
Low Cytotoxicity

Oxidative stress is crucial to the outbreak and advancement of neurodegenerative diseases and is a common factor to many of them. We describe the synthesis of a library of derivatives of the 4-arylmethylen-2-pyrrolin-5-one framework by sequential application of a three-component reaction of primary amines, β-dicarbonyl compounds, and α-haloketones and a Knoevenagel condensation. These compounds can be viewed as cyclic amides of caffeic and ferulic acids, and are also structurally related to the bisavenanthramide family of natural antioxidants. Most members of the library showed low cytotoxicity and good activity as inductors of Nrf2, a transcription factor that acts as the master regulator of the antioxidant response associated with activation of the antioxidant response element (ARE). Nrf2-dependent protein expression was also proved by the significant increase in the levels of the HMOX1 and NQO1 proteins. Some compounds exerted neuroprotective properties in oxidative stress situations, such as rotenone/oligomycin-induced toxicity, and also against protein hyperphosphorylation induced by the phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid. Compound 3i, which can be considered a good candidate for further hit-to-lead development against neurodegenerative diseases due to its well-balanced multitarget profile, was further characterized by proving its ability to reduce phosphorylated Tau levels.

scholarly journals The Current Challenges for Drug Discovery in CNS Remyelination

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 2891
Author(s):  
Sonia Balestri ◽  
Alice Del Giovane ◽  
Carola Sposato ◽  
Marta Ferrarelli ◽  
Antonella Ragnini-Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Drug Screening ◽  
Myelin Sheath ◽  
Time Window ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
Adult Brain ◽  
Pharmacological Intervention ◽  
Cellular Models ◽  
New Findings ◽  
Myelin Injury

The myelin sheath wraps around axons, allowing saltatory currents to be transmitted along neurons. Several genetic, viral, or environmental factors can damage the central nervous system (CNS) myelin sheath during life. Unless the myelin sheath is repaired, these insults will lead to neurodegeneration. Remyelination occurs spontaneously upon myelin injury in healthy individuals but can fail in several demyelination pathologies or as a consequence of aging. Thus, pharmacological intervention that promotes CNS remyelination could have a major impact on patient’s lives by delaying or even preventing neurodegeneration. Drugs promoting CNS remyelination in animal models have been identified recently, mostly as a result of repurposing phenotypical screening campaigns that used novel oligodendrocyte cellular models. Although none of these have as yet arrived in the clinic, promising candidates are on the way. Many questions remain. Among the most relevant is the question if there is a time window when remyelination drugs should be administrated and why adult remyelination fails in many neurodegenerative pathologies. Moreover, a significant challenge in the field is how to reconstitute the oligodendrocyte/axon interaction environment representative of healthy as well as disease microenvironments in drug screening campaigns, so that drugs can be screened in the most appropriate disease-relevant conditions. Here we will provide an overview of how the field of in vitro models developed over recent years and recent biological findings about how oligodendrocytes mature after reactivation of their staminal niche. These data have posed novel questions and opened new views about how the adult brain is repaired after myelin injury and we will discuss how these new findings might change future drug screening campaigns for CNS regenerative drugs.

scholarly journals Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Cellular Populations of the Central Nervous System: The Influence of Donor Age

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 1725
Author(s):  
Diego Delgado ◽  
Ane Miren Bilbao ◽  
Maider Beitia ◽  
Ane Garate ◽  
Pello Sánchez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Cellular Response ◽  
Platelet Rich Plasma ◽  
Biological Response ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
Molecular Composition ◽  
Cellular Models ◽  
The Central Nervous System

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a biologic therapy that promotes healing responses across multiple medical fields, including the central nervous system (CNS). The efficacy of this therapy depends on several factors such as the donor’s health status and age. This work aims to prove the effect of PRP on cellular models of the CNS, considering the differences between PRP from young and elderly donors. Two different PRP pools were prepared from donors 65–85 and 20–25 years old. The cellular and molecular composition of both PRPs were analyzed. Subsequently, the cellular response was evaluated in CNS in vitro models, studying proliferation, neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and inflammation. While no differences in the cellular composition of PRPs were found, the molecular composition of the Young PRP showed lower levels of inflammatory molecules such as CCL-11, as well as the presence of other factors not found in Aged PRP (GDF-11). Although both PRPs had effects in terms of reducing neural progenitor cell apoptosis, stabilizing neuronal synapses, and decreasing inflammation in the microglia, the effect of the Young PRP was more pronounced. In conclusion, the molecular composition of the PRP, conditioned by the age of the donors, affects the magnitude of the biological response.

scholarly journals Effect of Mitochondrial and Cytosolic FXN Isoform Expression on Mitochondrial Dynamics and Metabolism

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (21) ◽  
pp. 8251
Author(s):  
Mauro Agrò ◽  
Javier Díaz-Nido
Keyword(s):  
Cross Talk ◽  
Cellular Localization ◽  
Mitochondrial Dynamics ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
Mitochondrial Network ◽  
Functional Roles ◽  
Cellular Models ◽  
Recessive Mutations ◽  
Cellular Compartments

Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by recessive mutations in the frataxin gene that lead to a deficiency of the mitochondrial frataxin (FXN) protein. Alternative forms of frataxin have been described, with different cellular localization and tissue distribution, including a cerebellum-specific cytosolic isoform called FXN II. Here, we explored the functional roles of FXN II in comparison to the mitochondrial FXN I isoform, highlighting the existence of potential cross-talk between cellular compartments. To achieve this, we transduced two human cell lines of patient and healthy subjects with lentiviral vectors overexpressing the mitochondrial or the cytosolic FXN isoforms and studied their effect on the mitochondrial network and metabolism. We confirmed the cytosolic localization of FXN isoform II in our in vitro models. Interestingly, both cytosolic and mitochondrial isoforms have an effect on mitochondrial dynamics, affecting different parameters. Accordingly, increases of mitochondrial respiration were detected after transduction with FXN I or FXN II in both cellular models. Together, these results point to the existence of a potential cross-talk mechanism between the cytosol and mitochondria, mediated by FXN isoforms. A more thorough knowledge of the mechanisms of action behind the extra-mitochondrial FXN II isoform could prove useful in unraveling FRDA physiopathology.

Recommended Guidelines for Developing, Qualifying, and Implementing Complex In Vitro Models (CIVMs) for Drug Discovery

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (10) ◽  
pp. 1174-1190
Author(s):  
Jason E. Ekert ◽  
Julianna Deakyne ◽  
Philippa Pribul-Allen ◽  
Rebecca Terry ◽  
Christopher Schofield ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Discovery ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Lead Discovery ◽  
Cellular Models ◽  
Discovery Phase ◽  
Early Drug

The pharmaceutical industry is continuing to face high research and development (R&D) costs and low overall success rates of clinical compounds during drug development. There is an increasing demand for development and validation of healthy or disease-relevant and physiological human cellular models that can be implemented in early-stage discovery, thereby shifting attrition of future therapeutics to a point in discovery at which the costs are significantly lower. There needs to be a paradigm shift in the early drug discovery phase (which is lengthy and costly), away from simplistic cellular models that show an inability to effectively and efficiently reproduce healthy or human disease-relevant states to steer target and compound selection for safety, pharmacology, and efficacy questions. This perspective article covers the various stages of early drug discovery from target identification (ID) and validation to the hit/lead discovery phase, lead optimization, and preclinical safety. We outline key aspects that should be considered when developing, qualifying, and implementing complex in vitro models (CIVMs) during these phases, because criteria such as cell types (e.g., cell lines, primary cells, stem cells, and tissue), platform (e.g., spheroids, scaffolds or hydrogels, organoids, microphysiological systems, and bioprinting), throughput, automation, and single and multiplexing endpoints will vary. The article emphasizes the need to adequately qualify these CIVMs such that they are suitable for various applications (e.g., context of use) of drug discovery and translational research. The article ends looking to the future, in which there is an increase in combining computational modeling, artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), and CIVMs.

scholarly journals Direct SARS-CoV-2 infection of the human inner ear may underlie COVID-19-associated audiovestibular dysfunction

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Minjin Jeong ◽  
Karen E. Ocwieja ◽  
Dongjun Han ◽  
P. Ashley Wackym ◽  
Yichen Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inner Ear ◽  
Hair Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
Cellular Models ◽  
Induced Pluripotent ◽  
Human Inner Ear

Abstract Background COVID-19 is a pandemic respiratory and vascular disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. There is a growing number of sensory deficits associated with COVID-19 and molecular mechanisms underlying these deficits are incompletely understood. Methods We report a series of ten COVID-19 patients with audiovestibular symptoms such as hearing loss, vestibular dysfunction and tinnitus. To investigate the causal relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and audiovestibular dysfunction, we examine human inner ear tissue, human inner ear in vitro cellular models, and mouse inner ear tissue. Results We demonstrate that adult human inner ear tissue co-expresses the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor for SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and FURIN cofactors required for virus entry. Furthermore, hair cells and Schwann cells in explanted human vestibular tissue can be infected by SARS-CoV-2, as demonstrated by confocal microscopy. We establish three human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived in vitro models of the inner ear for infection: two-dimensional otic prosensory cells (OPCs) and Schwann cell precursors (SCPs), and three-dimensional inner ear organoids. Both OPCs and SCPs express ACE2, TMPRSS2, and FURIN, with lower ACE2 and FURIN expression in SCPs. OPCs are permissive to SARS-CoV-2 infection; lower infection rates exist in isogenic SCPs. The inner ear organoids show that hair cells express ACE2 and are targets for SARS-CoV-2. Conclusions Our results provide mechanistic explanations of audiovestibular dysfunction in COVID-19 patients and introduce hiPSC-derived systems for studying infectious human otologic disease.

scholarly journals Linking In Vitro Models of Endothelial Dysfunction with Cell Senescence

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1323
Author(s):  
Francisco R. Jimenez Trinidad ◽  
Marta Arrieta Ruiz ◽  
Núria Solanes Batlló ◽  
Àngela Vea Badenes ◽  
Joaquim Bobi Gibert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Endothelial Cell ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
Endothelial Cell Dysfunction ◽  
Gene Markers ◽  
Cell Dysfunction ◽  
Cellular Models

Endothelial cell dysfunction is the principal cause of several cardiovascular diseases that are increasing in prevalence, healthcare costs, and mortality. Developing a standardized, representative in vitro model of endothelial cell dysfunction is fundamental to a greater understanding of the pathophysiology, and to aiding the development of novel pharmacological therapies. We subjected human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to different periods of nutrient deprivation or increasing doses of H2O2 to represent starvation or elevated oxidative stress, respectively, to investigate changes in cellular function. Both in vitro cellular models of endothelial cell dysfunction-associated senescence developed in this study, starvation and oxidative stress, were validated by markers of cellular senescence (increase in β-galactosidase activity, and changes in senescence gene markers SIRT1 and P21) and endothelial dysfunction as denoted by reductions in angiogenic and migratory capabilities. HUVECs showed a significant H2O2 concentration-dependent reduction in cell viability (p < 0.0001), and a significant increase in oxidative stress (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, HUVECs subjected to 96 h of starvation, or exposed to concentrations of H2O2 of 400 to 1000 μM resulted in impaired angiogenic and migratory potentials. These models will enable improved physiological studies of endothelial cell dysfunction, and the rapid testing of cellular efficacy and toxicity of future novel therapeutic compounds.

scholarly journals An Efficient, Three-Component Synthesis of Isoindolin-1-One-3-Phosphonates Under Mild and Solvent-Free Conditions and Their Biological Activities

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamida Jelali ◽  
Ibrahim S. Al Nasr ◽  
Waleed S. Koko ◽  
Tariq A. Khan ◽  
Eric Deniau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Leishmania Major ◽  
Human Cancer ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Antimicrobial Activities ◽  
Primary Amines ◽  
One Pot ◽  
Human Cancer Cell Lines ◽  
Solvent Free Conditions ◽  
Three Component Reaction

Abstract In this work, the synthesis of isoindolin-1-one-3-phosphonates by a ‘one-pot’ three-component reaction of 2-formylbenzoic acid with primary amines and dimethyl phosphite under solvent and catalyst free-conditions was reported. 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FT-IR and elemental analysis techniques, characterized the obtained compounds. The isoindolin-1-one-3-phosphonates were screened for their antimicrobial activities against bacteria and a fungus (Candida albicans). They were additionally also investigated for their anti-parasitical activities against Leishmania major promastigotes and amastigotes and Toxoplasma gondii in vitro. Cytotoxicity investigations of the isoindolin-1-one-3-phosphonates were led conducted in two human cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7and vero cells.

scholarly journals Thykamine Extracts from Spinach Reduce Acute Inflammation In Vivo and Downregulate Phlogogenic Functions of Human Blood Neutrophils In Vitro

Biomedicines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 219
Author(s):  
Vickie Beaupré ◽  
Nathalie Boucher ◽  
Isabel Desgagné-Penix
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Models ◽  
No Production ◽  
Chlorophyll Pigments ◽  
Cellular Models ◽  
Blood Neutrophils ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Botanical Extract

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant role of Thykamine, a botanical extract of thylakoides obtained from spinach leaves, has been investigated in animal and cellular models. The oxidative properties have been proven by inhibiting NO production (>98%) in J774A.1 cells and by protecting a linoelic acid emulsion subjected to lipid peroxidation caused by AAPH. Thykamine injected intraperitoneally to rats reduced the inflammatory process of (TNBS)-induced colitis and carrageenan-induced paw edema. As neutrophils are the first cells to migrate to inflammatory sites, the influence of Thykamine on the primary neutrophil functions were studied. Thykamine dose-dependent reduced neutrophil chemiotaxis, phagocytosis, and degranulation. No change in the release of LDH by neutrophils on Thykamine was recorded. Thykamine inhibited by 85% the neutrophil production of O2−. A superoxide recovery activity was observed on a zymography demonstrating a SOD-like enzyme on Thykamine extracts. Spontaneous fluorescence provided by carotenoid and chlorophyll pigments (488/675 nm) detected Thykamine on the surface, in the cytoplasm (mainly central where Golgi are present) and weakly in the nucleus of neutrophils. The results argue that SOD and pigments found in Thykamine are part of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties shown in in vivo and in vitro models of inflammation.

scholarly journals Influence of Selected Carbon Nanostructures on the CYP2C9 Enzyme of the P450 Cytochrome

Materials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (24) ◽  
pp. 4149
Author(s):  
Justyna Sekretarska ◽  
Jarosław Szczepaniak ◽  
Malwina Sosnowska ◽  
Marta Grodzik ◽  
Marta Kutwin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Nanostructures ◽  
Drug Effects ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Enzymatic Function ◽  
Graphite Nanoparticles ◽  
Expression Site ◽  
Low Toxicity ◽  
Exogenous Compounds

Carbon nanostructures have recently gained significant interest from scientists due to their unique physicochemical properties and low toxicity. They can accumulate in the liver, which is the main expression site of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes. These enzymes play an important role in the metabolism of exogenous compounds, such as drugs and xenobiotics. Altered activity or expression of CYP450 enzymes may lead to adverse drug effects and toxicity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of three carbon nanostructures on the activity and expression at the mRNA and protein levels of CYP2C9 isoenzyme from the CYP2C subfamily: Diamond nanoparticles, graphite nanoparticles, and graphene oxide platelets. The experiments were conducted using two in vitro models. A microsome model was used to assess the influence of the three-carbon nanostructures on the activity of the CYP2C9 isoenzyme. The CYP2C9 gene expression at the mRNA and protein levels was determined using a hepatoma-derived cell line HepG2. The experiments have shown that all examined nanostructures inhibit the enzymatic activity of the studied isoenzymes. Moreover, a decrease in the expression at the mRNA and protein levels was also observed. This indicates that despite low toxicity, the nanostructures can alter the enzymatic function of CYP450 enzymes, and the molecular pathways involved in their expression.

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