RESUMEN
Sperm in most mammalian species including rat, mice and human are kept completely quiescent (motionless) and viable for up to a few weeks in the cauda epididymis before ejaculation. Vigorous motility is initiated almost instantly upon sperm release from cauda during ejaculation. The molecular mechanisms that suppress sperm motility but increase cell survival during storage in cauda epididymis are not known. Intracellular signaling via phosphorylation cascades is quick events that may regulate motility and survival of transcriptionally inactive sperm. Pathscan intracellular signaling array provided the preliminary picture of cell signaling in quiescent and motile rat sperm, indicating upregulation of cell-survival pathways in quiescent sperm, which were downregulated during motility activation. Interactome of signaling proteins involved in motility activation was constructed by Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) software, which identified mitogen activated protein kinase-p38 (MAPK-p38), AKT, mTOR and their downstream target p70S6K as the key kinases regulating sperm function. Further validation was achieved by western blotting and pathway activators/inhibitors. Immunofluorescence localized the kinase proteins in the sperm mid-piece region (mitochondria), a known extra-nuclear target for these signaling pathways. Activators of these kinases inhibited sperm motility but increased viability, and vice versa was true for inhibitors, in most of the cases. Activators and inhibitors also affected sperm mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP content and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Data suggest that sperm motility and survival are inversely complementary and critically regulated by intracellular cell signaling. Aberrant cell signaling in caudal sperm may affect cell survival (sperm concentration) and motility of ejaculated sperm.
Asunto(s)
Epidídimo , Motilidad Espermática , Animales , Epidídimo/metabolismo , Masculino , Ratones , Ratas , Transducción de Señal , Pieza Intermedia del Espermatozoide , Espermatozoides/metabolismoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To identify the sequence of inflammation-driven signaling cascades and other molecular events that might cause tumor-like transformation of prostatic cells. METHODS: Cytokine array analysis, Reactome and STRING analysis, immunoblotting, and immunocytochemistry were used to investigate the molecular mechanisms governing inflammation-driven adverse changes in human prostatic cells caused by the sexually transmitted infection, Trichomonas vaginalis, resulting in prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. RESULTS: Array analysis showed upregulation of 23 cytokines within 24 h of infection of human prostatic epithelial RWPE-1 cells with the parasite, in vitro. Reactome and STRING analysis of array data identified interleukin-6, interleukin-8, nuclear factor kappa B, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and cyclooxygenase 2 as chief instigators of prostatic anomaly, which were found to be significantly upregulated by immunofluorescence and western blotting analyses. STRING further connected these instigators with macrophage migration inhibitory factor, PIM-1 and prostate-specific antigen; which was confirmed by their marked stimulation in infected prostatic cells by immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry. Upregulated proliferation markers, such as Ki67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and B-cell lymphoma 2, suggested tumor-like signaling in infected RWPE-1 cells, which was further supported by downregulation of E-cadherin, upregulation of vimentin and activation of focal adhesion kinase. Prostate tumor DU145 cells were more sensitive to parasite invasion, and showed rapid upregulation with nuclear translocation of sensitive parameters, such as nuclear factor kappa B, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and macrophage migration inhibitory factor. The migration of DU145 cells augmented when incubated in spent media from parasite-infected RWPE-1 cells. CONCLUSION: The initiation of inflammation driven tumor-like cell signaling in parasite-infected human prostatic epithelial cells is apparent, with the prostate tumor (DU145) cells being more sensitive to T. vaginalis than normal (RWPE-1) prostatic cells.
Asunto(s)
Neoplasias de la Próstata , Tricomoniasis , Trichomonas vaginalis , Células Epiteliales , Humanos , Inflamación , Masculino , Transducción de SeñalRESUMEN
Meiosis is the defining event of spermatogenesis. Spermatocytes undergo meiosis to give rise to round spermatids, which in turn metamorphose to flagellated spermatozoa that mature in the epididymis. To characterize the dynamics of gene expression during these important stages of spermatogenesis, we undertook transcriptome analysis in >90% pure pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids, and pure mature sperm of rat by massive parallel deep sequencing. The study has identified 10,719 total transcripts expressed in meiotic and postmeiotic cells, out of which 7,641 were present in all the three cell types. Most abundant transcripts were related to gametogenesis in spermatocytes and spermatids, and mitochondrial energy metabolism in sperm. Importantly, 108 transcripts were specific to spermatocytes, including Cpeb2, Dpf3, H2afy, Haus7, Plcb1, Taf9, and Tdrd7 strongly linked with meiosis. Similarly, 323 transcripts unique to round spermatids included Arpc5, Apoa1, Cntrob, Dcaf17, Ift88, and Ly6k that play essential roles in spermiogenesis. Likewise, 178 transcripts unique to sperm included Camta1, Hoxb1, and Prdx6 having assigned roles in fertility and/or embryonic development. Levels of ~16% transcripts declined from spermatocytes to sperm while two (Cd300e and Ddx17) increased. New candidate genes with possible roles in meiosis (91), spermiogenesis (298), and sperm function (171), have been identified. This study has provided new potential targets for contraception and/or treatment of male infertility. (CDRI communication number 9889).
Asunto(s)
Regulación de la Expresión Génica/fisiología , Meiosis/fisiología , Espermatocitos/metabolismo , Espermatogénesis/fisiología , Animales , Masculino , Ratas , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Espermatocitos/citologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Spermatogenesis in most mammals (including human and rat) occurs at ~ 3 °C lower than body temperature in a scrotum and fails rapidly at 37 °C inside the abdomen. The present study investigates the heat-sensitive transcriptome and miRNAs in the most vulnerable germ cells (spermatocytes and round spermatids) that are primarily targeted at elevated temperature in a bid to identify novel targets for contraception and/or infertility treatment. METHODS: Testes of adult male rats subjected to surgical cryptorchidism were obtained at 0, 24, 72 and 120 h post-surgery, followed by isolation of primary spermatocytes and round spermatids and purification to > 90% purity using a combination of trypsin digestion, centrifugal elutriation and density gradient centrifugation techniques. RNA isolated from these cells was sequenced by massive parallel sequencing technique to identify the most-heat sensitive mRNAs and miRNAs. RESULTS: Heat stress altered the expression of a large number of genes by ≥2.0 fold, out of which 594 genes (286↑; 308↓) showed alterations in spermatocytes and 154 genes (105↑; 49↓) showed alterations in spermatids throughout the duration of experiment. 62 heat-sensitive genes were common to both cell types. Similarly, 66 and 60 heat-sensitive miRNAs in spermatocytes and spermatids, respectively, were affected by ≥1.5 fold, out of which 6 were common to both the cell types. CONCLUSION: The study has identified Acly, selV, SLC16A7(MCT-2), Txnrd1 and Prkar2B as potential heat sensitive targets in germ cells, which may be tightly regulated by heat sensitive miRNAs rno-miR-22-3P, rno-miR-22-5P, rno-miR-129-5P, rno-miR-3560, rno-miR-3560 and rno-miR-466c-5P.
Asunto(s)
Perfilación de la Expresión Génica/métodos , Calor , Espermatocitos/fisiología , Espermatogénesis/fisiología , Animales , Expresión Génica , Masculino , Ratas , Ratas Sprague-DawleyRESUMEN
Quiescent sperm survive in cauda epididymis for long periods of time under extreme crowding conditions and with a very limited energy substrate, while after ejaculation, motile sperm live for a much shorter period with an unlimited energy resource and without crowding. Thus, the energy metabolism in relation to the energy requirement of the two may be quite different. A simple physiological technique was evolved to collect viable quiescent sperm from rat cauda epididymis to compare its energy metabolism with motile sperm. Quiescent sperm exhibited 40%-60% higher activities of mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes I-IV and ATP synthase in comparison to motile sperm and accumulated Ca(2+) in the midpiece mitochondria to enhance oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos). In contrast, motile sperm displayed up to 75% higher activities of key glycolytic enzymes and secreted more than two times the lactate than quiescent sperm. Quiescent sperm phosphorylated AMPK and MAPK-p38, while motile sperm phosphorylated AKT and MAPK/ERK. Glycolytic inhibitor iodoacetamide prevented motility activation of quiescent rat sperm and inhibited conception in rabbits more effectively than OxPhos uncoupler 2,4-dinitrophenol. Apparently, quiescent sperm employ the most energy efficient OxPhos to survive for extended periods of time under extreme conditions of nutrition and crowding. However, on motility initiation, sperm switch predominantly to glycolysis to cater to their high- and quick-energy requirement of much shorter periods. This study also presents a proof of concept for targeting sperm energy metabolism for contraception.
Asunto(s)
Metabolismo Energético , Motilidad Espermática , Animales , Calcio/metabolismo , Femenino , Fertilidad , Glucólisis , Subunidad alfa del Factor 1 Inducible por Hipoxia/metabolismo , Ácido Láctico/metabolismo , Sistema de Señalización de MAP Quinasas , Masculino , Mitocondrias/metabolismo , ATPasas de Translocación de Protón Mitocondriales/metabolismo , Conejos , Ratas Sprague-DawleyRESUMEN
The anti-cancer property of curcumin, an active component of turmeric, is limited due to its poor solubility, stability and bioavailability. To enhance its efficacy, we designed a novel series of twenty-four monocarbonyl curcumin analogue-1,2,3-triazole conjugates and evaluated their anti-cancer activity towards endocrine related cancers. The new compounds (17-40) were synthesized through CuAAC click reaction and SAR analysis carried out. Out of these all, compound 17 showed most significant anti-cancer activity against prostate cancer cells with IC50 values of 8.8µM and 9.5µM in PC-3 and DU-145 cells, respectively. Another compound 26 showed significant anti-cancer activity against breast cancer cells with IC50 of 6µM, 10µM and 6.4µM in MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells, respectively while maintaining low toxicity towards non-cancer originated cell line, HEK-293. Compounds 17 and 26 arrested cell cycle and induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells. Further, both of these compounds significantly down-regulated cell proliferation marker (PCNA), inhibited activation of cell survival protein (Akt phosphorylation), upregulated pro-apoptotic protein (Bax) and down-regulated anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl-2) in their respective cell lines. In addition, in vitro stability, solubility and plasma binding studies of the compounds 17 and 26 showed them to be metabolically stable. Thus, this study identified two new curcumin monocarbonyl-1,2,3-triazole conjugate compounds with more potent activity than curcumin against breast and prostate cancers.
Asunto(s)
Antineoplásicos/síntesis química , Curcumina/química , Triazoles/química , Antineoplásicos/metabolismo , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Neoplasias de la Mama/metabolismo , Neoplasias de la Mama/patología , Puntos de Control del Ciclo Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Línea Celular Tumoral , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Química Clic , Regulación hacia Abajo/efectos de los fármacos , Ensayos de Selección de Medicamentos Antitumorales , Femenino , Células HEK293 , Semivida , Humanos , Masculino , Potencial de la Membrana Mitocondrial/efectos de los fármacos , Antígeno Nuclear de Célula en Proliferación/metabolismo , Neoplasias de la Próstata/metabolismo , Neoplasias de la Próstata/patología , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-bcl-2/metabolismo , Proteína X Asociada a bcl-2/metabolismoRESUMEN
Dietary consumption of phytoestrogens like genistein has been linked with lower incidence of prostate cancer. The estradiol-like benzopyran core of genistein confers estrogen receptor-ß (ER-ß) selectivity that imparts weak anti-proliferative activity against prostate cancer cells. DL-2-[4-(2-piperidinoethoxy)phenyl]-3-phenyl-2H-1-benzopyran (BP), a SERM designed with benzopyran core, targeted androgen independent prostate cancer (PC-3) cells 14-times more potently than genistein, ~25% more efficiently than tamoxifen and 6.5-times more actively than ICI-182780, without forfeiting significant specificity in comparison to genistein. BP increased apoptosis (annexin-V and TUNEL labeling), arrested cell cycle, and significantly increased caspase-3 activity along with mRNA expressions of estrogen receptor (ER)-ß and FasL (qPCR) in PC-3 cells. In classical ERE-luc reporter assay BP behaved as a potent ER-α antagonist and ER-ß agonist. Accordingly, it decreased expression of ER-α target PS2 (P<0.01) and increased expression of ER-ß target TNF-α (P<0.05) genes in PC-3. ER-ß deficient PC-3 (siRNA-transfected) was resistant to apoptotic and anti-proliferative actions of SERMs, including stimulation of FasL expression by BP. BP significantly inhibited phosphorylation of Akt and ERK-1/2, JNK and p38 in PC-3 (immunoblotting), and thus adopted a multi-pathway mechanism to exert a more potent anti-proliferative activity against prostate cancer cells than natural and synthetic SERMs. Its precise ER-subtype specific activity presents a unique lead structure for further optimization.
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Antineoplásicos Hormonales/farmacología , Benzopiranos/farmacología , Receptor alfa de Estrógeno/antagonistas & inhibidores , Receptor beta de Estrógeno/agonistas , Neoplasias de la Próstata Resistentes a la Castración/metabolismo , Moduladores Selectivos de los Receptores de Estrógeno/farmacología , Animales , Antineoplásicos Hormonales/química , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Benzopiranos/química , Células COS , Puntos de Control del Ciclo Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Línea Celular Tumoral , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Chlorocebus aethiops , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Diseño de Fármacos , Receptor alfa de Estrógeno/genética , Receptor alfa de Estrógeno/metabolismo , Receptor beta de Estrógeno/genética , Receptor beta de Estrógeno/metabolismo , Humanos , Masculino , Estructura Molecular , Neoplasias de la Próstata Resistentes a la Castración/genética , Neoplasias de la Próstata Resistentes a la Castración/patología , Interferencia de ARN , Moduladores Selectivos de los Receptores de Estrógeno/química , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Relación Estructura-Actividad , Factores de Tiempo , TransfecciónRESUMEN
Prophylactic prevention is considered as the most promising strategy to tackle STI/HIV. Twenty-five dithiocarbamate-thiourea hybrids (14-38) were synthesized as woman controlled topical vaginal microbicides to counter Trichomonas vaginalis and sperm along with RT inhibition potential. The four promising compounds (18, 26, 28 and 33) were tested for safety through cytotoxic assay against human cervical cell line (HeLa) and compatibility with vaginal flora, Lactobacillus. Docking study of most promising vaginal microbicide (33) revealed that it docked in a position and orientation similar to known reverse transcriptase inhibitor Nevirapine. The preliminary in vivo pharmacokinetics of compound 33 was performed in NZ-rabbits to evaluate systemic toxicity in comparison to Nonoxynol-9.
Asunto(s)
Antiinfecciosos/farmacología , Tiocarbamatos/farmacología , Tiourea/farmacología , Vagina , Antiinfecciosos/química , Femenino , VIH/efectos de los fármacos , Células HeLa , Humanos , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Simulación del Acoplamiento Molecular , Tiocarbamatos/química , Tiourea/química , Trichomonas vaginalis/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
PURPOSE: To investigate apigenin (5,7,4-trihydroxyflavone), a dietary flavonoid with proteasome-inhibitory activity (desired for the management of multiple types of cancers), against FDA-approved anticancer proteasome inhibitor bortezomib in context to its effects on the tumor suppressor estrogen receptor-beta (ER-ß) in prostate cancer cells. METHODS: Prostate cancer (PC-3) cells were treated with either apigenin or bortezomib, and proliferation inhibition was correlated with proteasomal biochemistry, ER-degradation and cell apoptosis. RESULTS: Apigenin specifically inhibited only chymotrypsin-like activity of proteasome without affecting trypsin and caspase-like activities, which was in contrast to the non-specific inhibition of all the three activities by bortezomib. Apigenin selectively increased the protein levels of ER-ß at 1.8 and 10.0 µM (without affecting mRNA levels) and preferentially accumulated ubiquitinated ER-ß over ER-α in PC-3. Apigenin-treated cells exhibited increased ER-ß interactions with ubiquitin-protein ligase E6AP, downregulated PSMA5 (α-5 subunit for assembly of 20S proteasome) without affecting PSMB1 (ß-1 subunit), PSMB2 (ß-2 subunit) and PSMB5 (ß-5 subunit, whose overexpression by bortezomib causes drug resistance) of proteasome at mRNA levels. Caspase-3 activation in PC-3 by apigenin was dependent on caspase-8 activity but independent of mitochondrial membrane depolarization. The deubiquitinase USP14 activity, which antagonizes degradation of proteins via proteasome, was significantly increased by apigenin treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Apigenin selectively inhibits proteasomal degradation of tumor suppressor ER-ß by specifically inhibiting chymotrypsin-like activity of proteasome, preventing its assembly via PSMA5 and inhibiting USP14 enzyme activity in prostate cancer cells, resulting in cancer cell apoptosis. Unlike bortezomib, apigenin's actions are subtle, precise, mechanistically distinct and capable of abstaining drug resistance.
Asunto(s)
Apigenina/farmacología , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Receptor beta de Estrógeno/metabolismo , Neoplasias de la Próstata/patología , Inhibidores de Proteasoma/farmacología , Ubiquitina/metabolismo , Bortezomib/farmacología , Caspasa 3/genética , Caspasa 3/metabolismo , Caspasa 8/genética , Caspasa 8/metabolismo , Línea Celular Tumoral/efectos de los fármacos , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Regulación hacia Abajo , Receptor alfa de Estrógeno/genética , Receptor alfa de Estrógeno/metabolismo , Receptor beta de Estrógeno/genética , Humanos , Masculino , Complejo de la Endopetidasa Proteasomal/genética , Complejo de la Endopetidasa Proteasomal/metabolismo , Ubiquitina/genética , Ubiquitina Tiolesterasa/genética , Ubiquitina Tiolesterasa/metabolismo , Ubiquitina-Proteína Ligasas/genética , Ubiquitina-Proteína Ligasas/metabolismoRESUMEN
STUDY QUESTION: Can a specifically acting synthetic spermicide (DSE-37) be combined with a natural microbicide (saponins) for safe, prophylactic contraception? SUMMARY ANSWER: A 1:1 (w/w) combination of DSE-37 and Sapindus saponins can target sperm and Trichomonas vaginalis precisely without any noticeable off-target effects on somatic cells at effective concentrations. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Broad-spectrum vaginal agents like nonoxynol-9 (N-9) and cellulose sulfate have failed clinically as microbicides due to non-specific off-target effects, whereas agents that specifically target retroviruses have shown promise in clinical trials. DSE-37 and Sapindus saponins, respectively, specifically target human sperm and T. vaginalis in vitro. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A comprehensive study of efficacy and safety was undertaken using in vitro (human cells) and in vivo (rabbit) models. The 1:1 combination of DSE-37 and Sapindus saponins was based on the in vitro spermicidal and anti-Trichomonal activities of the two components. N-9, the spermicide in clinical use, served as reference control. Free sperm thiols were fluorescently glinted to reveal differences in the targets of the test agents. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: On/off-target effects were evaluated in vitro against human sperm, T. vaginalis, HeLa, Vk2/E6E7, End1/E6E7 and Lactobacillus jensenii, using standard assays of drug susceptibility, cell viability, flow cytometric assessment of cell apoptosis and qPCR for expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNAs. The spermicidal effect was also recorded live and free thiols on sperm were fluorescently visualized using a commercial kit. In vivo contraceptive efficacy (pregnancy/fertility rates) and safety (vaginal histopathology and in situ immune-labeling of inflammation markers VCAM-1, E-selectin and NFkB) were evaluated in rabbits. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: A 0.003% drug 'combination' containing 0.0015% each of DSE-37 and Sapindus saponins in physiological saline irreversibly immobilized 100% human sperm in â¼30 s and eliminated 100% T. vaginalis in 24 h, without causing any detectable toxicity to human cervical (HeLa) cells and Lactobacilli in 24-48 h, in vitro. N-9 at 0.003% exhibited lower microbicidal activity against Trichomonas but failed in spermicidal assays while causing severe toxicity to HeLa cells and Lactobacilli in 12-24 h. The 'combination' of DSE-37 and Sapindus saponins completely prevented pregnancy in rabbits at a vaginal dose of 20 mg (1% in K-Y Jelly), while application of 5% 'combination' in K-Y Jelly for 4 consecutive days caused negligible alterations in epithelial lining of rabbit vagina with only minor changes in levels of inflammation markers. N-9 at a 20 mg vaginal dose prevented pregnancy in 33% animals and a 4-day repeat application of 2% N-9 gel caused severe local toxicity to vaginal epithelium with molecular expression of acute inflammation markers. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The number of animals used for the in vivo efficacy study was limited by the approval of the animal ethics committee. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Anti-Trichomonal contraceptives with specifically acting synthetic component and clinically-proven safe natural component may define a new concept in empowering women to control their fertility and reproductive health. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): The study was funded by CSIR-Network Project 'PROGRAM' (BSC0101) and partly by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India (GAP0001). The funding agencies did not play any role in this study and none of the authors had any competing interest(s).
Asunto(s)
Aminoquinolinas/química , Antiinfecciosos/administración & dosificación , Anticonceptivos/uso terapéutico , Espermicidas/administración & dosificación , Animales , Disulfuros/química , Femenino , Células HeLa , Humanos , Inflamación , L-Lactato Deshidrogenasa/metabolismo , Masculino , Potencial de la Membrana Mitocondrial , Faloidina/química , Conejos , Sapindus/metabolismo , Semen/efectos de los fármacos , Espermatozoides/patología , Tensión Superficial , Tensoactivos/química , Trichomonas vaginalis/metabolismoRESUMEN
A series of seventeen morpholin/piperidin-1-yl-carbamodithioate (3-19) were synthesized as topical vaginal microbicidal spermicides. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their anti-Trichomonas activity against MTZ susceptible and resistant strains along with their spermicidal and antifungal potential. All the synthesized compounds were assessed for their safety through cytotoxic assay against human cervical cell line (HeLa) and compatibility with vaginal flora, Lactobacillus. The study identified eleven dually active compounds with apparent safety. The plausible mode of action of these compounds was through sulfhydryl binding, confirmed via reduction in available free thiols on human sperm. The most promising compound 9 significantly inhibited (P<0.001) thiol-sensitive sperm hexokinase. The stability of compound 9 in simulated vaginal fluid (SVF) was performed via HPLC-PDA method, which supported its utility for vaginal administration.
Asunto(s)
Antifúngicos/síntesis química , Diseño de Fármacos , Piperidinas/síntesis química , Espermicidas/síntesis química , Compuestos de Sulfhidrilo/química , Tiocarbamatos/síntesis química , Antifúngicos/farmacología , Antifúngicos/toxicidad , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Femenino , Células HeLa , Hexoquinasa/antagonistas & inhibidores , Hexoquinasa/metabolismo , Humanos , Lactobacillus/efectos de los fármacos , Masculino , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Morfolinas/química , Piperidinas/química , Piperidinas/farmacología , Piperidinas/toxicidad , Espermicidas/farmacología , Espermicidas/toxicidad , Espermatozoides/efectos de los fármacos , Espermatozoides/enzimología , Relación Estructura-Actividad , Compuestos de Sulfhidrilo/farmacología , Compuestos de Sulfhidrilo/toxicidad , Tiocarbamatos/farmacología , Tiocarbamatos/toxicidad , Trichomonas vaginalis/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
We designed a series of 25 3-(azol-1-yl)phenylpropanes which yielded 10 compounds (3, 4, 7, 8, 13, 14, 19, 21, 23, 26) that irreversibly immobilized 100% human sperm at 1% (w/v) concentration in 60s; 12 compounds (8, 9, 15, 16, 19-21, 23-25, 27, 28) that showed potent microbicidal activity at 12.5-50 µg/mL against Trichomonas vaginalis; and 17 compounds (3-11, 13, 15, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 30) that exhibited potent anticandida activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12.5-50 µg/mL. Almost all the compounds exhibited high level of safety towards normal vaginal flora (Lactobacillus) and human cervical (HeLa) cells in comparison to the marketed spermicide nonoxynol-9 (N-9). All the biological activities were evaluated in vitro. Two compounds (4, 8) with good safety profile exhibited multiple (spermicidal, antitrichomonas and anticandida) activities, warranting further lead optimization for furnishing a prophylactic vaginal contraceptive.
Asunto(s)
Antiinfecciosos/síntesis química , Antifúngicos/síntesis química , Anticonceptivos Femeninos/síntesis química , Propano/química , Espermicidas/síntesis química , Antiinfecciosos/química , Antiinfecciosos/toxicidad , Antifúngicos/química , Antifúngicos/toxicidad , Anticonceptivos Femeninos/química , Anticonceptivos Femeninos/toxicidad , Diseño de Fármacos , Femenino , Células HeLa , Humanos , Lactobacillus/efectos de los fármacos , Propano/síntesis química , Propano/toxicidad , Espermicidas/química , Espermicidas/toxicidad , Relación Estructura-Actividad , Trichomonas vaginalis/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: We have attempted to identify structural, physiological and other targets on human sperm vulnerable to the spermicidal action of two novel series of non-detergent molecules, reported to irreversibly immobilize human sperm in <30 s, apparently without disrupting plasma membrane. METHODS: Three sperm samples were studied. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to assess structural aberrations of sperm membrane; plasma membrane potential and intracellular pH measurements (fluorometric) were used to detect changes in sperm physiology; reactive oxygen species (ROS, fluorometric) and superoxide dismutase activity (colorimetric) were indicators of oxidative stress; and sperm dynein ATPase activity demonstrated alterations in motor energy potential, in response to spermicide treatment. Post-ejaculation tyrosine phosphorylation of human sperm proteins (immunoblotting) was a marker for functional integrity. RESULTS: Disulfide esters of carbothioic acid (DSE compounds) caused complete sperm attenuation at > or =0.002% concentration with hyper-polarization of sperm membrane potential (P < 0.001), intracellular alkalinization (P < 0.01), ROS generation (P < 0.05) and no apparent effect on sperm (n = 150) membrane structure. Isoxazolecarbaldehyde compounds required > or =0.03% for spermicidal action and caused disrupted outer acrosomal membrane structure, depolarization of membrane potential (P < 0.001), intracellular acidification (P < 0.01) and ROS generation (P < 0.01). Detergent [nonoxynol-9 (N-9)] action was sustainable at > or =0.05% and involved complete breakdown of structural and physiological membrane integrity with ROS generation (P < 0.001). All spermicides caused functional attenuation of sperm without inhibiting motor energetics. Unlike N-9, DSE-37 (vaginal dose, 200 microg) completely inhibited pregnancy in rats and vaginal epithelium was unchanged (24 h,10 mg). CONCLUSIONS: The study reveals a unique mechanism of action for DSE spermicides. DSE-37 holds promise as a safe vaginal contraceptive. CDRI Communication No. 7545.
Asunto(s)
Espermicidas/farmacología , Espermatozoides/efectos de los fármacos , Espermatozoides/fisiología , Administración Intravaginal , Animales , Disulfuros/administración & dosificación , Disulfuros/farmacología , Dineínas/metabolismo , Femenino , Humanos , Concentración de Iones de Hidrógeno , Técnicas In Vitro , Masculino , Potenciales de la Membrana/efectos de los fármacos , Microscopía Electrónica de Rastreo , Microscopía Electrónica de Transmisión , Nonoxinol/administración & dosificación , Nonoxinol/farmacología , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Embarazo , Ratas , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Motilidad Espermática/efectos de los fármacos , Espermicidas/administración & dosificación , Espermatozoides/ultraestructura , Superóxido Dismutasa/metabolismoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Rational synthesis of novel structures resulted in two unique molecules (DSE-36 and DSE-37, disulphide esters of carbothioic acid) that killed sperm 25 times more strongly and with a precisely targeted action than nonoxynol-9 (N-9). We examine the effects of DSE-36 and DSE-37 on human spermatozoa versus HeLa cells to establish specificity and safety compared with N-9. METHODS AND RESULTS: At spermicidal EC(100) (20 microg/ml) DSE-36 and DSE-37 killed 100% sperm in <30 s (Sander-Cramer assay) and at EC(50) induced apoptosis in sperm (Annexin-V-fluorescein isothiocyanate and JC-1 labelling and Flow Cytometry) in 3 h. However, at EC(100) these molecules had no effect on HeLa cells by 24 h or on cell viability [3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay], surface ultrastructure (scanning electron microscopy), Annexin-V and JC-1 labelling pattern and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. N-9, with a spermicidal EC(100) of 500 microg/ml, decreased HeLa cell viability at 20 microg/ml in 24 h (P < 0.001), accompanied by acute damage to cell surface ultrastructural topography, induction of apoptosis and ROS generation. Unlike DSE-36 and DSE-37, N-9 also significantly induced mRNA levels (RT-PCR) of pro-inflammatory biomarkers (interleukin (IL)-1 alpha, IL-6, IL-8, RANTES) in HeLa cells and increased IL-6 and IL-8 secretion (P < 0.001, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Furthermore, DSE-36 and DSE-37 did not inhibit Lactobacillus growth at EC(100) and exhibited mild microbicidal activity against Trichomonas vaginalis, while N-9 inhibited Lactobacillus and Trichomonas growth but had a lower prophylactic index. CONCLUSIONS: The ability of these novel spermicides to kill sperm almost instantaneously at innocuously low concentration indicates their worth as improved active ingredients for vaginal contraceptive preparations compared with N-9.
Asunto(s)
Espermicidas/farmacología , Espermatozoides/efectos de los fármacos , Vagina/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Apoptosis , Disulfuros/farmacología , Ésteres/química , Femenino , Células HeLa , Humanos , Técnicas In Vitro , Lactobacillus/metabolismo , Masculino , Potenciales de la Membrana , Microscopía Electrónica de Rastreo/métodos , Nonoxinol/farmacología , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno , Espermicidas/química , Trichomonas vaginalis/metabolismoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: A recent revelation about increased susceptibility to HIV by use of nonoxynol-9 (N-9) has called for identification of novel molecules with potent sperm-attenuating activity and lower side-effect profile, as suitable alternatives. The present study was designed to investigate spermicidal activity in Bohadschia vitiensis whole-body extracts followed by isolation and characterization of bioactive molecule. METHODS: Bohadschia vitiensis (Semper) was collected from the Southern Andaman coast of India. Freshly collected marine animals were extracted with methanol. A portion of the crude extract was fractionated into four fractions by macerating with hexane, chloroform, and n-butanol successively. All fractions were evaluated for spermicidal activity. Because maximum activity was localized in the n-butanol soluble fraction, it was chromatographed over a silica gel column, and elution with chloroform-methanol-water (35:10:2, v/v) yielded the major compound bivittoside D (400 mg). Bivittoside D [molecular weight (MW) 1426] is a lanostane triterpenoid with six monosaccharide units. The structure of the compound was established on the basis of physicochemical data, acid hydrolysis of saponin, identification of sugar units and aglycon, melting point, and by comparison with data reported in the literature. RESULTS: The aqueous methanol extract of the Bohadschia vitiensis caused 100% mortality of human sperm at 0.01% concentration in vitro, whereas N-9 (reference control) exhibited an equivalent activity at 0.05%. On further fractionation, activity was localized in n-butanol soluble fraction from which the major compound purified was a lanostane triterpenoid called bivittoside D. Bivittoside D was found to be a more potent spermicide (approximately 2.3 times) than N-9 and killed 100% human sperm at the concentration of 350 muM in approximately 20 sec in vitro. Supravital staining and hypoosmotic swelling test revealed sperm membrane permeabilization by bivittoside D as the major mode of spermicidal action. However, bivittoside D was much safer than N-9 towards normal vaginal flora (Lactobacillus) in vitro, although it affected the viability of HeLa cells like other surfactants. CONCLUSION: Bivittoside D from B. vitiensis can adequately replace N-9 in vaginal contraceptives to make them more vaginally safe and ecofriendly.
Asunto(s)
Holoturina/análogos & derivados , Espermicidas/farmacología , Espermatozoides/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Células HeLa , Holoturina/química , Holoturina/aislamiento & purificación , Holoturina/farmacología , Holoturina/toxicidad , Humanos , Lactobacillus acidophilus/efectos de los fármacos , Masculino , Pepinos de Mar , Motilidad Espermática/efectos de los fármacos , Espermicidas/aislamiento & purificaciónRESUMEN
Carbodithioic acid esters of fluoxetine have been prepared by replacing the methylamino function in aminopropane chain with carbodithioic acid ester group and by adding various S-2-hydroxypropyl ester of dialkyl carbodithioic acid at 3-methylamino group. Some of these compounds showed spermicidal, antifungal and anti-Trichomonas activities. The study revealed that incorporation of carbodithioic acid residue directly into fluoxetine structure leads to compounds with better antifungal and anti-Trichomonas activities, and N-methyl-[3-phenyl-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenoxy)-propyl]carbodithioic acid S-(2-pyrrolidino-ethyl) ester (14) has shown better profile than both fluoxetine and nonoxynol-9. Further lead optimization may yield a potent dual-function spermicide.
Asunto(s)
Ésteres/química , Ésteres/farmacología , Fluoxetina/química , Espermicidas/química , Espermicidas/farmacología , Animales , Hongos/efectos de los fármacos , Trichomonas vaginalis/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
Sexually transmitted diseases like trichomoniasis along with opportunistic fungal infections like candidiasis are major global health burden in female reproductive health. In this context a novel non-nitroimidazole class of substituted carbamothioic amine-1-carbothioic thioanhydride series was designed, synthesized, evaluated for trichomonacidal and fungicidal activities, and was found to be more active than the standard drug Metronidazole (MTZ). Compounds were trichomonicidal in the MIC ranges of 4.77-294.1 µM and 32.46-735.20 µM against MTZ-susceptible and -resistant strains, respectively. Further, compounds inhibited the growth of at least two out of ten fungal strains tested at MIC of 7.50-240.38 µM. The most active compound (20) of this series was 3.8 and 9.5 fold more active than the MTZ against the two Trichomonas strains tested. Compound 20 also significantly inhibited the sulfhydryl groups present over Trichomonas vaginalis and was found to be more active than the MTZ in vivo. Further, a docking analysis carried out with cysteine proteases supported their thiol inhibiting ability and preliminary pharmacokinetic study has shown good distribution and systemic clearance.
Asunto(s)
Anhidrasas Carbónicas/farmacología , Diseño de Fármacos , Fungicidas Industriales/farmacología , Compuestos de Sulfhidrilo/farmacología , Trichomonas/efectos de los fármacos , Anhidrasas Carbónicas/síntesis química , Anhidrasas Carbónicas/química , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Fungicidas Industriales/síntesis química , Fungicidas Industriales/química , Metronidazol/química , Metronidazol/farmacología , Estructura Molecular , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Parasitaria , Relación Estructura-Actividad , Compuestos de Sulfhidrilo/síntesis química , Compuestos de Sulfhidrilo/química , Trichomonas/crecimiento & desarrolloRESUMEN
A series of seventeen piperazine derivatives have been synthesized and biologically evaluated for the management of andropause-associated prostatic disorders and depression. Five compounds 16, 19, 20, 21 and 22 significantly inhibited proliferation of androgen-sensitive LNCaP prostatic cell line with EC50 values of 12.4 µM, 15.6 µM, 11.8 µM, 10.4 µM, 12.2 µM respectively and decreased Ca2+ entry through adrenergic-receptor α1A blocking activity. Anti-androgenic behaviour of compound 19 and 22 was evident by decreased luciferase activity. The high EC50 value in AR-negative cells PC3 and DU145 suggested that the cytotoxicity of compounds was due to AR down regulation. Compound 19 reduced the prostate weight of rats by 53.8%. Further, forced-swimming and tail-suspension tests revealed antidepressant-like activity of compound 19, lacking effects on neuromuscular co-ordination. In silico ADMET predictions revealed that the compound 19 had good oral absorption, aqueous solubility, non-hepatotoxic and good affinity for plasma protein binding. Pharmacokinetic and tissue uptake of 19 at 10 mg/kg demonstrated an oral bioavailability of 35.4%. In silico docking studies predicted similar binding pattern of compound 19 on androgen receptor as hydroxyflutamide. Compound 19 appears to be a unique scaffold with promising activities against androgen associated prostatic disorders in males like prostate cancer and BPH and associated depression.
Asunto(s)
Antagonistas de Andrógenos/síntesis química , Andropausia , Depresión/tratamiento farmacológico , Piperazinas/farmacocinética , Enfermedades de la Próstata/tratamiento farmacológico , Antagonistas de Andrógenos/farmacología , Animales , Línea Celular , Regulación hacia Abajo/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Masculino , Simulación del Acoplamiento Molecular , Piperazina , Piperazinas/síntesis química , Piperazinas/química , Ratas , Receptores Androgénicos/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
Epigenetic repression of Androgen Receptor (AR) gene by hypermethylation of its promoter causes resistance in prostate cancer (CaP) to androgen deprivation therapy with anti-androgens. Some dietary phytocompounds like quercetin (Q) and curcumin (C) with reported DNMT-inhibitory activity were tested for their ability to re-express the AR in AR-negative CaP cell lines PC3 and DU145. Combined treatment with Q+C was much more effective than either Q or C in inhibiting DNMT, causing global hypomethylation, restoring AR mRNA and protein levels and causing apoptosis via mitochondrial depolarization of PC3 and DU145. The functional AR protein expressed in Q+C treated cells sensitized them to dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced proliferation, bicalutamide-induced apoptosis, bound to androgen response element to increase luciferase activity in gene reporter assay and was susceptible to downregulation by AR siRNA. Bisulfite sequencing revealed high methylation of AR promoter CpG sites in AR-negative DU145 and PC3 cell lines that was significantly demethylated by Q+C treatment, which restored AR expression. Notable synergistic effects of Q+C combination in re-sensitizing androgen refractory CaP cells to AR-mediated apoptosis, their known safety in clinical use, and epidemiological evidences relating their dietary consumption with lower cancer incidences indicate their potential for use in chemoprevention of androgen resistance in prostate cancer.
Asunto(s)
Antagonistas de Andrógenos/farmacología , Curcumina/farmacología , Represión Epigenética/efectos de los fármacos , Neoplasias de la Próstata/tratamiento farmacológico , Quercetina/farmacología , Receptores Androgénicos/metabolismo , Andrógenos/metabolismo , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Línea Celular , Línea Celular Tumoral , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Proliferación Celular/genética , Metilación de ADN/efectos de los fármacos , Metilación de ADN/genética , Dihidrotestosterona/farmacología , Regulación hacia Abajo/efectos de los fármacos , Regulación hacia Abajo/genética , Sinergismo Farmacológico , Represión Epigenética/genética , Humanos , Masculino , Regiones Promotoras Genéticas/efectos de los fármacos , Regiones Promotoras Genéticas/genética , Neoplasias de la Próstata/genética , Neoplasias de la Próstata/metabolismo , ARN Mensajero/metabolismoRESUMEN
Chemical attenuation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive anaerobes Trichomonas vaginalis, which is the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infection, and two often coexisting vaginal infections, namely Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus, which are opportunistic reproductive tract infections, was attempted with novel ammonium salts of carbamodithioic acid through inhibition of free thiols. In vitro and in vivo efficacies of the designed compounds were evaluated as topical vaginal microbicides. Five compounds showed exceptional activity against drug-resistant and -susceptible strains with negligible toxicity to host (HeLa) cells in vitro in comparison with the standard vaginal microbicide nonoxynol-9 (N-9), without disturbing the normal vaginal flora (i.e. Lactobacillus). The compounds significantly inhibited the cytopathic effects of Trichomonas on HeLa cells in vitro with efficacies comparable with metronidazole (MTZ); however, their efficacy to rescue host cells from co-infection (protozoal and fungal) was greater than that of MTZ. The compounds inhibited ß-haemolysis of red blood cells caused by Trichomonas and were found to be active in vivo in the mouse subcutaneous abscess assay. Some compounds rapidly immobilized human sperm. A mechanism involving inhibition of free thiols and consequently the cysteine proteases of T. vaginalis by the new compounds has been proposed. Thus, a unique scaffold of antimicrobial agents has been discovered that warrants further investigation for development as contraceptive vaginal microbicides.