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Toxicology Jun 2023The current review focuses on the effect of phenothiazine derivatives, tested in vitro, on necrosis and necroptosis, the latter constitutes one of the kinds of... (Review)
Review
The current review focuses on the effect of phenothiazine derivatives, tested in vitro, on necrosis and necroptosis, the latter constitutes one of the kinds of programmed cell death. Necroptosis is a necrotic and inflammatory type of programmed cell death. Phenothiazines are D1 and D2-like family receptor antagonists, which are used in the treatment of schizophrenia. Necroptosis begins from TNF-α, whose synthesis is stimulated by dopamine receptors, thus it can be concluded that phenothiazine derivatives may modulate necroptosis. We identified 19 papers reporting in vitro assays of necroptosis and necrosis in which phenothiazine derivatives, and both normal and cancer cell lines were used. Chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, levomepromazine, perphenazine, promethazine, thioridazine, trifluoperazine, and novel derivatives can modulate necroptosis and necrosis. The type of a drug, concentration and a cell line have an impact on the ultimate effect. Unfortunately, the authors confirmed both processes on the basis of TNF-α and ATP levels as well as the final steps of necrosis/necroptosis related to membrane permeability (PI staining, LDH release, and HMGB1 amount), which makes it impossible to understand the complete mechanism of phenothiazines impact on necroptosis and necrosis. Studies analyzing the effect of phenothiazines on RIPK1, RIPK3, or MLKL has not been performed yet. Only the analysis of the expression of those proteins as well as necrosis and necroptosis inhibitors can help us to comprehend how phenothiazine derivatives act, and how to improve their therapeutic potential.
Topics: Humans; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Necroptosis; Phenothiazines; Antipsychotic Agents; Necrosis
PubMed: 37127180
DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153528 -
Chemistry (Weinheim An Der Bergstrasse,... Sep 2020Cyclic RGD peptides are well-known ligands of integrins. The integrins α β and α β are involved in angiogenesis, and integrin α β is abundantly present on cancer...
Cyclic RGD peptides are well-known ligands of integrins. The integrins α β and α β are involved in angiogenesis, and integrin α β is abundantly present on cancer cells, thus representing a therapeutic target. Hence, synthetic and biophysical studies continuously are being directed towards the understanding of ligand-integrin interaction. In this context, the development of versatile synthetic strategies to obtain fluorescent building blocks that can add molecular diversity and modular spectral characteristics while not compromising binding affinity or selectivity is a relevant task. An on-resin intramolecular Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling (SMC) between l- or d-7-bromotryptophan (7BrTrp) and a phenothiazine (Ptz) boronic acid affords fluorescent cyclic RGD pseudopeptides, c(RGD(W/w)Ptz). Ring closure by SMC establishes a phenothiazine-indole moiety with axial chirality. An array of eight novel compounds has been synthesized, among them one fluorescent compound with good affinity to integrin α β . The fluorescence properties of the analogues can be efficiently tuned depending on the substituents in Ptz moiety even for fluorescence emission in the visible (red) spectral range.
Topics: Fluorescence; Integrin alphaVbeta3; Ligands; Oligopeptides; Phenothiazines
PubMed: 32297686
DOI: 10.1002/chem.202001312 -
Journal of Biochemical and Molecular... Mar 2024Phenothiazines (PTZs) are an emerging group of molecules showing effectiveness toward redox signaling and reduction of oxidative injury to cells, via the activation on... (Review)
Review
Phenothiazines (PTZs) are an emerging group of molecules showing effectiveness toward redox signaling and reduction of oxidative injury to cells, via the activation on Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Although several electrophilic and indirect Nrf2 activators have been reported, the risk of "off-target" effect due to the complexity of their molecular mechanisms of action, has aroused research interest toward non-electrophilic and direct modulators of Nrf2 pathway, such as PTZs. This review represents the first overview on the roles of PTZs as non-electrophilic Nrf2 activator and free radical scavengers, as well as on their potential therapeutic effects in oxidative stress-mediated diseases. Here, we provide a collective and comprehensive information on the PTZs ability to scavenge free radicals and activate the Nrf2 signaling pathway, with the aim to broaden the knowledge of their therapeutic potentials and to stimulate innovative research ideas.
Topics: Antioxidants; Free Radical Scavengers; Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Oxidative Stress; Signal Transduction; Phenothiazines
PubMed: 38369721
DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23661 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2022The molecular hybridization approach has been used to develop compounds with improved efficacy by combining two or more pharmacophores of bioactive scaffolds. In this... (Review)
Review
The molecular hybridization approach has been used to develop compounds with improved efficacy by combining two or more pharmacophores of bioactive scaffolds. In this context, hybridization of various relevant pharmacophores with phenothiazine derivatives has resulted in pertinent compounds with diverse biological activities, interacting with specific or multiple targets. In fact, the development of new drugs or drug candidates based on phenothiazine system has been a promising approach due to the diverse activities associated with this tricyclic system, traditionally present in compounds with antipsychotic, antihistaminic and antimuscarinic effects. Actually, the pharmacological actions of phenothiazine hybrids include promising antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, analgesic and multi-drug resistance reversal properties. The present review summarizes the progress in the development of phenothiazine hybrids and their biological activity.
Topics: Animals; Drug Development; Humans; Phenothiazines; Structure-Activity Relationship
PubMed: 35011508
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010276 -
Anticancer Research Nov 2017Phenothiazines have been used in many areas of medicine, mainly in psychopharmacology. These compounds are able to effectively inhibit dopamine, histamine, serotonin,... (Review)
Review
Phenothiazines have been used in many areas of medicine, mainly in psychopharmacology. These compounds are able to effectively inhibit dopamine, histamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, and α-adrenergic receptors; thus, their effect and side-effect profiles are extremely diverse. Besides their antipsychotic activity, phenothiazines have a significant antimicrobial effect as well, since they can enhance the bactericidal function of macrophages and inhibit efflux pumps. They are also able to eliminate bacterial resistance plasmids and destroy bacteria by their membrane-destabilizing effect. Their antiviral, antiprotozoal, antifungal, and antiprion activities have also been described. Phenothiazines have also been proven to destroy cancer cells and sensitize them to chemotherapy. Anti-angiogenesis and anticancer stem cell activities have also been reported, and they might be applied as adjuvants in the treatment of infections and tumors in the future. Finally, phenothiazines can also be effective in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Infective Agents; Antineoplastic Agents; Antipsychotic Agents; Humans; Infections; Mental Disorders; Neoplasms; Phenothiazines
PubMed: 29061777
DOI: 10.21873/anticanres.12045 -
Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Jan 2022Inhibitors of the monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes are important agents for the treatment of central nervous system disorders and have established roles in the therapy of...
Inhibitors of the monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes are important agents for the treatment of central nervous system disorders and have established roles in the therapy of neuropsychiatric diseases such as depression and in the neurodegenerative disorder, Parkinson's disease. A number of good potency MAO inhibitors consist of tricyclic ring systems as exemplified by the structures of harmine and the phenothiazine compound methylene blue. In an attempt to discover novel MAO inhibitors, 30 phenothiazine, anthraquinone and related tricyclic derivatives were selected and evaluated as potential inhibitors of human MAO-A and MAO-B. The results show that, in general, the tricyclic compounds are specific inhibitors of MAO-A over the MAO-B isoform. Quinizarin (IC = 0.065 µM), 2-chloro-7-methoxy-10H-phenothiazine (IC = 0.576 µM) and xanthone (IC = 0.623 µM) proved to be the most potent MAO-A inhibitors, while the most potent MAO-B inhibition was recorded with 2-chloro-7-methoxy-10H-phenothiazine (IC = 1.34 µM), 1,2-diaminoanthraquinone (IC = 2.41 µM) and emodin (IC = 3.24 µM). These compounds may undergo further preclinical evaluation and development, and may also serve as potential lead compounds for the future design of MAO inhibitors.
Topics: Anthraquinones; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Humans; Molecular Structure; Monoamine Oxidase; Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; Phenothiazines; Structure-Activity Relationship
PubMed: 34915314
DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116558 -
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton,... 2023The ommochrome and porphyrin body pigments that give freshwater planarians their brown color are produced by specialized dendritic cells located just beneath the...
The ommochrome and porphyrin body pigments that give freshwater planarians their brown color are produced by specialized dendritic cells located just beneath the epidermis. During embryonic development and regeneration, differentiation of new pigment cells gradually darkens newly formed tissue. Conversely, prolonged light exposure ablates pigment cells through a porphyrin-based mechanism similar to the one that causes light sensitivity in rare human disorders called porphyrias. Here, we describe a novel program using image-processing algorithms to quantify relative pigment levels in live animals and apply this program to analyze changes in bodily pigmentation induced by light exposure. This tool will facilitate further characterization of genetic pathways that affect pigment cell differentiation, ommochrome and porphyrin biosynthesis, and porphyrin-based photosensitivity.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Planarians; Pigmentation; Phenothiazines; Porphyrins
PubMed: 37428383
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3275-8_16 -
Experimental Neurology Nov 2023Neuroprotective effects have been the main focus of new treatment modalities for ischemic stroke. Phenothiazines, or chlorpromazine plus promethazine (C + P), are...
BACKGROUND
Neuroprotective effects have been the main focus of new treatment modalities for ischemic stroke. Phenothiazines, or chlorpromazine plus promethazine (C + P), are known to prevent the generation of free radicals and uptake of Ca by plasma membrane; they have a potential as a treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This study aims to investigate the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-associated PERK-eIF2α pathway underlying the phenothiazine-induced neuroprotective effects after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury.
METHODS
A total of 49 male Sprague Dawley rats (280-320 g) were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 7 per group): (1) sham, (2) I/R that received 2 h of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), followed by 6 or 24 h of reperfusion, (3) MCAO treated by C + P without temperature control and (4) MCAO treated by C + P with temperature control. Human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells were used in 5 groups: (1) control, (2) oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) for 2 h followed by reoxygenation (OGD/R), (3) OGD/R with C + P; (4) OGD/R with PERK inhibitor, GSK2656157, and (5) OGD/R with C + P and GSK2656157. The molecules of ER stress, unfolded protein response (UPR) (Bip, PERK, p-PERK, p-PERK/PERK, eIF2α, p-eIF2α, p-eIF2α/eIF2α), autophagy (ATG12, LC3II/I), and apoptosis (BAX, Bcl-XL) were measured at mRNA levels by real time PCR and protein levels by Western blotting.
RESULTS
In ischemic rats followed by reperfusion, expression of Bip, p-PERK/PERK, p-eIF2α/eIF2α, ATG12, and LC3II/I, as well as BAX were all significantly increased. These markers were significantly reduced by C + P at both 6 and 24 h of reperfusion. Anti-apoptotic Bcl-XL expression was increased, while pro-apoptotic BAX expression was decreased by C + P. In SH-SY5Y cell lines, both C + P and GSK2656157 significantly reduced the level of autophagy and apoptosis after I/R, respectively. The combination of GSK2656157 and C + P did not promote the same effect, suggesting that C + P did not induce any neuroprotective effect by inhibiting autophagy and apoptosis through the PERK-eIF2α pathway when this pathway was already blocked by GSK2656157. In general, the reduction in body temperature by phenothiazines was associated with better neuroprotection but it did not reach significant levels.
CONCLUSION
The combined treatment of C + P plays a crucial role in stroke therapy by inhibiting ER stress-mediated autophagy, thereby leading to reduced apoptosis and increased neuroprotection. Our findings highlight the PERK-eIF2α pathway as a central mechanism through which C + P exerts its beneficial effects. The results from this study may pave the way for the development of more targeted and effective treatments for stroke patients.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Male; Rats; Apoptosis; Autophagy; bcl-2-Associated X Protein; Endoplasmic Reticulum; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress; Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-2; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery; Ischemic Stroke; Neuroblastoma; Neuroprotective Agents; Phenothiazines; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Reperfusion Injury
PubMed: 37673390
DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114524 -
Journal of Advanced Research Mar 2022Cancer is a big challenge of the 21 century, whose defeat requires efficient antitumor drugs.
INTRODUCTION
Cancer is a big challenge of the 21 century, whose defeat requires efficient antitumor drugs.
OBJECTIVES
The paper aims to investigate the synergistic effect of two structural building blocks, phenothiazine and poly(ethylene glycol), towards efficient antitumor drugs.
METHODS
Two PEGylated phenothiazine derivatives were synthetized by attaching poly(ethylene glycol) of 550 Da to the nitrogen atom of phenothiazine by ether or ester linkage. Their antitumor activity has been investigated on five human tumour lines and a mouse tumor line as well, by determination of IC50. The toxicity was determined by measuring the LD50 in BALB/c mice by the sequential method and the antitumor potential was measured by the tumours growth test. The antitumor mechanism was investigated by complexation studies of zinc and magnesium ions characteristic to the farnesyltransferase enzyme, by studies of self-aggregation in the cells proximity and by investigation of the antitumor properties of the acid species resulted by enzymatic cleavage of the PEGylated derivatives.
RESULTS
The two compounds showed antitumor activity, with IC50 against mouse colon carcinoma cell line comparable with that of the traditional antitumor drugs 5-Fluorouracil and doxorubicin. The phenothiazine PEGylation resulted in a significant toxicity diminishing, the LD50 in BALB/c mice increasing from 952.38 up to 1450 mg/kg, in phenothiazine equivalents. Both compounds inflicted a 92% inhibition of the tumour growth for doses much smaller than LD50. The investigation of the possible tumour inhibition mechanism suggested the nanoaggregate formation and the cleavage of ester bonds as key factors for the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and biocompatibility improvement.
CONCLUSION
Phenothiazine and PEG building blocks have a synergetic effect working for both tumour growth inhibition and biocompatibility improvement. All these findings recommend the PEGylated phenothiazine derivatives as a valuable workbench for a next generation of antitumor drugs.
Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Antipsychotic Agents; Esters; Farnesyltranstransferase; Mice; Phenothiazines; Polyethylene Glycols
PubMed: 35499049
DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2021.07.003 -
Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Oct 2015The phenothiazine and dibenzazepine tricyclics are potent neurotropic drugs with a documented but underutilized anti-cancer side effect. Reengineering these agents (TFP,...
The phenothiazine and dibenzazepine tricyclics are potent neurotropic drugs with a documented but underutilized anti-cancer side effect. Reengineering these agents (TFP, CPZ, CIP) by replacing the basic amine with a neutral polar functional group (e.g., RTC-1, RTC-2) abrogated their CNS effects as demonstrated by in vitro pharmacological assays and in vivo behavioral models. Further optimization generated several phenothiazines and dibenzazepines with improved anti-cancer potency, exemplified by RTC-5. This new lead demonstrated efficacy against a xenograft model of an EGFR driven cancer without the neurotropic effects exhibited by the parent molecules. Its effects were attributed to concomitant negative regulation of PI3K-AKT and RAS-ERK signaling.
Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival; Dibenzazepines; Heterocyclic Compounds, 3-Ring; Humans; Mice; Neoplasms; Phenothiazines; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Signal Transduction; Transplantation, Heterologous; Vesicular Monoamine Transport Proteins
PubMed: 26372073
DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2015.07.007