The copper(II), cobalt(II), and zinc(II) complexes with 2-(1H-benzimidazol-2-ylmethylsulfanylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole (tbb) and 2-[2-[2-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)ethylsulfanyl]ethyl]-1H-benzimidazole (tebb), [Cu(tbb)Cl2] (1), [Co(tbb)Cl2] (2), [Zn(tbb)Cl2] (3), [Cu(tebb)Cl(H2O)]Cl (4), [Co(tebb)Cl2]n·nCH3OH (5) and [Zn(tebb)Cl(H2O)]Cl (6), have been prepared and evaluated for antiproliferative activity. The structure of (4) was proved by X-ray diffraction crystallography. The coordination compounds were tested for their cytotoxic activities in cancer cell lines in vitro. The lower IC50 values were obtained for Co(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes with tebb in comparison with tbb complexes. Complex 2 showed strong antiproliferative selectivity for leukemia CEM cells and nontoxicity towards other tested cell lines and normal human cells (BJ and RPE-1). Proapoptotic activity of 2 and 5 were weaker than positive control cisplatin, but the big advantage of these complexes was their zero-cytotoxicity for normal healthy cells in contrast to the high cytotoxicity of cisplatin. The activation of apoptotic initiation phase was detected in neuroblastoma cancer cell line SH-SY5Y where 5 was cytotoxic without fragmentation of cells. Interestingly, complexes 5, 6, and tebb, together with cisplatin, dramatically impaired the mitochondrial membrane potential of SH-SY5Y after 72 h. Taken together, we demonstrated that our compounds trigger apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway.

• Klíčová slova
• Antiproliferative activity, Apoptosis, Benzimidazole, Biocompatibility, Coordination compound, Mitochondria,
• MeSH
• antitumorózní látky * farmakologie   chemie   chemická syntéza   MeSH
• apoptóza * účinky léků   MeSH
• benzimidazoly * farmakologie   chemie   MeSH
• kobalt * chemie   MeSH
• komplexní sloučeniny * farmakologie   chemie   chemická syntéza   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• měď * chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• membránový potenciál mitochondrií účinky léků   MeSH
• mitochondrie * účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• proliferace buněk účinky léků   MeSH
• zinek * chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antitumorózní látky * MeSH
• benzimidazoly * MeSH
• kobalt * MeSH
• komplexní sloučeniny * MeSH
• měď * MeSH
• zinek * MeSH

Starting from benzyl 30-oxobetulinate and 30-oxobetulin diacetate, substituted dienes were synthesized and subjected to Diels-Alder reaction, yielding a variety of triterpenoid phthalates, phthalimides, and related derivatives. A total of 55 new compounds were prepared and tested for in vitro cytotoxic activity against eight cancer cell lines and two non-cancerous cell lines. Four compounds with IC50 values of 5 μM or lower were selected for further investigation. These compounds induced apoptosis in CCRF-CEM cells in a concentration-dependent manner, accompanied by mitochondrial depolarization and altered expression of key proteins involved in mitochondrial apoptosis. The compounds also disrupted DNA replication and transcriptional activity. Modulation of key proliferation pathways, including PI3K/Akt and STAT3, further supported the antiproliferative potential of these derivatives. Considering their high cytotoxicity and antiproliferative activity in CCRF-CEM cells, compounds 19, 26, 28, and 30 have been identified as promising candidates for further development.

• Klíčová slova
• Apoptosis, Betulin, Betulinic acid, Cancer, Cell cycle regulation, Diels-Alder reaction, Mitochondria, Phthalates, Triterpenoids, Wittig reaction,
• MeSH
• antitumorózní látky * farmakologie   chemie   chemická syntéza   MeSH
• apoptóza * účinky léků   MeSH
• ftalimidy * farmakologie   chemie   chemická syntéza   MeSH
• léky antitumorózní - screeningové testy * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mitochondrie * účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• molekulární struktura MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• proliferace buněk * účinky léků   MeSH
• triterpeny * farmakologie   chemie   chemická syntéza   MeSH
• vztah mezi dávkou a účinkem léčiva MeSH
• vztahy mezi strukturou a aktivitou MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antitumorózní látky * MeSH
• ftalimidy * MeSH
• triterpeny * MeSH

Specific patterns of mitochondrial dynamics have been repeatedly reported to promote drug resistance in cancer. However, whether targeting mitochondrial fission- and fusion-related proteins could be leveraged to combat multidrug-resistant pediatric sarcomas is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated that the expression and activation of the mitochondrial fission mediator DRP1 are affected by chemotherapy exposure in common pediatric sarcomas, namely, rhabdomyosarcoma and osteosarcoma. Unexpectedly, decreasing DRP1 activity through stable DRP1 knockdown neither attenuated sarcoma drug resistance nor affected growth rate or mitochondrial network morphology. The minimal impact on sarcoma cell physiology, along with the up-regulation of fission adaptor proteins (MFF and FIS1) detected in rhabdomyosarcoma cells, suggests an alternative DRP1-independent mitochondrial fission mechanism that may efficiently compensate for the lack of DRP1 activity. By exploring the upstream mitophagy and mitochondrial fission regulator, AMPKα1, we found that markedly reduced AMPKα1 levels are sufficient to maintain AMPK signaling capacity without affecting chemosensitivity. Collectively, our findings challenge the direct involvement of DRP1 in pediatric sarcoma drug resistance and highlight the complexity of yet-to-be-characterized noncanonical regulators of mitochondrial dynamics.

• MeSH
• antitumorózní látky farmakologie   MeSH
• chemorezistence * genetika   MeSH
• dynaminy * metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• GTP-fosfohydrolasy metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• membránové proteiny metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• mitochondriální dynamika * účinky léků   MeSH
• mitochondriální proteiny * metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• mitochondrie * metabolismus   účinky léků   MeSH
• mitofagie účinky léků   genetika   MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• osteosarkom metabolismus   patologie   farmakoterapie   genetika   MeSH
• proteiny asociované s mikrotubuly metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• rhabdomyosarkom metabolismus   genetika   patologie   MeSH
• sarkom * metabolismus   genetika   farmakoterapie   patologie   MeSH
• signální transdukce účinky léků   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antitumorózní látky MeSH
• DNM1L protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč
• dynaminy * MeSH
• FIS1 protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč
• GTP-fosfohydrolasy MeSH
• membránové proteiny MeSH
• Mff protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč
• mitochondriální proteiny * MeSH
• proteiny asociované s mikrotubuly MeSH

Mitochondria represent pivotal cellular organelles endowed with multifaceted functionalities encompassing cellular respiration, metabolic processes, calcium turnover, and the regulation of apoptosis, primarily through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Perturbations in mitochondrial dynamics have been intricately linked to the etiology of numerous cardiovascular pathologies, such as heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and various cardiomyopathies. Notably, recent attention has been directed towards the detrimental impact of micro- and nanoplastic pollution on mitochondrial integrity, an area underscored by a paucity of comprehensive investigations. Given the escalating prevalence of plastic particle contamination and the concomitant burden of cardiovascular disease in aging populations, understanding the interplay between mitochondria within the cardiovascular system and micro- and nanoplastic pollution assumes paramount importance. This review endeavors to elucidate the current albeit limited comprehension surrounding this complex interplay. Key words Mitochondria, Nanoplastics, Microplastics, Cardiovascular system, Endothelial function, Oxidative phosphorylation.

• MeSH
• kardiovaskulární nemoci metabolismus   MeSH
• kardiovaskulární systém * metabolismus   účinky léků   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mikroplasty toxicita   MeSH
• mitochondrie * metabolismus   účinky léků   MeSH
• nanočástice MeSH
• reaktivní formy kyslíku metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Názvy látek
• mikroplasty MeSH
• reaktivní formy kyslíku MeSH

Bordetella pertussis is the causative agent of whooping cough in humans, a disease that has recently experienced a resurgence. In contrast, Bordetella bronchiseptica infects the respiratory tract of various mammalian species, causing a range of symptoms from asymptomatic chronic carriage to acute illness. Both pathogens utilize type III secretion system (T3SS) to deliver the effector protein BteA into host cells. Once injected, BteA triggers a cascade of events leading to caspase 1-independent necrosis through a mechanism that remains incompletely understood. We demonstrate that BteA-induced cell death is characterized by the fragmentation of the cellular endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, the formation of necrotic balloon-like protrusions, and plasma membrane permeabilization. Importantly, genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screen targeting 19,050 genes failed to identify any host factors required for BteA cytotoxicity, suggesting that BteA does not require a single nonessential host factor for its cytotoxicity. We further reveal that BteA triggers a rapid and sustained influx of calcium ions, which is associated with organelle fragmentation and plasma membrane permeabilization. The sustained elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ levels results in mitochondrial calcium overload, mitochondrial swelling, cristolysis, and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Inhibition of calcium channels with 2-APB delays both the Ca2+ influx and BteA-induced cell death. Our findings indicate that BteA exploits essential host processes and/or redundant pathways to disrupt calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial function, ultimately leading to host cell death.IMPORTANCEThe respiratory pathogens Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella bronchiseptica exhibit cytotoxicity toward a variety of mammalian cells, which depends on the type III secretion effector BteA. Moreover, the increased virulence of B. bronchiseptica is associated with enhanced expression of T3SS and BteA. However, the molecular mechanism underlying BteA cytotoxicity is elusive. In this study, we performed a CRISPR-Cas9 screen, revealing that BteA-induced cell death depends on essential or redundant host processes. Additionally, we demonstrate that BteA disrupts calcium homeostasis, which leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death. These findings contribute to closing the gap in our understanding of the signaling cascades targeted by BteA.

• Klíčová slova
• Bordetella, calcium homeostasis, effector protein BteA, host cell death mechanism, type III secretion system (T3SS),
• MeSH
• bakteriální proteiny * metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• Bordetella bronchiseptica genetika   metabolismus   účinky léků   MeSH
• Bordetella pertussis genetika   patogenita   metabolismus   účinky léků   MeSH
• buněčná smrt * účinky léků   MeSH
• endoplazmatické retikulum metabolismus   účinky léků   MeSH
• homeostáza * MeSH
• interakce hostitele a patogenu MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mitochondrie metabolismus   účinky léků   MeSH
• sekreční systém typu III metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• vápník * metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• bakteriální proteiny * MeSH
• sekreční systém typu III MeSH
• vápník * MeSH

Amyloid β42 (Aβ42) plays a decisive role in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease. The Aβ42 peptide can aggregate into various supramolecular structures, with oligomers being the most toxic form. However, different Aβ species that cause different effects have been described. Many cell death pathways can be activated in connection with Aβ action, including apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, oxidative stress, ferroptosis, alterations in mitophagy, autophagy, and endo/lysosomal functions. In this study, we used a model of differentiated SH-SY5Y cells and applied two different Aβ42 preparations for 2 and 4 days. Although we found no difference in the shape and size of Aβ species prepared by two different methods (NaOH or NH4OH for Aβ solubilization), we observed strong differences in their effects. Treatment of cells with NaOH-Aβ42 mainly resulted in damage of mitochondrial function and increased production of reactive oxygen species, whereas application of NH4OH-Aβ42 induced necroptosis and first steps of apoptosis, but also caused an increase in protective Hsp27. Moreover, the two Aβ42 preparations differed in the mechanism of interaction with the cells, with the effect of NaOH-Aβ42 being dependent on monosialotetrahexosylganglioside (GM1) content, whereas the effect of NH4OH-Aβ42 was independent of GM1. This suggests that, although both preparations were similar in size, minor differences in secondary/tertiary structure are likely to strongly influence the resulting processes. Our work reveals, at least in part, one of the possible causes of the inconsistency in the data observed in different studies on Aβ-toxicity pathways.

• Klíčová slova
• Alzheimer´s disease, Amyloid β42, Apoptosis, Cell death, GM1, Necroptosis, Reactive oxygen species,
• MeSH
• Alzheimerova nemoc metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• amyloidní beta-protein * metabolismus   farmakologie   MeSH
• apoptóza * účinky léků   MeSH
• buněčná smrt účinky léků   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mitochondrie metabolismus   účinky léků   MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• nekroptóza účinky léků   MeSH
• neuroblastom * patologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• oxidační stres účinky léků   MeSH
• peptidové fragmenty * farmakologie   MeSH
• reaktivní formy kyslíku * metabolismus   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• amyloid beta-protein (1-42) MeSH Prohlížeč
• amyloidní beta-protein * MeSH
• peptidové fragmenty * MeSH
• reaktivní formy kyslíku * MeSH

Cadmium crosses the blood-brain barrier inducing damage to neurons. Cell impairment is predominantly linked to oxidative stress and glutathione (GSH) depletion. On the other hand, several reports have described an increase of GSH levels in neuronal cells after CdCl2 exposure. Therefore, the aim of the present report was to investigate the relation between changes in GSH levels and mitochondrial damage in neuronal cells after CdCl2 treatment. To characterize neuronal impairment after CdCl2 treatment (0-200 μM) for 1-48 h, we used the SH-SY5Y cell line. We analyzed GSH metabolism and determined mitochondrial activity using high-resolution respirometry. CdCl2 treatment induced both the decreases and increases of GSH levels in SH-SY5Y cells. GSH concentration was significantly increased in cells incubated with up to 50 μM CdCl2 but only 100 μM CdCl2 induced GSH depletion linked to increased ROS production. The overexpression of proteins involved in GSH synthesis increased in response to 50 and 100 μM CdCl2 after 6 h. Finally, strong mitochondrial impairment was detected even in 50 μM CdCl2 treated cells after 24 h. We conclude that a significant decrease in mitochondrial activity can be observed in 50 μM CdCl2 even without the occurrence of GSH depletion in SH-SY5Y cells.

• Klíčová slova
• Cadmium toxicity, Glutathione depletion, Mitochondrial damage, Neuronal cells, Oxidative stress,
• MeSH
• chlorid kademnatý * toxicita   MeSH
• glutathion * metabolismus   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mitochondrie * účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• neurony * účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• oxidační stres účinky léků   MeSH
• reaktivní formy kyslíku metabolismus   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chlorid kademnatý * MeSH
• glutathion * MeSH
• reaktivní formy kyslíku MeSH

Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive, motor, and psychiatric symptoms. Despite significant advances in understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of HD, there is currently no cure or disease-modifying treatment available. Emerging pharmacological approaches offer promising strategies to alleviate symptoms and slow down disease progression. This comprehensive review aims to provide a critical appraisal of the latest developments in pharmacological interventions for HD. The review begins by discussing the pathogenesis of HD, focusing on the role of mutant huntingtin protein, mitochondrial dysfunction, excitotoxicity, and neuro-inflammation. It then explores emerging therapeutic targets, including the modulation of protein homeostasis, mitochondrial function, neuro-inflammation, and neurotransmitter systems. Pharmacological agents targeting these pathways are discussed, including small molecules, gene-based therapies, and neuroprotective agents. In recent years, several clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the safety and efficiency of novel compounds for HD. This review presents an update on the outcomes of these trials, highlighting promising results and challenges encountered. Additionally, it discusses the potential of repurposing existing drugs approved for other indications as a cost-effective approach for HD treatment. The review concludes by summarizing the current state of pharmacological approaches for HD and outlining future directions in drug development. The integration of multiple therapeutic strategies, personalized medicine approaches, and combination therapies are highlighted as potential avenues to maximize treatment effectiveness.

• Klíčová slova
• Huntington's disease, Mitochondrial dysfunction, Mutant huntingtin protein, Neurodegenerative disorders, Pharmacological approaches,
• MeSH
• genetická terapie metody   MeSH
• Huntingtonova nemoc * farmakoterapie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mitochondrie účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• neuroprotektivní látky * terapeutické užití   farmakologie   MeSH
• protein huntingtin genetika   antagonisté a inhibitory   metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Názvy látek
• neuroprotektivní látky * MeSH
• protein huntingtin MeSH

Mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy) is very important process for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis, functionality and survival. Its dysregulation is associated with high risk and progression numerous serious diseases (e.g., oncological, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular ones). Therefore, targeting mitophagy mechanisms is very hot topic in the biological and medicinal research. The interrelationships between the regulation of mitophagy and iron homeostasis are now becoming apparent. In short, mitochondria are central point for the regulation of iron homeostasis, but change in intracellular cheatable iron level can induce/repress mitophagy. In this review, relationships between iron homeostasis and mitophagy are thoroughly discussed and described. Also, therapeutic applicability of mitophagy chelators in the context of individual diseases is comprehensively and critically evaluated.

• Klíčová slova
• Cancer, Cardiovascular diseases, Iron chelators, Iron heomeostais, Mitophagy, Neurodegenerative diseases,
• MeSH
• chelátory železa * farmakologie   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• homeostáza účinky léků   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mitochondrie * metabolismus   účinky léků   MeSH
• mitofagie * účinky léků   MeSH
• železo * metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chelátory železa * MeSH
• železo * MeSH

OBJECTIVE: A prominent, safe and efficient therapy for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is inhibiting oncogenic protein BCR::ABL1 in a targeted manner with imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. A substantial part of patients treated with imatinib report skeletomuscular adverse events affecting their quality of life. OCTN2 membrane transporter is involved in imatinib transportation into the cells. At the same time, the crucial physiological role of OCTN2 is cellular uptake of carnitine which is an essential co-factor for the mitochondrial β-oxidation pathway. This work investigates the impact of imatinib treatment on carnitine intake and energy metabolism of muscle cells. METHODS: HTB-153 (human rhabdomyosarcoma) cell line and KCL-22 (CML cell line) were used to study the impact of imatinib treatment on intracellular levels of carnitine and vice versa. The energy metabolism changes in cells treated by imatinib were quantified and compared to changes in cells exposed to highly specific OCTN2 inhibitor vinorelbine. Mouse models were used to test whether in vitro observations are also achieved in vivo in thigh muscle tissue. The analytes of interest were quantified using a Prominence HPLC system coupled with a tandem mass spectrometer. RESULTS: This work showed that through the carnitine-specific transporter OCTN2, imatinib and carnitine intake competed unequally and intracellular carnitine concentrations were significantly reduced. In contrast, carnitine preincubation did not influence imatinib cell intake or interfere with leukemia cell targeting. Blocking the intracellular supply of carnitine with imatinib significantly reduced the production of most Krebs cycle metabolites and ATP. However, subsequent carnitine supplementation rescued mitochondrial energy production. Due to specific inhibition of OCTN2 activity, the influx of carnitine was blocked and mitochondrial energy metabolism was impaired in muscle cells in vitro and in thigh muscle tissue in a mouse model. CONCLUSIONS: This preclinical experimental study revealed detrimental effect of imatinib on carnitine-mediated energy metabolism of muscle cells providing a possible molecular background of the frequently occurred side effects during imatinib therapy such as fatigue, muscle pain and cramps.

• Klíčová slova
• CML, Carnitine, Imatinib, OCTN2, TKI therapy side effects,
• MeSH
• antitumorózní látky škodlivé účinky   farmakologie   MeSH
• chronická myeloidní leukemie * farmakoterapie   metabolismus   MeSH
• energetický metabolismus účinky léků   MeSH
• imatinib mesylát * farmakologie   škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• inhibitory proteinkinas farmakologie   škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• karnitin * metabolismus   farmakologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mitochondrie metabolismus   účinky léků   MeSH
• myši MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• rodina nosičů rozpuštěných látek 22, člen 5 * metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antitumorózní látky MeSH
• imatinib mesylát * MeSH
• inhibitory proteinkinas MeSH
• karnitin * MeSH
• rodina nosičů rozpuštěných látek 22, člen 5 * MeSH
• SLC22A5 protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč