Cellular and Gene Expression Response to the Combination of Genistein and Kaempferol in the Treatment of Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I.

Flavonoids are investigated as therapeutics for mucopolysaccharidosis, a metabolic disorder with impaired glycosaminoglycan degradation. Here we determined the effects of genistein and kaempferol, used alone or in combination, on cellular response and gene expression in a mucopolysaccharidosis type I model. We assessed the cell cycle, viability, proliferation, subcellular localization of the translocation factor EB (TFEB), number and distribution of lysosomes, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis after exposure to flavonoids. Global gene expression was analysed using DNA microarray and quantitative PCR. The type and degree of flavonoid interaction were determined based on the combination and dose reduction indexes. The combination of both flavonoids synergistically inhibits glycosaminoglycan synthesis, modulates TFEB localization, lysosomal number, and distribution. Genistein and kaempferol in a 1:1 ratio regulate the expression of 52% of glycosaminoglycan metabolism genes. Flavonoids show synergy, additivity, or slight antagonism in all analysed parameters, and the type of interaction depends on the concentration and component ratios. With the simultaneous use of genistein and kaempferol in a ratio of 4:1, even a 10-fold reduction in the concentration of kaempferol is possible. Flavonoid mixtures, used as the treatment of mucopolysaccharidosis, are effective in reducing glycosaminoglycan production and storage and show a slight cytotoxic effect compared to single-flavonoid usage.

Murine Fibroblasts and Primary Hepatocytes as Tools When Studying the Efficacy of Potential Therapies for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is a metabolic genetic disease caused by the deficiency of a lysosomal enzyme involved in glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) degradation. MPS I cells have a constant level of GAG synthesis, but disturbed degradation means that GAGs accumulate progressively, impairing cell metabolism. GAG metabolism can be modulated by flavonoids, and these are being studied as therapeutics for MPS. We have optimised the protocol for obtaining fibroblasts and hepatocytes from the MPS I murine model and characterised the cells for their suitability as an in vitro model for testing compounds with therapeutic potential. Methods: Murine primary hepatocytes and fibroblasts were used as a cellular model to study the effect of genistein, biochanin A, and kaempferol on the modulation of the GAG synthesis process. Flavonoids were used individually as well as in two-component mixtures. There were no statistically significant differences in GAG synthesis levels from cell types obtained from either wild-type or MPS I mice. We also showed that MPS I fibroblasts and hepatocytes store GAGs, which makes them useful in vitro models for testing the effectiveness of substrate reduction therapies. Furthermore, tested flavonoids had a different impact on GAG synthesis depending on cell type and whether they were used alone or in a mixture. The tested flavonoids reduce GAG synthesis more effectively in fibroblasts than in hepatocytes, regardless of whether they are used individually or in a mixture. Flavonoids modulate the level of GAG synthesis differently depending on cell types, therefore in vitro experiments performed to assess the effectiveness of potential therapies for metabolic diseases should be carried out using more than one cell model, and only such an approach will allow for full answering scientific questions.

Lipophagy and Lipolysis Status in Lipid Storage and Lipid Metabolism Diseases.

This review discusses how lipophagy and cytosolic lipolysis degrade cellular lipids, as well as how these pathway ys communicate, how they affect lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis in cells and how their dysfunction affects the pathogenesis of lipid storage and lipid metabolism diseases. Answers to these questions will likely uncover novel strategies for the treatment of aforementioned human diseases, but, above all, will avoid destructive effects of high concentrations of lipids-referred to as lipotoxicity-resulting in cellular dysfunction and cell death.

Cell cycle is disturbed in mucopolysaccharidosis type II fibroblasts, and can be improved by genistein.

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are inherited metabolic diseases caused by mutations resulting in deficiency of one of enzymes involved in degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). These compounds accumulate in cells causing their dysfunctions. Genistein is a molecule previously found to both modify GAG metabolism and modulate cell cycle. Therefore, we investigated whether the cell cycle is affected in MPS cells and if genistein can influence this process. Fibroblasts derived from patients suffering from MPS types I, II, IIIA and IIIB, as well as normal human fibroblasts (the HDFa cell line) were investigated. MTT assay was used for determination of cell proliferation, and the cell cycle was analyzed by using the MUSE® Cell Analyzer. While effects of genistein on cell proliferation were similar in both normal and MPS fibroblasts, fractions of cells in the G0/G1 phase were higher, and number of cells entering the S and G2/M phases was considerably lower in MPS II fibroblasts relative to control cells. Somewhat similar tendency, though significantly less pronounced, could be noted in MPS I, but only at longer times of incubation. However, this was not observed in MPS IIIA and MPS IIIB fibroblasts. Genistein (5, 7-dihydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one) was found to be able to partially correct the disturbances in the MPS II cell cycle, and to some extent in MPS I, at higher concentrations of this compound. The tendency to increase the fractions of cells entering the S and G2/M phases was also observed in MPS IIIA and IIIB fibroblasts treated with genistein. In conclusion, this is the first report indicating that the cell cycle can be impaired in MPS cells. The finding that genistein can improve the MPS II (and to some extent also MPS I) cell cycle provides an input to our knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of action of this compound.