Anti-Inflammatory Effect of the Natural H2S-Donor Erucin in Vascular Endothelium

Abstract

Vascular inflammation (VI) represents a pathological condition that progressively affects the integrity and functionality of the vascular wall, thus leading to endothelial dysfunction and the onset of several cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the research of novel compounds able to prevent VI represents a compelling need. In this study, we tested erucin, the natural isothiocyanate H2S-donor derived from Eruca sativa Mill. (Brassicaceae), in an in vivo mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced peritonitis, where it significantly reduced the amount of emigrated CD11b positive neutrophils. We then evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of erucin in LPS-challenged human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The pre-incubation of erucin, before LPS treatment (1, 6, 24 h), significantly preserved cell viability and prevented the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels. Moreover, erucin downregulated endothelial hyperpermeability and reduced the loss of vascular endothelial (VE)-Cadherin levels. In addition, erucin decreased vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and microsomal prostaglandin E-synthase 1 (mPGES-1) expression. Of note, erucin induced eNOS phosphorylation and counteracted LPS-mediated NF-κB nuclear translocation, an effect that was partially abolished in the presence of the eNOS inhibitor L-NAME. Therefore, erucin can control endothelial function through biochemical and genomic positive effects against VI.

Erucin, an H2S-Releasing Isothiocyanate, Exerts Anticancer Effects in Human Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells Triggering Autophagy-Dependent Apoptotic Cell Death

“…In particular, the protective effect of Cruciferae is attributed to isothiocyanates, a large class of products derived by the hydrolysis of glucosinolates, including sulforaphane and erucin [ 19 ]. Remarkably, in the last few years, the potential use of erucin as a new strategy to tackle chemoresistance in cancer emerged owing to its ability to remove oxidative stress and halt inflammatory signaling [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. In a recent review article, Singh and colleagues report that erucin exerts anticancer effects by inhibiting carcinogen-activating enzymes and promoting the activity of detoxifying enzymes and the mechanisms leading to the inhibition of metastasic processes and angiogenesis [ 23 ].…”

Dietary glucosinolates derived isothiocyanates: chemical properties, metabolism and their potential in prevention of Alzheimer’s disease

“…When anti-inflammatory effect of erucin was evaluated in LPS-challenged umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), it significantly prevented the increase of ROS, TNF-α levels and decreased COX-2. It also induced NF-kβ ( Ciccone et al, 2022 ).…”

Targeting Metabolic Diseases: The Role of Nutraceuticals in Modulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

“…Antioxidants have long been a subject of scientific interest due to their potential in mitigating oxidative stress markers, particularly in the context of metabolic disorders. Vitamins C and E, well-known antioxidants, have been the focus of numerous studies examining their role in combatting oxidative stress and associated health conditions [ 71 , 72 ]. One remarkable example of the efficacy of antioxidants is the administration of Silybin complexed with phospholipids, supplemented with vitamins D and E, and milk thistle, as exemplified by the food supplement RealSIL 100D ® .…”