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Anna Bielak-Zmijewska
Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur St, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland: <></> (A.B.-Z.)

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Journal article
Published: 27 July 2020 in International Journal of Molecular Sciences
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Brain and other nervous system cancers are the 10th leading cause of death worldwide. Genome instability, cell cycle deregulation, epigenetic mechanisms, cytoarchitecture disassembly, redox homeostasis as well as apoptosis are involved in carcinogenesis. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is inversely related with the risk of developing cancer. Several studies report that cruciferous vegetables exhibited antiproliferative effects due to the multi-pharmacological functions of their secondary metabolites such as isothiocyanate sulforaphane deriving from the enzymatic hydrolysis of glucosinolates. We treated human astrocytoma 1321N1 cells for 24 h with different concentrations (0.5, 1.25 and 2.5% v/v) of sulforaphane plus active myrosinase (Rapha Myr®) aqueous extract (10 mg/mL). Cell viability, DNA fragmentation, PARP-1 and γH2AX expression were examined to evaluate genotoxic effects of the treatment. Cell cycle progression, p53 and p21 expression, apoptosis, cytoskeleton morphology and cell migration were also investigated. In addition, global DNA methylation, DNMT1 mRNA levels and nuclear/mitochondrial sirtuins were studied as epigenetic biomarkers. Rapha Myr® exhibited low antioxidant capability and exerted antiproliferative and genotoxic effects on 1321N1 cells by blocking the cell cycle, disarranging cytoskeleton structure and focal adhesions, decreasing the integrin α5 expression, renewing anoikis and modulating some important epigenetic pathways independently of the cellular p53 status. In addition, Rapha Myr® suppresses the expression of the oncogenic p53 mutant protein. These findings promote Rapha Myr® as a promising chemotherapeutic agent for integrated cancer therapy of human astrocytoma.

ACS Style

Barbara Tomasello; Maria Domenica Di Mauro; Giuseppe Antonio Malfa; Rosaria Acquaviva; Fulvia Sinatra; Giorgia Spampinato; Samuele Laudani; Giusy Villaggio; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska; Wioleta Grabowska; Ignazio Alberto Barbagallo; Maria Teresa Liuzzo; Elisabetta Sbisà; Maria Grazia Forte; Claudia Di Giacomo; Massimo Bonucci; Marcella Renis. Rapha Myr®, a Blend of Sulforaphane and Myrosinase, Exerts Antitumor and Anoikis-Sensitizing Effects on Human Astrocytoma Cells Modulating Sirtuins and DNA Methylation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2020, 21, 5328 .

AMA Style

Barbara Tomasello, Maria Domenica Di Mauro, Giuseppe Antonio Malfa, Rosaria Acquaviva, Fulvia Sinatra, Giorgia Spampinato, Samuele Laudani, Giusy Villaggio, Anna Bielak-Zmijewska, Wioleta Grabowska, Ignazio Alberto Barbagallo, Maria Teresa Liuzzo, Elisabetta Sbisà, Maria Grazia Forte, Claudia Di Giacomo, Massimo Bonucci, Marcella Renis. Rapha Myr®, a Blend of Sulforaphane and Myrosinase, Exerts Antitumor and Anoikis-Sensitizing Effects on Human Astrocytoma Cells Modulating Sirtuins and DNA Methylation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2020; 21 (15):5328.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Barbara Tomasello; Maria Domenica Di Mauro; Giuseppe Antonio Malfa; Rosaria Acquaviva; Fulvia Sinatra; Giorgia Spampinato; Samuele Laudani; Giusy Villaggio; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska; Wioleta Grabowska; Ignazio Alberto Barbagallo; Maria Teresa Liuzzo; Elisabetta Sbisà; Maria Grazia Forte; Claudia Di Giacomo; Massimo Bonucci; Marcella Renis. 2020. "Rapha Myr®, a Blend of Sulforaphane and Myrosinase, Exerts Antitumor and Anoikis-Sensitizing Effects on Human Astrocytoma Cells Modulating Sirtuins and DNA Methylation." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 21, no. 15: 5328.

Journal article
Published: 24 June 2020 in Mechanisms of Ageing and Development
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Cell senescence – an irreversible proliferation arrest – is one of the possible cellular responses to stress. There is a vast variety of stimuli, extrinsic and intrinsic, known to induce senescence, and several molecular pathways involved in the process; yet much still remains to be explained. Senescent cells can communicate with neighboring cells through secreted factors such as cytokines and chemokines. Several years ago it was shown that cells can also communicate in a more direct manner by an exchange of proteins via cellular bridges (CBs). Recent studies show that in senescent cells the intensity of such transfer increases. The research also revealed that Cdc42 and actin polymerization are indispensable for this process to occur. Here, we evaluate the hypothesis that, apart from actin and Cdc42, also IQGAP1 could be involved in direct intercellular communication. Our results showed that direct transfer occurred preferentially between senescent cells and that IQGAP1 was not essential for this process. Interestingly, cells harboring mutated IQGAP1 had altered morphology and were characterized by decreased proliferation, increased time of division and appearance of some senescence markers (increased activity of senescence-associated β-galactosidase and induction of senescence-associated secretory phenotype). Our findings suggest that IQGAP1 dysfunction can induce senescence.

ACS Style

Wioleta Grabowska; Natalia Achtabowska; Agata Klejman; Krzysztof Skowronek; Małgorzata Całka; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska. IQGAP1-dysfunction leads to induction of senescence in human vascular smooth muscle cells. Mechanisms of Ageing and Development 2020, 190, 111295 .

AMA Style

Wioleta Grabowska, Natalia Achtabowska, Agata Klejman, Krzysztof Skowronek, Małgorzata Całka, Anna Bielak-Zmijewska. IQGAP1-dysfunction leads to induction of senescence in human vascular smooth muscle cells. Mechanisms of Ageing and Development. 2020; 190 ():111295.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Wioleta Grabowska; Natalia Achtabowska; Agata Klejman; Krzysztof Skowronek; Małgorzata Całka; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska. 2020. "IQGAP1-dysfunction leads to induction of senescence in human vascular smooth muscle cells." Mechanisms of Ageing and Development 190, no. : 111295.

Review
Published: 01 November 2019 in Ageing Research Reviews
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Senotherapy is an antiageing strategy. It refers to selective killing of senescent cells by senolytic agents, strengthening the activity of immune cells that eliminate senescent cells or alleviating the secretory phenotype (SASP) of senescent cells. As senescent cells accumulate with age and are considered to be at the root of age-related disorders, senotherapy seems to be very promising in improving healthspan. Genetic approaches, which allowed to selectively induce death of senescent cells in transgenic mice, provided proof-of-concept evidence that elimination of senescent cells can be a therapeutic approach for treating many age-related diseases. Translating these results into humans is based on searching for synthetic and natural compounds, which are able to exert such beneficial effects. The major challenge in the field is to show efficacy, safety and tolerability of senotherapy in humans. The question is how these therapeutics can influence senescence of non-dividing post-mitotic cells. Another issue concerns senescence of cancer cells induced during therapy as there is a risk of resumption of senescent cell division that could terminate in cancer renewal. Thus, development of an effective senotherapeutic strategy is also an urgent issue in cancer treatment. Different aspects, both beneficial and potentially detrimental, will be discussed in this review.

ACS Style

Ewa Sikora; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska; Grazyna Mosieniak. Targeting normal and cancer senescent cells as a strategy of senotherapy. Ageing Research Reviews 2019, 55, 100941 .

AMA Style

Ewa Sikora, Anna Bielak-Zmijewska, Grazyna Mosieniak. Targeting normal and cancer senescent cells as a strategy of senotherapy. Ageing Research Reviews. 2019; 55 ():100941.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ewa Sikora; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska; Grazyna Mosieniak. 2019. "Targeting normal and cancer senescent cells as a strategy of senotherapy." Ageing Research Reviews 55, no. : 100941.

Journal article
Published: 26 August 2019 in Toxins
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Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) has been suggested as a marker and mediator of cardiovascular diseases. However, data are contradictory, and the mechanisms are obscure. Strikingly, the role of the TMAO precursor trimethylamine (TMA) has not drawn attention in cardiovascular studies even though toxic effects of TMA were proposed several decades ago. We assessed plasma TMA and TMAO levels in healthy humans (HH) and cardiovascular patients qualified for aortic valve replacement (CP). The cytotoxicity of TMA and TMAO in rat cardiomyocytes was evaluated using an MTT test. The effects of TMA and TMAO on albumin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were assessed using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. In comparison to HH, CP had a two-fold higher plasma TMA (p < 0.001) and a trend towards higher plasma TMAO (p = 0.07). In CP plasma, TMA was inversely correlated with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, p = 0.002). TMA but not TMAO reduced cardiomyocytes viability. Incubation with TMA but not TMAO resulted in the degradation of the protein structure of LDH and albumin. In conclusion, CP show increased plasma TMA, which is inversely correlated with eGFR. TMA but not TMAO exerts negative effects on cardiomyocytes, likely due to its disturbing effect on proteins. Therefore, TMA but not TMAO may be a toxin and a marker of cardiovascular risk.

ACS Style

Kinga Jaworska; Dagmara Hering; Grażyna Mosieniak; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska; Marta Pilz; Michał Konwerski; Aleksandra Gasecka; Agnieszka Kapłon-Cieślicka; Krzysztof Filipiak; Ewa Sikora; Robert Hołyst; Marcin Ufnal. TMA, A Forgotten Uremic Toxin, but Not TMAO, Is Involved in Cardiovascular Pathology. Toxins 2019, 11, 490 .

AMA Style

Kinga Jaworska, Dagmara Hering, Grażyna Mosieniak, Anna Bielak-Zmijewska, Marta Pilz, Michał Konwerski, Aleksandra Gasecka, Agnieszka Kapłon-Cieślicka, Krzysztof Filipiak, Ewa Sikora, Robert Hołyst, Marcin Ufnal. TMA, A Forgotten Uremic Toxin, but Not TMAO, Is Involved in Cardiovascular Pathology. Toxins. 2019; 11 (9):490.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kinga Jaworska; Dagmara Hering; Grażyna Mosieniak; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska; Marta Pilz; Michał Konwerski; Aleksandra Gasecka; Agnieszka Kapłon-Cieślicka; Krzysztof Filipiak; Ewa Sikora; Robert Hołyst; Marcin Ufnal. 2019. "TMA, A Forgotten Uremic Toxin, but Not TMAO, Is Involved in Cardiovascular Pathology." Toxins 11, no. 9: 490.

Journal article
Published: 14 August 2019 in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A
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It has been suggested that trimethylamine oxide (TMAO), a liver oxygenation product of gut bacteria-produced trimethylamine (TMA), is a marker of cardiovascular risk. However, mechanisms of the increase and biological effects of TMAO are obscure. Furthermore, the potential role of TMAO precursor, that is TMA, has not been investigated. We evaluated the effect of age, a cardiovascular risk factor, on plasma levels of TMA and TMAO, gut bacteria composition, gut-to-blood penetration of TMA, histological and hemodynamic parameters in 3-month-old and 18-month-old, male, Sprague–Dawley and Wistar–Kyoto rats. Cytotoxicity of TMA and TMAO was studied in human vascular smooth muscle cells. Older rats showed significantly different gut bacteria composition, a significantly higher gut-to-blood TMA penetration, and morphological and hemodynamic alterations in intestines. In vitro, TMA at concentration of 500 µmol/L (2-fold higher than in portal blood) decreased human vascular smooth muscle cells viability. In contrast, TMAO at 1,000-fold higher concentration than physiological one had no effect on human vascular smooth muscle cells viability. In conclusion, older rats show higher plasma level of TMA due to a “leaky gut”. TMA but not TMAO affects human vascular smooth muscle cells viability. We propose that TMA but not TMAO may be a marker and mediator of cardiovascular risk.

ACS Style

Kinga Jaworska; Marek Konop; Tomasz Hutsch; Karol Perlejewski; Marek Radkowski; Marta Grochowska; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska; Grazyna Mosieniak; Ewa Sikora; Marcin Ufnal. Trimethylamine But Not Trimethylamine Oxide Increases With Age in Rat Plasma and Affects Smooth Muscle Cells Viability. The Journals of Gerontology: Series A 2019, 75, 1276 -1283.

AMA Style

Kinga Jaworska, Marek Konop, Tomasz Hutsch, Karol Perlejewski, Marek Radkowski, Marta Grochowska, Anna Bielak-Zmijewska, Grazyna Mosieniak, Ewa Sikora, Marcin Ufnal. Trimethylamine But Not Trimethylamine Oxide Increases With Age in Rat Plasma and Affects Smooth Muscle Cells Viability. The Journals of Gerontology: Series A. 2019; 75 (7):1276-1283.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kinga Jaworska; Marek Konop; Tomasz Hutsch; Karol Perlejewski; Marek Radkowski; Marta Grochowska; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska; Grazyna Mosieniak; Ewa Sikora; Marcin Ufnal. 2019. "Trimethylamine But Not Trimethylamine Oxide Increases With Age in Rat Plasma and Affects Smooth Muscle Cells Viability." The Journals of Gerontology: Series A 75, no. 7: 1276-1283.

Research article
Published: 01 August 2019 in Biogerontology
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Curcumin, a phytochemical present in the spice named turmeric, and one of the promising anti-aging factors, is itself able to induce cellular senescence. We have recently shown that cells building the vasculature senesced as a result of curcumin treatment. Curcumin-induced senescence was DNA damage-independent; however, activation of ATM was observed. Moreover, neither increased ROS production, nor even ATM were indispensable for senescence progression. In this paper we tried to elucidate the mechanism of curcumin-induced senescence. We analyzed the time-dependence of the level and activity of numerous proteins involved in senescence progression in vascular smooth muscle cells and how inhibition p38 or p38 together with ATM, two proteins involved in canonical signaling pathways, influenced cell senescence. We showed that curcumin was able to influence many signaling pathways of which probably none was dominant and sufficient to induce senescence by itself. However, we cannot exclude that the switch between initiation and progression of senescence is the result of the impact of curcumin on signaling pathways engaging AMPK, ATM, sirtuin 1 and p300 and on their reciprocal interplay. Cytostatic concentration of curcumin induced cellular stress, which exceeded the adaptive response and, in consequence, led to cellular senescence, which is triggered by time dependent activation of several signaling pathways playing diverse roles in different phases of senescence progression. We also showed that activity of β-glucuronidase, the enzyme involved in deconjugation of the main metabolites of curcumin, glucuronides, increased in senescent cells. It suggests a possible local elevation of curcumin concentration in the organism.

ACS Style

Wioleta Grabowska; Grażyna Mosieniak; Natalia Achtabowska; Robert Czochara; Grzegorz Litwinienko; Agnieszka Bojko; Ewa Sikora; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska. Curcumin induces multiple signaling pathways leading to vascular smooth muscle cell senescence. Biogerontology 2019, 20, 783 -798.

AMA Style

Wioleta Grabowska, Grażyna Mosieniak, Natalia Achtabowska, Robert Czochara, Grzegorz Litwinienko, Agnieszka Bojko, Ewa Sikora, Anna Bielak-Zmijewska. Curcumin induces multiple signaling pathways leading to vascular smooth muscle cell senescence. Biogerontology. 2019; 20 (6):783-798.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Wioleta Grabowska; Grażyna Mosieniak; Natalia Achtabowska; Robert Czochara; Grzegorz Litwinienko; Agnieszka Bojko; Ewa Sikora; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska. 2019. "Curcumin induces multiple signaling pathways leading to vascular smooth muscle cell senescence." Biogerontology 20, no. 6: 783-798.

Review
Published: 01 June 2019 in Nutrients
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The human population is getting ageing. Both ageing and age-related diseases are correlated with an increased number of senescent cells in the organism. Senescent cells do not divide but are metabolically active and influence their environment by secreting many proteins due to a phenomenon known as senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Senescent cells differ from young cells by several features. They possess more damaged DNA, more impaired mitochondria and an increased level of free radicals that cause the oxidation of macromolecules. However, not only biochemical and structural changes are related to senescence. Senescent cells have an altered chromatin structure, and in consequence, altered gene expression. With age, the level of heterochromatin decreases, and less condensed chromatin is more prone to DNA damage. On the one hand, some gene promoters are easily available for the transcriptional machinery; on the other hand, some genes are more protected (locally increased level of heterochromatin). The structure of chromatin is precisely regulated by the epigenetic modification of DNA and posttranslational modification of histones. The methylation of DNA inhibits transcription, histone methylation mostly leads to a more condensed chromatin structure (with some exceptions) and acetylation plays an opposing role. The modification of both DNA and histones is regulated by factors present in the diet. This means that compounds contained in daily food can alter gene expression and protect cells from senescence, and therefore protect the organism from ageing. An opinion prevailed for some time that compounds from the diet do not act through direct regulation of the processes in the organism but through modification of the physiology of the microbiome. In this review we try to explain the role of some food compounds, which by acting on the epigenetic level might protect the organism from age-related diseases and slow down ageing. We also try to shed some light on the role of microbiome in this process.

ACS Style

Agnieszka Gadecka; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska. Slowing Down Ageing: The Role of Nutrients and Microbiota in Modulation of the Epigenome. Nutrients 2019, 11, 1251 .

AMA Style

Agnieszka Gadecka, Anna Bielak-Zmijewska. Slowing Down Ageing: The Role of Nutrients and Microbiota in Modulation of the Epigenome. Nutrients. 2019; 11 (6):1251.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Agnieszka Gadecka; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska. 2019. "Slowing Down Ageing: The Role of Nutrients and Microbiota in Modulation of the Epigenome." Nutrients 11, no. 6: 1251.

Review
Published: 12 March 2019 in International Journal of Molecular Sciences
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It is believed that postponing ageing is more effective and less expensive than the treatment of particular age-related diseases. Compounds which could delay symptoms of ageing, especially natural products present in a daily diet, are intensively studied. One of them is curcumin. It causes the elongation of the lifespan of model organisms, alleviates ageing symptoms and postpones the progression of age-related diseases in which cellular senescence is directly involved. It has been demonstrated that the elimination of senescent cells significantly improves the quality of life of mice. There is a continuous search for compounds, named senolytic drugs, that selectively eliminate senescent cells from organisms. In this paper, we endeavor to review the current knowledge about the anti-ageing role of curcumin and discuss its senolytic potential.

ACS Style

Anna Bielak-Zmijewska; Wioleta Grabowska; Agata Ciolko; Agnieszka Bojko; Grażyna Mosieniak; Łukasz Bijoch; Ewa Sikora. The Role of Curcumin in the Modulation of Ageing. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2019, 20, 1239 .

AMA Style

Anna Bielak-Zmijewska, Wioleta Grabowska, Agata Ciolko, Agnieszka Bojko, Grażyna Mosieniak, Łukasz Bijoch, Ewa Sikora. The Role of Curcumin in the Modulation of Ageing. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2019; 20 (5):1239.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Anna Bielak-Zmijewska; Wioleta Grabowska; Agata Ciolko; Agnieszka Bojko; Grażyna Mosieniak; Łukasz Bijoch; Ewa Sikora. 2019. "The Role of Curcumin in the Modulation of Ageing." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 20, no. 5: 1239.

Review
Published: 12 December 2018 in Postępy Biochemii
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Starzenie komórki jest procesem, który zachodzi pod wpływem skracania się telomerów lub może być indukowane stresem. Stare komórki przestają się dzielić, lecz pozostają aktywne metabolicznie i wydzielają do środowiska wiele różnych cząsteczek. Wykazują też markery starzenia, takie jak powiększone rozmiary i zwiększona ziarnistość, zwiększona aktywność β-galaktozydazy związanej ze starzeniem, podwyższony poziom inhibitorów cyklino-zależnych kinaz, p16 i p21 oraz skupiska uszkodzeń DNA. Chociaż znanych jest wiele ścieżek sygnałowych związanych ze starzeniem, to jednak najpowszechniejsza jest ścieżka indukowana uszkodzeniami DNA. Początkowo starzenie komórki uznawane było za atrybut prawidłowych komórek dzielących się, co odróżnia je od komórek nowotworowych nie mających limitu podziałów. Ostatnio udowodniono, że terapia przeciwnowotworowa indukuje starzenie komórek nowotworowych. Co więcej, występowanie pewnych markerów starzenia wykazano w niedzielących się post-mitotycznych komórkach. Artykuł ten przedstawia wkład naszego zespołu w badania procesu starzenia komórkowego oraz zwraca uwagę na różnorodność przebiegu tego procesu.

ACS Style

Ewa Sikora; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska; Grazyna Mosieniak. Czym jest i czym nie jest starzenie komórki? Postępy Biochemii 2018, 64, 110 -118.

AMA Style

Ewa Sikora, Anna Bielak-Zmijewska, Grazyna Mosieniak. Czym jest i czym nie jest starzenie komórki? Postępy Biochemii. 2018; 64 (2):110-118.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ewa Sikora; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska; Grazyna Mosieniak. 2018. "Czym jest i czym nie jest starzenie komórki?" Postępy Biochemii 64, no. 2: 110-118.

Review
Published: 01 March 2018 in Mechanisms of Ageing and Development
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Cellular senescence is a fundamental trait of many eukaryotic organisms. Senescent cells participate both in the developmental program and in normal ageing and age-related diseases. Senescence of proliferation-prone cells is a state of permanent cell cycle arrest accompanied by metabolic activity manifested by high secretion levels of numerous factors, including pro-inflammatory ones. It seems that cell senescence is a stress response. There are many intrinsic and extrinsic stress inducers which can elicit cell senescence. Generally accepted are those causing DNA double strand breaks (DSBs), which trigger permanent activation of DNA damage response (DDR) considered as a hallmark and a cause of cell senescence. In this review we discuss the possibility that cell senescence can be acquired in the absence of DDR or following DDR in the absence of DNA damage. Any scenario seems possible, based on data obtained by many researchers including ourselves, but it should be emphasized that unrepaired DSBs are a well-recognized trigger of senescence.

ACS Style

Anna Bielak-Zmijewska; Grazyna Mosieniak; Ewa Sikora. Is DNA damage indispensable for stress-induced senescence? Mechanisms of Ageing and Development 2018, 170, 13 -21.

AMA Style

Anna Bielak-Zmijewska, Grazyna Mosieniak, Ewa Sikora. Is DNA damage indispensable for stress-induced senescence? Mechanisms of Ageing and Development. 2018; 170 ():13-21.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Anna Bielak-Zmijewska; Grazyna Mosieniak; Ewa Sikora. 2018. "Is DNA damage indispensable for stress-induced senescence?" Mechanisms of Ageing and Development 170, no. : 13-21.

Review article
Published: 03 March 2017 in Biogerontology
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Ageing is a plastic process and can be successfully modulated by some biomedical approaches or pharmaceutics. In this manner it is possible to delay or even prevent some age-related pathologies. There are some defined interventions, which give promising results in animal models or even in human studies, resulting in lifespan elongation or healthspan improvement. One of the most promising targets for anti-ageing approaches are proteins belonging to the sirtuin family. Sirtuins were originally discovered as transcription repressors in yeast, however, nowadays they are known to occur in bacteria and eukaryotes (including mammals). In humans the family consists of seven members (SIRT1-7) that possess either mono-ADP ribosyltransferase or deacetylase activity. It is believed that sirtuins play key role during cell response to a variety of stresses, such as oxidative or genotoxic stress and are crucial for cell metabolism. Although some data put in question direct involvement of sirtuins in extending human lifespan, it was documented that proper lifestyle including physical activity and diet can influence healthspan via increasing the level of sirtuins. The search for an activator of sirtuins is one of the most extensive and robust topic of research. Some hopes are put on natural compounds, including curcumin. In this review we summarize the involvement and usefulness of sirtuins in anti-ageing interventions and discuss the potential role of curcumin in sirtuins regulation.

ACS Style

Wioleta Grabowska; Ewa Sikora; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska. Sirtuins, a promising target in slowing down the ageing process. Biogerontology 2017, 18, 447 -476.

AMA Style

Wioleta Grabowska, Ewa Sikora, Anna Bielak-Zmijewska. Sirtuins, a promising target in slowing down the ageing process. Biogerontology. 2017; 18 (4):447-476.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Wioleta Grabowska; Ewa Sikora; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska. 2017. "Sirtuins, a promising target in slowing down the ageing process." Biogerontology 18, no. 4: 447-476.

Journal article
Published: 16 September 2016 in Oncotarget
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// Dorota Przybylska 1 , Dorota Janiszewska 1 , Aleksandra Goździk 1 , Anna Bielak-Zmijewska 1 , Piotr Sunderland 1 , Ewa Sikora 1 and Grażyna Mosieniak 1 1 Laboratory of Molecular Bases of Aging, Department of Biochemistry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland Correspondence to: Grazyna Mosieniak, email: // Keywords : senescence, NOX4, VSMC, ROS, Gerotarget Received : April 05, 2016 Accepted : September 12, 2016 Published : September 16, 2016 Abstract Senescence is a stress response characterized by an irreversible growth arrest and alterations in certain cell functions. It is believed that both double-strand DNA breaks (DSB) and increased ROS level are the main culprit of senescence. Excessive ROS production is also particularly important in the development of a number of cardiovascular disorders. In this context the involvement of professional ROS-producing enzymes, NADPH oxidases (NOX), was postulated. In contrary to the common knowledge, we have shown that not only increased ROS production but also diminished ROS level could be involved in the induction of senescence. Accordingly, our studies revealed that stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS) of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) induced by doxorubicin or H 2 O 2 , correlates with increased level of DSB and ROS. On the other hand, both SIPS and replicative senescence were accompanied by diminished expression of NOX4. Moreover, inhibition of NOX activity or decrease of NOX4 expression led to permanent growth arrest of VSMCs and secretion of interleukins and VEGF. Interestingly, cells undergoing senescence due to NOX4 depletion neither acquired DSB nor activated DNA damage response. Instead, transient induction of the p27, upregulation of HIF-1alpha, decreased expression of cyclin D1 and hypophosphorylated Rb was observed. Our results showed that lowering the level of ROS-producing enzyme - NOX4 oxidase below physiological level leads to cellular senescence of VSMCs which is correlated with secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Thus the use of specific NOX4 inhibitors for pharmacotherapy of vascular diseases should be carefully considered.

ACS Style

Dorota Przybylska; Dorota Janiszewska; Aleksandra Goździk; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska; Piotr Sunderland; Ewa Sikora; Grażyna Mosieniak. NOX4 downregulation leads to senescence of human vascular smooth muscle cells. Oncotarget 2016, 7, 66429 -66443.

AMA Style

Dorota Przybylska, Dorota Janiszewska, Aleksandra Goździk, Anna Bielak-Zmijewska, Piotr Sunderland, Ewa Sikora, Grażyna Mosieniak. NOX4 downregulation leads to senescence of human vascular smooth muscle cells. Oncotarget. 2016; 7 (41):66429-66443.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Dorota Przybylska; Dorota Janiszewska; Aleksandra Goździk; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska; Piotr Sunderland; Ewa Sikora; Grażyna Mosieniak. 2016. "NOX4 downregulation leads to senescence of human vascular smooth muscle cells." Oncotarget 7, no. 41: 66429-66443.

Journal article
Published: 01 May 2016 in The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology
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Cellular senescence is recognized as a potent anticancer mechanism that inhibits carcinogenesis. Cancer cells can also undergo senescence upon chemo- or radiotherapy. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, shows anticancer properties both in vitro and in vivo. Previously, we have shown that treatment with curcumin leads to senescence of human cancer cells. Now we identified the molecular mechanism underlying this phenomenon. We observed a time-dependent accumulation of mitotic cells upon curcumin treatment. The time-lapse analysis proved that those cells progressed through mitosis for a significantly longer period of time. A fraction of cells managed to divide or undergo mitotic slippage and then enter the next phase of the cell cycle. Cells arrested in mitosis had an improperly formed mitotic spindle and were positive for γH2AX, which shows that they acquired DNA damage during prolonged mitosis. Moreover, the DNA damage response pathway was activated upon curcumin treatment and the components of this pathway remained upregulated while cells were undergoing senescence. Inhibition of the DNA damage response decreased the number of senescent cells. Thus, our studies revealed that the induction of cell senescence upon curcumin treatment resulted from aberrant progression through the cell cycle. Moreover, the DNA damage acquired by cancer cells, due to mitotic disturbances, activates an important molecular mechanism that determines the potential anticancer activity of curcumin.

ACS Style

Grażyna Mosieniak; Małgorzata A. Sliwinska; Dorota Przybylska; Wioleta Grabowska; Piotr Sunderland; Anna Bielak--->Zmijewska; Ewa Sikora. Curcumin-treated cancer cells show mitotic disturbances leading to growth arrest and induction of senescence phenotype. The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology 2016, 74, 33 -43.

AMA Style

Grażyna Mosieniak, Małgorzata A. Sliwinska, Dorota Przybylska, Wioleta Grabowska, Piotr Sunderland, Anna Bielak--->Zmijewska, Ewa Sikora. Curcumin-treated cancer cells show mitotic disturbances leading to growth arrest and induction of senescence phenotype. The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology. 2016; 74 ():33-43.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Grażyna Mosieniak; Małgorzata A. Sliwinska; Dorota Przybylska; Wioleta Grabowska; Piotr Sunderland; Anna Bielak--->Zmijewska; Ewa Sikora. 2016. "Curcumin-treated cancer cells show mitotic disturbances leading to growth arrest and induction of senescence phenotype." The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology 74, no. : 33-43.

Journal article
Published: 28 March 2016 in Oncotarget
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It is believed that curcumin, a component of the turmeric that belongs to hormetins, possesses anti-aging propensity. This property of curcumin can be partially explained by its influence on the level of sirtuins. Previously, we have shown that relatively high (2.5-10 µM) doses of curcumin induce senescence of cancer cells and cells building the vasculature. In the present study we examined whether curcumin at low doses (0.1 and 1 µM) is able to delay cell senescence and upregulate the level of sirtuins in human cells building the vasculature, namely vascular smooth muscle (VSMC) and endothelial (EC) cells. To this end we used cells senescing in a replicative and premature manner. We showed that low doses of curcumin in case of VSMC neither postponed the replicative senescence nor protected from premature senescence induced by doxorubicin. Moreover, curcumin slightly accelerated replicative senescence of EC. Despite some fluctuations, a clear increasing tendency in the level of sirtuins was observed in curcumin-treated young, senescing or already senescent cells. Sirtuin activation could be caused by the activation of AMPK resulting from superoxide elevation and ATP reduction. Our results show that curcumin at low doses can increase the level of sirtuins without delaying senescence of VSMC.

ACS Style

Wioleta Grabowska; Małgorzata Suszek; Maciej Wnuk; Anna Lewinska; Emilia Wasiak; Ewa Sikora; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska. Curcumin elevates sirtuin level but does not postpone in vitro senescence of human cells building the vasculature. Oncotarget 2016, 7, 19201 -19213.

AMA Style

Wioleta Grabowska, Małgorzata Suszek, Maciej Wnuk, Anna Lewinska, Emilia Wasiak, Ewa Sikora, Anna Bielak-Zmijewska. Curcumin elevates sirtuin level but does not postpone in vitro senescence of human cells building the vasculature. Oncotarget. 2016; 7 (15):19201-19213.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Wioleta Grabowska; Małgorzata Suszek; Maciej Wnuk; Anna Lewinska; Emilia Wasiak; Ewa Sikora; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska. 2016. "Curcumin elevates sirtuin level but does not postpone in vitro senescence of human cells building the vasculature." Oncotarget 7, no. 15: 19201-19213.

Journal article
Published: 01 March 2015 in Toxicology Letters
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It is widely accepted that abnormal accumulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) may promote atherosclerosis and post-angioplasty restenosis. The use of some plant polyphenols with potent antiproliferative activities may be considered as a therapeutic intervention to diminish/prevent the development of cardiovascular pathologies. In the present study, VSMC response to curcumin treatment was evaluated. 5 μM curcumin elicited a cytostatic effect, which was accompanied by protein carbonylation, oxidative DNA damage and changes in the nucleolar activity (the size and number of nucleoli, nucleolar protein levels and their localization). The levels of p53 and p21 were elevated. However, this was independent of DNA DSBs. Curcumin caused inhibition of rDNA transcription, which could be due to SIRT7 downregulation, site-specific methylation of RNA18S5 gene promoter or both. Curcumin-induced DNA methyltransferase 2 (DNMT2) upregulation was also shown. DNMT2-mediated RNA methylation could promote RNA stabilization upon curcumin treatment. In conclusion, a nucleolus-focused cytostatic action of curcumin at a low micromolar concentration range, which could be feasibly achieved through dietary means, was established in VSMCs and we propose a novel mechanism underlying this action. We believe that our results may contribute to better understanding of the biological and pharmacological effects of curcumin on the human cardiovascular system.

ACS Style

Anna Lewinska; Maciej Wnuk; Wioleta Grabowska; Tomasz Zabek; Ewelina Semik-Gurgul; Ewa Sikora; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska. Curcumin induces oxidation-dependent cell cycle arrest mediated by SIRT7 inhibition of rDNA transcription in human aortic smooth muscle cells. Toxicology Letters 2015, 233, 227 -238.

AMA Style

Anna Lewinska, Maciej Wnuk, Wioleta Grabowska, Tomasz Zabek, Ewelina Semik-Gurgul, Ewa Sikora, Anna Bielak-Zmijewska. Curcumin induces oxidation-dependent cell cycle arrest mediated by SIRT7 inhibition of rDNA transcription in human aortic smooth muscle cells. Toxicology Letters. 2015; 233 (3):227-238.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Anna Lewinska; Maciej Wnuk; Wioleta Grabowska; Tomasz Zabek; Ewelina Semik-Gurgul; Ewa Sikora; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska. 2015. "Curcumin induces oxidation-dependent cell cycle arrest mediated by SIRT7 inhibition of rDNA transcription in human aortic smooth muscle cells." Toxicology Letters 233, no. 3: 227-238.

Article
Published: 04 February 2015 in AGE
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Curcumin is considered not only as a supplement of the diet but also as a drug in many types of diseases and even as a potential anti-aging compound. It can reduce inflammation that increases with age and accompanies almost all age-related diseases. It has been suggested that curcumin can play a beneficial role in the cardiovascular system. However, there are also data showing that curcumin can induce senescence in cancer cells, which is a beneficial effect in cancer therapy but an undesirable one in the case of normal cells. It is believed that cellular senescence accompanies age-related changes in the cardiovascular system. The aim of this study was to check if curcumin, in a certain range of concentrations, can induce senescence in cells building the vasculature. We have found that human vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells derived from aorta are very sensitive to curcumin treatment and can senesce upon treatment with cytostatic doses. We observed characteristic senescence markers but the number of DNA damage foci decreased. Surprisingly, in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) activation of DNA damage response pathway downstream of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) was observed. ATM silencing and the supplementation of antioxidants, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) or trolox, did not reduce the number of senescent cells. Thus, we have shown that curcumin can induce senescence of cells building the vasculature, which is DNA damage and ATM independent and is not induced by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. We postulate that an increase in the bioavailability of curcumin should be introduced very carefully considering senescence induction as a side effect.

ACS Style

Wioleta Grabowska; Karolina Kucharewicz; Maciej Wnuk; Anna Lewinska; Małgorzata Suszek; Dorota Przybylska; Grazyna Mosieniak; Ewa Sikora; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska. Curcumin induces senescence of primary human cells building the vasculature in a DNA damage and ATM-independent manner. AGE 2015, 37, 1 -17.

AMA Style

Wioleta Grabowska, Karolina Kucharewicz, Maciej Wnuk, Anna Lewinska, Małgorzata Suszek, Dorota Przybylska, Grazyna Mosieniak, Ewa Sikora, Anna Bielak-Zmijewska. Curcumin induces senescence of primary human cells building the vasculature in a DNA damage and ATM-independent manner. AGE. 2015; 37 (1):1-17.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Wioleta Grabowska; Karolina Kucharewicz; Maciej Wnuk; Anna Lewinska; Małgorzata Suszek; Dorota Przybylska; Grazyna Mosieniak; Ewa Sikora; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska. 2015. "Curcumin induces senescence of primary human cells building the vasculature in a DNA damage and ATM-independent manner." AGE 37, no. 1: 1-17.

Journal article
Published: 01 February 2015 in Mutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis
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Capsaicin is the major pungent component of the hot chili peppers of the genus Capsicum, which are consumed worldwide as a food additive. More recently, the selective action of capsaicin against cancer cells has been reported. Capsaicin was found to induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation of a wide range of cancer cells in vitro, whereas being inactive against normal cells. As data on capsaicin-induced genotoxicity are limited and the effects of capsaicin against human lung A549 and DU145 prostate cancer cells were not explored in detail, we were interested in determining whether capsaicin-associated genotoxicity may also provoke A549 and DU145 cell death. Capsaicin-induced decrease in metabolic activity and cell proliferation, and changes in the cell cycle were limited to high concentrations used (≥ 100 μM), whereas, at lower concentrations, capsaicin stimulated both DNA double strand breaks and micronuclei production. Capsaicin was unable to provoke apoptotic cell death when used up to 250 μM concentrations. Capsaicin induced oxidative stress, but was ineffective in provoking the dissipation of the mitochondrial inner transmembrane potential. A different magnitude of p53 binding protein 1 (53BP1) recruitment contributed to diverse capsaicin-induced genotoxic effects in DU145 and A549 cells. Capsaicin was also found to be a DNA hypermethylating agent in A549 cells. In summary, we have shown that genotoxic effects of capsaicin may contribute to limited susceptibility of DU145 and A549 cancer cells to apoptosis in vitro, which may question the usefulness of capsaicin-based anticancer therapy, at least in a case of lung and prostate cancer.

ACS Style

Anna Lewinska; Paulina Jarosz; Joanna Czech; Iwona Rzeszutek; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska; Wioleta Grabowska; Maciej Wnuk. Capsaicin-induced genotoxic stress does not promote apoptosis in A549 human lung and DU145 prostate cancer cells. Mutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis 2015, 779, 23 -34.

AMA Style

Anna Lewinska, Paulina Jarosz, Joanna Czech, Iwona Rzeszutek, Anna Bielak-Zmijewska, Wioleta Grabowska, Maciej Wnuk. Capsaicin-induced genotoxic stress does not promote apoptosis in A549 human lung and DU145 prostate cancer cells. Mutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis. 2015; 779 ():23-34.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Anna Lewinska; Paulina Jarosz; Joanna Czech; Iwona Rzeszutek; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska; Wioleta Grabowska; Maciej Wnuk. 2015. "Capsaicin-induced genotoxic stress does not promote apoptosis in A549 human lung and DU145 prostate cancer cells." Mutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis 779, no. : 23-34.

Journal article
Published: 01 September 2014 in Chemico-Biological Interactions
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Because applications of nanomaterials in nanomedicine and nanotechnology are rapidly increasing, nanodiamond (ND) health risk assessment is urgently needed. In the present study, we used HeLa cell model to evaluate nanodiamond biocompatibility. We found ND-mediated cytotoxicity, proliferation inhibition and oxidative stress. Conversely, ND-associated genotoxicity was limited to higher concentrations used. Nanodiamond was also recognized as a hypermethylating agent. ND-associated redox imbalance contributed to nucleolar stress: size and number of nucleoli were affected, and release of nucleolar protein RRN3 occurred. Surprisingly, we did not observe stress-induced RNA depletion. In contrast, RNA was stabilized: total RNA level and integrity (28S/18S rRNA ratio) were unaffected. After nanodiamond treatment, upregulation of DNA methyltransferase 2 (DNMT2) was shown. Perhaps, DNMT2, as a part of the regulatory loop of metabolic pathways through RNA methylation, may contribute to RNA stabilization and confer stress resistance after nanodiamond treatment. In conclusion, using HeLa cell model, we showed that ND biocompatibility is limited and special care should be taken when introducing ND-based biomaterials to biological systems.

ACS Style

Jennifer Mytych; Anna Lewinska; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska; Wioleta Grabowska; Jacek Zebrowski; Maciej Wnuk. Nanodiamond-mediated impairment of nucleolar activity is accompanied by oxidative stress and DNMT2 upregulation in human cervical carcinoma cells. Chemico-Biological Interactions 2014, 220, 51 -63.

AMA Style

Jennifer Mytych, Anna Lewinska, Anna Bielak-Zmijewska, Wioleta Grabowska, Jacek Zebrowski, Maciej Wnuk. Nanodiamond-mediated impairment of nucleolar activity is accompanied by oxidative stress and DNMT2 upregulation in human cervical carcinoma cells. Chemico-Biological Interactions. 2014; 220 ():51-63.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jennifer Mytych; Anna Lewinska; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska; Wioleta Grabowska; Jacek Zebrowski; Maciej Wnuk. 2014. "Nanodiamond-mediated impairment of nucleolar activity is accompanied by oxidative stress and DNMT2 upregulation in human cervical carcinoma cells." Chemico-Biological Interactions 220, no. : 51-63.

Research article
Published: 13 August 2014 in PLOS ONE
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Nibrin plays an important role in the DNA damage response (DDR) and DNA repair. DDR is a crucial signaling pathway in apoptosis and senescence. To verify whether truncated nibrin (p70), causing Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome (NBS), is involved in DDR and cell fate upon DNA damage, we used two (S4 and S3R) spontaneously immortalized T cell lines from NBS patients, with the founding mutation and a control cell line (L5). S4 and S3R cells have the same level of p70 nibrin, however p70 from S4 cells was able to form more complexes with ATM and BRCA1. Doxorubicin-induced DDR followed by cell senescence could only be observed in L5 and S4 cells, but not in the S3R ones. Furthermore the S3R cells only underwent cell death, but not senescence after doxorubicin treatment. In contrary to doxorubicin treatment, cells from all three cell lines were able to activate the DDR pathway after being exposed to γ-radiation. Downregulation of nibrin in normal human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) did not prevent the activation of DDR and induction of senescence. Our results indicate that a substantially reduced level of nibrin or its truncated p70 form is sufficient to induce DNA-damage dependent senescence in VSMCs and S4 cells, respectively. In doxorubicin-treated S3R cells DDR activation was severely impaired, thus preventing the induction of senescence.

ACS Style

Olga Alster; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska; Grażyna Mosieniak; María Moreno-Villanueva; Wioleta Dudka-Ruszkowska; Aleksandra Wojtala; Monika Kusio-Kobiałka; Zbigniew Korwek; Alexander Burkle; Katarzyna Piwocka; Jan Konrad Siwicki; Ewa Sikora. The Role of Nibrin in Doxorubicin-Induced Apoptosis and Cell Senescence in Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome Patients Lymphocytes. PLOS ONE 2014, 9, e104964 .

AMA Style

Olga Alster, Anna Bielak-Zmijewska, Grażyna Mosieniak, María Moreno-Villanueva, Wioleta Dudka-Ruszkowska, Aleksandra Wojtala, Monika Kusio-Kobiałka, Zbigniew Korwek, Alexander Burkle, Katarzyna Piwocka, Jan Konrad Siwicki, Ewa Sikora. The Role of Nibrin in Doxorubicin-Induced Apoptosis and Cell Senescence in Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome Patients Lymphocytes. PLOS ONE. 2014; 9 (8):e104964.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Olga Alster; Anna Bielak-Zmijewska; Grażyna Mosieniak; María Moreno-Villanueva; Wioleta Dudka-Ruszkowska; Aleksandra Wojtala; Monika Kusio-Kobiałka; Zbigniew Korwek; Alexander Burkle; Katarzyna Piwocka; Jan Konrad Siwicki; Ewa Sikora. 2014. "The Role of Nibrin in Doxorubicin-Induced Apoptosis and Cell Senescence in Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome Patients Lymphocytes." PLOS ONE 9, no. 8: e104964.

Review
Published: 01 January 2014 in Postępy Biochemii
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ACS Style

Anna Bielak-Zmijewska; Wioleta Grabowska; Dorota Przybylska. [Impact of cellular senescence on organismal aging and age-related diseases]. Postępy Biochemii 2014, 60, 1 .

AMA Style

Anna Bielak-Zmijewska, Wioleta Grabowska, Dorota Przybylska. [Impact of cellular senescence on organismal aging and age-related diseases]. Postępy Biochemii. 2014; 60 (2):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Anna Bielak-Zmijewska; Wioleta Grabowska; Dorota Przybylska. 2014. "[Impact of cellular senescence on organismal aging and age-related diseases]." Postępy Biochemii 60, no. 2: 1.