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Bui TQ, Dat TTH, Quy PT, Hai NTT, Thai NM, Phu NV, Tuan LV, Huynh LK, Li MS, Nhung NTA. Identification of potential anti-hyperglycemic compounds in Cordyceps militaris ethyl acetate extract: in vitro and in silico studies. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-17. [PMID: 37997953 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2283156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Cordyceps militaris has been long known for valuable health benefits by folk experience and was recently reported with diabetes-tackling evidences, thus deserving extending efforts on screening for component-activity relationship. In this study, experiments were carried out to find the evidence, justification, and input for computations on the potential against diabetes-related protein structures: PDB-4W93, PDB-3W37, and PDB-4A3A. Liquid chromatography identified 14 bioactive compounds in the ethyl acetate extract (1-14) and quantified the contents of cordycepin (0.11%) and adenosine (0.01%). Bioassays revealed the overall potential of the extract against α-amylase (IC50 = 6.443 ± 0.364 mg.mL-1) and α-glucosidase (IC50 = 2.580 ± 0.194 mg.mL-1). A combination of different computational platforms was used to select the most promising candidates for applications as anti-diabetic bio-inhibitors, i.e. 1 (ground state: -888.49715 a.u.; dipole moment 3.779 Debye; DS ¯ -12.3 kcal.mol-1; polarizability 34.7 Å3; logP - 1.30), 10 (ground state: -688.52406 a.u.; dipole moment 5.487 Debye; DS ¯ -12.6 kcal.mol-1; polarizability 24.9 Å3; logP - 3.39), and 12 (ground state: -1460.07276 a.u.; dipole moment 3.976 Debye; DS ¯ -12.5 kcal.mol-1; polarizability 52.4 Å3; logP - 4.39). The results encourage further experimental tests on cordycepin (1), mannitol (10), and adenosylribose (12) to validate their in-practice diabetes-related activities, thus conducive to hypoglycemic applications.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh Q Bui
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sciences, Hue University, Hue, Vietnam
| | - Ton That Huu Dat
- Mientrung Institute for Scientific Research, Vietnam National Museum of Nature, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), Hue, Vietnam
| | - Phan Tu Quy
- Department of Natural Sciences & Technology, Tay Nguyen University, Dak Lak, Vietnam
| | | | - Nguyen Minh Thai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Vinh Phu
- Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue, Vietnam
| | - Le Van Tuan
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Sciences, Hue University, Hue City, Vietnam
| | - Lam K Huynh
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Mai Suan Li
- Institute for Computational Science and Technology, SBI Building, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Nguyen Thi Ai Nhung
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sciences, Hue University, Hue, Vietnam
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Thai NM, Dat TTH, Hai NTT, Bui TQ, Phu NV, Quy PT, Triet NT, Pham DT, De Tran V, Nhung NTA. Identification of potential inhibitors against Alzheimer-related proteins in Cordyceps militaris ethanol extract: experimental evidence and computational analyses. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:292. [PMID: 37547918 PMCID: PMC10403485 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03714-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Laboratory experiments were carried out to identify the chemical composition of Cordyceps militaris and reveal the first evidence of their Alzheimer-related potential. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified 21 bioactive compounds in the ethanol extract (1-21). High-performance liquid chromatography quantified the content of cordycepin (0.32%). Bioassays revealed the overall anti-Alzheimer potential of the extract against acetylcholinesterase (IC50 = 115.9 ± 11.16 µg mL-1). Multi-platform computations were utilized to predict the biological inhibitory effects of its phytochemical components against Alzheimer-related protein structures: acetylcholinesterase (PDB-4EY7) and β-amyloid protein (PDB-2LMN). In particular, 7 is considered as a most effective inhibitor predicted by its chemical stability in dipole-based environments (ground state - 467.26302 a.u.; dipole moment 11.598 Debye), inhibitory effectiveness (DS ¯ - 13.6 kcal mol-1), polarized compatibility (polarizability 25.8 Å3; logP - 1.01), and brain penetrability (logBB - 0.244; logPS - 3.047). Besides, 3 is promising as a brain-penetrating agent (logBB - 0.257; logPS - 2.400). The results preliminarily suggest further experimental attempts to verify the pro-cognitive effects of l(-)-carnitine (7). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03714-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Minh Thai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000 Vietnam
| | - Ton That Huu Dat
- Mientrung Institute for Scientific Research, Vietnam National Museum of Nature, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), Hue, 530000 Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Thi Thanh Hai
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sciences, Hue University, Hue, 530000 Vietnam
| | - Thanh Q. Bui
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sciences, Hue University, Hue, 530000 Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Vinh Phu
- Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue, 530000 Vietnam
| | - Phan Tu Quy
- Tay Nguyen University, Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak 630000 Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Thanh Triet
- Faculty of Traditional Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, 70000 Vietnam
| | - Duy Toan Pham
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Can Tho University, Campus II, 3/2 Street, Can Tho, 900000 Vietnam
| | - Van De Tran
- Department of Health Organization and Management, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 179 Nguyen Van Cu, Can Tho, 900000 Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Thi Ai Nhung
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sciences, Hue University, Hue, 530000 Vietnam
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Alhakamy NA, Fahmy UA. Exploring cytotoxicity of cordycepin loaded nanovesicles against (HCT116) colon cancer cells: Optimization and cellular evaluation. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113619. [PMID: 36081285 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous researchers have investigated cordycepin (COR) as an anti-tumor compound. COR has been documented to have cytotoxic effects on several cancer cells. The current work used a Box-Behnken mathematical design to minimize COR's size. The design incorporated COR concentration, phospholipid concentration and sonication time as variables to minimize the vesicles of COR emulsomes (COR-EMLs). To evaluate degree of improvement of COR cytotoxicity against colorectal cancer (HCT116) cells, cell viability, cell cycle analysis and apoptosis have been assessed. In addition, wound scratching and mitochondrial membrane potential were evaluated. Results of Box-Behnken design achieved COR-EMLs sizes in range from 91.54 ± 2.3-343.83 ± 3.7 nm. Moreover, the optimized formula morphology's was evaluated using transmission electron microscope and showed nanospheres in range of 100 nm. COR released from COR-EMLs exceeded 80% after 12 h.The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the refined COR-EML formula was about four times lower than that of COR-raw. The cell cycle study revealed that administration of COR-EML considerably hindered HCT116 cellular propagation in contrast to plain emulsomes (EMLs) and COR-raw with a denser cell compilation in G2/M. Moreover, the optimized formula notably enhanced the proportion of cells in both the initial and late phases of apoptosis. The augmentation of COR cytotoxicity was confirmed by its inhibition of cancer cell wound healing by approximately 40%. The mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly lower than in cells treated with COR-raw and EMLs. Finally, loading COR into the EMLs increased COR's capacity to lower mitochondrial membrane functionality and significantly improved its cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil A Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Usama A Fahmy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
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Radhi M, Ashraf S, Lawrence S, Tranholm AA, Wellham PAD, Hafeez A, Khamis AS, Thomas R, McWilliams D, de Moor CH. A Systematic Review of the Biological Effects of Cordycepin. Molecules 2021; 26:5886. [PMID: 34641429 PMCID: PMC8510467 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted a systematic review of the literature on the effects of cordycepin on cell survival and proliferation, inflammation, signal transduction and animal models. A total of 1204 publications on cordycepin were found by the cut-off date of 1 February 2021. After application of the exclusion criteria, 791 papers remained. These were read and data on the chosen subjects were extracted. We found 192 papers on the effects of cordycepin on cell survival and proliferation and calculated a median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 135 µM. Cordycepin consistently repressed cell migration (26 papers) and cellular inflammation (53 papers). Evaluation of 76 papers on signal transduction indicated consistently reduced PI3K/mTOR/AKT and ERK signalling and activation of AMPK. In contrast, the effects of cordycepin on the p38 and Jun kinases were variable, as were the effects on cell cycle arrest (53 papers), suggesting these are cell-specific responses. The examination of 150 animal studies indicated that purified cordycepin has many potential therapeutic effects, including the reduction of tumour growth (37 papers), repression of pain and inflammation (9 papers), protecting brain function (11 papers), improvement of respiratory and cardiac conditions (8 and 19 papers) and amelioration of metabolic disorders (8 papers). Nearly all these data are consistent with cordycepin mediating its therapeutic effects through activating AMPK, inhibiting PI3K/mTOR/AKT and repressing the inflammatory response. We conclude that cordycepin has excellent potential as a lead for drug development, especially for age-related diseases. In addition, we discuss the remaining issues around the mechanism of action, toxicity and biodistribution of cordycepin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masar Radhi
- Pain Centre Versus Arthritis, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (M.R.); (A.A.T.); (D.M.)
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (S.L.); (P.A.D.W.); (A.H.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Sadaf Ashraf
- Aberdeen Centre for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Health, Institute of Medical Sciences, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK;
| | - Steven Lawrence
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (S.L.); (P.A.D.W.); (A.H.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Asta Arendt Tranholm
- Pain Centre Versus Arthritis, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (M.R.); (A.A.T.); (D.M.)
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (S.L.); (P.A.D.W.); (A.H.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Peter Arthur David Wellham
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (S.L.); (P.A.D.W.); (A.H.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Abdul Hafeez
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (S.L.); (P.A.D.W.); (A.H.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Ammar Sabah Khamis
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (S.L.); (P.A.D.W.); (A.H.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Robert Thomas
- The Primrose Oncology Unit, Bedford Hospital NHS Trust, Bedford MK42 9DJ, UK;
- Department of Oncology, Addenbrooke’s Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Daniel McWilliams
- Pain Centre Versus Arthritis, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (M.R.); (A.A.T.); (D.M.)
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Cornelia Huiberdina de Moor
- Pain Centre Versus Arthritis, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (M.R.); (A.A.T.); (D.M.)
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (S.L.); (P.A.D.W.); (A.H.); (A.S.K.)
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Adipogenic Stimulation and Pyrrolidine Dithiocarbamate Induced Osteogenic Inhibition of Dental Pulp Stem Cells Is Countered by Cordycepin. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11090915. [PMID: 34575692 PMCID: PMC8468365 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11090915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND dental pulp-derived stem cells are easy to access and collect and are an excellent source of stem cells for regenerative therapy. These cells can interact with many biomolecules and scaffolds and can pass on the instructive signals to the sites of regeneration where they are used. In this regard cordycepin, a potential biomolecule derived from medicinal mushrooms with a spectrum of bioactive properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer has not yet been tested for its effect on human dental pulp stem cells. OBJECTIVE the objective of the present study was to assess the in vitro adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation potential of human dental pulp stem cells with or without induction after administration of cordycepin. MATERIALS AND METHODS human dental pulp stem cells DPSCs were isolated from a healthy permanent tooth extracted for orthodontic purposes after obtaining informed consent. Flow cytometry technique was used to assess the surface markers of these cells such as CD73, CD90, and CD105, CD34, CD45, and HLA-DR. Further, an MTT assay was performed on the cells after subjecting them to various concentrations of cordycepin. Following this, the adipogenic and osteogenic potential of the dental pulp stem cells was assessed with or without induction under the influence/absence of 5 µM of cordycepin. The results obtained were statistically analyzed and documented. RESULTS it was found that the dental pulp stem cells showed strong positive expression for CD73, CD90, and CD105 and faint expression of CD34, CD45, and HLA-DR. MTT assay revealed that 5 µM was the optimum concentration of cordycepin for all the assays. Concerning adipogenesis experiments, there was a statistically significant lowering of all the 4 adipogenesis-related genes PPARγ, FABP4, LPL, and C/EBPα following cordycepin treatment in the presence of induction compared to the only induction group and untreated control cells (p < 0.05). In connection with osteogenesis, was found that there was a statistically significant increase in the expression of RUNX2, COL1A1, OSX and OCN genes along with the increase in alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red staining in the DPSC treated with cordycepin along with the presence of induction and simultaneous addition of PDTC compared to the control untreated cells and cells treated with induction and simultaneous addition of PDTC (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION cordycepin can be exploited for its osteopromotive properties and can be used as a bioactive molecule alongside the administration of dental pulp stem cells in the area of regenerative biology and medicine.
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Polysaccharides Obtained from Cordyceps militaris Alleviate Hyperglycemia by Regulating Gut Microbiota in Mice Fed a High-Fat/Sucrose Diet. Foods 2021; 10:foods10081870. [PMID: 34441649 PMCID: PMC8391476 DOI: 10.3390/foods10081870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Polysaccharides isolated from fungus Cordyceps militaris display multi-biofunctions, such as immunostimulation, down-regulation of hyperlipidemia, and anti-cancer function. The occurrence of obesity and metabolic syndrome is related to the imbalance of gut microbiota. In this study, the effects of C. militaris and its fractions on modifying metabolic syndrome in mice were evaluated. Mice were fed a high-fat/high-sucrose diet (HFSD) for 14 weeks to induce body weight increase and hyperlipidemia symptoms in mice, and then the mice were simultaneously given a HFSD and C. militaris samples for a further 8 weeks. The results indicated that the fruit body, polysaccharides, and cordycepin obtained from C. militaris had different efficacies on regulating metabolic syndrome and gut microbiota in HFSD-treated mice. Polysaccharides derived from C. militaris decreased the levels of blood sugar and serum lipids in mice fed HFSD. In addition, C. militaris-polysaccharide treatment obviously improved intestinal dysbiosis through promoting the population of next generation probiotic Akkermansia muciniphila in the gut of mice fed HFSD. In conclusion, polysaccharides derived from C. militaris have the potential to act as dietary supplements and health food products for modifying the gut microbiota to improve the metabolic syndrome.
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Das G, Shin HS, Leyva-Gómez G, Prado-Audelo MLD, Cortes H, Singh YD, Panda MK, Mishra AP, Nigam M, Saklani S, Chaturi PK, Martorell M, Cruz-Martins N, Sharma V, Garg N, Sharma R, Patra JK. Cordyceps spp.: A Review on Its Immune-Stimulatory and Other Biological Potentials. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:602364. [PMID: 33628175 PMCID: PMC7898063 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.602364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, interest in the Cordyceps genus has amplified due to its immunostimulatory potential. Cordyceps species, its extracts, and bioactive constituents have been related with cytokine production such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, phagocytosis stimulation of immune cells, nitric oxide production by increasing inducible nitric oxide synthase activity, and stimulation of inflammatory response via mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Other pharmacological activities like antioxidant, anti-cancer, antihyperlipidemic, anti-diabetic, anti-fatigue, anti-aging, hypocholesterolemic, hypotensive, vasorelaxation, anti-depressant, aphrodisiac, and kidney protection, has been reported in pre-clinical studies. These biological activities are correlated with the bioactive compounds present in Cordyceps including nucleosides, sterols, flavonoids, cyclic peptides, phenolic, bioxanthracenes, polyketides, and alkaloids, being the cyclic peptides compounds the most studied. An organized review of the existing literature was executed by surveying several databanks like PubMed, Scopus, etc. using keywords like Cordyceps, cordycepin, immune system, immunostimulation, immunomodulatory, pharmacology, anti-cancer, anti-viral, clinical trials, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, phytochemical analysis, and different species names. This review collects and analyzes state-of-the-art about the properties of Cordyceps species along with ethnopharmacological properties, application in food, chemical compounds, extraction of bioactive compounds, and various pharmacological properties with a special focus on the stimulatory properties of immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gitishree Das
- Research Institute of Biotechnology and Medical Converged Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyangsi, South Korea
| | - Han-Seung Shin
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyangsi, South Korea
| | - Gerardo Leyva-Gómez
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - María L. Del Prado-Audelo
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Hernán Cortes
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Yengkhom Disco Singh
- Department of Post-Harvest Technology, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agricultural University, Pasighat, India
| | - Manasa Kumar Panda
- Environment and Sustainability Department, CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Abhay Prakash Mishra
- Adarsh Vijendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shobhit University, Saharanpur, India
| | - Manisha Nigam
- Department of Biochemistry, H. N. B. Garhwal University, Srinagar Garhwal, India
| | - Sarla Saklani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, H. N. B. Garhwal University, Srinagar Garhwal, India
| | | | - Miquel Martorell
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Centre for Healthy Living, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Natália Cruz-Martins
- Faculty of Medicine, Alameda Prof. Hernani Monteiro, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vineet Sharma
- Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Neha Garg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Rohit Sharma
- Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Jayanta Kumar Patra
- Research Institute of Biotechnology and Medical Converged Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyangsi, South Korea
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Özenver N, Boulos JC, Efferth T. Activity of Cordycepin From Cordyceps sinensis Against Drug-Resistant Tumor Cells as Determined by Gene Expression and Drug Sensitivity Profiling. Nat Prod Commun 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x21993350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cordycepin is one of the substantial components of the parasitic fungus Cordyceps sinensis as well as other Cordyceps species. It exerts various effects such as antimetastatic, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective activities. Assorted studies revealed in vitro and in vivo anticancer influence of cordycepin and put forward its potential for cancer therapy. However, the role of multidrug resistance-associated mechanisms for the antitumor effect of cordycepin has not been investigated in great detail thus far. Therefore, we searched cordycepin’s cytotoxicity with regard to well-known anticancer drug resistance mechanisms, including ABCB1, ABCB5, ABCC1, ABCG2, EGFR, and TP53, and identified putative molecular determinants related to the cellular responsiveness of cordycepin. Bioinformatic analyses of NCI microarray data and gene promoter transcription factor binding motif analyses were performed to specify the mechanisms of cordycepin towards cancer cells. COMPARE and hierarchical analyses led to the detection of the genes involved in cordycepin’s cytotoxicity and sensitivity and resistance of cell lines towards cordycepin. Tumor-type dependent response and cross-resistance profiles were further unravelled. We found transcription factors potentially involved in the common transcriptional regulation of the genes identified by COMPARE analyses. Cordycepin bypassed resistance mediated by the expression of ATP-binding cassete (ABC) transporters (P-gp, ABCB5, ABCC1 and BCRP) and mutant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The drug sensitivity profiles of several DNA Topo I and II inhibitors were significantly correlated with those of cordycepin’s activity. Among eight different tumor types, prostate cancer was the most sensitive, whereas renal carcinoma was the most resistant to cordycepin. NF-κB was discovered as a common transcription factor. The potential of cordycepin is set forth as a potential new drug lead by bioinformatic evaluations. Further experimental studies are warranted for better understanding of cordycepin’s activity against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadire Özenver
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Joelle C. Boulos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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Anti-Cancer Effect of Cordycepin on FGF9-Induced Testicular Tumorigenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218336. [PMID: 33172093 PMCID: PMC7672634 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cordycepin, a bioactive constituent from the fungus Cordyceps sinensis, could inhibit cancer cell proliferation and promote cell death via induction of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and autophagy. Our novel finding from microarray analysis of cordycepin-treated MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells is that cordycepin down-regulated the mRNA levels of FGF9, FGF18, FGFR2 and FGFR3 genes in MA-10 cells. Meanwhile, the IPA-MAP pathway prediction result showed that cordycepin inhibited MA-10 cell proliferation by suppressing FGFs/FGFRs pathways. The in vitro study further revealed that cordycepin decreased FGF9-induced MA-10 cell proliferation by inhibiting the expressions of p-ERK1/2, p-Rb and E2F1, and subsequently reducing the expressions of cyclins and CDKs. In addition, a mouse allograft model was performed by intratumoral injection of FGF9 and/or intraperitoneal injection of cordycepin to MA-10-tumor bearing C57BL/6J mice. Results showed that FGF9-induced tumor growth in cordycepin-treated mice was significantly smaller than that in a PBS-treated control group. Furthermore, cordycepin decreased FGF9-induced FGFR1-4 protein expressions in vitro and in vivo. In summary, cordycepin inhibited FGF9-induced testicular tumor growth by suppressing the ERK1/2, Rb/E2F1, cell cycle pathways, and the expressions of FGFR1-4 proteins, suggesting that cordycepin can be used as a novel anticancer drug for testicular cancers.
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Singpoonga N, Rittiron R, Seang-on B, Chaiprasart P, Bantadjan Y. Determination of Adenosine and Cordycepin Concentrations in Cordyceps militaris Fruiting Bodies Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:27235-27244. [PMID: 33134685 PMCID: PMC7594118 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c03403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Near-infrared (NIRS) spectroscopy, coupled with partial least squares regression, was used to predict adenosine and cordycepin concentrations in fruiting bodies of Cordyceps militaris. The fruiting body samples were prepared in four different sample formats, which were intact fruiting bodies, chopped fruiting bodies, dried powder, and dried crude extract. The actual amount of the adenosine and cordycepin concentrations in fresh fruiting bodies was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results showed that the prediction models developed from the chopped samples provided excellent accuracy in both parameters with minimal sample preparation. These optimum models provided a coefficient of determination of prediction, standard error of prediction, bias, and residual predictive deviation, which were respectively 0.95, 16.60 mg kg-1, -8.57 mg kg-1, and 5.04 for adenosine prediction, and 0.98, 181.56 mg kg-1, -1.05 mg kg-1, and 8.9 for cordycepin prediction. The accuracy and performance of the model were determined by ISO12099:2017(E). It was found that these two equations can be considered to be acceptable at a probability level of 95% confidence. The NIRS technique, therefore, has the potential to be an objective method for determining the adenosine and cordycepin concentrations in C. militaris fruiting bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natthapong Singpoonga
- Department
of Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Nakhon Sawan Rajabhat University, Nakhon Sawan 60000, Thailand
| | - Ronnarit Rittiron
- Department
of Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
| | - Boonsong Seang-on
- Faculty
of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
- Center
of Excellence in Postharvest Technology, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | - Peerasak Chaiprasart
- Faculty
of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
- Center
of Excellence in Postharvest Technology, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
- Postharvest
Technology Innovation Center, Chiang Mai
University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Yuranan Bantadjan
- Department
of Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
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11
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Fong P, Cheong C, Mak K, Lei C, Ho M, Ao C, Meng L. Effects of Cordycepin, Gold Nanostar, and Their Combination on Endometrial Cancer Cells. Nat Prod Commun 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x20946939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence rate of (EC) has increased significantly in the past 2 decades. The current chemotherapy for this disease can cause intolerable side effects. Recently, both cordycepin and gold nanostars have demonstrated the ability to inhibit the growth and differentiation of cancers. This study aimed to investigate the antiEC effects of cordycepin, gold nanostars (Au NS), and the combination of the two. The gold nanostars were made by seed-mediated reduction, and their morphology was confirmed by laser particle size analysis, spectrophotometry, and electron microscopy. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide cytotoxicity assays, clonogenic assays, and flow cytometry were employed to evaluate the inhibition rate, survival fraction, and apoptosis in HEC-1A cells under different concentrations of cordycepin, Au NS, and their combination. This study revealed that both cordycepin and Au NS with 808 nm light exposure could inhibit cell proliferation, cause cell apoptosis, and inhibit the clone ability of EC cells. This study supports further investigations into Au NS-cordycepin in the development of new treatments for EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Fong
- School of Health Sciences, Macao Polytechnic Institute, Macao, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chicheng Cheong
- School of Health Sciences, Macao Polytechnic Institute, Macao, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kawai Mak
- School of Health Sciences, Macao Polytechnic Institute, Macao, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chicheng Lei
- School of Health Sciences, Macao Polytechnic Institute, Macao, People’s Republic of China
| | - Manhei Ho
- School of Health Sciences, Macao Polytechnic Institute, Macao, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chengngok Ao
- School of Health Sciences, Macao Polytechnic Institute, Macao, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lirong Meng
- School of Health Sciences, Macao Polytechnic Institute, Macao, People’s Republic of China
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12
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Khan MA, Tania M. Cordycepin in Anticancer Research: Molecular Mechanism of Therapeutic Effects. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:983-996. [PMID: 30277143 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666181001105749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Cordycepin is a nucleotide analogue from Cordyceps mushrooms,
which occupies a notable place in traditional medicine.
Objective:
In this review article, we have discussed the recent findings on the molecular aspects
of cordycepin interactions with its recognized cellular targets, and possible mechanisms
of its anticancer activity.
Methods:
We have explored databases like pubmed, google scholar, scopus and web of science
for the update information on cordycepin and mechanisms of its anticancer activity, and
reviewed in this study.
Results:
Cordycepin has been widely recognized for its therapeutic potential against many
types of cancers by various mechanisms. More specifically, cordycepin can induce apoptosis,
resist cell cycle and cause DNA damage in cancer cells, and thus kill or control cancer cell
growth. Also cordycepin can induce autophagy and modulate immune system. Furthermore,
cordycepin also inhibits tumor metastasis. Although many success stories of cordycepin in
anticancer research in vitro and in animal model, and there is no successful clinical trial yet.
Conclusion:
Ongoing research studies have reported highly potential anticancer activities of
cordycepin with numerous molecular mechanisms. The in vitro and in vivo success of cordycepin
in anticancer research might influence the clinical trials of cordycepin, and this molecule
might be used for development of future cancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Asaduzzaman Khan
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Mousumi Tania
- Molecular Cancer Research Division, Red-Green Research Center, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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13
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Niramitranon J, Pongprayoon P. Exploring the binding modes of cordycepin to human adenosine deaminase 1 (ADA1) compared to adenosine and 2'-deoxyadenosine. J Mol Model 2020; 26:29. [PMID: 31953681 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-020-4289-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine, abbreviated as COR) from Cordyceps shows a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant and anticancer effects, therefore representing a potential alternative medicine. However, COR has a short half-life in the human body, where it is metabolized by adenosine deaminase 1 (ADA1). ADA1 helps regulate adenosine levels by deaminating excess adenosine (ADE) and its derivatives, such as 2'-deoxyadenosine (DEO). Understanding binding mechanisms of ADA1 with COR in comparison with its other substrates will play a vital role in improving the bioactivity and lifetime of COR for commercial medicinal use. Recently, the first structure of human ADA1 in complex with DEO was solved. We therefore employed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to predict structures and dynamics of ADA1 complexing with ADE, DEO, and COR in comparison to a ligand-free (LF) structure. Our data reveal that a large and highly water-exposed binding pocket of ADA1 is responsible for ligand translocation and reorientation. Two possible binding locations (site1 and site2) are identified. The binding affinities of the ligands are ADE > COR > DEO. Furthermore, the movements of two loop regions at the binding pocket entrance, residues 183-193 and 215-230, contribute to gating activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitti Niramitranon
- Department of Computer engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Prapasiri Pongprayoon
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.
- Center for Advanced Studies in Nanotechnology for Chemical, Food and Agricultural Industries, KU Institute for Advanced Studies, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.
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14
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Shi H, Zhang M, Bhandari B, Wang Y, Yi S. Effects of superfine grinding on the properties and qualities of
Cordyceps militaris
and its spent substrate. J FOOD PROCESS PRES 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/jfpp.14169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology Jiangnan University Wuxi China
| | - Min Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology Jiangnan University Wuxi China
- International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety Jiangnan University Wuxi China
| | - Bhesh Bhandari
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences University of Queensland Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Yuchuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology Jiangnan University Wuxi China
| | - Sifu Yi
- Yandi Biological Engineering Co., Ltd Changde China
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15
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A novel nucleoside rescue metabolic pathway may be responsible for therapeutic effect of orally administered cordycepin. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15760. [PMID: 31673018 PMCID: PMC6823370 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52254-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although adenosine and its analogues have been assessed in the past as potential drug candidates due to the important role of adenosine in physiology, only little is known about their absorption following oral administration. In this work, we have studied the oral absorption and disposition pathways of cordycepin, an adenosine analogue. In vitro biopharmaceutical properties and in vivo oral absorption and disposition of cordycepin were assessed in rats. Despite the fact that numerous studies showed efficacy following oral dosing of cordycepin, we found that intact cordycepin was not absorbed following oral administration to rats. However, 3′-deoxyinosine, a metabolite of cordycepin previously considered to be inactive, was absorbed into the systemic blood circulation. Further investigation was performed to study the conversion of 3′-deoxyinosine to cordycepin 5′-triphosphate in vitro using macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells. It demonstrated that cordycepin 5′-triphosphate, the active metabolite of cordycepin, can be formed not only from cordycepin, but also from 3′-deoxyinosine. The novel nucleoside rescue metabolic pathway proposed in this study could be responsible for therapeutic effects of adenosine and other analogues of adenosine following oral administration. These findings may have importance in understanding the physiology and pathophysiology associated with adenosine, as well as drug discovery and development utilising adenosine analogues.
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16
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Fong P, Loi CI, U WF, Choi CI, Yi T, Meng LR. Antitumor Effects of MRS5698, a Cordycepin Derivative, on Endometrial Cancer Cells. Nat Prod Commun 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x19881564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer drug treatments often produce undesirable effects. Thus, discovering new drugs with fewer side effects is required. Cordycepin is a constituent of Cordyceps sinensis, which has been proven to inhibit tumor growth by stimulating the adenosine A3 receptor (A3R). However, cordycepin is rapidly degraded by adenosine deaminase (ADA) and has a clinically unacceptable short half-life. One of its derivatives, MRS5698, was predicted to exhibit antitumor effects with a poor affinity to ADA by our previous validated in silico experiments. The purpose of this study was to explore the possibilities of using MRS5698 as a novel antitumor agent through experiments on Ishikawa and HEC-1A cells. The detection of inhibition and apoptotic rate of MRS5698 and cisplatin, and their combination, on Ishikawa and HEC-1A cells were performed by MTT assays and flow cytometry, respectively. The inhibition rates of MRS5698 on Ishikawa and HEC-1A cells were both significantly higher than the control groups ( P < 0.05). MRS5698 produced a higher inhibitory effect on HEC-1A cells than on Ishikawa cells with IC50 values of 20.55 and 27.25 μg/mL, respectively. MRS5698 had a stronger inhibitory effect than cisplatin on HEC-1A cells. The Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide assays demonstrated that the total rate of apoptosis of MRS5698 on HEC-1A cells was higher than that on Ishikawa cells. The results of MTT assay and cellular apoptosis showed that the combined use of MRS5698 and cisplatin produces dose-independent antagonistic effects. MRS5698 produced antitumor effects on both cell lines, which were better than that of cordycepin. However, the combined use of MRS5698 and cisplatin produced an antagonistic effect. A further in vivo study could be considered for investigating the antitumor effects of either MRS5698 monotherapy or MRS5698 in combination with other nonplatinum-based chemotherapeutic drugs in treating endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Fong
- School of Health Sciences, Macao Polytechnic Institute, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cheng-I Loi
- School of Health Sciences, Macao Polytechnic Institute, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wan-Fong U
- School of Health Sciences, Macao Polytechnic Institute, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chou-I Choi
- School of Health Sciences, Macao Polytechnic Institute, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Yi
- School of Health Sciences, Macao Polytechnic Institute, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li-Rong Meng
- School of Health Sciences, Macao Polytechnic Institute, People’s Republic of China
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17
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Lin RK, Choong CY, Hsu WH, Tai CJ, Tai CJ. Polysaccharides obtained from mycelia of Cordyceps militaris attenuated doxorubicin-induced cytotoxic effects in chemotherapy. Afr Health Sci 2019; 19:2156-2163. [PMID: 31656500 PMCID: PMC6794525 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v19i2.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Fungus Cordyceps militaris has been used as a herbal tonic in traditional Chinese medicine, which could be surface liquid-cultured for mycelia production. To evaluate the potential of polysaccharides obtained from mycelia of Cordyceps militaris (PS-MCM) for attenuation of side-effects of chemotherapy. Methods Doxorubicin was used to induce cytotoxicity in THP-1 monocytes and EL-4 T cells, and the effects of PS-MCM on cell viability and cytokine production were detected on doxorubicin-treated THP-1 and EL-4 cells. Results PS-MCM reduced doxorubicin-induced cell death and promoted cell proliferation in THP-1 and EL-4 cells. Moreover, PS-MCM elevated the level of cytokines associated with immune-modulation of THP-1 and EL-4 cells. Conclusion These findings indicate that PS-MCM has potential for development as a functional food to counteract side effects of chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruo-Kai Lin
- Master Program for Clinical Pharmacogenomics and Pharmacoproteomics, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacognosy, Ph.D. Program for the Clinical Drug Discovery from Botanical Herbs, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yen Choong
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hsuan Hsu
- Biochemical Process Technology Department, Center of Excellence for Drug Development, Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Jei Tai
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Traditional Herbal Medicine Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Jeng Tai
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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18
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Tania M, Shawon J, Saif K, Kiefer R, Khorram MS, Halim MA, Khan MA. Cordycepin Downregulates Cdk-2 to Interfere with Cell Cycle and Increases Apoptosis by Generating ROS in Cervical Cancer Cells: in vitro and in silico Study. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2019; 19:152-159. [PMID: 30182857 DOI: 10.2174/1568009618666180905095356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background: Cordycepin is a small molecule from medicinal mushroom Cordyceps, which has been reported for anticancer properties. </P><P> Objective: In this study, we have focused on the investigation of cordycepin effect on cervical cancer cells with further clarification of possible molecular mechanism. </P><P> Method: We have used cell viability and cell counting assay for cytotoxic effect of cordycepin, flow cytometric assay of apoptosis and cell cycle, and quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting for the determination of target gene expression. Molecular docking and Molecular dynamics simulation were used for in silico analysis of cordycepin affinity to target protein(s). </P><P> Results: Treatment of cordycepin controlled SiHa and HeLa cervical cancer cell growth, increased the rate of their apoptosis, and interfered with cell cycle, specifically elongated S-phase. qPCR results indicated that there was a downregulation of cell cycle proteins CDK-2, CYCLIN-A2 and CYCLIN-E1 in mRNA level by cordycepin treatment but no significant change was observed in pro-apoptotic or antiapoptotic proteins. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in cordycepin treated cells was increased significantly, implying that apoptosis might be induced by ROS. Western blot analysis confirmed significant decrease of Cdk-2 and mild decrease of Cyclin-E1 and Cyclin-A2 by cordycepin, which might be responsible for regulating cell cycle. Molecular docking indicated high binding affinity of cordycepin against Cdk-2. Molecular dynamics simulation further confirmed that the docked pose of cordycepin-Cdk-2 complex remained within the binding pocket for 10 ns. </P><P> Conclusion: Our study suggests that cordycepin is effective against cervical cancer cells, and regulating cell cycle via cell cycle proteins, especially downregulating Cdk-2, and inducing apoptosis by generating ROS are among the mechanisms of anticancer activities of cordycepin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mousumi Tania
- Division of Molecular Cancer Biology, The Red-Green Research Center, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jakaria Shawon
- Division of Molecular Cancer Biology, The Red-Green Research Center, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Kazi Saif
- Division of Molecular Cancer Biology, The Red-Green Research Center, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rudolf Kiefer
- Conducting Polymers in Composites and applications Research Group, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Mahdi Safaei Khorram
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mohammad A. Halim
- Division of Molecular Cancer Biology, The Red-Green Research Center, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Asaduzzaman Khan
- Division of Molecular Cancer Biology, The Red-Green Research Center, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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19
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Raheem D, Carrascosa C, Oluwole OB, Nieuwland M, Saraiva A, Millán R, Raposo A. Traditional consumption of and rearing edible insects in Africa, Asia and Europe. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2018; 59:2169-2188. [PMID: 29446643 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2018.1440191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The traditional consumption of edible insects is common in one third of the world's population, mostly in Latin America, Africa and Asia. There are over one thousand identified species of insects eaten in some stage of their life cycle; and they play important roles in ensuring food security. The most common way to collect insects are from the wild, which is seasonal with limited availability and has an increasing demand resulting in a disruption to the ecosystem. There is a growing interest shown in rearing insects for commercial purposes, and an industrial scale production will be required to ensure steady supplies. Industrial production will need to take into account the living environment of insects, the nutritional composition of their feed and the overall efficiency of the production system. We provide a short overview on the consumption of and rearing insects in Africa, Asia and Europe. For Africa, a snapshot is given for Nigeria, Ghana, Central African Republic, Kenya and Uganda, while the following countries are reported for Asia: China, Japan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Thailand and Vietnam. In addition, a list of insect species with the highest potential for food and feed in the European Union is provided with some reference to The Netherlands and Finland. The review concludes that there is need to better understand the rearing and farming procedures that will yield high quality edible insects in Africa, Asia and Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dele Raheem
- a Department for Management of Science and Technology Development, Ton Duc Thang University , Ho Chi Minh City , Vietnam.,b Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University , Ho Chi Minh City , Vietnam
| | - Conrado Carrascosa
- c Department of Animal Pathology and Production, Bromatology and Food Technology, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria , Trasmontaña s/n , Arucas , Spain
| | | | | | - Ariana Saraiva
- f Pharmacy Faculty, University of Coimbra , Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Coimbra , Portugal
| | - Rafael Millán
- c Department of Animal Pathology and Production, Bromatology and Food Technology, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria , Trasmontaña s/n , Arucas , Spain
| | - António Raposo
- g CBIOS (Research Center for Biosciences and Health Technologies), Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias , Campo Grande 376, Lisboa , Portugal
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20
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Moosavi MA, Haghi A, Rahmati M, Taniguchi H, Mocan A, Echeverría J, Gupta VK, Tzvetkov NT, Atanasov AG. Phytochemicals as potent modulators of autophagy for cancer therapy. Cancer Lett 2018; 424:46-69. [PMID: 29474859 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2017] [Revised: 02/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The dysregulation of autophagy is involved in the pathogenesis of a broad range of diseases, and accordingly universal research efforts have focused on exploring novel compounds with autophagy-modulating properties. While a number of synthetic autophagy modulators have been identified as promising cancer therapy candidates, autophagy-modulating phytochemicals have also attracted attention as potential treatments with minimal side effects. In this review, we firstly highlight the importance of autophagy and its relevance in the pathogenesis and treatment of cancer. Subsequently, we present the data on common phytochemicals and their mechanism of action as autophagy modulators. Finally, we discuss the challenges associated with harnessing the autophagic potential of phytochemicals for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Amin Moosavi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, P.O Box:14965/161, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Atousa Haghi
- Young Researchers & Elite Club, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marveh Rahmati
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hiroaki Taniguchi
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-552 Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | - Andrei Mocan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Gheorghe Marinescu 23 Street, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Javier Echeverría
- Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Casilla 40, Correo 33, Santiago 9170022, Chile
| | - Vijai K Gupta
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, ERA Chair of Green Chemistry, Tallinn University of Technology, 12618 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Nikolay T Tzvetkov
- Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, 53121 Bonn, Germany; NTZ Lab Ltd., Krasno Selo 198, Sofia 1618, Bulgaria
| | - Atanas G Atanasov
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-552 Jastrzebiec, Poland; Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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21
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Xie W, Zhang Z, Song L, Huang C, Guo Z, Hu X, Bi S, Yu R. Cordyceps militaris Fraction induces apoptosis and G2/M Arrest via c-Jun N-Terminal kinase signaling pathway in oral squamous carcinoma KB Cells. Pharmacogn Mag 2018; 14:116-123. [PMID: 29576711 PMCID: PMC5858231 DOI: 10.4103/pm.pm_63_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cordyceps militaris fraction (CMF) has been shown to possess in vitro antitumor activity against human chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cells in our previous research. Materials and Methods: The in vitro inhibitory activities of CMF on the growth of KB cells were evaluated by viability assay. The apoptotic and cell cycle influences of CMF were detected by 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining and flow cytometry assay. The expression of different apoptosis-associated proteins and cell cycle regulatory proteins was examined by Western blot assay. The nuclear localization of c-Jun was observed by fluorescence staining. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the antiproliferative effect of CMF as well as the mechanism underlying the apoptosis and cell cycle arrest it induces in KB cells. Results: CMF suppressed KB cells’ proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that CMF induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Western blot analysis revealed that CMF induced caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP cleavages, and increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. CMF also led to increased expression of p21, decreased expression of cyclin B1, mitotic phosphatase cdc25c, and mitotic kinase cdc2, as well as unchanged expression of p53. In addition, CMF stimulated c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) protein phosphorylations, resulting in upregulated expression of c-Jun and nuclear localization of c-Jun. Pretreatment with JNK inhibitor SP600125 suppressed CMF-induced apoptosis and G2/M arrest. Conclusions: CMF is capable of modulating c-Jun caspase and Bcl-2 family proteins through JNK-dependent apoptosis, which results in G2/M phase arrest in KB cells. CMF could be developed as a promising candidate for the new antitumor agents. SUMMARY CMF exhibited strong anticancer activity against oral squamous carcinoma KB cells CMF inhibited KB cells’ proliferation via induction of apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest CMF activated JNK signaling pathway and promoted the nuclear localization of c-Jun CMF regulated the apoptosis- and cell cycle-related proteins in a manner dependent on JNK/c-Jun pathway.
Abbreviations used: CMF: Cordyceps militaris fraction; OSCC: Oral squamous cell carcinoma; JNK: c-Jun N-terminal kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangshi Xie
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, China
| | - Zhang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, China
| | - Liyan Song
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, China
| | - Chunhua Huang
- Biotechnological Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongyi Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, China
| | - Xianjing Hu
- Biotechnological Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sixue Bi
- Biotechnological Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongmin Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, China.,Biotechnological Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Abstract
Cordyceps is one of the most well-known mushroom with numerous bioactive compounds possess wide range of biotherapeutic activities. This mushroom has been used for many years as medicinal food particularly in China and in different regions of south East Asia. Cordycepin is a nucleoside compound extracted from different species of Cordyceps and considered as one of the most important bioactive metabolites of this fungus. This low molecular weight compound exhibit several medicinal functions as anticancer, antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory agent. In this chapter we reviewed recent published research on the cordycepin chemistry, production, extraction, isolation, purification, biotherapeutic activities and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhim Pratap Singh
- Molecular Microbiology and Systematics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram India
| | - Ajit Kumar Passari
- Molecular Microbiology and Systematics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram India
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23
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Kim YS, Shin WB, Dong X, Kim EK, Nawarathna WPAS, Kim H, Park PJ. Anti-inflammatory effect of the extract from fermented Asterina pectinifera with Cordyceps militaris mycelia in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. Food Sci Biotechnol 2017; 26:1633-1640. [PMID: 30263700 PMCID: PMC6049704 DOI: 10.1007/s10068-017-0233-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In our previous work, Asterina pectinifera was fermented with Cordyceps militaris mycelia to improve its bioactivities and was reported to have strong antioxidant activities. The aim of the current study was to investigate its anti-inflammatory effect and mechanisms of action. In this study, we observed the inhibitory effect of the extract from fermented A. pectinifera with C. militaris mycelia (FACM) on nitric oxide (NO) production and its molecular mechanism in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. FACM could decrease LPS-induced NO production. Western blot analysis showed that FACM could down-regulate LPS-induced expression of inducible NO synthase without affecting cyclooxygenase-2. Moreover, FACM exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-induced RAW264.7 mouse macrophage cells through proinflammatory mediators including TNF-α and IL-6 via nuclear factor kappa B pathway. FACM inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase expression. Our results suggest that FACM may be a potential candidate for inflammation therapy by attenuating the generation of cytokines, production of NO, and generation of ROS in RAW264.7 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yon-Suk Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Chungju, Chungbuk 27478 Korea
- Nokyong Research Center, Konkuk University, Chungju, Chungbuk 27478 Korea
| | - Woen-Bin Shin
- Department of Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Chungju, Chungbuk 27478 Korea
| | - Xin Dong
- Department of Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Chungju, Chungbuk 27478 Korea
| | - Eun-Kyung Kim
- Division of Food and Bio Science, Konkuk University, Chungju, 27478 Korea
| | | | - Hakju Kim
- Seojin Biotech Co., Ltd., Yongin, Gyeonggi 17015 Korea
| | - Pyo-Jam Park
- Department of Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Chungju, Chungbuk 27478 Korea
- Nokyong Research Center, Konkuk University, Chungju, Chungbuk 27478 Korea
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24
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Wang CW, Lee BH, Tai CJ. The inhibition of cordycepin on cancer stemness in TGF-beta induced chemo-resistant ovarian cancer cell. Oncotarget 2017; 8:111912-111921. [PMID: 29340100 PMCID: PMC5762368 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy is one of the main approach for ovarian cancer. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) escape chemotherapy and lead to chemoresistance. We previously demonstrated that cordycepin (Cd) inhibited metastasis in human ovarian carcinoma cells, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Cd on ovarian cancer stemness. TGF-beta was used to induce chemoresistance of chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin in SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells. After treating with 100 μM of Cd, cell viability, the percentage of cancer stem cells, and the levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were decreased in TGF-beta-induced SKOV-3 cells. Treatment of Cd recovered E-cadherin levels and inhibited vimentin levels while TGF-beta treatment significantly increased the expression of vimentin and PGC-1alpha, and decreased E-cadherin levels in SKOV-3 cells, indicating that the action of Cd on cancer stemness may contribute to the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Cd efficiently attenuated chemoresistance caused by TGF-beta in SKOV-3 cancer stem cells to promote the cytotoxicity of cisplatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Woei Wang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11042, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11042, Taiwan
| | - Bao-Hong Lee
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11042, Taiwan.,Traditional Herbal Medicine Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11042, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Jei Tai
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11042, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11042, Taiwan.,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11042, Taiwan.,Traditional Herbal Medicine Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11042, Taiwan
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25
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Lee JB, Adrower C, Qin C, Fischer PM, de Moor CH, Gershkovich P. Development of Cordycepin Formulations for Preclinical and Clinical Studies. AAPS PharmSciTech 2017; 18:3219-3226. [PMID: 28560504 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-017-0795-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
There is extensive literature on in vivo studies with cordycepin, but these studies were generally conducted without validation of the various formulations, especially in terms of the solubility of cordycepin in the dosing vehicles used. Cordycepin is a promising drug candidate in multiple therapeutic areas, and there is a growing interest in studies aimed at assessing the pharmacological activity of this compound in relevant animal disease models. It is likely that many reported in vivo studies used formulations in which cordycepin was incompletely soluble. This can potentially confound the interpretation of pharmacokinetics and efficacy results. Furthermore, the presence of particles in intravenously administered suspension can cause adverse effects and should be avoided. Here, we present the results from our development of simple and readily applicable formulations of cordycepin based on quantitative solubility assessment. Homogeneous solutions of cordycepin were prepared in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at different pH levels, suitable as formulations for both intravenously and oral administration. For the purpose of high-dose oral administration, we also developed propylene glycol (PPG)-based vehicles in which cordycepin is completely soluble. The stability of the newly developed formulations was also assessed, as well as the feasibility of their sterilisation by filtration. Additionally, an HPLC-UV method for the determination of cordycepin in the formulations, which may also be useful for other purposes, was developed and validated. Our study could provide useful information for improvement of future preclinical and clinical studies involving cordycepin.
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26
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Lin LT, Lai YJ, Wu SC, Hsu WH, Tai CJ. Optimal conditions for cordycepin production in surface liquid-cultured Cordyceps militaris treated with porcine liver extracts for suppression of oral cancer. J Food Drug Anal 2017; 26:135-144. [PMID: 29389548 PMCID: PMC9332661 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfda.2016.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cordycepin is one of the most crucial bioactive compounds produced by Cordyceps militaris and has exhibited antitumor activity in various cancers. However, industrial production of large amounts of cordycepin is difficult. The porcine liver is abundant in proteins, vitamins, and adenosine, and these ingredients may increase cordycepin production and bioconversion during C. militaris fermentation. We observed that porcine liver extracts increased cordycepin production. In addition, air supply (2 h/d) significantly increased the cordycepin level in surface liquid-cultured C. militaris after 14 days. Moreover, blue light light-emitting diode irradiation (16 h/d) increased cordycepin production. These findings indicated that these conditions are suitable for increasing cordycepin production. We used these conditions to obtain water extract from the mycelia of surface liquid-cultured C. militaris (WECM) and evaluated the anti-oral cancer activity of this extract in vitro and in vivo. The results revealed that WECM inhibited the cell viability of SCC-4 oral cancer cells and arrested the cell cycle in the G2/M phase. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction (mitochondrial fission) were observed in SCC-4 cells treated with WECM for 12 hours. Furthermore, WECM reduced tumor formation in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis through the downregulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, vascular endothelial growth factor, and c-fos expression. The results indicated that porcine liver extracts irradiated with blue light light-emitting diode and supplied with air can be used as a suitable medium for the growth of mycelia and production of cordycepin, which can be used in the treatment of oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Tzung Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Jang Lai
- Department of Food Science, National Quemoy University, Jinning, Kinmen, Fujan, Taiwan
| | - She-Ching Wu
- Department of Food Science, National Chiayi University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hsuan Hsu
- Biochemical Process Technology Department, Center of Excellence for Drug Development, Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Chutung, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
| | - Chen-Jei Tai
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Traditional Herbal Medicine Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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27
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Wang CW, Hsu WH, Tai CJ. Antimetastatic effects of cordycepin mediated by the inhibition of mitochondrial activity and estrogen-related receptor α in human ovarian carcinoma cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:3049-3058. [PMID: 27966445 PMCID: PMC5356863 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) is a compound for antitumor, which has been found to exert antiangiogenic, antimetastatic, and antiproliferative effects, as well as inducing apoptosis. However, the association between cancer metastasis and mitochondrial activity in cordycepin-treated ovarian carcinoma cells remains unclear. The 50 and 100 μM of cordycepin inhibits mitochondrial fusion and induces mitochondrial fission, respectively. These suggested that cordycepin showed the down-regulation of mitochondrial function and limitation of energy production. Because of activation of mitochondria and generation of energy are needed in cancer cell migration/invasion. After 24 h treatment, cordycepin suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition and migration in ovarian carcinoma cells through inhibiting estrogen-related receptor (ERR)-α. The ERRα is a co-transcription factor for gene expressions associated with mitochondrial fusion. Our results indicate that cordycepin suppresses metastasis and migration of ovarian carcinoma cells via inhibiting mitochondrial activity in non-toxic concentrations, and cordycepin has potential benefits in ovarian cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Woei Wang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11042, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11042, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hsuan Hsu
- Biochemical Process Technology Department, Center of Excellence for Drug Development, Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Jei Tai
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11042, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11042, Taiwan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11042, Taiwan
- Traditional Herbal Medicine Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11042, Taiwan
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28
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Kwon HW, Shin JH, Lim DH, Ok WJ, Nam GS, Kim MJ, Kwon HK, Noh JH, Lee JY, Kim HH, Kim JL, Park HJ. Antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects of cordycepin-enriched WIB-801CE from Cordyceps militaris ex vivo, in vivo, and in vitro. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 16:508. [PMID: 27927214 PMCID: PMC5142411 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1463-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A species of the fungal genus Cordyceps has been used as a complementary and alternative medicine of traditional Chinese medicine, and its major component cordycepin and cordycepin-enriched WIB-801CE are known to have antiplatelet effects in vitro. However, it is unknown whether they have also endogenous antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects. In this study, to resolve these doubts, we prepared cordycepin-enriched WIB-801CE, an ethanol extract from Cordyceps militaris-hypha, then evaluated its ex vivo, in vivo, and in vitro antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects. METHODS Ex vivo effects of WIB-801CE on collagen- and ADP-induced platelet aggregation, serotonin release, thromboxane A2 (TXA2) production and its associated activities of enzymes [cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), TXA2 synthase (TXAS)], arachidonic acid (AA) release and its associated phosphorylation of phospholipase Cβ3, phospholipase Cγ2 or cytosolic phospholipase A2, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) [p38 MAPK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)], and blood coagulation time in rats were investigated. In vivo effects of WIB-801CE on collagen plus epinephrine-induced acute pulmonary thromboembolism, and tail bleeding time in mice were also inquired. In vitro effects of WIB-801CE on cytotoxicity, and fibrin clot retraction in human platelets, and nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 cells or free radical scavenging activity were studied. RESULTS Cordycepin-enriched WIB-801CE inhibited ex vivo platelet aggregation, TXA2 production, AA release, TXAS activity, serotonin release, and p38 MAPK and ERK2 phosphorylation in collagen- and ADP-activated rat platelets without affecting blood coagulation. Furthermore, WIB-801CE manifested in vivo inhibitory effect on collagen plus epinephrine-induced pulmonary thromboembolism mice model. WIB-801CE inhibited in vitro NO production and fibrin clot retraction, but elevated free radical scavenging activity without affecting cytotoxicity against human platelets. CONCLUSION WIB-801CE inhibited collagen- and ADP-induced platelet activation and its associated thrombus formation ex vivo and in vivo. These were resulted from down-regulation of TXA2 production and its related AA release and TXAS activity, and p38MAPK and ERK2 activation. These results suggest that WIB-801CE has therapeutic potential to treat platelet activation-mediated thrombotic diseases in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyuk-Woo Kwon
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Inje University, 197, Inje-ro, Gyungnam, Gimhae, 50834, Korea
| | - Jung-Hae Shin
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Inje University, 197, Inje-ro, Gyungnam, Gimhae, 50834, Korea
| | - Deok Hwi Lim
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Inje University, 197, Inje-ro, Gyungnam, Gimhae, 50834, Korea
| | - Woo Jeong Ok
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Inje University, 197, Inje-ro, Gyungnam, Gimhae, 50834, Korea
| | - Gi Suk Nam
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Inje University, 197, Inje-ro, Gyungnam, Gimhae, 50834, Korea
| | - Min Ji Kim
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Inje University, 197, Inje-ro, Gyungnam, Gimhae, 50834, Korea
| | - Ho-Kyun Kwon
- Central Research Center, Whanin Pharm. Co., Ltd., 107, Gwanggyo-ro, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Korea
| | - Jun-Hee Noh
- Central Research Center, Whanin Pharm. Co., Ltd., 107, Gwanggyo-ro, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Korea
| | - Je-Young Lee
- Central Research Center, Whanin Pharm. Co., Ltd., 107, Gwanggyo-ro, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Korea
| | - Hyun-Hong Kim
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Inje University, 197, Inje-ro, Gyungnam, Gimhae, 50834, Korea
| | - Jong-Lae Kim
- Central Research Center, Whanin Pharm. Co., Ltd., 107, Gwanggyo-ro, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Korea.
| | - Hwa-Jin Park
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Inje University, 197, Inje-ro, Gyungnam, Gimhae, 50834, Korea.
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29
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Teng YN, Chang CS, Lee TE, Hung CC. Cordycepin re-sensitizes multidrug resistance cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents through modulating P-glycoprotein expression and ATPase function. J Funct Foods 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2016.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Draft Genome Sequence of Paecilomyces hepiali, Isolated from Cordyceps sinensis. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2016; 4:4/4/e00606-16. [PMID: 27389266 PMCID: PMC4939783 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.00606-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Paecilomyces hepiali is an endoparasitic fungus that commonly exists in the natural Cordyceps sinensis. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of P. hepiali, which will facilitate the exploitation of medicinal compounds produced by the fungus.
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31
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Du Y, Yu J, Du L, Tang J, Feng WH. Cordycepin enhances Epstein–Barr virus lytic infection and Epstein–Barr virus-positive tumor treatment efficacy by doxorubicin. Cancer Lett 2016; 376:240-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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32
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Shao LW, Huang LH, Yan S, Jin JD, Ren SY. Cordycepin induces apoptosis in human liver cancer HepG2 cells through extrinsic and intrinsic signaling pathways. Oncol Lett 2016; 12:995-1000. [PMID: 27446383 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.4706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cordycepin, also termed 3'-deoxyadenosine, is a nucleoside analogue from Cordyceps sinensis and has been reported to demonstrate numerous biological and pharmacological properties. Our previous study illustrated that the anti-tumor effect of cordycepin may be associated with apoptosis. In the present study, the apoptotic effect of cordycepin on HepG2 cells was investigated using 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide and propidium iodide staining analysis and flow cytometry. The results showed that cordycepin exhibited the ability to inhibit HepG2 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner when cells produced typical apoptotic morphological changes, including chromatin condensation, the accumulation of sub-G1 cells and change mitochondrial permeability. A potential mechanism for cordycepin-induced apoptosis of human liver cancer HepG2 cells may occur through the extrinsic signaling pathway mediated by the transmembrane Fas-associated with death domain protein. Apoptosis was also associated with Bcl-2 family protein regulation, leading to altered mitochondrial membrane permeability and resulting in the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol. The activation of the caspase cascade is responsible for the execution of apoptosis. In conclusion, cordycepin-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells involved the extrinsic and intrinsic signaling pathway and was primarily regulated by the Bcl-2 family proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le-Wen Shao
- Nursing Department, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Li-Hua Huang
- Nursing Department, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Sheng Yan
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Di Jin
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Shao-Yan Ren
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
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33
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Li G, Nakagome I, Hirono S, Itoh T, Fujiwara R. Inhibition of adenosine deaminase (ADA)-mediated metabolism of cordycepin by natural substances. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2015; 3:e00121. [PMID: 26038697 PMCID: PMC4448975 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cordycepin, which is an analogue of a nucleoside adenosine, exhibits a wide variety of pharmacological activities including anticancer effects. In this study, ADA1- and ADA2-expressing HEK293 cells were established to determine the major ADA isoform responsible for the deamination of cordycepin. While the metabolic rate of cordycepin deamination was similar between ADA2-expressing and Mock cells, extensive metabolism of cordycepin was observed in the ADA1-expressing cells with Km and Vmax values of 54.9 μmol/L and 45.8 nmole/min/mg protein. Among five natural substances tested in this study (kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin, naringenin, and naringin), naringin strongly inhibited the deamination of cordycepin with Ki values of 58.8 μmol/L in mouse erythrocytes and 168.3 μmol/L in human erythrocytes. A treatment of Jurkat cells with a combination of cordycepin and naringin showed significant cytotoxicity. Our in silico study suggests that not only small molecules such as adenosine derivatives but also bulky molecules like naringin can be a potent ADA1 inhibitor for the clinical usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gen Li
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Izumi Nakagome
- School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Shuichi Hirono
- School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Tomoo Itoh
- School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Fujiwara
- School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
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34
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Anticancer and antimetastatic effects of cordycepin, an active component of Cordyceps sinensis. J Pharmacol Sci 2014; 127:53-6. [PMID: 25704018 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2014.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Revised: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cordyceps sinensis, a fungus that parasitizes on the larva of Lepidoptera, has been used as a valued traditional Chinese medicine. We investigated the effects of water extracts of Cordyceps sinensis (WECS), and particularly focused on its anticancer and antimetastatic actions. Based on in vitro studies, we report that WECS showed an anticancer action, and this action was antagonized by an adenosine A3 receptor antagonist. Moreover, this anticancer action of WECS was promoted by an adenosine deaminase inhibitor. These results suggest that one of the components of WECS with an anticancer action might be an adenosine or its derivatives. Therefore, we focused on cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) as one of the active ingredients of WECS. According to our experiments, cordycepin showed an anticancer effect through the stimulation of adenosine A3 receptor, followed by glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β activation and cyclin D1 suppression. Cordycepin also showed an antimetastatic action through inhibiting platelet aggregation induced by cancer cells and suppressing the invasiveness of cancer cells via inhibiting the activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, and accelerating the secretion of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2 from cancer cells. In conclusion, cordycepin, an active component of WECS, might be a candidate anticancer and antimetastatic agent.
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35
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Wang XA, Xiang SS, Li HF, Wu XS, Li ML, Shu YJ, Zhang F, Cao Y, Ye YY, Bao RF, Weng H, Wu WG, Mu JS, Hu YP, Jiang L, Tan ZJ, Lu W, Wang P, Liu YB. Cordycepin induces S phase arrest and apoptosis in human gallbladder cancer cells. Molecules 2014; 19:11350-65. [PMID: 25090123 PMCID: PMC6271430 DOI: 10.3390/molecules190811350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Revised: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gallbladder cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the biliary tract, and this condition has a rather dismal prognosis, with an extremely low five-year survival rate. To improve the outcome of unresectable and recurrent gallbladder cancer, it is necessary to develop new effective treatments and drugs. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of cordycepin on human gallbladder cells and uncover the molecular mechanisms responsible for these effects. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays revealed that cordycepin affected the viability and proliferation of human gallbladder cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Flow cytometric analysis showed that cordycepin induced S phase arrest in human gallbladder cancer cell lines(NOZ and GBC-SD cells). Cordycepin-induced apoptosis was observed using an Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) double-staining assay, and the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, western blot analysis revealed the upregulation of cleaved-caspase-3, cleaved-caspase-9, cleaved-PARP and Bax and the downregulation of Bcl-2, cyclin A and Cdk-2 in cordycepin-treated cells. Moreover, cordycepin inhibited tumor growth in nude mice bearing NOZ tumors. Our results indicate that this drug may represent an effective treatment for gallbladder carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-An Wang
- Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, No. 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Shan-Shan Xiang
- Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, No. 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Huai-Feng Li
- Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, No. 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiang-Song Wu
- Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, No. 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Mao-Lan Li
- Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, No. 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yi-Jun Shu
- Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, No. 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Fei Zhang
- Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, No. 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, No. 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Ye
- Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, No. 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Run-Fa Bao
- Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, No. 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Hao Weng
- Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, No. 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Wen-Guang Wu
- Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, No. 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jia-Sheng Mu
- Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, No. 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yun-Ping Hu
- Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, No. 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Lin Jiang
- Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, No. 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhu-Jun Tan
- Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, No. 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, No. 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Hangzhou People's First Hospital, No.261 Huansha Road, Hangzhou 310009, China.
| | - Ying-Bin Liu
- Institute of Biliary Tract Disease, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, No. 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China.
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Bioactive metabolites from macrofungi: ethnopharmacology, biological activities and chemistry. FUNGAL DIVERS 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s13225-013-0265-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Pharmacological Effects of Cordyceps and Its Bioactive Compounds. STUDIES IN NATURAL PRODUCTS CHEMISTRY 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-59603-1.00013-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Yue K, Ye M, Zhou Z, Sun W, Lin X. The genus Cordyceps: a chemical and pharmacological review. J Pharm Pharmacol 2012; 65:474-93. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-7158.2012.01601.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
Natural remedies are becoming increasingly popular and important in the public and scientific communities. Historically, natural remedies have been shown to present interesting biological and pharmacological activity and are used as chemotherapeutic agents. For centuries Cordyceps, which is a genus of more than 400 species in the family Clavicipitaceae, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine. This study highlights the chemistry and pharmacology of Cordyceps, especially Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. and C. militaris (Fr.) L. Information was obtained from Google Scholar and the journal databases PubMed and Scopus.
Key findings
Many bioactive components of Cordyceps have been extracted, such as cordycepin, cordycepic acid, ergosterol, polysaccharides, nucleosides and peptides. Studies show that Cordyceps and its active principles possess a wide range of pharmacological actions, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumour, antihyperglycaemic, antiapoptosis, immunomodulatory, nephroprotective, and hepatoprotective.
Summary
More research is required to discover the full extent of the activity of Cordyceps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yue
- College of Forestry, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, China
| | - Meng Ye
- College of Forestry, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, China
| | - Zuji Zhou
- College of Forestry, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, China
| | - Wen Sun
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Lin
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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The nucleoside antagonist cordycepin causes DNA double strand breaks in breast cancer cells. Invest New Drugs 2012; 30:1917-25. [PMID: 22821173 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-012-9859-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2012] [Accepted: 07/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The fungal drug cordycepin (3-deoxyadenosine) is known to exert anti-tumor activities, preferentially by interfering with RNA synthesis. We have investigated the effect of cordycepin on human breast epithelial cell lines, ranging from non-malignant MCF10A cells to highly de-differentiated MDA-MB-435 cancer cells. Treatment of human breast cancer cells with cordycepin caused either apoptosis or persistent cell cycle arrest that was associated with reduced clonal growth of cordycepin-treated breast cancer cells. Highly de-differentiated breast cancer cell lines, such as MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-435, reacted more sensitive to cordycepin than less aggressive breast cancer cell lines (MCF7, T47D) or non-malignant breast epithelial cells (MCF10A), which poorly reacted to cordycepin. In cordycepin-sensitive breast cancer cells, a marked induction of the DNA damage response (DDR), including the phosphorylation of ATM, ATR, and histone γH2AX could be observed. These data indicate that cordycepin, which was believed to cause cancer cell death by inhibition of RNA synthesis, induces DNA double strand breaks in breast cancer cells. The genotoxic effect of cordycepin on breast cancer cells indicates a new mechanism of cordycepin-induced cancer cell death, and its activity against highly undifferentiated breast cancer cells provides a new perspective of how cordycepin may be used in the treatment of advanced breast cancer.
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Kadomatsu M, Nakajima S, Kato H, Gu L, Chi Y, Yao J, Kitamura M. Cordycepin as a sensitizer to tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced apoptosis through eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α)- and mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)-mediated inhibition of nuclear factor (NF)-κB. Clin Exp Immunol 2012; 168:325-32. [PMID: 22519596 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2012.04580.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) is one of the major bioactive substances produced by Cordyceps militaris, a traditional medicinal mushroom. Cordycepin possesses several biological activities, including both pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic properties. In the present report, we investigated an effect of cordycepin on the survival of cells exposed to tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. We found that subtoxic doses of cordycepin increased susceptibility of cells to TNF-α-induced apoptosis. It was associated with suppression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), a major prosurvival component involved in TNF-α signalling. The adenosine transporter and A₃ adenosine receptor, but not A₁ and A₂ adenosine receptors, mediated both anti-NF-κB and pro-apoptotic effects. We found that cordycepin had the potential to phosphorylate eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) and that activation of eIF2α mimicked the suppressive effect of cordycepin on the NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, activation of eIF2α sensitized cells to TNF-α-induced apoptosis. To identify molecular events downstream of eIF2α, the role of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) was examined. Selective activation of ₃eIF2α, as well as treatment with cordycepin, caused phosphorylation of mTORC1. Rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTORC1, significantly reversed the suppressive effects of eIF2α on NF-κB. These results suggest that cordycepin sensitizes cells to TNF-α-induced apoptosis, at least in part, via induction of the eIF2α-mTORC1 pathway and consequent suppression of NF-κB.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kadomatsu
- Department of Molecular Signaling, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Yamanashi, Japan
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Niwa Y, Matsuura H, Murakami M, Sato J, Hirai K, Sumi H. Evidence That Naturopathic Therapy Including Cordyceps sinensis Prolongs Survival of Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Integr Cancer Ther 2012; 12:50-68. [DOI: 10.1177/1534735412441704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypothesis. Naturopathic treatment will benefit patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Study design. Retrospective analysis of case series of HCC patients treated with naturopathic agents. Methods. HCC was diagnosed by dynamic computed tomography (CT) imaging and α-fetoprotein (AFP) or PIVKA II, or by histology. Tumor staging was determined by CT. A modified Childs–Pugh scoring was used to assess liver disease. Patients were treated with orally administered combinations of 12 naturopathic agents. Patients were monitored clinically and by CT tumor imaging, serial tumor markers, and liver function tests. Results. Patient characteristics: 101 patients with HCC (67 men and 34 women, age 67.2 ± 8.8 years) were treated for a median of 13.4 months (range 0.8-100.8). Of these 84% had cirrhosis, 63% had hepatitis C virus, 18% had hepatitis B virus, 1% had both, and 9% had metastatic disease. Median modified Childs–Pugh score was 6 (range 3-13). Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer tumor stages of 0, A, B, C, and D were found in 36%, 25%, 20%, 14%, and 6%, respectively. Median AFP was 40 (range 0-311,000). Median PIVKA II was 59 (0–378,000). Previous treatment was included none (27%), resection with relapse (20%), transarterial chemoembolization (50%), radiofrequency ablation (28%), percutaneous ethanol injection therapy (15%), chemotherapy (14%). Outcomes: Initial treatment was with 2.6 ± 0.8 agents (range 2-4). Overall, patients were treated with 3.7 ± 1.2 agents (range 2-7). There was a significant correlation between number of agents administered and survival ( P < .0001). Patients treated with ≥4 agents survived significantly longer than patients treated with ≤3 agents (40.2 vs 6.4 months, P < .0001). This difference could not be attributed to statistically significant differences in severity of liver disease or tumor stage, delay in treatment, previous treatment, concurrent nondrug treatment, or censoring effects. The greatest effect was seen in patients treated with at least 4 agents that included Cordyceps sinensis. This prolonged survival was without toxic side effects and appeared to potentiate the survival benefit of conventional therapy. Conclusion. Treatment of HCC with a regimen of ≥4 agents prepared from natural products was associated with prolonged survival in a substantial portion of patients. The data provide level II evidence for the efficacy of naturopathic therapy in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukie Niwa
- Niwa Institute for Immunology and Tosashimizu Hospital, Tosashimizu, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Matsuura
- Niwa Institute for Immunology and Tosashimizu Hospital, Tosashimizu, Japan
| | - Masato Murakami
- Niwa Institute for Immunology and Tosashimizu Hospital, Tosashimizu, Japan
| | - Junichi Sato
- Niwa Institute for Immunology and Tosashimizu Hospital, Tosashimizu, Japan
| | - Keiichi Hirai
- Niwa Institute for Immunology and Tosashimizu Hospital, Tosashimizu, Japan
| | - Hajime Sumi
- Niwa Institute for Immunology and Tosashimizu Hospital, Tosashimizu, Japan
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Abstract
This review surveys the chemical, biological, and mycological literature dealing with the isolation, structural elucidation, biological activities, and synthesis of nitrogen-containing compounds from the fruiting bodies or the culture broths of macromycetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yuan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, People's Republic of China
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Chen Y, Chen YC, Lin YT, Huang SH, Wang SM. Cordycepin induces apoptosis of CGTH W-2 thyroid carcinoma cells through the calcium-calpain-caspase 7-PARP pathway. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2010; 58:11645-11652. [PMID: 20961042 DOI: 10.1021/jf1028976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Cordycepin, a nucleoside isolated from Cordyceps sinensis, is an inhibitor of polyadenylation and has an antitumor effect. We used CGTH W-2, a follicular thyroid carcinoma cell line, to study the mechanism of the anticancer effect of cordycepin. Cordycepin decreased cell viability and resulted in apoptosis but not necrosis. Cordycepin increased intracellular calcium levels triggering calpain activation, which led to apoptosis. BAPTA/AM and calpeptin inhibited the cordycepin-induced cleavage of caspase 7 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), implying an upstream role of calcium and calpain. CGTH W-2 cells expressed four subtypes of adenosine receptors (AR), A1AR, A2AAR, A2BAR, and A3AR. Specific antagonists to AR subtypes all blocked cordycepin-induced apoptosis to different degrees. Small interfering RNA for A1AR and A3AR abrogated cordycepin-induced apoptosis. In conclusion, the cordycepin-induced apoptosis of CGTH W-2 cells is mediated by the calcium-calpain-caspase 7-PARP pathway, and ARs are involved in the apoptotic effect of cordycepin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Chen
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
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Jen CY, Lin CY, Huang BM, Leu SF. Cordycepin Induced MA-10 Mouse Leydig Tumor Cell Apoptosis through Caspase-9 Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2010; 2011:984537. [PMID: 19131393 PMCID: PMC3137878 DOI: 10.1093/ecam/nen084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2008] [Accepted: 12/05/2008] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, the apoptotic effect of cordycepin on MA-10 cells, a mouse Leydig tumor cell line, was investigated. Results demonstrated that the number of rounding-up cell increased by cordycepin (10 μM to 5 mM for 24 h), and cells with plasma membrane blebbing could be observed by 100 μM cordycepin. In viability test, MA-10 cell surviving rate significantly decreased as the dosage (10 μM to 5 mM) and duration (3–24 h) of cordycepin treatment increased (P < 0.05). Cordycepin at 100 μM and 1 mM for 24 h treatment induced significant DNA fragmentation (P < 0.05). In addition, the percentage of G1 and G2/M phase cell significantly declined by cordycepin (100 μM and 1 mM) for 24 h treatment, while the percentages of subG1 phase cell increased by 100 μM and/or 1 mM cordycepin in 6, 12 and 24 h treatments (P < 0.05), respectively, which highly suggested that cordycepin induced MA-10 cell apoptosis. In mechanism study with the treatments of caspases, c-Jun NH2 terminal kinase (JNK) or reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibitors plus cordycepin for 24 h, only caspases inhibitor suppressed subG1 phase in MA-10 cells. Moreover, western blotting results showed that cordycepin induced caspase-9, -3 and -7 protein expressions, but not caspase-8, in time- and dose-dependent manners. In conclusion, cordycepin induced apoptosis in MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells through a caspase-9 and -3 and -7 dependent pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yi Jen
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Abstract
Abstract
Cordyceps species, including C. sinensis, C. militaris, C. pruinosa and C. ophioglossoides, are prized traditional medicinal materials. The aim of this article is to review the chemical constituents and pharmacological actions of Cordyceps species. The chemical constituents include cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine) and its derivatives, ergosterol, polysaccharides, a glycoprotein and peptides containing α-aminoisobutyric acid. They include anti-tumour, anti-metastatic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, antimicrobial, hypolipidaemic, hypoglycaemic, anti-ageing, neuroprotective and renoprotective effects. Polysaccharide accounts for the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumour, anti-metastatic, immunomodulatory, hypoglycaemic, steroidogenic and hypolipidaemic effects. Cordycepin contributes to the anti-tumour, insecticidal and antibacterial activity. Ergosterol exhibits anti-tumour and immunomodulatory activity. A DNase has been characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- T B Ng
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China.
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Ju X, Sun Y, Cao X, Jiang J, Zhang T, Ito Y. Two-Step Purification of Cordycepin from Cordyceps Millitaris by High-Speed Countercurrent Chromatography. J LIQ CHROMATOGR R T 2009; 32:2417-2423. [PMID: 20046921 DOI: 10.1080/10826070903188153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cordycepin is successfully isolated and purified from Cordyceps millitaris in two-step purification by high-speed countercurrent chromatography. Two solvent systems, ethyl acetate-1-butanol-water (3:2:5, v/v/v) and trichloromethane-methanol-1-butanol-water (2:1:0.25:1, v/v/v/v), were used for the two-step purification. The purity of the prepared cordycepin was 98.1% according to the high-performance liquid chromatography analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuyun Ju
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal Plant of Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China
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Chen Y, Guo H, Du Z, Liu XZ, Che Y, Ye X. Ecology-based screen identifies new metabolites from a Cordyceps-colonizing fungus as cancer cell proliferation inhibitors and apoptosis inducers. Cell Prolif 2009; 42:838-47. [PMID: 19673894 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2184.2009.00636.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to identify new anti-cancer agents from Cordyceps-colonizing fungi, using an ecology-based approach. It also aims to explore their anti-cell proliferative mechanisms, and to evaluate their anti-tumour effects in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS Extracts from Cordyceps-colonizing fungi were tested on HeLa cells, and active extracts were separated to obtain anti-tumour metabolites; their structures were elucidated by mass and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Cell cycle analysis was evaluated using flow cytometry. Tumour formation assays were performed using C57BL/6J mice. RESULTS Based on ecological considerations, the selected extracts were subjected to initial anti-tumour screening. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the active extract afforded two new epipolythiodioxopiperazines, named gliocladicillins A (1) and B (2). (A) 1 and B (2) inhibited growth of HeLa, HepG2 and MCF-7 tumour cells. Further study demonstrated that both preparations arrested the cell cycle at G(2)/M phase in a dose-dependent manner, and induced apoptosis through up-regulation of expression of p53, p21, and cyclin B, and activation of caspases-8, -9 and -3. These data imply that gliocladicillins A (1) and B (2) induce tumour cell apoptosis through both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. In addition, in vivo studies showed that they displayed significant inhibitory effects on cell population growth of melanoma B16 cells implanted into immunodeficient mice. CONCLUSIONS Gliocladicillins A (1) and B (2) are effective anti-tumour agents in vitro and in vivo and should be further evaluated for their potential in clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Chen
- Center for Molecular Immunology, CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Vodnala SK, Ferella M, Lundén-Miguel H, Betha E, van Reet N, Amin DN, Öberg B, Andersson B, Kristensson K, Wigzell H, Rottenberg ME. Preclinical assessment of the treatment of second-stage African trypanosomiasis with cordycepin and deoxycoformycin. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2009; 3:e495. [PMID: 19652702 PMCID: PMC2713411 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2009] [Accepted: 07/01/2009] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There is an urgent need to substitute the highly toxic compounds still in use for treatment of the encephalitic stage of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). We here assessed the treatment with the doublet cordycepin and the deaminase inhibitor deoxycoformycin for this stage of infection with Trypanosoma brucei (T.b.). Methodology/Principal Findings Cordycepin was selected as the most efficient drug from a direct parasite viability screening of a compound library of nucleoside analogues. The minimal number of doses and concentrations of the drugs effective for treatment of T.b. brucei infections in mice were determined. Oral, intraperitoneal or subcutaneous administrations of the compounds were successful for treatment. The doublet was effective for treatment of late stage experimental infections with human pathogenic T.b. rhodesiense and T.b. gambiense isolates. Late stage infection treatment diminished the levels of inflammatory cytokines in brains of infected mice. Incubation with cordycepin resulted in programmed cell death followed by secondary necrosis of the parasites. T.b. brucei strains developed resistance to cordycepin after culture with increasing concentrations of the compound. However, cordycepin-resistant parasites showed diminished virulence and were not cross-resistant to other drugs used for treatment of HAT, i.e. pentamidine, suramin and melarsoprol. Although resistant parasites were mutated in the gene coding for P2 nucleoside adenosine transporter, P2 knockout trypanosomes showed no altered resistance to cordycepin, indicating that absence of the P2 transporter is not sufficient to render the trypanosomes resistant to the drug. Conclusions/Significance Altogether, our data strongly support testing of treatment with a combination of cordycepin and deoxycoformycin as an alternative for treatment of second-stage and/or melarsoprol-resistant HAT. There is an urgent need to substitute the highly toxic arsenic compounds still in use for treatment of the encephalitic stage of African trypanosomiasis, a disease caused by infection with Trypanosoma brucei. We exploited the inability of trypanosomes to engage in de novo purine synthesis as a therapeutic target. Cordycepin was selected from a trypanocidal screen of a 2200-compound library. When administered together with the adenosine deaminase inhibitor deoxycoformycin, cordycepin cured mice inoculated with the human pathogenic subspecies T. brucei rhodesiense or T. brucei gambiense even after parasites had penetrated into the brain. Successful treatment was achieved by intraperitoneal, oral or subcutaneous administration of the compounds. Treatment with the doublet also diminished infection-induced cerebral inflammation. Cordycepin induced programmed cell death of the parasites. Although parasites grown in vitro with low doses of cordycepin gradually developed resistance, the resistant parasites lost virulence and showed no cross-resistance to trypanocidal drugs in clinical use. Our data strongly support testing cordycepin and deoxycoformycin as an alternative for treatment of second-stage and/or melarsoprol-resistant HAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman K. Vodnala
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcela Ferella
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hilda Lundén-Miguel
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Evans Betha
- Tropical Diseases Research Center, Ndola Central, Ndola, Zambia
| | | | - Daniel Ndem Amin
- Department of Neurosciences, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Björn Andersson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Hans Wigzell
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin E. Rottenberg
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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Paterson RRM. Cordyceps: a traditional Chinese medicine and another fungal therapeutic biofactory? PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2008; 69:1469-95. [PMID: 18343466 PMCID: PMC7111646 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2008.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 281] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2007] [Revised: 01/17/2008] [Accepted: 01/18/2008] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) are growing in popularity. However, are they effective? Cordyceps is not studied as systematically for bioactivity as another TCM, Ganoderma. Cordyceps is fascinating per se, especially because of the pathogenic lifestyle on Lepidopteron insects. The combination of the fungus and dead insect has been used as a TCM for centuries. However, the natural fungus has been harvested to the extent that it is an endangered species. The effectiveness has been attributed to the Chinese philosophical concept of Yin and Yang and can this be compatible with scientific philosophy? A vast literature exists, some of which is scientific, although others are popular myth, and even hype. Cordyceps sinensis is the most explored species followed by Cordyceps militaris. However, taxonomic concepts were confused until a recent revision, with undefined material being used that cannot be verified. Holomorphism is relevant and contamination might account for some of the activity. The role of the insect has been ignored. Some of the analytical methodologies are poor. Data on the "old" compound cordycepin are still being published: ergosterol and related compounds are reported despite being universal to fungi. There is too much work on crude extracts rather than pure compounds with water and methanol solvents being over-represented in this respect (although methanol is an effective solvent). Excessive speculation exists as to the curative properties. However, there are some excellent pharmacological data and relating to apoptosis. For example, some preparations are active against cancers or diabetes which should be fully investigated. Polysaccharides and secondary metabolites are of particular interest. The use of genuine anamorphic forms in bioreactors is encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Russell M Paterson
- Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (IBB), Centre of Biological Engineering, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
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Lin YW, Chiang BH. Anti-tumor activity of the fermentation broth of Cordyceps militaris cultured in the medium of Radix astragali. Process Biochem 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2007.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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