Erianin induces G2/M-phase arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy via the ROS/JNK signaling pathway in human osteosarcoma cells in vitro and in vivo

PPT1 Reduction Contributes to Erianin-Induced Growth Inhibition in Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cells

The anticancer properties of erianin have been recently discovered. However, the antitumor effect of erianin in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that erianin can hamper OSCC cells growth both in vitro and in vivo. Erianin induced obvious G2/M arrest as well as apoptosis and gasdermin E (GSDME)-dependent pyroptosis in OSCC cells. Moreover, erianin increased autophagosome formation but decreased autolysosome function. Further study indicated that erianin significantly suppressed the expression of protein-palmitoyl thioesterase 1 (PPT1) and mTOR signaling. PPT1 has been reported to be a critical regulator of cancer progression by its modulation of autophagy and mTOR signaling. According to online databases, higher expression of PPT1 has been observed in OSCC tissues and is associated with poorer patient prognosis. As overexpression of PPT1 significantly reversed erianin-induced growth inhibition in OSCC cells, we identified the importance of PPT1 reduction in erianin-induced growth suppression. With the xenograft model, we confirmed the antitumor effect of erianin in vivo. Erianin efficiently decreased the tumor sizes, together with visibly reduced expression of PPT1 and phosphorylation of mTOR in the xenograft tumor tissues. Therefore, the present study indicated that erianin may be potentially used in OSCC therapy.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel o-aminobenzamide derivatives as potential anti-gastric cancer agents in vitro and in vivo

Although gastric cancer has become a major public health problem, oral agents applied in clinics for gastric cancer therapy are scarce. Therefore, to explore new oral chemical entities with high efficiency and low toxicity, 41 o-aminobenzamide derivatives based on the scaffolds of MS-275 and SAHA were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their anti-gastric cancer abilities in vitro and in vivo. Structure-activity relationships were discussed, leading to the identification of compounds F8 (IC₅₀ = 0.28 μM against HGC-27 cell) and T9 (IC₅₀ = 1.84 μM against HGC-27 cell) with improved cytotoxicity, anti-gastric cancer proliferation potency, induction of cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest ability, inhibition of cell migration and invasion. What is worth mentioning is that compound F8 was more efficient and less toxic than the positive drug capecitabine in vivo on the HGC-27-xenograft model. Meanwhile, compound F8 exhibited suitable pharmacokinetic properties and less acute toxicity (LD₅₀ > 1000 mg/kg). Besides, western blotting analysis, IHC analysis, differentially expressed proteins analysis and ABPP experiment indicated that compound F8 could modulate molecular pathways involved in apoptosis and cell cycle progression. Consequently, compound F8 is a strong candidate for the development of human gastric cancer therapy.

Melatonin is a potential oncostatic agent to inhibit HepG2 cell proliferation through multiple pathways

CONTEXT

Chemotherapy is a cornerstone in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Melatonin is a pineal hormone that targets various cancers, however, its antitumor pathways are still not fully elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated melatonin's antitumor molecular mechanisms to inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HepG2 Cells were classified into cells without treatment as a control group and cells treated with melatonin (5.4 mmol/L) for 48 h. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and marker of proliferation Ki-67 were estimated using immunohistochemical analysis. Apoptosis and cell cycle were evaluated using flow cytometric analysis. Apoptotic markers were detected using RT-qPCR assay. Antioxidants and oxidative stress biomarkers were performed using a colorimetric assay.

RESULTS

Melatonin produced a remarkable steady decrease in the viability of HepG2 cells at a concentration range between 5-20 mmol/L. Melatonin suppressed cell proliferation in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle (34.97 ± 0.92%) and induced apoptosis (12.43 ± 0.73%) through up-regulating p21 and p53 that was confirmed by the reduction of PCNA and Ki-67 expressions. Additionally, melatonin repressed angiogenesis evidenced by the down-regulation of angiopoietin-2, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 expressions (0.42-fold change), and the level of CD133. Moreover, melatonin augmented the oxidative stress manifested by a marked increase of 4-hydroxynonenal levels with a reduction of glutathione content and superoxide dismutase activity.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Melatonin inhibits proliferation and angiogenesis and induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. These results indicate the oncostatic effectiveness of melatonin on liver cancer.

Identification of Pyruvate Carboxylase as the Cellular Target of Natural Bibenzyls with Potent Anticancer Activity against Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Metabolic Reprogramming

Cancer cell proliferation in some organs often depends on conversion of pyruvate to oxaloacetate via pyruvate carboxylase (PC) for replenishing the tricarboxylic acid cycle to support biomass production. In this study, PC was identified as the cellular target of erianin using the photoaffinity labeling-click chemistry-based probe strategy. Erianin potently inhibited the enzymatic activity of PC, which mediated the anticancer effect of erianin in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Erianin modulated cancer-related gene expression and induced changes in metabolic intermediates. Moreover, erianin promotes mitochondrial oxidative stress and inhibits glycolysis, leading to insufficient energy required for cell proliferation. Analysis of 14 natural analogs of erianin showed that some compounds exhibited potent inhibitory effects on PC. These results suggest that PC is a cellular target of erianin and reveal the unrecognized function of PC in HCC tumorigenesis; erianin along with its analogs warrants further development as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of HCC.

Peiminine Induces G0/G1-Phase Arrest, Apoptosis, and Autophagy via the ROS/JNK Signaling Pathway in Human Osteosarcoma Cells in Vitro and in Vivo

Aims: Peiminine has been reported to have various pharmacological properties, including anticancer activity. In this study, we investigated the effect of this alkaloid on osteosarcoma and explored the underlying mechanisms.

Methods: To evaluate the antiosteosarcoma effects of peiminine in vitro, cell viability was assessed by CCK-8 and live/dead assays; the effects of the drug on apoptosis and the cell cycle were examined by flow cytometry; the effects on cell migration and invasion were detected by wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively, while its effects on autophagy were observed by transmission electron microscopy and an LC3 fluorescent puncta formation assay. The role of autophagy in the peiminine-mediated effects in osteosarcoma cells was evaluated by CCK-8 assay and western blotting after the application of the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine. The effect of peiminine on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was analyzed using fluorescence confocal microscopy and spectrophotometry. Additionally, peiminine-treated osteosarcoma cells were exposed to SP600125, a JNK inhibitor, and N-acetylcysteine, a ROS scavenger, after which the contribution of the ROS/JNK signaling pathway to osteosarcoma was assessed using cell viability and LC3 fluorescent puncta formation assays, flow cytometry, and western blotting. A xenograft mouse model of osteosarcoma was generated to determine the antitumor effects of peiminine in vivo.

Results: Peiminine suppressed proliferation and metastasis and induced cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy in osteosarcoma cells. These anticancer effects of peiminine were found to be dependent on intracellular ROS generation and activation of the JNK pathway. In line with these results, peiminine significantly inhibited xenograft tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusions: Peiminine induced G0/G1-phase arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy in human osteosarcoma cells via the ROS/JNK signaling pathway both in vitro and in vivo. Our study may provide an experimental basis for the evaluation of peiminine as an alternative drug for the treatment of osteosarcoma.

Erianin, the main active ingredient of Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl, inhibits precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC) through suppression of the HRAS-PI3K-AKT signaling pathway as revealed by network pharmacology and in vitro experimental verification

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl, a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal herb used in the treatment of gastric disease, is distinguished as the first of the "nine immortal grasses". Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl and the traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions containing Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl are often prescribed clinically to treat chronic gastritis and precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC), showing favorable clinical effects and medicinal value in the prevention of gastric cancer. However, the effective ingredients and pharmacological mechanisms through which Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl prevents and treats PLGC have not been adequately identified or interpreted.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aimed to evaluate the effective ingredients and pharmacological mechanisms of Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl in the prevention and treatment of PLGC using network pharmacology. In addition, in vitro verification was performed to evaluate the mechanism of action of Erianin, the main active ingredient in Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl, providing experimental evidence for the clinical use of Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl in the treatment of PLGC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using network pharmacology methods, the main ingredients in Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl were screened from the ETCM, BATMAN-TCM, and TCMID databases, and their potential targets were predicted using the Swiss Target Prediction platform. The targets related to PLGC were retrieved through the GeneCard database, and the targets common to the main ingredients of Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl and PLGC were analyzed. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was obtained via the STRING database and analyzed visually using Cytoscape 3.7.2. The underlying mechanisms of the common targets identified through gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were analyzed using DAVID online. The "component-target-pathway" networks of Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl and Erianin were visually constructed by Cytoscape 3.7.2. The biological activity evaluation of Erianin's effect on PLGC was carried out using MC cell lines, the PLGC cell model established using MNNG to induce damage in normal gastric mucosal epithelial cell (GES-1). After the intervention of different concentrations of Erianin, MC cell viability was explored using the MTT assays, cell migration was determined by wound healing assays, the cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed using flow cytometry, and the expression levels of related proteins and their phosphorylation in the HRAS-PI3K-AKT signaling pathway were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

The "component-target-pathway" network constructed in this study showed 37 active ingredients from Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl and 142 overlapping targets related to both Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl and PLGC. The targets were associated with a variety of cancer-related signaling pathways, including Pathways in cancer, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway, Focal adhesion, Ras signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway. Notably, the network showed that Erianin, the primary active ingredient from Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl and the component associated with the most targets, could regulate Pathways in cancer, PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, Focal adhesion, Rap1 signaling pathway, cell cycle, and RAS signaling pathway in the treatment of PLGC. Verification through in vitro experiments found that Erianin can significantly inhibit MC cell viability, inhibit cell migration, block the cell cycle in the G2/M phase, and induce cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. The results of the Western blot experiment further showed that Erianin can significantly decrease the protein expression levels of HRAS, AKT, p-AKT, MDM2, Cyclin D1, and p-Gsk3β, and increase the protein expression level of p21, which suggests that Erianin can treat PLGC by regulating the HRAS-PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

This study explained the positive characteristics of multi-component, multi-target, and multi-approach intervention with Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl in the treatment of PLGC. Our results suggest that Erianin may be a promising candidate in the development of prevention and treatment methods for PLGC. This study provided experimental evidence for the clinical use of Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl to treat PLGC and prevent gastric cancer.

Erianin: A Direct NLRP3 Inhibitor With Remarkable Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Erianin (Eri) is the extract of Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl. The NLRP3 inflammasome is a multiprotein complex that plays key roles in a wide variety of chronic inflammation-driven human diseases. Nevertheless, little is known about the protection of Eri against NLRP3 inflammasome-related diseases. In this study, we demonstrated that Eri inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, Eri directly interacted with NLRP3, leading to inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome assembly. Eri associated with the Walker A motif in the NACHT domain and suppressed NLRP3 ATPase activity. In mouse models, Eri had therapeutic effects on peritonitis, gouty arthritis and type 2 diabetes, via NLRP3. More importantly, Eri was active ex vivo for synovial fluid cells and monocytes from patients with IAV infection and gout. Eri may serve as a potential novel therapeutic compound against NLRP3-driven diseases.

TGF‑β inhibitor RepSox suppresses osteosarcoma via the JNK/Smad3 signaling pathway

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common malignant bone tumor and the long-term survival rates remain unsatisfactory. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has been revealed to play a crucial role in OS progression, and RepSox is an effective TGF-β inhibitor. In the present study, the effect of RepSox on the proliferation of the OS cell lines (HOS and 143B) was detected. The results revealed that RepSox effectively inhibited the proliferation of OS cells by inducing S-phase arrest and apoptosis. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of RepSox on cell migration and invasion was confirmed by wound-healing and Transwell assays. Furthermore, western blotting revealed that the protein levels of molecules associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype, including E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, were reduced by RepSox treatment. Concurrently, it was also revealed that the JNK and Smad3 signaling pathway was inhibited. Our in vivo findings using a xenograft model also revealed that RepSox markedly inhibited the growth of tumors. In general, our data demonstrated that RepSox suppressed OS proliferation, EMT and promoted apoptosis by inhibiting the JNK/Smad3 signaling pathway. Thus, RepSox may be a potential anti-OS drug.

Ceramide Regulates Anti-Tumor Mechanisms of Erianin in Androgen-Sensitive and Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancers

Prostate cancer is the second most prevalent malignancy worldwide. In the early stages, the development of prostate cancer is dependent on androgens. Over time with androgen deprivation therapy, 20% of prostate cancers progress to a castration-resistant form. Novel treatments for prostate cancers are still urgently needed. Erianin is a plant-derived bibenzyl compound. We report herein that erianin exhibits anti-tumor effects in androgen-sensitive and castration-resistant prostate cancer cells through different mechanisms. Erianin induces endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated apoptosis in androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cells. It also triggers pro-survival autophagic responses, as inhibition of autophagy predisposes to apoptosis. In contrast, erianin fails to induce apoptosis in castration-resistant prostate cancer cells. Instead, it results in cell cycle arrest at the M phase. Mechanistically, C16 ceramide dictates differential responses of androgen-sensitive and castration-resistant prostate cancer cells to erianin. Erianin elevates C16 ceramide level in androgen-sensitive but not castration-resistant prostate cancer cells. Overexpression of ceramide synthase 5 that specifically produces C16 ceramide enables erianin to induce apoptosis in castration-resistant prostate cancer cells. Our study provides both experimental evidence and mechanistic data showing that erianin is a potential treatment option for prostate cancers.

Ecust004 Suppresses Breast Cancer Cell Growth, Invasion, and Migration via EMT Regulation

Purpose

Erianin is a small chemical compound extracted from Dendrobium chrysotoxum and has excellent antineoplastic effects against a variety of cancers. Combretastatin A-4 (CA4) is the most effective member of natural phenolic stilbene compounds isolated from the African willow tree Combretum caffrum. Ecust004 (Chemical Formula: C₁₈H₂₁NO₇S) is a drug candidate optimized from structure–activity relationship studies of the sulfamate derivatives of Erianin and CA4, which has better bioavailability and pharmacokinetic profiles than Erianin and CA4.

Methods

To investigate the antitumor activity of Ecust004 in different types of breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 cells were treated with Ecust004. MTT and CCK8 were used to determine the effects of Ecust004 on cell proliferation. Wound-healing and Transwell assays were used to evaluate the migration and invasion level of cells treated with Ecust004. The expression of genes and proteins associated with epithelial–mesenchymal transition was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. In vivo studies further clarified the functional effects of Ecust004.

Results

Ecust004 treatment decreased the growth and proliferation of MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 cells at a lower dosage than Erianin. In addition, compared to Erianin and CA4, Ecust004 can better inhibit the invasion and migration of MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 cells. Accordingly, the expression of genes associated with epithelial–mesenchymal transition, such as E-cadherin and vinculin, was increased. Finally, compared with Erianin and CA4, Ecust004 exhibited a better anti-tumor activity in vivo.

Conclusion

Ecust004 inhibits the proliferation, invasion, and migration of breast cancer cells, and therefore represents a potential agent for development as an antitumor drug.

Protective autophagy attenuates soft substrate-induced apoptosis through ROS/JNK signaling pathway in breast cancer cells

Tumor microenvironments are characterized not only in terms of chemical composition, but also by physical properties such as stiffness, which influences morphology, proliferation, and fate of tumor cells. However, the underlying mechanisms between matrix stiffness and the apoptosis-autophagy balance remain largely unexplored. In this study, we cultured human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells on rigid (57 kPa), stiff (38 kPa) or soft (10 kPa) substrates and demonstrated that increasing autophagy levels and autophagic flux in the cells cultured on soft substrates partly attenuated soft substrate-induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, this protective autophagy is regulated by intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, which triggers the downstream signals of JNK, Bcl-2 and Beclin-1. More importantly, soft substrate-induced activation of ROS/JNK signaling promotes cell apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway, whereas it increases protective autophagy by suppressing the interaction of Bcl-2 and Beclin-1. Taken together, our data suggest that JNK is the mediator of soft substrate-induced breast cancer cell apoptosis and autophagy which is likely to be the mechanism that partly attenuates mitochondrial apoptosis. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanism by which autophagy plays a protective role against soft substrate-induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells.

Afatinib induces pro-survival autophagy and increases sensitivity to apoptosis in stem-like HNSCC cells

Afatinib, a second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), exerts its antitumor effects in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) by inducing intrinsic apoptosis through suppression of mTORC1. However, the detailed mechanism and biological significance of afatinib-induced autophagy in HNSCC remains unclear. In the present study, we demonstrated that afatinib induced mTORC1 suppression-mediated autophagy in HNSCC cells. Further mechanistic investigation revealed that afatinib stimulated REDD1-TSC1 signaling, giving rise to mTORC1 inactivation and subsequent autophagy. Moreover, ROS generation elicited by afatinib was responsible for the induction of the REDD1-TSC1-mTORC1 axis. In addition, pharmacological or genetic inhibition of autophagy sensitized HNSCC cells to afatinib-induced apoptosis, demonstrating that afatinib activated pro-survival autophagy in HNSCC cells. Importantly, in vitro and in vivo assays showed that afatinib caused enhanced apoptosis but weaker autophagy in stem-like HNSCC cells constructed by CDH1 knockdown. This suggested that blocking autophagy has the potential to serve as a promising strategy to target HNSCC stem cells. In conclusion, our findings suggested that the combination treatment with afatinib and autophagy inhibitors has the potential to eradicate HNSCC cells, especially cancer stem cells in clinical therapy.

Erianin induces triple-negative breast cancer cells apoptosis by activating PI3K/Akt pathway

BACKGROUND

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a refractory subtype of breast cancer, 25-30% of which have dysregulation in the PI3K/AKT pathway. The present study investigated the anticancer effect of erianin on TNBC cell line and its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

After treatment with erianin, MTT assay was employed to determine the MDA-MB-231 and EFM-192A cell proliferation, the nucleus morphological changes were observed by DAPI staining. The cell cycle and apoptotic proportion were detected by flow cytometry. Western blot was performed to determine the cell cycle and apoptosis-related protein expression and PI3K pathways. Finally, the antiproliferative activity of erianin was further confirmed by adding or not adding PI3K agonists SC79.

RESULTS

Erianin inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 and EFM-192A cells in a dose-dependent manner, the IC50 were 70.96 and 78.58 nM, respectively. Erianin could cause cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, and the expressions of p21 and p27 were up-regulated, while the expressions of CDK1 and Cyclin B1 were down-regulated. Erianin also induced apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway, with the up-regulation of the expression of Cyto C, PARP, Bax, active form of Caspase-3, and Caspase-9. Furthermore, p-PI3K and p-Akt expression were down-regulated by erianin. After co-incubation with SC79, the cell inhibition rate of erianin was decreased, which further confirmed that the attenuated PI3K/Akt pathway was relevant to the pro-apoptotic effect of erianin.

CONCLUSIONS

Erianin can inhibit the proliferation of TNBC cells and induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, which may ascribe to the abolish the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Erianin regulates programmed cell death ligand 1 expression and enhances cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl is a cultivation of Dendrobium which belongs to the family of Orchidaceae. D. chrysotoxum Lindl is a traditional Chinese medicine with a wide range of clinical applications including tonic, astringent, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties as early as the 28th century B.C. Erianin is a representative index component for the quality control of the D. chrysotoxum Lindl, which is included in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2020 version).

AIM OF THE STUDY

To clarify the anti-tumour mechanisms of erianin in vitro and in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We detected the anti-tumour activity of erianin using in vitro HeLa cell models and in vivo cervical cancer xenograft models. We performed MTT, western blot, RT-PCR, homology modeling, flow cytometry, and immunoprecipitation assays to study the proteins, genes, and pathways related to erianin's anti-tumour activity. LysoTracker Red staining was performed to detect lysosome function. Transwell, wound healing, tube formation, colony formation and EdU labelling assays were performed to determine cell proliferation, migration and invasion abilities, respectively. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes ability was confirmed using HeLa/T-cell co-culture model.

RESULTS

Experimental data demonstrated that erianin inhibited PD-L1 expression and induced the lysosomal degradation of PD-L1. Erianin suppressed HIF-1α synthesis through mTOR/p70S6K/4EBP1 pathway, and inhibited RAS/Raf/MEK/MAPK-ERK pathway. Immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that erianin reduced the interaction between RAS and HIF-1α. Experiments using a co-cultivation system of T cells and HeLa cells confirmed that erianin restored cytotoxic T lymphocytes ability to kill tumour cells. Erianin inhibited PD-L1-mediated angiogenesis, proliferation, invasion and migration. The anti-proliferative effects of erianin were supported using in vivo xenotransplantation experiments.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, these results revealed previously unknown properties of erianin and provided a new basis for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy against cervical cancer and other malignant tumours through PD-L1.

Combination of Metformin, Sodium Oxamate and Doxorubicin Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy in Colorectal Cancer Cells via Downregulation HIF-1α

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide in both sexes. Current therapies include surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy; however, prolonged exposure to chemical agents induces toxicity in patients and drug resistance. So, we implemented a therapeutic strategy based on the combination of doxorubicin, metformin, and sodium oxamate called triple therapy (Tt). We found that Tt significantly reduced proliferation by inhibiting the mTOR/AKT pathway and promoted apoptosis and autophagy in CRC derived cells compared with doxorubicin. Several autophagy genes were assessed by western blot; ULK1, ATG4, and LC3 II were overexpressed by Tt. Interestingly, ULK1 was the only one autophagy-related protein gradually overexpressed during Tt administration. Thus, we assumed that there was a post-transcriptional mechanism mediating by microRNAs that regulate UKL1 expression during autophagy activation. Through bioinformatics approaches, we ascertained that ULK1 could be targeted by mir-26a, which is overexpressed in advanced stages of CRC. In vitro experiments revealed that overexpression of mir-26a decreased significantly ULK1, mRNA, and protein expression. Contrariwise, the Tt recovered ULK1 expression by mir-26a decrease. Due to triple therapy repressed mir-26a expression, we hypothesized this drug combination could be involved in mir-26a transcription regulation. Consequently, we analyzed the mir-26a promoter sequence and found two HIF-1α transcription factor recognition sites. We developed two different HIF-1α stabilization models. Both showed mir-26a overexpression and ULK1 reduction in hypoxic conditions. Immunoprecipitation experiments were performed and HIF-1α enrichment was observed in mir-26a promoter. Surprisingly, Tt diminished HIF-1α detection and restored ULK1 mRNA expression. These results reveal an important regulation mechanism controlled by the signaling that activates HIF-1α and that in turn regulates mir-26a transcription.

Glucocappasalin Induces G2/M-Phase Arrest, Apoptosis, and Autophagy Pathways by Targeting CDK1 and PLK1 in Cervical Carcinoma Cells

Glucocappasalin (GCP), a natural product derived from the seeds of Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb. ex Prantl, exhibits potential antitumor activity in HeLa cervical carcinoma cells. In this study, we investigated the anti-cervical cancer property of GCP through the induction of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy in vitro and in vivo, and elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms. We demonstrated that treatment with GCP inhibited the growth of HeLa, Siha, and Ca Ski cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, with HeLa cells displaying particular sensitivity to the GCP treatment. Subsequently, the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) and polo like kinase 1 (PLK1) were evaluated in HeLa cells using the CDK1 kinase assay kit, the fluorescence polarization assay, real-time quantitative PCR, and western blotting. Our results demonstrate that GCP could be employed to attenuate the expression of CDK1 and PLK1 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The complementary results obtained by flow cytometry and western blotting allowed us to postulate that GCP may exhibit its antitumor effects by inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest. Moreover, HeLa cells treated with GCP exhibited a loss in mitochondrial membrane potential, together with the activation of caspases 3 and 9, and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP). Additionally, we found that GCP could increase the formation of acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs), as well as the levels of Beclin1, LC3-II, p62, and Atg5 proteins in HeLa cells. Further studies indicated that GCP triggered autophagy via the suppression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. The autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) was used to determine whether autophagy affects the apoptosis induced by GCP. Interestingly, the inhibition of autophagy attenuated apoptosis. In vivo anti-tumor experiments indicated that GCP (60 mg/kg, i.p.) markedly reduced the growth of HeLa xenografts in nude mice without apparent toxicity. Taken together, we demonstrate that GCP induces cell cycle G2/M-phase arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy by acting on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways in cervical carcinoma cells. Thus, GCP may represent a promising agent in the eradication of cervical cancer.

Oxidative Stress-Dependent Synergistic Antiproliferation, Apoptosis, and DNA Damage of Ultraviolet-C and Coral-Derived Sinularin Combined Treatment for Oral Cancer Cells

Combined treatment is increasingly used to improve cancer therapy. Non-ionizing radiation ultraviolet-C (UVC) and sinularin, a coral Sinularia flexibilis-derived cembranolide, were separately reported to provide an antiproliferation function to some kinds of cancer cells. However, an antiproliferation function using the combined treatment of UVC/sinularin has not been investigated as yet. This study aimed to examine the combined antiproliferation function and explore the combination of UVC/sinularin in oral cancer cells compared to normal oral cells. Regarding cell viability, UVC/sinularin displays the synergistic and selective killing of two oral cancer cell lines, but remains non-effective for normal oral cell lines compared to treatments in terms of MTS and ATP assays. In tests using the flow cytometry, luminescence, and Western blotting methods, UVC/sinularin-treated oral cancer cells exhibited higher reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial superoxide generation, mitochondrial membrane potential destruction, annexin V, pan-caspase, caspase 3/7, and cleaved-poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase expressions than that in normal oral cells. Accordingly, oxidative stress and apoptosis are highly induced in a combined UVC/sinularin treatment. Moreover, UVC/sinularin treatment provides higher G2/M arrest and γH2AX/8-hydroxyl-2'deoxyguanosine-detected DNA damages in oral cancer cells than in the separate treatments. A pretreatment can revert all of these changes of UVC/sinularin treatment with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. Taken together, UVC/sinularin acting upon oral cancer cells exhibits a synergistic and selective antiproliferation ability involving oxidative stress-dependent apoptosis and cellular DNA damage with low toxic side effects on normal oral cells.

Design and discovery of new antiproliferative 1,2,4-triazin-3(2H)-ones as tubulin polymerization inhibitors targeting colchicine binding site

Thirty-five new colchicine binding site inhibitors have been designed and synthesized based on the 1,2,4-triazin-3(2H)-one nucleus. Such molecules were synthesized through a cascade reaction between readily accessible α-amino ketones and phenyl carbazate as a masked N-isocyanate precursor. The synthesized derivatives are cisoid restricted combretastatin A4 analogues containing 1,2,4-triazin-3(2H)-one in place of the olefinic bond, and they have the same essential pharmacophoric features of colchicine binding site inhibitors. The synthesized compounds were evaluated in vitro for their antiproliferative activities against a panel of three human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HepG-2, and HCT-116), using colchicine as a positive control. Among them, two compounds 5i and 6i demonstrated a significant antiproliferative effect against all cell lines with IC₅₀ ranging from 8.2 - 18.2 µM. Further investigation was carried out for the most active cytotoxic agents as tubulin polymerization inhibitors. Compounds 5i and 6i effectively inhibited microtubule assembly with IC₅₀ values ranging from 3.9 to 7.8 µM. Tubulin polymerization assay results were found to be comparable with the cytotoxicity results. The cell cycle analysis revealed significant G2/M cell cycle arrest of the analogue 5i in HepG-2 cells. The most active compounds 4i, 4j, 5 g, 5i and 6i did not induce significant cell death in normal human lung cells Wl-38, suggesting their selectivity against cancer cells. Also, These compounds upregulated the level of active caspase-3 and boosted the levels of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax by five to seven folds in comparison to the control. Moreover, apoptosis analyses were conducted for compound 5i to evaluate its apoptotic potential. Finally, in silico studies were conducted to reveal the probable interaction with the colchicine binding site. ADME prediction study of the designed compounds showed that they are not only with promising tubulin polymerization inhibitory activity but also with favorable pharmacokinetic and drug-likeness properties.

Spondias pinnata (L.f.) Kurz Leaf Extract Derived Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Induce Dual Modes of Apoptotic-Necrotic Death in HCT 116 and K562 Cells

This study evaluates the effects of phyto-derived zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on human cancer cells, colon carcinoma HCT 116, and chronic myelogenous leukemic K562, along with normal lymphocytes/erythrocytes. The commercial, chemically synthesized ZnONPs (cZnONPs) were also assessed in parallel. Using an eco-friendly approach devoid of harmful chemicals, biogenic nanoparticles were synthesized from aqueous leaf extract of Spondias pinnata (SpLZnONPs) by a sol-gel method. Optical, structural, and elemental characterization of both particle types were carried out deploying UV-Vis/photoluminescence spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, FESEM, HRTEM, and EDX. Both SpLZnONPs and cZnONPs displayed hexagonal wurtzite structure with particle sizes averaging 30 and 48.5 nm, respectively. SpLZnONPs were found to be cytotoxic to both cancer cell types while cZnONPs exhibited toxicity only against HCT 116 cells. Interestingly, the cytomorphological changes and analysis of DNA laddering pattern observed in these treated cells were indicative of simultaneous induction of dual modes of death involving apoptosis and necrosis. Flow cytometric analysis of cell-cycle distribution, clonogenic, wound healing, and comet assays provided evidences of the antiproliferative potential of the tested nanoparticles. Apoptosis induction via oxidative stress-mediated Ca²⁺ release, ROS generation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and externalization of phosphatidylserine was also determined biochemically. Relative expression of apoptotic genes was quantified using RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis. Mitotic index analysis, MTT, and hemolytic assays on lymphocytes and erythrocytes clearly revealed the absence of any deleterious effect(s) of SpLZnONPs in these cells compared with the toxicity of the chemically derived cZnONPs, thereby attesting to the biocompatibility and selective action of the biogenic nanoparticles.

Optimization of PhysicoChemical Parameters for Production of Cytotoxic Secondary Metabolites and Apoptosis Induction Activities in the Culture Extract of a Marine Algal-Derived Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus sp

The endophytic fungal community in the marine ecosystem has been demonstrated to be relevant source of novel and pharmacologically active secondary metabolites. The current study focused on the evaluation of cytotoxic and apoptosis induction potential in the culture extracts of endophytic fungi associated with Sargassum muticum, a marine brown alga. The cytotoxicity of the four marine endophytes, Aspergillus sp., Nigrospora sphaerica, Talaromyces purpureogenus, and Talaromyces stipitatus, was evaluated by the MTT assay on HeLa cells. Further, several physicochemical parameters, including growth curve, culture media, and organic solvents, were optimized for enhanced cytotoxic activity of the selected extract. The Aspergillus sp. ethyl acetate extract (ASE) showed maximum cytotoxicity on multiple cancer cell lines. Chemical investigation of the metabolites by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) showed the presence of several compounds, including quinoline, indole, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) phenol, and hexadecenoic acid, known to be cytotoxic in ASE. The ASE was then tested for cytotoxicity in vitro on a panel of six human cancer cell lines, namely, HeLa (cervical adenocarcinoma), MCF-7 (breast adenocarcinoma), Hep G2 (hepatocellular carcinoma), A-549 (lung carcinoma), A-431 (skin/epidermis carcinoma), and LN-229 (glioblastoma). HeLa cells were most vulnerable to ASE treatment with an IC₅₀ value of 24 ± 2 μg/ml. The mechanism of cytotoxicity exhibited by the ASE was further investigated on Hela cells. The results showed that the ASE was capable of inducing apoptosis in HeLa cells through production of reactive oxygen species, depolarization of mitochondrial membrane, and activation of the caspase-3 pathway, which shows a possible activation of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. It also arrested the HeLa cells at the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, eventually leading to apoptosis. Through this study, we add to the knowledge about the marine algae associated with fungal endophytes and report its potential for purifying specific compounds responsible for cytotoxicity.

Differential regulation of autophagy by STAU1 in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma and non-transformed skeletal muscle cells

PURPOSE

Recent work has highlighted the therapeutic potential of targeting autophagy to modulate cell survival in a variety of diseases including cancer. Recently, we found that the RNA-binding protein Staufen1 (STAU1) is highly expressed in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) and that this abnormal expression promotes tumorigenesis. Here, we asked whether STAU1 is involved in the regulation of autophagy in ARMS cells.

METHODS

We assessed the impact of STAU1 expression modulation in ARMS cell lines (RH30 and RH41), non-transformed skeletal muscle cells (C2C12) and STAU1-transgenic mice using complementary techniques.

RESULTS

We found that STAU1 silencing reduces autophagy in the ARMS cell lines RH30 and RH41, while increasing their apoptosis. Mechanistically, this inhibitory effect was found to be caused by a direct negative impact of STAU1 depletion on the stability of Beclin-1 (BECN1) and ATG16L1 mRNAs, as well as by an indirect inhibition of JNK signaling via increased expression of Dual specificity phosphatase 8 (DUSP8). Pharmacological activation of JNK or expression silencing of DUSP8 was sufficient to restore autophagy in STAU1-depleted cells. By contrast, we found that STAU1 downregulation in non-transformed skeletal muscle cells activates autophagy in a mTOR-dependent manner, without promoting apoptosis. A similar effect was observed in skeletal muscles obtained from STAU1-overexpressing transgenic mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, our data indicate an effect of STAU1 on autophagy regulation in ARMS cells and its differential role in non-transformed skeletal muscle cells. Our findings suggest a cancer-specific potential of targeting STAU1 for the treatment of ARMS.

Genetic Inactivation of Peroxiredoxin-I Impairs the Growth of Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive disease with few therapeutic options. The identification of new promising targets is, therefore, an urgent need. Using available transcriptomic datasets, we first found that Peroxiredoxin-1 gene (PRDX1) expression was significantly increased in human pancreatic tumors, but not in the other gastrointestinal cancers; its high expression correlated with shortened patient survival. We confirmed by immunostaining on mouse pancreata the increased Peroxiredoxin-I protein (PRX-I) expression in pancreatic neoplastic lesions and PDAC. To question the role of PRX-I in pancreatic cancer, we genetically inactivated its expression in multiple human PDAC cell lines, using siRNA and CRISPR/Cas9. In both strategies, PRX-I ablation led to reduced survival of PDAC cells. This was mainly due to an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), accumulation of oxidative DNA damage (i.e., 8-oxoguanine), and cell cycle blockade at G2/M. Finally, we found that PRX-I ablation disrupts the autophagic flux in PDAC cells, which is essential for their survival. This proof-of-concept study supports a pro-oncogenic role for PRX-I in PDAC.

Regulation of ferroptosis by bioactive phytochemicals: Implications for medical nutritional therapy

Ferroptosis is an iron- and lipotoxicity-dependent regulated cell death that has been implicated in various diseases, such as cancer, neurodegeneration and stroke. The biosynthesis of phospholipids, coenzyme Q₁₀, and glutathione, and the metabolism of iron, amino acids and polyunsaturated fatty acid, are tightly associated with cellular sensitivity to ferroptosis. Up to now, only limited drugs targeting ferroptosis have been documented and exploring novel effective ferroptosis-modulating compound is needed. Natural bioactive products are conventional resources for drug discovery, and some of them have been clinically used against cancers and neurodegenerative diseases as dietary supplements or pharmaceutic agents. Notably, increasing evidence demonstrates that natural compounds, such as saponins, flavonoids and isothiocyanates, can either induce or inhibit ferroptosis, further expanding their therapeutic potentials. In this review, we highlight current advances of the emerging molecular mechanisms and disease relevance of ferroptosis. We also systematically summarize the regulatory effects of natural phytochemicals on ferroptosis, and clearly indicate that saponins, terpenoids and alkaloids induce ROS- and ferritinophagy-dependent ferroptosis, whereas flavonoids and polyphenols modulate iron metabolism and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) signaling to inhibit ferroptosis. Finally, we explore their clinical applications in ferroptosis-related diseases, which may facilitate the development of their dietary usages as nutraceuticals.

Investigation of molecular mechanisms underlying the antiproliferative effects of colchicine against PC3 prostate cancer cells

This work examined the cytotoxic effects of colchicine on PC3 cells and elucidated the possible underlying mechanisms of its cytotoxicity. The cells were exposed to colchicine at different concentrations ranging from 1 to 100 ng/mL for 24 h, and it showed considerable cytotoxicity with an IC₅₀ value of 22.99 ng/mL. Mechanistic studies also exhibited that colchicine treatment results in cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase as well as decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and increased early and late apoptotic cells. The apoptotic and DNA-damaging effects of colchicine have also been verified by fluorescence imaging and ELISA experiments, and they revealed that while colchicine treatment significantly modulated expression as increases in Bax, cleaved caspase 3, cleaved PARP, and 8-hydroxy-desoxyguanosine levels and as a decrease of BCL-2 protein expression. Besides, colchicine treatment significantly increased the total oxidant (TOS) level, which is a signal of oxidative stress and potential cause of DNA damage. Finally, the results of quantitative real-time PCR experiments demonstrated that colchicine treatment concentration-dependently suppressed MMP-9 mRNA expression. Overall, colchicine provides meaningful cytotoxicity on PC3 cells due to induced oxidative stress, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, increased DNA damage, and finally increased apoptosis in PC3 cells. Nevertheless, further research needs to be conducted to assess the potential of colchicine as an anticancer drug for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Construction of homologous cancer cell membrane camouflage in a nano-drug delivery system for the treatment of lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) possesses great heterogeneity in cytogenetics, immunophenotype and clinical features, and chemotherapy currently serves as the main treatment modality. Although employing monoclonal antibody targeted drugs has significantly improved its overall efficacy, various patients continue to suffer from drug resistance or recurrence. Chinese medicine has long been used in the treatment of malignant tumors. Therefore, we constructed a low pH value sensitivity drug delivery system based on the cancer cell membrane modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with traditional Chinese medicine, which can reduce systemic toxicity and improve the therapeutic effect for the targeted drug delivery of tumor cells.

RESULTS

Accordingly, this study put forward the construction of a nano-platform based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) loaded with the traditional Chinese medicine isoimperatorin (ISOIM), which was camouflaged by the cancer cell membrane (CCM) called CCM@MSNs-ISOIM. The proposed nano-platform has characteristics of immune escape, anti-phagocytosis, high drug loading rate, low pH value sensitivity, good biocompatibility and active targeting of the tumor site, blocking the lymphoma cell cycle and promoting mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Furthermore, this study provides a theoretical basis in finding novel clinical treatments for lymphoma.

Synergistic cytotoxicity of erianin, a bisbenzyl in the dietetic Chinese herb Dendrobium against breast cancer cells

Erianin (ER), a dietary compound extracted from Dendrobium, a traditional Chinese medicinal edible herb, is well recognized for its potential anti-cancer activity. Nevertheless, its limitations, regarding its complex isolation procedure, low yield and low water solubility, limit large scale application. Combinatorial therapeutic regimen that combines several drugs to target different pathways in a characteristically synergistic manner at lower doses of drugs proved effective in several diseases treatment. Besides, new knowledge aimed at improving drug delivery into the intracellular environment is essential. In this study, ER was assessed for its cytotoxic effect in combination with doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX·HCl) against breast cancer cells. Drug synergy was calculated by using combination index (CI) index and we discovered that they had positive effects. To ensure uniform delivery of both drugs to cells for a desired synergistic action, a dual drug loaded liposomes was developed using thin-film dispersion, and coated by a layer of folate-chitosan. Cytotoxicity and cell proliferation based assays revealed the increase of cell inhibition rate by more than 30% compared with free drugs. Fluorescence imaging revealed that liposomes can aid faster drugs accumulate in cancer cells. The study presented a novel strategy for the treatment of breast cancer.

A specific inhibitor of polo-like kinase 1, GSK461364A, suppresses proliferation of Raji Burkitt's lymphoma cells through mediating cell cycle arrest, DNA damage, and apoptosis

Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a prominent mediatory player during the cell cycle, mitosis, and cytokinesis in eukaryotic cells. Besides its physiological roles, PLK1 expression is upregulated in a wide range of human malignant tumors and its overexpression worsens prognosis, therefore, specific inhibition of PLK1 in tumor cells is a fascinating approach for the development of novel chemotherapeutics. The present study elucidated the potential cytotoxic effects of a PLK1 inhibitor, GSK461364A, in five cancer cell lines including Raji, K562, PC3, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, along with noncancerous L929 cells by XTT assay. The cells were treated for 24 h with GSK461364A at different concentrations ranged between 0.5 and 40 μM and significant cytotoxicity was observed in all treated groups with the IC50 values between 2.36 and 4.08 μM. GSK461364A was also found to be safer with lower cytotoxicity against L929 cells and the IC50 value was found to be greater than 40 μM. Raji cells were identified as the most sensitive cell line against GSK461364A with the lowest IC50 values, hence it was selected for further studies to evaluate the underlying mechanism of cytotoxic activity. The treatment of Raji cells with GSK461364A caused a cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, also altered TOS, which is an indicator of oxidative stress, and DNA damage response, significantly. The Annexin V binding assay revealed that GSK461364A treatment significantly increased in the percentage of early and late apoptotic cells. Fluorescence imaging also showed that GSK461364A treatment significantly induced apoptosis of Raji cells. The apoptotic effect of the compound has also been confirmed by increased expressions of Bax and cleaved caspase 3 and along with the decreased expression of BCL-2. The results demonstrated that GSK461364A induced anticancer effects which was mainly promoted by cell cycle arrest, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and finally apoptosis in Burkitt's lymphoma cells. Taken together, the present results emphasized that GSK461364A could be a useful therapeutic agent in patients with Burkitt's lymphoma. However, further studies are required to consolidate the anticancer activity of this promising compound.

Acacetin Induces Apoptosis in Human Osteosarcoma Cells by Modulation of ROS/JNK Activation

Purpose

The long-term survival rate of osteosarcoma, which is the most common type of primary malignant bone tumor, has stagnated in past decades. Acacetin is a natural flavonoid compound that has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects and exhibits extensive therapeutic effects on various cancers. In this study, the anticancer potential of acacetin and the underlying molecular mechanisms were examined in human osteosarcoma cells (SJSA and HOS).

Materials and Methods

HOS and SJSA cell lines were exposed to different concentrations of acacetin. Cell proliferation and viability were assessed by CCK-8 and colony-formation assays. Hoechst 33258 fluorescent staining was employed to detect apoptosis. Cell apoptosis was measured by an annexin V-FITC/PI assay by flow cytometry. The alteration in the mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by a JC-1 Assay Kit. Apoptosis-related protein expression was determined by Western blotting. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was detected by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Subsequently, the activation of the ROS/JNK signaling pathway was investigated.

Results

Acacetin could inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in SJSA and HOS cells. The acacetin treatment resulted in the activation of caspase-3, −8, and −9 and cleaved PARP. Further studies showed that acacetin-induced apoptosis was attributed to ROS. In addition, we found that acacetin induced the activation of the downstream c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway. Subsequently, after treatment with the ROS scavenger GSH and the JNK inhibitor SP600125, the apoptosis-inducing effect triggered by acacetin was significantly attenuated.

Conclusion

The results of the present study indicate that acacetin may induce apoptosis to inhibit cell growth by activating the ROS/JNK signaling pathway in SJSA and HOS cells, suggesting that acacetin may be a promising candidate for the management of osteosarcomas.

Autophagy inhibition enhances the inhibitory effects of ursolic acid on lung cancer cells

The aim of the present study was to identify natural compounds that bear significant anti‑tumor activity. Thus, the effects of 63 small molecules that were isolated from traditional Chinese medicinal herbs on A549 human non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and MCF‑7 breast cancer cells were examined. It was found that ursolic acid (UA), a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid, exerted significant inhibitory effect on these cells. Further experiments revealed that UA inhibited the proliferation of various lung cancer cells, including the NSCLC cells, H460, H1975, A549, H1299 and H520, the human small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells, H82 and H446, and murine Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells. UA induced the apoptosis and autophagy of NSCLC cells. The inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, but not the activation of the extracellular signal‑regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathway contributed to the UA‑induced autophagy of NSCLC cells. Moreover, the inhibition of autophagy by chloroquine (CQ) or siRNA for autophagy‑related gene 5 (ATG5) enhanced the UA‑induced inhibition of cell proliferation and promotion of apoptosis, indicating that UA‑induced autophagy is a pro‑survival mechanism in NSCLC cells. On the whole, these findings suggest that combination treatment with autophagy inhibitors may be a novel strategy with which enhance the antitumor activity of UA in lung cancer.

Surfactin from Bacillus subtilis induces apoptosis in human oral squamous cell carcinoma through ROS-regulated mitochondrial pathway

Recently, ambient air particulate matter (PM) has been shown to increase the risk of oral cancer. The most common malignant tumor in the oral cavity is oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Recent studies have revealed that surfactin, a cyclic lipopeptide generated by Bacillus subtilis, has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. However, the exact anti-cancer effects of surfactin on human OSCC and underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. In the present study, we found that treatment of SCC4 and SCC25 cells (human OSCC cell lines) with surfactin reduced the viability of SCC4 and SCC25 cells by induction of apoptosis. Surfactin-induced apoptosis was associated with caspase activation and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage and was regulated by the mitochondrial pathway, exemplified by mitochondrial depolarization, mitochondrial-derived reactive oxidative species (ROS) production, cytochrome c release, up-regulation of Bad and Bax, and down-regulation of Bcl-2. Surfactin induced NADPH oxidase-dependent ROS generation, which appeared essential for the activation of the mitochondrial pathway. Surfactin-induced mitochondrial-derived ROS generation was associated with JNK1/2 activation. After treatment with surfactin, ROS caused JNK1/2-dependent cell death of SCC4 and SCC25 cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that surfactin induces mitochondria associated apoptosis of human OSCC cell lines, and surfactin may be a potential chemotherapeutic agent for future OSCC treatment.

Erianin inhibits the oncogenic properties of hepatocellular carcinoma via inducing DNA damage and aberrant mitosis

Natural compounds have been confirmed as one of the most feasible solutions for hard-to-treat cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Erianin, a natural bibenzyl compound from Dendrobium chrysotoxum, has been recently discovered with anticancer property in cancer cells. However, the roles and the molecular mechanisms of erianin in HCC remain unknown. The present study evaluates the effect of erianin on human HCC cells by inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing apoptotic-related cell death and hampering tumorigenicity. Furthermore, it was found that erianin could cause irreparable DNA damage, induce G2/M arrest and deregulate mitotic regulators. It was also observed that many cells with damaged DNA induced by erianin could overcome G2/M arrest and enter mitosis, leading to abnormal mitosis, and subsequently mitotic catastrophe and apoptotic-related cell death. The present study confirmed that erianin could be a potential antitumor agent for HCC clinical treatment.

The HDAC Inhibitor Domatinostat Promotes Cell-Cycle Arrest, Induces Apoptosis, and Increases Immunogenicity of Merkel Cell Carcinoma Cells

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, highly aggressive skin cancer for which immune modulation by immune checkpoint inhibitors shows remarkable response rates. However, primary or secondary resistance to immunotherapy prevents benefits in a significant proportion of patients. For MCC, one immune escape mechanism is insufficient for recognition by T cells owing to the downregulation of major histocompatibility complex I surface expression. Histone deacetylase inhibitors have been demonstrated to epigenetically reverse the low major histocompatibility complex I expression caused by the downregulation of the antigen-processing machinery. Domatinostat, an orally available small-molecule inhibitor targeting histone deacetylase class I, is currently in clinical evaluation to overcome resistance to immunotherapy. In this study, we present preclinical data on domatinostat's efficacy and mode of action in MCC. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed a distinct gene expression signature of antigen processing and presentation, cell-cycle arrest, and execution phase of apoptosis on treatment. Accordingly, functional assays showed that domatinostat induced G2M arrest and apoptosis. In the surviving cells, antigen-processing machinery component gene transcription and translation were upregulated, consequently resulting in increased major histocompatibility complex I surface expression. Altogether, domatinostat not only exerts direct antitumoral effects but also restores HLA class I surface expression on MCC cells, therefore, restoring surviving MCC cells' susceptibility to recognition and elimination by cognate cytotoxic T cells.

Synergistic Effect of α-Solanine and Cisplatin Induces Apoptosis and Enhances Cell Cycle Arrest in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

AIM

The clinical application of cisplatin is limited by severe side effects associated with high applied doses. The synergistic effect of a combination treatment of a low dose of cisplatin with the natural alkaloid α-solanine on human hepatocellular carcinoma cells was evaluated.

METHODS

HepG2 cells were exposed to low doses of α-solanine and cisplatin, either independently or in combination. The efficiency of this treatment modality was evaluated by investigating cell growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis enhancement.

RESULTS

α-solanine synergistically potentiated the effect of cisplatin on cell growth inhibition and significantly induced apoptosis. This synergistic effect was mediated by inducing cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, enhancing DNA fragmentation and increasing apoptosis through the activation of caspase 3/7 and/or elevating the expression of the death receptors DR4 and DR5. The induced apoptosis from this combination treatment was also mediated by reducing the expression of the anti-apoptotic mediators Bcl-2 and survivin, as well as by modulating the miR-21 expression.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides strong evidence that a combination treatment of low doses of α-solanine and cisplatin exerts a synergistic anticancer effect and provides an effective treatment strategy against hepatocellular carcinoma.

Dual Targeting of Cell Growth and Phagocytosis by Erianin for Human Colorectal Cancer

Objective

To investigate the effect of erianin on tumor growth and immune response in human colorectal cancer cells (CRC).

Methods

The effect of erianin on tumor growth was determined by CCK8 and colony formation assay. Western blotting was used to evaluate the expression levels of relevant proteins and qRT-PCR was used to evaluate the mRNA level of the relevant gene. The transcriptional activity of β-catenin was determined by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Cellular thermal shift assay was used to quantify drug–target interactions. The cell surface CD47 was assessed by flow cytometry. The enrichment of H3K27 acetyl marks on CD47 promoter was evaluated by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Phagocytosis assay was used to determine the phagocytic activity of macrophage. In vivo role of erianin was studied on xenograft models.

Results

We found that erianin significantly decreased cell survival, colony formation, induced cell cycle arrest, and led to cell apoptosis in SW480 and HCT116 cells. Mechanism analysis demonstrated that erianin inhibited the nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of β-catenin, which might result from erianin-β-catenin interaction. In addition, the downstream gene expressions, such as c-Myc and cyclin D1, was decreased. More interestingly, erianin decreased the expression of CD47 by regulating H3K27 acetyl marks enrichment on CD47 promoter. Consequently, macrophage-mediated phagocytosis was increased. Our in vivo experiments further confirmed the inhibitory effect of erianin on tumor growth.

Conclusion

In summary, erianin could inhibit CRC cells growth and promoted phagocytosis, which suggested erianin as a potential therapeutic strategy for CRC patients.

Upregulation of the MYB2 Transcription Factor Is Associated with Increased Accumulation of Anthocyanin in the Leaves of Dendrobium bigibbum

Orchids with colorful leaves and flowers have significant ornamental value. Here, we used γ-irradiation-based mutagenesis to produce a Dendrobium bigibbum mutant that developed purple instead of the normal green leaves. RNA sequencing of the mutant plant identified 2513 differentially expressed genes, including 1870 up- and 706 downregulated genes. The purple leaf color of mutant leaves was associated with increased expression of genes that encoded key biosynthetic enzymes in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway. In addition, the mutant leaves also showed increased expression of several families of transcription factors including the MYB2 gene. Transient overexpression of D. biggibumMYB2 in Nicotiana benthamiana was associated with increased expression of endogenous anthocyanin biosynthesis genes. Interestingly, transient overexpression of orthologous MYB2 genes from other orchids did not upregulate expression of endogenous anthocyanin biosynthesis genes. Together, these results suggest that the purple coloration of D. biggibum leaves is at least associated with increased expression of the MYB2 gene, and the MYB2 orthologs from orchids likely function differently, regardless of their high level of similarity.

Exopolysaccharide from Cryptococcus heimaeyensis S20 induces autophagic cell death in non-small cell lung cancer cells via ROS/p38 and ROS/ERK signalling

OBJECTIVES

Cryptococcus heimaeyensis S20 is found in Antarctica and can produce exopolysaccharides (CHEPS). Here, we explore the anti-tumour effects of CHEPS on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cell viability was assessed by CCK8 and colony formation assays. Flow cytometry was used to analyse the cell cycle, cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cell autophagy was detected by EGFP-LC3 puncta assay, Lyso-Tracker Red staining and transmission electron microscopy. mRNA and protein levels were analysed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Related mechanisms were confirmed using appropriate inhibitors or shRNA. In vitro results were further confirmed by a tumour xenograft study.

RESULTS

CHEPS inhibited the proliferation of NSCLC cells by inducing S- and G2/M-phase arrest and autophagic cell death, but not apoptosis. CHEPS was less toxic to normal human embryonic lung fibroblasts. CHEPS activated the MAPK pathway in NSCLC cells, and p38 and ERK promoted CHEPS-induced cell death. Further studies showed that p38 and ERK promoted CHEPS-induced NSCLC cell autophagy and ERK promoted CHEPS-induced S- and G2/M-phase arrest. ROS were induced by CHEPS. A ROS scavenger attenuated CHEPS-induced p38 and ERK activation, autophagy and cell death. Finally, CHEPS reduced orthotopic lung tumour growth without organ-related toxicity. CHEPS also induced ROS, activated p38 and ERK, and triggered autophagy in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

CHEPS induces autophagic cell death and S- and G2/M-phase arrest in NSCLC cells via ROS/p38 and ROS/ERK signalling.

Titanium Tackles the Endoplasmic Reticulum: A First Genomic Study on a Titanium Anticancer Metallodrug

PhenolaTi is an advanced non-toxic anticancer chemotherapy; this inert bis(phenolato)bis(alkoxo) Ti(IV) complex demonstrates the intriguing combination of high and wide efficacy with no detected toxicity in animals. Here we unravel the cellular pathways involved in its mechanism of action by a first genome study on Ti(IV)-treated cells, using an attuned RNA sequencing-based available technology. First, phenolaTi induced apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest at the G2/M phase in MCF7 cells. Second, the transcriptome of the treated cells was analyzed, identifying alterations in pathways relating to protein translation, DNA damage, and mitochondrial eruption. Unlike for common metallodrugs, electrophoresis assay showed no inhibition of DNA polymerase activity. Reduced in vitro cytotoxicity with added endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inhibitor supported the ER as a putative cellular target. Altogether, this paper reveals a distinct ER-related mechanism by the Ti(IV) anticancer coordination complex, paving the way for wider applicability of related techniques in mechanistic analyses of metallodrugs.

Neferine induces apoptosis by modulating the ROS‑mediated JNK pathway in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Current treatments for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have limited efficacy. Therefore, the development of novel therapeutic targets to effectively manage the disease and boost survival rates is imperative Neferine, a natural product extracted from Nelumbo nucifera (lotus) leaves, has been revealed to inhibit the growth of hepatocarcinoma, breast cancer and lung cancer cells. However, its effect on ESCC is unknown. In the present study, it was revealed that neferine exerted anti‑proliferative effects in ESCC. It was also revealed that it triggered arrest of the G2/M phase and enhanced apoptosis of ESCC cell lines. Moreover, its ability to trigger accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activate the c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase (JNK) pathway was demonstrated. Further study revealed how N‑acetyl cysteine (NAC), a ROS inhibitor, attenuated these effects, demonstrating that ROS and JNK inhibitors mediated a marked reversal of neferine‑triggered cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in ESCC cells. Finally, it was revealed that neferine was involved in the inhibition of Nrf2, an antioxidant factor. Collectively, these findings demonstrated the antitumor effect of neferine in ESCC, through the ROS‑mediated JNK pathway and inhibition of Nrf2, indicating its potential as a target for development of novel and effective therapeutic agents against ESCC.

Metabolomics analysis of nitrogen-containing metabolites between two Dendrobium plants

Nitrogen-containing compounds especially alkaloids are important medicinal ingredients in caulis dendrobii plants. Using solid-phase extraction coupled with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and multivariate data analysis methods, metabolic profiling of the nitrogen-containing compounds was established to distinguish Dendrobium huoshanense and Dendrobium officinale. Hundreds of nitrogen-containing compounds from the two caulis dendrobii were purified by the MCX cartridges. Some compounds were identified by high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry technology. Together with multivariate data analysis methods, comparative analysis of the metabolic profiling from two caulis dendrobii was conducted. A total of 133 nitrogen-containing compounds were identified, including amino acids, pyrrolidines, tropanes, pyrimidines, purines, indoles, piperidines, guanidines, quinolines, isoquinolines and terpenoids. Metabolic profiling analysis showed that the composition and contents of these chemical components were significantly different between D. huoshanense and D. officinale. Moreover, some components were species-specific, distributed in the two caulis dendrobii, such as pilosine, ternatusine, etc. Because alkaloids are mainly derived from amino acids via multistep biochemical reactions, the correlation analysis suggested that amino acids were partially associated with several types of components and significantly correlated with certain alkaloids. Arginine was extremely correlated with guanidines. Pyrimidines, purines and niacin-nicotinamide metabolic intermediates were associated with three independent networks. The results further enriched the chemical components currently identified from caulis dendrobii and provided a technical reference for detecting nitrogen-containing compounds in other medicinal plants.

Anticancer activities of phytoconstituents and their liposomal targeting strategies against tumor cells and the microenvironment

Various bioactive ingredients have been extracted from Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) that affect tumor progression and metastasis. To further understand the mechanisms of CHMs in cancer therapy, this article summarizes the effects of five categories of CHMs and their active ingredients on tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment. Despite their treatment potential, the undesirable physicochemical properties (poor permeability, instability, high hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity, toxicity) and unwanted pharmacokinetic profiles (short half-life in blood and low bioavailability) restrict clinical studies of CHMs. Therefore, development of liposomes through relevant surface modifying techniques to achieve targeted CHM delivery for cancer cells, i.e., extracellular and intracellular targets and targets in tumor microenvironment or vasculature, have been reviewed. Current challenges of liposomal targeting of these phytoconstituents and future perspective of CHM applications are discussed to provide an informative reference for interested readers.

3,3',5,5'-tetramethoxybiphenyl-4,4'diol induces cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase and apoptosis in human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. It has aggressive manifestation, high ability to promote metastasis and late diagnosis. In the present study, we investigated the cytotoxic effect of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethoxybiphenyl-4,4'diol (TMBP), against the A549 human non-small cell lung carcinoma lineage. The A549 cell line was treated for 72h with TMBP (12.5-200 μM) with and subsequently defined the 50% inhibitory concentration (148 μM ± 0.05), from which tests were performed to determine the viability, volume, and regulation of the cell cycle. Finally, we investigated the death mechanisms involved in the action of the treatments by flow cytometry and fluorimetry. The TMBP-treatment of primary cells, peritoneal macrophages, and sheep erythrocytes did not reduce the viability of these cells. On the other hand, TMBP was able to reduce the viability of the investigated cell line, by cytotoxic action and to promote the reduction of cell size. Subsequently, we found that TMBP treatment was able to increase the production of reactive oxygen species, cause mitochondrial depolarization, induce cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase and lead to death by direct apoptosis. Thus, this study revealed that TMBP could be a promising candidate for the development of antitumor drugs targeting lung cancer.

Novel agent DMAMCL suppresses osteosarcoma growth and decreases the stemness of osteosarcoma stem cell

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignancy of bone that mostly affects children, adolescents, and young people. Despite advances have been made in multimodal therapy of OS, the long-term survival rate has reached a plateau, and the main obstacles are bad response to chemotherapy and gained chemoresistance. In this study, we tested the therapeutic effect of a newly reported drug, DMAMCL, on OS. Five human OS cell lines (143B, MNNG, MG63, Saos-2, U-2OS), and the mouse fibroblast cell line (NIH3T3) and human retinal epithelial cell (ARPE19) were used. The anti-tumor effect of DMAMCL was studied by MTS assay or IncuCyte-Zoom (in vitro), and Xenograft-mice-model (in vivo). Changes of cell cycle, apoptotic cells, caspase3/7 activities, and stemness after DMAMCL treatment were investigated. BAX siRNAs were used to knockdown the expression of BAX. Expressions of CyclinB1, CDC2, BCL-2 family, PARP, CD133, and Nanog were measured by Western Blotting. DMAMCL-induced dose-dependent OS cell death in vitro, and suppressed tumor growth and extended the survival of xenograft-bearing mice. DMAMCL-induced G2/M phase arrest in vitro, and apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Down-regulation of BAX expression attenuated the DMAMCL-induced OS cell death in vitro. We also found that DMAMCL inhibited the stemness in OS cells. These results indicated that DMAMCL possess therapeutic value in OS and may be a promising candidate for the new drug discovery for OS therapy.

Erianin, a novel dibenzyl compound in Dendrobium extract, inhibits lung cancer cell growth and migration via calcium/calmodulin-dependent ferroptosis

Ferroptosis, a novel form of programmed cell death, is characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and has been shown to be involved in multiple diseases, including cancer. Stimulating ferroptosis in cancer cells may be a potential strategy for cancer therapy. Therefore, ferroptosis-inducing drugs are attracting more attention for cancer treatment. Here, we showed that erianin, a natural product isolated from Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl, exerted its anticancer activity by inducing cell death and inhibiting cell migration in lung cancer cells. Subsequently, we demonstrated for the first time that erianin induced ferroptotic cell death in lung cancer cells, which was accompanied by ROS accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and GSH depletion. The ferroptosis inhibitors Fer-1 and Lip-1 but not Z-VAD-FMK, CQ, or necrostatin-1 rescued erianin-induced cell death, indicating that ferroptosis contributed to erianin-induced cell death. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Ca²⁺/CaM signaling was a critical mediator of erianin-induced ferroptosis and that blockade of this signaling significantly rescued cell death induced by erianin treatment by suppressing ferroptosis. Taken together, our data suggest that the natural product erianin exerts its anticancer effects by inducing Ca²⁺/CaM-dependent ferroptosis and inhibiting cell migration, and erianin will hopefully serve as a prospective compound for lung cancer treatment.

The Role of Apoptin in Chicken Anemia Virus Replication

Apoptin is the Vp3 protein of chicken anemia virus (CAV), which infects the thymocytes and erythroblasts in young chickens, causing chicken infectious anemia and immunosuppression. Apoptin is highly studied for its ability to selectively induce apoptosis in human tumor cells and, thus, is a protein of interest in anti-tumor therapy. CAV apoptin is known to localize to different subcellular compartments in transformed and non-transformed cells, depending on the DNA damage response, and the phosphorylation of several identified threonine residues. In addition, apoptin interacts with molecular machinery such as the anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) to inhibit the cell cycle and induce arrest in G2/M phase. While these functions of apoptin contribute to the tumor-selective effect of the protein, they also provide an important fundamental framework to apoptin’s role in viral infection, pathogenesis, and propagation. Here, we reviewed how the regulation, localization, and functions of apoptin contribute to the viral life cycle and postulated its importance in efficient replication of CAV. A model of the molecular biology of infection is critical to informing our understanding of CAV and other related animal viruses that threaten the agricultural industry.

Identification of the metabolites of erianin in rat and human by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

RATIONALE

Erianin, a bioactive component isolated from Dctidrobium chrysotoxum Lindl, was demonstrated to have many biological properties relevant to cancer prevention and therapy. However, the metabolic profiles of erianin remain unknown. This study was carried out to investigate the metabolic profiles of erianin in rats and humans.

METHODS

Erianin was orally administered to rats at a single dose of 50 mg/kg. Urine and bile samples were collected. For in vitro metabolism, erianin was co-incubated with rat or human hepatocytes at 37°C for 2 h. The samples from incubations and rat were analyzed by liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry. The data were processed by MetWorks software. The structures of the metabolites were proposed by comparing the mass spectra with that of the parent compound.

RESULTS

A total of twenty-four metabolites were detected in vitro and in vivo, including seven phase I and eighteen phase II metabolites. The phase I metabolic pathways of erianin were hydroxylation, demethylation and dehydrogenation. Erianin undergoes metabolic activation to form reactive metabolites quinoid intermediates, which were further trapped by glutathione (GSH) or N-acetylcysteine. The phase II metabolic pathways were glucuronidation, glutathione and N-acetylcysteine conjugation.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study provides an overview pertaining to the in vitro and in vivo metabolic profiles of erianin, which is indispensable for us to understand the efficacy and safety of erianin, as well as the herbal medicine D. chrysotoxum.

Anti-inflammation of Erianin in dextran sulphate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis mice model via collaborative regulation of TLR4 and STAT3

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, idiopathic and inflammatory disease of the rectal and colonic mucosa. Studies have shown that Toll-like receptors (TLR) 4 and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3)-mediated the decline in immune function and inflammatory infiltration are potential pathomechanism of UC occurrence and development. In this study, the anti-inflammation of Erianin, a natural bibenzyl compound with the antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory activities, was investigated in a dextran sodium sulphate-induced UC mouse model. Three-week Erianin administration resulted in the increment on the body weight and colon length, and the reduction on the activity index score of UC mice. Liver, spleen, and renal organ indexes and pathological observations confirmed that Erianin was not cytotoxic and had an effect of improving immune organ function. The haematoxylin and eosin staining sections of colon tissue show Erianin's effect of reversing inflammation in the mucosal laye. Proteomic analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay indicated that Erianin regulated the levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress-related factors and immunochemokines in serum and colon tissues thereby reducing cell peroxidative damage and reducing immune inflammatory responses. Further data obtained by Western Blotting confirmed that Erianin's anti-UC activity was mediated by inhibiting the TLR4 and STAT3 signaling.

LC-MS/MS method for the determination of erianin in rat plasma: Application to a pharmacokinetic study

Erianin is one of the bibenzyl ingredients isolated from Dctidrobium chrysotoxum Lindl. In recent years, erianin has attracted attention owing to its antitumor activity. In this study, an LC-MS/MS method was established to measure erianin in rat plasma. Gigantol was used as the internal standard. A Waters Acquity UPLC BEH C₁₈ column was employed for chromatographic separation. The mobile phase consisted of water containing 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile with a gradient elution at the flow rate of 0.4 ml/min. Selective reaction monitoring mode was used for quantitative analysis of erianin in positive electrospray ionization. In the concentration range of 0.1-1200 ng/ml, erianin in rat plasma was linear with correlation coefficient >0.999. The lowest limit of quantification was 0.1 ng/ml. The intra- and inter-day RSDs were <9.69%, while the RE was in the range of -8.59-11.24%. The mean recovery was >85.37%. Erianin was stable in rat plasma after storage under certain conditions. The validated method was demonstrated to be selective, sensitive and reliable, and has been successfully applied to pharmacokinetic study of erianin in rat plasma. Erianin was rapidly eliminated from rat plasma with a short half-life (〜1.5 h) and low oral bioavailability (8.7%).