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Su L, Liu L, Wang Y, Yan G, Zhang Y. Long-term systemic toxicity of shikonin derivatives in Wistar rats. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2013; 52:486-490. [PMID: 24192282 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2013.846913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract Context: Although the antitumor, immunomodulatory activities, and other effects of shikonin have been studied for decades, its systemic toxicity in vivo remains unclear. Objective: To estimate the long-term systemic toxicity of shikonin derivatives (ShD) in a rat model. Materials and methods: The roots of Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst. (Boraginaceae) were extracted in ethanol, passed through a molecular sieve, and dried. A microemulsion solution in water was subsequently prepared. Adult Wistar rats were treated with ShD by gavage at concentrations of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg per day for 90 days or 180 days. Hematological and biochemical examinations were performed, and the vital organs were subjected to pathological analyses. Results: We did not observe hematological or non-hematological toxicity of ShD at a dose as high as 800 mg/kg per day for 6 months. Discussion and conclusion: Our findings may offer some beneficial information for the practical application and research of Arnebia euchroma. We demonstrated in an animal model that ShD may be safe for usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Su
- Department of Hematology and Oncology and
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Xiong Y, Ma XY, Zhang Z, Shao ZJ, Zhang YY, Zhou LM. Apoptosis induced by β,β-dimethylacrylshikonin is associated with Bcl-2 and NF-κB in human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells. Oncol Lett 2013; 6:1789-1793. [PMID: 24260077 PMCID: PMC3834065 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2013.1613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2012] [Accepted: 09/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
β,β-dimethylacrylshikonin (DA) is a natural naphthoquinone derivative compound of Lithospermum erythrorhizon with various biological activities. The present study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects and underlying mechanisms of DA in human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that DA inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The half maximal inhibitory concentration of DA with regard to the proliferation of MCF-7 cells was 0.050±0.016 mM. The characteristics of cell apoptosis, including cell shrinkage, nuclear pyknosis and chromatin condensation, were all observed in DA-treated cells. DA decreased the expression levels of Bcl-2 and increased the expression of Bax and caspase-3 compared with those in the control. DA inhibited the activity of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway, by downregulating the expression of the p65 subunit, and inhibited the Iκb phosphorylation. DA inhibits the proliferation of MCF-7 cells in vitro by inducing apoptosis through the downregulation of Bcl-2, upregulation of Bax and partial inactivation of the NF-κB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Xiong
- Department of Pharmacology, Preclinical and Forensic Medical College, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
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The apoptotic effect of shikonin on human papillary thyroid carcinoma cells through mitochondrial pathway. Tumour Biol 2013; 35:1791-8. [PMID: 24081676 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-013-1238-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to explore the apoptotic function of shikonin on the papillary thyroid cancer cells and the related mechanism. The papillary thyroid cancer cell lines K1 and W3 and thyroid follicular epithelial cells NTHY-ORI 3-1 were treated with different concentrations of shikonin. Cell proliferation was tested. Morphological changes of the apoptotic cells were observed by Hoechst 33342 staining. The apoptosis rate of the papillary thyroid cancer cells was measured with flow cytometry. Changes of the cell cycle were explored. The mitochondrial membrane potential changes were analyzed after JC-1 staining. Bcl-2 family proteins and caspase-3 expression with shikonin treatment was analyzed by real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Cell proliferation of K1 and W3 was inhibited by shikonin, and the inhibition was dose-time dependent. Papillary thyroid carcinoma cells treated by shikonin had no obvious cell cycle arrest but were observed with the higher apoptosis rate and the typical apoptotic morphological changes of the cell nucleus. JC-1 staining showed that shikonin reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential of papillary thyroid carcinoma cells. Real-time PCR results showed that shikonin significantly increased Bax and caspase-3 expression and upregulated Bcl-2 expression in a dose-dependent manner in papillary thyroid carcinoma cells. However, the NTHY-ORI 3-1 was almost not affected by shikonin treatment. Shikonin can inhibit K1 and W3 cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner, enhance Bax levels, reduce anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 levels, result in decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential and activating caspase-3 enzyme, and finally lead to apoptosis.
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Shikonin kills glioma cells through necroptosis mediated by RIP-1. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66326. [PMID: 23840441 PMCID: PMC3695975 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Shikonin was reported to induce necroptosis in leukemia cells, but apoptosis in glioma cell lines. Thus, it is needed to clarify whether shikonin could cause necroptosis in glioma cells and investigate its underlying mechanisms. METHODS Shikonin and rat C6 glioma cell line and Human U87 glioma cell line were used in this study. The cellular viability was assayed by MTT. Flow cytometry with annexin V-FITC and PI double staining was used to analyze cellular death modes. Morphological alterations in C6 glioma cells treated with shikoinin were evaluated by electronic transmission microscopy and fluorescence microscopy with Hoechst 33342 and PI double staining. The level of reactive oxygen species was assessed by using redox-sensitive dye DCFH-DA. The expressional level of necroptosis associated protein RIP-1 was analyzed by western blotting. RESULTS Shikonin induced cell death in C6 and U87 glioma cells in a dose and time dependent manner. The cell death in C6 and U87 glioma cells could be inhibited by necroptosis inhibitor necrotatin-1, not by pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk. Shikonin treated C6 glioma cells presented electron-lucent cytoplasm, loss of plasma membrane integrity and intact nuclear membrane in morphology. The increased ROS level caused by shikonin was attenuated by necrostatin-1 and blocking ROS by anti-oxidant NAC rescued shikonin-induced cell death in both C6 and U87 glioma cells. Moreover, the expressional level of RIP-1 was up-regulated by shikonin in a dose and time dependent manner as well, but NAC suppressed RIP-1 expression. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that the cell death caused by shikonin in C6 and U87 glioma cells was mainly via necroptosis. Moreover, not only RIP-1 pathway, but also oxidative stress participated in the activation of shikonin induced necroptosis.
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Piao JL, Cui ZG, Furusawa Y, Ahmed K, Rehman MU, Tabuchi Y, Kadowaki M, Kondo T. The molecular mechanisms and gene expression profiling for shikonin-induced apoptotic and necroptotic cell death in U937 cells. Chem Biol Interact 2013; 205:119-27. [PMID: 23811387 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2013.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2013] [Revised: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Shikonin (SHK), a natural naphthoquinone derived from the Chinese medical herb Lithospermum erythrorhizon, induces both apoptosis and necroptosis in several cancer cell lines. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms involved in the initiation of cell death are still unclear. In the present study, caspase-dependent apoptosis was induced by SHK treatment at 1μM after 6h in U937 cells, with increase in DNA fragmentation, generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), fraction of cells with low mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and in the expression of BH3 only proteins Noxa and tBid. Interestingly, caspase-independent cell death was also detected with SHK treatment at 10μM, observed as increase in SYTOX® Green staining and release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) completely inhibited the SHK-induced leakage of LDH and SYTOX® Green staining. Cell permeable exogenous glutathione (GSH) completely inhibited 1μM SHK-induced apoptosis and converted 10μM SHK-induced necroptosis to apoptosis. Gene expression profiling revealed that 353 genes were found to be significantly regulated by 1μM and 85 genes by 10μM of SHK treatment, respectively. Among these genes, the transcription factor 3 (ATF3) and DNA-damage-inducible transcript 3 (DDIT3) were highly expressed at 1μM of SHK treatment, while tumor necrosis factor (TNF) expression mainly increased at 10μM treatment. These findings provide novel information for the molecular mechanism of SHK-induced apoptosis and necroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Lan Piao
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
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Ahn J, Won M, Choi JH, Kim YS, Jung CR, Im DS, Kyun ML, Lee K, Song KB, Chung KS. Reactive oxygen species-mediated activation of the Akt/ASK1/p38 signaling cascade and p21Cip1 downregulation are required for shikonin-induced apoptosis. Apoptosis 2013; 18:870-81. [DOI: 10.1007/s10495-013-0835-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Chen HM, Wang PH, Chen SS, Wen CC, Chen YH, Yang WC, Yang NS. Shikonin induces immunogenic cell death in tumor cells and enhances dendritic cell-based cancer vaccine. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2012; 61:1989-2002. [PMID: 22527248 PMCID: PMC11029192 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-012-1258-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2012] [Accepted: 03/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Immunogenic cell death is characterized by damage-associated molecular patterns, which can enhance the maturation and antigen uptake of dendritic cells. Shikonin, an anti-inflammatory and antitumor phytochemical, was exploited here as an adjuvant for dendritic cell-based cancer vaccines via induction of immunogenic cell death. Shikonin can effectively activate both receptor- and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and increase the expression of all five tested damage-associated molecular patterns in the resultant tumor cell lysates. The combination treatment with damage-associated molecular patterns and LPS activates dendritic cells to a high maturation status and enhances the priming of Th1/Th17 effector cells. Shikonin-tumor cell lysate-loaded mature dendritic cells exhibit a high level of CD86 and MHC class II and activate Th1 cells. The shikonin-tumor cell lysate-loaded dendritic cell vaccines result in a strong induction of cytotoxic activity of splenocytes against target tumor cells, a retardation in tumor growth, and an increase in the survival of test mice. The much enhanced immunogenicity and efficacy of the current cancer vaccine formulation, that is, the use of shikonin-treated tumor cells as cell lysates for the pulse of dendritic cells in culture, may suggest a new ex vivo approach for developing individualized, dendritic cells-based anticancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Ming Chen
- Department and Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Sinica Rd. Sec. 2, Nankang District, Taipei, 11529 Taiwan, ROC
| | - Pi-Hsueh Wang
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Sinica Rd. Sec. 2, Nankang District, Taipei, 11529 Taiwan, ROC
| | - Swey-Shen Chen
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Sinica Rd. Sec. 2, Nankang District, Taipei, 11529 Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Allergy and Vaccinology, IGE Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92131 USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, San Diego, CA 92037 USA
| | - Chih-Chun Wen
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Sinica Rd. Sec. 2, Nankang District, Taipei, 11529 Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yun-Hsiang Chen
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Sinica Rd. Sec. 2, Nankang District, Taipei, 11529 Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Chin Yang
- Department and Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Sinica Rd. Sec. 2, Nankang District, Taipei, 11529 Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ning-Sun Yang
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Sinica Rd. Sec. 2, Nankang District, Taipei, 11529 Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Zhongli, Taiwan, ROC
- Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
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Shikonin directly targets mitochondria and causes mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer cells. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 2012:726025. [PMID: 23118796 PMCID: PMC3478753 DOI: 10.1155/2012/726025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2012] [Accepted: 09/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy is a mainstay of cancer treatment. Due to increased drug resistance and the severe side effects of currently used therapeutics, new candidate compounds are required for improvement of therapy success. Shikonin, a natural naphthoquinone, was used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of different inflammatory diseases and recent studies revealed the anticancer activities of shikonin. We found that shikonin has strong cytotoxic effects on 15 cancer cell lines, including multidrug-resistant cell lines. Transcriptome-wide mRNA expression studies showed that shikonin induced genetic pathways regulating cell cycle, mitochondrial function, levels of reactive oxygen species, and cytoskeletal formation. Taking advantage of the inherent fluorescence of shikonin, we analyzed its uptake and distribution in live cells with high spatial and temporal resolution using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Shikonin was specifically accumulated in the mitochondria, and this accumulation was associated with a shikonin-dependent deregulation of cellular Ca2+ and ROS levels. This deregulation led to a breakdown of the mitochondrial membrane potential, dysfunction of microtubules, cell-cycle arrest, and ultimately induction of apoptosis. Seeing as both the metabolism and the structure of mitochondria show marked differences between cancer cells and normal cells, shikonin is a promising candidate for the next generation of chemotherapy.
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Yang LH, Ho YJ, Lin JF, Yeh CW, Kao SH, Hsu LS. Butein inhibits the proliferation of breast cancer cells through generation of reactive oxygen species and modulation of ERK and p38 activities. Mol Med Rep 2012; 6:1126-32. [PMID: 22895548 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2012.1023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 06/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Butein (3,4,2',4'-tetrahydroxychalcone) is a polyphenol derived from various natural plants and is capable of inducing several types of death in cancer cells. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying butein-induced breast cancer cell apoptosis remain unknown. The present study aimed to prove that butein inhibits the proliferation of MDA-MB‑231 human breast cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Butein markedly induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), decreased the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), increased p38 activity, diminished Bcl-2 expression, induced caspase 3 cleavage and was associated with poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. Our findings also indicate that ROS may play an important role in butein-induced apoptosis, as pre-treatment with the antioxidant, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), prevented butein-induced apoptosis. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that butein inhibits the proliferation of breast cancer cells through the generation of ROS and the modulation of ERK and p38 activities. We also demonstrate that these effects may be abrogaged by pre-treatment with NAC. Our results suggest that butein may function as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Heng Yang
- Department of Surgery, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, ROC
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Wang R, Yin R, Zhou W, Xu D, Li S. Shikonin and its derivatives: a patent review. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2012; 22:977-97. [PMID: 22834677 DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2012.709237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Shikonin and its derivatives are the main components of red pigment extracts from Lithospermum erythrorhizon, whose medicinal properties have been confirmed for a long history, and have aroused great interest as the hallmark molecules responsible for their significant biological activities, especially for their striking anticancer effects. AREAS COVERED Areas covered in this paper include a review of the total synthesis, biological effects and mechanisms of shikonin and its derivatives for their anticancer activities in the past decade, basing on literature and patents. The current state and problems are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION At present, screening for anticancer shikonin derivatives is based on cellular level to find compounds with stronger cytotoxicity. Though several compounds have been discovered with striking cytotoxicity in vitro, however, no selectivity was observed and undoubtedly, the further outcomes have been disappointing because of their great damage to normal cells. Meanwhile, the presumed mechanisms of action are also established in terms of their cytotoxicity. From a pharmacological point of view, most of the shikonin derivatives are at an early stage of their development, and thus it is difficult to determine the exact effectiveness in cancer treatment. With research in this field going deeper, it can be expected that, despite the difficulties, shikonin derivatives as potential anticancer agents will soon follow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubing Wang
- Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Pharmacy, 800 Dongchun Road, Shanghai 200240, PR China.
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Shen XJ, Wang HB, Ma XQ, Chen JH. β,β-Dimethylacrylshikonin induces mitochondria dependent apoptosis through ERK pathway in human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41773. [PMID: 22848597 PMCID: PMC3407073 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
β,β-Dimethylacrylshikonin, one of the active components in the root extracts of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, posses antitumor activity. In this study, we discussed the molecular mechanisms of β,β-dimethylacrylshikonin in the apoptosis of SGC-7901 cells. β,β-Dimethylacrylshikonin reduced the cell viability of SGC-7901 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner and induced cell apoptosis. β,β-Dimethylacrylshikonin treatment in SGC-7901 cells down-regulated the expression of XIAP, cIAP-2, and Bcl-2 and up-regulated the expression of Bak and Bax and caused the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and release of cytochrome c. Additionally, β,β-dimethylacrylshikonin treatment led to activation of caspases-9, 8 and 3, and cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), which was abolished by pretreatment with the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. β,β-Dimethylacrylshikonin induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in SGC-7901 cells. U0126, a specific MEK inhibitor, blocked the ERK activation by β,β-dimethylacrylshikonin and abrogated β,β-dimethylacrylshikonin -induced apoptosis. Our results demonstrated that β,β-dimethylacrylshikonin inhibited growth of gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells by inducing ERK signaling pathway, and provided a clue for preclinical and clinical evaluation of β,β-dimethylacrylshikonin for gastric cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Jin Shen
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Bing Wang
- National Clinical Research Base of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Qiong Ma
- National Clinical Research Base of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiang-Hua Chen
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Wen CC, Chen HM, Yang NS. Developing Phytocompounds from Medicinal Plants as Immunomodulators. ADVANCES IN BOTANICAL RESEARCH 2012; 62:197-272. [PMID: 32300254 PMCID: PMC7150268 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394591-4.00004-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Imbalance or malfunction of the immune systems is associated with a range of chronic diseases including autoimmune diseases, allergies, cancers and others. Various innate and adaptive immune cells that are integrated in this complex networking system may represent promising targets for developing immunotherapeutics for treating specific immune diseases. A spectrum of phytochemicals have been isolated, characterized and modified for development and use as prevention or treatment of human diseases. Many cytotoxic drugs and antibiotics have been developed from phytocompounds, but the application of traditional or new medicinal plants for use as immunomodulators in treating immune diseases is still relatively limited. In this review, a selected group of medicinal herbs, their derived crude or fractionated phytoextracts and the specific phytochemicals/phytocompounds isolated from them, as well as categorized phytocompound groups with specific chemical structures are discussed in terms of their immunomodulatory bioactivities. We also assess their potential for future development as immunomodulatory or inflammation-regulatory therapeutics or agents. New experimental approaches for evaluating the immunomodulatory activities of candidate phytomedicines are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Chun Wen
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ming Chen
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department and Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ning-Sun Yang
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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Han W, Xie J, Fang Y, Wang Z, Pan H. Nec-1 enhances shikonin-induced apoptosis in leukemia cells by inhibition of RIP-1 and ERK1/2. Int J Mol Sci 2012; 13:7212-7225. [PMID: 22837689 PMCID: PMC3397521 DOI: 10.3390/ijms13067212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2012] [Revised: 04/23/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) inhibits necroptosis by allosterically inhibiting the kinase activity of receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIP1), which plays a critical role in necroptosis. RIP1 is a crucial adaptor kinase involved in the activation of NF-κB, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the phosphorylation of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs). NF-κB, ROS and MAPKs all play important roles in apoptotic signaling. Nec-1 was regarded as having no effect on apoptosis. Here, we report that Nec-1 increased the rate of nuclear condensation and caspases activation induced by a low concentration of shikonin (SHK) in HL60, K562 and primary leukemia cells. siRNA-mediated knockdown of RIP1 significantly enhanced shikonin-induced apoptosis in K562 and HL60 cells. Shikonin treatment alone could slightly inhibit the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in leukemia cells, and the inhibitory effect on ERK1/2 was significantly augmented by Nec-1. We also found that Nec-1 could inhibit NF-κB p65 translocation to the nucleus at a later stage of SHK treatment. In conclusion, we found that Nec-1 can promote shikonin-induced apoptosis in leukemia cells. The mechanism by which Nec-1 sensitizes shikonin-induced apoptosis appears to be the inhibition of RIP1 kinase-dependent phosphorylation of ERK1/2. To our knowledge, this is the first study to document Nec-1 sensitizes cancer cells to apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Han
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310016, China; E-Mails: (W.H.); (Y.F.); (Z.W.)
| | - Jiansheng Xie
- The Cancer Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, China; E-Mail:
| | - Yong Fang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310016, China; E-Mails: (W.H.); (Y.F.); (Z.W.)
| | - Zhanggui Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310016, China; E-Mails: (W.H.); (Y.F.); (Z.W.)
| | - Hongming Pan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310016, China; E-Mails: (W.H.); (Y.F.); (Z.W.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +86-571-8600-6922; Fax: +86-571-8643-6673
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Phyllanthus urinaria Induces Apoptosis in Human Osteosarcoma 143B Cells via Activation of Fas/FasL- and Mitochondria-Mediated Pathways. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 2012:925824. [PMID: 22454688 PMCID: PMC3291129 DOI: 10.1155/2012/925824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2011] [Accepted: 11/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Phyllanthus urinaria (P. urinaria), in this study, was used for the treatment of human osteosarcoma cells, which is one of the tough malignancies with few therapeutic modalities. Herein, we demonstrated that P. urinaria inhibited human osteosarcoma 143B cells growth through an apoptotic extrinsic pathway to activate Fas receptor/ligand expression. Both intracellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species were increased to lead to alterations of mitochondrial membrane permeability and Bcl-2 family including upregulation of Bid, tBid, and Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2. P. urinaria triggered an intrinsic pathway and amplified the caspase cascade to induce apoptosis of 143B cells. However, upregulation of both intracellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and the sequential membrane potential change were less pronounced in the mitochondrial respiratory-defective 143Bρ(0) cells compared with the 143B cells. This study offers the evidence that mitochondria are essential for the anticancer mechanism induced by P. urinaria through both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways.
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Bao MH, Dai W, Li YJ, Hu CP. Rutaecarpine prevents hypoxia-reoxygenation-induced myocardial cell apoptosis via inhibition of NADPH oxidases. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2012; 89:177-86. [PMID: 21423291 DOI: 10.1139/y11-006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
It is proposed that myocardial cell apoptosis causes ventricular remodeling and heart failure. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of rutaecarpine (Rut) on hypoxia-reoxygenation (H-R)-induced apoptosis in myocardial cell line H9c2, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Cultured H9c2 cells were exposed to hypoxia for 24 h, followed by 12 h reoxygenation. Rut (in concentrations of 0.1, 1, and 10 µmol/L) was added 1 h prior to H-R. Cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase were measured to evaluate the cell injuries. Apoptosis was evaluated by Hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometry. NADPH oxidase activity was measured by assay kit; intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was detected by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate; and Nox2, Nox4, and p47(phox) mRNA and protein expression were analyzed by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The results showed that H-R significantly decreased cell viability and increased the lactate dehydrogenase release, as well as the apoptotic rate, concomitantly with enhanced NADPH oxidase activity. H-R also upregulated mRNA and protein expressions of Nox2, Nox4, and p47(phox) and increased ROS production. Treatment with Rut markedly reversed these effects introduced by H-R. These results suggest that the protective effects of Rut against H-R-induced myocardial cell injury and apoptosis might, at least partly, be due to the inhibition of the NADPH oxidase - ROS pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Hua Bao
- Department of Pharmacy, Changsha Medical University, China
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66
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Lin CJ, Lee CC, Shih YL, Lin TY, Wang SH, Lin YF, Shih CM. Resveratrol enhances the therapeutic effect of temozolomide against malignant glioma in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting autophagy. Free Radic Biol Med 2012; 52:377-91. [PMID: 22094224 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2011.10.487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2011] [Revised: 10/22/2011] [Accepted: 10/24/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The alkylating agent temozolomide (TMZ) is the major chemotherapeutic drug used clinically in the treatment of malignant gliomas. This study investigated the mechanism behind TMZ-induced cell death and the possibility that resveratrol might increase TMZ efficacy. TMZ induced both apoptotic cell death and cytoprotective autophagy through a reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation, which was suppressed by resveratrol, resulting in a decrease in autophagy and an increase in apoptosis, suggesting that the ROS/ERK pathway plays a crucial role in the fate of cells after TMZ treatment. Isobolographic analysis indicated that the combination of TMZ and resveratrol has a synergistic effect. Moreover, an in vivo mouse xenograft study also showed that coadministration of resveratrol and TMZ reduced tumor volumes by suppressing ROS/ERK-mediated autophagy and subsequently inducing apoptosis. Taken together, our data indicate that TMZ-induced ROS/ERK-mediated autophagy protected glioma cells from apoptosis, and the combination of resveratrol with TMZ could improve the efficacy of chemotherapy for brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Ju Lin
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
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67
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Chen YH, Yeh CW, Lo HC, Su SL, Hseu YC, Hsu LS. Generation of reactive oxygen species mediates butein-induced apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells. Oncol Rep 2012; 27:1233-7. [PMID: 22245810 PMCID: PMC3583478 DOI: 10.3892/or.2012.1632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2011] [Accepted: 11/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Flavonoids exhibit chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects. Butein, a bioactive flavonoid isolated from numerous native plants, has been shown to induce apoptosis in human cancer cells. In the current study, the molecular mechanisms of butein action on cell proliferation and apoptosis of neuroblastoma cells were evaluated. Treatment with butein decreased the viability of Neuro-2A neuroblastoma cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The dose-dependent nature of butein-induced apoptosis was characterized by an increase in the sub-G1 phase population. Treatment with butein significantly increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS)levels and reduced the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, triggering the cleavage of pro-caspase 3 and poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Pre-treatment with the antioxidant agent, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), blocks butein-induced ROS generation and cell death. NAC also recovers butein-induced apoptosis-related protein alteration. In conclusion, butein-triggered neuroblastoma cells undergo apoptosis via generation of ROS, alteration of the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and cleavage of pro-caspase 3 and PARP. Our results suggest that butein may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Hui Chen
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
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68
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Tan W, Lu J, Huang M, Li Y, Chen M, Wu G, Gong J, Zhong Z, Xu Z, Dang Y, Guo J, Chen X, Wang Y. Anti-cancer natural products isolated from chinese medicinal herbs. Chin Med 2011. [PMID: 21777476 DOI: 10.1186/1749-8546-6- 27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a number of natural products isolated from Chinese herbs have been found to inhibit proliferation, induce apoptosis, suppress angiogenesis, retard metastasis and enhance chemotherapy, exhibiting anti-cancer potential both in vitro and in vivo. This article summarizes recent advances in in vitro and in vivo research on the anti-cancer effects and related mechanisms of some promising natural products. These natural products are also reviewed for their therapeutic potentials, including flavonoids (gambogic acid, curcumin, wogonin and silibinin), alkaloids (berberine), terpenes (artemisinin, β-elemene, oridonin, triptolide, and ursolic acid), quinones (shikonin and emodin) and saponins (ginsenoside Rg3), which are isolated from Chinese medicinal herbs. In particular, the discovery of the new use of artemisinin derivatives as excellent anti-cancer drugs is also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jinjian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 548 Binwen Rd., Binjiang Dist., Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mingqing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1 Huatuo Rd., Shangjie University Town, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, China
| | - Yingbo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Meiwan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Guosheng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jian Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Zengtao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yuanye Dang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jiajie Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Xiuping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yitao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
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69
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Tan W, Lu J, Huang M, Li Y, Chen M, Wu G, Gong J, Zhong Z, Xu Z, Dang Y, Guo J, Chen X, Wang Y. Anti-cancer natural products isolated from chinese medicinal herbs. Chin Med 2011; 6:27. [PMID: 21777476 PMCID: PMC3149025 DOI: 10.1186/1749-8546-6-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 255] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a number of natural products isolated from Chinese herbs have been found to inhibit proliferation, induce apoptosis, suppress angiogenesis, retard metastasis and enhance chemotherapy, exhibiting anti-cancer potential both in vitro and in vivo. This article summarizes recent advances in in vitro and in vivo research on the anti-cancer effects and related mechanisms of some promising natural products. These natural products are also reviewed for their therapeutic potentials, including flavonoids (gambogic acid, curcumin, wogonin and silibinin), alkaloids (berberine), terpenes (artemisinin, β-elemene, oridonin, triptolide, and ursolic acid), quinones (shikonin and emodin) and saponins (ginsenoside Rg3), which are isolated from Chinese medicinal herbs. In particular, the discovery of the new use of artemisinin derivatives as excellent anti-cancer drugs is also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jinjian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 548 Binwen Rd., Binjiang Dist., Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mingqing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1 Huatuo Rd., Shangjie University Town, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, China
| | - Yingbo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Meiwan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Guosheng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jian Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Zengtao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yuanye Dang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jiajie Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Xiuping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yitao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
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70
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Chen N, Hanly L, Rieder M, Yeger H, Koren G. The effect of N-acetylcysteine on the antitumor activity of ifosfamide. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2011; 89:335-43. [PMID: 21609276 DOI: 10.1139/y11-028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Ifosfamide-induced nephrotoxicity is a serious adverse effect in children undergoing chemotherapy. Our previous cell and rodent models have shown that the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC), used extensively as an antidote for acetaminophen poisoning, protects renal tubular cells from ifosfamide-induced nephrotoxicity at a clinically relevant concentration. For the use of NAC to be clinically relevant in preventing ifosfamide nephrotoxicity, we must ensure there is no effect of NAC on the antitumor activity of ifosfamide. Common pediatric tumors that are sensitive to ifosfamide, human neuroblastoma SK-N-BE(2) and rhabdomyosarcoma RD114-B cells, received either no pretreatment or pretreatment with 400 µmol/L of NAC, followed by concurrent treatment with NAC and either ifosfamide or the active agent ifosfamide mustard. Ifosfamide mustard significantly decreased the growth of both cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.001). The different combined treatments of NAC alone, sodium 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate alone, or NAC plus sodium 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate did not significantly interfere with the tumor cytotoxic effect of ifosfamide mustard. These observations suggest that NAC may improve the risk/benefit ratio of ifosfamide by decreasing ifosfamide-induced nephrotoxicity without interfering with its antitumor effect in cancer cells clinically treated with ifosfamide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Chen
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
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71
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Long S, GuangZhi Y, BaoJie G, Wei X, YanYong H, YingLi W, Yang Z, LiHua L. Shikonin derivatives protect immune organs from damage and promote immune responses in vivo in tumour-bearing mice. Phytother Res 2011; 26:26-33. [PMID: 21538626 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.3503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2011] [Accepted: 03/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Shikonin, a major component of Lithospermum erythrorhizon and Arnebia euchroma, exhibits antiinflammatory, immunomodulatory and antitumour activities. Although many recent studies have focused on the antitumour effects of shikonin, the exact mechanisms underlying its antitumour and immunomodulatory effects in tumour-bearing mice remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antitumour and immunomodulatory effects of shikonin derivatives (ShD) in tumour-bearing mice. Swiss mice inoculated with hepatoma HepA(22) or sarcoma 180 (S(180)) cells were treated with ShD or 5-fluorouracil (5Fu). Survival time, immune organs, natural killer cell activity, lymphocytes, lymphocyte transformation and interleukin (IL)-2 production were analysed. ShD significantly prolonged the survival (median survival time prolonged by >7 days) of tumour-bearing mice in a dose-dependent manner, inhibited the growth of transplantable neoplasms (inhibitory rate, > 33%), and recovered (at [ShD] = 2.5 mg/kg/day) or increased (at [ShD] > 5 mg/kg/day) the number of CD3- and CD19-positive cells. ShD also played a role in protecting the immune organs from damage and reversed or enhanced immune responses, as noted by the nearly normal thymic structure; enlarged splenic corpuscles; and improved natural killer cell activity, lymphocyte transformation and IL-2 production in ShD-treated mice. ShD reduced the tumour load of tumour-bearing mice and protected the immune organs against tumour-induced damage and immune function impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Long
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First Clinical College, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
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72
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Gao H, Liu L, Qu ZY, Wei FX, Wang SQ, Chen G, Qin L, Jiang FY, Wang YC, Shang L, Gao ACY. Anti-adenovirus Activities of Shikonin, a Component of Chinese Herbal Medicine in Vitro. Biol Pharm Bull 2011; 34:197-202. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.34.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Gao
- Department of Hygienic Microbiology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Hygienic Microbiology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jamusi University
| | - Zhang-yi Qu
- Department of Hygienic Microbiology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University
| | - Feng-xiang Wei
- Department of Hygienic Microbiology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University
- Department of Biology, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University
| | - Shu-qiu Wang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jamusi University
| | - Guang Chen
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jamusi University
| | - Le Qin
- Department of Hygienic Microbiology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University
| | - Fu-yang Jiang
- Department of Hygienic Microbiology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University
| | - Ying-chen Wang
- Department of Hygienic Microbiology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University
| | - Lei Shang
- Department of Hygienic Microbiology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University
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