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Li Y, Lu X, Qi H, Li X, Xiao X, Gao J. Ursolic acid induces apoptosis through mitochondrial intrinsic pathway and suppression of ERK1/2 MAPK in HeLa cells. J Pharmacol Sci 2014; 125:202-10. [PMID: 24881958 DOI: 10.1254/jphs.14017fp] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA), a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid compound, has been demonstrated to induce apoptosis in various tumors. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of UA-induced apoptosis in HeLa cells. Here, we reported that UA induced apoptosis through the mitochondrial intrinsic pathway in HeLa cells, as shown by release of cytosol cytochrome c, activation of caspase-9 and -3, reduction of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, and increase of Bax and Bak. UA down-regulated the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38, whereas phosphorylation of JNK was unchanged. The roles of ERK1/2 and p38 were further confirmed using the ERK1/2 inhibitor (U0126) and p38 inhibitor (SB203580). U0126 markedly increased UA-induced the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, the increase of cytosol cytochrome c, and the levels of cleaved caspase-3, but SB203580 had little effects on the above characters, suggesting the ERK1/2 signaling pathway is required for apoptosis. Furthermore, UA up-regulated DUSP 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 10 mRNA expressions, which may be a clue for the role of dephosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38. These data suggested that the apoptotic mechanism of UA treatment in HeLa cells was through the mitochondrial intrinsic pathway and closely associated with the suppression of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Li
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry of Plant Resources in Arid Regions, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
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Feng X, Lyu Y, Wu Z, Fang Y, Xu H, Zhao P, Xu Y, Feng H. Fructus ligustri lucidi ethanol extract improves bone mineral density and properties through modulating calcium absorption-related gene expression in kidney and duodenum of growing rats. Calcif Tissue Int 2014; 94:433-41. [PMID: 24343527 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-013-9825-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 11/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Optimizing peak bone mass in early life is one of key preventive strategies against osteoporosis. Fructus ligustri lucidi (FLL), the fruit of Ligustrum lucidum Ait., is a commonly prescribed herb in many kidney-tonifying traditional Chinese medicinal formulas to alleviate osteoporosis. Previously, FLL extracts have been shown to have osteoprotective effect in aged or ovariectomized rats. In the present study, we investigated the effects of FLL ethanol extract on bone mineral density (BMD) and mechanical properties in growing male rats and explored the underlying mechanisms. Male weaning Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four groups and orally administrated for 4 months an AIN-93G formula-based diet supplementing with different doses of FLL ethanol extract (0.40, 0.65, and 0.90 %) or vehicle control, respectively. Then calcium balance, serum level of Ca, P, 25(OH)2D3, 1,25(OH)2D3, osteocalcin (OCN), C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I), and parathyroid hormone, bone microarchitecture, and calcium absorption-related genes expression in duodenum and kidney were analyzed. The results demonstrated that FLL ethanol extract increased BMD of growing rats and improved their bone microarchitecture and mechanical properties. FLL ethanol extract altered bone turnover, as evidenced by increasing a bone formation maker, OCN, and decreasing a bone resorption maker, CTX-I. Intriguingly, both Ca absorption and Ca retention rate were elevated by FLL ethanol extract treatment, possibly through the mechanisms of up-regulating the transcriptions of calcitropic genes in kidney (1α-hydroxylase) and duodenum (vitamin D receptor, calcium transporter calbindin-D9k, and transient receptor potential vanilloid 6). In conclusion, FLL ethanol extract increased bone mass gain and improved bone properties via modulating bone turnover and up-regulating calcium absorption-related gene expression in kidney and duodenum, which could then activate 1,25(OH)2D3-dependent calcium transport in male growing rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Feng
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
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Jóźwiak A, Jóźwiak G, Waksmundzka-Hajnos M. Simultaneous HPLC determination of pomolic, ursolic and euscaphic/tormentic acids in roots and rhizomes of variousPotentillaspecies. ACTA CHROMATOGR 2014. [DOI: 10.1556/achrom.26.2014.1.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Zang LL, Wu BN, Lin Y, Wang J, Fu L, Tang ZY. Research progress of ursolic acid's anti-tumor actions. Chin J Integr Med 2014; 20:72-9. [PMID: 24374755 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-013-1541-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a sort of pentacyclic triterpenoid carboxylic acid purified from natural plant. UA has a series of biological effects such as sedative, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, antiulcer, etc. It is discovered that UA has a broad-spectrum anti-tumor effect in recent years, which has attracted more and more scholars' attention. This review explained anti-tumor actions of UA, including (1) the protection of cells' DNA from different damages; (2) the anti-tumor cell proliferation by the inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor/mitogen-activated protein kinase signal or of FoxM1 transcription factors, respectively; (3) antiangiogenesis, (4) the immunological surveillance to tumors; (5) the inhibition of tumor cell migration and invasion; (6) the effect of UA on caspase, cytochromes C, nuclear factor kappa B, cyclooxygenase, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) or mammalian target of rapamycin signal to induce tumor cell apoptosis respectively, and etc. Moreover, UA has selective toxicity to tumor cells, basically no effect on normal cells. With further studies, UA would be one of the potential anti-tumor agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-li Zang
- Pharmacology Department, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, 116044, China
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55
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Sen T, Samanta SK. Medicinal plants, human health and biodiversity: a broad review. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2014; 147:59-110. [PMID: 25001990 DOI: 10.1007/10_2014_273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Biodiversity contributes significantly towards human livelihood and development and thus plays a predominant role in the well being of the global population. According to WHO reports, around 80 % of the global population still relies on botanical drugs; today several medicines owe their origin to medicinal plants. Natural substances have long served as sources of therapeutic drugs, where drugs including digitalis (from foxglove), ergotamine (from contaminated rye), quinine (from cinchona), and salicylates (willow bark) can be cited as some classical examples.Drug discovery from natural sources involve a multifaceted approach combining botanical, phytochemical, biological, and molecular techniques. Accordingly, medicinal-plant-based drug discovery still remains an important area, hitherto unexplored, where a systematic search may definitely provide important leads against various pharmacological targets.Ironically, the potential benefits of plant-based medicines have led to unscientific exploitation of the natural resources, a phenomenon that is being observed globally. This decline in biodiversity is largely the result of the rise in the global population, rapid and sometimes unplanned industrialization, indiscriminate deforestation, overexploitation of natural resources, pollution, and finally global climate change.Therefore, it is of utmost importance that plant biodiversity be preserved, to provide future structural diversity and lead compounds for the sustainable development of human civilization at large. This becomes even more important for developing nations, where well-planned bioprospecting coupled with nondestructive commercialization could help in the conservation of biodiversity, ultimately benefiting mankind in the long run.Based on these findings, the present review is an attempt to update our knowledge about the diverse therapeutic application of different plant products against various pharmacological targets including cancer, human brain, cardiovascular function, microbial infection, inflammation, pain, and many more.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuhinadri Sen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and School of Natural Product Studies, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India,
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Deng S, May BH, Zhang AL, Lu C, Xue CCL. Phytotherapy in the management of psoriasis: a review of the efficacy and safety of oral interventions and the pharmacological actions of the main plants. Arch Dermatol Res 2013; 306:211-29. [DOI: 10.1007/s00403-013-1428-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Revised: 10/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Liu B, Liu Y, Yang G, Xu Z, Chen J. Ursolic acid induces neural regeneration after sciatic nerve injury. Neural Regen Res 2013; 8:2510-9. [PMID: 25206561 PMCID: PMC4145935 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.27.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to explore the role of ursolic acid in the neural regeneration of the injured sciatic nerve. BALB/c mice were used to establish models of sciatic nerve injury through unilateral sciatic nerve complete transection and microscopic anastomosis at 0.5 cm below the ischial tube-rosity. The successfully generated model mice were treated with 10, 5, or 2.5 mg/kg ursolic acid via intraperitoneal injection. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results showed that serum S100 protein expression level gradually increased at 1-4 weeks after sciatic nerve injury, and significantly decreased at 8 weeks. As such, ursolic acid has the capacity to significantly increase S100 protein expression levels. Real-time quantitative PCR showed that S100 mRNA expression in the L4-6 segments on the injury side was increased after ursolic acid treatment. In addition, the muscular mass index in the soleus muscle was also increased in mice treated with ursolic acid. Toluidine blue staining revealed that the quantity and average diameter of myelinated nerve fibers in the injured sciatic nerve were significantly increased after treatment with ursolic acid. 10 and 5 mg/kg of ursolic acid produced stronger effects than 2.5 mg/kg of ursolic acid. Our findings indicate that ursolic acid can dose-dependently increase S100 expression and promote neural regeneration in BALB/c mice following sciatic nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Liu
- Department of Hand Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Hand Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Hand Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Zemin Xu
- Department of Hand Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jiajun Chen
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
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58
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He Y, Li Y, Zhao T, Wang Y, Sun C. Ursolic acid inhibits adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes through LKB1/AMPK pathway. PLoS One 2013; 8:e70135. [PMID: 23922935 PMCID: PMC3724828 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0070135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 06/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ursolic acid (UA) is a triterpenoid compound with multiple biological functions. This compound has recently been reported to possess an anti-obesity effect; however, the mechanisms are less understood. OBJECTIVE As adipogenesis plays a critical role in obesity, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of UA on adipogenesis and mechanisms of action in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. METHODS AND RESULTS The 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were induced to differentiate in the presence or absence of UA for 6 days. The cells were determined for proliferation, differentiation, fat accumulation as well as the protein expressions of molecular targets that regulate or are involved in fatty acid synthesis and oxidation. The results demonstrated that ursolic acid at concentrations ranging from 2.5 µM to 10 µM dose-dependently attenuated adipogenesis, accompanied by reduced protein expression of CCAAT element binding protein β (C/EBPβ), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT element binding protein α (C/EBPα) and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), respectively. Ursolic acid increased the phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and protein expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1), but decreased protein expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4). Ursolic acid increased the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and protein expression of (silent mating type information regulation 2, homolog) 1 (Sirt1). Further studies demonstrated that the anti-adipogenic effect of UA was reversed by the AMPK siRNA, but not by the Sirt1 inhibitor nicotinamide. Liver kinase B1 (LKB1), the upstream kinase of AMPK, was upregulated by UA. When LKB1 was silenced with siRNA or the inhibitor radicicol, the effect of UA on AMPK activation was diminished. CONCLUSIONS Ursolic acid inhibited 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis through the LKB1/AMPK pathway. There is potential to develop UA into a therapeutic agent for the prevention or treatment of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghan He
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, Life Sciences Branch, National Research Council Canada, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Tiantian Zhao
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, Life Sciences Branch, National Research Council Canada, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yanwen Wang
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, Life Sciences Branch, National Research Council Canada, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - Changhao Sun
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
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Sultana N, Saify ZS, Saleem M, Kamal M. Two new triterpenes fromAlstonia scholarisflowers. Nat Prod Res 2013; 27:1277-86. [DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2012.730046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Liu K, Guo L, Miao L, Bao W, Yang J, Li X, Xi T, Zhao W. Ursolic acid inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition by suppressing the expression of astrocyte-elevated gene-1 in human nonsmall cell lung cancer A549 cells. Anticancer Drugs 2013; 24:494-503. [PMID: 23511428 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0b013e328360093b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the most death-related cancers worldwide. Ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpene acid, has a wide range of anticancer functions such as proapoptosis, antiangiogenesis, and antimetastasis. This study was carried out to explore the inhibition mechanism of UA on metastasis of lung cancer A549 cells. First, we found that UA inhibited the metastasis of lung cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner through an adhesion assay, a cell wound healing assay, and a transwell migration assay in vitro. In addition, after treatment with UA, the A549 cells showed decreased expression of astrocyte-elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) accompanied by upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of N-cadherin and vimentin, which have been reported to characterize the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Further results also confirmed that the expression of vimentin was decreased by the siRNA technique to directly knock down AEG-1 expression, indicating that AEG-1 was involved in UA-mediated EMT inhibition. Furthermore, our results showed that UA suppressed the expression level of AEG-1 by repressing nuclear factor-κB signaling. Altogether, UA inhibited the EMT by suppressing the expression of AEG-1, correlating with inhibition of nuclear factor-κB in A549 cells. These findings suggested that UA was a potent anti-lung cancer agent, and it may be able to prevent invasion and metastasis of lung cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunmei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009 People's Republic of China
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61
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Tan KW, Li Y, Paxton JW, Birch NP, Scheepens A. Identification of novel dietary phytochemicals inhibiting the efflux transporter breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2). Food Chem 2013; 138:2267-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2012] [Revised: 12/02/2012] [Accepted: 12/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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62
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Wang J, Liu L, Qiu H, Zhang X, Guo W, Chen W, Tian Y, Fu L, Shi D, Cheng J, Huang W, Deng W. Ursolic acid simultaneously targets multiple signaling pathways to suppress proliferation and induce apoptosis in colon cancer cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63872. [PMID: 23737956 PMCID: PMC3667855 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA), a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid carboxylic acid distributed in medical herbs, exerts antitumor effects and is emerging as a promising compound for cancer prevention and therapy, but its excise mechanisms of action in colon cancer cells remains largely unknown. Here, we identified the molecular mechanisms by which UA inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in human colon cancer SW480 and LoVo cells. Treatment with UA led to significant inhibitions in cell viability and clone formation and changes in cell morphology and spreading. UA also suppressed colon cancer cell migration by inhibiting MMP9 and upregulating CDH1 expression. Further studies showed that UA inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt and ERK proteins. Pretreatment with an Akt or ERK-specific inhibitor considerably abrogated the proliferation inhibition by UA. UA also significantly inhibited colon cancer cell COX-2 expression and PGE2 production. Pretreatment with a COX-2 inhibitor (celecoxib) abrogated the UA-induced cell proliferation. Moreover, we found that UA effectively promoted NF-κB and p300 translocation from cell nuclei to cytoplasm, and attenuated the p300-mediated acetylation of NF-κB and CREB2. Pretreatment with a p300 inhibitor (roscovitine) abrogated the UA-induced cell proliferation, which is reversed by p300 overexpression. Furthermore, UA treatment induced colon cancer cell apoptosis, increased the cleavage of PARP, caspase-3 and 9, and trigged the release of cytochrome c from mitochondrial inter-membrane space into cytosol. These results indicate that UA inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in colon cancer cells through simultaneous modulation of the multiple signaling pathways such as MMP9/CDH1, Akt/ERK, COX-2/PGE2, p300/NF-κB/CREB2, and cytochrome c/caspase pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingshu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liqun Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital-Huangpu Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huijuan Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Zhang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University Cancer Center, Dalian, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University Cancer Center, Dalian, China
| | - Wangbing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingyi Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dingbo Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianding Cheng
- Department of Forensic Pathology, Sun Yat-Sen University Medical School, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenlin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeted Drug for Tumors of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou Double Bioproduct Inc, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wuguo Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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Li G, Zhou T, Liu L, Chen J, Zhao Z, Peng Y, Li P, Gao N. Ezrin dephosphorylation/downregulation contributes to ursolic acid-mediated cell death in human leukemia cells. Blood Cancer J 2013; 3:e108. [PMID: 23584398 PMCID: PMC3641322 DOI: 10.1038/bcj.2013.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ezrin links the actin filaments with the cell membrane and has a functional role in the apoptotic process. It appears clear that ezrin is directly associated with Fas, leading to activation of caspase cascade and cell death. However, the exact role of ezrin in ursolic acid (UA)-induced apoptosis remains unclear. In this study, we show for the first time that UA induces apoptosis in both transformed and primary leukemia cells through dephosphorylation/downregulation of ezrin, association and polarized colocalization of Fas and ezrin, as well as formation of death-inducing signaling complex. These events are dependent on Rho-ROCK1 signaling pathway. Knockdown of ezrin enhanced cell death mediated by UA, whereas overexpression of ezrin attenuated UA-induced apoptosis. Our in vivo study also showed that UA-mediated inhibition of tumor growth of mouse leukemia xenograft model is in association with the dephosphorylation/downregulation of ezrin. Such findings suggest that the cytoskeletal protein ezrin may represent an attractive target for UA-mediated lethality in human leukemia cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Li
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, 3rd Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Savoia D. Plant-derived antimicrobial compounds: alternatives to antibiotics. Future Microbiol 2013; 7:979-90. [PMID: 22913356 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.12.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence of drug-resistant pathogens has drawn the attention of the pharmaceutical and scientific communities towards studies on the potential antimicrobial activity of plant-derived substances, an untapped source of antimicrobial chemotypes, which are used in traditional medicine in different countries. The aim of this review is to provide recent insights regarding the possibilities of the most important natural antimicrobial compounds derived from plant sources containing a wide variety of secondary metabolites, which are useful as alternative strategies to control infectious diseases. This review will focus on natural plant products as a useful source of antimicrobial molecules, active in particular, on bacteria and fungi. When considering that many of these compounds, which have been used for centuries, are a source of new drugs and that there are ever-increasing technical breakthroughs, it can be envisaged that in the next years some different molecules discovered by ingenious screening programs and obtained from different plant oils and extracts will become useful therapeutic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianella Savoia
- Department of Clinical & Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.
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Zhu Z, Qian Z, Yan Z, Zhao C, Wang H, Ying G. A phase I pharmacokinetic study of ursolic acid nanoliposomes in healthy volunteers and patients with advanced solid tumors. Int J Nanomedicine 2013; 8:129-36. [PMID: 23319864 PMCID: PMC3540956 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s38271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [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] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ursolic acid is a promising anticancer agent. The current study aims to evaluate the single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetics (PK) as well as the safety of ursolic acid nanoliposomes (UANL) in healthy volunteers and in patients with advanced solid tumors. METHODS Twenty-four healthy volunteers in the single-dose PK study were divided into three different groups, which received 37, 74, and 98 mg/m(2) of UANL. Eight patients in the multiple-dose PK study were administered with 74 mg/m(2) of UANL daily for 14 days. The UA plasma concentrations were determined using ultra-performance liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS The plasma concentration profiles of all subjects were characterized by a biexponential decline after infusion. The mean peak plasma concentration (C(max)) increased linearly as a function of the dose (r = 0.999). The mean area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) from 0 to 16 hours also increased proportionally with dose escalation (r = 0.998). However, the clearance was constant over the specific dose interval. In the multiple-dose PK study, the trough and average concentrations remained low. The mean AUC, half-life, C(max), time to C(max), and the volume of distribution on the first day were similar to those on the last day. All subjects tolerated the treatments well. Most UANL-associated adverse events varied from mild to moderate. CONCLUSIONS UANL exhibits relatively linear PK behavior with dose levels from 37 mg/m(2) to 98 mg/m(2). No drug accumulation was observed with repeated doses of UANL. The intravenous infusion of UANL was well tolerated by healthy volunteers and patients with advanced tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongling Zhu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhengzi Qian
- Department of Lymphoma, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhao Yan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cuicui Zhao
- Department of Lymphoma, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huaqing Wang
- Department of Lymphoma, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guoguang Ying
- Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
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Zheng QY, Li PP, Jin FS, Yao C, Zhang GH, Zang T, Ai X. Ursolic acid induces ER stress response to activate ASK1-JNK signaling and induce apoptosis in human bladder cancer T24 cells. Cell Signal 2013; 25:206-13. [PMID: 23000344 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2012.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Revised: 09/09/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Here we studied the cellular mechanisms of ursolic acid's anti-bladder cancer ability by focusing on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) signaling. We show that ursolic acid induces a significant ER stress response in cultured human bladder cancer T24 cells. ER stress inhibitor salubrinal, or PERK silencing, diminishes ursolic acid-induced anti-T24 cell effects. Salubrinal inhibits ursolic acid-induced CHOP expression, Bim ER accumulation and caspase-3 activation in T24 cells. Ursolic acid induces IRE1-TRAF2-ASK1 signaling complex formation to activate pro-apoptotic ASK1-JNK signaling. We suggest that ER stress contributes to ursolic acid's effects against bladder cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-you Zheng
- Department of Urology, the Military General Hospital of Beijing PLA, Beijing 100700, China.
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67
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Sultana N, Saify ZS. Enzymatic biotransformation of terpenes as bioactive agents. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2012; 28:1113-28. [DOI: 10.3109/14756366.2012.727411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nighat Sultana
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, PCSIR Laboratories Complex,
Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zafar Saeed Saify
- International Center for Chemical Sciences, H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, University of Karachi,
Karachi, Pakistan
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68
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Salvador JAR, Moreira VM, Gonçalves BMF, Leal AS, Jing Y. Ursane-type pentacyclic triterpenoids as useful platforms to discover anticancer drugs. Nat Prod Rep 2012; 29:1463-79. [PMID: 23047641 DOI: 10.1039/c2np20060k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This review highlights the potential of natural and semisynthetic ursane-type triterpenoids as candidates for the design of multi-target bioactive compounds, with focus on their anticancer effects. A brief illustration of the biosynthesis, sources, and general biological effects of the main classes of naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoids (PTs) are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A R Salvador
- Grupo de Química Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
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69
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Leal AS, Wang R, Salvador JAR, Jing Y. Synthesis of novel ursolic acid heterocyclic derivatives with improved abilities of antiproliferation and induction of p53, p21waf1 and NOXA in pancreatic cancer cells. Bioorg Med Chem 2012; 20:5774-86. [PMID: 22959527 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2012.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2012] [Revised: 07/18/2012] [Accepted: 08/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A series of new heterocyclic derivatives of ursolic acid 1 were synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against AsPC-1 pancreatic cancer cells. Compounds 24-32, with an α,β unsaturated ketone in conjugation with an heterocyclic ring in ring A have improved antiproliferative activities. Compound 32 is the most active compound with an IC(50) of 1.9 μM which is sevenfold more active than ursolic acid 1. Compound 32 arrests cell cycle in G1 phase and induces apoptosis in AsPC-1 cells with upregulation of p53, p21(waf1) and NOXA protein levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana S Leal
- Laboratório de Química Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade de Coimbra, Poló das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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70
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Li J, Liang X, Yang X. Ursolic acid inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in gemcitabine-resistant human pancreatic cancer via the JNK and PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathways. Oncol Rep 2012; 28:501-10. [PMID: 22641480 DOI: 10.3892/or.2012.1827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly carcinomas worldwide. Although gemcitabine as the standard chemotherapy agent has been proven to be effective, the response rate remains at 5.4% and the 5-year survival rate is extremely poor. Ursolic acid (UA) is a small molecule compound extracted from Chinese herbs as well as edible vegetables and a well-known anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agent. Here, we show that UA has potential to be developed into an anti-neoplastic agent against gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer and to explore its molecular mechanism of action. In vitro, we used three different malignancy grades of pancreatic resistant cancer cell lines including MIA PaCa-2, PANC-1 and Capan-1 to assess the antitumor effect of UA. We found that UA inhibited growth and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in all of the three pancreatic cancer cell lines. Both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways were found to be involved in apoptotic cascade. The potential signaling pathways are concerned with inactivation of the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway and activation of the c-Jun-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. The JNK inhibitor SP600125 partly abrogated the caspase-9 activation caused by UA. The Akt inhibitor LY294002 did not mimic the effect of UA on caspase-8 and -9, but inhibited the viability of MIA PaCa-2 cells to some extent. Equally, UA also overcame the chemoresistance in the chemoresistant endometrial and ovarian carcinoma cell lines (HEC-1A and OVCAR-3). Moreover, UA caused cytotoxicity to a nude mouse xenograft model in vivo. Therefore, our present data suggest that UA can act as a novel and potent therapeutic agent in gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer and even as a promising candidate in other chemoresistant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjie Li
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
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71
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Zheng QY, Jin FS, Yao C, Zhang T, Zhang GH, Ai X. Ursolic acid-induced AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation contributes to growth inhibition and apoptosis in human bladder cancer T24 cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2012; 419:741-7. [PMID: 22387548 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2012.02.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Accepted: 02/16/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) has shown the anti-tumor properties against a number of human cancers both in vivo and in vitro, however, its effect in bladder cancer and the corresponding mechanisms of action remain largely unknown. Here we found that UA dose-dependently induced growth inhibition and apoptosis in human bladder cancer T24 cells, and activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) may contribute to the process. Our Western-blot results demonstrated a significant AMPK activation after UA treatment in T24 cells. Notably, knockdown of AMPKα by the targeted shRNA largely inhibited UA-induced T24 cell growth inhibition and apoptosis, while an AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR) or a constitutively active form of AMPK mimic UA's effect. We found the ceramide level was increased after UA treatment in T24 cells, and UA-induced AMPK activation and T24 cell apoptosis were inhibited by ceramide synthase inhibitor fumonisin B1, and was enhanced by exogenously adding cell permeable short-chain ceramide (C6), suggesting that ceramide might serve as an upstream signal for AMPK activation. Further, activation of AMPK by UA promoted c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation, but inhibited mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling to cause survivin down-regulation. Our study suggests that activation of AMPK by UA contributes to growth inhibition and apoptosis in human bladder cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-you Zheng
- Department of Urology, The Military General Hospital of Beijing PLA, Beijing 100700, China.
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