101
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Qu D, Xu XM, Zhang M, Jiang TS, Zhang Y, Li SQ. Cbl participates in shikonin-induced apoptosis by negatively regulating phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:1305-13. [PMID: 25815461 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.3510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Shikonin, a naturally occurring naphthoquinone, exhibits anti-tumorigenic activity. However, its precise mechanisms of action have remained elusive. In the present study, the involvement in the action of shikonin of the ubiquitin ligases Cbl-b and c-Cbl, which are negative regulators of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activation, was investigated. Shikonin was observed to reduce cell viability and induce apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest in lung cancer cells. In addition, shikonin increased the protein levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X and p53 and reduced those of Bcl-2. Additionally, shikonin inhibited PI3k/Akt activity and upregulated Cbl protein expression. In addition, a specific inhibitor of PI3K, LY294002, was observed to have a synergistic effect on the proliferation inhibition and apoptotic induction of A549 cells with shikonin. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that Cbl proteins promote shikonin-induced apoptosis by negatively regulating PI3K/Akt signaling in lung cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Qu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Man Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Ting-Shu Jiang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Sheng-Qi Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
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102
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Shikonin inhibits oxidized LDL-induced monocyte adhesion by suppressing NFκB activation via up-regulation of PI3K/Akt/Nrf2-dependent antioxidation in EA.hy926 endothelial cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2015; 93:352-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2014.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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103
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Baloch SK, Ma L, Wang XL, Shi J, Zhu Y, Wu FY, Pang YJ, Lu GH, Qi JL, Wang XM, Gu HW, Yang YH. Design, synthesis and mechanism of novel shikonin derivatives as potent anticancer agents. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra01872b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel shikonin derivatives were synthesised and probed as anticancer agents. Compound 40 showed the best anticancer activity with an IC50 of 1.26 μM, could induce apoptosis and cause cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase via the P21 p-CDC2 (Tyr15) pathway independent of P53.
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104
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Wada N, Kawano Y, Fujiwara S, Kikukawa Y, Okuno Y, Tasaki M, Ueda M, Ando Y, Yoshinaga K, Ri M, Iida S, Nakashima T, Shiotsu Y, Mitsuya H, Hata H. Shikonin, dually functions as a proteasome inhibitor and a necroptosis inducer in multiple myeloma cells. Int J Oncol 2014; 46:963-72. [PMID: 25530098 PMCID: PMC4324584 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2014.2804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Shikonin (SHK), a natural small agent (MW 288.3), reportedly induces cell death in various tumor cells. We have found that SHK also exerts potent cytocidal effects on human multiple myeloma (MM) cells, but its anticancer mechanism in MM cells remains to be elucidated. SHK at 2.5–5 μM induced apoptosis in seven MM cell lines, including the bortezomib-resistant cell line KMS11/BTZ. The IC50 value of SHK against KMS11/BTZ was comparable to that of a parental cell line KMS11 (1.1 and 1.56 μM, respectively). SHK induces accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins and activates XBP-1 in MM cells, suggesting that SHK functions as a proteasome inhibitor, eventually inducing ER stress-associated apoptosis. SHK increases levels of HSP70/72, which protects cells from apoptosis, and exerts greater cytocidal effects in combination with the HSP70/72 inhibitor VER-155008. At higher concentrations (10–20 μM), SHK induced cell death, which was completely inhibited by a necroptosis inhibitor, necrostatin-1 (Nec-1), while the cytocidal activity was unaffected by Z-VAD-FMK, strongly suggesting that cell death is induced by SHK at high concentrations through necroptosis. The present data show for the first time that SHK induces cell death in MM cells. SHK efficiently induces apoptosis and combination of heat shock protein inhibitor with low dose SHK enhances apoptosis, while high dose SHK induces necroptosis in MM cells. These findings together support the use of SHK as a potential therapeutic agent for MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Wada
- Department of Hematology, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yawara Kawano
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shiho Fujiwara
- Department of Hematology, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | | | - Yutaka Okuno
- Department of Hematology, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Tasaki
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Mitsuharu Ueda
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yukio Ando
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kazuya Yoshinaga
- Department of Anatomy, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masaki Ri
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Iida
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | - Yukimasa Shiotsu
- Translational Oncology, Kyowa Hakko Kirin California Inc., La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Hiroaki Mitsuya
- Department of Hematology, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Hata
- Department of Hematology, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
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105
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Wang RB, Zhou W, Meng QQ, Zhang X, Ding J, Xu Y, Song HL, Yang K, Cui JH, Li SS. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of shikonin and alkannin derivatives as potential anticancer agents via a prodrug approach. ChemMedChem 2014; 9:2798-808. [PMID: 25234005 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201402224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Revised: 08/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
To minimize the cytotoxicity of shikonin and alkannin that arises through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and alkylation of the naphthazarin ring, two series of novel core-scaffold-modified shikonin and alkannin derivatives were designed. These derivatives, which differ in their configurational and positional isomerism (R-, S-, and 2- and 6-isomers) were synthesized in high enantiomeric excess (>99 % ee). The selectivity of the dimethylated derivatives was significantly higher than the parent shikonin in vitro, but some side effects were still observed in vivo. Surprisingly, the dimethylated diacetyl derivatives with poor anticancer activity in vitro showed tumor-inhibiting effects similar to paclitaxel without any toxicity in vivo. The anticancer activity of these derivatives is in agreement with their low ROS generation and alkylating capacity, emphasizing their potential as prodrugs. This strategy provides means to address the nonspecific cytotoxicity of naphthazarin analogues toward normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Bing Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240 (China)
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106
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Kwon SJ, Lee JH, Moon KD, Jeong IY, Yee ST, Lee MK, Seo KI. Isoegomaketone induces apoptosis in SK-MEL-2 human melanoma cells through mitochondrial apoptotic pathway via activating the PI3K/Akt pathway. Int J Oncol 2014; 45:1969-76. [PMID: 25119993 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2014.2598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Isoegomaketone (IK) is a major biologically active component of Perilla frutescens. In this study, we investigated the contribution of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to IK-induced apoptosis in human melanoma SK-MEL-2 cells. We found that IK inhibited the proliferation of SK-MEL-2 human melanoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. IK also induced sub-G1 DNA accumulation, formation of apoptotic bodies, nuclear condensation, and a DNA ladder in SK-MEL-2 cells. IK also induced activation of caspase-3 and -9, whereas caspase‑8 was unaffected. Further, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC, ROS scavenger) treatment to SK-MEL-2 cells significantly reduced IK-induced cell death. Pretreatment of NAC to SK-MEL-2 cells followed by 100 µM IK reduced the protein levels of Bax and cytochrome c as well as PARP cleavage, whereas the protein level of Bcl-2 increased. Moreover, IK inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT/mTOR protein and cell proliferation induced by LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor. In conclusion, IK-induced ROS generation regulates cell growth inhibition and it induces apoptosis through caspase‑dependent and -independent pathways via modulation of PI3K/AKT signaling in SK-MEL-2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soon-Jae Kwon
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 702-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Hye Lee
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 540-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Deog Moon
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 702-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Il-Yun Jeong
- Advanced Radiation Technology Institute, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Jeongeup, Jeonbuk 580-185, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Tae Yee
- Department of Biology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 540-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Kyung Lee
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 540-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwon-Il Seo
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 540-742, Republic of Korea
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107
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Wang R, Zhang X, Song H, Zhou S, Li S. Synthesis and evaluation of novel alkannin and shikonin oxime derivatives as potent antitumor agents. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2014; 24:4304-7. [PMID: 25127868 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Revised: 06/15/2014] [Accepted: 07/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A set of forty alkannin and shikonin oxime derivatives were firstly designed and synthesized. Their cytotoxicities against three kinds of tumor cells and a normal cell line were tested and compared with alkannin and shikonin. The cell-based investigation demonstrated that some oxime derivatives were more or comparatively effective to the lead compounds, especially their selective and excellent antitumor activities towards K562 cells with no toxicity in normal cells. We may conclude that oximate modification to the mother nucleus of alkannin and shikonin is an available approach to acquire potent antitumor agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubing Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Xu Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Hualong Song
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Shanshan Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Shaoshun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, PR China.
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108
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Huang WR, Zhang Y, Tang X. Shikonin inhibits the proliferation of human lens epithelial cells by inducing apoptosis through ROS and caspase-dependent pathway. Molecules 2014; 19:7785-97. [PMID: 24962386 PMCID: PMC6270879 DOI: 10.3390/molecules19067785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Revised: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Shikonin is a compound from the herbal plant Lithospermum erythrorhizon that has been proved to possess powerful anti-proliferative effect on many kinds of cancers and to be safe in in vivo study. Posterior capsular opacification (PCO), the most frequent complication of cataract surgery, is mainly caused by the uncontrolled proliferation of retained human lens epithelial cells (HLEs). In this study, we investigated the effect of shikonin on the proliferation of HLEs and explored its underlying mechanism of action. Shikonin significantly inhibited the proliferation of HLEs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Its anti-proliferative effect was exerted through induction of apoptosis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation played an essential role in this apoptotic process. Interestingly, scavenging of ROS completely blocked the apoptosis induced by shikonin. In addition, the treatment of shikonin in HLEs significantly increased the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, disrupted mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) and activated caspases. The inhibition of caspase largely blocks the apoptosis. The changes of MAPK pathway were also demonstrated. Shikonin effectively inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK, while it activated the phosphorylation of JNK and p38. These results suggested that shikonin inhibited the proliferation of HLEs by inducing apoptosis through ROS generation and the caspase-dependent pathway and the MAPK pathway was also involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Rong Huang
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Clinic College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300020, China.
| | - Yue Zhang
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Clinic College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300020, China.
| | - Xin Tang
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Clinic College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300020, China.
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109
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Chen Y, Zheng L, Liu J, Zhou Z, Cao X, Lv X, Chen F. Shikonin inhibits prostate cancer cells metastasis by reducing matrix metalloproteinase-2/-9 expression via AKT/mTOR and ROS/ERK1/2 pathways. Int Immunopharmacol 2014; 21:447-55. [PMID: 24905636 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2014.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2014] [Revised: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis is one of the most important factors related to prostate cancer therapeutic efficacy. In previous studies, shikonin, an active naphthoquinone isolated from the Chinese medicine Zi Cao, has various anticancer activities both in vivo and in vitro. However, the mechanisms underlying shikonin's anticancer activity are not fully elucidated on prostate cancer cells. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the potential effects of shikonin on prostate cancer cells and the underlying mechanisms by which shikonin exerted its actions. With cell proliferation, flow cytometric cell cycle, migration and invasion assays, we found that shikonin potently suppressed PC-3 and DU145 cell growth by cell cycle arrest at the G2 phase and metastasis in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanically, we presented that shikonin could suppress the metastasis of PC-3 and DU145 cells via inhibiting the matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 expression and activation. In addition, shikonin significantly decreased the phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR in a dose-dependent manner while it induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and c-Jun N terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation. Further investigation of the underlying mechanism revealed that shikonin also induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that was reversed by the ROS scavenger dithiothreitol (DTT). Additionally, DTT reversed the shikonin induced activation of ERK1/2, thereby maintaining MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression and restoring cell metastasis. Together, shikonin inhibits aggressive prostate cancer cell migration and invasion by reducing MMP-2/-9 expression via AKT/mTOR and ROS/ERK1/2 pathways and presents a potential novel alternative agent for the treatment of human prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqiang Chen
- Department of Central Laboratory, 97th Hospital of PLA, 226 Tongshang Road, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Lu Zheng
- Department of Central Laboratory, 97th Hospital of PLA, 226 Tongshang Road, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Junquan Liu
- Department of Central Laboratory, 97th Hospital of PLA, 226 Tongshang Road, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Zhonghai Zhou
- Department of Central Laboratory, 97th Hospital of PLA, 226 Tongshang Road, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Xiliang Cao
- Department of Central Laboratory, 97th Hospital of PLA, 226 Tongshang Road, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Xiaoting Lv
- Department of Central Laboratory, 97th Hospital of PLA, 226 Tongshang Road, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Fuxing Chen
- Department of Central Laboratory, 97th Hospital of PLA, 226 Tongshang Road, Xuzhou 221004, China.
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110
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Gong K, Zhang Z, Chen Y, Shu HB, Li W. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase, receptor interacting protein, and reactive oxygen species regulate shikonin-induced autophagy in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 738:142-52. [PMID: 24886888 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Revised: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Shikonin, a naphthoquinone derived from the Chinese medicinal plant Lithospermum erythrorhizon, shows potential to be a cancer chemotherapeutic agent. Our previous data demonstrate that high doses (about 6 μM) of shikonin induce apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Here, we discovered that a low dose of shikonin (2.5 μM) and a short treatment time (12h) induced autophagy, as evidenced by the upregulation of microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3)-II, the formation of acidic autophagic vacuoles (AVOs), and the punctate fluorescence pattern of GFP-LC3 protein. Next, we investigated the mechanism and found reactive oxygen species accumulation after shikonin treatment. The reactive oxygen species scavengers NAC and Tiron completely blocked autophagy. We further found activation of ERK by generation of reactive oxygen species and inhibition of RIP pathway, which are at least partially connected to shikonin-induced autophagy. Moreover, experiments in vivo revealed similar results: shikonin caused the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and phospho-ERK and thus induced autophagy in a tumor xenograft model. These findings suggest that shikonin is an inducer of autophagy and may be a promising clinical antitumor drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Gong
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhenxing Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yicheng Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Hong-Bing Shu
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Wenhua Li
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
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111
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In vitro induction of erythrocyte phosphatidylserine translocation by the natural naphthoquinone shikonin. Toxins (Basel) 2014; 6:1559-74. [PMID: 24828755 PMCID: PMC4052252 DOI: 10.3390/toxins6051559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Revised: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Shikonin, the most important component of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, has previously been shown to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, antiviral, antimicrobial and anticancer effects. The anticancer effect has been attributed to the stimulation of suicidal cell death or apoptosis. Similar to the apoptosis of nucleated cells, erythrocytes may experience eryptosis, the suicidal erythrocyte death characterized by cell shrinkage and by phosphatidylserine translocation to the erythrocyte surface. Triggers of eryptosis include the increase of cytosolic Ca2+-activity ([Ca2+]i) and ceramide formation. The present study explored whether Shikonin stimulates eryptosis. To this end, Fluo 3 fluorescence was measured to quantify [Ca2+]i, forward scatter to estimate cell volume, annexin V binding to identify phosphatidylserine-exposing erythrocytes, hemoglobin release to determine hemolysis and antibodies to quantify ceramide abundance. As a result, a 48 h exposure of human erythrocytes to Shikonin (1 µM) significantly increased [Ca2+]i, increased ceramide abundance, decreased forward scatter and increased annexin V binding. The effect of Shikonin (1 µM) on annexin V binding was significantly blunted, but not abolished by the removal of extracellular Ca2+. In conclusion, Shikonin stimulates suicidal erythrocyte death or eryptosis, an effect at least partially due to the stimulation of Ca2+ entry and ceramide formation.
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112
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Duan D, Zhang B, Yao J, Liu Y, Fang J. Shikonin targets cytosolic thioredoxin reductase to induce ROS-mediated apoptosis in human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells. Free Radic Biol Med 2014; 70:182-93. [PMID: 24583460 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2014.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Shikonin, a major active component of the Chinese herbal plant Lithospermum erythrorhizon, has been applied for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Although shikonin demonstrates potent anticancer efficacy in numerous types of human cancer cells, the cellular targets of shikonin have not been fully defined. We report here that shikonin may interact with the cytosolic thioredoxin reductase (TrxR1), an important selenocysteine (Sec)-containing antioxidant enzyme with a C-terminal -Gly-Cys-Sec-Gly active site, to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated apoptosis in human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells. Shikonin primarily targets the Sec residue in TrxR1 to inhibit its physiological function, but further shifts the enzyme to an NADPH oxidase to generate superoxide anions, which leads to accumulation of ROS and collapse of the intracellular redox balance. Importantly, overexpression of functional TrxR1 attenuates the cytotoxicity of shikonin, whereas knockdown of TrxR1 sensitizes cells to shikonin treatment. Targeting TrxR1 with shikonin thus discloses a previously unrecognized mechanism underlying the biological activity of shikonin and provides an in-depth insight into the action of shikonin in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongzhu Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Baoxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Juan Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Yaping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Jianguo Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China.
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113
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Li W, Liu J, Zhao Y. PKM2 inhibitor shikonin suppresses TPA-induced mitochondrial malfunction and proliferation of skin epidermal JB6 cells. Mol Carcinog 2014; 53:403-12. [PMID: 23255458 PMCID: PMC4827433 DOI: 10.1002/mc.21988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2012] [Revised: 11/09/2012] [Accepted: 11/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Chemoprevention has been a pivotal and effective strategy during the skin cancer treatment. Using human skin normal and tumor samples, we demonstrated that both the expression and activity levels of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) were higher in skin tumor tissues than normal tissues, suggesting that PKM2, one of important metabolic enzyme, might serve as a target for skin cancer prevention and/or therapy. Shikonin, a small-molecule active chemical, has been studied as an anti-cancer drug candidate in human cancer models. However, the mechanism of action and the chemopreventive potential of shikonin are unclear. Herein, we used the skin epidermal JB6 P+ cells and demonstrated that shikonin suppressed the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) induced neoplastic cell transformation and PKM2 activation in the early stage of carcinogenesis. Mitochondrial functions were inhibited by TPA treatment, as indicated by reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial respiration, which were restored by shikonin. We also examined the levels of lactate as a glycolysis marker, and shikonin suppressed its increase caused by tumor promoter treatment. Modulation of cell metabolism by shikonin was associated with G2-M phase accumulation, and Fra-1 (a major subunit of activator protein 1 in skin tumorigenesis) downregulation. In addition, we demonstrated that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an energy sensor, which is inactivated by TPA, shikonin could reverse AMPK activity. These results suggest that shikonin bears chemopreventive potential for human skin cancers in which PKM2 is upregulated, which might be mediated by inhibiting oncogenic activation, PKM2 activation, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Neuroscience, LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana
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114
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Moon J, Koh SS, Malilas W, Cho IR, Kaewpiboon C, Kaowinn S, Lee K, Jhun BH, Choi YW, Chung YH. Acetylshikonin induces apoptosis of hepatitis B virus X protein-expressing human hepatocellular carcinoma cells via endoplasmic reticulum stress. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 735:132-40. [PMID: 24769509 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2013] [Revised: 04/05/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Since it has been known that shikonin derived from a medicinal plant possesses anti-cancer activity, we wonder whether acetylshikonin (ASK), a derivate of shikonin, can be used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma cells expressing hepatitis B virus X protein (HBX), an oncoprotein from hepatitis B virus. When ASK was added to Hep3B cells stably expressing HBX, it induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. ASK induced upregulation and export of Nur77 to the cytoplasm and activation of JNK. Likewise, suppression of Nur77 and JNK inactivation protected the cells from ASK-induced apoptosis, indicating that Nur77 upregulation and JNK activation were required for ASK-mediated apoptosis. Furthermore, ASK increased the expression of Bip and ubiquitination levels of cellular proteins, features of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, via the production of reactive oxygen species in a dose-dependent manner. Suppression of reactive oxygen species with N-acetylcysteine reduced levels of Bip protein and ubiquitination levels of cellular proteins during ASK treatment, leading to protection of cells from apoptosis. Cycloheximide treatment reduced ASK-induced ER stress, suggesting that protein synthesis is involved in ASK-induced ER stress. Moreover, we showed using salubrinal, an ER stress inhibitor that reactive oxygen species production, JNK activation, and Nur77 upregulation and its translocation to cytoplasm are necessary for ER-induced stress. Interestingly, we found that JNK inactivation suppresses ASK-induced ER stress, whereas Nur77 siRNA treatment does not, indicating that JNK is required for ASK-induced ER stress. Accordingly, we report that ASK induces ER stress, which is prerequisite for apoptosis of HBX-expressing hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Moon
- BK21+, Department of Cogno-Mechatronics Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 609-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Seok Koh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dong-A University, Busan 604-020, Republic of Korea
| | - Waraporn Malilas
- BK21+, Department of Cogno-Mechatronics Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 609-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Il-Rae Cho
- BK21+, Department of Cogno-Mechatronics Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 609-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Chutima Kaewpiboon
- Program in Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Sirichat Kaowinn
- BK21+, Department of Cogno-Mechatronics Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 609-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Keesook Lee
- Hormone Research Center, School of Biological Science and Technology, Chonnam National University, 500-757, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Hak Jhun
- Department of Applied Nanoscience, Pusan National University, Busan 609-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Whan Choi
- Department of Horticultural Bioscience, Pusan National University, Miryang 627-706, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Hwa Chung
- BK21+, Department of Cogno-Mechatronics Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 609-735, Republic of Korea.
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Queiroz RMD, Takiya CM, Guimarães LPTP, Rocha GDG, Alviano DS, Blank AF, Alviano CS, Gattass CR. Apoptosis-inducing effects of Melissa officinalis L. essential oil in glioblastoma multiforme cells. Cancer Invest 2014; 32:226-35. [PMID: 24745610 DOI: 10.3109/07357907.2014.905587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Current therapies for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are not effective. This study investigated the activity of the M. officinalis essential oil (EO) and its major component (citral) in GBM cell lines. Both EO and citral decreased the viability and induced apoptosis of GBM cells as demonstrated by DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activation. Antioxidant prevented citral-induced death, indicating its dependence on the production of reactive oxygen species. Citral downmodulated the activity and inhibited the expression of multidrug resistance associated protein 1 (MRP1). These results show that EO, through its major component, citral, may be of potential interest for the treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Muniz de Queiroz
- Laboratório de Imunologia Celular, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil,1
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Kwak SY, Jeong YK, Kim BY, Lee JY, Ahn HJ, Jeong JH, Kim MS, Kim J, Han YH. β,β-Dimethylacrylshikonin sensitizes human colon cancer cells to ionizing radiation through the upregulation of reactive oxygen species. Oncol Lett 2014; 7:1812-1818. [PMID: 24932238 PMCID: PMC4049772 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2014.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Shikonin, a naphthoquinone derivative, has been shown to possess antitumor activity. In the present study, the effects of shikonin and its analog, β,β-dimethylacrylshikonin, were investigated as radiosensitizers on the human colon cancer cell line, HCT-116. Shikonin and, to a greater extent, its analog-induced apoptosis of HCT-116 cells further synergistically potentiated the induction of apoptosis when combined with ionizing radiation (IR) treatment. Shikonins also stimulated an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and IR-induced DNA damage. Pre-treatment with the ROS scavenger, N-acetylcysteine, suppressed the enhancement of IR-induced DNA damage and apoptosis stimulated by shikonins, indicating that shikonins exert their radiosensitizing effects through ROS upregulation. The radiosensitizing effect of shikonins was also examined in vivo using the xenograft mouse model. Consistent with the in vitro results, injection of β,β-dimethylacrylshikonin combined with IR treatment significantly suppressed tumor growth of the HCT-116 xenograft. Taken together, the results show that β,β-dimethylacrylshikonin is a promising agent for developing an improved strategy for radiotherapy against tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seo-Young Kwak
- Division of Radiation Cancer Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Nowon-gu, Seoul 139-706, Republic of Korea ; Laboratory of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn Kyoung Jeong
- Research Center for Radiotherapy, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Nowon-gu, Seoul 139-706, Republic of Korea
| | - Bu-Yeon Kim
- Division of Radiation Cancer Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Nowon-gu, Seoul 139-706, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Young Lee
- Research Center for Radiotherapy, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Nowon-gu, Seoul 139-706, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Joo Ahn
- Division of Radiation Cancer Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Nowon-gu, Seoul 139-706, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hoon Jeong
- Research Center for Radiotherapy, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Nowon-gu, Seoul 139-706, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Sook Kim
- Research Center for Radiotherapy, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Nowon-gu, Seoul 139-706, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Kim
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Hoon Han
- Division of Radiation Cancer Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Nowon-gu, Seoul 139-706, Republic of Korea
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Celastrol induces apoptosis in gefitinib-resistant non-small cell lung cancer cells via caspases-dependent pathways and Hsp90 client protein degradation. Molecules 2014; 19:3508-22. [PMID: 24662070 PMCID: PMC6271537 DOI: 10.3390/molecules19033508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Revised: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Celastrol, a triterpene extracted from the Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii, has been shown to have multiple bioactivities. Although among these activities, its anti-cancer effects have attracted the most attention, the effect of celastrol on gefitinib-resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells is not clearly known. Here, we examined the potency of celastrol in three different NSCLC cell lines. We explored its treatment mechanism in two gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cell lines (H1650 and H1975). Our data demonstrated that celastrol exerted its apoptotic effect in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Also, the mitochondria membrane potential was gradually lost and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 increased after the treatment of celastrol, both of which are indicators of mitochondria membrane integrity. Although the caspases were activated, the treatment with pan-caspase inhibitor could partially inhibit the level of apoptosis. Moreover, the protein level of Hsp90 client proteins, EGFR and AKT, was measured. Interestingly, both client proteins were remarkably down-regulated after the treatment of celastrol. Taken together, our data showed that celastrol may be developed as a promising agent for treating gefitinib-resistant NSCLCs by inducing apoptosis through caspase-dependent pathways and Hsp90 client protein degradation.
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Kim SJ, Kim JM, Shim SH, Chang HI. Shikonin induces cell cycle arrest in human gastric cancer (AGS) by early growth response 1 (Egr1)-mediated p21 gene expression. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2014; 151:1064-1071. [PMID: 24384380 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.11.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Revised: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/29/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Lithospermum erythrorhizon, a naphthoquinone compound derived from a shikonin, has long been used as traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of various diseases, including cancer. To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of shikonin on AGS gastric cancer cells via induction of cell cycle arrest. MATERIALS AND METHODS We observed the effects of 12.5-100 ng/mL dosage of shikonin treatment on AGS cancer cell line with the incubation time of 6h. Cytotoxic effects were assessed by measuring the changes in the intracellular ROS, appearance of senescence phenotype, cell cycle progression, CDK and cyclins expression levels upon shikonin treatment. We also examined upon the activation of Egr1-mediated p21 expression, by siRNA transfection, Luciferase assay, and ChIP assay. RESULTS In this study, we found that shikonin inhibits cell proliferation by arresting cell cycle progression at the G2/M phase via modulation of p21 in AGS cells. Also, our results revealed that the p21 gene was transactivated by early growth response1 (Egr1) in response to the shikonin treatment. Transient Egr1 expression enhanced shikonin-induced p21 promoter activity, whereas the suppression of Egr1 expression by small interfering RNA attenuated the ability of shikonin to induce p21 promoter activity. CONCLUSION Our results suggested that the anti-proliferative activity of shikonin was due to its ability to induce cell cycle arrest via Egr1-p21 signaling pathway. Thus, the work stated here validates the traditional use of shikonin in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Joong Kim
- College of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Korea University, 5-1 Anam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea; Department of Molecular & Cellular Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd Unit 108, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jee Min Kim
- College of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Korea University, 5-1 Anam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea
| | - So Hee Shim
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, 5-1 Anam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Ihl Chang
- College of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Korea University, 5-1 Anam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea.
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Wang Y, Zhou Y, Jia G, Han B, Liu J, Teng Y, Lv J, Song Z, Li Y, Ji L, Pan S, Jiang H, Sun B. Shikonin suppresses tumor growth and synergizes with gemcitabine in a pancreatic cancer xenograft model: Involvement of NF-κB signaling pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2014; 88:322-33. [PMID: 24522113 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2014.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2013] [Revised: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Although gemcitabine is currently the best chemotherapeutic agent available for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer, eventual failure of response is a significant clinical problem. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches against this disease are highly needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether shikonin, a naphthoquinone derivative, has potential in the treatment of pancreatic cancer when used either alone or in combination with gemcitabine. Our in vitro results showed that shikonin inhibited the proliferation of three different human pancreatic cancer cell lines and potentiated the cytotoxic effect of gemcitabine, which correlated with the down-regulation of constitutive as well as gemcitabine-induced activation of NF-κB and NF-κB-regulated gene products. Most importantly, using a xenograft model of human pancreatic cancer, we found shikonin alone significantly suppressed tumor growth and argumented the antitumor activity of gemcitabine. These effects also correlated with the down-regulation of NF-κB activity and its target genes, decreased proliferation (PCNA and Ki-67), decreased microvessel density (CD31), and increased apoptosis (TUNEL) in tumor remnants. Collectively, our results suggest that shikonin can suppress the growth of human pancreatic tumors and potentiate the antitumor effects of gemcitabine through the suppression of NF-κB and NF-κB-regulated gene products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongwei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yinan Zhou
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Guang Jia
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Bing Han
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Ji Liu
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yueqiu Teng
- Department of Central Laboratory of Blood Cancer, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Jiachen Lv
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Zengfu Song
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yilong Li
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Liang Ji
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Shangha Pan
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Hongchi Jiang
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Bei Sun
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China.
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Lee MJ, Kao SH, Hunag JE, Sheu GT, Yeh CW, Hseu YC, Wang CJ, Hsu LS. Shikonin time-dependently induced necrosis or apoptosis in gastric cancer cells via generation of reactive oxygen species. Chem Biol Interact 2014; 211:44-53. [PMID: 24463199 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2014.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2013] [Revised: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The effects of shikonin on gastric cancer cells were investigated in this study. Exposure to shikonin reduced the viability of gastric cancer cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. However, apoptosis was not observed in gastric cancer cell treatment with different concentrations of shikonin for 6h. By contrast, treatment with shikonin for 24h significantly induced apoptosis, as evidenced by the results of TUNEL assay and flow cytometry analysis in proportion to the concentration. Disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential was observed in gastric cancer cells that were treated with shikonin for 6 and 24h. Pretreatment with necrostatin-1 recovered cell death and mitochondrial membrane potential in the 6h shikonin treatment, but not in the 24h shikonin treatment. Western blot results reveal enhanced p38 phosphorylation, downregulated AKT phosphorylation, and increased caspase3 and PARP cleavage in cells that were treated with shikonin for 24h, but not in cells treated for 6h. Shikonin also triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation both in the 6 and 24h treatments. Pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine blocked shikonin-induced cell death. In summary, our findings suggest that shikonin, which may function as a promising agent in the treatment of gastric cancers, sequentially triggered necrosis or apoptosis through ROS generation in gastric cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Jang Lee
- Cardiovascular Center, Antai Tian-Sheng Memorial Hospital, Pingtung 92843, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Hsuan Kao
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Jing-En Hunag
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Gwo-Tarng Sheu
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Wei Yeh
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - You-Cheng Hseu
- Department of Cosmeceutics, College of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Jong Wang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan; Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan.
| | - Li-Sung Hsu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan; Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan.
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Zhang FL, Wang P, Liu YH, Liu LB, Liu XB, Li Z, Xue YX. Topoisomerase I inhibitors, shikonin and topotecan, inhibit growth and induce apoptosis of glioma cells and glioma stem cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e81815. [PMID: 24303074 PMCID: PMC3841142 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas, the most malignant form of brain tumors, contain a small subpopulation of glioma stem cells (GSCs) that are implicated in therapeutic resistance and tumor recurrence. Topoisomerase I inhibitors, shikonin and topotecan, play a crucial role in anti-cancer therapies. After isolated and identified the GSCs from glioma cells successfully, U251, U87, GSCs-U251 and GSCs-U87 cells were administrated with various concentrations of shikonin or topotecan at different time points to seek for the optimal administration concentration and time point. The cell viability, cell cycle and apoptosis were detected using cell counting kit-8 and flow cytometer to observe the inhibitory effects on glioma cells and GSCs. We demonstrated that shikonin and topotecan obviously inhibited proliferation of not only human glioma cells but also GSCs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. According to the IC50 values at 24 h, 2 μmol/L of shikonin and 3 μmol/L of topotecan were selected as the optimal administration concentration. In addition, shikonin and topotecan induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 and S phases and promoted apoptosis. The down-regulation of Bcl-2 expression with the activation of caspase 9/3-dependent pathway was involved in the apoptosis process. Therefore, the above results showed that topoisomerase I inhibitors, shikonin and topotecan, inhibited growth and induced apoptosis of GSCs as well as glioma cells, which suggested that they might be the potential anticancer agents targeting gliomas to provide a novel therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Lei Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, College of Basic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, College of Basic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yun-Hui Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li-bo Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, College of Basic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Bai Liu
- The 96 Class, 7-Year Program, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi-Xue Xue
- Department of Neurobiology, College of Basic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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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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Su X, Wang P, Wang X, Guo L, Li S, Liu Q. Involvement of MAPK activation and ROS generation in human leukemia U937 cells undergoing apoptosis in response to sonodynamic therapy. Int J Radiat Biol 2013; 89:915-27. [DOI: 10.3109/09553002.2013.817700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Olaquindox-induced apoptosis is suppressed through p38 MAPK and ROS-mediated JNK pathways in HepG2 cells. Cell Biol Toxicol 2013; 29:229-38. [PMID: 23812630 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-013-9249-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We investigated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) in olaquindox-induced apoptosis. Exposure of HepG2 cells to olaquindox resulted in the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK). To confirm the role of p38 MAPK and JNK, HepG2 cells were pretreated with MAPKs-specific inhibitors prior to olaquindox treatment. Olaquindox-induced apoptosis was significantly potentiated by the JNK inhibitor (SP600125) or the p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580). Furthermore, we observed that olaquindox treatment led to ROS generation and that olaquindox-induced apoptosis and ROS generation were both significantly reduced by the antioxidants, superoxide dismutase and catalase. In addition, the levels of phosphorylation of JNK, but not p38 MAPK, were significantly suppressed after pretreatment of the antioxidants, while inhibition of the activations of JNK or p38 MAPK had no effect on ROS generation. This result suggested that ROS may be the upstream mediator for the activation of JNK. Conclusively, our results suggested that apoptosis in response to olaquindox treatment in HepG2 cells might be suppressed through p38 MAPK and ROS-JNK pathways.
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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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Park WH. The effect of MAPK inhibitors and ROS modulators on cell growth and death of H₂O₂-treated HeLa cells. Mol Med Rep 2013; 8:557-64. [PMID: 23799549 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2013.1551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) influence the signaling of mitogen‑activated protein kinases (MAPKs) involved in cell survival and death. In the present study, the toxicological effect of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on HeLa cervical cancer cells was evaluated following treatment with MAPK inhibitors [MAP kinase or ERK kinase (MEK), c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase (JNK) or p38], N‑acetyl cysteine (NAC) and propyl gallate (PG) (well‑known antioxidants), or L‑buthionine sulfoximine [BSO; an inhibitor of glutathione (GSH) synthesis]. Treatment with 100 µM H2O2 inhibited the growth of HeLa cells and induced cell death, which was accompanied by loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP; ΔΨm). H2O2 did not induce any specific phase arrests of the cell cycle. ROS levels increased, while GSH levels decreased in H2O2‑treated HeLa cells after 1 and 24 h of treatment. The MAPK inhibitors enhanced H2O2‑induced HeLa cell death, while only p38 inhibitor increased ROS levels. Both NAC and PG attenuated H2O2‑induced HeLa cell growth inhibition and death together with the suppression of ROS levels. BSO increased ROS levels in H2O2‑treated HeLa cells without increasing cell death. The levels of MMP (ΔΨm) loss and GSH depletion were not closely associated with the levels of apoptosis in HeLa cells treated with the MAPK inhibitors, NAC, PG or BSO, in the presence of H2O2. In conclusion, H2O2 induced HeLa cell growth inhibition and death. MAPK inhibitors generally enhanced H2O2‑induced HeLa cell death. In particular, p38 inhibitor increased ROS levels in H2O2‑treated HeLa cells, while NAC and PG attenuated H2O2‑induced HeLa cell death by suppressing ROS levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo Hyun Park
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Chonbuk National University, JeonJu 561‑180, Republic of Korea.
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Wang H, Wu C, Wan S, Zhang H, Zhou S, Liu G. Shikonin attenuates lung cancer cell adhesion to extracellular matrix and metastasis by inhibiting integrin β1 expression and the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Toxicology 2013; 308:104-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2013.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Revised: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Shikonin Suppresses Human T Lymphocyte Activation through Inhibition of IKK β Activity and JNK Phosphorylation. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:379536. [PMID: 23762128 PMCID: PMC3670545 DOI: 10.1155/2013/379536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The key role of T cells has been elaborated in mediating immune responses and pathogenesis of human inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. In the current study the effect of shikonin, a compound isolated from a medicinal plant, on inhibition of T-cell activation was firstly examined by using primary human T lymphocytes isolated from buffy coat. Results showed that shikonin dose dependently suppressed T-cell proliferation, IL-2 and IFN-γ secretion, CD69 and CD25 expression, as well as cell cycle arrest activated by costimulation of PMA/ionomycin or OKT-3/CD28 monoclonal antibodies. Moreover, these inhibitory responses mediated by shikonin were found to be associated with suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway via inhibition of the IKKα/β phosphorylation, IκB-α phosphorylation and degradation, and NF-κB nuclear translocation by directly decreasing IKKβ activity. Moreover, shikonin suppressed JNK phosphorylation in the MAPKs pathway of T cells. In this connection, we conclude that shikonin could suppress T lymphocyte activation through suppressing IKKβ activity and JNK signaling, which suggests that shikonin is valuable for further investigation as a potential immunosuppressive agent.
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Park WH, Kim SH. MAPK inhibitors augment gallic acid-induced A549 lung cancer cell death through the enhancement of glutathione depletion. Oncol Rep 2013; 30:513-9. [PMID: 23660987 DOI: 10.3892/or.2013.2447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Gallic acid (GA) is involved in various biological processes such as cell growth inhibition and apoptosis through changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the present study, we investigated the effects of MAPK (MEK, JNK or p38) inhibitors on cell death in GA-induced A549 lung cancer cells in relation to ROS and glutathione (GSH). Treatment with 100 µM GA inhibited the growth of A549 cells and induced apoptosis and/or necrosis, which was accompanied by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP; ∆Ψ(m)). GA increased ROS levels as well as GSH depletion in A549 cells at 24 h. MEK inhibitor seemed to enhance cell growth inhibition by GA. This inhibitor also increased cell death, MMP (∆Ψ(m)) loss and GSH depletion in GA-treated A549 cells. Both JNK and p38 inhibitors intensified growth inhibition, cell death, MMP (∆Ψ(m)) loss and GSH depletion by GA. However, none of the MAPK inhibitors significantly altered ROS levels in GA-treated A549 cells. In conclusion, MAPK inhibitors enhanced growth inhibition and death in GA-treated A549 cells, which were correlated with GSH depletion rather than ROS levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo Hyun Park
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 561-180, Republic of Korea.
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Park S, Shin H, Cho Y. Shikonin induces programmed necrosis-like cell death through the formation of receptor interacting protein 1 and 3 complex. Food Chem Toxicol 2013; 55:36-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2012.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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132
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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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133
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Park WH. Effects of antioxidants and MAPK inhibitors on cell death and reactive oxygen species levels in H 2O 2-treated human pulmonary fibroblasts. Oncol Lett 2013; 5:1633-1638. [PMID: 23760725 PMCID: PMC3678714 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2013.1216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in normal human pulmonary fibroblasts (HPFs) is of interest in toxicological research since HPFs are involved in lung inflammation, fibrosis and cancer. The present study investigated the cytotoxic effects of H2O2 on normal HPFs in relation to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) using the well-known antioxidants N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and propyl gallate (PG), as well as MAPK inhibitors. Treatment with 50 μM H2O2 inhibited the growth of the HPFs by ∼45% in 24 h. H2O2 induced cell death via apoptosis and triggered the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP; Δψm) in the HPFs. H2O2 also increased the ROS levels, including O2•−, in the HPFs and induced glutathione (GSH) depletion. NAC and PG attenuated the death of the HPFs and the loss of MMP (Δψm) through the use of H2O2. NAC decreased the ROS levels in the H2O2-treated HPFs and PG markedly prevented an increase in O2•− levels in these cells. However, PG alone induced cell death in the HPF control cells and increased the ROS levels in these cells. None of the MAPK (MEK, JNK and p38) inhibitors affected cell growth inhibition or cell death by H2O2. In addition, these inhibitors did not significantly affect the ROS levels and GSH depletion in the H2O2-treated HPFs. In conclusion, H2O2 induced growth inhibition and cell death in the HPFs via GSH depletion. NAC and PG attenuated H2O2-induced HPF cell death but each regulated the ROS levels in a different manner. Treatment with MAPK inhibitors did not affect cell death or the ROS levels in the H2O2-treated HPFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo Hyun Park
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Chonbuk National University, JeonJu, Jeollabuk-do 561-180, Republic of Korea
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Gallic Acid Induces a Reactive Oxygen Species-Provoked c-Jun NH2-Terminal Kinase-Dependent Apoptosis in Lung Fibroblasts. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:613950. [PMID: 23533505 PMCID: PMC3590506 DOI: 10.1155/2013/613950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2012] [Revised: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic lung disorder characterized by fibroblasts proliferation and extracellular matrix accumulation. Induction of fibroblast apoptosis therefore plays a crucial role in the resolution of this disease. Gallic acid (3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid), a common botanic phenolic compound, has been reported to induce apoptosis in tumor cell lines and renal fibroblasts. The present study was undertaken to examine the role of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in lung fibroblasts apoptosis induced by gallic acid. We found that treatment with gallic acid resulted in activation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and protein kinase B (PKB, Akt), but not p38MAPK, in mouse lung fibroblasts. Inhibition of JNK using pharmacologic inhibitor (SP600125) and genetic knockdown (JNK specific siRNA) significantly inhibited p53 accumulation, reduced PUMA and Fas expression, and abolished apoptosis induced by gallic acid. Moreover, treatment with antioxidants (vitamin C, N-acetyl cysteine, and catalase) effectively diminished gallic acid-induced hydrogen peroxide production, JNK and p53 activation, and cell death. These observations imply that gallic acid-mediated hydrogen peroxide formation acts as an initiator of JNK signaling pathways, leading to p53 activation and apoptosis in mouse lung fibroblasts.
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135
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Chen C, Shanmugasundaram K, Rigby AC, Kung AL. Shikonin, a natural product from the root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, is a cytotoxic DNA-binding agent. Eur J Pharm Sci 2013; 49:18-26. [PMID: 23422689 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2013.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2012] [Revised: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 02/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
To search for compounds that disrupt binding of the EWS-FLI1 fusion protein to its cognate targets, we developed a homogeneous high-throughput proximity assay and screened 5200 small molecule compounds. Many well-known DNA-binding chemotherapeutic agents, such as actinomycin D, cisplatin, doxorubicin, daunorubicin, and epirubicin scored in the assay and not surprising also disrupted the binding of other transcription factors. Unexpectedly, we found that Shikonin, a natural product from the root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, similarly disrupted protein-DNA interactions. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that Shikonin displaces SYBR green from binding to the minor groove of DNA and is able to inhibit topoisomerase mediated DNA relaxation. In cells, Shikonin blocked the binding of EWS-FLI1 to the NR0B1 promoter, and attenuated gene expression. Shikonin rapidly induced G2/M arrest and apoptosis in Ewing sarcoma cells. These results demonstrate that contrary to other purported mechanisms of action, Shikonin is a DNA-binding cytotoxic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changmin Chen
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Kumaran Shanmugasundaram
- Division of Molecular and Vascular Medicine, Center for Vascular Biology Research, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Alan C Rigby
- Division of Molecular and Vascular Medicine, Center for Vascular Biology Research, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Andrew L Kung
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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136
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Li X, Han Y, Guan Y, Zhang L, Bai C, Li Y. Aluminum induces osteoblast apoptosis through the oxidative stress-mediated JNK signaling pathway. Biol Trace Elem Res 2012; 150:502-8. [PMID: 23065425 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-012-9523-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Aluminum (Al) is considered to be a potentially toxic metal. Al exposure inhibits bone formation. Few studies have investigated the mechanism of inhibitory effects of Al on bone formation. Thus, in this study, osteoblasts were cultured and exposed to different concentrations of Al to investigate the mechanism behind the inhibitory effects of Al on bone formation. Al-treated osteoblasts showed signs of oxidative stress and a high apoptosis rate. The levels of osteoblasts activity markers (bone gamma-carboxyglutamic acid protein and bone alkaline phosphatase) were significantly lower in the Al-treated groups than in the control group. The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), a major signaling pathway in regulating cell apoptosis, was activated. The phosphorylation state of JNK was significantly increased. The mRNA and protein expression of c-Jun were both significantly upregulated. The pro-apoptotic genes (caspase 3, caspase 9, bax, and factor-related apoptosis ligand) were significantly increased. However, Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic gene, was significantly decreased. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that Al induces osteoblast apoptosis by activating the oxidative stress-mediated JNK pathway, which causes cell injuries and reduces the number and function of osteoblasts, thereby inhibiting bone formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwei Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, 5333 Xi'an Road, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, China
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Rajasekar S, Park DJ, Park C, Park S, Park YH, Kim ST, Choi YH, Choi YW. In vitro and in vivo anticancer effects of Lithospermum erythrorhizon extract on B16F10 murine melanoma. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2012; 144:335-45. [PMID: 22995444 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2012] [Revised: 08/18/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Lithospermum erythrorhizon has long been used in traditional Asian medicine for the treatment of diseases including skin cancer. In this study, hexane extract from the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon (LEH) was chemically characterized and its anticancer activity was tested against the most aggressive form of skin cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS The in vitro anticancer studies viz. cell growth, cell cycle and apoptosis, and the expression of tumor regulating proteins were analyzed against B16F10 melanoma cells. In addition, C57BL/6 mice models were used to evaluate the in vivo anticancer potential of LEH. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with LEH at doses of 0.1 and 10mg/kg every 3 days. The tumor inhibition ratio was determined after 21 days of treatment and the histopathological analyses of the tumor tissues were compared. Further, LEH was purified and its active compounds were structurally elucidated and identified by NMR spectra and quantified by HPLC analyses. RESULTS LEH effectively inhibits the growth of melanoma cells with an IC(50) of 2.73μg/ml. Cell cycle analysis revealed that LEH increased the percentage of cells in sub-G1 phase by dose dependent manner. LEH exhibited down regulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins and up regulation of apoptotic Bax protein expression. Importantly, LEH induced cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and activated the caspase cascade (caspase 3) with this cleavage mediating the apoptosis of B16F10 cells. LEH treatment at a dose of 10mg/kg for 21 days in experimental mice implanted with tumors resulted in significant reduction of the tumor growth (43%) and weight (36%). Histopathology analysis of LEH treated tumor tissues showed evidence of increased necrotic cells in a concentration dependent manner. Meanwhile, five naphthoquinone compounds [Shikonin (1); Deoxyshikonin (2); β-Hydroxyisovalerylshikonin (3); Acetylshikonin (4) and Isobutyrylshikonin (5)] were purified from LEH and responsible for its anticancer activity. CONCLUSION LEH induced apoptosis in B16F10 cells by activation of caspase 3 and inducing sub-G1 cell cycle arrest. LEH exhibited both in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity. Shikonin derivatives in the LEH are responsible for the anticancer activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seetharaman Rajasekar
- Department of Horticultural Bioscience, Pusan National University, Miryang, Republic of Korea
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The critical role of redox homeostasis in shikonin-induced HL-60 cell differentiation via unique modulation of the Nrf2/ARE pathway. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2012; 2012:781516. [PMID: 23119122 PMCID: PMC3478756 DOI: 10.1155/2012/781516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2012] [Accepted: 09/11/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Among various cancer cell lines, the leukemia cell line HL-60 was most sensitive to Shikonin, with evidence showing both the prooxidative activities and proapoptotic effects of micromolar concentrations of Shikonin. However, the mechanism involved in the cytotoxicity of Shikonin in the submicromolar range has not been fully characterized. Using biochemical and free radical biological experiments in vitro, we identified the prodifferentiated profiles of Shikonin and evaluated the redox homeostasis during HL-60 differentiation. The data showed a strong dose-response relationship between Shikonin exposure and the characteristics of HL-60 differentiation in terms of morphology changes, nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reductive activity, and the expression level of surface antigens CD11b/CD14. During drug exposure, intercellular redox homeostasis changes towards oxidation are necessary to support Shikonin-induced differentiation, which was proven by additional enzymatic and non-enzymatic redox modulators. A statistically significant and dose-dependent increase (P < 0.05) was recorded with regard to the unique expression levels of the Nrf2/ARE downstream target genes in HL-60 cells undergoing late differentiation, which were restored with further antioxidants employed with the Shikonin treatment. Our research demonstrated that Shikonin is a differentiation-inducing agent, and its mechanisms involve the Nrf2/ARE pathway to modulate the intercellular redox homeostasis, thus facilitating differentiation.
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139
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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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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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141
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Zhen-Jun S, Yuan-Yuan Z, Ying-Ying F, Shao-Ju J, Jiao Y, Xiao-Wei Z, Jian C, Yao X, Li-Ming Z. β,β-Dimethylacrylshikonin exerts antitumor activity via Notch-1 signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. Biochem Pharmacol 2012; 84:507-12. [PMID: 22634048 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2012.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2012] [Revised: 05/13/2012] [Accepted: 05/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
β,β-Dimethylacrylshikonin (DA) is a major component of Radix Lithospermum erythrorhizon and has various biological activities. We have investigated the inhibitory effect of DA on the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo. Notch signaling plays a critical role in maintaining the balance between cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Hence, perturbed Notch signaling may contribute to tumorigenesis. In the present study, we evaluated whether DA could be an effective inhibitor on cell growth in human gastric cancer cell line, and also the molecular mechanisms. Using multiple cellular and molecular approaches such as MTT assay, colony formation assay, DAPI staining, flow cytometry, real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, we found that DA inhibited cell growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Biochemical analysis revealed the involvement of cell cycle regulated proteins in DA-mediated of G₀-G₁ arrest of SGC-7901 cells. Furthermore, DA treatment led to reduced Notch-1 activation, expression of Jagged-1 and its downstream target Hes-1 in vitro and in vivo. Our data demonstrated that DA is a potent inhibitor of progression of gastric cancer cells, which could be due to attenuation of Notch-1. We also suggest that DA could be further developed as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao Zhen-Jun
- Department of Pharmacology, Preclinical and Forensic Medical College, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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142
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Ahmed K, Furusawa Y, Tabuchi Y, Emam HF, Piao JL, Hassan MA, Yamamoto T, Kondo T, Kadowaki M. Chemical inducers of heat shock proteins derived from medicinal plants and cytoprotective genes response. Int J Hyperthermia 2012; 28:1-8. [PMID: 22235779 DOI: 10.3109/02656736.2011.627408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental stress induces damage that activates an adaptive response in any organism. The cellular stress response is based on the induction of cytoprotective proteins, the so-called stress or heat shock proteins (HSPs). HSPs are known to function as molecular chaperones which are involved in the therapeutic approach of many diseases. Therefore in the current study we searched nontoxic chaperone inducers in chemical compounds isolated from medicinal plants. Screening of 80 compounds for their Hsp70-inducing activity in human lymphoma U937 cells was performed by western blotting. Five compounds showed significant Hsp70 up-regulation among them shikonin was most potent. Shikonin was able to induce Hsp70 at 0.1 µM after 3 h without activation of heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF-1). It also induces significant reactive oxygen species generation. The expression level of genes responsive to shikonin was studied using global-scale microarrays and computational gene expression analysis tools. Significant increase in the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2, NFEL2L2) -mediated oxidative stress response was observed that leads to the activation of HSP. The results of gene chip analysis were further confirmed by real-time qPCR assay. In short, the detailed mechanisms of Hsp70 induction by shikonin is not fully understood, Nrf2 and its target genes might be involved in the Hsp70 up-regulation in U937 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanwal Ahmed
- Division of Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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143
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Chen CH, Lin ML, Ong PL, Yang JT. Novel Multiple Apoptotic Mechanism of Shikonin in Human Glioma Cells. Ann Surg Oncol 2012; 19:3097-106. [DOI: 10.1245/s10434-012-2324-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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144
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Park EJ, Kiselev E, Conda-Sheridan M, Cushman M, Pezzuto JM. Induction of apoptosis by 3-amino-6-(3-aminopropyl)-5,6-dihydro-5,11-dioxo-11H-indeno[1,2-c]isoquinoline via modulation of MAPKs (p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase) and c-Myc in HL-60 human leukemia cells. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2012; 75:378-384. [PMID: 22148260 PMCID: PMC3311722 DOI: 10.1021/np200791j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Recently, we reported that 3-amino-6-(3-aminopropyl)-5,6-dihydro-5,11-dioxo-11H-indeno[1,2-c]isoquinoline (AM6-36), sharing structural similarity with naturally occurring isoquinolines, induced activities mediated by retinoid X receptor (RXR) response element accompanied by antiproliferative effects on breast cancer cells. To further characterize the biologic potential of AM6-36, we currently report studies conducted with HL-60 human leukemia cells. AM6-36 significantly inhibited cellular proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner with an IC(50) value of 86 nM. When evaluated at low test concentrations (≤0.25 μM), AM6-36 induced arrest in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. At higher concentrations (1 and 2 μM), the response shifted to apoptosis, which was consistent with the effect of AM6-36 on other apoptotic signatures including an increase of apoptotic annexin V(+) 7-AAD(-) cells, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, induction of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage, and activation of several caspases. These apoptotic effects are potentially due to up-regulation of p38 MAPK and JNK phosphorylation and down-regulation of c-Myc oncogene expression. Taken together, AM6-36 might serve as an effective anticancer agent by inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through the activation of MAPKs and inhibition of c-Myc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Jung Park
- College of Pharmacy, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, Hawaii 96720
| | - Evgeny Kiselev
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, and the Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, 47907
| | - Martin Conda-Sheridan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, and the Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, 47907
| | - Mark Cushman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, and the Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, 47907
| | - John M. Pezzuto
- College of Pharmacy, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, Hawaii 96720
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145
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Synthesis and human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA-binding activity of glucosaminosides of shikonin/alkannin. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2012; 22:1582-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2011.12.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2011] [Revised: 12/24/2011] [Accepted: 12/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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146
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Gong K, Li W. Shikonin, a Chinese plant-derived naphthoquinone, induces apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells through reactive oxygen species: A potential new treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma. Free Radic Biol Med 2011; 51:2259-71. [PMID: 22011623 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2011.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2011] [Revised: 09/05/2011] [Accepted: 09/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Although shikonin, a naphthoquinone derivative, has showed anti-cancer activity, its precise molecular anti-tumor mechanism remains to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effects of shikonin on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that shikonin induced apoptosis of Huh7 and BEL7402 but not nontumorigenic cells. ROS generation was detected, and ROS scavengers completely inhibited shikonin-induced apoptosis, indicating that ROS play an essential role. Although the JNK activity was significantly elevated after shikonin treatment, JNK was not linked to apoptosis. However, downregulation of Akt and RIP1/NF-κB activity was found to be involved in shikonin-induced apoptosis. Ectopic expression of Akt or RIP1 partly abrogated the effects of shikonin, and Akt inhibitor and RIP1 inhibitor synergistically induced apoptosis in conjunction with shikonin treatment. ROS scavengers blocked shikonin-induced inactivation of Akt and RIP1/NF-κB, but Akt or RIP1/NF-κB did not regulate ROS generation, suggesting that Akt and RIP1/NF-κB signals are downstream of ROS generation. In addition, the results of xenograft experiments in mice were consistent with in vitro studies. Taken together, our data show that shikonin, which may be a promising agent in the treatment of liver cancer, induced apoptosis in HCC cells through the ROS/Akt and RIP1/NF-κB pathways.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/chemistry
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
- Humans
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- Molecular Structure
- Naphthoquinones/chemistry
- Naphthoquinones/pharmacology
- Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism
- Structure-Activity Relationship
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Gong
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, People's Republic of China
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147
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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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148
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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: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [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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149
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Abstract
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a heterogeneous group of molecules that are generated by mature myeloid cells during innate immune responses, and are also implicated in normal intracellular signaling. Excessive production of ROS (and/or a deficiency in antioxidant pathways) can lead to oxidative stress, a state that has been observed in several hematopoietic malignancies including acute and chronic myeloid leukemias (AML and CML). Currently it is unclear what the cause of oxidative stress might be and whether oxidative stress contributes to the development, progression, or maintenance of these diseases. This article reviews the current evidence suggesting a role for ROS both in normal hematopoiesis and in myeloid leukemogenesis, and discusses the usefulness of therapeutically targeting oxidative stress in myeloid malignancy.
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150
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Abstract
Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species are found in most oncogenically transformed cells and are proposed to promote cellular transformation through mechanisms such as inhibition of phosphatases. BCR-ABL, the oncoprotein associated with the majority of chronic myelogenous leukemias, induces accumulation of intracellular ROS causing enhanced signaling downstream of PI3K. Previously we have shown that the transcription factor NF-κB is activated by BCR-ABL expression and is required for BCR-ABL-mediated cellular transformation. Inhibition of IKKβ and NF-κB leads to cell death through an unknown mechanism. Here, we analyze the potential involvement of NF-κB in moderating BCR-ABL-induced ROS levels to protect from death in response to cell stress. The data confirm that BCR-ABL promotes ROS levels and demonstrate that NF-κB prevents excessive ROS levels. Inhibition of NF-κB leads to an increase in ROS levels and to cell death controlled through ROS-induced JNK activity. The data demonstrate that one function for NF-κB in oncogenesis is the suppression of oncoprotein-induced ROS levels and that inhibition of NF-κB in some cancers, including CML, will increase ROS levels and promote cell death.
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