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Sammarco A, Beffagna G, Sacchetto R, Vettori A, Bonsembiante F, Scarin G, Gelain ME, Cavicchioli L, Ferro S, Geroni C, Lombardi P, Zappulli V. Antitumor Effect of Berberine Analogs in a Canine Mammary Tumor Cell Line and in Zebrafish Reporters via Wnt/β-Catenin and Hippo Pathways. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3317. [PMID: 38137538 PMCID: PMC10741123 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The heterogeneous nature of human breast cancer (HBC) can still lead to therapy inefficacy and high lethality, and new therapeutics as well as new spontaneous animal models are needed to benefit translational HBC research. Dogs are primarily investigated since they spontaneously develop tumors that share many features with human cancers. In recent years, different natural phytochemicals including berberine, a plant alkaloid, have been reported to have antiproliferative activity in vitro in human cancers and rodent animal models. In this study, we report the antiproliferative activity and mechanism of action of berberine, its active metabolite berberrubine, and eight analogs, on a canine mammary carcinoma cell line and in transgenic zebrafish models. We demonstrate both in vitro and in vivo the significant effects of specific analogs on cell viability via the induction of apoptosis, also identifying their role in inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and activating the Hippo signals with a downstream reduction in CTGF expression. In particular, the berberine analogs NAX035 and NAX057 show the highest therapeutic efficacy, deserving further analyses to elucidate their mechanism of action more in detail, and in vivo studies on spontaneous neoplastic diseases are needed, aiming at improving veterinary treatments of cancer as well as translational cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Sammarco
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (A.S.); (G.B.); (R.S.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (M.E.G.); (L.C.); (S.F.)
- Department of Urology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Giorgia Beffagna
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (A.S.); (G.B.); (R.S.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (M.E.G.); (L.C.); (S.F.)
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Roberta Sacchetto
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (A.S.); (G.B.); (R.S.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (M.E.G.); (L.C.); (S.F.)
| | - Andrea Vettori
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy;
| | - Federico Bonsembiante
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (A.S.); (G.B.); (R.S.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (M.E.G.); (L.C.); (S.F.)
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Giulia Scarin
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (A.S.); (G.B.); (R.S.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (M.E.G.); (L.C.); (S.F.)
| | - Maria Elena Gelain
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (A.S.); (G.B.); (R.S.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (M.E.G.); (L.C.); (S.F.)
| | - Laura Cavicchioli
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (A.S.); (G.B.); (R.S.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (M.E.G.); (L.C.); (S.F.)
| | - Silvia Ferro
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (A.S.); (G.B.); (R.S.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (M.E.G.); (L.C.); (S.F.)
| | - Cristina Geroni
- Naxospharma Srl, 20026 Novate Milanese, Italy; (C.G.); (P.L.)
| | - Paolo Lombardi
- Naxospharma Srl, 20026 Novate Milanese, Italy; (C.G.); (P.L.)
| | - Valentina Zappulli
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (A.S.); (G.B.); (R.S.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (M.E.G.); (L.C.); (S.F.)
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Zhao T, Zhang Q, Cang F, Wu S, Jiang Y, Zhao Q, Zhou Y, Qu X, Zhang X, Jin Y, Li Y, Fu Y. Yolk-shell shaped Au-Bi 2S 3heterostructure nanoparticles for controlled drug release and combined tumor therapy. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 33:455103. [PMID: 35914421 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ac85c2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
To fabricate a novel stimuli-responsive system enabling controlled drug release and synergistic therapy, yolk-shell shaped bismuth sulfide modified with Au nanoparticles (Au-Bi2S3) was prepared. The Au-Bi2S3nanomaterial with heterojunction structure exhibited excellent photothermal conversion efficiency and considerable free radicals yield under laser irradiation. The drug delivery capacity was confirmed by co-loading Berberine hydrochloride (BBR) and a phase change material 1-tetradecanol (PCM), which could be responsible for NIR light induced thermal controlled drug release.In vitroinvestigation demonstrated that Au-Bi2S3has cell selectivity, and with the assistance of the properties of Au-Bi2S3, the loaded drug could give full play to their cancer cell inhibition ability. Our work highlights the great potential of this nanoplatform which could deliver and control Berberine hydrochloride release as well as realize the synergistic anti-tumor strategy of photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy for tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zhao
- College of Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China
- Engineering Research Center of Forest Bio-preparation, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Zhang
- College of Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Cang
- College of Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China
- Engineering Research Center of Forest Bio-preparation, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, People's Republic of China
| | - Shilong Wu
- College of Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China
- Engineering Research Center of Forest Bio-preparation, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Jiang
- College of Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China
- Engineering Research Center of Forest Bio-preparation, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiyao Zhao
- College of Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifan Zhou
- College of Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China
- Engineering Research Center of Forest Bio-preparation, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomeng Qu
- College of Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuesong Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yushen Jin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Traceability Technologies for Food Poisoning, Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100013, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanyan Li
- College of Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China
- Engineering Research Center of Forest Bio-preparation, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujie Fu
- College of Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, People's Republic of China
- The College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, 100083, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Khorshid S, Montanari M, Benedetti S, Moroni S, Aluigi A, Canonico B, Papa S, Tiboni M, Casettari L. A microfluidic approach to fabricate sucrose decorated liposomes with increased uptake in breast cancer cells. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2022; 178:53-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2022.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Al Mamun A, Sufian MA, Uddin MS, Sumsuzzman DM, Jeandet P, Islam MS, Zhang HJ, Kong AN, Sarwar MS. Exploring the role of senescence inducers and senotherapeutics as targets for anticancer natural products. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 928:174991. [PMID: 35513016 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
During the last few decades, cancer has remained one of the deadliest diseases that endanger human health, emphasizing urgent drug discovery. Cellular senescence has gained a great deal of attention in recent years because of its link to the development of cancer therapy. Senescent cells are incapable of proliferating due to irreversibly inhibited the initiation of the cell cycle pathways. However, senescent cells aggregate in tissues and produce a pro-inflammatory secretome called senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) that can cause serious harmful effects if not managed properly. There is mounting evidence that senescent cells lead to various phases of tumorigenesis in various anatomical sites, owing mostly to the paracrine activities of the SASP. Therefore, a new treatment field called senotherapeutics has been established. Senotherapeutics are newly developed anticancer agents that have been demonstrated to inhibit cancer effectively. In light of recent findings, several promising natural products have been identified as senescence inducers and senotherapeutics, including, miliusanes, epigallocatechin gallate, phloretin, silybin, resveratrol, genistein, sulforaphane, quercetin, allicin, fisetin, piperlongumine, berberine, triptolide, tocotrienols and curcumin analogs. Several of them have already been validated through preclinical trials and exert an enormous potential for clinical trials. This review article focuses on and summarises the latest advances on cellular senescence and its potential as a target for cancer treatment and highlights the well-known natural products as senotherapeutics for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Al Mamun
- Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, 7 Baptist University Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | | | - Md Sahab Uddin
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Pharmakon Neuroscience Research Network, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Philippe Jeandet
- University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Research Unit, Induced Resistance and Plant Bioprotection, EA 4707, SFR Condorcet FR CNRS 3417, Faculty of Sciences, PO Box 1039, 51687, Reims, Cedex 2, France
| | - Mohammad Safiqul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Hong-Jie Zhang
- Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, 7 Baptist University Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Ah-Ng Kong
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Md Shahid Sarwar
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh; Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
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5
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Bibak B, Shakeri F, Keshavarzi Z, Mollazadeh H, Javid H, Jalili-Nik M, Sathyapalan T, Afshari AR, Sahebkar A. Anticancer mechanisms of Berberine: a good choice for glioblastoma multiforme therapy. Curr Med Chem 2022; 29:4507-4528. [PMID: 35209812 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220224112811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The most typical malignant brain tumor, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), seems to have a grim outcome, despite the intensive multi-modality interventions. Literature suggests that biologically active phytomolecules may exert anticancer properties by regulating several signaling pathways. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, has various pharmacological applications to combat severe diseases like cancer. Mechanistically, Berberine inhibits cell proliferation and invasion, suppresses tumor angiogenesis, and induces cell apoptosis. The effect of the antitumoral effect of Berberine in GBM is increasingly recognized. This review sheds new light on the regulatory signaling mechanisms of Berberine in various cancer, proposing its potential role as a therapeutic agent for GBM. .
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahram Bibak
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Shakeri
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Zakieh Keshavarzi
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Hamid Mollazadeh
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Hossein Javid
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Jalili-Nik
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Thozhukat Sathyapalan
- Academic Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Amir R Afshari
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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McCubrey JA, Abrams SL, Steelman LS, Cocco L, Ratti S, Martelli AM, Lombardi P, Gizak A, Duda P. APR-246-The Mutant TP53 Reactivator-Increases the Effectiveness of Berberine and Modified Berberines to Inhibit the Proliferation of Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Biomolecules 2022; 12:276. [PMID: 35204775 PMCID: PMC8961609 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common form of pancreatic cancer. In ~75% of PDAC, the tumor suppressor TP53 gene is mutated. Novel approaches to treat cancer involve compounds called mutant TP53 reactivators. They interact with mutant TP53 proteins and restore some of their growth suppressive properties, but they may also interact with other proteins, e.g., TP63 and TP73. We examined the ability of the TP53 reactivator APR-246 to interact with eleven modified berberine compounds (NAX compounds) in the presence and absence of WT-TP53 in two PDAC cell lines: the MIA-PaCa-2, which has gain of function (GOF) TP53 mutations on both alleles, and PANC-28, which lacks expression of the WT TP53 protein. Our results indicate the TP53 reactivator-induced increase in therapeutic potential of many modified berberines.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Andrew McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA; (S.L.A.); (L.S.S.)
| | - Stephen L. Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA; (S.L.A.); (L.S.S.)
| | - Linda S. Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA; (S.L.A.); (L.S.S.)
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.C.); (S.R.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.C.); (S.R.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Alberto M. Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.C.); (S.R.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Paolo Lombardi
- Naxospharma, Via Giuseppe Di Vittorio 70, 20026 Novate Milanese, Italy;
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wrocław, 50-335 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.G.); (P.D.)
| | - Przemysław Duda
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wrocław, 50-335 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.G.); (P.D.)
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Mozaffari S, Seyedabadi S, Alemzadeh E. Anticancer efficiency of doxorubicin and berberine-loaded PCL nanofibers in preventing local breast cancer recurrence. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2021.102984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Filli MS, Ibrahim AA, Kesse S, Aquib M, Boakye-Yiadom KO, Farooq MA, Raza F, Zhang Y, Wang B. Synthetic berberine derivatives as potential new drugs. BRAZ J PHARM SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/s2175-97902020000318835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Md Aquib
- China Pharmaceutical University, China
| | | | | | | | | | - Bo Wang
- China Pharmaceutical University, China
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Targeting cellular senescence in cancer by plant secondary metabolites: A systematic review. Pharmacol Res 2021; 177:105961. [PMID: 34718135 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Senescence suppresses tumor growth, while also developing a tumorigenic state in the nearby cells that is mediated by senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs). The dual function of cellular senescence stresses the need for identifying multi-targeted agents directed towards the promotion of cell senescence in cancer cells and suppression of the secretion of pro-tumorigenic signaling mediators in neighboring cells. Natural secondary metabolites have shown favorable anticancer responses in recent decades, as some have been found to target the senescence-associated mediators and pathways. Furthermore, phenolic compounds and polyphenols, terpenes and terpenoids, alkaloids, and sulfur-containing compounds have shown to be promising anticancer agents through the regulation of paracrine and autocrine pathways. Plant secondary metabolites are potential regulators of SASPs factors that suppress tumor growth through paracrine mediators, including growth factors, cytokines, extracellular matrix components/enzymes, and proteases. On the other hand, ataxia-telangiectasia mutated, ataxia-telangiectasia and Rad3-related, extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin, nuclear factor-κB, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription, and receptor tyrosine kinase-associated mediators are main targets of candidate phytochemicals in the autocrine senescence pathway. Such a regulatory role of phytochemicals on senescence-associated pathways are associated with cell cycle arrest and the attenuation of apoptotic/inflammatory/oxidative stress pathways. The current systematic review highlights the critical roles of natural secondary metabolites in the attenuation of autocrine and paracrine cellular senescence pathways, while also elucidating the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic capabilities of these compounds. Additionally, we discuss current challenges, limitations, and future research indications.
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Antimetastatic and Antitumor Activities of Orally Administered NAX014 Compound in a Murine Model of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052653. [PMID: 33800754 PMCID: PMC7961369 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The natural isoquinoline alkaloid Berberine (BBR) has been shown to possess several therapeutic effects, including anticancer activity. Different BBR derivatives have been designed and synthesized in order to obtain new compounds with enhanced anticancer efficacy. We previously showed that intraperitoneal (IP) administration of the BBR-derived NAX014 compound was able to counteract HER-2 overexpressing mammary tumors onset and progression in transgenic mice. However, the IP administration was found to induce organ toxicity at doses higher than 2.5 mg/Kg. In this study, we evaluated the effect of intragastric (IG) administration of 20 mg/kg of NAX014 on both safety and anticancer efficacy in HER-2/neu transgenic mice. Furthermore, cancer cell dissemination and migration, tumor cell senescence and immunological changes were examined. Our results demonstrated that IG NAX014 administration delayed the onset of mammary tumors with no negative effects on health and survival. NAX014 reduced HER-2 overexpressing BC cells migration in vitro and the frequency of lung metastasis in HER-2/neu transgenic mice. A statistically significant increase of senescence-associated p16 expression was observed in tumors from NAX014-treated mice, and the induction of cell senescence was observed in HER-2 overexpressing BC cells after in vitro treatment with NAX014. Although NAX014 did not modulate the presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, the level of circulating TNF-α and VEGF was found to be reduced in NAX014-treated mice. The overall results address the NAX014 compound as potential tool for therapeutic strategies against HER-2 overexpressing breast cancer.
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Pandey Y, Ambwani S. Nano Metal based Herbal theranostics for Cancer management: coalescing nature's boon with nanotechnological advancement. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2021; 23:30-46. [PMID: 33480341 DOI: 10.2174/1389201022666210122141724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is amongst the leading public health problems globally with continuously increasing prevalence rate that demands for extensive and expensive treatment. Despite availability of number of potential cancer therapies, inadequate success has been achieved due to complexity and heterogeneity of tumors. Moreover, late/ terminal stage cancer leads to multidrug resistance, excruciating side effects, recurrence, etc. This is because of low penetrability and deleterious effects of drug on non-target cells/ tissues. This requires for cost effective, efficacious, alternative/ adjunct, complementary medicines with targeted drug delivery approach. A potential strategy to resolve this difficulty is to use theranostics i.e., formulations having both a therapeutic element and an imaging agent. Phytotherapeutics have been extensively used since times immemorial, having wide acceptability, easy availability, minimal side effects and comparatively inexpensive. These herbal formulations are mostly orally administered and thus subjected to adverse pH, enzymatic degradation, poor gut absorption, low bioavailability and non-targeted delivery that ultimately lead to their poor effectiveness. Constraints associated with conventional phyto-pharmaceuticals can be improved by designing and using "Nano Delivery Systems" (NDS). The foremost aim of metal based NDS is to provide sustained drug release, site-specific action, improved patient's compliance and enhanced efficacy. Metal Nanocarriers carrying herbal drugs will avoid these obstructions, so the drug can circulate into the blood for a longer period of time and provide optimal amount of the drug to the site of action. Besides, Herbal drugs with NDS thus would be efficacious as alternative/ complementary cancer theranostics. Present review describes about novel theranostic systems employing metal nanocarriers with diagnostic and therapeutic properties as are an effective strategy for cancer treatment. These systems when conjugated with herbal drugs provide an efficient management strategy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogesh Pandey
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, C.B.S.H., G.B. Pant University of Agriculture &Technology, Pantnagar, 263145, Uttarakhand. India
| | - Sonu Ambwani
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, C.B.S.H., G.B. Pant University of Agriculture &Technology, Pantnagar, 263145, Uttarakhand. India
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Leyva-Peralta MA, Robles-Zepeda RE, Razo-Hernández RS, Berber LPÁ, Lara KO, Ruiz-Bustos E, Gálvez-Ruíz JC. Berberine as Source of Antiproliferative Hybrid Compounds: In Vitro Antiproliferative Activity and Quantitative Structure-activity Relationship. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2020; 19:1820-1834. [PMID: 31960788 DOI: 10.2174/1871520619666190503121820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite advances for cancer treatment, it still remains a major worldwide public health problem. Compounds derived from natural sources are important alternatives to combat this mortal disease. Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid with a wide variety of pharmacological properties, including antiproliferative activity. Previously, we have found that fatty acids also show antiproliferative activity against cancer cell lines.. OBJECTIVE To combine berberine and fatty acids, or carboxylic acids, in order to improve their antiproliferative properties. METHODS We synthetized six new hybrid derivatives through a simple methylenedioxy group-cleavage method followed by the reaction with fatty acids, or carboxylic acids. The structure of the compounds was elucidated by IR, NMR and HRMS. The in vitro antiproliferative activity against four human cancer cell lines (HeLa, A-549, PC-3 and LS-180) and one normal cell line (ARPE-19), was evaluated by the MTT method. Chemical structures were drawn using SPARTAN '08 software and the conformational analysis was carried out with a molecular mechanic level of theory and the SYBIL force field. All molecular structures were subjected to geometrical optimization at the semi-empirical method PM3. Molecular descriptors were calculated using DRAGON 5.4 and SPARTAN ´08 programs. RESULTS The geranic acid and berberine hybrid compound (6) improved the antiproliferative activity shown by natural berberine, even more than the 16- to 18-carbon atoms fatty acids. Compound 6 showed IC50 values of 2.40 ± 0.60, 1.5 ± 0.24, 5.85 ± 1.07 and 5.44 ± 0.24 μM, against HeLa, A-549, PC-3 and LS-180 human cancer cell lines, respectively. Using this information, we performed a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) of the hybrid molecules and found that the molecular descriptors associated with the antiproliferative activity are: hydrophobic constant associated with substituents (π(A) = 6.5), molecular volume descriptor (CPKvolume≈ 700 Å3), EHOMO, number of rotatable bonds (RBN) and number of 6-membered rings (nR06). CONCLUSION The methylendioxy and methoxyl groups in berberine are important for the antiproliferative activity shown by its derivatives. Better results in antiproliferative activity were obtained in compound 6 with the prenyl moiety. The QSAR indicates that the molecular descriptors which associated positively with the antiproliferative activity are: hydrophobic constant associated with substituents (π(A) = 6.5), molecular volume descriptor (CPKvolume≈ 700 Å3) and EHOMO. This research gave the basis for the design and preparation of new, easily afforded molecules derived from berberine and carboxylic acids, with improved antiproliferative activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario A Leyva-Peralta
- Departamento de Investigación en Polímeros y Materiales, Universidad de Sonora, Rosales y Encinas s/n, Col. Centro CP 83000. Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Ramón E Robles-Zepeda
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad de Sonora, Boulevard Luis Encinas y Rosales s/n, Hermosillo, Sonora 83000, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo S Razo-Hernández
- Centro de Investigación en Dinámica Celular, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad No. 1001, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62209, Mexico
| | - Laura P Á Berber
- Centro de Investigaciones Químicas-IICBA, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad No. 1001, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62209, Mexico
| | - Karen O Lara
- Departamento de Investigación en Polímeros y Materiales, Universidad de Sonora, Rosales y Encinas s/n, Col. Centro CP 83000. Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Ruiz-Bustos
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad de Sonora, Boulevard Luis Encinas y Rosales s/n, Hermosillo, Sonora 83000, Mexico
| | - Juan C Gálvez-Ruíz
- Departamento de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad de Sonora, Boulevard Luis Encinas y Rosales s/n, Hermosillo, Sonora 83000, Mexico
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The Premature Senescence in Breast Cancer Treatment Strategy. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071815. [PMID: 32640718 PMCID: PMC7408867 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence is a permanent blockade of cell proliferation. In response to therapy-induced stress, cancer cells undergo apoptosis or premature senescence. In apoptosis-resistant cancer cells or at lower doses of anticancer drugs, therapy-induced stress leads to premature senescence. The role of this senescence in cancer treatment is discussable. First of all, the senescent cells lose the ability to proliferate, migrate, and invade. In addition, the senescent cells secrete a set of proteins (inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, growth factors) known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which influences non-senescent normal cells and non-senescent cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment and triggers tumor promotion and recurrence. Recently, many studies have examined senescence induction through breast cancer therapy and potentially using this phenomenon to treat this cancer. This review summarizes the recent in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies investigating senescence in breast cancer treatments. Senescence inductors, senolytics, as well as their action mechanism are discussed herein. Potential SASP-modulating treatment strategies are also described.
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Synthetic and antitumor comparison of 9-O-alkylated and carbohydrate-modified berberine derivatives. JOURNAL OF THE IRANIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s13738-020-01985-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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15
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Habtemariam S. Recent Advances in Berberine Inspired Anticancer Approaches: From Drug Combination to Novel Formulation Technology and Derivatization. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25061426. [PMID: 32245062 PMCID: PMC7144379 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25061426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Berberine is multifunctional natural product with potential to treat diverse pathological conditions. Its broad-spectrum anticancer effect through direct effect on cancer cell growth and metastasis have been established both in vitro and in vivo. The cellular targets that account to the anticancer effect of berberine are incredibly large and range from kinases (protein kinase B (Akt), mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs), cell cycle checkpoint kinases, etc.) and transcription factors to genes and protein regulators of cell survival, motility and death. The direct effect of berberine in cancer cells is however relatively weak and occur at moderate concentration range (10–100 µM) in most cancer cells. The poor pharmacokinetics profile resulting from poor absorption, efflux by permeability-glycoprotein (P-gc) and extensive metabolism in intestinal and hepatic cells are other dimensions of berberine’s limitation as anticancer agent. This communication addresses the research efforts during the last two decades that were devoted to enhancing the anticancer potential of berberine. Strategies highlighted include using berberine in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents either to reduce toxic side effects or enhance their anticancer effects; the various novel formulation approaches which by order of magnitude improved the pharmacokinetics of berberine; and semisynthetic approaches that enhanced potency by up to 100-fold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Habtemariam
- Pharmacognosy Research Laboratories & Herbal Analysis Services UK, University of Greenwich, Chatham-Maritime, ME4 4TB Kent, UK
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16
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Papi F, Bazzicalupi C, Ferraroni M, Ciolli G, Lombardi P, Khan AY, Kumar GS, Gratteri P. Pyridine Derivative of the Natural Alkaloid Berberine as Human Telomeric G 4-DNA Binder: A Solution and Solid-State Study. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:645-650. [PMID: 32435365 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase is an enzyme deputed to the maintenance of eukaryotic chromosomes; however, its overexpression is a recognized hallmark of many cancer forms. A viable route for the inhibition of telomerase in malignant cells is the stabilization of G-quadruplex structures (G4) at the 3' overhang of telomeres. Berberine has shown in this regard valuable G4 binding properties together with a significant anticancer activity and telomerase inhibition effects. Here, we focused on a berberine derivative featuring a pyridine containing side group at the 13th position. Such modification actually improves the binding toward telomeric G-quadruplexes and establishes a degree of selectivity in the interaction with different sequences. Moreover, the X-ray crystal structure obtained for the complex formed by the ligand and a bimolecular human telomeric quadruplex affords a better understanding of the 13-berberine derivatives behavior with telomeric G4 and allows to draw useful insights for the future design of derivatives with remarkable anticancer properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Papi
- Department of Chemistry ’Ugo Schiff’, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Carla Bazzicalupi
- Department of Chemistry ’Ugo Schiff’, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Marta Ferraroni
- Department of Chemistry ’Ugo Schiff’, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Giulia Ciolli
- Department of Chemistry ’Ugo Schiff’, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Paolo Lombardi
- Naxospharma srl, Via G. Di Vittorio 70, 20026 Novate Milanese (MI), Italy
| | - Asma Yasmeen Khan
- Biophysical Chemistry Laboratory, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata 700 032, India
| | - Gopinatha Suresh Kumar
- Biophysical Chemistry Laboratory, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata 700 032, India
| | - Paola Gratteri
- Department NEUROFARBA − Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section and Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Cheminformatics & QSAR, University of Florence, Via U. Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
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TP53/miR-34a-associated signaling targets SERPINE1 expression in human pancreatic cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:2777-2797. [PMID: 31986125 PMCID: PMC7041729 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a disease of aging. The TP53 gene product regulates cell growth, aging, and cancer. To determine the important targets of TP53 in PDAC, we examined the expression of 440 proteins on a reverse phase protein array (RPPA) in PDAC-derived MIA-PaCa-2 cells which either had WT-TP53 or lacked WT-TP53. MIA-PaCa-2 cells have a TP53 mutation as well as mutant KRAS and represent a good in vitro model to study PDAC. RPPA analysis demonstrated expression of tumor promoting proteins in cells that lacked WT-TP53; and this feature could be reversed significantly when the cells were transfected with vector encoding WT-TP53 or treated with berberine or a modified berberine (BBR). Expression of miR-34a-associated signaling was elevated in cells expressing WT-TP53 compared to cells expressing mTP53. Results from in vivo studies using human PDAC specimens confirmed the in vitro results as the expression of miR-34a and associated signaling was significantly decreased in PDAC specimens compared to non-cancerous tissues. This study determined SERPINE1 as a miR-34a target with relevance to the biology of PDAC. Thus, we have identified a key target (SERPINE1) of the TP53/miR-34a axis that may serve as a potential biomarker for early detection of pancreatic cancer.
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18
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Wang L, Yang X, Li X, Stoika R, Wang X, Lin H, Ma Y, Wang R, Liu K. Synthesis of hydrophobically modified berberine derivatives with high anticancer activity through modulation of the MAPK pathway. NEW J CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1039/d0nj01645d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Linoleic acid-modified berberine derivative induces apoptosis of A549 cells and affects the expression of proteins associated with the MAPK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhen Wang
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences)
- Jinan 250353
- China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province
- Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences)
| | - Xueliang Yang
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences)
- Jinan 250353
- China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province
- Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences)
| | - Xiaobin Li
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences)
- Jinan 250353
- China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province
- Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences)
| | - Rostyslav Stoika
- Department of Regulation of Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis
- Institute of Cell Biology
- National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
- Lviv
- Ukraine
| | - Xue Wang
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences)
- Jinan 250353
- China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province
- Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences)
| | - Houwen Lin
- Research Center for Marine Drugs
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Shanghai
- China
| | - Yukui Ma
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Drugs
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- 250101 Jinan
- China
| | - Rongchun Wang
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences)
- Jinan 250353
- China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province
- Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences)
| | - Kechun Liu
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences)
- Jinan 250353
- China
- Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province
- Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences)
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19
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Song L, Luo Y, Wang X, Almutairi MM, Pan H, Li W, Liu Y, Wang Q, Hong M. Exploring the active mechanism of berberine against HCC by systematic pharmacology and experimental validation. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:4654-4664. [PMID: 31545468 PMCID: PMC6797955 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Berberine (BBR) is the main component of Coptidis rhizoma, the dried rhizome of Coptis chinensis and is a potential plant alkaloid used for the treatment of cancer due to its high antitumor activity. The present study examined the therapeutic potential and molecular mechanism of action of BBR against HCC, using systematic pharmacology combined with a molecular docking approach and experimental validation in vitro. Through systematic pharmacological analysis, it was found that BBR serves a significant role in inhibiting HCC by affecting multiple pathways, especially the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Furthermore, the docking approach indicated that the binding of BBR to AKT could lead to the suppression of AKT activity. The present study examined the inhibitory effect of BBR on the PI3K/AKT pathway in HCC and identified that BBR downregulated the expressions of phosphorylated AKT and PI3K in MHCC97‑H and HepG2 cells, inhibiting their growth, cell migration and invasion in a dose‑dependent manner. In addition, inhibition of the AKT pathway by BBR also contributed to cell apoptosis in MHCC97‑H and HepG2 cells. Taken together, the results of the present study suggested that BBR may be a promising antitumor drug for HCC that acts by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Song
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Yi Luo
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Xinyue Wang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Mohammed M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Huafeng Pan
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Weirong Li
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Yongqiang Liu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Qi Wang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Ming Hong
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
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Akula SM, Candido S, Libra M, Abrams SL, Steelman LS, Lertpiriyapong K, Ramazzotti G, Ratti S, Follo MY, Martelli AM, Murata RM, Rosalen PL, Bueno-Silva B, Matias de Alencar S, Montalto G, Cervello M, Gizak A, Rakus D, Mao W, Lin HL, Lombardi P, McCubrey JA. Abilities of berberine and chemically modified berberines to interact with metformin and inhibit proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. Adv Biol Regul 2019; 73:100633. [PMID: 31047842 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is devastating cancer worldwide with few if any truly effective therapies. Pancreatic cancer has an increasing incidence and may become the second leading cause of death from cancer. Novel, more effective therapeutic approaches are needed as pancreatic cancer patients usually survive for less than a year after being diagnosed. Control of blood sugar levels by the prescription drug metformin in diseases such as diabetes mellitus has been examined in association with pancreatic cancer. While the clinical trials remain inconclusive, there is hope that certain diets and medications may affect positively the outcomes of patients with pancreatic and other cancers. Other natural compounds may share some of the effects of metformin. One "medicinal" fruit consumed by millions worldwide is berberine (BBR). Metformin and BBR both activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) which is a key mediator of glucose metabolism. Glucose metabolism has been shown to be very important in cancer and its significance is increasing. In the following studies, we have examined the effects of metformin, BBR and a panel of modified BBRs (NAX compounds) and chemotherapeutic drugs on the growth of four different human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines (PDAC). Interestingly, the effects of metformin could be enhanced by BBR and certain modified BBRs. Upon restoration of WT-TP53 activity in MIA-PaCa-2 cells, an altered sensitivity to the combination of certain NAX compounds and metformin was observed compared to the parental cells which normally lack WT-TP53. Certain NAX compounds may interact with WT-TP53 and metformin treatment to alter the expression of key molecules involved in cell growth. These results suggest a therapeutic approach by combining certain pharmaceutical drugs and nutraceuticals to suppress the growth of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaw M Akula
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA.
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences - Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (PreDiCT), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences - Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (PreDiCT), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Kvin Lertpiriyapong
- Center of Comparative Medicine and Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine and the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Giulia Ramazzotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matilde Y Follo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ramiro M Murata
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA; Department of Foundational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, East Carolina University, USA
| | - Pedro L Rosalen
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Bruno Bueno-Silva
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil; Dental Research Division, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, Brazil
| | | | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Dipartimento di Promozione Della Salute, Materno-Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Weifeng Mao
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Heng-Liang Lin
- Catholic Fu Jen University Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Paolo Lombardi
- Naxospharma, Via Giuseppe di Vittorio 70, Novate Milanese, 20026, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA.
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Abrams SL, Follo MY, Steelman LS, Lertpiriyapong K, Cocco L, Ratti S, Martelli AM, Candido S, Libra M, Murata RM, Rosalen PL, Montalto G, Cervello M, Gizak A, Rakus D, Mao W, Lombardi P, McCubrey JA. Abilities of berberine and chemically modified berberines to inhibit proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. Adv Biol Regul 2019; 71:172-182. [PMID: 30361003 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Berberine (BBR) is a common nutraceutical consumed by millions worldwide. BBR has many different effects on human health, e.g., diabetes, diarrhea, inflammation and now more recently it has been proposed to have potent anti-cancer effects. BBR has been shown to suppress the growth of cancer cells more than normal cells. BBR has been proposed to exert its growth-inhibitory effects by many different biochemical mechanisms including: suppression of cell cycle progression, induction of reactive oxygen species, induction of apoptosis and autophagy and interactions with DNA potentially leading to DNA damage, and altered gene expression. Pancreatic cancer is a leading cancer worldwide associated with a poor prognosis. As our population ages, pancreatic cancer has an increasing incidence and will likely become the second leading cause of death from cancer. There are few truly-effective therapeutic options for pancreatic cancer. Surgery and certain chemotherapeutic drugs are used to treat pancreatic cancer patients. Novel approaches to treat pancreatic cancer patients are direly needed as they usually survive for less than a year after being diagnosed. In the following manuscript, we discuss the abilities of BBR and certain chemically-modified BBRs (NAX compounds) to suppress growth of pancreatic cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Matilde Y Follo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Kvin Lertpiriyapong
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, USA; Center of Comparative Medicine and Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine and the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences - Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences - Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Ramiro M Murata
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA; Department of Foundational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, East Carolina University, USA
| | - Pedro L Rosalen
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Weifeng Mao
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Paolo Lombardi
- Naxospharma, Via Giuseppe di Vittorio 70, Novate Milanese, 20026, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA.
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Apelin/APJ system: A novel promising target for anti-aging intervention. Clin Chim Acta 2018; 487:233-240. [PMID: 30296443 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2018.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Apelin, an endogenous ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor APJ, is widely expressed in various organs. Recent research has indicated that the Apelin/APJ system plays an important role in aging. Apelin and APJ receptor expression are down-regulated with increasing age. In murine models, Apelin and APJ knockouts exhibit accelerated senescence whereas Apelin-restoration results in enhanced vigor and rejuvenated behavioral and circadian phenotypes. Furthermore, aged Apelin knockout mice develop progressive impairment of cardiac contractility associated with systolic dysfunction. Apelin is crucial to maintain cardiac contractility in aging. Moreover, the Apelin/APJ system appears to be involved in regulation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress which promotes aging. Likewise, the Apelin/APJ system regulates autophagy, stem cells and the sirtuin family thus contributing to anti-aging. In this review, we describe the relationship between Apelin/APJ system and aging. We elaborate on the role of the Apelin/APJ system in aging stimulators, aging inhibitors and age-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. We conclude that Apelin/APJ system might become a novel promising therapeutic target for anti-aging.
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Pierpaoli E, Fiorillo G, Lombardi P, Salvatore C, Geroni C, Piacenza F, Provinciali M. Antitumor activity of NAX060: A novel semisynthetic berberine derivative in breast cancer cells. Biofactors 2018; 44:443-452. [PMID: 30178609 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy and the most common cause of cancer death in elderly women. We recently demonstrated that innovative compounds structurally related to and semisynthetically derived from the plant alkaloid berberine represent a promising unexplored resource for novel therapeutic tools in BC therapy. In this study, we analyzed the effectiveness of new 13-dichlorophenylalkyl berberine semisynthetic derivatives (NAX060, NAX103, NAX111, and NAX114) on the viability of BC cell lines. Our results demonstrated that the new compounds effectively inhibited the growth of a variety of human BC cell lines. In particular, the viability of HER-2 overexpressing SK-BR-3 cells was significantly reduced by the treatment with NAX060, the most active compound, in a dose and time-dependent manner. In the same tumor cell line, NAX060 induced a strong increase in sub-G1 population while G0/G1 and G2/M phase cells remarkably decreased. NAX060 withdrawal after 72 h of treatment resulted in an irreversible cell proliferation arrest and increasing cell death. Real-time PCR analyses showed that NAX060 induced the expression of some cell-cycle checkpoint molecules involved in cell senescence such as p21WAF1, p27, p16INK4a, and PAI-1. Furthermore, the HER-2 protein expression and phosphorylation, as well as the level of heparanase expression, were remarkably reduced on SK-BR-3 cells. NAX060 was effective also on HER-2 negative tumor cells, and, in particular, on human triple-negative MDA-MB-231 cells. These data suggest a potential therapeutic effect of NAX060 compound in the management of BC malignancies. Interestingly, NAX060 may represent a new useful tool also in triple-negative BC. © 2018 BioFactors, 44(5):443-452, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Pierpaoli
- Advanced Technology Center for Aging Research, Scientific Technological Area, IRCCS - INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Lombardi
- Naxospharma, Novate Milanese, Italy
- Aesis Therapeutics, Incubatore JCube, Jesi, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesco Piacenza
- Advanced Technology Center for Aging Research, Scientific Technological Area, IRCCS - INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Mauro Provinciali
- Advanced Technology Center for Aging Research, Scientific Technological Area, IRCCS - INRCA, Ancona, Italy
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24
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Saha U, Yasmeen Khan A, Bhuiya S, Das S, Fiorillo G, Lombardi P, Suresh Kumar G. Targeting human telomeric DNA quadruplex with novel berberrubine derivatives: insights from spectroscopic and docking studies. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2018; 37:1375-1389. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2018.1459319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Urmila Saha
- Biophysical Chemistry Laboratory, Organic and Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Asma Yasmeen Khan
- Biophysical Chemistry Laboratory, Organic and Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Sutanwi Bhuiya
- Department of Chemistry, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Suman Das
- Department of Chemistry, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Gaetano Fiorillo
- Naxospharma srl, Via G. Di Vittorio, 70, 20026 Novate Milanese, MI, Italy
| | - Paolo Lombardi
- Naxospharma srl, Via G. Di Vittorio, 70, 20026 Novate Milanese, MI, Italy
| | - Gopinatha Suresh Kumar
- Biophysical Chemistry Laboratory, Organic and Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, India
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McCubrey JA, Lertpiriyapong K, Steelman LS, Abrams SL, Yang LV, Murata RM, Rosalen PL, Scalisi A, Neri LM, Cocco L, Ratti S, Martelli AM, Laidler P, Dulińska-Litewka J, Rakus D, Gizak A, Lombardi P, Nicoletti F, Candido S, Libra M, Montalto G, Cervello M. Effects of resveratrol, curcumin, berberine and other nutraceuticals on aging, cancer development, cancer stem cells and microRNAs. Aging (Albany NY) 2018; 9:1477-1536. [PMID: 28611316 PMCID: PMC5509453 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Natural products or nutraceuticals have been shown to elicit anti-aging, anti-cancer and other health-enhancing effects. A key target of the effects of natural products may be the regulation of microRNA (miR) expression which results in cell death or prevents aging, diabetes, cardiovascular and other diseases. This review will focus on a few natural products, especially on resveratrol (RES), curcumin (CUR) and berberine (BBR). RES is obtained from the skins of grapes and other fruits and berries. RES may extend human lifespan by activating the sirtuins and SIRT1 molecules. CUR is isolated from the root of turmeric (Curcuma longa). CUR is currently used in the treatment of many disorders, especially in those involving an inflammatory process. CUR and modified derivatives have been shown to have potent anti-cancer effects, especially on cancer stem cells (CSC). BBR is also isolated from various plants (e.g., Coptis chinensis) and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat diseases such as adult- onset diabetes. Understanding the benefits of these and other nutraceuticals may result in approaches to improve human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Kvin Lertpiriyapong
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Steve L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Li V Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Section, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Ramiro M Murata
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.,Department of Foundational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Pedro L Rosalen
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Aurora Scalisi
- Unit of Oncologic Diseases, ASP-Catania, Catania 95100, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Piotr Laidler
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
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Inducers of Senescence, Toxic Compounds, and Senolytics: The Multiple Faces of Nrf2-Activating Phytochemicals in Cancer Adjuvant Therapy. Mediators Inflamm 2018; 2018:4159013. [PMID: 29618945 PMCID: PMC5829354 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4159013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The reactivation of senescence in cancer and the subsequent clearance of senescent cells are suggested as therapeutic intervention in the eradication of cancer. Several natural compounds that activate Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2) pathway, which is involved in complex cytoprotective responses, have been paradoxically shown to induce cell death or senescence in cancer. Promoting the cytoprotective Nrf2 pathway may be desirable for chemoprevention, but it might be detrimental in later stages and advanced cancers. However, senolytic activity shown by some Nrf2-activating compounds could be used to target senescent cancer cells (particularly in aged immune-depressed organisms) that escape immunosurveillance. We herein describe in vitro and in vivo effects of fifteen Nrf2-interacting natural compounds (tocotrienols, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, genistein, resveratrol, silybin, phenethyl isothiocyanate, sulforaphane, triptolide, allicin, berberine, piperlongumine, fisetin, and phloretin) on cellular senescence and discuss their use in adjuvant cancer therapy. In light of available literature, it can be concluded that the meaning and the potential of adjuvant therapy with natural compounds in humans remain unclear, also taking into account the existence of few clinical trials mostly characterized by uncertain results. Further studies are needed to investigate the therapeutic potential of those compounds that display senolytic activity.
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Fry EA, Taneja P, Inoue K. Clinical applications of mouse models for breast cancer engaging HER2/neu. INTEGRATIVE CANCER SCIENCE AND THERAPEUTICS 2016; 3:593-603. [PMID: 28133539 PMCID: PMC5267336 DOI: 10.15761/icst.1000210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Human c-ErbB2 (HER2) has long been used as a marker of breast cancer (BC) for sub-categorization for the prediction of prognosis, and determination of therapeutic strategies. HER2 overexpressing BCs are more invasive/metastatic; but patients respond to monoclonal antibody therapy with trastuzumab or tyrosine kinase inhibitors, at least at early stages. To date, numerous mouse models that faithfully reproduce HER2(+) BCs have been created in mice. We recently reviewed different mouse models of BC overexpressing wild type or mutant neu driven by MMTV, neu, or doxycycline-inducible promoters. These mice have been used to demonstrate the histopathology, oncogenic signaling pathways initiated by aberrant overexpression of HER2 in the mammary epithelium, and interaction between oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes at molecular levels. In this review, we focus on their clinical applications. They can be used to test the efficacy of HER(2) inhibitors before starting clinical trials, characterize the tumor-initiating cells that could be the cause of relapse after therapy as well as to analyze the molecular mechanisms of therapeutic resistance targeting HER2. MMTV-human ErbB2 (HER2) mouse models have recently been established since the monoclonal antibody to HER2 (trastuzumab; Herceptin®) does not recognize the rat neu protein. It has been reported that early intervention with HER2 monoclonal antibody would be beneficial for preventing mammary carcinogenesis. MDA-7/IL-24 as well as naturally-occurring chemicals have also been tested using MMTV-neu models. Recent studies have shown that MMTV-neu models are useful to develop vaccines to HER2 for immunotherapy. The mouse models employing HER2/neu will be essential for future antibody or drug screenings to overcome resistance to trastuzumab or HER(2)-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Fry
- The Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157 USA
| | - Pankaj Taneja
- Department of Biotechnology, Sharda University, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida 201306, India
| | - Kazushi Inoue
- The Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157 USA
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Guamán Ortiz LM, Croce AL, Aredia F, Sapienza S, Fiorillo G, Syeda TM, Buzzetti F, Lombardi P, Scovassi AI. Effect of new berberine derivatives on colon cancer cells. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2015; 47:824-33. [PMID: 26341980 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmv077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The natural alkaloid berberine has been recently described as a promising anticancer drug. In order to improve its efficacy and bioavailability, several derivatives have been designed and synthesized and found to be even more potent than the lead compound. Among the series of berberine derivatives we have produced, five compounds were identified to be able to heavily affect the proliferation of human HCT116 and SW613-B3 colon carcinoma cell lines. Remarkably, these active compounds exhibit high fluorescence emission property and ability to induce autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Miguel Guamán Ortiz
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare CNR, Pavia 27100, Italy Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Loja, Ecuador
| | | | - Francesca Aredia
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare CNR, Pavia 27100, Italy Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie 'L. Spallanzani', Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Bhowmik D, Fiorillo G, Lombardi P, Suresh Kumar G. Recognition of human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA by berberine analogs: effect of substitution at the 9 and 13 positions of the isoquinoline moiety. J Mol Recognit 2015; 28:722-30. [DOI: 10.1002/jmr.2486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Revised: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 05/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Debipreeta Bhowmik
- Biophysical Chemistry Laboratory; CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology; Kolkata 700 032 India
| | - Gaetano Fiorillo
- Naxospharma srl; Via G. Di Vittorio 70 20026 Novate Milanese MI Italy
| | - Paolo Lombardi
- Naxospharma srl; Via G. Di Vittorio 70 20026 Novate Milanese MI Italy
| | - G. Suresh Kumar
- Biophysical Chemistry Laboratory; CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology; Kolkata 700 032 India
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Lu W, Du S, Wang J. Berberine inhibits the proliferation of prostate cancer cells and induces G₀/G₁ or G₂/M phase arrest at different concentrations. Mol Med Rep 2014; 11:3920-4. [PMID: 25572870 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.3139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second most common disease of the male reproductive system. Berberine is a quaternary ammonium salt that is extracted from plants. The aim of the current study was to explore the antitumor activity of berberine in prostate cancer cells and identify the underlying mechanism of its effects. PC3 human and RM‑1 mouse prostate cancer cells were treated with increasing concentrations of berberine, followed by analysis of the cell viability with an MTT assay. The results demonstrated that berberine markedly inhibited the proliferation of PC3 and RM‑1 cells, and that the inhibitory effects to PC3 and RM‑1 were enhanced in a concentration‑ and time‑dependent manner. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the cell cycle of PC3 human prostate cancer cells, and the results demonstrated that G0/G1 phase arrest was induced following treatment with 10 µM berberine (P<0.05). However, with an increased concentration of berberine (50 µM) the survival rate of PC3 cells at the G2/M phase was significantly increased compared with the cells treated with 10 µM berberine, which suggests that different cell cycle signaling pathways were activated when PC3 cells were treated with low and high concentrations of berberine. Thus, clarifying the mechanism underlying these effects in prostate cancer may provide novel molecular targets for prostate cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Lu
- Department of Urology, Jilin Province People's Hospital, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Shanshan Du
- Department of Urology, Jilin Province People's Hospital, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Jiaqiang Wang
- Department of Urology, Jilin Province People's Hospital, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
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Modulators of cellular senescence: mechanisms, promises, and challenges from in vitro studies with dietary bioactive compounds. Nutr Res 2014; 34:1017-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2014.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Revised: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Expression of the novel Wnt receptor ROR2 is increased in breast cancer and may regulate both β-catenin dependent and independent Wnt signalling. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2014; 141:243-54. [PMID: 25209439 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-014-1824-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Wnt signalling has been implicated in breast cancer, and in particular aberrant β-catenin-independent Wnt signalling has been associated with breast cancer metastasis and Tamoxifen resistance. Despite Wnt pathway involvement in many human cancers, attempts to target the pathway therapeutically have been disappointing. The recent discovery that the receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 2 (ROR2) is a novel Wnt receptor provides a potential new therapeutic and diagnostic target. METHODS To clarify the role of ROR2 in breast cancer, we investigated its expression via ROR2 immunohistochemistry in a clinical cohort of breast cancer patients, and via in vitro studies incorporating both overexpression and knock-down of ROR2. RESULTS ROR2 was expressed in the majority of breast cancer patients (87%), including those classed as triple negative. Breast cancer patients expressing ROR2 had a significantly shorter overall survival than those lacking ROR2 expression (P < 0.05). Overexpression of ROR2 in the mammary epithelial cell line, MCF10A, increased both β-catenin-dependent and β-catenin-independent targets and decreased cell adhesion. Knock-down of ROR2 in the breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-453 and HCC1143, decreased both β-catenin-dependent and β-catenin-independent targets and increased cell adhesion. Treatment of ROR2-expressing breast cancer cells with the novel berberine derivative, NAX53, significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to report the expression of ROR2 in breast cancer. Breast cancer patients expressing ROR2 had a significantly worse prognosis than those lacking ROR2. ROR2 may regulate both β-catenin-dependent and β-catenin-independent Wnt signalling pathways, and represents a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target.
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Ortiz LMG, Lombardi P, Tillhon M, Scovassi AI. Berberine, an epiphany against cancer. Molecules 2014; 19:12349-67. [PMID: 25153862 PMCID: PMC6271598 DOI: 10.3390/molecules190812349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alkaloids are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases. These compounds are synthesized in plants as secondary metabolites and have multiple effects on cellular metabolism. Among plant derivatives with biological properties, the isoquinoline quaternary alkaloid berberine possesses a broad range of therapeutic uses against several diseases. In recent years, berberine has been reported to inhibit cell proliferation and to be cytotoxic towards cancer cells. Based on this evidence, many derivatives have been synthesized to improve berberine efficiency and selectivity; the results so far obtained on human cancer cell lines support the idea that they could be promising agents for cancer treatment. The main properties of berberine and derivatives will be illustrated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paolo Lombardi
- Naxospharma, Via Giuseppe di Vittorio 70, Novate Milanese 20026, Italy.
| | - Micol Tillhon
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare CNR, Via Abbiategrasso 207, Pavia 27100, Italy.
| | - Anna Ivana Scovassi
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare CNR, Via Abbiategrasso 207, Pavia 27100, Italy.
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Jabbarzadeh Kaboli P, Rahmat A, Ismail P, Ling KH. Targets and mechanisms of berberine, a natural drug with potential to treat cancer with special focus on breast cancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 740:584-95. [PMID: 24973693 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2014] [Revised: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and novel therapeutic agents are needed to treat this disease. The plant-based alkaloid berberine has potential therapeutic applications for breast cancer, although a better understanding of the genes and cellular pathways regulated by this compound is needed to define the mechanism of its action in cancer treatment. In this review, the molecular targets of berberine in various cancers, particularly breast cancer, are discussed. Berberine was shown to be effective in inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis in various cancerous cells. Some signaling pathways affected by berberine, including the MAP (mitogen-activated protein) kinase and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, are critical for reducing cellular migration and sensitivity to various growth factors. This review will discuss recent studies and consider the application of new prospective approaches based on microRNAs and other crucial regulators for use in future studies to define the action of berberine in cancer. The effects of berberine on cancer cell survival and proliferation are also outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parham Jabbarzadeh Kaboli
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Asmah Rahmat
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Patimah Ismail
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - King-Hwa Ling
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; Genetics and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Multiple effects of berberine derivatives on colon cancer cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:924585. [PMID: 25045712 PMCID: PMC4086420 DOI: 10.1155/2014/924585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Revised: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The pharmacological use of the plant alkaloid berberine is based on its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties; recently, anticancer activity has been attributed to this compound. To exploit this interesting feature, we synthesized three berberine derivatives, namely, NAX012, NAX014, and NAX018, and we tested their effects on two human colon carcinoma cell lines, that is, HCT116 and SW613-B3, which are characterized by wt and mutated p53, respectively. We observed that cell proliferation is more affected by cell treatment with the derivatives than with the lead compound; moreover, the derivatives proved to induce cell cycle arrest and cell death through apoptosis, thus suggesting that they could be promising anticancer drugs. Finally, we detected typical signs of autophagy in cells treated with berberine derivatives.
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High-throughput screen of natural product libraries for hsp90 inhibitors. BIOLOGY 2014; 3:101-38. [PMID: 24833337 PMCID: PMC4009755 DOI: 10.3390/biology3010101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Revised: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hsp90 has become the target of intensive investigation, as inhibition of its function has the ability to simultaneously incapacitate proteins that function in pathways that represent the six hallmarks of cancer. While a number of Hsp90 inhibitors have made it into clinical trials, a number of short-comings have been noted, such that the search continues for novel Hsp90 inhibitors with superior pharmacological properties. To identify new potential Hsp90 inhibitors, we have utilized a high-throughput assay based on measuring Hsp90-dependent refolding of thermally denatured luciferase to screen natural compound libraries. Over 4,000 compounds were screen with over 100 hits. Data mining of the literature indicated that 51 compounds had physiological effects that Hsp90 inhibitors also exhibit, and/or the ability to downregulate the expression levels of Hsp90-dependent proteins. Of these 51 compounds, seven were previously characterized as Hsp90 inhibitors. Four compounds, anthothecol, garcinol, piplartine, and rottlerin, were further characterized, and the ability of these compounds to inhibit the refolding of luciferase, and reduce the rate of growth of MCF7 breast cancer cells, correlated with their ability to suppress the Hsp90-dependent maturation of the heme-regulated eIF2α kinase, and deplete cultured cells of Hsp90-dependent client proteins. Thus, this screen has identified an additional 44 compounds with known beneficial pharmacological properties, but with unknown mechanisms of action as possible new inhibitors of the Hsp90 chaperone machine.
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