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Ye C, Zhang B, Tang Z, Zheng C, Wang Q, Tong X. Synergistic action of Hedyotis diffusa Willd and Andrographis paniculata in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Downregulating AKT1 and upregulating VEGFA to curb tumorigenesis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:111866. [PMID: 38603854 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains a challenging cancer to treat. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms of Hedyotis diffusa Willd (HDW) combined with Andrographis paniculata (AP) in treating NPC. METHODS Key compounds and target genes in HDW and AP were analyzed using network pharmacology. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed with STRING and visualized using Cytoscape. MCODE identified critical clusters, while DAVID facilitated GO and KEGG analyses. In vivo and in vitro experiments evaluated HDW-AP effects on NPC, including tumor volume, weight, Ki-67 expression, cell apoptosis, migration, invasion, cell cycle distribution, and DNA damage. RESULTS The database identified 495 NPC-related genes and 26 compounds in the HDW-AP pair, targeting 165 genes. Fifty-eight potential therapeutic genes were found, leading to 18 key targets. KEGG analysis revealed a significant impact on 78 pathways, especially cancer pathways. Both in vivo and in vitro tests showed HDW-AP inhibited NPC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, this was achieved through AKT1 downregulation and VEGFA upregulation. CONCLUSION The combination of HDW and AP targets 16 key genes to impede the development of NPC, primarily by modulating AKT1 and VEGFA pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyu Ye
- Department of Radiotherapy, Wenzhou Central Hospital & The Dingli Clinical Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, PR China
| | - Baofan Zhang
- Second Department of Oncology, Wenzhou Central Hospital, Wenzhou 325000, PR China
| | - Zhongjie Tang
- Second Department of Oncology, Wenzhou Central Hospital, Wenzhou 325000, PR China
| | - Cuiping Zheng
- Department of Tumor Hematology, Wenzhou Central Hospital, Wenzhou 325000, PR China
| | - Qiongzhang Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, PR China.
| | - Xiangmin Tong
- Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, westlake University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, P.R. China.
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Ren F, Ma Y, Zhang K, Luo Y, Pan R, Zhang J, Kan C, Hou N, Han F, Sun X. Exploring the multi-targeting phytoestrogen potential of Calycosin for cancer treatment: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e38023. [PMID: 38701310 PMCID: PMC11062656 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000038023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a significant challenge in the field of oncology, with the search for novel and effective treatments ongoing. Calycosin (CA), a phytoestrogen derived from traditional Chinese medicine, has garnered attention as a promising candidate. With its high targeting and low toxicity profile, CA has demonstrated medicinal potential across various diseases, including cancers, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease. Studies have revealed that CA possesses inhibitory effects against a diverse array of cancers. The underlying mechanism of action involves a reduction in tumor cell proliferation, induction of tumor cell apoptosis, and suppression of tumor cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, CA has been shown to enhance the efficacy of certain chemotherapeutic drugs, making it a potential component in treating malignant tumors. Given its high efficacy, low toxicity, and multi-targeting characteristics, CA holds considerable promise as a therapeutic agent for cancer treatment. The objective of this review is to present a synthesis of the current understanding of the antitumor mechanism of CA and its research progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangbing Ren
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yanhui Ma
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Kexin Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Youhong Luo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Ruiyan Pan
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Chengxia Kan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Ningning Hou
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Fang Han
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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Kranjčević JK, Čonkaš J, Ozretić P. The Role of Estrogen and Estrogen Receptors in Head and Neck Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1575. [PMID: 38672656 PMCID: PMC11049451 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081575] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common histological form of head and neck tumors (HNTs), which originate from the epithelium of the lips and oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, salivary glands, nasal cavity, and sinuses. The main risk factors include consumption of tobacco in all forms and alcohol, as well as infections with high-risk human papillomaviruses or the Epstein-Barr virus. Regardless of the etiological agent, the risk of developing different types of HNTs is from two to more than six times higher in males than in females. The reason for such disparities probably lies in a combination of both biological and psychosocial factors. Therefore, it is hypothesized that exposure to female sex hormones, primarily estrogen, provides women with protection against the formation and metastasis of HNTs. In this review, we synthesized available knowledge on the role of estrogen and estrogen receptors (ERs) in the development and progression of HNTs, with special emphasis on membrane ERs, which are much less studied. We can summarize that in addition to epidemiologic studies unequivocally pointing to the protective effect of estrogen in women, an increased expression of both nuclear ERs, ERα, and ERβ, and membrane ERs, ERα36, GPER1, and NaV1.2, was present in different types of HNSCC, for which anti-estrogens could be used as an effective therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Petar Ozretić
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia (J.Č.)
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Sohel M, Zahra Shova FT, shuvo S, Mahjabin T, Mojnu Mia M, Halder D, Islam H, Roman Mogal M, Biswas P, Saha HR, Sarkar BC, Mamun AA. Unveiling the potential anti-cancer activity of calycosin against multivarious cancers with molecular insights: A promising frontier in cancer research. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e6924. [PMID: 38230908 PMCID: PMC10905684 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calycosin may be a potential candidate regarding chemotherapeutic agent, because already some studies against multivarious cancer have been made with this natural compound. AIM This review elucidated a brief overview of previous studies on calycosin potential effects on various cancers and its potential mechanism of action. METHODOLOGY Data retrieved by systematic searches of Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Scopus by using keywords including calycosin, cancer types, anti-cancer mechanism, synergistic, and pharmacokinetic and commonly used tools are BioRender, ChemDraw Professional 16.0, and ADMETlab 2.0. RESULTS Based on our review, calycosin is available in nature and effective against around 15 different types of cancer. Generally, the anti-cancer mechanism of this compound is mediated through a variety of processes, including regulation of apoptotic pathways, cell cycle, angiogenesis and metastasis, oncogenes, enzymatic pathways, and signal transduction process. These study conducted in various study models, including in silico, in vitro, preclinical and clinical models. The molecular framework behind the anti-cancer effect is targeting some oncogenic and therapeutic proteins and multiple signaling cascades. Therapies based on nano-formulated calycosin may make excellent nanocarriers for the delivery of this compound to targeted tissue as well as particular organ. This natural compound becomes very effective when combined with other natural compounds and some standard drugs. Moreover, proper use of this compound can reverse resistance to existing anti-cancer drugs through a variety of strategies. Calycosin showed better pharmacokinetic properties with less toxicity in human bodies. CONCLUSION Calycosin exhibits excellent potential as a therapeutic drug against several cancer types and should be consumed until standard chemotherapeutics are available in pharma markets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Sohel
- Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyPrimeasia UniversityDhakaBangladesh
- Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMawlana Bhashani Science and Technology UniversityTangailBangladesh
| | - Fatema Tuj Zahra Shova
- Biotechnology and Genetic EngineeringMawlana Bhashani Science and Technology UniversityTangailBangladesh
| | - Shahporan shuvo
- Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMawlana Bhashani Science and Technology UniversityTangailBangladesh
| | - Taiyara Mahjabin
- Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMawlana Bhashani Science and Technology UniversityTangailBangladesh
| | - Md. Mojnu Mia
- Biotechnology and Genetic EngineeringMawlana Bhashani Science and Technology UniversityTangailBangladesh
| | - Dibyendu Halder
- Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMawlana Bhashani Science and Technology UniversityTangailBangladesh
| | - Hafizul Islam
- Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMawlana Bhashani Science and Technology UniversityTangailBangladesh
| | - Md Roman Mogal
- Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMawlana Bhashani Science and Technology UniversityTangailBangladesh
| | - Partha Biswas
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Science and TechnologyJashore University of Science and Technology (JUST)JashoreBangladesh
| | - Hasi Rani Saha
- Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyPrimeasia UniversityDhakaBangladesh
| | | | - Abdullah Al Mamun
- Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMawlana Bhashani Science and Technology UniversityTangailBangladesh
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Aliya S, Alhammadi M, Park U, Tiwari JN, Lee JH, Han YK, Huh YS. The potential role of formononetin in cancer treatment: An updated review. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115811. [PMID: 37922652 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, cancer is one of the main research topics, due to its high incidence and drug resistance to existing anti-cancer drugs. Formononetin, a natural product with phytoestrogenic properties and diverse biological functions, has attracted the attention of researchers working on anticancer drugs. Formononetin emerges as an intriguing bioactive substance compared to other isoflavones as it exhibits potent chemotherapeutic activity with less toxicity. Formononetin effectively plays a significant role in inhibiting cell proliferation, invasion, and metastatic abilities of cancer cells by targeting major signaling pathways at the junction of interconnected pathways. It also induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by modulating mediator proteins. It causes upregulation of key factors such as p-AKT, p38, p21, and p53 and downregulation of NF-κB. Furthermore, formononetin regulates the neoplastic microenvironment by inactivating the ERK1/2 pathway and lamin A/C signaling and has been reported to inactivate JAK/STAT, PKB or AKT, and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways and to suppress cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis in human cancer cells. To assist researchers in further exploring formononetin as a potential anticancer therapeutic candidate, this review focuses on both in vitro and in vivo proof of concept studies, patents, and clinical trials pertinent to formononetin's anticancer properties. Overall, this review discusses formononetin from a comprehensive perspective to highlight its potential benefits as an anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheik Aliya
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Munirah Alhammadi
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Uichang Park
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Jitendra N Tiwari
- Department of Energy and Materials Engineering, Dongguk University-Seoul, Seoul 100-715, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hwan Lee
- 3D Convergence Center, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Kyu Han
- Department of Energy and Materials Engineering, Dongguk University-Seoul, Seoul 100-715, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yun Suk Huh
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea.
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Li Y, Hu S, Chen Y, Zhang X, Gao H, Tian J, Chen J. Calycosin inhibits triple-negative breast cancer progression through down-regulation of the novel estrogen receptor-α splice variant ER-α30-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 118:154924. [PMID: 37393829 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous carcinoma characterized by the most aggressive phenotype among all breast cancer subtypes. However, therapeutic options for TNBC patients have limited clinical efficacy due to lack of specific target and efficient targeted therapeutics. AIM To investigate the biological characteristics of a novel estrogen receptor (ER)-α splice variant ER-α30 in breast cancer cells, and its possible role in the anticancer effects of calycosin, a typical phytoestrogen derived from the herbal plant Astragalus membranaceus, against TNBC. This may also provide a better understanding of the inhibitory activity of calycosin on TNBC progression. METHODS Breast cancer tissues and para-cancer tissues were collected and analyzed for the expression levels of ER-α30 using immunohistochemistry (IHC), and its expression in two TNBC cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and BT-549) was detected by western blot and qRT-PCR assays. Then the alteration of cell viability, apoptosis, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in response to overexpression or knockdown of ER-α30 was separately determined by CCK-8, Hoechst 33258, wound healing, transwell and western blot assays in two TNBC cell lines. Next, the anticancer effects of calycosin on MDA-MB-231 cells were evaluated through CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, Hoechst 33258 and western blot assays, along with the role of ER-α30 in these effects and the possible downstream targets of ER-α30. In addition, the in vivo experiments were carried out using MDA-MB-231 xenograft model intraperitoneally treated with calycosin. The volume and weight of xenograft tumor were measured to evaluate the in vivo anticancer activities of calycosin, while the corresponding changes of ER-α30 expression in tumor tissues were detected by IHC. RESULTS It was demonstrated that the novel ER-α splice variant ER-α30 was primarily distributed in the nucleus of TNBC cells. Compared with normal breast tissues, ER-α30 expression was found in significantly higher levels in breast cancer tissues of ER- and progesterone receptor (PR)-negative subtype, so did in TNBC cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and BT-549) when compared to normal breast cell line MCF10A. Moreover, ER-α30 overexpression strikingly enhanced cell viability, migration, invasion and EMT progression and reduced apoptosis in TNBC cells, whereas shRNA-mediated knockdown of ER-α30 revealed the opposite results. Notably, calycosin suppressed the expression of ER-α30 in a dose-dependent manner, accompanied with the inhibition of TNBC growth and metastasis. A similar finding was observed for the xenografts generated from MDA-MB-231 cells. The treatment with calycosin suppressed the tumor growth and decreased ER-α30 expression in tumor tissues. Furthermore, this inhibition by calycosin was more pronounced in ER-α30 knockdown cells. Meanwhile, we found a positive relationship between ER-α30 and the activity of PI3K and AKT, which could also be inactivated by calycosin treatment. CONCLUSION For the first time, it is demonstrated that the novel estrogen receptor-α splice variant ER-α30 could function as pro-tumorigenic factor in the context of TNBC by participating in cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis, thus it may serve as a potential therapeutic target for TNBC therapy. Calycosin could reduce the activation of ER-α30-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby inhibited TNBC development and progression, suggesting that calycosin may be a potential therapeutic option for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhong Li
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation of Guangxi, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, PR China; The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Shuying Hu
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation of Guangxi, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Yueqi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation of Guangxi, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation of Guangxi, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Hanchi Gao
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation of Guangxi, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Jing Tian
- Department of Physiology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, PR China.
| | - Jian Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation of Guangxi, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, PR China.
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Network Pharmacology/Metabolomics-Based Validation of AMPK and PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway as a Central Role of Shengqi Fuzheng Injection Regulation of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Cancer-Related Fatigue. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:5556212. [PMID: 34326918 PMCID: PMC8302405 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5556212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chinese herbal medicines have multiple targets and properties, and their use in multidisciplinary cancer therapies has consequently received increasing attention. Here, we have investigated the possible active ingredients associated with cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in the Shengqi Fuzheng Injection (SFI). In vitro cell models were used to measure the regulation effects of SFI on CRF. Metabolomic analysis was used to identify the potential genes and pathways in C2C12 mouse myoblasts treated with SFI, and the interaction of compounds and CRF targets was predicted using network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses. The putative pathways were further verified using immuno-blotting assays. The results showed that SFI significantly inhibited muscle cell apoptosis and increased the mitochondrial membrane potential of muscle cells. The network pharmacology analysis results identified 36 candidate compounds, and 244 potential targets were yielded by SFI, and they shared 10 key targets associated with cancer-related fatigue. According to the enrichment analysis and experimental validation, SFI might ameliorate muscle cell mitochondrial function by activating AMPK and inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, and the expression changes of mitochondrial metabolic enzymes MnSOD and apoptosis-associated proteins Bax and Bcl-2 were also triggered. The functions and mechanisms of SFI in anticancer-related fatigue were found here to be at least partly due to the targeting of the AMPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, and this has highlighted new potential applications for network pharmacology when researching Chinese Medicines.
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Feng Z, Shi H, Liang B, Ge T, Cai M, Liu F, Huang K, Wen J, Chen Q, Ge B. Bioinformatics and experimental findings reveal the therapeutic actions and targets of pachymic acid against cystitis glandularis. Biofactors 2021; 47:665-673. [PMID: 33893687 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Pachymic acid (PA), a bioactive ingredient isolated from Poria cocos Wolf, is reported with potential benefits of anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative actions. It is reasoned that PA may play the potential benefits against cystitis glandularis (CG), an inflammation of the bladder tissue. In this study, we aimed to apply the network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses to reveal concrete anti-CG targets and mechanisms of PA, and then the bioinformatic findings were verified by using clinical and animal samples. The methodological data from network pharmacology approach showed that 303 and 243 reporting targets of CG and PA, and other 31 shared targets of CG and PA were identified. Subsequently, all top targets of PA against CG were screened out, including cyclooxygenase-2, epidermal growth factor receptor, tumor antigen p53 (TP53), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), interleukin-1 (IL-1) beta, proto-oncogene c-jun. Molecular docking data demonstrated that PA exerted potent bonding capacities with TNF, TP53 proteins in CG. In human study, the findings suggested that overactivated TNF-α expression and suppressed TP53 activation were detected in CG samples. In animal study, PA-treated mice showed reduced intravesical IL-1, IL-6 levels, and lactate dehydrogenase content, downregulated TNF-α and upregulated TP53 proteins in bladder samples. Taken together, our bioinformatics and experimental findings identify the key anti-CG biotargets and mechanisms of PA. More markedly, these pivotal pharmacological targets of PA against CG have been screened out and verified by using computational and experimental analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Feng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Hailin Shi
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Bojian Liang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianyu Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Menghui Cai
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Kunping Huang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jintao Wen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuhong Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
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Li Y, Yu S, Li Y, Liang X, Su M, Li R. Medical Significance of Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma Patients Infected With SARS-CoV-2 and Pharmacological Characteristics of Plumbagin. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:714909. [PMID: 34712201 PMCID: PMC8547653 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.714909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinically, evidence shows that uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may have a higher death-rate. However, current anti-UCEC/coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment is lacking. Plumbagin (PLB), a pharmacologically active alkaloid, is an emerging anti-cancer inhibitor. Accordingly, the current report was designed to identify and characterize the anti-UCEC function and mechanism of PLB in the treatment of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 via integrated in silico analysis. METHODS The clinical analyses of UCEC and COVID-19 in patients were conducted using online-accessible tools. Meanwhile, in silico methods including network pharmacology and biological molecular docking aimed to screen and characterize the anti-UCEC/COVID-19 functions, bio targets, and mechanisms of the action of PLB. RESULTS The bioinformatics data uncovered the clinical characteristics of UCEC patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, including specific genes, health risk, survival rate, and prognostic index. Network pharmacology findings disclosed that PLB-exerted anti-UCEC/COVID-19 effects were achieved through anti-proliferation, inducing cytotoxicity and apoptosis, anti-inflammation, immunomodulation, and modulation of some of the key molecular pathways associated with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating actions. Following molecular docking analysis, in silico investigation helped identify the anti-UCEC/COVID-19 pharmacological bio targets of PLB, including mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (PLAU). CONCLUSIONS Based on the present bioinformatic and in silico findings, the clinical characterization of UCEC/COVID-19 patients was revealed. The candidate, core bio targets, and molecular pathways of PLB action in the potential treatment of UCEC/COVID-19 were identified accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongming Li
- Department of Gynecology, Guigang Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Guigang, China
| | - Songzuo Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guigang City People’s Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, China
| | - Yu Li
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Min Su
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- *Correspondence: Min Su, ; Rong Li, ;
| | - Rong Li
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- *Correspondence: Min Su, ; Rong Li, ;
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Zhenxia Z, Min L, Peikui Y, Zikai C, Yaqun L, Junli W, Fenlian Y, Yuzhong Z. Inhibition of tau aggregation and associated cytotoxicity on neuron-like cells by calycosin. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 171:74-81. [PMID: 33301850 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the in vitro assembly of tau and anti-amyloidogenic properties of one naturally occurring phytoestrogen, calycosin, was investigated by spectroscopic techniques including ThT and ANS fluorescence, CD, Congo red absorbance as well as TEM analysis. Afterwards the cytotoxicity of different amyloid species against SH-SY5Y cells was evaluated by MTT assay. Fluorescence spectroscopic studies revealed that calycosin exerts its anti-amyloidogenic effects through increasing the lag time and reducing the apparent growth rate constant (kapp), the amount of fibrillation, and the exposure of hydrophobic regions. Congo red absorbance and CD studies indicated that calycosin prevented the formation of tau aggregate species and β-sheets structures, respectively. TEM analysis also determined the capacity of calycosin to inhibit tau fibrillogenesis through formation of large amorphous aggregates. Furthermore, cellular assays disclosed that calycosin mitigated the cell mortality, LDH release, ROS level, and expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 in both mRNA and protein levels induced by tau amyloid fibrils. In conclusion, this data may suggest that calycosin can prevent tau amyloid fibrillation and the associated cytotoxicity, mainly due to its effects on formation of lower content of oligomeric and fibrillar aggregates with lower solvent-exposed hydrophobic patches compared to those produced in the absence of calycosin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Zhenxia
- School of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou 521041, Guangdong, China
| | - Lin Min
- School of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou 521041, Guangdong, China
| | - Yang Peikui
- School of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou 521041, Guangdong, China
| | - Chen Zikai
- School of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou 521041, Guangdong, China
| | - Liu Yaqun
- School of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou 521041, Guangdong, China
| | - Wang Junli
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University For Nationalities, Baise 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Yang Fenlian
- School of Pharmacy, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise 533000, Guangxi, China.
| | - Zheng Yuzhong
- School of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou 521041, Guangdong, China.
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11
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Khan AA, Khan Z. System biological investigations of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin targets and their implications in QT interval prolongation. Chem Biol Interact 2020; 332:109299. [PMID: 33098839 PMCID: PMC7578186 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2020.109299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
COVID-2019 pandemic is affecting people worldwide in the absence of an effective treatment strategy. Several suggestive therapeutic options through drug repurposing are recommended, but a complete consensus is not reached. A combination of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and Azithromycin (AZM) has been widely tried and discussed but its administration has also led to potential adversities in patients. Studies are suggesting that most prominent adverse event with HCQ and AZM combination is QT interval prolongation. We studied interaction of HCQ with AZM and subsequent effect of this drug combination on QT interval prolongation. We performed system biological investigation of HCQ and AZM targets and screened important targets and pathways possibly involved in QT interval prolongation. The best core hub protein drug targets involved in QT interval prolongation were identified as HSP90AA1 exclusively associated with HCQ, while AKT1 exclusively associated with AZM on the basis of node degree value. It was found that PI3K/Akt, VEGF, ERBB2 pathways must be given consideration for understanding the role of HCQ and AZM in QT interval prolongation. Conclusion: Computational methods have certain limitations based on source database coverage and prediction algorithms and therefore this data needs experimental correlation to draw final conclusion, but current findings screen targets for QT interval prolongation associated with HCQ and AZM. These proteins and pathways may provide ways to reduce this major risk associated with this combination. Hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin is widely tried for recent pandemic. It is discussed to prolong QT interval causing severe adverse events. Potential drug targets involved in this process were screened using system biology. Pathways were also screened for drug combination mediated adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Arif Khan
- Indian Council of Medical Research-National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra, 411026, India.
| | - Zakir Khan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Davis Bldg. Rm. 2014 8700 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
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