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Zhou W, Zeng T, Chen J, Tang X, Yuan Y, Hu D, Zhang Y, Li Y, Zou J. Aberrant angiogenic signaling pathways: Accomplices in ovarian cancer progression and treatment. Cell Signal 2024; 120:111240. [PMID: 38823664 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111240] [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: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in women, and treatment options are limited. Despite efforts to adjust cancer treatment models and develop new methods, including tumor microenvironment (TME) therapy, more theoretical support is needed. Increasing attention is being given to antiangiogenic measures for TME treatment. Another important concept in ovarian cancer TME is angiogenesis, where tumor cells obtain nutrients and oxygen from surrounding tissues through blood vessels to support further expansion and metastasis. Many neovascularization signaling pathways become imbalanced and hyperactive during this process. Inhibiting these abnormal pathways can yield ideal therapeutic effects in patients, even by reversing drug resistance. However, these deep TME signaling pathways often exhibit crosstalk and correlation. Understanding these interactions may be an important strategy for further treating ovarian cancer. This review summarizes the latest progress and therapeutic strategies for these angiogenic signaling pathways in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Zhou
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Tian Zeng
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Junling Chen
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Xing Tang
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Centre, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Xiangya Hospital Zhuzhou Central South University, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Yuwei Yuan
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Daopu Hu
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Department of Histology and Embryology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China.
| | - Yukun Li
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Centre, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Xiangya Hospital Zhuzhou Central South University, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China.
| | - Juan Zou
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular & Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China.
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Saito S, Ando K, Sakamoto S, Xu M, Yamada Y, Rii J, Kanaoka S, Wei J, Zhao X, Pae S, Kanesaka M, Goto Y, Sazuka T, Imamura Y, Reien Y, Hamaguchi-Suzuki N, Saito S, Hirayama Y, Hashimoto H, Kanai Y, Ichikawa T, Anzai N. The LAT1 inhibitor JPH203 suppresses the growth of castration-resistant prostate cancer through a CD24-mediated mechanism. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:2461-2472. [PMID: 38655663 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) is specifically expressed in many malignancies, contributes to the transport of essential amino acids, such as leucine, and regulates the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. We investigated the expression profile and functional role of LAT1 in prostate cancer using JPH203, a specific inhibitor of LAT1. LAT1 was highly expressed in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cells, including C4-2 and PC-3 cells, but its expression level was low in castration-sensitive LNCaP cells. JPH203 significantly inhibited [14C] leucine uptake in CRPC cells but had no effect in LNCaP cells. JPH203 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRPC cells but not of LNCaP cells. In C4-2 cells, Cluster of differentiation (CD) 24 was identified by RNA sequencing as a novel downstream target of JPH203. CD24 was downregulated in a JPH203 concentration-dependent manner and suppressed activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Furthermore, an in vivo study showed that JPH203 inhibited the proliferation of C4-2 cells in a castration environment. The results of this study indicate that JPH203 may exert its antitumor effect in CRPC cells via mTOR and CD24.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinpei Saito
- Department of Pharmacology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
- Department of Urology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Keisuke Ando
- Department of Urology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sakamoto
- Department of Urology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Minhui Xu
- Bio-System Pharmacology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasutaka Yamada
- Department of Urology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Junryo Rii
- Department of Urology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Sanji Kanaoka
- Department of Urology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Jiaxing Wei
- Department of Urology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Xue Zhao
- Department of Urology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Sangjon Pae
- Department of Pharmacology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
- Department of Urology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Manato Kanesaka
- Department of Urology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yusuke Goto
- Department of Urology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Sazuka
- Department of Urology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yusuke Imamura
- Department of Urology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshie Reien
- Department of Pharmacology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | | | - Shota Saito
- Department of Pharmacology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yuri Hirayama
- Department of Pharmacology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Hashimoto
- Department of Pharmacology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshikatsu Kanai
- Bio-System Pharmacology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Ichikawa
- Department of Urology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Naohiko Anzai
- Department of Pharmacology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
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Yang Y, Gao Y, Gong Y, Lu J, Li S, Xiong Y, Zhang Y, Wang D, Gong P, Li Y, Shi X. Dihydroartemisinin breaks the immunosuppressive tumor niche during cisplatin treatment in Hepatocellular carcinoma. Acta Histochem 2024; 126:152171. [PMID: 38905871 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2024.152171] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatocellular carcinoma, characterized by high mortality rates, often exhibits limited responsiveness to conventional treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Therefore, identifying a sensitizer for cisplatin has become crucial. Dihydroartemisinin, known for its potent role of tumor treatment, arises as a prospective candidate for cisplatin sensitization in clinical settings. METHODS A mouse model of liver tumor was established through chemical induction of DEN/TCPOBOP. Upon successful model establishment, ultrasound was employed to detect tumors, Hematoxylin and eosin staining was conducted for observation of liver tissue pathology, and ELISA was utilized to assess cytokine changes (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, TGF-β, IL-1β, CCL2, and CCL21) in peripheral blood, para-tumor tissues, and tumor tissues. The infiltration of CD8+T cells and macrophages in tumor tissue sections was detected by immunofluorescence. RESULTS Dihydroartemisinin combined with cisplatin obviously restrained the growth of liver tumors in mice and improved the weight and spleen loss caused by cisplatin. Cisplatin treatment of liver tumor mice increased the content of CCL2 and the number of macrophages in tumor tissues and promoted the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. The combination therapy decreased the content of TGF-β in tumor tissues while increasing CCL2 levels in para-tumor tissues. Both combination therapy and cisplatin alone increased the number of CD8+T cells in tumor tissue, but there was no difference between them. CONCLUSION Dihydroartemisinin combined with cisplatin obviously prevented the deterioration of liver tumor in hepatocellular carcinoma mice and improve the therapeutic effect of cisplatin by improving the immunosuppressive microenvironment induced by cisplatin. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for considering dihydroartemisinin as an adjuvant drug for cisplatin in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanguang Yang
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Yuting Gao
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030000, China
| | - Yi Gong
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030000, China
| | - Junlan Lu
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030000, China
| | - Shenghao Li
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Yajun Xiong
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030000, China
| | - Yuman Zhang
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030000, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030000, China
| | - Peng Gong
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030000, China
| | - Yunfeng Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China.
| | - Xinli Shi
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China; Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030000, China.
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Zhao C, Qiu L, Wu D, Zhang M, Xia W, Lv H, Cheng L. Targeted reversal of multidrug resistance in ovarian cancer cells using exosome‑encapsulated tetramethylpyrazine. Mol Med Rep 2024; 29:25. [PMID: 38099342 PMCID: PMC10784732 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2023.13148] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to develop exosomes (EXOs) encapsulating tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) for the reversal of drug resistance in ovarian cancer therapy. Human A2780 cells were incubated with TMP for 48 h. Purified TMP‑primed EXOs (EXOs‑TMP) were isolated through ultracentrifugation. The developed EXOs‑TMP were characterized using techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, Fluorescence microscopy and western blotting. Subsequently, MTT, western blotting and flow cytometry assays were performed to evaluate the biological effects in drug‑resistant A2780T cells. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of TMP into EXOs exhibited an anti‑ovarian cancer effect and markedly enhanced the antitumor efficacy of paclitaxel (PTX). Furthermore, it was identified that the ability of EXO‑TMP to reverse cell resistance was associated with the downregulation of multidrug resistance protein 1, multidrug resistant‑associated protein 1 and glutathione S‑transferase Pi protein expression. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that EXO‑TMP induced apoptosis in drug‑resistant cells and enhanced the apoptotic effect when combined with PTX. EXOs are naturally sourced, exhibit excellent biocompatibility and enable precise drug delivery to target sites, thereby reducing toxic side effects. Overall, EXO‑TMP exhibited direct targeting capabilities towards A2780T cells and effectively reduced their drug resistance. EXOs‑TMP provide a novel and effective drug delivery pathway for reversing drug resistance in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenge Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116027, P.R. China
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Heyuan, Guangdong 517000, P.R. China
| | - Lulu Qiu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116027, P.R. China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116027, P.R. China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116027, P.R. China
| | - Wanying Xia
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116027, P.R. China
| | - Huiyi Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116027, P.R. China
- Dalian Kexiang Technology Development Co. Ltd, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, P.R. China
| | - Lichun Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116027, P.R. China
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Wang Y, Xie L, Liu F, Ding D, Wei W, Han F. Research progress on traditional Chinese medicine-induced apoptosis signaling pathways in ovarian cancer cells. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117299. [PMID: 37816474 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE As a "silent killer" that threatens women's lives and health, ovarian cancer (OC) has the clinical characteristics of being difficult to detect, difficult to treat, and high recurrence. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can be utilized as a long-term complementary and alternative therapy since it has shown benefits in alleviating clinical symptoms of OC, decreasing toxic side effects of radiation and chemotherapy, as well as enhancing patients' quality of life. AIM OF THE REVIEW This paper reviews how TCM contributes to the apoptosis of OC cells through signaling pathways, including active constituents, extracts, and herbal formulas, with the aim of providing a basis for the development and clinical application of therapeutic strategies for TCM in OC. METHODS The search was conducted from scientific databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and SinoMed databases aiming to elucidate the apoptosis signaling pathways in OC cells by TCM. The articles were searched by the keywords "ovarian cancer", "apoptosis", "signaling pathway", "traditional Chinese medicine", "Chinese herbal monomer", "Chinese herbal extract", and "herbal formula". The search was conducted from January 2013 to June 2023. A total of 97 potentially relevant articles were included, including 93 articles on Chinese medicine active constituents or extracts and 4 articles on Chinese herbal compound prescriptions. RESULTS TCM can induce apoptosis in OC cells by regulating signaling pathways with obvious advantages, including STAT3, PI3K/AKT, Wnt/β-catenin, MAPK, NF-κB, Nrf2, HIF-1α, Fas/Fas L signaling pathway, etc. CONCLUSION: Chinese medicine can induce apoptosis in OC cells through multiple pathways, targets, and routes. TCM has special advantages for treating OC, providing more reasonable evidence for the research and development of new apoptosis inducers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China.
| | - Liangzhen Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China.
| | - Fangyuan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China.
| | - Danni Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China.
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China.
| | - Fengjuan Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China.
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Hu L, Gao M, Jiang H, Zhuang L, Jiang Y, Xie S, Zhang H, Wang Q, Chen Q. Triptolide inhibits epithelial ovarian tumor growth by blocking the hedgehog/Gli pathway. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:11131-11151. [PMID: 37851362 PMCID: PMC10637820 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205110] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), the most predominant subtype of ovarian cancer (OC), involves poor prognosis and exhibits high aggression. Triptolide (TPL), like other Chinese herbs, has historically played a significant role in modern medicine. The screening system based on Gli-dependent luciferase reporter activity assessed the effects of over 800 natural medicinal materials on hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway activity and discovered that TPL had an excellent inhibitory effect on Hh signaling pathway activity. However, the significance and mechanism of TPL involvement in regulating the Hh pathway have not been well explored. Thus, this work aimed to understand better how TPL affects the Hh pathway activity, which, in turn, influences the biological behavior of EOC. Our findings observed that Smo agonist SAG-induced EOC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were drastically reversed by TPL in a concentration-dependent pattern. Further evidence suggested that TPL promotes the degradation of Gli1 and Gli2 to inhibit the activity of the Hh signaling pathway by relying on Gli1 and Gli2 ubiquitination. Our in vivo studies also confirmed that TPL could significantly inhibit the tumor growth of EOC. Taken together, our results revealed that one of the antitumor mechanisms of TPL was the targeted inhibition of the Hh/Gli pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanyan Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Mai Gao
- Huankui Academy of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330036, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Huifu Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Lingling Zhuang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Siqi Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China
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Wang Y, Yang Z, Zhu W, Chen Y, He X, Li J, Han Z, Yang Y, Liu W, Zhang K. Dihydroartemisinin inhibited stem cell-like properties and enhanced oxaliplatin sensitivity of colorectal cancer via AKT/mTOR signaling. Drug Dev Res 2023; 84:988-998. [PMID: 37132439 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22067] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common tumor with high morbidity and mortality. The use of oxaliplatin (L-OHP) as a first-line treatment for CRC is limited due to chemoresistance. Growing evidence have revealed that the existence of cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs) is one of the important reasons for drug resistance and recurrence of cancers. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a derivative of artemisinin, has showed anticancer effects on a variety of malignancies, in addition to its antimalarial effects. However, the effect and mechanism of DHA on CSLCs and chemosensitivity in CRC cells remains unclear. In this study, we found that DHA inhibited cell viability in HCT116 and SW620 cells. Moreover, DHA decreased cell clonogenicity, and improved L-OHP sensitivity. Furthermore, DHA treatment attenuated tumor sphere formation, and the expressions of stem cell surface marker (CD133 and CD44) and stemness-associated transcription factor (Nanog, c-Myc, and OCT4). Mechanistically, the present findings showed that DHA inhibited of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. The activation of AKT/mTOR signaling reversed DHA-decreased cell viability, clonogenicity, L-OHP resistance, tumor sphere, and expressions of stemness-associated protein in CRC. The inhibitory effect of DHA on tumorigenicity of CRC cells has also been demonstrated in BALB/c nude mice. In conclusion, this study revealed that DHA inhibited CSLCs properties in CRC via AKT/mTOR signaling, suggesting that DHA may be used as a potential therapeutic agent for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujun Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhirong Yang
- Pathology Department, Deyang People's Hospital, Deyang, China
| | - Wanglong Zhu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuzhuo Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Xingqiang He
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiaofeng Li
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhengyu Han
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuhan Yang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
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Mize BK, Salvi A, Ren Y, Burdette JE, Fuchs JR. Discovery and development of botanical natural products and their analogues as therapeutics for ovarian cancer. Nat Prod Rep 2023; 40:1250-1270. [PMID: 37387219 PMCID: PMC10448539 DOI: 10.1039/d2np00091a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Covering: 2015 through the end of July 2022Ovarian cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting the female reproductive organs and has the highest mortality rate among gynecological cancers. Although botanical drugs and their derivatives, namely members of the taxane and camptothecin families, represent significant therapeutics currently available for the treatment of ovarian cancer, new drugs that have alternative mechanisms of action are still needed to combat the disease. For this reason, many efforts to identify additional novel compounds from botanical sources, along with the further development of existing therapeutics, have continued to appear in the literature. This review is designed to serve as a comprehensive look at both the currently available small-molecule therapeutic options and the recently reported botanically-derived natural products currently being studied and developed as potential future therapeutics that could one day be used against ovarian cancer. Specifically, key properties, structural features, and biological data are highlighted that are important for the successful development of potential agents. Recently reported examples are specifically discussed in the context of "drug discovery attributes," including the presence of structure-activity relationship, mechanism of action, toxicity, and pharmacokinetic studies, to help indicate the potential for future development and to highlight where these compounds currently exist in the development process. The lessons learned from both the successful development of the taxanes and camptothecins, as well as the strategies currently being employed for new drug development, are expected to ultimately help guide the future development of botanical natural products for ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittney K Mize
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
| | - Amrita Salvi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Yulin Ren
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
| | - Joanna E Burdette
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - James R Fuchs
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
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Ma S, Zhao M, Chang M, Shi X, Shi Y, Zhang Y. Effects and mechanisms of Chinese herbal medicine on IgA nephropathy. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 117:154913. [PMID: 37307737 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), is the main cause of end-stage renal disease, that causes serious physical and psychological burden to patients worldwide. Some traditional treatment measures, such as blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, controlling blood pressure, and following a low-protein diet, may not achieve satisfactory results. Therefore, more effective and safe therapies for IgAN are urgently needed. PURPOSE The aim of this review is to summarize the clinical efficacy of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) and their active ingredients in the treatment and management of IgAN based on the results of clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, to fully understand the advantages and perspectives of CHMs in the treatment of IgAN. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS For this review, the following electronic databases were consulted: PubMed, ResearchGate, Science Direct, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang Data, "IgA nephropathy," "traditional Chinese medicine," "Chinese herbal medicine," "herb," "mechanism," "Meta-analysis," "systematic review," "RCT" and their combinations were the keywords to search the relevant literature. Data were collected from 1990 to 2022. RESULTS This review found that the active ingredients of CHMs commonly act on multiple signaling pathways in the clinical treatment of IgAN, mainly with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis effects, and regulation of autophagy. CONCLUSION Compared with the single-target therapy of modern medicine, CHMs can regulate the corresponding pathways from the aspects of anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-fibrosis and autophagy to play a multi-target treatment of IgAN through syndrome differentiation and treatment, which has good clinical efficacy and can be used as the first choice or alternative therapy for IgAN treatment. This review provides evidence and research direction for a comprehensive clinical understanding of the protective effect of Chinese herbal medicine on IgAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Ma
- Department of Nephrology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Mingming Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Meiying Chang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Xiujie Shi
- Department of Nephrology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Yue Shi
- Department of Nephrology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China.
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10
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Zheng Y, Qin C, Li F, Qi J, Chu X, Li H, Shi T, Yan Z, Yang L, Xin X, Liu L, Han X, Yin L. Self-assembled thioether-bridged paclitaxel-dihydroartemisinin prodrug for amplified antitumor efficacy-based cancer ferroptotic-chemotherapy. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:3321-3334. [PMID: 36946490 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm02032g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Ferroptosis has been proposed as one form of iron-dependent cell death, overgeneration of high-toxicity hydroxyl radicals (˙OH) tumor sites via Fenton reactions induced cell membrane damage. However, the insufficient intracellular concentrations of both iron and H2O2 limited the anticancer performance of ferroptosis. In this study, ROS-sensitive prodrug nanoassemblies composed of a PEG2000-ferrous compound and a single thioether bond bridged dihydroartemisinin-paclitaxel prodrug were constructed, which fully tapped ex/endogenous iron, ferroptosis inducers, and chemotherapeutic agents. Following cellular uptake, the intracellular oxidizing environment accelerated the self-destruction of nanoassemblies and triggered drug release. In addition to the chemotherapeutic effect, the activated dihydroartemisinin was capable of acting as a toxic ˙OH amplifier via the reinforced Fenton reaction, simultaneously depleting intracellular GSH, as well as inducing glutathione peroxidase 4 inactivation, further enhancing ferroptosis-dependent cancer cell proliferation inhibition. Meanwhile, the ROS generation-inductive and cell cycle arrest effect from the paclitaxel augmented synergetic ferroptotic-chemotherapy of cancer. Thus, the prodrug integrating dihydroartemisinin with paclitaxel via a single thioether bond represents a potent nanoplatform to exert amplified ferroptotic-chemotherapy for improved anticancer efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Zheng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Chao Qin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Jingxin Qi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Xinyu Chu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Ting Shi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Zhen Yan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Xiaofei Xin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Lisha Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Xiaopeng Han
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Lifang Yin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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11
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Wang X, Zhao J, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Wang J, Shi R, Yuan J, Meng K. Molecular mechanism of Wilms' tumor (Wt1) (+/-KTS) variants promoting proliferation and migration of ovarian epithelial cells by bioinformatics analysis. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:46. [PMID: 36829196 PMCID: PMC9951437 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01124-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a gynecological disease with the highest mortality. With the lack of understanding of its pathogenesis, no accurate early diagnosis and screening method has been established for EOC. Studies revealed the multi-faceted function of Wilms' tumor (Wt1) genes in cancer, which may be related to the existence of multiple alternative splices. Our results show that Wt1 (+KTS) or Wt1 (-KTS) overexpression can significantly promote the proliferation and migration of human ovarian epithelial cells HOSEpiC, and Wt1 (+KTS) effects were more evident. To explore the Wt1 (+/-KTS) variant mechanism in HOSEpiC proliferation and migration and ovarian cancer (OC) occurrence and development, this study explored the differential regulation of Wt1 (+/-KTS) in HOSEpiC proliferation and migration by transcriptome sequencing. OC-related hub genes were screened by bioinformatics analysis to further explore the differential molecular mechanism of Wt1 (+/-KTS) in the occurrence of OC. Finally, we found that the regulation of Wt1 (+/-KTS) variants on the proliferation and migration of HOSEpiC may act through different genes and signaling pathways and screened out key genes and differentially regulated genes that regulate the malignant transformation of ovarian epithelial cells. The implementation of this study will provide new clues for the early diagnosis and precise treatment of OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Wang
- grid.449428.70000 0004 1797 7280College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Jingyu Zhao
- grid.449428.70000 0004 1797 7280Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China ,grid.449428.70000 0004 1797 7280College of Second Clinical Medical, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Yixin Zhang
- grid.449428.70000 0004 1797 7280Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China ,grid.449428.70000 0004 1797 7280College of Second Clinical Medical, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Yuxin Liu
- grid.449428.70000 0004 1797 7280Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China ,grid.449428.70000 0004 1797 7280College of Second Clinical Medical, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Jinzheng Wang
- grid.449428.70000 0004 1797 7280Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China ,grid.449428.70000 0004 1797 7280College of Second Clinical Medical, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Ruoxi Shi
- grid.449428.70000 0004 1797 7280Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China ,grid.449428.70000 0004 1797 7280College of Second Clinical Medical, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Jinxiang Yuan
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China. .,Lin He's Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.
| | - Kai Meng
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, China. .,Lin He's Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.
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12
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The Role of Natural and Semi-Synthetic Compounds in Ovarian Cancer: Updates on Mechanisms of Action, Current Trends and Perspectives. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28052070. [PMID: 36903316 PMCID: PMC10004182 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer represents a major health concern for the female population: there is no obvious cause, it is frequently misdiagnosed, and it is characterized by a poor prognosis. Additionally, patients are inclined to recurrences because of metastasis and poor treatment tolerance. Combining innovative therapeutic techniques with established approaches can aid in improving treatment outcomes. Because of their multi-target actions, long application history, and widespread availability, natural compounds have particular advantages in this connection. Thus, effective therapeutic alternatives with improved patient tolerance hopefully can be identified within the world of natural and nature-derived products. Moreover, natural compounds are generally perceived to have more limited adverse effects on healthy cells or tissues, suggesting their potential role as valid treatment alternatives. In general, the anticancer mechanisms of such molecules are connected to the reduction of cell proliferation and metastasis, autophagy stimulation and improved response to chemotherapeutics. This review aims at discussing the mechanistic insights and possible targets of natural compounds against ovarian cancer, from the perspective of medicinal chemists. In addition, an overview of the pharmacology of natural products studied to date for their potential application towards ovarian cancer models is presented. The chemical aspects as well as available bioactivity data are discussed and commented on, with particular attention to the underlying molecular mechanism(s).
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13
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Novel Thioethers of Dihydroartemisinin Exhibiting Their Biological Activities. HETEROATOM CHEMISTRY 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/6761186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Eleven conjugates between dihydroartemisinin (DHA) with thiols containing both ether and thioether bonds were designed, synthesized by a two-step procedure including etherification and S-alkylation. Analysis of the NMR spectral data indicated that the dimer of DHA with thiols 6-mercaptopurine and 2-mercaptoimidazole was produced with yields of 31% and 62%, respectively. Furthermore, the tautomerization of thiol 5-methoxy-2-mercaptobenzimidazole led to the formation of a mixture of two isomers in which they might be interchangeable through a dynamic tautomeric equilibrium in the solution. Screening in vitro biological activities revealed that most of the synthesized conjugates showed good cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activity, while three of them displayed α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Notably, two conjugates 5d and 5e of DHA with thiols 2-mercaptopyrimidine and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole had an effect in all tested activities in which conjugate 5e is the most potent.
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14
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Ding X, Zhang Y, Liang J, Li Q, Hu H, Zhou Y, Zhang B. Dihydroartemisinin Potentiates VEGFR-TKIs Antitumorigenic Effect on Osteosarcoma by Regulating Loxl2/VEGFA Expression and Lipid Metabolism Pathway. J Cancer 2023; 14:809-820. [PMID: 37056396 PMCID: PMC10088882 DOI: 10.7150/jca.81623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-angiogenesis therapy has shown significant anti-tumor effects against a variety of cancers. But resistance to antiangiogenic drugs, intrinsic and evasive, is frequently found in patients during treatment. Here, we report that dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a derivative of the Chinese medicine artemisinin, enhances antiangiogenic drug-induced cytotoxicity in osteosarcoma (OS) cells. Proteomics analysis revealed that DHA treatment significantly affected the activity of the collagen-modifying enzyme lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2), a regulatory gene associated with poor prognosis of OS. Furthermore, we found that DHA reduced the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) by downregulating LOXL2. This mechanism was confirmed by QRT-PCR, western blot, and ELISA assays. Correspondingly, vector-enforced expression of LOXL2 markedly reduced VEGFA secretion. Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that the lipid metabolism that confers antiangiogenic drug resistance, was also interfered with by DHA. Thus, DHA not only exerts antitumor effects in OS cells directly but also synergizes with the antiangiogenic drug by regulating vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) expression and lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Ding
- Orthopaedic Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - YaWen Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Jinrong Liang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Haiyan Hu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, China
- ✉ Corresponding authors: Bing Zhang, Orthopaedic Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, China. E-mail: Yan Zhou, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, China. E-mail:
| | - Bing Zhang
- Orthopaedic Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, China
- ✉ Corresponding authors: Bing Zhang, Orthopaedic Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, China. E-mail: Yan Zhou, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, China. E-mail:
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15
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Notum leads to potential pro-survival of OSCC through crosstalk between Shh and Wnt/β-catenin signaling via p-GSK3β. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2022; 153:106316. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2022.106316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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16
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Wong KH, Yang D, Chen S, He C, Chen M. Development of Nanoscale Drug Delivery Systems of Dihydroartemisinin for Cancer Therapy: A Review. Asian J Pharm Sci 2022; 17:475-490. [PMID: 36105316 PMCID: PMC9459003 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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17
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Li Q, Wang T, Shen Y, Du J. Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs)-Exosome Inhibits Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC) Cell Proliferative Ability Through Regulating Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MKP)-1 and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPK)/Extracellular-Signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK) Signal Pathway. J BIOMATER TISS ENG 2022. [DOI: 10.1166/jbt.2022.2988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The BMSCs-exosome plays a role in regulating tumor micro-environment so as to affect tumor cell biological behaviors. However, whether it affects the biological characteristics of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells remains unclear. Our study aimed to discuss whether BMSCs-exosome
affects EOC cell proliferative ability. BMSCs cells were cultivated to isolate exosome which was used to treat EOC cells at different concentrations (25, 50, and 100 μmol/L) followed by measuring cell proliferation by CCK-8, cell invasion and migration by Transwell, MKP-1and MAPK/ERK
protein level by Western Blot. BMSCs-exosome showed positive expression of CD9, CD63 and CD81 and negative CD116 and CD19. It could significantly inhibit EOC cell proliferation, invasion and migration in a dose-dependent manner along with reduced expression of MAPK/ERK. In conclusion, BMSCs-exosome
inhibits EOC cell biological behaviors possibly through regulation of MKP-1 and MAPK/ERK signal pathway, indicating that it might be used as a novel approach for treating EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongxihu People’s Hospital, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, 430040, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First People’s Hospital of Xiangyang City Hubei Province, Xiangyang City, 441000, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongxihu People’s Hospital, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, 430040, China
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wuhan No.1 Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, 430022, China
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18
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Clinical Efficacy of Yiqi Yangyin Decoction Combined with Docetaxel on Advanced Ovarian Cancer and the Effect on the Levels of Serum Markers VEGF, HE4, and CA125. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2022; 2022:8401202. [PMID: 35368946 PMCID: PMC8967517 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8401202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Objective The study is designed to investigate the therapeutic effect of Yiqi Yangyin Decoction combined with docetaxel on advanced ovarian cancer (OC) patients and the effects on serum markers VEGF, HE4, and CA125. Methods 92 patients with advanced OC were grouped into the study group and control group. The control group was given the treatment of basic chemotherapy combined with docetaxel. The study group was added the treatment of Yiqi Yangyin Decoction on the basis of the control group. The short-term efficacy, adverse reactions, tumor markers, quality of life, 3-year survival, and T cell subsets of the two groups were observed. Results Compared to the control group, the study group's incidence of adverse reactions was lower. VEGF, HE4, and CA125 in the study group were decreased more obviously. The levels of CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ were sharply higher in the study group, while CD8+ was notably reduced. After treatment, the scores of physical health, social function, and mental health in the study group were notably higher than those in the control group. Compared with the control group, the 3-year survival rate of the study group was notably higher, and the therapeutic effect of the study group was obviously better. Conclusion The combination of Yiqi Yangyin Decoction and docetaxel can improve the body immunity and the therapeutic effect of advanced OC, decrease the incidence of adverse reactions, and prolong the survival time, with good safety and effectiveness.
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Fuzheng Jiedu Decoction Induces Apoptosis and Enhances Cisplatin Efficacy in Ovarian Cancer Cells In Vitro and In Vivo through Inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/NF-κB Signaling Pathway. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:5739909. [PMID: 35281608 PMCID: PMC8906977 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5739909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Objectives This study is aimed at investigating the anticancer activity of Fuzheng Jiedu decoction (FJD) alone or in combination with cisplatin in ovarian cancer (OC) models, as well as its underlying mechanisms of action. Methods The anticancer activities of FJD, cisplatin, and the combination of the PI3K inhibitor (LY294002, LY) or activator (IGF-1) were evaluated in OC cell lines in vitro and in a SKOV3 xenograft mouse model in vivo. The cell proliferation and invasion ability were measured using MTT, EdU, and transwell assays, respectively. The cell apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry and JC-1 assays. The expression levels of the Bcl-2 family and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/NF-κB pathway-related proteins were analyzed by Western blot. Results The in vivo and in vitro studies showed that FJD administration could significantly inhibit cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis in two OC cell lines SKOV3 and 3AO and partially decreased the tumor volumes and weights. In addition, FJD could significantly downregulate the protein levels of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-AKT/AKT, p-mTOR/mTOR, NF-κB, p38, and Bcl-2 and upregulate the Bax, Cyt-C, and cleaved caspase-3 in OC tumor tissues and cells. FJD cotreatment increased the efficacy of cisplatin, including inhibiting OC cell proliferation and invasion, promoting cell apoptosis, and inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, while this enhancement was suppressed by IGF-1. Similarly, LY also enhanced the anticancer efficacy of cisplatin. Conclusions This study indicated that FJD could improve the efficacy of cisplatin by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/NF-κB signaling pathway. It is suggested that FJD may be a valuable adjuvant drug for the treatment of OC.
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Shen M, Guo M, Li Y, Wang Y, Qiu Y, Shao J, Zhang F, Xu X, Yin G, Wang S, Chen A, Zhang Z, Zheng S. m 6A methylation is required for dihydroartemisinin to alleviate liver fibrosis by inducing ferroptosis in hepatic stellate cells. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 182:246-259. [PMID: 35248719 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a central event in the development of liver fibrosis, and the elimination of activated HSCs is considered to be an effective anti-fibrotic strategy. Here, we report that dihydroartemisinin (DHA) prevented the activation of HSCs via ferroptosis pathway. Importantly, DHA treatment increased the level of autophagy in HSCs. The inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA dramatically abolished the DHA-induced ferroptosis in HSCs. Mechanistically, the up-regulated m6A modification is essential for the activation of autophagy by DHA through the reduction of fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO). Down-regulation of m6A modification by FTO overexpression could impair autophagy and the classical ferroptotic events. Interestingly, the m6A modification of BECN1 mRNA was evidently up-regulated compared with other autophagy-related genes. More importantly, YTHDF1 was identified as a key m6A reader protein for BECN1 mRNA stability, and knockdown of YTHDF1 could prevent DHA-induced HSC ferroptosis. Noteworthy, YTH domain was essential for YTHDF1 to prolong the half-life of BECN1 mRNA in DHA-induced HSC ferroptosis. In mice, DHA treatment alleviated liver fibrosis by triggering HSC ferroptosis. HSC-specific inhibition of m6A modification and autophagy could impair DHA-induced HSC ferroptosis in murine liver fibrosis. Overall, these results provided novel implications to reveal the molecular mechanism of DHA-induced ferroptosis, by which pointed to m6A modification-dependent ferroptosis as a potential target for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Shen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Mei Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yujia Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yingqian Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yangling Qiu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xuefen Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Guoping Yin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shijun Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250035, China
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO, 63104, USA
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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21
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Zhou X, Soto-Gamez A, Nijdam F, Setroikromo R, Quax WJ. Dihydroartemisinin-Transferrin Adducts Enhance TRAIL-Induced Apoptosis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in a P53-Independent and ROS-Dependent Manner. Front Oncol 2022; 11:789336. [PMID: 35047402 PMCID: PMC8762273 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.789336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive breast cancer subtype independent of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. It has a poor prognosis and high recurrence. Due to its limited treatment options in the clinic, novel therapies are urgently needed. Single treatment with the death receptor ligand TRAIL was shown to be poorly effective. Recently, we have shown that artemisinin derivatives enhance TRAIL-induced apoptosis in colon cancer cells. Here, we utilized transferrin (TF) to enhance the effectiveness of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) in inducing cell death in TNBC cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-436, MDA-MB-468 and BT549). We found that the combination of DHA-TF and the death receptor 5-specific TRAIL variant DHER leads to an increase in DR5 expression in all four TNBC cell lines, while higher cytotoxicity was observed in MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-436. All the data point to the finding that DHA-TF stimulates cell death in TNBC cells, while the combination of DHA-TF with TRAIL variants will trigger more cell death in TRAIL-sensitive cells. Overall, DHA-TF in combination with TRAIL variants represents a potential novel combination therapy for triple-negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Zhou
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Abel Soto-Gamez
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,European Institute for the Biology of Aging (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Fleur Nijdam
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Rita Setroikromo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Wim J Quax
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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22
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Xiao L, Xu C, Lin P, Mu L, Yang X. Novel dihydroartemisinin derivative Mito-DHA5 induces apoptosis associated with mitochondrial pathway in bladder cancer cells. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2022; 23:10. [PMID: 35057867 PMCID: PMC8780396 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-021-00542-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bladder cancer is the second most common genitourinary malignancy and the eleventh most common cancer worldwide. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a first-line antimalarial drug, has been found to have potent antitumor activity. In our previous study, a novel dihydroartemisinin derivative Mito-DHA5 synthesized in our laboratory has a stronger anti-tumor activity than DHA. In this study, we investigated the apoptotic effect of Mito-DHA5 on bladder cancer T24 cells and molecular mechanisms underlying. Methods Antitumor activity in vitro was evaluated by MTT, wound healing and cloning formation assays. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was detected by JC-1 probe and ROS levels were measured by specific kit. The expression of caspase-3, cleaved-caspase3, mitochondrial Cyt-C, Bcl-2, Bax and PARP in T24 cells was evaluated by Western blotting. Results The results showed that Mito-DHA5 reduced cell viability with an IC50 value of 3.2 µM and induced T24 cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, increased the production of ROS and decreased MMP. Mito-DHA5 could down-regulate the expression of Bcl-2, mitochondrial Cyt-C, Caspase-3, PARP and up-regulate the expression of Bax and cleaved Caspase-3. Conclusions These data suggested that Mito-DHA5 had a potent inhibitory effect on T24 bladder cancer cell growth and induced these cells apoptosis associated with mitochondrial pathway.
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Farmanpour-Kalalagh K, Beyraghdar Kashkooli A, Babaei A, Rezaei A, van der Krol AR. Artemisinins in Combating Viral Infections Like SARS-CoV-2, Inflammation and Cancers and Options to Meet Increased Global Demand. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:780257. [PMID: 35197994 PMCID: PMC8859114 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.780257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinin is a natural bioactive sesquiterpene lactone containing an unusual endoperoxide 1, 2, 4-trioxane ring. It is derived from the herbal medicinal plant Artemisia annua and is best known for its use in treatment of malaria. However, recent studies also indicate the potential for artemisinin and related compounds, commonly referred to as artemisinins, in combating viral infections, inflammation and certain cancers. Moreover, the different potential modes of action of artemisinins make these compounds also potentially relevant to the challenges the world faces in the COVID-19 pandemic. Initial studies indicate positive effects of artemisinin or Artemisia spp. extracts to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 related symptoms and WHO-supervised clinical studies on the potential of artemisinins to combat COVID-19 are now in progress. However, implementing multiple potential new uses of artemisinins will require effective solutions to boost production, either by enhancing synthesis in A. annua itself or through biotechnological engineering in alternative biosynthesis platforms. Because of this renewed interest in artemisinin and its derivatives, here we review its modes of action, its potential application in different diseases including COVID-19, its biosynthesis and future options to boost production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Farmanpour-Kalalagh
- Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arman Beyraghdar Kashkooli
- Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Arman Beyraghdar Kashkooli,
| | - Alireza Babaei
- Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Rezaei
- Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Dihydroartemisinin Induces Ferroptosis in HCC by Promoting the Formation of PEBP1/15-LO. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:3456725. [PMID: 34925691 PMCID: PMC8683180 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3456725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Relevant researches have recognized the vital role of inducing ferroptosis in the treatment of tumor. The latest findings indicate that PEBP1/15-LO can play an essential role in the process of cell death. However, its role in regulating ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (simplified by HCC) remains unclear. The previous research of our team has proved that DHA can induce ferroptosis of hepatic stellate cells. In this study, we found that DHA could also induce ferroptosis in HCC cells. Interestingly, DHA induced ferroptosis by promoting the formation of PEBP1/15-LO and promoting cell membrane lipid peroxidation. In addition, we also found that DHA had no obvious regulatory effect on 15-LO, but it could promote PEBP1 protein expression. Importantly, we discovered the upregulation of PEBP1 induced by DHA was related to the inhibition of its ubiquitination degradation. In vivo experiments have also obtained consistent results that DHA can inhibit tumor growth and affect the expression of ferroptosis markers in tumor tissues, which would be partially offset by interference with PEBP1.
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25
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Xu W, Li B, Xu M, Yang T, Hao X. Traditional Chinese medicine for precancerous lesions of gastric cancer: A review. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 146:112542. [PMID: 34929576 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common type of cancer and the third leading cause of death due to cancer worldwide. The gastric mucosa often undergoes many years of precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC) stages before progressing to gastric malignancy. Unfortunately, there are no effective Western drugs for patients with PLGC. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been proven effective in treating PLGC. Classical TCM formulas and chemical components isolated from some Chinese herbal medicines have been administered to treat PLGC, and the main advantage is their comprehensive intervention with multiple approaches and multiple targets. In this review, we focus on recent studies using TCM treatment for PLGC, including clinical observations and experimental research, with a focus on targets and mechanisms of drugs. This review provides some ideas and a theoretical basis for applying TCM to treat PLGC and prevent GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weichao Xu
- Hebei Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050011, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Gastroenterology, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Bolin Li
- Hebei Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050011, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Gastroenterology, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Miaochan Xu
- Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Tianxiao Yang
- Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Xinyu Hao
- Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.
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Diagnostic Value of Serum Markers Combined with TVCDS in Ovarian Cancer Patients Treated with Bushen Yiqi Quyu Prescription. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:3522906. [PMID: 34917157 PMCID: PMC8670016 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3522906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background To compare the diagnostic value of serum markers human epididymal protein 4 (HE4) and cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) combined with transvaginal color Doppler sonography (TVCDS) in ovarian cancer (OC) treated with Bushen Yiqi Quyu prescription. Methods A total of 232 OC patients treated at the hospital from January 2018 to October 2020 were randomly divided into an observation group (n = 116) and control group (n = 116). The control group was treated with essential Western medication, and the observation group was treated with essential Western medication and Bushen Yiqi Quyu prescription. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared. The levels of HE4 and COX-1 were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. The ultrasonic features of TVCDS were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. The ROC curve was drawn to compare the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of single and combined detection of HE4, COX-1, and TVCDS in the observation group. Results The total effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group. After treatment, HE4 and COX-1 levels in both groups were considerably lower than those before treatment, and in the observation group, they decreased significantly than in the control group. HE4 and COX-1 were positively correlated with the clinical stage of OC. The higher the clinical stage, the higher the levels of HE4 and COX-1. After treatment, there was no significant difference in tumor location and the boundary between the two groups. There were statistically significant differences in tumor echo, nature, morphology, calcification, internal blood flow, and lymph node metastasis, and the difference in the observation group was more evident than in control group. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive detection rate, and negative detection rate of combined detection were higher than those of single detection. Conclusions Bushen Yiqi Quyu prescription has certain curative effects in the treatment of OC patients, which can significantly reduce the level of tumor markers and improve the symptoms of OC patients. The combined detection of HE4, COX-1, and TVCDS has high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, which can effectively detect OC and reduce missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis.
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27
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Advances in glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) inhibitors for cancer therapy. Invest New Drugs 2021; 40:370-388. [PMID: 34837604 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-021-01187-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The Hedgehog/Glioma-associated oncogene homolog (HH/GLI) signaling pathway regulates self-renewal of rare and highly malignant cancer stem cells, which have been shown to account for the initiation and maintenance of tumor growth as well as for drug resistance, metastatic spread and relapse. As an important component of the Hh signaling pathway, glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) acts as a key signal transmission hub for various signaling pathways in many tumors. Here, we review direct and indirect inhibitors of GLI; summarize the abundant active structurally diverse natural GLI inhibitors; and discuss how to better develop and utilize GLI inhibitors to solve the problem of drug resistance in tumors of interest. In summary, GLI inhibitors will be promising candidates for various cancer treatments.
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Yi YC, Liang R, Chen XY, Fan HN, Chen M, Zhang J, Zhu JS. Dihydroartemisinin Suppresses the Tumorigenesis and Cycle Progression of Colorectal Cancer by Targeting CDK1/CCNB1/PLK1 Signaling. Front Oncol 2021; 11:768879. [PMID: 34796115 PMCID: PMC8592930 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.768879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a well-known antimalarial drug, has been widely investigated for its antitumor effects in multiple malignancies. However, its effects and regulatory mechanisms in colorectal cancer (CRC) are still unproved. In this study, in vitro experiments including CCK8, EdU, Transwell, and flow cytometry analyses and an in vivo tumorigenesis model were conducted to assess the effects of DHA on the bio-behaviors of CRC cells. Additionally, RNA-seq combined with gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses was used to obtain the targets of DHA, and these were verified by molecular docking, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting. As a result, we found that DHA significantly suppressed the proliferation, DNA synthesis, and invasive capabilities and induced cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HCT116, DLD1, and RKO cells in vitro and in vivo. Further analyses indicated that the targets of DHA were predominantly enriched in cell cycle-associated pathways, including CDK1, CCNB1, and PLK1; and DHA could bind with the CDK1/CCNB1 complex and inhibit the activation of CDK1/CCNB1/PLK1 signaling. Moreover, cucurbitacin E, a specific inhibitor of the CDK1/CCNB1 axis, enhanced the inhibitory effects of DHA on DNA synthesis and colony formation in HCT116 and DLD1 cells. In short, DHA could suppress the tumorigenesis and cycle progression of CRC cells by targeting CDK1/CCNB1/PLK1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Cai Yi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Liang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Ning Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin-Shui Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Li Q, Ma Q, Xu L, Gao C, Yao L, Wen J, Yang M, Cheng J, Zhou X, Zou J, Zhong X, Guo X. Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase as a Therapeutic Target of Dihydroartemisinin for Esophageal Squamous Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:769787. [PMID: 34744749 PMCID: PMC8569230 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.769787] [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: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To elucidate the oncogenic role of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) in esophageal squamous cancer and unravel the therapeutic role and molecular mechanism of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) by targeting hTERT. Methods: The expression of hTERT in esophageal squamous cancer and the patients prognosis were analyzed by bioinformatic analysis from TCGA database, and further validated with esophageal squamous cancer tissues in our cohort. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) and colony formation assay were used to evaluate the proliferation of esophageal squamous cancer cell lines (Eca109, KYSE150, and TE1) after hTERT overexpression or treated with indicated concentrations of DHA. Transwell migration assay and scratch assay were employed to determine the migration abilities of cancer cells. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry were conducted to measure the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in cancer cells after treated with DHA. Moreover, RT-PCR and Western blot were performed to test the alteration of associated genes on mRNA and protein level in DHA treated esophageal squamous cancer cell lines, respectively. Furthermore, tumor-bearing nude mice were employed to evaluate the anticancer effect of DHA in vivo. Results: We found that hTERT was significantly upregulated in esophageal squamous cancer both from TCGA database and our cohort also. Overexpression of hTERT evidently promoted the proliferation and migration of esophageal squamous cancer cells in vitro. Moreover, DHA could significantly inhibit the proliferation and migration of esophageal cancer cell lines Eca109, KYSE150, and TE1 in vitro, and significantly down-regulate the expression of hTERT on both mRNA and protein level in a time- and dose-dependent manner as well. Further studies showed that DHA could induce intracellular ROS production in esophageal cancer cells and down-regulate SP1 expression, a transcription factor that bound to the promoter region of hTERT gene. Moreover, overexpression of SP1 evidently promoted the proliferation and migration of Eca109 and TE1 cells. Intriguingly, rescue experiments showed that inhibiting ROS by NAC alleviated the downregulation of SP1 and hTERT in cells treated with DHA. Furthermore, overexpression of SP1 or hTERT could attenuate the inhibition effect of DHA on the proliferation and migration of Eca109 cells. In tumor-bearing nude mice model, DHA significantly inhibited the growth of esophageal squamous cancer xenografts, and downregulated the expression of SP1 and hTERT protein, while no side effects were observed from heart, kidney, liver, and lung tissues by HE stain. Conclusion: hTERT plays an oncogenic role in esophageal squamous cancer and might be a therapeutic target of DHA through regulating ROS/SP1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingrong Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Qiang Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Chuanli Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Lihua Yao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Jilin Wen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Miyuan Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Jibing Cheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Xi Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Jiang Zou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Xiaowu Zhong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Xiaolan Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
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Yu R, Jin G, Fujimoto M. Dihydroartemisinin: A Potential Drug for the Treatment of Malignancies and Inflammatory Diseases. Front Oncol 2021; 11:722331. [PMID: 34692496 PMCID: PMC8529146 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.722331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) has been globally recognized for its efficacy and safety in the clinical treatment of malaria for decades. Recently, it has been found that DHA inhibits malignant tumor growth and regulates immune system function in addition to anti-malaria. In parasites and tumors, DHA causes severe oxidative stress by inducing excessive reactive oxygen species production. DHA also kills tumor cells by inducing programmed cell death, blocking cell cycle and enhancing anti-tumor immunity. In addition, DHA inhibits inflammation by reducing the inflammatory cells infiltration and suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Further, genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and network pharmacology of DHA therapy provide the basis for elucidating the pharmacological effects of DHA. This review provides a summary of the recent research progress of DHA in anti-tumor, inhibition of inflammatory diseases and the relevant pharmacological mechanisms. With further research of DHA, it is likely that DHA will become an alternative therapy in the clinical treatment of malignant tumors and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Yu
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Guihua Jin
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Manabu Fujimoto
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Laboratory of Cutaneous Immunology, Osaka University Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka, Japan
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31
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Wu J, Zhou T, Wang Y, Jiang Y, Wang Y. Mechanisms and Advances in Anti-Ovarian Cancer with Natural Plants Component. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26195949. [PMID: 34641493 PMCID: PMC8512305 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer ranks seventh in the most common malignant tumors among female disease, which seriously threatens female reproductive health. It is characterized by hidden pathogenesis, missed diagnosis, high reoccurrence rate, and poor prognosis. In clinic, the first-line treatment prioritized debulking surgery with paclitaxel-based chemotherapy. The harsh truth is that female patients are prone to relapse due to the dissemination of tumor cells and drug resistance. In these circumstances, the development of new therapy strategies combined with traditional approaches is conductive to improving the quality of treatment. Among numerous drug resources, botanical compounds have unique advantages due to their potentials in multitarget functions, long application history, and wide availability. Previous studies have revealed the therapeutic effects of bioactive plant components in ovarian cancer. These natural ingredients act as part of the initial treatment or an auxiliary option for maintenance therapy, further reducing the tumor and metastatic burden. In this review, we summarized the functions and mechanisms of natural botanical components applied in human ovarian cancer. We focused on the molecular mechanisms of cell apoptosis, autophagy, RNA and DNA lesion, ROS damage, and the multiple-drug resistance. We aim to provide a theoretical reference for in-depth drug research so as to manage ovarian cancer better in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyuan Wu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (J.W.); (Y.J.)
| | - Tuoyu Zhou
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China;
| | - Yinxue Wang
- The Reproductive Medicine Special Hospital of the First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China;
| | - Yanbiao Jiang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (J.W.); (Y.J.)
| | - Yiqing Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (J.W.); (Y.J.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Embryology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Correspondence:
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32
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Zhang Q, Jin L, Jin Q, Wei Q, Sun M, Yue Q, Liu H, Li F, Li H, Ren X, Jin G. Inhibitory Effect of Dihydroartemisinin on the Proliferation and Migration of Melanoma Cells and Experimental Lung Metastasis From Melanoma in Mice. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:727275. [PMID: 34539408 PMCID: PMC8443781 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.727275] [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: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is aggressive and can metastasize in the early stage of tumor. It has been proved that dihydroartemisinin (DHA) positively affects the treatment of tumors and has no apparent toxic and side effects. Our previous research has shown that DHA can suppress the formation of melanoma. However, it remains poorly established how DHA impacts the invasion and metastasis of melanoma. In this study, B16F10 and A375 cell lines and metastatic tumor models will be used to investigate the effects of DHA. The present results demonstrated that DHA inhibited the proliferative capacity in A375 and B16F10 cells. As expected, the migration capacity of A375 and B16F10 cells was also reduced after DHA administration. DHA alleviated the severity and histopathological changes of melanoma in mice. DHA induced expansion of CD8+CTL in the tumor microenvironment. By contrast, DHA inhibited Treg cells infiltration into the tumor microenvironment. DHA enhanced apoptosis of melanoma by regulating FasL expression and Granzyme B secretion in CD8+CTLs. Moreover, DHA impacts STAT3-induced EMT and MMPS in tumor tissue. Furthermore, Metabolomics analysis indicated that PGD2 and EPA significantly increased after DHA administration. In conclusion, DHA inhibited the proliferation, migration and metastasis of melanoma in vitro and in vivo. These results have important implications for the potential use of DHA in the treatment of melanoma in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Linbo Jin
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Quanxin Jin
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Qiang Wei
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Mingyuan Sun
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Qi Yue
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Fangfang Li
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Honghua Li
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Xiangshan Ren
- Department of Pathology and Physiology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Guihua Jin
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
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Peng P, Chen JY, Zheng K, Hu CH, Han YT. Favorable Prognostic Impact of Cathepsin H (CTSH) High Expression in Thyroid Carcinoma. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:5287-5299. [PMID: 34522128 PMCID: PMC8434881 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s327689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Presently, no study reported the function of cathepsin H (CTSH) in thyroid carcinoma (THCA). The aim of present study was to initially explore the factors affecting CTSH expression, and association between CTSH expression and survival rate in THCA. Methods We explored mRNA expression of CTSH in normal and BRCA tissues, and evaluated prognostic impact of CTSH expression on the overall survival of THCA patients. Then, related factors influencing CTSH mRNA expression in THCA were analyzed. Functional enrichment analysis was performed to reveal the potential function of CTSH involved in THCA. We also constructed PPI network among co-expressed genes of CTSH to determine hub genes, followed by association analysis on hub genes with CTSH. Results (1) CTSH mRNA was highly expressed in THCA compared with normal group (P<0.001). High expression of CTSH was conducive to the overall survival of THCA patients (P=0.0027). CTSH was then determined as an independent prognostic factor in THCA (P=0.024). (2) The mRNA expression of CTSH was statistically related to patient’s histological type, N stage, T stage, tumor stage and sample type (all P<0.001). CTSH copy number variation and methylation also influenced its mRNA expression (all P<0.001). (3) Pathway analysis indicated that CTSH mainly participated in cancer-related pathways, such as hedgehog signaling pathway, cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction and JAK-STAT signaling pathway (all P<0.05). (4) The top 10 co-expressed genes in whole PPI network showed significant correlation with CTSH expression (all P<0.001). Conclusion CTSH higher expression was observed in THCA, which caused a good prognosis of patients. CTSH expression might be regulated by multiple factors including clinical characteristic, methylation, copy number and other genes. This study demonstrated the clinical significance of CTSH in THCA, as well as revealed the potential pathway associated with CTSH involved in thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pai Peng
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Xiaogan Central Hospital&Xiaogan Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Xiaogan, 432000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang-Yuan Chen
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430000, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Zheng
- School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao-Hua Hu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Xiaogan Central Hospital&Xiaogan Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Xiaogan, 432000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun-Tao Han
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Xiaogan Central Hospital&Xiaogan Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Xiaogan, 432000, People's Republic of China
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Hao L, Li S, Peng Q, Guo Y, Ji J, Zhang Z, Xue Y, Liu Y, Shi X. Anti-malarial drug dihydroartemisinin downregulates the expression levels of CDK1 and CCNB1 in liver cancer. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:653. [PMID: 34386075 PMCID: PMC8299009 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. By the time liver cancer is diagnosed, it is already in the advanced stage. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies need to be identified to improve the prognosis of patients with liver cancer. In the present study, the profiles of GSE84402, GSE19665 and GSE121248 were used to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Subsequently, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses for DEGs were conducted using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery. The protein-protein interaction network was established to screen the hub genes associated with liver cancer. Additionally, the expression levels of hub genes were validated using the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis and Oncomine databases. In addition, the prognostic value of hub genes in patients with liver cancer was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier Plotter. It was demonstrated that 132 and 246 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, in patients with liver cancer. Among these DEGs, 10 hub genes with high connected node values were identified, which were AURKA, BIRC5, BUB1B, CCNA2, CCNB1, CCNB2, CDC20, CDK1, DLGAP5 and MAD2L1. CDK1 and CCNB1 had the most connection nodes and the highest score and were therefore, the most significantly expressed. In addition, it was demonstrated that high expression levels of CDK1 and CCNB1 were associated with poor overall survival time of patients with liver cancer. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is a Food and Drug Administration-approved drug, which is derived from the traditional Chinese medicine Artemisia annua Linn. DHA inhibits cell proliferation in numerous cancer types, including liver cancer. In our previous study, it was revealed that DHA inhibited the proliferation of HepG2215 cells. In the present study, it was further demonstrated that DHA reduced the expression levels of CDK1 and CCNB1 in liver cancer. Overall, CDK1 and CCNB1 were the potential therapeutic targets of liver cancer, and DHA reduced the expression levels of CDK1 and CCNB1, and inhibited the proliferation of liver cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Hao
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
| | - Shenghao Li
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
| | - Qing Peng
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
| | - Yinglin Guo
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
| | - Jingmin Ji
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
| | - Zhiqin Zhang
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
| | - Yu Xue
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
| | - Yiwei Liu
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
| | - Xinli Shi
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
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Kamarya Y, Lijie X, Jinyao L. Chemical Constituents and their Anti-Tumor Mechanism of Plants from Artemisia. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 22:1838-1844. [PMID: 34238198 DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666210708125230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND At present, chemotherapy is still the main treatment method for cancer, but its side effects and multidrug resistance limit the therapeutic effect seriously. Now the screening of anti-tumor drugs with higher efficiency and lower toxicity from natural products is one of the important research directions for oncotherapy. Artemisia has a variety of anti-tumor constituents, which can exert its anti-tumor effect by inducing tumor cell apoptosis, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, arresting cell cycle, accelerating iron ion-mediated oxidative damage, etc. Objective: This paper will provide a focused, up-to-date and comprehensive overview of the anti-tumor active constituents and their mechanisms of plants in Artemisia. METHOD The relevant information about Artemisia and its bioactive components comes from scientific databases (such as PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct). RESULTS Here we have discussed the present situation and mechanism of bioactive components of Artemisia in anti-tumor. The application prospect of active components of Artemisia in cancer prevention and treatment was investigated. CONCLUSION The information summarized in this review may provide new ideas for the follow-up treatment of cancer and contribute to the development of new, effective, multi-side effects and fewer side effects of antineoplastic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasin Kamarya
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xia Lijie
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| | - Li Jinyao
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
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Meng Y, Ma N, Lyu H, Wong YK, Zhang X, Zhu Y, Gao P, Sun P, Song Y, Lin L, Wang J. Recent pharmacological advances in the repurposing of artemisinin drugs. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:3156-3181. [PMID: 34148245 DOI: 10.1002/med.21837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinins are a family of sesquiterpene lactones originally derived from the sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua). Beyond their well-characterized role as frontline antimalarial drugs, artemisinins have also received increased attention for other potential pharmaceutical effects, which include antiviral, antiparsitic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. With concerted efforts in further preclinical and clinical studies, artemisinin-based drugs have the potential to be viable treatments for a great variety of human diseases. Here, we provide a comprehensive update on recent reports of pharmacological actions and applications of artemisinins outside of their better-known antimalarial role and highlight their potential therapeutic viability for various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Meng
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Ma
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haining Lyu
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yin Kwan Wong
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xing Zhang
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongping Zhu
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yali Song
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Dongguan Maternal And Child Health Care Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Lizhu Lin
- Oncology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jigang Wang
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Oncology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
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Characterization of a Tumor-Microenvironment-Relevant Gene Set Based on Tumor Severity in Colon Cancer and Evaluation of Its Potential for Dihydroartemisinin Targeting. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:4812068. [PMID: 34239578 PMCID: PMC8233087 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4812068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Colon cancer (COAD) is a leading cause of cancer mortality in the world. Most patients with COAD die as a result of cancer cell metastasis. However, the mechanisms underlying the metastatic phenotype of COAD remain unclear. Instead, particular features of the tumor microenvironment (TME) could predict adverse outcomes including metastasis in patients with COAD, and the role of TME in governing COAD progression is undeniable. Therefore, exploring the role of TME in COAD may help us better understand the molecular mechanisms behind COAD progression which may improve clinical outcomes and quality of patients. Here, we identified a Specific TME Regulatory Network including AEBP1, BGN, POST, and FAP (STMERN) that is highly involved in clinical outcomes of patients with COAD. Comprehensive in silico analysis of our study revealed that the STMERN is highly correlated with the severity of COAD. Meanwhile, our results reveal that the STMERN might be associated with immune infiltration in COAD. Importantly, we show that dihydroartemisinin (DHA) potentially interacts with the STMERN. We suggest that DHA might contribute to immune infiltration through regulating the STMERN in COAD. Taken together, our data provide a set of biomarkers of progression and poor prognosis in COAD. These findings could have potential prognostic and therapeutic implications in the progression of COAD.
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Ellis T, Eze E, Raimi-Abraham BT. Malaria and Cancer: a critical review on the established associations and new perspectives. Infect Agent Cancer 2021; 16:33. [PMID: 33985540 PMCID: PMC8117320 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-021-00370-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Cancer and malaria both have high incidence rates and are leading causes of mortality worldwide, especially in low and middle-income countries with reduced access to the quality healthcare. The objective of this critical review was to summarize key associations and new perspectives between the two diseases as is reported in existing literature. Methods A critical review of research articles published between 1st January 2000 – 1st July 2020 which yielded 1753 articles. These articles were screened based on a precise inclusion criteria. Eighty-nine eligible articles were identified and further evaluated. Results Many articles reported anti-cancer activities of anti-malarial medicines, including Artemisinin and its derivatives. Other articles investigated the use of chemotherapy in areas burdened by malaria, treatment complications that malaria may cause for cancer patients as well as ways to circumvent cancer related drug resistance. Potential novel targets for cancer treatment, were identified namely oncofoetal chondroitin sulphate and haem, as well as the use of circumsporozoite proteins. A number of articles also discussed Burkitt lymphoma or febrile neutropenia. Conclusions Overall, excluding for Burkitt lymphoma, the relationship between cancer and malaria requires further extensive research in order to define association. There great potential promising new novel anti-cancer therapies using anti-malarial drugs. Graphical abstract Created using BioRender![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Toby Ellis
- King's College London, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Guy's Campus, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Elvis Eze
- Malaria no More UK, The Foundry, 17 Oval Way, Vauxhall, London, SE11 5RR, UK
| | - Bahijja Tolulope Raimi-Abraham
- King's College London, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Waterloo Campus, Franklin Wilkins Building, Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, UK.
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Bai B, Wu F, Ying K, Xu Y, Shan L, Lv Y, Gao X, Xu D, Lu J, Xie B. Therapeutic effects of dihydroartemisinin in multiple stages of colitis-associated colorectal cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:6225-6239. [PMID: 33995655 PMCID: PMC8120200 DOI: 10.7150/thno.55939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) develops from chronic intestinal inflammation. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is an antimalarial drug exhibiting anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects. Nonetheless, the therapeutic effects of DHA on CAC remain unestablished. Methods: Mice were challenged with azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to establish CAC models. DHA was administered via oral gavage in different stages of CAC models. Colon and tumor tissues were obtained from the AOM/DSS models to investigate inflammatory responses and tumor development. Inflammatory cytokines in the murine models were detected through qRT-PCR and ELISA. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling-related proteins were detected by western blot. Macrophage infiltration was measured using immunostaining analysis, and apoptosis in the colon cancer cells was detected by flow cytometry and western blot. Results: DHA inhibited inflammatory responses in the early stage of the AOM/DSS model and subsequent tumor formation. In the early stage, DHA reversed macrophage infiltration in colon mucosa and decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. DHA inhibited the activation of macrophage by suppressing the TLR4 signal pathway. In the late stage of CAC, DHA inhibited tumor growth by enhancing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in tumor cells. Administration of DHA during the whole period of the AOM/DSS model generated an addictive effect based on the inhibition of inflammation and tumor growth, thereby improving the therapeutic effect of DHA on CAC. Conclusion: Our study indicated that DHA could be a potent agent in managing the initiation and development of CAC without obvious side effects, warranting further clinical translation of DHA for CAC treatment.
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Ortega L, Lobos-González L, Reyna-Jeldes M, Cerda D, De la Fuente-Ortega E, Castro P, Bernal G, Coddou C. The Ω-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid selectively induces apoptosis in tumor-derived cells and suppress tumor growth in gastric cancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 896:173910. [PMID: 33508285 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Despite current achievements and innovations in cancer treatment, conventional chemotherapy has several limitations, such as unsatisfactory long-term survival, cancer drug resistance and toxicity against non-tumoral cells. In the search for safer therapeutic alternatives, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has shown promising effects inhibiting tumor growth without significant side effects in several types of cancer, but in gastric cancer (GC) its effects have not been completely described. In this study, we characterized the effects of DHA in GC using in vivo and in vitro models. Among all of the evaluated Ω-3 and Ω-6 fatty acids, DHA showed the highest antiproliferative potency and selectivity against the GC-derived cell line AGS. 10-100 μM DHA decreased AGS cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner but had no effect on non-tumoral GES-1 cells. To evaluate if the effects of DHA were due to apoptosis induction, cells were stained with Annexin V-PI, observing that 75 and 100 μM DHA increased apoptosis in AGS, but not in GES-1 cells. Additionally, levels of several proapoptotic and antiapoptotic regulators were assessed by qPCR, western blot and activity assays, showing similar results. In order to evaluate DHA efficacy in vivo, xenografts in an immunodeficient mouse model (BALB/cNOD-SCID) were used. In these experiments, DHA treatment for six weeks consistently reduced subcutaneous tumor size, ascitic fluid volume and liver metastasis. In summary, we found that DHA has a selective antiproliferative effect on GC, being this effect driven by apoptosis induction. Our investigation provides promising features for DHA as potential therapeutic agent in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Ortega
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica Del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Lorena Lobos-González
- Centro de Medicina Regenerativa, Facultad de Medicina-Clínica Alemana, Universidad Del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile; Fundación Ciencia y Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mauricio Reyna-Jeldes
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica Del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile; Millennium Nucleus for the Study of Pain (MiNuSPain), Chile
| | - Daniela Cerda
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica Del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Erwin De la Fuente-Ortega
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica Del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Patricio Castro
- Laboratory of Physiology and Pharmacology for Neural Development, LAND, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | - Giuliano Bernal
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica Del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Claudio Coddou
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica Del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile; Millennium Nucleus for the Study of Pain (MiNuSPain), Chile.
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Zheng J, Li X, Yang W, Zhang F. Dihydroartemisinin regulates apoptosis, migration, and invasion of ovarian cancer cells via mediating RECK. J Pharmacol Sci 2021; 146:71-81. [PMID: 33941323 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2021.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) possesses an inhibitory effect on ovarian cancer and promotes reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) expression in glioma cells. This study explored the role of DHA and RECK on ovarian cancer. METHODS The RECK level in ovarian cancer was analyzed under GEPIA 2 database and proved by RT-qPCR. After being treated with DHA or infected with siRECK lentivirus, the viability, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of ovarian cancer cells were evaluated by CCK-8, flow cytometry, wound healing, and transwell assays. Also, the expressions of factors related to apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition were measured by Western blot or RT-qPCR. RESULTS DHA-treatment weakened the viability, migration, invasion, and enhanced apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells. DHA also down-regulated the levels of Bcl-2, N-cadherin, and Vimentin, and up-regulated the levels of Bax, C-caspase-3 and E-cadherin in ovarian cancer cells. RECK was lowly expressed in both ovarian cancer tissues and cells. siRECK not only had an effect opposite to DHA on the viability, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and related-factors of ovarian cancer cells but also offset the effect of DHA on ovarian cancer cells. CONCLUSION DHA regulated apoptosis, migration, and invasion of ovarian cancer cells via mediating RECK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingfei Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, China.
| | - Xuehe Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, China
| | - Weili Yang
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, China
| | - Fang Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, China
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Li Y, Wang W, Li A, Huang W, Chen S, Han F, Wang L. Dihydroartemisinin induces pyroptosis by promoting the AIM2/caspase-3/DFNA5 axis in breast cancer cells. Chem Biol Interact 2021; 340:109434. [PMID: 33689708 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2021.109434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is a complex disease. Recent research has examined the anticancer effects of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) on breast cancer. However, the molecular mechanism of the antitumour effect of DHA is unclear. METHODS MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines were used for in vitro research. BALB/c nude mice were used to establish breast cancer xenografts. The mRNA and protein levels were analysed by qRT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. Flow cytometry was performed to examine cell apoptosis. ELISA kits were used to evaluate the production of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. LDH and ATP release were individually measured with the corresponding kits. A colony formation assay was used to examine the proliferation of breast cancer cells. RESULTS DHA inhibited proliferation and induced pyroptosis in breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, DHA activated the expression of absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2), caspase-3 and gasdermin E (DFNA5). In addition, AIM2 promoted DFNA5 expression by activating caspase-3. Knockdown of AIM2 and DFNA5 significantly enhanced breast cancer cell resistance to DHA. In vivo experiments showed that the tumorigenicity of breast cancer cells was significantly suppressed by DHA. Moreover, the AIM2/caspase-3/DFNA5 axis was activated by DHA and then induced pyroptosis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that DHA inhibits tumorigenesis by inducing pyroptosis in breast cancer cells, highlighting a promising therapeutic strategy for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqiong Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast and Vascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast and Vascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Aixia Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast and Vascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Shiman Chen
- Department of Thyroid and Breast and Vascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Fei Han
- Department of Thyroid and Breast and Vascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Lingcheng Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast and Vascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, PR China.
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McDowell A, Hill KS, McCorkle JR, Gorski J, Zhang Y, Salahudeen AA, Ueland F, Kolesar JM. Preclinical Evaluation of Artesunate as an Antineoplastic Agent in Ovarian Cancer Treatment. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11030395. [PMID: 33652561 PMCID: PMC7996621 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11030395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic malignancy despite current first-line treatment with a platinum and taxane doublet. Artesunate has broad antineoplastic properties but has not been investigated in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel for ovarian cancer treatment. Methods: Standard cell culture technique with commercially available ovarian cancer cell lines were utilized in cell viability, DNA damage, and cell cycle progression assays to qualify and quantify artesunate treatment effects. Additionally, the sequence of administering artesunate in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin was determined. The activity of artesunate was also assessed in 3D organoid models of primary ovarian cancer and RNAseq analysis was utilized to identify genes and the associated genetic pathways that were differentially regulated in artesunate resistant organoid models compared to organoids that were sensitive to artesunate. Results: Artesunate treatment reduces cell viability in 2D and 3D ovarian cancer cell models. Clinically relevant concentrations of artesunate induce G1 arrest, but do not induce DNA damage. Pathways related to cell cycle progression, specifically G1/S transition, are upregulated in ovarian organoid models that are innately more resistant to artesunate compared to more sensitive models. Depending on the sequence of administration, the addition of artesunate to carboplatin and paclitaxel improves their effectiveness. Conclusions: Artesunate has preclinical activity in ovarian cancer that merits further investigation to treat ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony McDowell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (A.M.J.); (J.G.); (F.U.)
| | - Kristen S. Hill
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (K.S.H.); (J.R.M.)
| | - Joseph Robert McCorkle
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (K.S.H.); (J.R.M.)
| | - Justin Gorski
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (A.M.J.); (J.G.); (F.U.)
| | - Yilin Zhang
- Tempus Labs, 600 W Chicago Ave. Ste 510, Chicago, IL 60654, USA; (Y.Z.); (A.A.S.)
| | - Ameen A. Salahudeen
- Tempus Labs, 600 W Chicago Ave. Ste 510, Chicago, IL 60654, USA; (Y.Z.); (A.A.S.)
| | - Fred Ueland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (A.M.J.); (J.G.); (F.U.)
| | - Jill M. Kolesar
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (K.S.H.); (J.R.M.)
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Correspondence:
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Ding F, Yang S. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibits proliferation and triggers apoptosis in colon cancer via the hedgehog/phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathways. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2021; 99:910-920. [PMID: 33617370 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2020-0588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The present study evaluated whether epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) effectively attenuates tumor growth in colon cancer cells and in the xenografts of nude mice and investigated the underlying mechanisms by focusing on the sonic hedgehog (Shh) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways. Three kinds of colon cancer cells and BALB/c nude mice were used to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of EGCG. The apoptosis, migration, and invasion of colon cancer cells were analyzed to explore the toxicity effect of EGCG on colon cancer cells. Western blotting was used to demonstrate the expression levels of related proteins. The results showed that EGCG exhibited an antiproliferative effect against colon cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner with low toxicity against normal colon epithelial cells. Administration of EGCG caused significant apoptosis and inhibited the migration and invasion of colon cancer cells. The toxic effect of EGCG on colon cancer cells was accompanied by downregulation of the Shh and PI3K/Akt pathways. In addition, EGCG reduced tumor volume and weight without affecting the body weight of nude mice and inhibited the activation of the Shh and PI3K/AKT pathways in tumor tissue. Further study showed that purmorphamine (smoothened (Smo) agonist) or insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1, PI3K agonist) partly abolished the effect of EGCG on cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Cyclopamine (Smo inhibitor) and LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor) showed the similar toxic effects as EGCG on colon cancer cells. In conclusion, EGCG inhibited colon tumor growth via downregulation of the Shh and PI3K pathways and may be a potential chemotherapeutic agent against colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - Su Yang
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
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Artesunate inhibits melanoma progression in vitro via suppressing STAT3 signaling pathway. Pharmacol Rep 2021; 73:650-663. [PMID: 33609273 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-021-00230-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma is a life-threatening cancer characterized with a potentially metastatic tumor of melanocytic origin. Improved methods or novel therapies are urgently needed to eliminate the development of metastases. Artesunate is a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin used for trarment of malaria and cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-cancer effect of artesunate and the role on STAT3 signaling in A375 human melanoma cell line. METHODS Melanoma cells were treated with artesunate at concentrations of 0-5 μM for 24 and 48 h. The inhibition of cell viability, colony formation, migration, invasion, adhesion, percentage of apoptotic cells, and expressions of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) and related proteins were examined. RESULTS Artesunate inhibited cellular proliferation of cancer cells by induction of apoptosis at sub-toxic doses. Cells treated with artesunate showed an inhibition in adhesion to extracellular matrix substrate matrigel and type IV collagen. Artesunate treatment showed a decreased cellular migration, invasion, and colony formation in melanoma cells. Artesunate also inhibited STAT3 and Src activations and STAT3 related protein expressions; such as metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, Mcl-1, Bxl-xL, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and Twist. Moreover, overexpression of constitutively active STAT3 in A375 cells attenuated the anti-proliferative, apoptotic and anti-invasive effects of artesunate. CONCLUSION The results obtained from this study demonstrated that the anticancer activity of artesunate occurred via STAT3 pathway and its target proteins. Therefore, it can be suggested that artesunate may be an important candidate molecule in the treatment of melanoma.
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Dai X, Zhang X, Chen W, Chen Y, Zhang Q, Mo S, Lu J. Dihydroartemisinin: A Potential Natural Anticancer Drug. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:603-622. [PMID: 33613116 PMCID: PMC7893584 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.50364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is an active metabolite of artemisinin and its derivatives (ARTs), and it is an effective clinical drug widely used to treat malaria. Recently, the anticancer activity of DHA has attracted increasing attention. Nevertheless, there is no systematic summary on the anticancer effects of DHA. Notably, studies have shown that DHA exerts anticancer effects through various molecular mechanisms, such as inhibiting proliferation, inducing apoptosis, inhibiting tumor metastasis and angiogenesis, promoting immune function, inducing autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the latest progress regarding the anticancer activities of DHA in cancer. Importantly, the underlying anticancer molecular mechanisms and pharmacological effects of DHA in vitro and in vivo are the focus of our attention. Interestingly, new methods to improve the solubility and bioavailability of DHA are discussed, which greatly enhance its anticancer efficacy. Remarkably, DHA has synergistic anti-tumor effects with a variety of clinical drugs, and preclinical and clinical studies provide stronger evidence of its anticancer potential. Moreover, this article also gives suggestions for further research on the anticancer effects of DHA. Thus, we hope to provide a strong theoretical support for DHA as an anticancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshuo Dai
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450052, PR China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China
| | - Yihuan Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China
| | - Qiushuang Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China
| | - Saijun Mo
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China
| | - Jing Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450052, PR China
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Targeting Hedgehog Pathway and DNA Methyltransferases in Uterine Leiomyosarcoma Cells. Cells 2020; 10:cells10010053. [PMID: 33396427 PMCID: PMC7824187 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is an aggressive tumor that presents poor prognosis, high rates of recurrence and metastasis. Because of its rarity, there is no information available concerning LMS molecular mechanisms of origin and development. Here, we assessed the expression profile of Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway markers and the effects of their pharmacological inhibition on uterine smooth muscle (UTSM), leiomyoma and LMS cells. Additionally, we also evaluated the effects of DNMTs inhibition on LMS cells behavior. Cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis rates were evaluated by MTT, Scratch and Annexin V assays, respectively. RNA expression and protein levels were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. We found that SMO and GLIs (1, 2 and 3) expression was upregulated in LMS cells, with increased nuclear levels of GLI proteins. Treatment with LDE225 (SMOi) and Gant61 (GLIi) resulted in a significant reduction in Glis protein levels in LMS (p < 0.05). Additionally, the expression of DNMT (1, 3a, and 3b), as well as GLI1 nuclear expression, was significantly decreased after treatment with HH inhibitor in LMS cells. Our results showed that blocking of SMO, GLI and DNMTs is able to inhibit LMS proliferation, migration and invasion. Importantly, the combination of those treatments exhibited a potentiated effect on LMS malignant features due to HH pathway deactivation.
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Cao J, Wang H, Liu G, Tang R, Ding Y, Xu P, Wang H, Miao J, Gu X, Han S. LBX2-AS1 promotes ovarian cancer progression by facilitating E2F2 gene expression via miR-455-5p and miR-491-5p sponging. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 25:1178-1189. [PMID: 33342041 PMCID: PMC7812289 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
LBX2‐AS1 is a long non‐coding RNA that facilitates the development of gastrointestinal cancers and lung cancer, but its participation in ovarian cancer development remained uninvestigated. Clinical data retrieved from TCGA ovarian cancer database and the clinography of 60 ovarian cancer patients who received anti‐cancer treatment in our facility were analysed. The overall cell growth, colony formation, migration, invasion, apoptosis and tumour formation on nude mice of ovarian cancer cells were evaluated before and after lentiviral‐based LBX2‐AS1 knockdown. ENCORI platform was used to explore LBX2‐AS1‐interacting microRNAs and target genes of the candidate microRNAs. Luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA pulldown assay were used to verify the putative miRNA‐RNA interactions. Ovarian cancer tissue specimens showed significant higher LBX2‐AS1 expression levels that non‐cancerous counterparts. High expression level of LBX2‐AS1 was significantly associated with reduced overall survival of patients. LBX2‐AS1 knockdown significantly down‐regulated the cell growth, colony formation, migration, invasion and tumour formation capacity of ovarian cancer cells and increased their apoptosis in vitro. LBX2‐AS1 interacts with and thus inhibits the function of miR‐455‐5p and miR‐491‐5p, both of which restrained the expression of E2F2 gene in ovarian cancer cells via mRNA targeting. Transfection of miRNA inhibitors of these two miRNAs or forced expression of E2F2 counteracted the effect of LBX2‐AS1 knockdown on ovarian cancer cells. LBX2‐AS1 was a novel cancer‐promoting lncRNA in ovarian cancer. This lncRNA increased the cell growth, survival, migration, invasion and tumour formation of ovarian cancer cells by inhibiting miR‐455‐5p and miR‐491‐5p, thus liberating the expression of E2F2 cancer‐promoting gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Cao
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Guangquan Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Ranran Tang
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Ye Ding
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Pengfei Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Huayu Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Juan Miao
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Gu
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Suping Han
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Anticancer activities of TCM and their active components against tumor metastasis. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 133:111044. [PMID: 33378952 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has the characteristics of multiple targets, slight side effects and good therapeutic effects. Good anti-tumor effects are shown by Traditional Chinese Medicine prescription, Chinese patent medicine, single Traditional Chinese Medicine and Traditional Chinese medicine monomer compound. Clinically, TCM prolonged the survival time of patients and improved the life quality of patients, due to less side effects. Cancer metastasis is a complex process involving numerous steps, multiple genes and their products. During the process of tumor metastasis, firstly, cancer cell increases its proliferative capacity by reducing autophagy and apoptosis, and then the cancer cell capacity is stimulated by increasing the ability of tumors to absorb nutrients from the outside through angiogenesis. Both of the two steps can increase tumor migration and invasion. Finally, the purpose of tumor metastasis is achieved. By inhibiting autophagy and apoptosis of tumor cells, angiogenesis and EMT outside the tumor can inhibit the invasion and migration of cancer, and consequently achieve the purpose of inhibiting tumor metastasis. This review explores the research achievements of Traditional Chinese Medicine on breast cancer, lung cancer, hepatic carcinoma, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer and other cancer metastasis in the past five years, summarizes the development direction of TCM on cancer metastasis research in the past five years and makes a prospect for the future.
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Lu Y, Wen Q, Luo J, Xiong K, Wu Z, Wang B, Chen Y, Yang B, Fu S. Self-assembled dihydroartemisinin nanoparticles as a platform for cervical cancer chemotherapy. Drug Deliv 2020; 27:876-887. [PMID: 32516033 PMCID: PMC8216472 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2020.1775725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is a potent anti-cancer drug that has limited clinical applications due to poor water solubility and low bioavailability. We designed a biodegradable poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether-poly(ε-caprolactone) (MPEG-PCL) micelle carrier for DHA using the self-assembly method. The DHA/MPEG-PCL nanoparticles were spherical with an average particle size of 30.28 ± 0.27 nm, and released the drug in a sustained manner in aqueous solution. The drug-loaded nanoparticles showed dose-dependent toxicity in HeLa cells by inducing cycle arrest and apoptosis. Furthermore, compared to free DHA, the DHA/MPEG-PCL nanoparticles showed higher therapeutic efficacy and lower toxicity in vivo, and significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged the survival of tumor-bearing nude mice. In addition, the tumor tissues of the DHA/MPEG-PCL-treated mice showed a marked decline in the in situ expression of proliferation and angiogenesis markers. Taken together, the self-assembled DHA/MPEG-PCL nanoparticles are a highly promising delivery system for targeted cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Lu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Qian Wen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jia Luo
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Kang Xiong
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - ZhouXue Wu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - BiQiong Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Oncology, Three Gorges Central Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - ShaoZhi Fu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
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