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Yang Y, Nan Y, Du Y, Liu W, Ning N, Chen G, Gu Q, Yuan L. Ginsenosides in cancer: Proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:117049. [PMID: 38945081 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117049] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Ginseng, the dried root of Panax ginseng C.A. Mey., is widely used in Chinese herbal medicine. Ginsenosides, the primary active components of ginseng, exhibit diverse anticancer functions through various mechanisms, such as inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, promoting apoptosis, and suppressing cell invasion and migration. In this article, the mechanism of action of 20 ginsenoside subtypes in tumor therapy and the research progress of multifunctional nanosystems are reviewed, in order to provide reference for clinical prevention and treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- School of Basic Medical, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, China
| | - Yi Nan
- Key Laboratory of Ningxia Ethnomedicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, China
| | - Yuhua Du
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Ningxia Ethnomedicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, China
| | - Na Ning
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, China
| | - Guoqing Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, China
| | - Qian Gu
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, China
| | - Ling Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, China.
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Lu T, Wu T, Zhong H, Li X, Zhang Y, Yue H, Dai Y, Li H, Ouyang D. Computer-driven formulation development of Ginsenoside Rh2 ternary solid dispersion. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024:10.1007/s13346-024-01628-4. [PMID: 38914874 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01628-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
(20 S)-Ginsenoside Rh2 is a natural saponin derived from Panax ginseng Meyer (P. ginseng), which showed significantly potent anticancer properties. However, its low water solubility and bioavailability strongly restrict its pharmaceutical applications. The aim of current research is to develop a modified (20 S)-Ginsenoside Rh2 formulation with high solubility, dissolution rate and bioavailability by combined computational and experimental methodology. The "PharmSD" model was employed to predict the optimal polymer for (20 S)-Ginsenoside Rh2 solid dispersion formulations. The solubility of (20 S)-Ginsenoside Rh2 in various polymers was assessed, and the optimal ternary solid dispersion was evaluated across different dissolution mediums. Characterization techniques included the Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Molecular dynamics simulations were employed to elucidate the formation mechanism of the solid dispersion and the interactions among active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and excipient molecules. Cell and animal experiments were conducted to evaluate the in vivo performance of the modified formulation. The "PharmSD" solid dispersion model identified Gelucire 44/14 as the most effective polymer for enhancing the dissolution rate of Rh2. Subsequent experiment also confirmed that Gelucire 44/14 outperformed the other selected polymers. Moreover, the addition of the third component, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), in the ternary solid dispersion formulation significantly amplified dissolution rates than the binary systems. Characterization experiments revealed that the API existed in an amorphous state and interacted via hydrogen bonding with SDS and Gelucire. Moreover, molecular modeling results provided additional evidence of hydrogen bonding interactions between the API and excipient molecules within the optimal ternary solid dispersion. Cell experiments demonstrated efflux ratio (EfR) of Rh2 ternary solid dispersion was lower than that of pure Rh2. In vivo experiments revealed that the modified formulation substantially improved the absorption of Rh2 in rats. Our research successfully developed an optimal ternary solid dispersion for Rh2 with high solubility, dissolution rate and bioavailability by integrated computational and experimental tools. The combination of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology and molecular dynamics simulation is a wise way to support the future formulation development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianshu Lu
- Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering, University of Macau, Macau, 999078, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences (ICMS), University of Macau, Macau, 999078, China
| | - Tongchuan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Active Substances and Biological Mechanisms of Ginseng Efficacy, Ministry of Education, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Hao Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences (ICMS), University of Macau, Macau, 999078, China
| | - Xue Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Regulation, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yunsen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences (ICMS), University of Macau, Macau, 999078, China
| | - Hao Yue
- Key Laboratory of Active Substances and Biological Mechanisms of Ginseng Efficacy, Ministry of Education, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Yulin Dai
- Key Laboratory of Active Substances and Biological Mechanisms of Ginseng Efficacy, Ministry of Education, Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China.
| | - Haifeng Li
- Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering, University of Macau, Macau, 999078, China.
| | - Defang Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences (ICMS), University of Macau, Macau, 999078, China.
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Xu L, Li J, Hou N, Han F, Sun X, Li Q. 20(S)-Ginsenoside Rh2 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma by suppressing angiogenesis and the GPC3-mediated Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2024; 56:688-696. [PMID: 38584523 PMCID: PMC11177114 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2024038] [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: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
20(S)-Ginsenoside Rh2 has significant anti-tumor effects in various types of cancers, including human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its molecular targets and mechanisms of action remain largely unknown. Here, we aim to elucidate the potential mechanisms by which Rh2 suppresses HCC growth. We first demonstrate the role of Rh2 in inhibiting angiogenesis. We observe that Rh2 effectively suppresses cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in HUVECs. Furthermore, Rh2 significantly inhibits HepG2-stimulated HUVEC proliferation, migration and tube formation, accompanied by the downregulation of VEGF and MMP-2 expressions. We also reveal that Rh2 inhibits HCC growth through the downregulation of glypican-3-mediated activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. We observe a dose-dependent inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis in HepG2 cells upon Rh2 treatment, which is mediated by the inhibition of glypican-3/Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Moreover, downregulation of glypican-3 expression enhances the effects of Rh2 on the glypican-3/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, resulting in greater suppression of tumor growth in HepG2 cells. Collectively, our findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms through which Rh2 modulates HCC growth, which involve the regulation of angiogenesis and the glypican-3/Wnt/β-catenin pathway. These insights may pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linfei Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifang261031China
- Research CenterAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifang261031China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifang261031China
- Research CenterAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifang261031China
| | - Ningning Hou
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifang261031China
- Research CenterAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifang261031China
| | - Fang Han
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifang261031China
- Research CenterAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifang261031China
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifang261031China
- Research CenterAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifang261031China
| | - Qinying Li
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifang261031China
- Research CenterAffiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical UniversityWeifang261031China
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Liu X, Li J, Huang Q, Jin M, Huang G. Ginsenoside Rh2 shifts tumor metabolism from aerobic glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation through regulating the HIF1-α/PDK4 axis in non-small cell lung cancer. Mol Med 2024; 30:56. [PMID: 38671369 PMCID: PMC11055298 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00813-y] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ginsenoside Rh2 (G-Rh2), a steroidal compound extracted from roots of ginseng, has been extensively studied in tumor therapy. However, its specific regulatory mechanism in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is not well understood. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4), a central regulator of cellular energy metabolism, is highly expressed in various malignant tumors. We investigated the impact of G-Rh2 on the malignant progression of NSCLC and how it regulated PDK4 to influence tumor aerobic glycolysis and mitochondrial function. METHOD We examined the inhibitory effect of G-Rh2 on NSCLC through I proliferation assay, migration assay and flow cytometry in vitro. Subsequently, we verified the ability of G-Rh2 to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis by constructing subcutaneous tumor and metastasis models in nude mice. Proteomics analysis was conducted to analyze the action pathways of G-Rh2. Additionally, we assessed glycolysis and mitochondrial function using seahorse, PET-CT, Western blot, and RT-qPCR. RESULT Treatment with G-Rh2 significantly inhibited tumor proliferation and migration ability both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, G-Rh2 inhibited the tumor's aerobic glycolytic capacity, including glucose uptake and lactate production, through the HIF1-α/PDK4 pathway. Overexpression of PDK4 demonstrated that G-Rh2 targeted the inhibition of PDK4 expression, thereby restoring mitochondrial function, promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and inducing apoptosis. When combined with sodium dichloroacetate, a PDK inhibitor, it complemented the inhibitory capacity of PDKs, acting synergistically as a detoxifier. CONCLUSION G-Rh2 could target and down-regulate the expression of HIF-1α, resulting in decreased expression of glycolytic enzymes and inhibition of aerobic glycolysis in tumors. Additionally, by directly targeting mitochondrial PDK, it elevated mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and enhanced ROS accumulation, thereby promoting tumor cells to undergo normal apoptotic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyu Liu
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 279 Zhouzhu Road, Pudong New Area, 201318, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 279 Zhouzhu Road, Pudong New Area, 201318, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingqing Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 279 Zhouzhu Road, Pudong New Area, 201318, Shanghai, China.
| | - Mingming Jin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 279 Zhouzhu Road, Pudong New Area, 201318, Shanghai, China.
| | - Gang Huang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 279 Zhouzhu Road, Pudong New Area, 201318, Shanghai, China.
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Hu Y, Song J, Feng A, Li J, Li M, Shi Y, Sun W, Li L. Recent Advances in Nanotechnology-Based Targeted Delivery Systems of Active Constituents in Natural Medicines for Cancer Treatment. Molecules 2023; 28:7767. [PMID: 38067497 PMCID: PMC10708032 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Owing to high efficacy and safety, natural medicines have found their way into the field of cancer therapy over the past few decades. However, the effective ingredients of natural medicines have shortcomings of poor solubility and low bioavailability. Nanoparticles can not only solve the problems above but also have outstanding targeting ability. Targeting preparations can be classified into three levels, which are target tissues, cells, and organelles. On the premise of clarifying the therapeutic purpose of drugs, one or more targeting methods can be selected to achieve more accurate drug delivery and consequently to improve the anti-tumor effects of drugs and reduce toxicity and side effects. The aim of this review is to summarize the research status of natural medicines' nano-preparations in tumor-targeting therapies to provide some references for further accurate and effective cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Jinan 250355, China
| | - Jizheng Song
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Jinan 250355, China
| | - Anjie Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Jinan 250355, China
| | - Jieyu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Jinan 250355, China
| | - Mengqi Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Jinan 250355, China
| | - Yu Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Jinan 250355, China
| | - Wenxiu Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Jinan 250355, China
| | - Lingjun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Jinan 250355, China
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