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Wang R, Tang D, Ou L, Jiang J, Wu YN, Tian X. β-Sitosterol alleviates the malignant phenotype of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via inhibiting GSK3B expression. Hum Cell 2024; 37:1156-1169. [PMID: 38814517 PMCID: PMC11194219 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-024-01081-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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
To explore the effects of β-Sitosterol upon hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and to investigate the underlying mechanism using network pharmacology. Human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (Huh-7 and HCCLM3) were expose to gradient concentrations of β-Sitosterol (5 μg/mL, 10 μg/mL, and 20 μg/mL). Cell viability and proliferation were assessed using MTT, CCK-8, colony formation, and EdU assays.Flow cytometry was employed to evaluate cell cycle and apoptosis. Scratch and Transwell assays were performed, respectively, to detect cell migration and invasion. The levels of apoptosis-associated proteins (BAX, BCL2, and cleaved caspase3) as well as EMT-associated proteins (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Snail, and Vimentin) were detected in Huh-7 and HCCLM3 cell lines using Western blot analysis. The drug target gene for β-Sitosterol was screened via PubChem and subsequently evaluated for expression in the GSE112790 dataset. In addition, the expression level of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3B) within the Cancer Genome Atlas-Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (TCGA-LIHC) database was analyzed, along with its correlation to the survival outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. The diagnostic efficiency of GSK3B was assessed by analyzing the ROC curve. Subsequently, Huh-7 and HCCLM3 cell lines were transfected with the overexpression vector of GSK3B and then treated with β-Sitosterol to further validate the association between GSK3B and β-Sitosterol. GSK3B demonstrated a significantly elevated expression in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, which could predict hepatocellular carcinoma patients' impaired prognosis based on GEO dataset and TCGA database. GSK3B inhibitor (CHIR-98014) notably inhibited cell proliferation and invasion, promoted cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. β-Sitosterol treatment further promoted the efffects of GSK3B inhibitor on hepatocellular carcinoma cells. GSK3B overexpression has been found to enhance the proliferative and invasive capabilities of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Furthermore it has been observed that GSK3B overexpression, it has been obsear can partially reverse the inhibitory effect of β-Sitosterol upon hepatocellular. β-Sitosterol suppressed hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and invasion, and enhanced apoptosis via inhibiting GSK3B expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyu Wang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, China
| | - Dan Tang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, China
| | - Longyun Ou
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, China
| | - Jiacheng Jiang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, China
| | - Yu-Nan Wu
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, China.
| | - Xuefei Tian
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China.
- Hunan Province University Key Laboratory of Oncology of Tradional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China.
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Elmetwalli A, Abdel-Monem MO, El-Far AH, Ghaith GS, Albalawi NAN, Hassan J, Ismail NF, El-Sewedy T, Alnamshan MM, ALaqeel NK, Al-Dhuayan IS, Hassan MG. Probiotic-derived silver nanoparticles target mTOR/MMP-9/BCL-2/dependent AMPK activation for hepatic cancer treatment. Med Oncol 2024; 41:106. [PMID: 38575697 PMCID: PMC10995097 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02330-8] [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: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances in nanotechnology have offered novel ways to combat cancer. By utilizing the reducing capabilities of Lactobacillus acidophilus, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are synthesized. The anti-cancer properties of AgNPs have been demonstrated in previous studies against several cancer cell lines; it has been hypothesized that these compounds might inhibit AMPK/mTOR signalling and BCL-2 expression. Consequently, the current research used both in vitro and in silico approaches to study whether Lactobacillus acidophilus AgNPs could inhibit cell proliferation autophagy and promote apoptosis in HepG2 cells. The isolated strain was identified as Lactobacillus acidophilus strain RBIM based on 16 s rRNA gene analysis. Based on our research findings, it has been observed that this particular strain can generate increased quantities of AgNPs when subjected to optimal growing conditions. The presence of silanols, carboxylates, phosphonates, and siloxanes on the surface of AgNPs was confirmed using FTIR analysis. AgNPs were configured using UV-visible spectroscopy at 425 nm. In contrast, it was observed that apoptotic cells exhibited orange-coloured bodies due to cellular shrinkage and blebbing initiated by AgNP treatment, compared to non-apoptotic cells. It is worth mentioning that AgNPs exhibited remarkable selectivity in inducing cell death, specifically in HepG2 cells, unlike normal WI-38 cells. The half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for HepG2 and WI-38 cells were 4.217 µg/ml and 154.1 µg/ml, respectively. AgNPs induce an upregulation in the synthesis of inflammation-associated cytokines, including (TNF-α and IL-33), within HepG2 cells. AgNPs co-treatment led to higher glutathione levels and activating pro-autophagic genes such as AMPK.Additionally, it resulted in the suppression of mTOR, MMP-9, BCL-2, and α-SMA gene expression. The docking experiments suggest that the binding of AgNPs to the active site of the AMPK enzyme leads to inhibiting its activity. The inhibition of AMPK ultimately results in the suppression of the mechanistic mTOR and triggers apoptosis in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, the results of our study indicate that the utilization of AgNPs may represent a viable strategy for the eradication of liver cancerous cells through the activation of apoptosis and the enhancement of immune system reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Elmetwalli
- Department of Clinical Trial Research Unit and Drug Discovery, Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Mansoura, Egypt.
- Microbiology Division, Higher Technological Institute of Applied Health Sciences, Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Mansoura, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed O Abdel-Monem
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Ali H El-Far
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511, Egypt
| | - Gehad S Ghaith
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | | | - Jihan Hassan
- Department of Applied Medical Chemistry, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nadia F Ismail
- Health Information Management Program, Biochemistry, Faculty of Health Science Technology, Borg El Arab Technological University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Tarek El-Sewedy
- Department of Applied Medical Chemistry, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mashael Mashal Alnamshan
- Biology Department, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, 31441, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nouf K ALaqeel
- Biology Department, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, 31441, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibtesam S Al-Dhuayan
- Biology Department, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, 31441, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mervat G Hassan
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
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3
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Chen Y, Yang Y, Wang N, Liu R, Wu Q, Pei H, Li W. β-Sitosterol suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma growth and metastasis via FOXM1-regulated Wnt/β-catenin pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18072. [PMID: 38063438 PMCID: PMC10844700 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
β-Sitosterol is a natural compound with demonstrated anti-cancer properties against various cancers. However, its effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. This study aims to investigate the impact of β-sitosterol on HCC. In this study, we investigated the effects of β-sitosterol on HCC tumour growth and metastasis using a xenograft mouse model and a range of molecular analyses, including bioinformatics, real-time PCR, western blotting, lentivirus transfection, CCK8, scratch and transwell assays. The results found that β-sitosterol significantly inhibits HepG2 cell proliferation, migration and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis identifies forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) as a potential target for β-sitosterol in HCC treatment. FOXM1 is upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines, correlating with poor prognosis in patients. β-Sitosterol downregulates FOXM1 expression in vitro and in vivo. FOXM1 overexpression mitigates β-sitosterol's inhibitory effects on HepG2 cells. Additionally, β-sitosterol suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HepG2 cells, while FOXM1 overexpression promotes EMT. Mechanistically, β-sitosterol inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signalling by downregulating FOXM1, regulating target gene transcription related to HepG2 cell proliferation and metastasis. β-Sitosterol shows promising potential as a therapeutic candidate for inhibiting HCC growth and metastasis through FOXM1 downregulation and Wnt/β-catenin signalling inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuankun Chen
- Department of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical UniversityHaikouHainanChina
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of HealthHainan Medical UniversityHaikouHainanChina
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical UniversityHaikouHainanChina
| | - Yijun Yang
- Department of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical UniversityHaikouHainanChina
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of HealthHainan Medical UniversityHaikouHainanChina
| | - Nengyi Wang
- Department of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical UniversityHaikouHainanChina
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of HealthHainan Medical UniversityHaikouHainanChina
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical UniversityHaikouHainanChina
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of HealthHainan Medical UniversityHaikouHainanChina
| | - Qiuping Wu
- Department of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical UniversityHaikouHainanChina
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of HealthHainan Medical UniversityHaikouHainanChina
| | - Hua Pei
- Department of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical UniversityHaikouHainanChina
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of HealthHainan Medical UniversityHaikouHainanChina
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical UniversityHaikouHainanChina
| | - Wenting Li
- Department of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical UniversityHaikouHainanChina
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of HealthHainan Medical UniversityHaikouHainanChina
- Department of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiChina
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Nandi S, Nag A, Khatua S, Sen S, Chakraborty N, Naskar A, Acharya K, Calina D, Sharifi-Rad J. Anticancer activity and other biomedical properties of β-sitosterol: Bridging phytochemistry and current pharmacological evidence for future translational approaches. Phytother Res 2024; 38:592-619. [PMID: 37929761 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Sterols, including β-sitosterol, are essential components of cellular membranes in both plant and animal cells. Despite being a major phytosterol in various plant materials, comprehensive scientific knowledge regarding the properties of β-sitosterol and its potential applications is essential for scholarly pursuits and utilization purposes. β-sitosterol shares similar chemical characteristics with cholesterol and exhibits several pharmacological activities without major toxicity. This study aims to bridge the gap between phytochemistry and current pharmacological evidence of β-sitosterol, focusing on its anticancer activity and other biomedical properties. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of β-sitosterol's potential for future translational approaches. A thorough examination of the literature was conducted to gather relevant information on the biological properties of β-sitosterol, particularly its anticancer therapeutic potential. Various databases were searched, including PubMed/MedLine, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science using appropriate keywords. Studies investigating the effects of β-sitosterol on different types of cancer were analyzed, focusing on mechanisms of action, pharmacological screening, and chemosensitizing properties. Modern pharmacological screening studies have revealed the potential anticancer therapeutic properties of β-sitosterol against various types of cancer, including leukemia, lung, stomach, breast, colon, ovarian, and prostate cancer. β-sitosterol has demonstrated chemosensitizing effects on cancer cells, interfering with multiple cell signaling pathways involved in proliferation, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, survival, metastasis invasion, angiogenesis, and inflammation. Structural derivatives of β-sitosterol have also shown anti-cancer effects. However, research in the field of drug delivery and the detailed mode of action of β-sitosterol-mediated anticancer activities remains limited. β-sitosterol, as a non-toxic compound with significant pharmacological potential, exhibits promising anticancer effects against various cancer types. Despite being relatively less potent than conventional cancer chemotherapeutics, β-sitosterol holds potential as a safe and effective nutraceutical against cancer. Further comprehensive studies are recommended to explore the biological properties of β-sitosterol, including its mode of action, and develop novel formulations for its potential use in cancer treatment. This review provides a foundation for future investigations and highlights the need for further research on β-sitosterol as a potent superfood in combating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudeshna Nandi
- Molecular and Applied Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
| | - Anish Nag
- Department of Life Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India
| | - Somanjana Khatua
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
| | - Surjit Sen
- Department of Botany, Fakir Chand College, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Arghya Naskar
- Molecular and Applied Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
| | - Krishnendu Acharya
- Molecular and Applied Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
| | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
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Teraiya M, Krokhin O, Chen VC, Perreault H. Cytoplasmic Shotgun Proteomic Points to Key Proteins and Pathways in Temozolomide-Resistant Glioblastoma Multiforme. J Proteome Res 2024; 23:465-482. [PMID: 38147655 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00669] [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] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Temozolomide (TMZ) is the first line of chemotherapy to treat primary brain tumors of the type glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). TMZ resistance (TMZR) is one of the main barriers to successful treatment and is a principal factor in relapse, resulting in a poor median survival of 15 months. The present paper focuses on proteomic analyses of cytosolic fractions from TMZ-resistant (TMZR) LN-18 cells. The experimental workflow includes an easy, cost-effective, and reproducible method to isolate subcellular fraction of cytosolic (CYTO) proteins, mitochondria, and plasma membrane proteins for proteomic studies. For this study, enriched cytoplasmic fractions were analyzed in replicates by nanoflow liquid chromatography tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry (nLC-MS/MS), and proteins identified were quantified using a label-free approach (LFQ). Statistical analysis of control (CTRL) and temozolomide-resistant (TMZR) proteomes revealed proteins that appear to be differentially controlled in the cytoplasm. The functions of these proteins are discussed as well as their roles in other cancers and TMZ resistance in GBM. Key proteins are also described through biological processes related to gene ontology (GO), molecular functions, and cellular components. For protein-protein interactions (PPI), network and pathway involvement analyses have been performed, highlighting the roles of key proteins in the TMZ resistance phenotypes. This study provides a detailed insight into methods of subcellular fractionation for proteomic analysis of TMZ-resistant GBM cells and the potential to apply this approach to future large-scale studies. Several key proteins, protein-protein interactions (PPI), and pathways have been identified, underlying the TMZ resistance phenotype and highlighting the proteins' biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Teraiya
- Chemistry Department, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T3C7, Canada
| | - Oleg Krokhin
- Chemistry Department, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T3C7, Canada
- Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E3P4, Canada
| | - Vincent C Chen
- Chemistry Department, Brandon University, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 6A9, Canada
| | - Hélène Perreault
- Chemistry Department, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T3C7, Canada
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Zhang F, Zhou K, Yuan W, Sun K. Radix Bupleuri-Radix Paeoniae Alba Inhibits the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma through Activation of the PTEN/PD-L1 Axis within the Immune Microenvironment. Nutr Cancer 2023; 76:63-79. [PMID: 37909316 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2023.2276525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated how Radix Bupleuri-Radix Paeoniae Alba (BP) was active against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology (TCMSP) database was employed to determine the active ingredients of BP and potential targets against HCC. Molecular docking analysis verified the binding activity of PTEN with BP ingredients. H22 cells were used to establish an HCC model in male balb/c mice. Immunofluorescence staining, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and real-time quantitative PCR were used to study changes in proliferation, apoptosis, PTEN levels, inflammation, and T-cell differentiation in male balb/c mice. RESULTS The major active ingredients in BP were found to be quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, stigmasterol, and beta-sitosterol. Molecular docking demonstrated that these five active BP ingredients formed a stable complex with PTEN. BP exhibited an anti-tumor effect in our HCC mouse model. BP was found to increase the CD8+ and IFN-γ+/CD4+ T cell levels while decreasing the PD-1+/CD8+ T and Treg cell levels in HCC mice. BP up-regulated the IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α levels but down-regulated the IL-10 levels in HCC mice. After PTEN knockdown, BP-induced effects were abrogated. CONCLUSION BP influenced the immune microenvironment through activation of the PTEN/PD-L1 axis, protecting against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhang
- Department of TCM, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Kun Zhou
- Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hu'nan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kewei Sun
- Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hu'nan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Wang H, Wang Z, Zhang Z, Liu J, Hong L. β-Sitosterol as a Promising Anticancer Agent for Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy: Mechanisms of Action and Future Prospects. Adv Nutr 2023; 14:1085-1110. [PMID: 37247842 PMCID: PMC10509430 DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the primary causes of death worldwide, and its incidence continues to increase yearly. Despite significant advances in research, the search for effective and nontoxic preventive and therapeutic agents remains greatly important. Cancer is a multimodal disease, where various mechanisms play significant roles in its occurrence and progression. This highlights the need for multitargeted approaches that are not only safe and inexpensive but also provide effective alternatives for current therapeutic regimens. β-Sitosterol (SIT), the most abundant phytosterol found in various plant foods, represents such an option. Preclinical evidence over the past few decades has overwhelmingly shown that SIT exhibits multiple anticancer activities against varied cancers, such as liver, cervical, colon, stomach, breast, lung, pancreatic, and prostate cancers, in addition to leukemia, multiple myeloma, melanoma, and fibrosarcoma. In this article, we present the latest advances and perspectives on SIT-systematically summarizing its antitumor mechanisms of action into 7 main sections and combining current challenges and prospects-for its use as a promising agent for cancer prevention and treatment. In particular, SIT plays a role in cancer prevention and treatment mainly by enhancing apoptosis, inducing cell cycle arrest, bidirectionally regulating oxidative stress, improving metabolic reprogramming, inhibiting invasion and metastasis, modulating immunity and inflammation, and combating drug resistance. Although SIT holds such great promise, the poor aqueous solubility and bioavailability coupled with low targeting efficacy limit its therapeutic efficacy and clinical application. Further research on novel drug delivery systems may improve these deficiencies. Overall, through complex and pleiotropic mechanisms, SIT has good potential for tumor chemoprevention and chemotherapy. However, no clinical trials have yet proven this potential. This review provides theoretical basis and rationality for the further design and conduct of clinical trials to confirm the anticancer activity of SIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zihui Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingchun Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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Hussain S, Mustafa G, Ahmed S, Albeshr MF. Underlying Mechanisms of Bergenia spp. to Treat Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using an Integrated Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Approach. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1239. [PMID: 37765047 PMCID: PMC10535166 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common and fatal cancer reported, representing 72.5% of malignancies around the world. The majority of HCC incidents have been associated with infections caused by hepatitis B and C viruses. Many first- and second-line conventional drugs, e.g., sorafenib, cabozantinib, or ramucirumab, have been used for the management of HCC. Despite different combinational therapies, there are still no defined biomarkers for an early stage diagnosis of HCC. The current study evaluated the potential of Bergenia stracheyi, Bergenia ciliata, Bergenia pacumbis, and Bergenia purpurascens, which belong to the family Saxifragaceae, to treat HCC using an integrated network pharmacology and molecular docking approach. Four active phytochemicals were selected based on oral bioavailability (OB) and drug likeness (DL) parameters. The criteria of phytochemical selection were set to OB > 30% and DL > 0.18. Similarly, the gene targets related to Bergenia spp. and the genes related to HCC were retrieved from different databases. The integration of these genes revealed 98 most common overlapping genes, which were mainly interrelated with HCC pathogenesis. Ultimately, the 98 Bergenia-HCC associated genes were used for protein-protein interaction (PPI), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses. Finally, the topological analysis revealed the top ten hub genes with maximum degree rank. From the top ten genes, STAT3, MAPK3, and SRC were selected due to their involvement in GO annotation and KEGG pathway. To confirm the network pharmacology results, molecular docking analysis was performed to target STAT3, MAPK3, and SRC receptor proteins. The phytochemical (+)-catechin 3-gallate exhibited a maximum binding score and strong residue interactions with the active amino acids of MAPK3-binding pockets (S-score: -10.2 kcal/mol), SRC (S-score: -8.9 kcal/mol), and STAT3 (S-score: -8.9 kcal/mol) as receptor proteins. (+)-Catechin 3-gallate and β-sitosterol induced a significant reduction in cell viability in HepG2 after 24 h of treatment in a dose-dependent manner. The results of this study explore the potential of (+)-catechin 3-gallate and β-sitosterol, which can be used in the future as potential drug candidates to suppress HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoukat Hussain
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Ghulam Mustafa
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Sibtain Ahmed
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan
| | - Mohammed Fahad Albeshr
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Liao Z, Lei Y, Peng L, Fu X, Wang W, Yang D. Network pharmacology prediction and experimental verification of Rhubarb-Peach Kernel promoting apoptosis in endometriosis. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:291. [PMID: 37598188 PMCID: PMC10439631 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04084-8] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND "Rhubarb-Peach Kernel" herb pair (RP) one of the most frequently used drug pairs, has been used in traditional medicine in China to treat inflammation and diseases associated with pain. Although it is widely used clinically and has a remarkable curative effect, the mechanism of RP treatment for endometriosis (EMs) remains unclear due to its complicated components. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-endometriosis effect of RP, with emphasis on apoptosis via network pharmacology prediction, molecular docking and experimental verification. METHODS The related ingredients and targets of RP in treating EMs were screened out using Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP), Tool for Molecular mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM), and GeneCards database. The data of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was obtained by the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interaction Gene/Proteins (STRING) Database. The Metascape database was adopt for Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. After that, the molecular docking of the main active ingredients and apoptosis targets was performed. Finally, the pro-apoptotic effect of RP was verified in hEM15a cells. RESULTS A total of 32 RP compounds were collected. Forty-two matching targets were picked out as the correlative targets of RP in treating EMs. Among these, 18 hub targets including P53, CASP3 were recognized by the PPI network. KEGG enrichment analysis discovered that the regulation of apoptosis was one of the potential mechanisms of RP against EMs. Anthraquinone compounds, flavonoids, and triterpenes in RP were identified as crucial active ingredients, involved in the pro-apoptotic effect, which were confirmed subsequently by molecular docking. Additionally, it was verified that RP treatment promoted apoptosis and inhibited the proliferation of EMs cells (assessed by MTT and Flow cytometry). Moreover, the induction of apoptosis in treated EMs cells may be due to the regulation of apoptosis-related protein expression, including P53, BAX, and CASP3. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study demonstrated that RP may exert its therapeutic effects on EMs through the potential mechanism of promoting apoptosis. Anthraquinones, flavonoids and triterpenoids are the possible pro-apoptotic components in RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Liao
- Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory On Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Ya Lei
- Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory On Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Li Peng
- The First College of Clinical Medicine Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang Central People's Hospital, Yichang, China.
| | - Xianyun Fu
- Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory On Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Three Gorges University & Yichang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yichang, China
| | - Dan Yang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Three Gorges University & Yichang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yichang, China
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10
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Thiruvengadam R, Venkidasamy B, Samynathan R, Govindasamy R, Thiruvengadam M, Kim JH. Association of nanoparticles and Nrf2 with various oxidative stress-mediated diseases. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 380:110535. [PMID: 37187268 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110535] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that regultes the cellular antioxidant defense system at the posttranscriptional level. During oxidative stress, Nrf2 is released from its negative regulator Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and binds to antioxidant response element (ARE) to transcribe antioxidative metabolizing/detoxifying genes. Various transcription factors like aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) and epigenetic modification including DNA methylation and histone methylation might also regulate the expression of Nrf2. Despite its protective role, Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling is considered as a pharmacological target due to its involvement in various pathophysiological conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, hepatotoxicity and kidney disorders. Recently, nanomaterials have received a lot of attention due to their unique physiochemical properties and are also used in various biological applications, for example, biosensors, drug delivery systems, cancer therapy, etc. In this review, we will be discussing the functions of nanoparticles and Nrf2 as a combined therapy or sensitizing agent and their significance in various diseases such as diabetes, cancer and oxidative stress-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rekha Thiruvengadam
- Department of Integrative Bioscience & Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Baskar Venkidasamy
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, 600077, India
| | - Ramkumar Samynathan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, 600077, India
| | - Rajakumar Govindasamy
- Department of Periodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, 600077, India
| | - Muthu Thiruvengadam
- Department of Applied Bioscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hee Kim
- Department of Integrative Bioscience & Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea.
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11
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Zhang CY, Liu S, Yang M. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents in chronic liver diseases: Molecular mechanisms and therapy. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:180-200. [PMID: 36926234 PMCID: PMC10011909 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i2.180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a continuous process that causes a reduction of liver function lasting more than six months. CLD includes alcoholic liver disease (ALD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), chronic viral infection, and autoimmune hepatitis, which can lead to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and cancer. Liver inflammation and oxidative stress are commonly associated with the development and progression of CLD. Molecular signaling pathways such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), C-Jun N-terminal kinase, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of CLD. Therefore, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents from natural products are new potent therapies for ALD, NAFLD, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this review, we summarize some powerful products that can be potential applied in all the stages of CLD, from ALD/NAFLD to HCC. The selected agents such as β-sitosterol, curcumin, genistein, and silymarin can regulate the activation of several important molecules, including AMPK, Farnesoid X receptor, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2, PPARs, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, and lysyl oxidase-like proteins. In addition, clinical trials are undergoing to evaluate their efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Ye Zhang
- Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Shuai Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
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12
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Khan AU, Khan A, Shal B, Khan S, Khan M, Ahmad R, Riaz M. The critical role of the phytosterols in modulating tumor microenvironment via multiple signaling: A comprehensive molecular approach. Phytother Res 2023; 37:1606-1623. [PMID: 36757068 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, and its cases are rapidly increasing every year. Several factors contribute to the development of tumorigenesis. including radiation, dietary lifestyle, smoking, environmental, and genetic factors. The cell cycle is regulated by a variety of molecular signaling proteins. However, when the proteins involved in the cell cycle regulation are altered, cellular growth and proliferation are significantly affected. Natural products provide an important source of new drug development for a variety of ailments. including cancer. Phytosterols (PSs) are an important class of natural compounds reported for numerous pharmacological activities, including cancer. Various PSs, such as ergosterol, stigmasterol, sitosterol, withaferin A, etc., have been reported for their anti-cancer activities against a variety of cancer by modulating the tumor microenvironment via molecular signaling pathways discussed within the article. These signaling pathways are associated with the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, growth factors, chemokines, and pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes. These mediators and their upstream signaling are very active within the variety of tumors and by modulating these signalings, thus PS exhibits promising anti-cancer activities. However, further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy as well the safety of the phytosterols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Ullah Khan
- Pharmacological Sciences Research Lab, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Abasyn University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Adnan Khan
- Pharmacological Sciences Research Lab, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Bushra Shal
- Pharmacological Sciences Research Lab, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.,Faculty of Health Sciences, IQRA University, Islamabad Campus, (Chak Shahzad), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Salman Khan
- Pharmacological Sciences Research Lab, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Majid Khan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Abasyn University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Rizwan Ahmad
- Natural Products & Alternative Medicines College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Riaz
- Department of Pharmacy, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Sheringal, Sheringal, Pakistan
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13
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The Role of Silver Nanoparticles in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer: Are There Any Perspectives for the Future? Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020466. [PMID: 36836823 PMCID: PMC9965924 DOI: 10.3390/life13020466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a fatal disease with a complex pathophysiology. Lack of specificity and cytotoxicity, as well as the multidrug resistance of traditional cancer chemotherapy, are the most common limitations that often cause treatment failure. Thus, in recent years, significant efforts have concentrated on the development of a modernistic field called nano-oncology, which provides the possibility of using nanoparticles (NPs) with the aim to detect, target, and treat cancer diseases. In comparison with conventional anticancer strategies, NPs provide a targeted approach, preventing undesirable side effects. What is more, nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have shown good pharmacokinetics and precise targeting, as well as reduced multidrug resistance. It has been documented that, in cancer cells, NPs promote reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, activate ER (endoplasmic reticulum) stress, modulate various signaling pathways, etc. Furthermore, their ability to inhibit tumor growth in vivo has also been documented. In this paper, we have reviewed the role of silver NPs (AgNPs) in cancer nanomedicine, discussing numerous mechanisms by which they render anticancer properties under both in vitro and in vivo conditions, as well as their potential in the diagnosis of cancer.
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14
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Preparation of Paclitaxel-Encapsulated Bio-Functionalized Selenium Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Their Efficacy against Cervical Cancer. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27217290. [DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The potentiality of nanomedicine in the cancer treatment being widely recognized in the recent years. In the present investigation, the synergistic effects of chitosan-modified selenium nanoparticles loaded with paclitaxel (PTX-chit-SeNPs) were studied. These selenium nanoparticles were tested for drug release analysis at a pH of 7.4 and 5.5, and further characterized using FTIR, DLS, zeta potential, and TEM to confirm their morphology, and the encapsulation of the drug was carried out using UPLC analysis. Quantitative evaluation of anti-cancer properties was performed via MTT analysis, apoptosis, gene expression analysis, cell cycle arrest, and over-production of ROS. The unique combination of phytochemicals from the seed extract, chitosan, paclitaxel, and selenium nanoparticles can be effectively utilized to combat cancerous cells. The production of the nanosystem has been demonstrated to be cost-effective and have unique characteristics, and can be utilized for improving future diagnostic approaches.
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15
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Ni B, Song X, Shi B, Wang J, Sun Q, Wang X, Xu M, Cao L, Zhu G, Li J. Research progress of ginseng in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1036498. [PMID: 36313365 PMCID: PMC9603756 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1036498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer has become one of the major causes of human death. Several anticancer drugs are available; howeve their use and efficacy are limited by the toxic side effects and drug resistance caused by their continuous application. Many natural products have antitumor effects with low toxicity and fewer adverse effects. Moreover, they play an important role in enhancing the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents, reducing toxic side effects, and reversing chemoresistance. Consequently, natural drugs are being applied as potential therapeutic options in the field of antitumor treatment. As natural medicinal plants, some components of ginseng have been shown to have excellent efficacy and a good safety profile for cancer treatment. The pharmacological activities and possible mechanisms of action of ginseng have been identified. Its broad range of pharmacological activities includes antitumor, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-stress, anti-fibrotic, central nervous system modulating, cardioprotective, and immune-enhancing effects. Numerous studies have also shown that throuth multiple pathways, ginseng and its active ingredients exert antitumor effects on gastrointestinal (GI) tract tumors, such as esophageal, gastric, colorectal, liver, and pancreatic cancers. Herein, we introduced the main components of ginseng, including ginsenosides, polysaccharides, and sterols, etc., and reviewed the mechanism of action and research progress of ginseng in the treatment of various GI tumors. Futhermore, the pathways of action of the main components of ginseng are discussed in depth to promote the clinical development and application of ginseng in the field of anti-GI tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyi Ni
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaotong Song
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bolun Shi
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Hongqi Hospital of Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Qianhui Sun
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinmiao Wang
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Manman Xu
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Luchang Cao
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Jie Li
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jie Li,
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16
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Bao X, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Xia L. Molecular Mechanism of β-Sitosterol and its Derivatives in Tumor Progression. Front Oncol 2022; 12:926975. [PMID: 35756648 PMCID: PMC9213880 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.926975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
β-Sitosterol (SIT), a white powdery organic substance with a molecular formula of C29H50O, is one of the most abundant naturally occurring phytosterols in plants. With a chemical composition similar to that of cholesterol, SIT is applied in various fields such as medicine, agriculture, and chemical industries, owing to its unique biological and physicochemical properties. Modern pharmacological studies have elucidated good anti-tumor therapeutic effect activity of SIT, which mainly manifests as pro-apoptotic, anti-proliferative, anti-metastatic, anti-invasive, and chemosensitizing on tumor cells. In addition, SIT exerts an anti-tumor effect on multiple malignant tumors such as breast, gastric, lung, kidney, pancreatic, prostate, and other cancers. Further, SIT derivatives with structural modifications are promising anti-tumor drugs with significant anti-tumor effects. This review article focuses on recent studies relevant to the anti-tumor effects of SIT and summarizes its anti-tumor mechanism to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of malignant tumors and the development of novel anti-tumor drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxun Bao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hairong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Lei Xia
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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17
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Sanati M, Afshari AR, Kesharwani P, Sukhorukov VN, Sahebkar A. Recent trends in the application of nanoparticles in cancer therapy: The involvement of oxidative stress. J Control Release 2022; 348:287-304. [PMID: 35644289 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In the biomedical area, the interdisciplinary field of nanotechnology has the potential to bring numerous unique applications, including better tactics for cancer detection, diagnosis, and therapy. Nanoparticles (NPs) have been the topic of many research and material applications throughout the last decade. Unlike small-molecule medications, NPs are defined by distinct physicochemical characteristics, such as a large surface-to-volume ratio, which allows them to permeate live cells with relative ease. The versatility of NPs as both therapeutics and diagnostics makes them ideal for a broad spectrum of illnesses, from infectious diseases to cancer. A significant amount of data has been participated in the current scientific publications, emphasizing the concept that NPs often produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) to a larger degree than micro-sized particles. It is important to note that oxidative stress governs a wide range of cell signaling cascades, many of which are responsible for cancer cell cytotoxicity. Here, we aimed to provide insight into the signaling pathways triggered by oxidative stress in cancer cells in response to several types of nanomaterials, such as metallic and polymeric NPs and quantum dots. We discuss recent advances in developing integrated anticancer medicines based on NPs targeted to destroy malignant cells by increasing their ROS setpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Sanati
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran; Experimental and Animal Study Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Amir R Afshari
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Vasily N Sukhorukov
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of FSBI "Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery", Moscow, Russia
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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18
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Thangavelu L, Geetha RV, Devaraj E, Dua K, Chellappan DK, Balusamy SR. Acacia catechu seed extract provokes cytotoxicity via apoptosis by intrinsic pathway in HepG2 cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2022; 37:446-456. [PMID: 34800081 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Acacia catechu Willd (Fabaceae) is a thorny tree widely distributed in India and commonly used as traditional Ayurvedic medicine for various ailments. The current study evaluates the cytotoxic potentials of A. catechu ethanolic seed extract (ACSE) in HepG2 cells, a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. The HepG2 cells were treated with 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, 10, 30, 100, 300 and 1000 μg/ml of ACSE and the cytotoxic effect was evaluated by MTT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage assays. The IC50 of ACSE was found at 77.04 μg/ml and therefore, further studies were carried out with the concentrations of 35 and 70 μg/ml. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and apoptosis-related morphological changes were evaluated. Gene expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome C (Cyt-c), caspases-9 and 3 were analyzed by qPCR. The ACSE treatments caused LDH leakage was associated with an increased ROS generation. The increased ROS generation was associated with the downregulation of intracellular antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione content. AO/EB and PI staining also confirmed chromatin condensation and apoptosis. The flow cytometric analysis showed an accumulation of HepG2 cells at sub G0/G1 (apoptotic) phase upon ACSE treatments. The ACSE induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress were related to increased apoptotic marker gene expressions such as Bax, Cyt-c, caspase-9 and 3, and decreased anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2. The current finding suggests that ACSE has apoptosis-inducing potential via the mitochondrial pathway in HepG2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Thangavelu
- Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Royapuram Veeraragavan Geetha
- Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ezhilarasan Devaraj
- Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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19
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Zhou Y, Zhang H, Cheng Z, Wang H. Regulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway with synthesized bismuth oxide nanoparticles from Ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract: Mitigating the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells. ARAB J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2021.103607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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20
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Vigneshwaran R, Ezhilarasan D, Rajeshkumar S. Inorganic titanium dioxide nanoparticles induces cytotoxicity in colon cancer cells. INORG CHEM COMMUN 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.inoche.2021.108920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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21
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Ditty MJ, Ezhilarasan D. β-sitosterol induces reactive oxygen species-mediated apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. AVICENNA JOURNAL OF PHYTOMEDICINE 2021; 11:541-550. [PMID: 34804892 PMCID: PMC8588954 DOI: 10.22038/ajp.2021.17746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Objective: It is of interest to investigate the anti-proliferative effect of β-sitosterol (BS) on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell line. Materials and Methods: β-sitosterol treatments (0.6 and 1.2 mM/ml) were done in HepG2 and after 24 hr, cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulating potential of BS was assessed by dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate staining. Morphology related to apoptosis was investigated by acridine orange and ethidium bromide dual staining. Cytochrome c and caspase 3 expressions were evaluated by immunofluorescence and western blot analyses. Results: β-sitosterol induced cytotoxicity (p<0.001) and intracellular ROS in HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. BS treatments accumulated induced intracellular ROS accumulation which led to membrane damage and mitochondrial toxicity. At the molecular level, BS treatments induced cytochrome c release from mitochondria and enhanced the protein expressions (p<0.05 vs 0.6 mM/ml and p<0.001 vs 1.2 mM/ml) of both caspase 3 and cleaved caspase 3. Conclusion: β-sitosterol induced ROS accumulation which plays a critical role in apoptosis via the intrinsic pathway in HepG2 cells. The present investigation paves the way for further in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary J Ditty
- Department of Pharmacology, The Blue Lab, Molecular Medicine and Toxicology Division, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Devaraj Ezhilarasan
- Department of Pharmacology, The Blue Lab, Molecular Medicine and Toxicology Division, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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22
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Nandhini JT, Ezhilarasan D, Rajeshkumar S. An ecofriendly synthesized gold nanoparticles induces cytotoxicity via apoptosis in HepG2 cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2021; 36:24-32. [PMID: 32794643 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microbes have long been used for the synthesis of a variety of nanoparticles. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the primary liver cancer and it is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. In this study, we have synthesized Enterococcus mediated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and investigated their cytotoxic potential against human hepatocellular cancer cell line (HepG2). AuNPs were synthesized using Enterococcus sp. RMAA. HepG2 cells were treated with different concentrations of AuNPs for 24 hours and cytotoxicity was analyzed by MTT ((4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. AuNPs induced reactive oxygen species expression was analyzed by 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate staining. Morphological changes related to apoptosis was analyzed by annexin V/propidium iodide staining. Protein expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was done by western blotting analysis. Bacterial-mediated AuNPs caused significant cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. AuNPs treatment also caused the significant expression of ROS and morphological damage related to apoptosis. AuNPs treatments were responsible for the dislocation of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol. The protein expression of PCNA was significantly decreased upon AuNPs treatment. These findings suggest that Enterococcus-mediated AuNPs can inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cells via intracellular ROS mediated apoptosis, decreased PCNA expressions, and it may have the potential to treat HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Devaraj Ezhilarasan
- Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Chennai, India
- Biomedical Research Unit and Laboratory Animal Centre, Saveetha Dental College (SDC), Chennai, India
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23
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Li K, Wu L, Chen Y, Li Y, Wang Q, Li M, Hao K, Zhang W, Jiang S, Wang Z. Cytotoxic and Antiproliferative Effects of β-Mangostin on Rat C6 Glioma Cells Depend on Oxidative Stress Induction via PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway Inhibition. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2020; 14:5315-5324. [PMID: 33293793 PMCID: PMC7718963 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s278414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Glioma is the most common malignant tumor of the nervous system, which accounts for more than 45% of central nervous system tumors and seriously threatens our health. Because of high mortality rate, limitations, and many complications of traditional treatment methods, new treatment methods are urgently needed. β-Mangostin is a natural compound derived from the fruit of Garcinia mangostana L. and it has anticancer activity in several types of cancer cells. However, the antitumor effect of β-mangostin in glioma has not been clarified. Hence, this study aimed to investigate its therapeutic effects on gliomas. Materials and Methods To study the effect of β-mangostin on glioma cells, cell viability assay, reactive oxygen species production, cell cycle, apoptosis, and mitochondrial membrane potential were evaluated in the C6 cell line in vitro. Immunofluorescence and Western blotting were used to analyze protein expression and phosphorylation to study its mechanism of action. A subcutaneous xenograft model was used to investigate the effect of β-mangostin on tumorigenesis in vivo. Results We found that β-mangostin can inhibit glioma cell growth and induce oxidative damage in vitro. In addition, it reduces the phosphorylated form levels of PI3K, AKT and mTOR. Furthermore, the phosphorylated form levels of PI3K, AKT and mTOR were increased after the PI3K inhibitor was added. In vivo experiments showed that β-mangostin can inhibit tumor growth as shown by its reduced size and weight. Conclusion This study suggests that β-mangostin can inhibit cell proliferation and induce oxidative damage in cells. It is the first study to demonstrate that β-mangostin induces oxidative damage in glioma cells by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiqiang Li
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, People's Republic of China.,Research Center of Blood Transfusion Medicine, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, People's Republic of China.,Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingling Wu
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, People's Republic of China
| | - Yili Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianni Wang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Li
- Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Hao
- Research Center of Blood Transfusion Medicine, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, People's Republic of China.,Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Jiang
- Research Center of Blood Transfusion Medicine, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Wang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, People's Republic of China.,Research Center of Blood Transfusion Medicine, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, People's Republic of China
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