1
|
Sajeev A, Sailo B, Unnikrishnan J, Talukdar A, Alqahtani MS, Abbas M, Alqahtani A, Sethi G, Kunnumakkara AB. Unlocking the potential of Berberine: Advancing cancer therapy through chemosensitization and combination treatments. Cancer Lett 2024; 597:217019. [PMID: 38849013 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217019] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Despite considerable progress in cancer treatment options, resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs remains a significant challenge. This review focuses on Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid found in various medicinal plants, which has garnered attention in the field of oncology for its anticancer potential either alone or in combination with other compounds and its ability to modulate chemoresistance, acting as a natural chemosensitizer. BBR's ability to modulate chemoresistance is attributed to its diverse mechanisms of action, including inducing DNA breaks, inhibition of drug efflux pumps, modulation of apoptosis and necroptosis, downregulating multidrug resistance genes, enhancing immune response, suppressing angiogenesis and targeting multiple pathways within cancer cells, including protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (Akt/mTOR), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP1), janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT), Wnt/β-catenin etc. Moreover, BBR, in combination with other compounds, also offers a promising approach to cancer therapy, enforcing its broad-spectrum anticancer effects. Therefore, this review aims to elucidate the intricate mechanism of action of BBR in combinatorial therapy as a potential chemosensitizer to increase the efficiency of several drugs, including cisplatin, doxorubicin, lapatinib, tamoxifen, irinotecan, niraparib, etc. in various cancers. Additionally, this review briefly covers the origin and biological activities of BBR, exploring the specific actions underlying its anticancer effects. Further, pharmacokinetic properties of BBR are also discussed, providing insight into its therapeutic potential and optimization of its use in cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anjana Sajeev
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Bethsebie Sailo
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Jyothsna Unnikrishnan
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Ayesha Talukdar
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Mohammed S Alqahtani
- Radiological Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia; BioImaging Unit, Space Research Centre, Michael Atiyah Building, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, United Kingdom
| | - Mohamed Abbas
- Electrical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Athba Alqahtani
- Research Centre, King Fahad Medical City. P.O. Box: 59046, Riyadh, 11525, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 16 Medical Drive, 117600, Singapore; NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore.
| | - Ajaikumar B Kunnumakkara
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ullah A, Razzaq A, Zhou C, Ullah N, Shehzadi S, Aziz T, Alfaifi MY, Elbehairi SEI, Iqbal H. Biological Significance of EphB4 Expression in Cancer. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2024; 25:244-255. [PMID: 37909437 DOI: 10.2174/0113892037269589231017055642] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Eph receptors and their Eph receptor-interacting (ephrin) ligands comprise a vital cell communication system with several functions. In cancer cells, there was evidence of bilateral Eph receptor signaling with both tumor-suppressing and tumor-promoting actions. As a member of the Eph receptor family, EphB4 has been linked to tumor angiogenesis, growth, and metastasis, which makes it a viable and desirable target for drug development in therapeutic applications. Many investigations have been conducted over the last decade to elucidate the structure and function of EphB4 in association with its ligand ephrinB2 for its involvement in tumorigenesis. Although several EphB4-targeting drugs have been investigated, and some selective inhibitors have been evaluated in clinical trials. This article addresses the structure and function of the EphB4 receptor, analyses its possibility as an anticancer therapeutic target, and summarises knowledge of EphB4 kinase inhibitors. To summarise, EphB4 is a difficult but potential treatment option for cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asmat Ullah
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Anam Razzaq
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Chuanzan Zhou
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Najeeb Ullah
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, 818 Nelson Ave, 71272, USA
| | - Somia Shehzadi
- University Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Tariq Aziz
- Westlake University, School of Engineering, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310024, China
| | - Mohammad Y Alfaifi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 9004, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Haroon Iqbal
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Stergiou IE, Papadakos SP, Karyda A, Tsitsilonis OE, Dimopoulos MA, Theocharis S. EPH/Ephrin Signaling in Normal Hematopoiesis and Hematologic Malignancies: Deciphering Their Intricate Role and Unraveling Possible New Therapeutic Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3963. [PMID: 37568780 PMCID: PMC10417178 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153963] [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: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma receptors (EPHs) represent the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). EPH interaction with ephrins, their membrane-bound ligands, holds a pivotal role in embryonic development, while, though less active, it is also implicated in various physiological functions during adult life. In normal hematopoiesis, different patterns of EPH/ephrin expression have been correlated with hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) maintenance and lineage-committed hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) differentiation, as well as with the functional properties of their mature offspring. Research in the field of hematologic malignancies has unveiled a rather complex involvement of the EPH/ephrinsignaling pathway in the pathophysiology of these neoplasms. Aberrations in genetic, epigenetic, and protein levels have been identified as possible players implicated both in tumor progression and suppression, while correlations have also been highlighted regarding prognosis and response to treatment. Initial efforts to therapeutically target the EPH/ephrin axis have been undertaken in the setting of hematologic neoplasia but are mainly confined to the preclinical level. To this end, deciphering the complexity of this signaling pathway both in normal and malignant hematopoiesis is necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna E. Stergiou
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Stavros P. Papadakos
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.P.P.); (A.K.)
| | - Anna Karyda
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.P.P.); (A.K.)
| | - Ourania E. Tsitsilonis
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Department of Biology, School of Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece;
| | - Meletios-Athanasios Dimopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra Hospital, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.P.P.); (A.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bibak B, Shakeri F, Keshavarzi Z, Mollazadeh H, Javid H, Jalili-Nik M, Sathyapalan T, Afshari AR, Sahebkar A. Anticancer mechanisms of Berberine: a good choice for glioblastoma multiforme therapy. Curr Med Chem 2022; 29:4507-4528. [PMID: 35209812 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220224112811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The most typical malignant brain tumor, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), seems to have a grim outcome, despite the intensive multi-modality interventions. Literature suggests that biologically active phytomolecules may exert anticancer properties by regulating several signaling pathways. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, has various pharmacological applications to combat severe diseases like cancer. Mechanistically, Berberine inhibits cell proliferation and invasion, suppresses tumor angiogenesis, and induces cell apoptosis. The effect of the antitumoral effect of Berberine in GBM is increasingly recognized. This review sheds new light on the regulatory signaling mechanisms of Berberine in various cancer, proposing its potential role as a therapeutic agent for GBM. .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bahram Bibak
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Shakeri
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Zakieh Keshavarzi
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Hamid Mollazadeh
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Hossein Javid
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Jalili-Nik
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Thozhukat Sathyapalan
- Academic Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Amir R Afshari
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Haftcheshmeh SM, Abedi M, Mashayekhi K, Mousavi MJ, Navashenaq JG, Mohammadi A, Momtazi-Borojeni AA. Berberine as a natural modulator of inflammatory signaling pathways in the immune system: Focus on NF-κB, JAK/STAT, and MAPK signaling pathways. Phytother Res 2022; 36:1216-1230. [PMID: 35142403 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Three main inflammatory signaling pathways include nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Janus kinases/Signal transducer and activator of transcriptions (JAKs/STATs), and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) play crucial roles in inducing, promoting, and regulating inflammatory responses in the immune system. Importantly, the breakdown of mechanisms that tightly regulate inflammatory signaling pathways can be the underlying cause of uncontrolled inflammatory responses and be associated with the generation and development of several inflammatory diseases. Hence, therapeutic strategies targeting inflammatory signaling pathways and their downstream components may promise to treat inflammatory diseases. Studies over the past two decades have provided important information on the polytrophic pharmacological and biochemical properties of berberine (BBR) as a naturally occurring compound, such as antioxidant, antitumor, antimicrobial, and antiinflammatory activates. Interestingly, the modulatory effects of BBR on inflammatory signaling cascades, which lead to the inhibition of inflammation, have been widely investigated in several in vitro and in vivo studies. For the first time, herein, this comprehensive review attempts to put together these studies and provide important insight into the modulatory effects of BBR on NF-κB, JAKs/STATs, and MAPKs signaling pathways in vitro in various types of immune cells and in vivo in several experimental inflammatory diseases. As the second achievement of this review, we also explore the therapeutic efficacy and antiinflammatory effects of BBR regarding its modulatory action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Mohammadian Haftcheshmeh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran.,Healthy Ageing Research Centre, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Maliheh Abedi
- Center for Reference and Research on Rabies, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kazem Mashayekhi
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Mousavi
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, Faculty of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | | | - Asadollah Mohammadi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Amir Abbas Momtazi-Borojeni
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang X, Zhang H, Qi G, Gu X, Zhao Y, Zhang J. TPD7 inhibits the non-small cell lung cancer HCC827 cell growth by regulating EGFR signalling pathway. J Chemother 2021; 34:110-116. [PMID: 34210250 DOI: 10.1080/1120009x.2021.1945790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 85% of lung cancer cases, and is characterized by more insensitivity to chemotherapy and poor prognosis. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been confirmed as a tumorigenic driving factor of NSCLC. Taspine has been proved effective in the inhibition of malignant tumours. Here, we found TPD7, a novel taspine derivative, exerted most inhibitory effect on EGFR-dependent HCC827 cells and investigated the underling mechanism. In addition, TPD7 could block cell cycle at G0/G1 phase of HCC827 cells by regulating the expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin E. Furthermore, TPD7 induced HCC827 cell apoptosis by regulating the expression of BCL-2 family proteins. Further study revealed that TPD7 could down-regulate the phosphorylation of EGFR and downstream members. TPD7 might present a potential EGFR inhibitor in the treatment of NSCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Xi'an Chest Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hongjun Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Xi'an Chest Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Gangqiang Qi
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Xi'an Chest Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xing Gu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Xi'an Chest Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yanjun Zhao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Xi'an Chest Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li J, Zou Y, Pei M, Zhang Y, Jiang Y. Berberine inhibits the Warburg effect through TET3/miR-145/HK2 pathways in ovarian cancer cells. J Cancer 2021; 12:207-216. [PMID: 33391417 PMCID: PMC7738813 DOI: 10.7150/jca.48896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Berberine, as an alkaloid, has a significant antitumor effect, but its mechanism in tumor metabolism, especially the Warburg effect has not been elucidated. Objectives: To study the molecular mechanism of berberine regulating the Warburg effect in ovarian cancer cells. Methods: Treatment by berberine in SKOV3 and 3AO cells or inhibited by miR-145 inhibitor transfection in berberine-treated cells to examine the changes in HK2 expression, glucose consumption and lactate production. The methylation status in the promoter region of pre-miR-145 gene was examined by bisulfite sequencing. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was conducted to verify the direct binding of miR-145 to HK2. Finally, the expression of TET3 in ovarian cancer was investigated by quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Results: We found berberine inhibited the Warburg effect by up-regulating miR-145, miR-145 targeted HK2 directly. Berberine increased the expression of miR-145 by promoting the expression of TET3 and reducing the methylation level of the promoter region of miR-145 precursor gene. We further found that TET3 expression was negatively correlated with clinical stage and pathological grade. Conclusions: Our results revealed berberine increased the TET3-mediated demethylation and promoted the suppression of miR-145 on HK2 to antagonize the Warburg effect of ovarian cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuliang Zou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Meili Pei
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Xu W, Chen S, Wang X, Tanaka S, Onda K, Sugiyama K, Yamada H, Hirano T. Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic implications of tetrandrine and cepharanthine in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and autoimmune diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 217:107659. [PMID: 32800789 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Inappropriately activated T cells mediate autoimmune diseases and T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Glucocorticoid and chemotherapeutic agents have largely extended lives of these patients. However, serious side effects and drug resistance often limit the prognosis of considerable number of the patients. The efficient treatment of autoimmune diseases or T-ALL with drug resistance remains an important unmet demand clinically. Bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids tetrandrine and cepharanthine have been applied for the treatment of certain types of autoimmune diseases and cancers, while studies on their action mechanisms and their further applications combined with glucocorticoids or chemotherapeutic agents remains to be expanded. This review introduced molecular mechanisms of tetrandrine and cepharanthine in T cells, including their therapeutic implications. Both tetrandrine and cepharnthine influence the growth of activated T cells via several kinds of signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, caspase cascades, cell cycle, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR. According to recent preclinical and clinical studies, P-glycoprotein inhibitory effect of tetrandrine and cepharnthine could play a significant role on T cell-involved refractory diseases. Therefore, tetrandrine or cepharanthine combined with glucocorticoid or other anti-leukemia drugs would bring a new hope for patients with glucocorticoid-resistant autoimmune disease or refractory T-ALL accompanied with functional P-glycoprotein. In conclusion, bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids tetrandrine and cepharanthine can regulate several signaling pathways in abnormally activated T cells with low toxicity. Bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids deserve to be paid more attention as a lead compound to develop new drugs for the treatment of T cell-involved diseases in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wencheng Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, PR China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Shuhe Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, PR China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Xiaoqin Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, PR China.
| | - Sachiko Tanaka
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Kenji Onda
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Kentaro Sugiyama
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Haruki Yamada
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan.
| | - Toshihiko Hirano
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Harnessing the Power of Eph/ephrin Biosemiotics for Theranostic Applications. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13060112. [PMID: 32492868 PMCID: PMC7345574 DOI: 10.3390/ph13060112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Comprehensive basic biological knowledge of the Eph/ephrin system in the physiologic setting is needed to facilitate an understanding of its role and the effects of pathological processes on its activity, thereby paving the way for development of prospective therapeutic targets. To this end, this review briefly addresses what is currently known and being investigated in order to highlight the gaps and possible avenues for further investigation to capitalize on their diverse potential.
Collapse
|
10
|
Habtemariam S. Recent Advances in Berberine Inspired Anticancer Approaches: From Drug Combination to Novel Formulation Technology and Derivatization. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25061426. [PMID: 32245062 PMCID: PMC7144379 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25061426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Berberine is multifunctional natural product with potential to treat diverse pathological conditions. Its broad-spectrum anticancer effect through direct effect on cancer cell growth and metastasis have been established both in vitro and in vivo. The cellular targets that account to the anticancer effect of berberine are incredibly large and range from kinases (protein kinase B (Akt), mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs), cell cycle checkpoint kinases, etc.) and transcription factors to genes and protein regulators of cell survival, motility and death. The direct effect of berberine in cancer cells is however relatively weak and occur at moderate concentration range (10–100 µM) in most cancer cells. The poor pharmacokinetics profile resulting from poor absorption, efflux by permeability-glycoprotein (P-gc) and extensive metabolism in intestinal and hepatic cells are other dimensions of berberine’s limitation as anticancer agent. This communication addresses the research efforts during the last two decades that were devoted to enhancing the anticancer potential of berberine. Strategies highlighted include using berberine in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents either to reduce toxic side effects or enhance their anticancer effects; the various novel formulation approaches which by order of magnitude improved the pharmacokinetics of berberine; and semisynthetic approaches that enhanced potency by up to 100-fold.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Habtemariam
- Pharmacognosy Research Laboratories & Herbal Analysis Services UK, University of Greenwich, Chatham-Maritime, ME4 4TB Kent, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Liu J, Zhu Z, Liu Y, Wei L, Li B, Mao F, Zhang J, Wang Y, Liu Y. MDM2 inhibition-mediated autophagy contributes to the pro-apoptotic effect of berberine in p53-null leukemic cells. Life Sci 2019; 242:117228. [PMID: 31881227 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.117228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Berberine (BBR) is reported to induce apoptosis and inhibit migration of leukemic cells, but the underlying pharmacological mechanisms have not been fully revealed. This study aims to investigate the possible mechanisms from the perspective of autophagy. MAIN METHODS P-53-null leukemic cell lines Jurkat and U937 were used for the in vitro study. MDC staining was used for observation of autophagy in leukemic cells, and Western blot analysis was for determination of the expression levels of autophagy-associated proteins. Apoptosis of the leukemic cells was detected by flow cytometry. Cellular location of MDM2 was observed with immunofluorescence staining. Ubiquitination of MDM2 was assessed by immunoprecipitation. Male 6-8-week-old NOD/SCID mice were used for evaluating the effect of BBR on chemotherapy sensitivity in vivo. KEY FINDINGS BBR induced autophagy in p53-null leukemic cells, which was inhibited by autophagy inhibitors 3-methyladenine. 3-methyladenine also inhibited BBR-induced apoptosis in leukemic cells. In addition, BBR not only decreased MDM2 mRNA expression, but also enhanced MDM2 self-ubiquitination in leukemic cells. Forced overexpression of MDM2 reversed the effect of BBR on autophagy and apoptosis. Furthermore, BBR promoted doxorubicin-induced autophagy and cell death in the leukemic cells and overexpression of MDM2 suppressed these effects. In vivo, BBR combined with doxorubicin achieved better therapeutic effect than doxorubicin alone. SIGNIFICANCE MDM2 inhibits autophagy and apoptosis in leukemic cells in a p53-independent manner. BBR induces autophagy in p53-null leukemic cells through downregulating MDM2 expression at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, which may contribute to the anti-cancer effect of BBR in leukemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhenjing Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Yueyao Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Linlin Wei
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Bai Li
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengxia Mao
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Ju Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingchao Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Yufeng Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Liu D, Meng X, Wu D, Qiu Z, Luo H. A Natural Isoquinoline Alkaloid With Antitumor Activity: Studies of the Biological Activities of Berberine. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:9. [PMID: 30837865 PMCID: PMC6382680 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Coptis, a traditional medicinal plant, has been used widely in the field of traditional Chinese medicine for many years. More recently, the chemical composition and bioactivity of Coptis have been studied worldwide. Berberine is a main component of Rhizoma Coptidis. Modern medicine has confirmed that berberine has pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, hypolipidemic, and blood pressure-lowering effects. Importantly, the active ingredient of berberine has clear inhibitory effects on various cancers, including colorectal cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, and cervical cancer. Cancer, ranked as one of the world’s five major incurable diseases by WHO, is a serious threat to the quality of human life. Here, we try to outline how berberine exerts antitumor effects through the regulation of different molecular pathways. In addition, the berberine-mediated regulation of epigenetic mechanisms that may be associated with the prevention of malignant tumors is described. Thus, this review provides a theoretical basis for the biological functions of berberine and its further use in the clinical treatment of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Da Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory of Effective Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Xue Meng
- Department of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory of Effective Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Donglu Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory of Effective Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Zhidong Qiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory of Effective Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Haoming Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory of Effective Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|