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Shaikh S, Lee EJ, Ahmad K, Choi I. Therapeutic potential and action mechanisms of licochalcone B: a mini review. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1440132. [PMID: 39021879 PMCID: PMC11251949 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1440132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Licochalcone B (LicB), a chalcone derived from Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Glycyrrhiza glabra, has received considerable attention due to its diverse pharmacological properties. Accumulated data indicates that LicB has pharmacological effects that include anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. The action mechanism of LicB has been linked to several molecular targets, such as phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin, p53, nuclear factor-κB, and p38, and the involvements of caspases, apoptosis, mitogen-activated protein kinase-associated inflammatory pathways, and anti-inflammatory nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 signaling pathways highlight the multifaceted therapeutic potential of LicB. This review systematically updates recent findings regarding the pharmacological effects of LicB, and the mechanistic pathways involved, and highlights the potential use of LicB as a promising lead compound for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibhghatulla Shaikh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Ju Lee
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Khurshid Ahmad
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Inho Choi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
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Luo W, Song Z, Xu G, Wang H, Mu W, Wen J, Zhang P, Qin S, Xiao X, Bai Z. LicochalconeB inhibits cGAS-STING signaling pathway and prevents autoimmunity diseases. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 128:111550. [PMID: 38232536 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Cytosolic DNA activates the STING (stimulator of interferon genes) signaling pathway to trigger interferon and inflammatory responses that protect against microbial infections and cancer. However, Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) persistently activates the STING signaling pathway, which can lead to severe autoimmune diseases. We demonstrate herein that Licochalcone B (LicoB), the main component of traditional licorice, is an inhibitor of the STING signaling pathway. We observed that LicoB inhibited the activation of the STING signaling pathway in macrophages. Mechanically, LicoB affected the STING-TBK1-IRF3 signal axis and inhibited the activation of the STING downstream signaling pathway. Furthermore, LicoB inhibited the increase in type I interferon levels in mice induced by the STING agonist CMA. LicoB significantly reduced systemic inflammation in Trex1-/- mice. Our results show that LicoB, a STING signaling pathway inhibitor, is a promising candidate for the treatment of diseases related to STING signaling pathway activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Luo
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China; School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Zheng Song
- Peking University 302 Clinical Medical School, Beijing 100039, China; China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Guang Xu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Hongbo Wang
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China; China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Wenqing Mu
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China; China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Jincai Wen
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China; China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical Supplies Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Shuanglin Qin
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China; School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China.
| | - Xiaohe Xiao
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China; China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China.
| | - Zhaofang Bai
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China; China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China.
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Huang J, Zhu Y, Li S, Jiang H, Chen N, Xiao H, Liu J, Liang D, Zheng Q, Tang J, Meng X. Licochalcone B confers protective effects against LPS-Induced acute lung injury in cells and mice through the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. Redox Rep 2023; 28:2243423. [PMID: 37565601 PMCID: PMC10424628 DOI: 10.1080/13510002.2023.2243423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe and often fatal pulmonary disease. Current treatments for ALI and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are limited. Natural product metabolites have shown promise as therapeutic alternatives. However, the effects of Licochalcone B (LCB) on ALI are largely unknown. METHODS We investigated the effects of LCB on lipopolysaccharide-challenged mice and human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells. Cell viability, apoptosis, and ROS production were assessed. Lung tissue histopathology and oxidative stress and inflammation markers were evaluated. Protein expression levels were measured. RESULTS LCB had no cytotoxic effects on cells and increased cell viability. It reduced apoptosis and ROS levels in cells. In mice with ALI, LCB decreased lung tissue weight and improved oxidative stress and inflammation markers. It also enhanced expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1 while reducing Keap1. CONCLUSION LCB protects against LPS-induced acute lung injury in cells and mice. The Keap1/Nrf2 pathway may be involved in its protective effects. LCB shows potential as a strategy to alleviate ALI caused by LPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Huang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhu
- Chengdu sport university, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Songtao Li
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huanyu Jiang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nianzhi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hang Xiao
- Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingwen Liu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Liang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiao Zheng
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianyuan Tang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangrui Meng
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
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Michalkova R, Mirossay L, Kello M, Mojzisova G, Baloghova J, Podracka A, Mojzis J. Anticancer Potential of Natural Chalcones: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10354. [PMID: 37373500 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
There is no doubt that significant progress has been made in tumor therapy in the past decades. However, the discovery of new molecules with potential antitumor properties still remains one of the most significant challenges in the field of anticancer therapy. Nature, especially plants, is a rich source of phytochemicals with pleiotropic biological activities. Among a plethora of phytochemicals, chalcones, the bioprecursors of flavonoid and isoflavonoids synthesis in higher plants, have attracted attention due to the broad spectrum of biological activities with potential clinical applications. Regarding the antiproliferative and anticancer effects of chalcones, multiple mechanisms of action including cell cycle arrest, induction of different forms of cell death and modulation of various signaling pathways have been documented. This review summarizes current knowledge related to mechanisms of antiproliferative and anticancer effects of natural chalcones in different types of malignancies including breast cancers, cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, lung cancers, renal and bladder cancers, and melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radka Michalkova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Ladislav Mirossay
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Martin Kello
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Gabriela Mojzisova
- Center of Clinical and Preclinical Research MEDIPARK, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Janette Baloghova
- Department of Dermatovenerology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Anna Podracka
- Department of Dermatovenerology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Jan Mojzis
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
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Deng N, Qiao M, Li Y, Liang F, Li J, Liu Y. Anticancer effects of licochalcones: A review of the mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1074506. [PMID: 36755942 PMCID: PMC9900005 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1074506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a disease with a high fatality rate representing a serious threat to human health. Researchers have tried to identify effective anticancer drugs. Licorice is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine with various pharmacological properties, and licorice-derived flavonoids include licochalcones like licochalcone A, licochalcone B, licochalcone C, licochalcone D, licochalcone E, and licochalcone H. By regulating the expression in multiple signaling pathways such as the EGFR/ERK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, p38/JNK, JAK2/STAT3, MEK/ERK, Wnt/β-catenin, and MKK4/JNK pathways, and their downstream proteins, licochalcones can activate the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and death receptor pathway, promote autophagy-related protein expression, inhibit the expression of cell cycle proteins and angiogenesis factors, regulate autophagy and apoptosis, and inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells. Among the licochalcones, the largest number of studies examined licochalcone A, far more than other licochalcones. Licochalcone A not only has prominent anticancer effects but also can be used to inhibit the efflux of antineoplastic drugs from cancer cells. Moreover, derivatives of licochalcone A exhibit strong antitumor effects. Currently, most results of the anticancer effects of licochalcones are derived from cell experiments. Thus, more clinical studies are needed to confirm the antineoplastic effects of licochalcones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Deng
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Mingming Qiao
- Chongqing Institute for Food and Drug Control, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Li
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fengyan Liang
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yanfeng Liu
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Yanfeng Liu,
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Zhang YY, Feng PP, Wang HF, Zhang H, Liang T, Hao XS, Wang FZ, Fei HR. Licochalcone B induces DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and enhances TRAIL sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 365:110076. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Ma RJ, Ma C, Hu K, Zhao MM, Zhang N, Sun ZG. Molecular mechanism, regulation, and therapeutic targeting of the STAT3 signaling pathway in esophageal cancer (Review). Int J Oncol 2022; 61:105. [PMID: 35856449 PMCID: PMC9339493 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2022.5395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is the seventh most common cancer globally, and the overall 5-year survival rate is only 20%. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is aberrantly activated in EC, and its activation is associated with a poor prognosis. STAT3 can be activated by canonical pathways such as the JAK/STAT3 pathway as well as non-canonical pathways including the Wnt/STAT3 and COX2/PGE2/STAT3 pathways. Activated STAT3, present as phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3), can be transported into the nucleus to regulate downstream genes, including VEGF, cyclin D1, Bcl-xL, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), to promote cancer cell proliferation and induce resistance to therapy. Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), play a vital role in regulating the STAT3 signaling pathway in EC. Several miRNAs promote or suppress the function of STAT3 in EC, while lncRNAs and circRNAs primarily promote the effects of STAT3 and the progression of cancer. Additionally, various drugs and natural compounds can target STAT3 to suppress the malignant behavior of EC cells, providing novel insights into potential EC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Jie Ma
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Chao Ma
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Kang Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Meng-Meng Zhao
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Breast Disease Center, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Gang Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
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Constantinescu T, Lungu CN. Anticancer Activity of Natural and Synthetic Chalcones. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11306. [PMID: 34768736 PMCID: PMC8582663 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a condition caused by many mechanisms (genetic, immune, oxidation, and inflammatory). Anticancer therapy aims to destroy or stop the growth of cancer cells. Resistance to treatment is theleading cause of the inefficiency of current standard therapies. Targeted therapies are the most effective due to the low number of side effects and low resistance. Among the small molecule natural compounds, flavonoids are of particular interest for theidentification of new anticancer agents. Chalcones are precursors to all flavonoids and have many biological activities. The anticancer activity of chalcones is due to the ability of these compounds to act on many targets. Natural chalcones, such as licochalcones, xanthohumol (XN), panduretin (PA), and loncocarpine, have been extensively studied and modulated. Modification of the basic structure of chalcones in order to obtain compounds with superior cytotoxic properties has been performed by modulating the aromatic residues, replacing aromatic residues with heterocycles, and obtaining hybrid molecules. A huge number of chalcone derivatives with residues such as diaryl ether, sulfonamide, and amine have been obtained, their presence being favorable for anticancer activity. Modification of the amino group in the structure of aminochalconesis always favorable for antitumor activity. This is why hybrid molecules of chalcones with different nitrogen hetercycles in the molecule have been obtained. From these, azoles (imidazole, oxazoles, tetrazoles, thiazoles, 1,2,3-triazoles, and 1,2,4-triazoles) are of particular importance for the identification of new anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodora Constantinescu
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hatieganu University, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Claudiu N. Lungu
- Department of Surgery, Country Emergency Hospital Braila, 810249 Braila, Romania
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Hu Y, Liu M, Qin H, Lin H, An X, Shi Z, Song L, Yang X, Fan H, Tong Y. Artemether, Artesunate, Arteannuin B, Echinatin, Licochalcone B and Andrographolide Effectively Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 and Related Viruses In Vitro. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:680127. [PMID: 34527599 PMCID: PMC8435859 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.680127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first reported case caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection in Wuhan, COVID-19 has caused serious deaths and an ongoing global pandemic, and it is still raging in more than 200 countries and regions around the world and many new variants have appeared in the process of continuous transmission. In the early stage of the epidemic prevention and control and clinical treatment, traditional Chinese medicine played a huge role in China. Here, we screened out six monomer compounds, including artemether, artesunate, arteannuin B, echinatin, licochalcone B and andrographolide, with excellent anti-SARS-CoV-2 and anti-GX_P2V activity from Anti-COVID-19 Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound Library containing 389 monomer compounds extracted from traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions “three formulas and three drugs”. Our discovery preliminary proved the stage of action of those compounds against SARS-CoV-2 and provided inspiration for further research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjia Hu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Meiqin Liu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongbo Qin
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Haofeng Lin
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoping An
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengli Shi
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Lihua Song
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xinglou Yang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Huahao Fan
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yigang Tong
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
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Zhou B, Wang H, Zhang B, Zhang L. Licochalcone B attenuates neuronal injury through anti-oxidant effect and enhancement of Nrf2 pathway in MCAO rat model of stroke. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 100:108073. [PMID: 34454290 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Investigating anti-oxidant therapies that lead to the diminution of oxidative injury is priority in clinical. We herein aimed to explore whether and how Licochalcone B (Lico B) act as an anti-oxidant in the stroke model. METHODS Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was constructed as stroke model and exposed to various doses of Lico B. Behavioral tests and neurological behavior status were detected for neurological function examination. Histological staining was used for evaluating cerebral injury, and neuronal apoptosis or damage. Levels of oxidative stress and inflammation were also assessed by biochemical analysis and expression analysis. Nrf2 knockdown induced by lentiviral vector was used for the research on mechanism. RESULTS Lico B had improvement effects on cerebral infarction size, memory impairments, and neurological deficits after MCAO. Histological evaluation also revealed the amelioration of neuronal injury and apoptosis by Lico B, along with down-regulation of apoptosis-related proteins. Additionally, Lico B rescued the down-regulation of BDNF and NGF after MCAO. Moreover, Lico B suppressed the oxidative stress and inflammation, manifesting as the enhancement of SOD, GSH and IL-4, but the decline of MDA, iNOS, and TNF-α. Finally, Nrf2 knockdown reversed the Lico B-caused improvement in neuronal injury, apoptosis and oxidative stress levels. CONCLUSIONS The present study revealed the neuroprotective effects of Lico B in MCAO rats. Importantly, we proposed a potential mechanism that Lico B activated the Nrf2 pathway, thereby acting as anti-oxidant to attenuate neuronal injury and apoptosis after stroke. The proposed mechanism provided an encouraging possibility for anti-oxidant therapy of stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baosheng Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Honglin Wang
- Department of Interventional Medicine, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The people's hospital of Zhao Yuan city, Zhao Yuan, China
| | - Lianlian Zhang
- Department of Ultrasonography, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, The First people's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Li Y, Zhang Y, Wu X, Gao Y, Guo J, Tian Y, Lin Z, Wang X. Discovery of natural 15-LOX small molecule inhibitors from Chinese herbal medicine using virtual Screening, biological evaluation and molecular dynamics studies. Bioorg Chem 2021; 115:105197. [PMID: 34426159 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) are frequently used to treat different types of inflammatory diseases and 15-Lipoxygenase (15-LOX) is a critical target enzyme for treating various inflammatory diseases. In this study, natural 15-LOX inhibitors were identified in CHM using an approach of virtual screening combined with the biological assays. First, an in-house Chinese medicine database containing 360 compounds was screened using a virtual screening approach based on pharmacophore and molecular docking to uncover several novel potential 15-LOX inhibitors. Secondly, the inhibitory effect of virtual screening hits against the 15-LOX enzyme was validated in an in vitro enzyme inhibition assay. Then, a tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) release assay was carried out to explore the anti-inflammatory response of the active compounds. Furthermore, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and binding free energy calculation were applied to analyze the process of inhibitors binding and also compared the mode of binding of the inhibitors by using the Molecular Mechanics-Generalized Born Surface Area (MM/GBSA) method. Finally, licochalcone B and eriodictyol were confirmed as inhibitors of the 15-LOX enzyme with IC50 values of 9.67 and 18.99 μM, respectively. In vitro cell-based assay showed that licochalcone B and eriodictyol inhibited the release of TNF-α factor in RAW264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in a dose-dependent manner. Molecular dynamics and binding free energy analysis showed that the two 15-LOX-ligand systems immediately attained equilibrium with almost 1 Å fluctuation, the calculated binding free energies were found around -18.89 and -12.96 kcal/mol for licochalcone B and eriodictyol, respectively. Thr412, Arg415, Val420, Thr429, Ile602 and Trp606 were the main amino acid residues for the inhibition of 15-LOX enzyme activity. The current study confirms that licochalcone B and eriodictyol are 15-LOX inhibitors and can suppress the release of the TNF-α factor in RAW264.7 cells stimulated by LPS, thus providing a basis for the follow-up research and development for 15-LOX inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yatong Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Fengtai District, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine, School of Pharmacy, Ministry of Education, Minzu University of China, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xia Wu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Fengtai District, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Collateral Disease Theory Research, Capital Medical University, Fengtai District, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yanbin Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Fengtai District, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Collateral Disease Theory Research, Capital Medical University, Fengtai District, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Junfang Guo
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Fengtai District, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yulang Tian
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Fengtai District, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Ziyue Lin
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Fengtai District, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Xing Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Fengtai District, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Lab of Traditional Chinese Medicine Collateral Disease Theory Research, Capital Medical University, Fengtai District, Beijing 100069, China.
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Zang R, Qiu X, Song Y, Wang Y. Exosomes Mediated Transfer of Circ_0000337 Contributes to Cisplatin (CDDP) Resistance of Esophageal Cancer by Regulating JAK2 via miR-377-3p. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:673237. [PMID: 34307356 PMCID: PMC8297519 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.673237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Chemoresistance remains a major obstacle to the treatment of esophageal cancer patients. Exosome-mediated transfer of circular RNAs (circRNAs) has been reported to be related to drug resistance in esophageal cancer. This study is designed to explore the role and mechanism of exosomal circ_0000337 on CDDP resistance in esophageal cancer. Methods: Cell viability, proliferation, colony number, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, flow cytometry, and transwell assays. Circ_0000337, microRNA-377 (miR-377-3p), and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) levels were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Exosomes were isolated and detected by differential centrifugation and a transmission electron microscope. Protein levels of CD9, CD63, and JAK2 were tested by Western blot assay. The binding relationship between miR-377-3p and circ_0000337 or JAK2 was predicted by circinteractome or Starbase and then verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay. The biological role of exosomal circ_0000337 and CDDP on esophageal cancer cell growth was examined by the xenograft tumor model in vivo. Results: Circ_0000337 and JAK2 were highly expressed, and miR-377-3p was decreased in CDDP-resistant esophageal cancer tissues and cells. Moreover, circ_0000337-containing exosomes secreted by CDDP-resistant esophageal cancer cells could promote CDDP resistance, cell growth, and metastasis in CDDP-sensitive esophageal cancer cells in vitro. The mechanical analysis discovered that circ_0000337 functioned as a sponge of miR-377-3p to regulate JAK2 expression. Exosomal circ_0000337 increased the drug resistance of esophageal cancer in vivo. Conclusion: Exosomal circ_0000337 accelerated CDDP resistance of esophageal cancer cells partly by regulating the miR-377-3p/JAK2 axis, hinting a promising therapeutic target for the esophageal cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukun Zang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Xiaowen Qiu
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China.,Oncology, Binzhou Medical College, Binzhou, China
| | - Yipeng Song
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
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Michalkova R, Mirossay L, Gazdova M, Kello M, Mojzis J. Molecular Mechanisms of Antiproliferative Effects of Natural Chalcones. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112730. [PMID: 34073042 PMCID: PMC8198114 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite the important progress in cancer treatment in the past decades, the mortality rates in some types of cancer have not significantly decreased. Therefore, the search for novel anticancer drugs has become a topic of great interest. Chalcones, precursors of flavonoid synthesis in plants, have been documented as natural compounds with pleiotropic biological effects including antiproliferative/anticancer activity. This article focuses on the knowledge on molecular mechanisms of antiproliferative action of chalcones and draws attention to this group of natural compounds that may be of importance in the treatment of cancer disease. Abstract Although great progress has been made in the treatment of cancer, the search for new promising molecules with antitumor activity is still one of the greatest challenges in the fight against cancer due to the increasing number of new cases each year. Chalcones (1,3-diphenyl-2-propen-1-one), the precursors of flavonoid synthesis in higher plants, possess a wide spectrum of biological activities including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer. A plethora of molecular mechanisms of action have been documented, including induction of apoptosis, autophagy, or other types of cell death, cell cycle changes, and modulation of several signaling pathways associated with cell survival or death. In addition, blockade of several steps of angiogenesis and proteasome inhibition has also been documented. This review summarizes the basic molecular mechanisms related to the antiproliferative effects of chalcones, focusing on research articles from the years January 2015–February 2021.
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Jia Z, Xie Y, Wu H, Wang Z, Li A, Li Z, Yang Z, Zhang Z, Xing Z, Zhang X. Phlorizin from sweet tea inhibits the progress of esophageal cancer by antagonizing the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Oncol Rep 2021; 46:137. [PMID: 34036398 PMCID: PMC8165578 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.8088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Phlorizin, an important member of the dihydrochalcone family, has been widely used as a Chinese Traditional Medicine for treatment of numerous diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of phlorizin on esophageal cancer. Phlorizin, extracted from sweet tea, was used to treat esophageal cancer cells. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were determined using Cell Counting Kit-8 and colony formation assays, and wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively. RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis was used to investigate the potential mechanism of phlorizin in the development of esophageal cancer. Fluorescent staining and flow cytometry was used to measure the level of apoptosis. The expression level of the proteins, P62/SQSTM1 and LC3 І/II, and the effect of phlorizin on the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway was detected using western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that phlorizin could inhibit cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Bioinformatics analysis showed that phlorizin might be involved in pleiotropic effects, such as the ‘JAK/STAT signaling pathway’ (hsa04630), ‘MAPK signaling pathway’(hsa04010) and ‘apoptosis’ (hsa04210). It was also confirmed that phlorizin promoted apoptosis and inhibited autophagy in the esophageal cancer cells. Notably, phlorizin might inhibit the proteins in the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, which would affect cancer cells. Taken together, the present data showed that phlorizin inhibited the progression of esophageal cancer by antagonizing the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxian Jia
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Yuning Xie
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Hongjiao Wu
- College of Life Science, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- School of Pharmacy, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Ang Li
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Ze Li
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Zhenbang Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Tangshan Gongren Hospital, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
| | - Zhaobin Xing
- College of Life Science, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
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Synthetic methods and biological applications of retrochalcones isolated from the root of Glycyrrhiza species: A review. RESULTS IN CHEMISTRY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rechem.2021.100216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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