Casticin impairs cell migration and invasion of mouse melanoma B16F10 cells via PI3K/AKT and NF-κB signaling pathways

Casticin ameliorates osteoarthritic cartilage damage in rats through PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α signaling

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a chronic, disabling knee joint lesion in which degeneration and defects in articular cartilage are the most important features. Casticin (CAS) is a flavonoid extracted from the Chinese herb Vitex species that has anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic and mechanistic effects of CAS on cartilage damage in KOA. A KOA rat model was established by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT), and cartilage morphological changes were assessed by histological analysis and micro-CT scans. Subsequently, chondrocytes were treated with 10 ng/mL IL-1β to establish an OA model. CCK-8 assays and EdU assays were performed to assess the viability of CAS-treated chondrocytes. Western blotting, flow cytometry and Hoechst 33342/PI Double Stain were used to detect chondrocyte apoptosis. Western blotting, qRT‒PCR and ELISA were used to detect changes in inflammatory mediators. In addition, cartilage matrix-related indices were detected by Western blotting, qRT‒PCR and immunofluorescence (IF) analysis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blotting were performed to detect the expression of p-PI3K, p-AKT and HIF-1α in vivo and in vitro. Micro-CT, pathological sections and related scores showed that CAS improved the alterations in bony structures and reduced cartilage damage and osteophyte formation in the ACLT model. In vivo, CAS attenuated IL-1β-induced cartilage matrix degradation, apoptosis and the inflammatory response. In addition, CAS inhibited the expression of the PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α signaling pathway in the ACLT animal model and IL-1β cell model. CAS may ameliorate cartilage damage in OA by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α signaling pathway, suggesting that CAS is a potential strategy for the treatment of OA.

Casticin induces apoptosis and cytoprotective autophagy while inhibiting stemness involving Akt/mTOR and JAK2/STAT3 pathways in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant glioma. However, the current systemic drugs cannot completely cure GBM. Casticin is a methoxylated flavonol compound isolated from a traditional Chinese medicine Vitex rotundifolia L.f. and exhibits a strong antitumor activity in multiple human malignancies. This study was aimed to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of casticin in GBM. The MTT assay and colony formation was used to evaluate the casticin-induced cell viability in GBM cells. Apoptosis was assessed by ANNEXIV/PI staining assay. Autophagy was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence assays. GBM stem cell (GSC) was analyzed by tumor-sphere formation assay and ALDEFLUOR assay. The anti-GBM effect of casticin was also determined by the U87MG xenograft model. Casticin inhibited tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo, as well as significantly induced apoptosis and autophagy. Autophagy inhibition augmented casticin-induced apoptosis. Casticin also reduced the GSC population by suppressing Oct4, Nanog, and Sox2. Mechanistically, casticin inhibited Akt/mTOR and JAK2/STAT3 signal pathways. The antitumor effect of casticin in GBM was demonstrated by inducing apoptosis, autophagy, and reducing population of GSCs; thus, it may be a potential GBM therapeutic agent for future clinical usage.

A novel mitochondria-targeting compound exerts therapeutic effects against melanoma by inducing mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and autophagy in vitro and in vivo

Melanoma is the most invasive skin cancer, with a high mortality rate. However, existing therapeutic drugs have side effects, low reactivity, and lead to drug resistance. As the power source in cells, mitochondria play an important role in the survival of cancer cells and are an important target for tumor therapy. This study aimed to develop a new anti-melanoma compound that targets mitochondria, evaluate its effect on the proliferation and metastasis of melanoma cells, and explore its mechanism of action. The novel mitochondria-targeting compound, SCZ0148, was synthesized by modifying the structure of cyanine. Then, A375 and B16 cells were incubated with different concentrations of SCZ0148, and different doses of SCZ0148 were administered to A375 and B16 xenograft zebrafish. The results showed that SCZ0148 targeted mitochondria, had dose- and time-dependent effects on the proliferation of melanoma cell lines, and had no obvious side effects on normal cells. In addition, SCZ0148 induced melanoma cell apoptosis through the reactive oxygen species-mediated mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis and promoted autophagy. SCZ0148 significantly inhibited the migration of melanoma cells via a matrix metalloprotein 9-mediated pathway. Similarly, SCZ0148 inhibited melanoma cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner in vivo. In summary, SCZ0148 may be a novel anti-melanoma compound that targets mitochondria.

The combination of NDUFS1 with CD4+ T cell infiltration predicts favorable prognosis in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma

Background: Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is an immunogenic tumor, and immune infiltrates are relevant to patients' therapeutic response and prognosis. NDUFS1, the core subunit of mitochondrial complex I, has been reported to be associated with KIRC patients' prognosis. However, the upstream regulator for NDUFS1 and their correlations with immune infiltration remain unclear. Methods: The expression of NDUFS genes in KIRC and their influences on patients' survival were investigated by UALCAN, ENCORI, Oncomine, TIMER as well as Kaplan-Meier Plotter. miRNAs regulating NDUFS1 were predicted and analyzed by TargetScan and ENCORI. The correlations between NDUFS1 expression and immune cell infiltration or gene marker sets of immune infiltrates were analyzed via TIMER. The overall survival in high/low NDUFS1 or hsa-miR-320b expressed KIRC patients with or without immune infiltrates were analyzed via Kaplan-Meier Plotter. The combined NDUFS1 expression and/or CD4⁺ T cell infiltration on KIRC patients' overall survival were validated by multiplexed immunofluorescence (mIF) staining in tissue microarray (TMA). Furthermore, the influences of NDUFS1 expression on the chemotaxis of CD4⁺ T cells to KIRC cells were performed by transwell migration assays. Results: We found that the low expression of NDUFS1 mRNA and protein in KIRC was correlated with unfavorable patients' survival and poor infiltration of CD4⁺ T cells. In patients with decreased CD4⁺ T cell infiltration whose pathological grade less than III, TMA mIF staining showed that low expression of NDUFS1 had significantly poor OS than that with high expression of NDUFS1 did. Furthermore, hsa-miR-320b, a possible negative regulator of NDUFS1, was highly expressed in KIRC. And, low NDUFS1 or high hsa-miR-320b consistently correlated to unfavorable outcomes in KIRC patients with decreased CD4⁺ T cell infiltration. In vitro, NDUFS1 overexpression significantly increased the chemotaxis of CD4⁺ T cell to KIRC cells. Conclusion: Together, NDUFS1, upregulated by decreased hsa-miR-320b expression in KIRC patients, might act as a biomarker for CD4⁺ T cell infiltration. And, the combination of NDUFS1 with CD4⁺ T cell infiltration predicts favorable prognosis in KIRC.

Casticin as potential anticancer agent: recent advancements in multi-mechanistic approaches

Plants, with their range of pharmacologically active molecules, represent the most promising source for the production of new anticancer drugs and for the formulation of adjuvants in chemotherapy treatments to reduce drug content and/or counteract the side effects of chemotherapy. Casticin is a major bioactive flavonoid isolated from several plants, mainly from the Vitex species. This compound is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are mainly exploited in traditional medicine. Recently, the antineoplastic potential of casticin has attracted the attention of the scientific community for its ability to target multiple cancer pathways. The purpose of this review is, therefore, to present and critically analyze the antineoplastic potential of casticin, highlighting the molecular pathways underlying its antitumor effects. Bibliometric data were extracted from the Scopus database using the search strings "casticin" and "cancer" and analyzed using VOSviewer software to generate network maps to visualize the results. Overall, more than 50% of the articles were published since 2018 and even more recent studies have expanded the knowledge of casticin's antitumor activity by adding interesting new mechanisms of action as a topoisomerase IIα inhibitor, DNA methylase 1 inhibitor, and an upregulator of the onco-suppressive miR-338-3p. Casticin counteracts cancer progression through the induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and metastasis arrest, acting on several pathways that are generally dysregulated in different types of cancer. In addition, they highlight that casticin can be considered as a promising epigenetic drug candidate to target not only cancer cells but also cancer stem-like cells.

CCL3-CCR5 axis promotes cell migration and invasion of colon adenocarcinoma via Akt signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) can promote tumorigenesis and development. C-C motif chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3) was reported to be derived from TAMs and tumor cells and facilitate the progression of several cancers. Nevertheless, whether CCL3 can be derived from TAMs and tumor cells of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is unclarified.

METHODS

Peripheral blood monocytes-derived macrophages were polarized by the conditioned medium from COAD cells to establish TAM-like macrophages (TAM1/2). RT-qPCR and western blotting were used for detection of expression levels of CCL3 and its receptors C-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CCR1) and CCR5 in TAM1/2 and COAD cells. Immunofluorescence staining was utilized for evaluating CCL3, CD163 and CCR5 expression. The Akt signaling pathway-associated protein levels were measured by western blotting. Transwell assays were used for assessing cell migration and invasiveness.

RESULTS

CCL3 displayed a high level in TAMs and cancer cells of COAD. CCL3 activated the Akt signaling pathway by binding to CCR5. CCL3-CCR5 axis facilitated COAD cell migration and invasiveness by activating the Akt signaling. CCL3 derived from both TAMs and cancer cells contributed to the malignant behaviors of COAD cells. High expression of CCL3/CCR5 was closely associated with poor prognoses of COAD patients.

CONCLUSION

CCL3-CCR5 interaction promotes cell migration and invasiveness, and functions as a prognostic biomarker for COAD.

Cyclophilin A binds to AKT1 and facilitates the tumorigenicity of Epstein-Barr virus by mediating the activation of AKT/mTOR/NF-κB positive feedback loop

The AKT/mTOR and NF-κB signalings are crucial pathways activated in cancers including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), which is prevalent in southern China and closely related to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. How these master pathways are persistently activated in EBV-associated NPC remains to be investigated. Here we demonstrated that EBV-encoded latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) promoted cyclophilin A (CYPA) expression through the activation of NF-κB. The depletion of CYPA suppressed cell proliferation and facilitated apoptosis. CYPA was able to bind to AKT1, thus activating AKT/mTOR/NF-κB signaling cascade. Moreover, the use of mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, subverted the activation of the positive feedback loop, NF-κB/CYPA/AKT/mTOR. It is reasonable that LMP1 expression derived from initial viral infection is enough to assure the constant potentiation of AKT/mTOR and NF-κB signalings. This may partly explain the fact that EBV serves as a tumor-promoting factor with minimal expression of the viral oncoprotein LMP1 in malignancies. Our findings provide new insight into the understanding of causative role of EBV in tumorigenicity during latent infection.

Casticin and chrysosplenol D from Artemisia annua L. induce apoptosis by inhibiting topoisomerase IIα in human non-small-cell lung cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Artemisia annua L. (A. annua) and its active components exhibit antitumour effects in many cancer cells. However, the biological processes and mechanisms involved are not well understood, especially for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PURPOSE

This study aimed to comprehensively explore the biological processes of A. annua and its active components in NSCLC cells and to identify the mechanism by which these compounds induce apoptosis.

STUDY DESIGNS/METHODS

Cell viability and flow cytometry assays were used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of A. annua active components casticin (CAS) and chrysosplenol D (CHD) in A. annua in NSCLC cells. After treatment with CAS and CHD, A549 cells were subjected to RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened and subjected to functional enrichment analysis (KEGG and GO analysis) as well as protein interaction network analysis. The key targets associated with apoptosis induction in A549 cells were screened by Cytoscape, and the screened DEGs were validated by qRT-PCR. Immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, and molecular docking assays were used to determine whether CAS and/or CHD could induce apoptosis in NSCLC cells by inducing DNA damage through down-regulation of topoisomerase IIα (topo IIα) expression. The same experiments were verified again in the H1299 lung cancer cell line.

RESULTS

CAS and CHD inhibited NSCLC cells proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner, and significantly induced apoptosis. A total of 115 co-upregulated DEGs and 277 co-downregulated DEGs were identified in A549 cells following treatment with CAS and CHD. Comprehensive and systematic data about biological processes and mechanisms were obtained. DNA damage pathways and topo IIα targets were screened to study the apoptosis effects of CAS and CHD on NSCLC cells. CAS and CHD may be able to induce DNA damage by binding to topo IIα-DNA and reducing topo IIα activity.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that CAS and CHD may reduce topo IIα activity by binding to topo IIα-DNA, affecting the replication of DNA, triggering DNA damage, and inducing apoptosis. It described a novel mechanism associated with topo IIα inhibition to reveal a novel role for CAS and CHD in A. annua as potential anticancer agents and/or adjuvants in NSCLC cells.

Phenethyl Isothiocyanate Suppresses the Proinflammatory Cytokines in Human Glioblastoma Cells through the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Signaling Pathway In Vitro

Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), extracted from cruciferous vegetables, showed anticancer activity in many human cancer cells. Our previous studies disclosed the anticancer activity of PEITC in human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) 8401 cells, including suppressing the cell proliferation, inducing apoptotic cell death, and suppressing cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, PEITC also inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors of human glioblastoma cells. We are the first to investigate PEITC effects on the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling pathway and the effects of proinflammatory cytokines on glioblastoma. The cell viability was analyzed by flow cytometric assay. The protein levels and mRNA expressions of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reader and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, respectively. Furthermore, nuclear factor-kappa B- (NF-κB-) associated proteins were evaluated by western blotting. NF-κB expression and nuclear translocation were confirmed by confocal laser microscopy. NF-κB binding to the DNA was examined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Our results indicated that PEITC decreased the cell viability and inhibited the protein levels and expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α genes at the transcriptional level in GBM 8401 cells. PEITC inhibited the binding of NF-κB on promoter site of DNA in GBM 8401 cells. PEITC also altered the protein expressions of protein kinase B (Akt), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and NF-κB signaling pathways. The inflammatory responses in human glioblastoma cells may be suppressed by PEITC through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. Thus, PEITC may have the potential to be an anti-inflammatory agent for human glioblastoma in the future.

Algal Lipids as Modulators of Skin Disease: A Critical Review

The prevalence of inflammatory skin diseases continues to increase with a high incidence in children and adults. These diseases are triggered by environmental factors, such as UV radiation, certain chemical compounds, infectious agents, and in some cases, people with a genetic predisposition. The pathophysiology of inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, but also of skin cancers, is the result of the activation of inflammation-related metabolic pathways and the overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines observed in in vitro and in vivo studies. Inflammatory skin diseases are also associated with oxidative stress, overproduction of ROS, and impaired antioxidant defense, which affects the metabolism of immune cells and skin cells (keratinocytes and fibroblasts) in systemic and skin disorders. Lipids from algae have been scarcely applied to modulate skin diseases, but they are well known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. They have shown scavenging activities and can modulate redox homeostasis enzymes. They can also downmodulate key inflammatory signaling pathways and transcription factors such as NF-κB, decreasing the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators. Thus, the exploitation of algae lipids as therapeutical agents for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases is highly attractive, being critically reviewed in the present work.

The network pharmacology integrated with pharmacokinetics to clarify the pharmacological mechanism of absorbed components from Viticis fructus extract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Viticis fructus (VF) has been widely used in alleviating the swelling and pain, owning to its pharmacologically active components including agnuside, 10-O-vanilloylaucubin, luteolin and casticin.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The pharmacokinetic profiles of the absorbed components from aqueous and ethanolic extracts of VF in rat plasma were performed, and explored the molecular mechanisms of absorbed components via network pharmacology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (UHPLC-MS/MS) was employed to identify the absorbed components from rat plasma. Liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate was used to purify the plasma samples. Plasma pharmacokinetics parameters of the components absorbed were analyzed after oral administration of both extracts. Network pharmacology was used to predict the biological functions and potential signaling pathways of VF. The anti-cancer effects of VF extract and absorbed components have been confirmed by in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

The method was very sensitive with lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of 1.0, 2.5, 0.2 and 0.5 ng/mL for agnuside, 10-O-vanilloylaucubin, luteolin and casticin, respectively. With the exception of 10-O-vanilloylaucubin which was not detected in the ethanolic extract of VF, all other components were detected in both extracts in plasma. The pharmacokinetic parameters of the four components from rat plasma were significantly different between the two extracts. According to the results of network pharmacology, the absorption components of VF are enriched in 32 key pathways, and 15 pathways are related to cancer. Ultimately, the anti-cancer effects, as well as the signaling pathways of VF ethanolic extract and absorbed components were verified by in vitro experiments.

CONCLUSION

The optimized, sensitive and validated UHPLC-MS/MS method was successfully applied for the plasma pharmacokinetics comparison analysis of the two VF extracts. The combination of network pharmacology and pharmacokinetics provides a useful method to elucidate the biological effects and molecular mechanism of the absorbed components of VF.

Casticin Inhibits In Vivo Growth of Xenograft Tumors of Human Oral Cancer SCC-4 Cells

BACKGROUND/AIM

Casticin, one of the active components of Vitex rotundifolia L., presents biological and pharmacological activities including inhibition of migration, invasion and induction of apoptosis in numerous human cancer cells in vitro. This study aimed to assess the effects of casticin on tumor growth in a human oral cancer SCC-4 cell xenograft mouse model in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-four nude mice were injected subcutaneously with SCC-4 cells and when palpable tumors reached a volume of 100-120 mm³ the mice were randomly divided into three groups. The control (0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide), casticin (0.2 mg/kg), and casticin (0.4 mg/kg) groups were intraperitoneally injected every two days for 18 days. Tumor volume and body weights were measured every two days.

RESULTS

Casticin significantly decreased tumor volume and weight in SCC-4 cell xenograft mice but there was no statistically significant difference between the body weights of control mice and mice treated with 0.2 mg/kg or 0.4 mg/kg casticin. Therefore, the growth of SCC-4 cells in athymic nude mice can be inhibited by casticin in vivo.

CONCLUSION

These findings support further investigations in the potential use of casticin as an oral anti-cancer drug in the future.

Alternative Options for Skin Cancer Therapy via Regulation of AKT and Related Signaling Pathways

Global environmental pollution has led to human exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation due to the damaged ozone layer, thereby increasing the incidence and death rate of skin cancer including both melanoma and non-melanoma. Overexpression and activation of V-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (AKT, also known as protein kinase B) and related signaling pathways are major factors contributing to many cancers including lung cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and skin cancer. Although BRAF inhibitors are used to treat melanoma, further options are needed due to treatment resistance and poor efficacy. Depletion of AKT expression and activation, and related signaling cascades by its inhibitors, decreases the growth of skin cancer and metastasis. Here we have focused the effects of AKT and related signaling (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) pathways by regulators derived from plants and suggest the need for efficient treatment in skin cancer therapy.

An Overview of the Potential Antineoplastic Effects of Casticin

Cancer persists as one of the leading causes of deaths worldwide, contributing to approximately 9.6 million deaths per annum in recent years. Despite the numerous advancements in cancer treatment, there is still abundant scope to mitigate recurrence, adverse side effects and toxicities caused by existing pharmaceutical drugs. To achieve this, many phytochemicals from plants and natural products have been tested against cancer cell lines in vivo and in vitro. Likewise, casticin, a flavonoid extracted from the Vitex species, has been isolated from the leaves and seeds of V. trifolia and V. agnus-castus. Casticin possesses a wide range of therapeutic properties, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, antiasthmatic and antineoplastic activities. Several studies have been conducted on the anticancer effects of casticin against cancers, including breast, bladder, oral, lung, leukemia and hepatocellular carcinomas. The compound inhibits invasion, migration and proliferation and induces apoptosis (casticin-induced, ROS-mediated and mitochondrial-dependent) and cell cycle arrest (G0/G1, G2/M, etc.) through different signaling pathways, namely the PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, STAT3 and FOXO3a/FoxM1 pathways. This review summarizes the chemo-preventive ability of casticin as an antineoplastic agent against several malignancies.

A Beta/ZSM-22 Zeolites-Based-Mixed Matrix Solid-Phase Dispersion Method for the Simultaneous Extraction and Determination of Eight Compounds with Different Polarities in Viticis Fructus by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Viticis Fructus (VF) was named Manjingzi as a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) targeting various pains and inflammation for more than 2000 years. To guarantee the quality of Viticis Fructus, a simple, quick and eco-friendly Beta/ZSM-22 zeolites-based-mixed matrix solid-phase dispersion method (B/Z-MMSPD) was established for simultaneous extraction and determination of eight compounds (two phenolic acids, two iridoid glycosides, vanillin and three flavonoids) with different polarities from Viticis Fructus by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Beta and ZSM-22 were mixed as the sorbent. Water, tetrahydrofuran and methanol were blended with certain ratio as the eluent. Several parameters including types of sorbents, mass ratio of Beta to ZSM-22, mass ratio of matrix to sorbent, grinding time, types, concentration and volume of eluent were optimized. The recoveries of eight analytes were within the range of 95.0%–105% (RSDs ≤ 4.13%). The limits of detection and limits of quantitation ranged from 0.5 to 5.5 μg/g and from 1.5 to 16 μg/g, respectively. Compared to the traditional extract methods, it was a simple, rapid, efficient and green method. The results demonstrated that a simple, rapid, efficient and green B/Z-MMSPD was developed for the simultaneous extraction and determination of eight target analytes with different polarities for quality control of Viticis Fructus.

Emerging Perspective: Role of Increased ROS and Redox Imbalance in Skin Carcinogenesis

Strategies to battle malignant tumors have always been a dynamic research endeavour. Although various vehicles (e.g., chemotherapeutic therapy, radiotherapy, surgical resection, etc.) are used for skin cancer management, they mostly remain unsatisfactory due to the complex mechanism of carcinogenesis. Increasing evidence indicates that redox imbalance and aberrant reactive oxygen species (ROS) are closely implicated in the oncogenesis of skin cancer. When ROS production goes beyond their clearance, excessive or accumulated ROS could disrupt redox balance, induce oxidative stress, and activate the altered ROS signals. These would damage cellular DNA, proteins, and lipids, further leading to gene mutation, cell hyperproliferation, and fatal lesions in cells that contribute to carcinogenesis in the skin. It has been known that ROS-mediated skin carcinogenesis involves multiple ways, including modulating related signaling pathways, changing cell metabolism, and causing the instability of the genome and epigenome. Nevertheless, the exact role of ROS in skin cancer has not been thoroughly elucidated. In spite of ROS inducing skin carcinogenesis, toxic-dose ROS could trigger cell death/apoptosis and, therefore, may be an efficient therapeutic tool to battle skin cancer. Considering the dual role of ROS in the carcinogenesis and treatment of skin cancer, it would be essential to clarify the relationship between ROS and skin cancer. Thus, in this review, we get the related data together to seek the connection between ROS and skin carcinogenesis. Besides, strategies basing on ROS to fight skin cancer are discussed.

Casticin inhibits invasion and proliferation via downregulation of β-catenin and reversion of EMT in oral squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Casticin expresses multiple anti-cancer activities, whereas the effect of casticin on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is still unclear. β-catenin signaling plays a crucial role in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition which is closely related to tumorigenesis. Herein, we aimed to study the functions of casticin on invasion and migration of OSCC, and clarify whether the effect of casticin on OSCC has a relationship with β-catenin signaling.

METHODS

Human OSCC cell lines UM1 and HSC-3 were treated with different concentrations of casticin. The cell viability was evaluated by MTT and soft agar colony formation. Transwell assay and wound-healing assay were performed to measure the ability of cell invasion and migration. The protein expression was assessed by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Casticin displayed inhibitory activities of cell viability, invasion, and migration on OSCC cell lines. Meanwhile, casticin could reverse EMT process and inhibit the expression of β-catenin in OSCC. Knock-down or overexpression of β-catenin could alter the effect of casticin on OSCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Casticin impaired invasion and migration of OSCC by inhibition of β-catenin and reversal of EMT and could be a potential anti-cancer bioactive agent.

Emerging roles for multifunctional ion channel auxiliary subunits in cancer

Several superfamilies of plasma membrane channels which regulate transmembrane ion flux have also been shown to regulate a multitude of cellular processes, including proliferation and migration. Ion channels are typically multimeric complexes consisting of conducting subunits and auxiliary, non-conducting subunits. Auxiliary subunits modulate the function of conducting subunits and have putative non-conducting roles, further expanding the repertoire of cellular processes governed by ion channel complexes to processes such as transcellular adhesion and gene transcription. Given this expansive influence of ion channels on cellular behaviour it is perhaps no surprise that aberrant ion channel expression is a common occurrence in cancer. This review will focus on the conducting and non-conducting roles of the auxiliary subunits of various Ca2+, K+, Na+ and Cl- channels and the burgeoning evidence linking such auxiliary subunits to cancer. Several subunits are upregulated (e.g. Cavβ, Cavγ) and downregulated (e.g. Kvβ) in cancer, while other subunits have been functionally implicated as oncogenes (e.g. Navβ1, Cavα2δ1) and tumour suppressor genes (e.g. CLCA2, KCNE2, BKγ1) based on in vivo studies. The strengthening link between ion channel auxiliary subunits and cancer has exposed these subunits as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. However further mechanistic understanding is required into how these subunits contribute to tumour progression before their therapeutic potential can be fully realised.

Casticin inhibits human prostate cancer DU 145 cell migration and invasion via Ras/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathways

Casticin, a polymethoxyflavone derived from natural plants, has biological activities including induction of cell apoptosis. In this study, we showed the beneficial effects of casticin on the inhibition of prostate cancer cell metastasis. Casticin reduced total viable cell number, thus, we selected low doses of casticin for following experiments. Casticin decreased cell mobility, suppressed cell migration and invasion, and reduced cell gelatinolytic activities of MMP-2/-9. Furthermore, casticin inhibited the protein levels of AKT, GSK3 αβ, Snail, and MMPs (MMP-2, -9, -13, and -7) at 24 and 48 hr treatment. Casticin diminished the expressions of NF-κB p65, GRB2, SOS-1, MEK, p-ERK1/2, and p-JNK1/2 at 48 hr treatment only. However, casticin reduced the level of E-cadherin at 24 hr treatment but elevated at 48 hr. The novel findings suggest that casticin may represent a new and promising therapeutic agent for the metastatic prostate cancer. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Casticin derived from natural plants had been used for Chinese medicine in Chinese population for thousands of years. In the present study, casticin attenuated metastatic effects, including decreasing viable cell number, inhibiting the migration, invasion, and adhesion, and reducing matrix metalloproteinases activity on human prostate DU 145 cancer cells. In addition, the results also provided possible pathways involved in casticin anti-metastasis mechanism. We conclude that casticin may be an aptitude anticancer agent or adjuvant for the metastatic prostate cancer in the future.

Fisetin Suppresses Human Osteosarcoma U-2 OS Cell Migration and Invasion via Affecting FAK, uPA and NF-ĸB Signaling Pathway In Vitro

BACKGROUND/AIM

Evidence has indicated that fisetin induces cytotoxic effects in human cancer cell lines, including the inhibition of cell migration and invasion, however, the exact molecular mechanism of action of fisetin in human osteosarcoma cells remains unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-metastatic mechanisms of fisetin in human osteosarcoma U-2 OS cells were investigated in vitro.

RESULTS

Fisetin reduced the viability of cells at different concentrations (2.5, 5 and 10 μM) as measured by flow cytometric assay. Fisetin suppressed cell mobility, migration and invasion of U-2 OS cells, as shown by wound healing assay and transwell filter chambers, respectively. The gelatin zymography assay showed that fisetin inhibited MMP-2 activity in U-2 OS cells. Results from western blotting indicated that fisetin reduced the levels of pEGFR, SOS-1, GRB2, Ras, PKC, p-ERK1/2, p-JNK, p-p-38, VEGF, FAK, RhoA, PI3K, p-AKT, NF-ĸB, uPA, MMP-7, MMP-9, and MMP-13, but increased GSK3β and E-cadherin in U-2 OS cells after 48 h of treatment.

CONCLUSION

Fisetin can be used in the future, as a target for the treatment of metastasis of human osteosarcoma cells.

Casticin-Induced Inhibition of Cell Growth and Survival Are Mediated through the Dual Modulation of Akt/mTOR Signaling Cascade

The Akt/mTOR signaling cascade is a critical pathway involved in various physiological and pathological conditions, including regulation of cell proliferation, survival, invasion, and angiogenesis. In the present study, we investigated the anti-neoplastic effects of casticin (CTC), identified from the plant Vitex rotundifolia L., alone and/or in combination with BEZ-235, a dual Akt/mTOR inhibitor in human tumor cells. We found that CTC exerted a significant dose-dependent cytotoxicity and reduced cell proliferation in a variety of human tumor cells. Also, CTC effectively blocked the phosphorylation levels of Akt (Ser473) and mTOR (Ser2448) proteins as well as induced substantial apoptosis. Additionally treatment with CTC and BEZ-235 in conjunction resulted in a greater apoptotic effect than caused by either agent alone thus implicating the anti-neoplastic effects of this novel combination. Overall, the findings suggest that CTC can interfere with Akt/mTOR signaling cascade involved in tumorigenesis and can be used together with pharmacological agents targeting Akt/mTOR pathway.

Inhibition of Migration and Invasion in Melanoma Cells by β-Escin via the ERK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

β-Escin, a natural triterpene saponin was extracted from Aesculus hippocastanum seeds, which have been widely used to treat inflammation in traditional medicine. In an effort to study the possible anti-tumor effects of β-escin, we performed wound healing, invasion, and adhesion assays to examine the effects of β-escin on cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. Our results revealed that β-escin inhibits cell migration as well as motility in B16F10 and SK-MEL5 cells in a dose-dependent manner. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that β-escin increased TIMP-1, -2 while significantly downregulated phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) expression, and suppressing nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappa B (IκB) expression. Overall, the data from the current study suggest that β-escin has the potential for inhibiting both metastatic and angiogenic activities, and are the earliest evidence for the involvement of the NF-κB/IκB signaling in β-escin-induced anti-tumor effects.

Casticin inhibits breast cancer cell migration and invasion by down-regulation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

Casticin is one of the major active components isolated from Fructus viticis Increasing studies have revealed that casticin has potential anticancer activity in various cancer cells, but its effects on breast cancer cell migration and invasion are still not well known. Therefore, the ability of cell migration and invasion in the breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells treated by casticin was investigated. The results indicated that casticin significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion in the cells exposed to 0.25 and 0.50 µM of casticin for 24 h. Casticin treatment reduced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 (MMP-9) activity and down-regulated MMP-9 mRNA and protein expression, but not MMP-2. Casticin treatment suppressed the nuclear translocation of transcription factors c-Jun and c-Fos, but not nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and decreased the phosphorylated level of Akt (p-Akt). Additionally, the transfection of Akt overexpression vector to MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells could up-regulate MMP-9 expression concomitantly with a marked increase in cell invasion, but casticin treatment reduced Akt, p-Akt, and MMP-9 protein levels and inhibited the ability of cell invasion in breast cancer cells. Additionally, casticin attenuated lung metastasis of mouse 4T1 breast cancer cells in the mice and down-regulated MMP-9 expression in the lung tissues of mice treated by casticin. These findings suggest that MMP-9 expression suppression by casticin may act through inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway, which in turn results in the inhibitory effects of casticin on cell migration and invasion in breast cancer cells. Therefore, casticin may have potential for use in the treatment of breast cancer invasion and metastasis.

TRIM2 regulates the development and metastasis of tumorous cells of osteosarcoma

The present study aimed to investigate candidate genes involved in the development and metastasis of osteosarcoma. Candidate genes were screened preliminarily from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and then validated using actual tumor tissues collected from patients with osteosarcoma. The cells were prepared and transfected with specific gene-targeted small interfering RNA followed by an MTS assay for cell viability detection and Transwell assays for cell migration and invasion capacity detection. The cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry and the protein level of the genes was detected by western blot analysis. An in vivo nude model was used and injected with cells to detect the functions of the genes. Transcriptome sequencing was performed to verify the regulation network, followed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses for validation. Increased tripartite motif-containing protein 2 (TRIM2) was detected in the osteosarcoma tumor tissues compared with normal tissues. The inhibition of TRIM2 induced lower cell viability and cell invasion capacity, and increased the rate of cell apoptosis. Decreased TRIM2 also inhibited the development and metastasis of osteosarcoma in the nude mouse models. The transcriptome sequencing revealed that the regulation of TRIM2 may be correlated with genes, Sirtuin 4, DNA damage inducible transcript 3, cAMP responsive element binding protein 5, G protein-coupled receptor 65 (GPR65) and ADP-ribosyltransferase 5. Western blot analysis indicated that TRIM2 regulated the development and metastasis of osteosarcoma via the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway. Therefore, TRIM2 performs important functions in regulating the development and metastasis of osteosarcoma.

Berberine Inhibits Human Melanoma A375.S2 Cell Migration and Invasion via Affecting the FAK, uPA, and NF-κB Signaling Pathways and Inhibits PLX4032 Resistant A375.S2 Cell Migration In Vitro

Many studies have demonstrated that berberine inhibited the cell migration and invasion in human cancer cell lines. However, the exact molecular mechanism of berberine inhibiting the cell migration and invasion of human melanoma A375.S2 and A375.S2/PLX (PLX4032 induced resistant A375.S2) skin cancer cells remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the anti-metastasis mechanisms of berberine in human melanoma cancer A375.S2 cells and A375.S2/PLX resistant cells in vitro. Berberine at low concentrations (0, 1, 1.5 and 2 μM) induced cell morphological changes and reduced the viable cell number and inhibited the mobility, migration, and invasion of A375.S2 cells that were assayed by wound healing and transwell filter. The gelatin zymography assay showed that berberine slightly inhibited MMP-9 activity in A375.S2 cells. Results from western blotting indicated that berberine inhibited the expression of MMP-1, MMP-13, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, RhoA, ROCK1, SOS-1, GRB2, Ras, p-ERK1/2, p-c-Jun, p-FAK, p-AKT, NF-κB, and uPA after 24 h of treatment, but increased the PKC and PI3K in A375.S2 cells. PLX4032 is an inhibitor of the BRAFV600E mutation and used for the treatment of cancer cells harboring activated BRAF mutations. Berberine decrease cell number and inhibited the cell mobility in the resistant A375.S2 (A375.S2/PLX, PLX4032 generated resistant A375.S2 cells). Based on these observations, we suggest that the potential of berberine as an anti-metastatic agent in melanoma that deserves to be investigated in more detail, including in vivo studies in future.

Icariin induces the growth, migration and osteoblastic differentiation of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts by inhibiting Toll-like receptor 4 and NF-κB p65 phosphorylation

The proliferation, migration and differentiation capacities of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPDLCs) are important for the treatment of periodontal diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether icariin could promote these abilities in HPDLCs, and explore the cellular mechanisms therein. The results indicated that icarrin markedly blocked apoptosis, and increased the viability and migration of HPDLCs, particularly at the concentrations of 20 and 50 µM. In addition, icariin significantly promoted HPDLCs to synthesize extracellular matrix, which was reflected by the decreased expression of matrix matalloproteinase-1 and increased expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1. Furthermore, the levels of bone morphogenetic protein 2, collagen I, osteoprotegerin and alkaline phosphatase were markedly elevated by icariin, indicating that icariin was able to promote the osteogenic differentiation capability of HPDLCs. Icariin also inactivated the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR)-4/nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway by suppressing the expression levels of TLR-4 and phosphorylated p65, and by blocking p65 nuclear translocation. These results suggested that icarrin increased the survival, migration and osteoblastic differentiation of HPDLCs by inhibiting the TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Clinicopathologic significance of Cyr61 and NF-κB p65 expression in colorectal adenocarcinoma

AIM

To investigate the expression of cysteine rich 61 (Cyr61) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 in colorectal adenocarcinoma, and to explore their relationship with clinicopathologic parameters and prognosis.

METHODS

Ninety-two cases of colorectal adenocarcinoma treated at Hubei Huanggang Central Hospital from May 2010 to December 2012 were collected. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the expression of Cyr61 and NF-κB p65 in colorectal cancer and tumor adjacent tissues. The correlation between the expression of Cyr61 and NF-κB p65 and clinicopathological features and prognosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma was analyzed.

RESULTS

Both immunohistochemical staining and Western blot showed that the expression of Cyr61 and NF-κB p65 proteins in colorectal cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in tumor adjacent tissues (t = 24.866, P <0.001; t = 45.508, P <0.001). The expression of Cyr61 and NF-κB p65 in colorectal cancer tissue was significantly correlated (χ² = 14.087, P < 0.001). The expression of Cyr61 in colorectal cancer tissues was significantly correlated with tumor diameter, depth of invasion, vascular invasion, and TNM stage (P < 0.05). The expression of NF-κB p65 in colorectal cancer tissues was significantly correlated with tumor diameter, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage (P < 0.05). The 5-year overall survival rates of patients with high expression of Cyr61 or NF-κB p65 were 41.30% and 45.65%, respectively, which were significantly lower than those of patients with low expression of Cyr61 or NF-κB p65 (76.09% and 71.74%, respectively; HR = 0.341, 95%CI: 0.179-0.649, P = 0.001; HR = 0.465, 95%CI: 0.245-0.881, P = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

Cyr61 and NF-κB p65 proteins are highly expressed in colorectal cancer tissues, and high expression of Cyr61 and NF-κB p65 proteins is significantly associated with clinicopathologic parameters and prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer.

Casticin inhibits PDGF-induced proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells

Casticin (3', 5-dihydroxy-3, 4', 6, 7-tetramethoxyflavone), one of the main components from Vitex rotundifolia L., was reported to possess several pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anticancer, anti-asthma activities. However, the effects of casticin on airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) proliferation and migration have not been explored. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of casticin on the proliferation and migration of ASMCs, and study the possible molecular mechanism. Our results demonstrated that casticin significantly suppressed the proliferation and migration of ASMCs exposed to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), as well as reversed the PDGF-induced inhibition of the expression of contractile phenotype markers in ASMCs. In addition, casticin also inhibited PDGF-induced the expression of type I collagen and fibronectin in ASMCs induced by PDGF. Furthermore, casticin significantly prevented the activation of ERK1/2 and NF-κB pathways in PDGF-stimulated ASMCs. Taken together, these data demonstrated that casticin inhibits PDGF-induced human ASMC proliferation and migration through suppressing the activation of ERK1/2 and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Casticin from Vitex species: a short review on its anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties

This short review provides an update of the anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties of casticin from Vitex species. Casticin is a polymethylflavone with three rings, an orthocatechol moiety, a double bond, two hydroxyl groups and four methoxyl groups. Casticin has been isolated from various tissues of plants in the Vitex genus: fruits and leaves of V. trifolia, aerial parts and seeds of V. agnus-castus and leaves of V. negundo. Studies have reported the antiproliferative and apoptotic activities of casticin from Vitex species. The compound is effective against many cancer cell lines via different molecular mechanisms. Studies have also affirmed the anti-inflammatory properties of casticin, with several molecular mechanisms identified. Other pharmacological properties include anti-asthmatic, tracheospasmolytic, analgesic, antihyperprolactinemia, immunomodulatory, opioidergic, oestrogenic, anti-angiogenic, antiglioma, lung injury protection, rheumatoid arthritis amelioration and liver fibrosis attenuation activities. Clinical trials and commercial use of the casticin-rich fruit extract of V. agnus-castus among women with premenstrual syndrome were briefly discussed.

MicroRNA-1246 inhibits cell invasion and epithelial mesenchymal transition process by targeting CXCR4 in lung cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs) are closely related to lung cancer. However, the effects of miR-1246 on lung cancer are still elusive. In this study, we aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms of miR-1246 in lung cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using RT-qPCR assay, we analyzed the expression of miR-1246 in lung cancer cell lines and lung epithelial cell line. Using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, Transwell, RT-qPCR and western blot assays, we investigated cell viability, apoptosis, invasion and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Using luciferase reporter assay, we confirmed a target of miR-1246. Using western blot assay, we detected the protein mechanisms of Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signal pathways.

RESULTS

Our results showed that miR-1246 was down-regulated in lung cancer cell lines (A549, H1650 and H1299) compared to in lung epithelial cell line (16HBE14o). MiR-1246 overexpression remarkably inhibited cell invasion as well as up-regulated E-cadherin expression and down-regulated N-cadherin, Vimentin, ZEB1 and Snail expressions in A549 cells. Further studies have confirmed CXCR4 as a target gene of miR-1246, and CXCR4 silence significantly abolished the promotion effect of miR-1246 suppression on cell invasion and EMT process in A549 cells. Besides, miR-1246 blocked JAK/STAT and PI3K/AKT signal pathways by regulation of CXCR4.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrated that miR-1246 inhibited cell invasion and EMT process by targeting CXCR4 and blocking JAK/STAT and PI3K/AKT signal pathways in lung cancer cells.

Matrix Metalloproteinases: A challenging paradigm of cancer management

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are members of zinc-dependent endopeptidases implicated in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Over the decades, MMPs have been studied for their role in cancer progression, migration, and metastasis. As a result, accumulated evidence of MMPs incriminating role has made them an attractive therapeutic target. Early generations of broad-spectrum MMP inhibitors exhibited potent inhibitory activities, which subsequently led to clinical trials. Unexpectedly, these trials failed to meet the desired goals, mainly due to the lack of efficacy, poor oral bioavailability, and toxicity. In this review, we discuss the regulatory role of MMPs in cancer progression, current strategies in targeting MMPs for cancer treatment including prodrug design and tumor imaging, and therapeutic value of MMPs as biomarkers in breast, lung, and prostate cancers.

Oridonin inhibits migration, invasion, adhesion and TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition of melanoma cells by inhibiting the activity of PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been reported to play pivotal roles in tumor invasion and metastasis. Inhibition of EMT may exert beneficial effects in regulating metastasis. Oridonin (ORI), an active diterpenoid compound isolated from Rabdosia rubescens, was found to be a potent anti-metastatic agent. However, the possible involvement of ORI in the EMT in malignant melanoma is unclear. The present study found that ORI inhibited cell migration, invasion, and adhesion in A375 and B16-F10 melanoma cells. The transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced EMT was also inhibited in ORI-treated cells, as reflected in the upregulation of E-cadherin, and downregulation of vimentin and Snail. Similar results were observed in A375 and B16-F10 melanoma cells treated with ORI. Furthermore, pre-treatment with ORI blocked the TGF-β1-induced phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT serine/threonine kinase (Akt)/glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β signaling pathway activation. These effects mimicked PI3 kinase inhibitor LY294002 treatment. ORI interfered with the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway, and reversed TGF-β1-induced EMT, which suppressed the invasion and metastasis of melanoma cells. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that ORI inhibits melanoma cells migration, invasion, and adhesion and TGF-β1-induced EMT through the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway. These findings suggest that ORI is a promising anti-metastasis agent for melanoma.