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Mathavan A, Mathavan A, Krekora U, Daily K. Immune-mediated herb-induced liver injury: a potential association with herbal artemisinin use as supported by the updated RUCAM. BMJ Case Rep 2023; 16:e251852. [PMID: 37142282 PMCID: PMC10163430 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-251852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune-mediated herb-induced liver injury (HILI) is an acute or chronic inflammatory liver disease precipitated by a hepatotoxic agent with a presentation similar to acute autoimmune hepatitis. It is distinguished in clinical course from true autoimmune hepatitis by remission on drug discontinuation and immunosuppressive treatment. We report a potential case of immune-mediated HILI associated with artemisinin use, an herb underlying first-line malarial treatments, in a woman undergoing radiotherapy for right-sided pelvic sarcoma. A probable association in this case is supported by causality assessment using the updated Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (score of 6). She achieved clinical improvement with a course of oral corticosteroids and remained stable without relapse following discontinuation. Increased awareness of this complication is imperative, as literature to date only documents direct hepatocellular and cholestatic liver injury from artemisinin use, and should augment clinician counsel regarding complementary medicine administration, especially in high-risk individuals like those with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akash Mathavan
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Akshay Mathavan
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Urszula Krekora
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Karen Daily
- Hematology and Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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2
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Ng JPL, Han Y, Yang LJ, Birkholtz LM, Coertzen D, Wong HN, Haynes RK, Coghi P, Wong VKW. Antimalarial and antitumour activities of the steroidal quinone-methide celastrol and its combinations with artemiside, artemisone and methylene blue. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:988748. [PMID: 36120293 PMCID: PMC9479156 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.988748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin, isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal plant qīng hāo 青蒿 (Artemisia annua) and its derivatives are used for treatment of malaria. With treatment failures now being recorded for the derivatives and companion drugs used in artemisinin combination therapies new drug combinations are urgently required. The amino-artemisinins artemiside and artemisone display optimal efficacies in vitro against asexual and sexual blood stages of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and are active against tumour cell lines. In continuing the evolution of combinations of the amino-artemisinins with new drugs, we examine the triterpenoid quinone methide celastrol isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal plant léi gōng téng 雷公藤 (Tripterygium wilfordii). This compound is redox active, and has attracted considerable attention because of potent biological activities against manifold targets. We report that celastrol displays good IC50 activities ranging from 0.50–0.82 µM against drug-sensitive and resistant asexual blood stage Pf, and 1.16 and 0.28 µM respectively against immature and late stage Pf NF54 gametocytes. The combinations of celastrol with each of artemisone and methylene blue against asexual blood stage Pf are additive. Given that celastrol displays promising antitumour properties, we examined its activities alone and in combinations with amino-artemisinins against human liver HepG2 and other cell lines. IC50 values of the amino-artemisinins and celastrol against HepG2 cancer cells ranged from 0.55–0.94 µM. Whereas the amino-artemisinins displayed notable selectivities (SI > 171) with respect to normal human hepatocytes, in contrast, celastrol displayed no selectivity (SI < 1). The combinations of celastrol with artemiside or artemisone against HepG2 cells are synergistic. Given the promise of celastrol, judiciously designed formulations or structural modifications are recommended for mitigating its toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome P. L. Ng
- Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Yu Han
- Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Li Jun Yang
- Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Lyn-Marie Birkholtz
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria Institute Malaria for Sustainable Malaria Control, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
| | - Dina Coertzen
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria Institute Malaria for Sustainable Malaria Control, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
| | - Ho Ning Wong
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Richard K. Haynes
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Richard K. Haynes, Paolo Coghi, Vincent Kam Wai Wong,
| | - Paolo Coghi
- School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
- *Correspondence: Richard K. Haynes, Paolo Coghi, Vincent Kam Wai Wong,
| | - Vincent Kam Wai Wong
- Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
- *Correspondence: Richard K. Haynes, Paolo Coghi, Vincent Kam Wai Wong,
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Farmanpour-Kalalagh K, Beyraghdar Kashkooli A, Babaei A, Rezaei A, van der Krol AR. Artemisinins in Combating Viral Infections Like SARS-CoV-2, Inflammation and Cancers and Options to Meet Increased Global Demand. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:780257. [PMID: 35197994 PMCID: PMC8859114 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.780257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinin is a natural bioactive sesquiterpene lactone containing an unusual endoperoxide 1, 2, 4-trioxane ring. It is derived from the herbal medicinal plant Artemisia annua and is best known for its use in treatment of malaria. However, recent studies also indicate the potential for artemisinin and related compounds, commonly referred to as artemisinins, in combating viral infections, inflammation and certain cancers. Moreover, the different potential modes of action of artemisinins make these compounds also potentially relevant to the challenges the world faces in the COVID-19 pandemic. Initial studies indicate positive effects of artemisinin or Artemisia spp. extracts to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 related symptoms and WHO-supervised clinical studies on the potential of artemisinins to combat COVID-19 are now in progress. However, implementing multiple potential new uses of artemisinins will require effective solutions to boost production, either by enhancing synthesis in A. annua itself or through biotechnological engineering in alternative biosynthesis platforms. Because of this renewed interest in artemisinin and its derivatives, here we review its modes of action, its potential application in different diseases including COVID-19, its biosynthesis and future options to boost production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Farmanpour-Kalalagh
- Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arman Beyraghdar Kashkooli
- Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Arman Beyraghdar Kashkooli,
| | - Alireza Babaei
- Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Rezaei
- Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Wei MX, Yu JY, Liu XX, Li XQ, Yang JH, Zhang MW, Yang PW, Zhang SS, He Y. Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel artemisone-piperazine-tetronamide hybrids. RSC Adv 2021; 11:18333-18341. [PMID: 35480921 PMCID: PMC9033422 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra00750e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
For the first time, six novel artemisone-piperazine-tetronamide hybrids (12a-f) were efficiently synthesised from dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and investigated for their in vitro cytotoxicity against some human cancer cells and benign cells. All the targets showed good cytotoxic activity in vitro. Hybrid 12a exhibited much better inhibitory activity against human liver cancer cell line SMMC-7721 (IC50 = 0.03 ± 0.04 μM for 24 h) than the parent DHA (IC50 > 0.7 μM), and two references, vincristine (VCR; IC50 = 0.27 ± 0.03 μM) & cytosine arabinoside (ARA; IC50 = 0.63 ± 0.04 μM). Furthermore, hybrid 12a had low toxicity against human benign liver cell line LO2 (IC50 = 0.70 ± 0.02 μM for 24 h) compared with VCR, ARA, and DHA in vitro. Moreover, the inhibitory activity of hybrid 12a was obviously enhanced when human liver cancer cell line MHCC97H absorbed Fe2+ in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Xue Wei
- State Key Laboratory of High-efficiency Utilization of Coal and Green Chemical Engineering, Ningxia Engineering Research Center for Natural Medicine, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemistry Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia University 489 Helanshan West Road Yinchuan 750021 China
| | - Jia-Ying Yu
- State Key Laboratory of High-efficiency Utilization of Coal and Green Chemical Engineering, Ningxia Engineering Research Center for Natural Medicine, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemistry Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia University 489 Helanshan West Road Yinchuan 750021 China
| | - Xin-Xin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of High-efficiency Utilization of Coal and Green Chemical Engineering, Ningxia Engineering Research Center for Natural Medicine, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemistry Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia University 489 Helanshan West Road Yinchuan 750021 China
| | - Xue-Qiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of High-efficiency Utilization of Coal and Green Chemical Engineering, Ningxia Engineering Research Center for Natural Medicine, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemistry Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia University 489 Helanshan West Road Yinchuan 750021 China
| | - Jin-Hui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of High-efficiency Utilization of Coal and Green Chemical Engineering, Ningxia Engineering Research Center for Natural Medicine, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemistry Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia University 489 Helanshan West Road Yinchuan 750021 China
| | - Meng-Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of High-efficiency Utilization of Coal and Green Chemical Engineering, Ningxia Engineering Research Center for Natural Medicine, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemistry Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia University 489 Helanshan West Road Yinchuan 750021 China
| | - Pei-Wen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of High-efficiency Utilization of Coal and Green Chemical Engineering, Ningxia Engineering Research Center for Natural Medicine, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemistry Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia University 489 Helanshan West Road Yinchuan 750021 China
| | - Si-Si Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of High-efficiency Utilization of Coal and Green Chemical Engineering, Ningxia Engineering Research Center for Natural Medicine, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemistry Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia University 489 Helanshan West Road Yinchuan 750021 China
| | - Yu He
- State Key Laboratory of High-efficiency Utilization of Coal and Green Chemical Engineering, Ningxia Engineering Research Center for Natural Medicine, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemistry Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia University 489 Helanshan West Road Yinchuan 750021 China
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Ellis T, Eze E, Raimi-Abraham BT. Malaria and Cancer: a critical review on the established associations and new perspectives. Infect Agent Cancer 2021; 16:33. [PMID: 33985540 PMCID: PMC8117320 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-021-00370-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Cancer and malaria both have high incidence rates and are leading causes of mortality worldwide, especially in low and middle-income countries with reduced access to the quality healthcare. The objective of this critical review was to summarize key associations and new perspectives between the two diseases as is reported in existing literature. Methods A critical review of research articles published between 1st January 2000 – 1st July 2020 which yielded 1753 articles. These articles were screened based on a precise inclusion criteria. Eighty-nine eligible articles were identified and further evaluated. Results Many articles reported anti-cancer activities of anti-malarial medicines, including Artemisinin and its derivatives. Other articles investigated the use of chemotherapy in areas burdened by malaria, treatment complications that malaria may cause for cancer patients as well as ways to circumvent cancer related drug resistance. Potential novel targets for cancer treatment, were identified namely oncofoetal chondroitin sulphate and haem, as well as the use of circumsporozoite proteins. A number of articles also discussed Burkitt lymphoma or febrile neutropenia. Conclusions Overall, excluding for Burkitt lymphoma, the relationship between cancer and malaria requires further extensive research in order to define association. There great potential promising new novel anti-cancer therapies using anti-malarial drugs. Graphical abstract Created using BioRender![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Toby Ellis
- King's College London, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Guy's Campus, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Elvis Eze
- Malaria no More UK, The Foundry, 17 Oval Way, Vauxhall, London, SE11 5RR, UK
| | - Bahijja Tolulope Raimi-Abraham
- King's College London, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Waterloo Campus, Franklin Wilkins Building, Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, UK.
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Li Y, Zhou X, Liu J, Yuan X, He Q. Therapeutic Potentials and Mechanisms of Artemisinin and its Derivatives for Tumorigenesis and Metastasis. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 20:520-535. [PMID: 31958040 DOI: 10.2174/1871520620666200120100252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor recurrence and metastasis are still leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. The influence of traditional treatment strategies against metastatic tumors may still be limited. To search for novel and powerful agents against tumors has become a major research focus. In this study, Artemisinin (ARM), a natural compound isolated from herbs, Artemisia annua L., proceeding from drug repurposing methods, attracts more attention due to its good efficacy and tolerance in antimalarial practices, as well as newly confirmed anticancer activity. METHODS We have searched and reviewed the literatures about ARM and its derivatives (ARMs) for cancer using keywords "artemisinin" until May 2019. RESULTS In preclinical studies, ARMs can induce cell cycle arrest and cell death by apoptosis etc., to inhibit the progression of tumors, and suppress EMT and angiogenesis to inhibit the metastasis of tumors. Notably, the complex relationships of ARMs and autophagy are worth exploring. Inspired by the limitations of its antimalarial applications and the mechanical studies of artemisinin and cancer, people are also committed to develop safer and more potent ARM-based modified compounds (ARMs) or combination therapy, such as artemisinin dimers/ trimers, artemisinin-derived hybrids. Some clinical trials support artemisinins as promising candidates for cancer therapy. CONCLUSION ARMs show potent therapeutic potentials against carcinoma including metastatic tumors. Novel compounds derived from artemisinin and relevant combination therapies are supposed to be promising treatment strategies for tumors, as the important future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Jiali Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Xiaohong Yuan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Qian He
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
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7
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Pagliaro L, Marchesini M, Roti G. Targeting oncogenic Notch signaling with SERCA inhibitors. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:8. [PMID: 33407740 PMCID: PMC7789735 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-01015-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
P-type ATPase inhibitors are among the most successful and widely prescribed therapeutics in modern pharmacology. Clinical transition has been safely achieved for H+/K+ ATPase inhibitors such as omeprazole and Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitors like digoxin. However, this is more challenging for Ca2+-ATPase modulators due to the physiological role of Ca2+ in cardiac dynamics. Over the past two decades, sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) modulators have been studied as potential chemotherapy agents because of their Ca2+-mediated pan-cancer lethal effects. Instead, recent evidence suggests that SERCA inhibition suppresses oncogenic Notch1 signaling emerging as an alternative to γ-secretase modulators that showed limited clinical activity due to severe side effects. In this review, we focus on how SERCA inhibitors alter Notch1 signaling and show that Notch on-target-mediated antileukemia properties of these molecules can be achieved without causing overt Ca2+ cellular overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pagliaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Matteo Marchesini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Roti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126, Parma, Italy.
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8
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Gravett AM, Dennis JL, Dalgleish AG, Copier J, Liu WM. The efficacy of chemotherapeutic drug combinations may be predicted by concordance of gene response to the single agents. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:321. [PMID: 33093925 PMCID: PMC7573875 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Determining the expression of genes in response to different classes of chemotherapeutic drugs may allow for a better understanding as to which may be used effectively in combination. In the present study, the human colorectal cancer cell line HCT116 was cultured with equi-active concentrations of a series of anti-cancer agents. Gene expression profiles were then measured by whole-genome microarray. Although each drug induced a unique signature of gene expression in tumour cells, there were marked similarities between certain drugs, even in those from different classes. For example, the antimalarial agent artesunate and the platinum-containing alkylating agent, oxaliplatin, produced a very similar mRNA expression pattern in HCT116 cells with ~14,000 genes being affected by the two drugs in the same way. Furthermore, the overall correlation of gene responses between two agents could predict whether their use in combination would lead to a greater or lesser effect on cell number, determined experimentally, than predicted by single agent experiments. The results indicated that even when working through different mechanisms, combining drugs that initiate a similar transcriptional response may constitute the best option for determining drug-combination strategies for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Gravett
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, Department of Oncology, St. George's, University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Jayne L Dennis
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, Department of Oncology, St. George's, University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Angus G Dalgleish
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, Department of Oncology, St. George's, University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - John Copier
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, Department of Oncology, St. George's, University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Wai M Liu
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, Department of Oncology, St. George's, University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK
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Wong HN, Lewies A, Haigh M, Viljoen JM, Wentzel JF, Haynes RK, du Plessis LH. Anti-Melanoma Activities of Artemisone and Prenylated Amino-Artemisinins in Combination With Known Anticancer Drugs. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:558894. [PMID: 33117161 PMCID: PMC7552967 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.558894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The most frequently occurring cancers are those of the skin, with melanoma being the leading cause of death due to skin cancer. Breakthroughs in chemotherapy have been achieved in certain cases, though only marginal advances have been made in treatment of metastatic melanoma. Strategies aimed at inducing redox dysregulation by use of reactive oxygen species (ROS) inducers present a promising approach to cancer chemotherapy. Here we use a rational combination of an oxidant drug combined with a redox or pro-oxidant drug to optimize the cytotoxic effect. Thus we demonstrate for the first time enhanced activity of the amino-artemisinin artemisone and novel prenylated piperazine derivatives derived from dihydroartemisinin as the oxidant component, and elesclomol-Cu(II) as the redox component, against human malignant melanoma cells A375 in vitro. The combinations caused a dose dependent decrease in cell numbers and increase in apoptosis. The results indicate that oxidant-redox drug combinations have considerable potential and warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Ning Wong
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen™), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Angélique Lewies
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen™), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Michaela Haigh
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen™), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Joe M Viljoen
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen™), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Johannes F Wentzel
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen™), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Richard K Haynes
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen™), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Lissinda H du Plessis
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen™), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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10
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Alven S, Aderibigbe BA. Nanoparticles Formulations of Artemisinin and Derivatives as Potential Therapeutics for the Treatment of Cancer, Leishmaniasis and Malaria. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E748. [PMID: 32784933 PMCID: PMC7466127 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12080748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer, malaria, and leishmaniasis remain the deadly diseases around the world although several strategies of treatment have been developed. However, most of the drugs used to treat the aforementioned diseases suffer from several pharmacological limitations such as poor pharmacokinetics, toxicity, drug resistance, poor bioavailability and water solubility. Artemisinin and its derivatives are antimalarial drugs. However, they also exhibit anticancer and antileishmanial activity. They have been evaluated as potential anticancer and antileishmanial drugs but their use is also limited by their poor water solubility and poor bioavailability. To overcome the aforementioned limitations associated with artemisinin and its derivatives used for the treatment of these diseases, they have been incorporated into nanoparticles. Several researchers incorporated this class of drugs into nanoparticles resulting in enhanced therapeutic outcomes. Their potential efficacy for the treatment of parasitic infections such as malaria and leishmaniasis and chronic diseases such as cancer has been reported. This review article will be focused on the nanoparticles formulations of artemisinin and derivatives for the treatment of cancer, malaria, and leishmaniasis and the biological outcomes (in vitro and in vivo).
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11
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Kumar MS, Yadav TT, Khair RR, Peters GJ, Yergeri MC. Combination Therapies of Artemisinin and its Derivatives as a Viable Approach for Future Cancer Treatment. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:3323-3338. [PMID: 31475891 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190902155957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many anticancer drugs have been developed for clinical usage till now, but the major problem is the development of drug-resistance over a period of time in the treatment of cancer. Anticancer drugs produce huge adverse effects, ultimately leading to death of the patient. Researchers have been focusing on the development of novel molecules with higher efficacy and lower toxicity; the anti-malarial drug artemisinin and its derivatives have exhibited cytotoxic effects. METHODS We have done extensive literature search for artemisinin for its new role as anti-cancer agent for future treatment. Last two decades papers were referred for deep understanding to strengthen its role. RESULT Literature shows changes at 9, 10 position in the artemisinin structure produces anticancer activity. Artemisinin shows anticancer activity in leukemia, hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal and breast cancer cell lines. Artemisinin and its derivatives have been studied as combination therapy with several synthetic compounds, RNA interfaces, recombinant proteins and antibodies etc., for synergizing the effect of these drugs. They produce an anticancer effect by causing cell cycle arrest, regulating signaling in apoptosis, angiogenesis and cytotoxicity activity on the steroid receptors. Many novel formulations of artemisinin are being developed in the form of carbon nanotubes, polymer-coated drug particles, etc., for delivering artemisinin, since it has poor water/ oil solubility and is chemically unstable. CONCLUSION We have summarize the combination therapies of artemisinin and its derivatives with other anticancer drugs and also focussed on recent developments of different drug delivery systems in the last 10 years. Various reports and clinical trials of artemisinin type drugs indicated selective cytotoxicity along with minimal toxicity thus projecting them as promising anti-cancer agents in future cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maushmi S Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Vile Parle west, Mumbai-400056, India
| | - Tanuja T Yadav
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Vile Parle west, Mumbai-400056, India
| | - Rohan R Khair
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Vile Parle west, Mumbai-400056, India
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mayur C Yergeri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Vile Parle west, Mumbai-400056, India
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12
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Hydrogen Peroxide Mediates Artemisinin-Derived C-16 Carba-Dimer-Induced Toxicity of Human Cancer Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9020108. [PMID: 31991904 PMCID: PMC7070254 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9020108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study used a nitroaliphatic chemistry approach to synthesize a novel artemisinin-derived carba-dimer (AG-1) and determined its anti-proliferative effects in human normal and cancer cells. AG-1 treatments selectively inhibit proliferation of cancer cells compared to normal human fibroblasts. Compared to artemisinin, AG-1 is more toxic to human breast, prostate, head–neck, pancreas and skin cancer cells; 50% inhibition (IC50) 123 µM in AG-1 vs. 290 µM in artemisinin-treated breast cancer cells. AG-1 treatment decreased (~5 folds) cyclin D1 protein expression that correlated with an increase in the percentage of cells in the G1-phase, suggesting a G1 delay. AG-1-induced toxicity was independent of the DNA damage at 72 h post-treatment, as measured by micronuclei frequency and γH2AX protein levels. Results from electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy showed Fe-catalyzed formation of AG-1 carbon-centered radicals in a cell-free system. Flow cytometry analysis of H2DCF-DA oxidation showed a significant increase in the steady-state levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in AG-1-treated cells. Pre-treatment with N-acetyl-l-cysteine and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) significantly suppressed AG-1-induced toxicity, suggesting that superoxide and hydrogen peroxide contribute to AG-1-induced toxicity in human cancer cells. AG-1 represents a novel class of anti-cancer drug that is more potent than its parent compound, artemisinin.
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Tsui KH, Wu MY, Lin LT, Wen ZH, Li YH, Chu PY, Li CJ. Disruption of mitochondrial homeostasis with artemisinin unravels anti-angiogenesis effects via auto-paracrine mechanisms. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:6631-6645. [PMID: 31588240 PMCID: PMC6771251 DOI: 10.7150/thno.33353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Tumor angiogenesis promotes tumor development, progression, growth, and metastasis. Metronomic chemotherapy involves the frequent administration of low-dose chemotherapeutic agents to block angiogenic activity and reduce side effects. Methods: MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with various concentrations of artemisinin (ART) and vinorelbine (NVB) and the cytotoxic effects of ART/NVB were determined using the CCK-8 assay. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψm) and mass were assessed using MitoSOX, TMRE and MitoTracker green staining. Western blot analysis was used to quantify the expression of autophagy-related proteins. Herein, by using bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification, we identified CREB as a master in MDA-MB-231 cells. Results: We found that artemisinin (ART), which exhibits anti-angiogenic and anti-cancer effects via mitochondrial regulation, synergized with vinorelbine (NVB) to inhibit MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation. ART and NVB cooperated to regulate mitochondrial biogenesis. CREB acted as a crucial regulator of PGC1α and VEGF, which played critical roles in NVB-dependent growth factor depletion. Moreover, CREB suppression significantly reversed mitochondrial dysfunction following ART/NVB co-treatment. In addition, combination treatment with ART and NVB significantly suppressed tumor growth in a nude mouse xenograft model, with downregulated CREB and PGC1α expression levels observed in tumor biopsies, in agreement with our in vitro and ex vivo data. Conclusions: These findings support the hypothesis that ART affects cancer and endothelial cells by targeting the auto-paracrine effects of VEGF to suppress mitochondrial biogenesis, angiogenesis, and migration between cancer cells and endothelial cells.
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Akrivou MG, Demertzidou VP, Theodoroula NF, Chatzopoulou FM, Kyritsis KA, Grigoriadis N, Zografos AL, Vizirianakis IS. Uncovering the pharmacological response of novel sesquiterpene derivatives that differentially alter gene expression and modulate the cell cycle in cancer cells. Int J Oncol 2018; 53:2167-2179. [PMID: 30226586 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to assess the pharmacological anticancer profile of three natural and five synthetic sesquiterpenes developed by total chemical synthesis. To this end, their properties at the cellular and molecular level were evaluated in a panel of normal and cancer cell lines. The results obtained by performing cytotoxicity assays and gene expression analysis by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that: i) Among the sesquiterpene derivatives analyzed, VDS58 exhibited a notable anticancer profile within attached (U-87 MG and MCF-7) and suspension (K562 and MEL-745) cancer cell cultures; however, U-87 MG cells were able to recover their proliferation capacity rapidly after 48 h of exposure; ii) gene expression profiling of U-87 MG cells, in contrast to K562 cells, showed a transient induction of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1) expression; iii) the expression levels of transforming growth factor β1 (TGFB1) increased after 12 h of exposure of U-87 MG cells to VDS58 and were maintained at this level throughout the treatment period; iv) in K562 cells exposed to VDS58, TGFB1 expression levels were upregulated for 48 h and decrease afterwards; and v) the re-addition of VDS58 in U-87 MG cultures pretreated with VDS58 resulted in a notable increase in the expression of caspases (CASP3 and CASP9), BCL2‑associated agonist of cell death (BAD), cyclin D1, CDK6, CDKN1, MYC proto-oncogene bHLH transcription factor (MYC), TGFB1 and tumor suppressor protein p53. This upregulation persisted only for 24 h for the majority of genes, as afterwards, only the expression of TGFB1 and MYC was maintained at high levels. Through bioinformatic pathway analysis of RNA-Seq data of parental U-87 MG and K562 cells, substantial variation was reported in the expression profiles of the genes involved in the regulation of the cell cycle. This was associated with the differential pharmacological profiles observed in the same cells exposed to VDS58. Overall, the data presented in this study provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of action of sesquiterpene derivatives by dysregulating the expression levels of genes associated with the cell cycle of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melpomeni G Akrivou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vera P Demertzidou
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikoleta F Theodoroula
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Konstantinos A Kyritsis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Alexandros L Zografos
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis S Vizirianakis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Chan WC, Wai Chan DH, Lee KW, Tin WS, Wong HN, Haynes RK. Evaluation and optimization of synthetic routes from dihydroartemisinin to the alkylamino-artemisinins artemiside and artemisone: A test of N-glycosylation methodologies on a lipophilic peroxide. Tetrahedron 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2018.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Wu Y, Parapini S, Williams ID, Misiano P, Wong HN, Taramelli D, Basilico N, Haynes RK. Facile Preparation of N-Glycosylated 10-Piperazinyl Artemisinin Derivatives and Evaluation of Their Antimalarial and Cytotoxic Activities. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23071713. [PMID: 30011856 PMCID: PMC6100044 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23071713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the precepts that C-10 amino-artemisinins display optimum biological activities for the artemisinin drug class, and that attachment of a sugar enhances specificity of drug delivery, polarity and solubility so as to attenuate toxicity, we assessed the effects of attaching sugars to N-4 of the dihydroartemisinin (DHA)-piperazine derivative prepared in one step from DHA and piperazine. N-Glycosylated DHA-piperazine derivatives were obtained according to the Kotchetkov reaction by heating the DHA-piperazine with the sugar in a polar solvent. Structure of the D-glucose derivative is secured by X-ray crystallography. The D-galactose, L-rhamnose and D-xylose derivatives displayed IC50 values of 0.58–0.87 nM against different strains of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) and selectivity indices (SI) >195, on average, with respect to the mouse fibroblast WEHI-164 cell line. These activities are higher than those of the amino-artemisinin, artemisone (IC50 0.9–1.1 nM). Notably, the D-glucose, D-maltose and D-ribose derivatives were the most active against the myelogenous leukemia K562 cell line with IC50 values of 0.78–0.87 µM and SI > 380 with respect to the human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). In comparison, artemisone has an IC50 of 0.26 µM, and a SI of 88 with the same cell lines. Overall, the N-glycosylated DHA-piperazine derivatives display antimalarial activities that are greatly superior to O-glycosides previously obtained from DHA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuet Wu
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Silvia Parapini
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences (DiSBIOC), University of Milan, Via Pascal 36, 20133 Milan, Italy.
- Inter University Center for Malaria Research, Italian Malaria Network, University of Perugia, 06100 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Ian D Williams
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Paola Misiano
- Department of Pharmacological & Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), University of Milan, Via Pascal 36, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Ho Ning Wong
- Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
| | - Donatella Taramelli
- Department of Pharmacological & Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), University of Milan, Via Pascal 36, 20133 Milan, Italy.
- Inter University Center for Malaria Research, Italian Malaria Network, University of Perugia, 06100 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Nicoletta Basilico
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences (DiSBIOC), University of Milan, Via Pascal 36, 20133 Milan, Italy.
- Inter University Center for Malaria Research, Italian Malaria Network, University of Perugia, 06100 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Richard K Haynes
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
- Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
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Kapkoti DS, Singh S, Luqman S, Bhakuni RS. Synthesis of novel 1,2,3-triazole based artemisinin derivatives and their antiproliferative activity. NEW J CHEM 2018. [DOI: 10.1039/c7nj04271j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Novel artemisinin-1,2,3-triazole derivatives show significant antiproliferative activity, and induce apoptosis and ROS generation and arrest the cell cycle at the G2/M phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Singh Kapkoti
- Medicinal Chemistry Department
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
- Lucknow-226015
- India
| | - Shilpi Singh
- Molecular Bioprospection Department
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
- Lucknow-226015
- India
| | - Suaib Luqman
- Molecular Bioprospection Department
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
- Lucknow-226015
- India
| | - Rajendra Singh Bhakuni
- Medicinal Chemistry Department
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
- Lucknow-226015
- India
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Zyad A, Tilaoui M, Jaafari A, Oukerrou MA, Mouse HA. More insights into the pharmacological effects of artemisinin. Phytother Res 2017; 32:216-229. [PMID: 29193409 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin is one of the most widely prescribed drugs against malaria and has recently received increased attention because of its other potential biological effects. The aim of this review is to summarize recent discoveries of the pharmaceutical effects of artemisinin in basic science along with its mechanistic action, as well as the intriguing results of recent clinical studies, with a focus on its antitumor activity. Scientific evidence indicates that artemisinin exerts its biological activity by generating reactive oxygen species that damage the DNA, mitochondrial depolarization, and cell death. In the present article review, scientific evidence suggests that artemisinin is a potential therapeutic agent for various diseases. Thus, this review is expected to encourage interested scientists to conduct further preclinical and clinical studies to evaluate these biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelmajid Zyad
- Laboratory of Biological Engineering, Team of Natural Substances and Cellular and Molecular Immuno-pharmacology, Immuno-biology of Cancer Cells, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Beni-Mellal, Morocco
| | - Mounir Tilaoui
- Laboratory of Biological Engineering, Team of Natural Substances and Cellular and Molecular Immuno-pharmacology, Immuno-biology of Cancer Cells, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Beni-Mellal, Morocco
| | - Abdeslam Jaafari
- Laboratory of Biological Engineering, Team of Natural Substances and Cellular and Molecular Immuno-pharmacology, Immuno-biology of Cancer Cells, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Beni-Mellal, Morocco
| | - Moulay Ali Oukerrou
- Laboratory of Biological Engineering, Team of Natural Substances and Cellular and Molecular Immuno-pharmacology, Immuno-biology of Cancer Cells, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Beni-Mellal, Morocco
| | - Hassan Ait Mouse
- Laboratory of Biological Engineering, Team of Natural Substances and Cellular and Molecular Immuno-pharmacology, Immuno-biology of Cancer Cells, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Beni-Mellal, Morocco
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Cancer combination therapies with artemisinin-type drugs. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 139:56-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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20
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Duan G, Bagheri AR, Jiang S, Golenser J, Agarwal S, Greiner A. Exploration of Macroporous Polymeric Sponges As Drug Carriers. Biomacromolecules 2017; 18:3215-3221. [PMID: 28820944 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.7b00852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Achieving high drug loading capacity and controlling drug delivery are two main challenges related to drug carriers. In this study, polymeric macroporous sponges with very high pore volume and large porosity are introduced as a new-type of drug carrier. Due to the high pore volume (285 and 166 cm3/g for the sponges with densities of 3.5 and 6.0 mg/cm3, respectively), the sponges exhibit very high drug loading capacities with average values of 1870 ± 114 and 2697 ± 73 mg/g in the present study, which is much higher than the meso and microporous drug carriers (<1500 mg/g). In order to control the release profiles, an additional poly(p-xylylene) (PPX) coating was deposited by chemical vapor deposition on the drug loaded sponge. Consequently, Artemisone (ART) release in the aqueous medium could be retarded, depending on the density of the sponge and the thickness of the coating. In future, the new 3D polymeric sponges would be highly beneficial as drug carriers for the programmed release of drugs for treatment of chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaigai Duan
- Macromolecular Chemistry, Bavarian Polymer Institute, University of Bayreuth , Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Amir Reza Bagheri
- Macromolecular Chemistry, Bavarian Polymer Institute, University of Bayreuth , Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Shaohua Jiang
- Macromolecular Chemistry, Bavarian Polymer Institute, University of Bayreuth , Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Jacob Golenser
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Kuvin Centre for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem , Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Seema Agarwal
- Macromolecular Chemistry, Bavarian Polymer Institute, University of Bayreuth , Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Andreas Greiner
- Macromolecular Chemistry, Bavarian Polymer Institute, University of Bayreuth , Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
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Artemisinin and its derivatives in cancer therapy: status of progress, mechanism of action, and future perspectives. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2017; 79:451-466. [DOI: 10.1007/s00280-017-3251-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Artemisinin and Its Derivatives as a Repurposing Anticancer Agent: What Else Do We Need to Do? Molecules 2016; 21:molecules21101331. [PMID: 27739410 PMCID: PMC6272993 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21101331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical investigation and clinical experience have provided evidence on the potential anticancer effect of artemisinin and its derivatives (ARTs) in the recent two decades. The major mechanisms of action of ARTs may be due to toxic-free radicals generated by an endoperoxide moiety, cell cycle arrest, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of tumor angiogenesis. It is very promising that ARTs are expected to be a new class of antitumor drugs of wide spectrum due to their detailed information regarding efficacy and safety. For developing repurposed drugs, many other characteristics of ARTs should be studied, including through further investigations on possible new pathways of anticancer effects, exploration on efficient and specific drug delivery systems-especially crossing biological barriers, and obtaining sufficient data in clinical trials. The aim of this review is to highlight these achievements and propose the potential strategies to develop ARTs as a new class of cancer therapeutic agents.
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Alternate release of different target species based on the same gold nanorods and monitored by cell imaging. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2016; 145:671-678. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2016.05.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2015] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Wu Y, Wu RWK, Cheu KW, Williams ID, Krishna S, Slavic K, Gravett AM, Liu WM, Wong HN, Haynes RK. Methylene Homologues of Artemisone: An Unexpected Structure-Activity Relationship and a Possible Implication for the Design of C10-Substituted Artemisinins. ChemMedChem 2016; 11:1469-79. [PMID: 27273875 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201600011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
We sought to establish if methylene homologues of artemisone are biologically more active and more stable than artemisone. The analogy is drawn with the conversion of natural O- and N-glycosides into more stable C-glycosides that may possess enhanced biological activities and stabilities. Dihydroartemisinin was converted into 10β-cyano-10-deoxyartemisinin that was hydrolyzed to the α-primary amide. Reduction of the β-cyanide and the α-amide provided the respective methylamine epimers that upon treatment with divinyl sulfone gave the β- and α-methylene homologues, respectively, of artemisone. Surprisingly, the compounds were less active in vitro than artemisone against P. falciparum and displayed no appreciable activity against A549, HCT116, and MCF7 tumor cell lines. This loss in activity may be rationalized in terms of one model for the mechanism of action of artemisinins, namely the cofactor model, wherein the presence of a leaving group at C10 assists in driving hydride transfer from reduced flavin cofactors to the peroxide during perturbation of intracellular redox homeostasis by artemisinins. It is noted that the carba analogue of artemether is less active in vitro than the O-glycoside parent toward P. falciparum, although extrapolation of such activity differences to other artemisinins at this stage is not possible. However, literature data coupled with the leaving group rationale suggest that artemisinins bearing an amino group attached directly to C10 are optimal compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuet Wu
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - Ronald Wai Kung Wu
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - Kwan Wing Cheu
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - Ian D Williams
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - Sanjeev Krishna
- Centre for Infection, Division of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, St. George's Hospital, University of London, SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Ksenija Slavic
- Centre for Infection, Division of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, St. George's Hospital, University of London, SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Andrew M Gravett
- Department of Oncology, Division of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, St. George's Hospital, University of London, Jenner Wing, London, SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Wai M Liu
- Department of Oncology, Division of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, St. George's Hospital, University of London, Jenner Wing, London, SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Ho Ning Wong
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.,Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - Richard K Haynes
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa. , .,Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, P.R. China. ,
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Dwivedi A, Mazumder A, Fox LT, Brümmer A, Gerber M, du Preez JL, Haynes RK, du Plessis J. In vitro skin permeation of artemisone and its nano-vesicular formulations. Int J Pharm 2016; 503:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2016.02.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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In vitro anti-cancer effects of artemisone nano-vesicular formulations on melanoma cells. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2015; 11:2041-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2015.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Abstract
The anti-malarial drug artemisinin has shown anticancer activity in vitro and animal experiments, but experience in human cancer is scarce. However, the ability of artemisinins to kill cancer cells through a variety of molecular mechanisms has been explored. A PubMed search of about 127 papers on anti-cancer effects of antimalarials has revealed that this class of drug, including other antimalarials, have several biological characteristics that include anticancer properties. Experimental evidences suggest that artemisinin compounds may be a therapeutic alternative in highly aggressive cancers with rapid dissemination, without developing drug resistance. They also exhibit synergism with other anticancer drugs with no increased toxicity toward normal cells. It has been found that semisynthetic artemisinin derivatives have much higher antitumor activity than their monomeric counterparts via mechanisms like apoptosis, arrest of cell cycle at G0/G1, and oxidative stress. The exact mechanism of activation and molecular basis of these anticancer effects are not fully elucidated. Artemisinins seem to regulate key factors such as nuclear factor-kappa B, survivin, NOXA, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, and BMI-1, involving multiple pathways that may affect drug response, drug interactions, drug resistance, and associated parameters upon normal cells. Newer synthetic artemisinins have been developed showing substantial antineoplastic activity, but there is still limited information regarding the mode of action of these synthetic compounds. In view of the emerging data, specific interactions with established chemotherapy need to be further investigated in different cancer cells and their phenotypes and validated further using different semisynthetic and synthetic artemisinin derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Das
- Department of Medicine, Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
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Abstract
This report is designed to study the ability of the combined treatment with gemcitabine (Gem) and dihydroartemisinin (DHA) to induce apoptosis in a non-small-cell lung cancer cell line (A549 cells). This combination treatment synergistically inhibited cell growth by inducing apoptosis, and this synergistic action was not associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS). Although either Gem or DHA induced a significant increase in ROS generation, the combination treatment did not further enhance ROS level. Compared with single drugs, the combination treatment significantly potentiated Bak activation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, caspase-9 and -3 activation, indicating the important role of the Bak-mediated intrinsic apoptosis pathway in the synergistic action, which was further verified by the significant prevention of the cytotoxicity of the combination treatment by inhibiting one of caspase-9, -3 and Bcl-xL or silencing Bak. In addition, the combination treatment also synergistically activated caspase-8, and inhibition of Fas and caspase-8 presented significant prevention on the cytotoxicity of the combination treatment, indicating that the Fas-caspase-8-mediated extrinsic apoptosis pathway partially participated in the synergistic action. Collectively, the present study demonstrates a strong synergistic action of the combined treatment with Gem and DHA in inducing apoptosis of A549 cells via both the Bak-mediated intrinsic pathway and the Fas-caspase-8-mediated extrinsic pathway.
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Ivanescu B, Miron A, Corciova A. Sesquiterpene Lactones from Artemisia Genus: Biological Activities and Methods of Analysis. JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL METHODS IN CHEMISTRY 2015; 2015:247685. [PMID: 26495156 PMCID: PMC4606394 DOI: 10.1155/2015/247685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Revised: 08/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Sesquiterpene lactones are a large group of natural compounds, found primarily in plants of Asteraceae family, with over 5000 structures reported to date. Within this family, genus Artemisia is very well represented, having approximately 500 species characterized by the presence of eudesmanolides and guaianolides, especially highly oxygenated ones, and rarely of germacranolides. Sesquiterpene lactones exhibit a wide range of biological activities, such as antitumor, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiulcer, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, and insect deterrent. Many of the biological activities are attributed to the α-methylene-γ-lactone group in their molecule which reacts through a Michael-addition with free sulfhydryl or amino groups in proteins and alkylates them. Due to the fact that most sesquiterpene lactones are thermolabile, less volatile compounds, they present no specific chromophores in the molecule and are sensitive to acidic and basic mediums, and their identification and quantification represent a difficult task for the analyst. Another problematic aspect is represented by the complexity of vegetal samples, which may contain compounds that can interfere with the analysis. Therefore, this paper proposes an overview of the methods used for the identification and quantification of sesquiterpene lactones found in Artemisia genus, as well as the optimal conditions for their extraction and separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Ivanescu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 16 Universitatii Street, 700150 Iasi, Romania
- *Bianca Ivanescu:
| | - Anca Miron
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 16 Universitatii Street, 700150 Iasi, Romania
| | - Andreia Corciova
- Department of Drug Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 16 Universitatii Street, 700150 Iasi, Romania
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Dorosti Z, Yousefi M, Sharafi SM, Darani HY. Mutual action of anticancer and antiparasitic drugs: are there any shared targets? Future Oncol 2014; 10:2529-39. [DOI: 10.2217/fon.14.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Parasites and cancers have some common features. It has been shown that some parasites interfere with tumor growth. In addition, they both have common antigens such as the Tn antigen. A communal action of anticancer and antiparasitic drugs has been reported. This shared action may be related to common targets for these drugs in cancers and parasites. In this paper, mutual action of anticancer and antiparasitic drugs, with the aim of discussing shared targets of these drugs, has been reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Dorosti
- Department of Parasitology & Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Morteza Yousefi
- Student Research Committee, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Maryam Sharafi
- Infectious Diseases & Tropical medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hossein Yousofi Darani
- Cancer Prevention Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Suberu JO, Romero-Canelón I, Sullivan N, Lapkin AA, Barker GC. Comparative cytotoxicity of artemisinin and cisplatin and their interactions with chlorogenic acids in MCF7 breast cancer cells. ChemMedChem 2014; 9:2791-7. [PMID: 25209896 PMCID: PMC4506560 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201402285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In parts of Africa and Asia, self-medication with a hot water infusion of Artemisia annua (Artemisia tea) is a common practice for a number of ailments including malaria and cancer. In our earlier work, such an extract showed better potency than artemisinin alone against both chloroquine-sensitive and -resistant parasites. In this study, in vitro tests of the infusion in MCF7 cells showed high IC50 values (>200 μm). The combination of artemisinin and 3-caffeoylquinic acid (3CA), two major components in the extract, was strongly antagonistic and gave a near total loss of cytotoxicity for artemisinin. We observed that the interaction of 3CAs with another cytotoxic compound, cisplatin, showed potentiation of activity by 2.5-fold. The chelation of cellular iron by 3CA is hypothesized as a possible explanation for the loss of artemisinin activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- John O Suberu
- Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of CambridgeCB2 3RA (UK)
| | | | - Neil Sullivan
- SensaPharm Ltd., 123i Bioscience CentreSunderland, SR5 2TA (UK)
| | - Alexei A Lapkin
- Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of CambridgeCB2 3RA (UK)
| | - Guy C Barker
- School of Life Sciences, University of WarwickCV4 7AL (UK) E-mail:
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Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of artesunate-β-cyclodextrin conjugates as novel anti-cancer prodrugs. Carbohydr Res 2014; 400:19-25. [PMID: 25457606 DOI: 10.1016/j.carres.2014.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Revised: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A novel series of artesunate-β-cyclodextrin (ATS-β-CD) conjugates, in which artesunate (ATS) was coupled covalently to one of the primary hydroxyl groups of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) through amino bond formation, were synthesized and characterized by (1)H NMR, HRMS, 2D NMR (ROESY), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that the aqueous solubility of ATS-β-CD conjugates was 26-45 times better than that of free ATS. The cytotoxicity of the ATS-β-CD conjugates was evaluated on human colon cancer cell lines HCT116, LOVO, SW480, and HT-29, and the results indicated that ATS-2NβCD exhibited a very high cytotoxicity against HCT116, LOVO, and HT-29 with IC50 values of 0.58, 1.62, and 5.18μmol/L, respectively. In addition, the supposition of better cytotoxicity was further supported by the control experiment of fluorescent cyclodextrin.
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Luo J, Zhu W, Tang Y, Cao H, Zhou Y, Ji R, Zhou X, Lu Z, Yang H, Zhang S, Cao J. Artemisinin derivative artesunate induces radiosensitivity in cervical cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Radiat Oncol 2014; 9:84. [PMID: 24666614 PMCID: PMC3987175 DOI: 10.1186/1748-717x-9-84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Cervical cancer is the third most common type of cancer in women worldwide and radiotherapy remains its predominant therapeutic treatment. Artesunate (ART), a derivative of artemisinin, has shown radiosensitization effect in previous studies. However, such effects of ART have not yet been revealed for cervical cancer cells. Methods The effect of ART on radiosensitivity of human cervical cancer cell lines HeLa and SiHa was assessed using the clonogenic assay. Cell cycle progression and apoptosis alterations were analyzed by flow cytometry. For in vivo study, HeLa or SiHa cells were inoculated into nude mice to establish tumors. Tissues from xenografts were obtained to detect the changes of microvessel density, apoptosis and cell cycle distribution. Microarray was used to analyze differentially expressed genes. Results ART increased the radiosensitivity of HeLa cells (SER = 1.43, P < 0.001) but not of SiHa cells. Apoptosis and the G2-M phase transition induced by X-ray irradiation (IR) were enhanced by ART via increased Cyclin B1 expression in HeLa cells. Tumor growth of xenografts from HeLa but not SiHa cells was significantly inhibited by irradiation combined with ART (tumor volume reduction of 72.34% in IR + ART group vs. 41.22% in IR group in HeLa cells and 48.79% in IR + ART group vs. 44.03% in IR alone group in SiHa cells). Compared with the irradiated group, cell apoptosis was increased and the G2/M cell cycle arrest was enhanced in the group receiving irradiation combined with ART. Furthermore, compared with radiation alone, X-ray irradiation plus ART affected the expression of 203 genes that function in multiple pathways including RNA transport, the spliceosome, RNA degradation and p53 signaling. Conclusion ART potently abrogates the G2 checkpoint control in HeLa cells. ART can induce radiosensitivity of HeLa cells in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jianping Cao
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection and Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
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Zhang YJ, Gallis B, Taya M, Wang S, Ho RJY, Sasaki T. pH-responsive artemisinin derivatives and lipid nanoparticle formulations inhibit growth of breast cancer cells in vitro and induce down-regulation of HER family members. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59086. [PMID: 23516601 PMCID: PMC3597601 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 02/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin (ART) dimers show potent anti-proliferative activities against breast cancer cells. To facilitate their clinical development, novel pH-responsive artemisinin dimers were synthesized for liposomal nanoparticle formulations. A new ART dimer was designed to become increasingly water-soluble as pH declines. The new artemisinin dimer piperazine derivatives (ADPs) remained tightly associated with liposomal nanoparticles (NPs) at neutral pH but were efficiently released at acidic pH's that are known to exist within solid tumors and organelles such as endosomes and lysosomes. ADPs incorporated into nanoparticles down regulated the anti-apoptotic protein, survivin, and cyclin D1 when incubated at low concentrations with breast cancer cell lines. We demonstrate for the first time, for any ART derivative, that ADP NPs can down regulate the oncogenic protein HER2, and its counterpart, HER3 in a HER2+ cell line. We also show that the wild type epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR or HER1) declines in a triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line in response to ADP NPs. The declines in these proteins are achieved at concentrations of NP109 at or below 1 µM. Furthermore, the new artemisinin derivatives showed improved cell-proliferation inhibition effects compared to known dimer derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yitong J. Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Byron Gallis
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Michio Taya
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Shusheng Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Rodney J. Y. Ho
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Tomikazu Sasaki
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Development of artemisinin compounds for cancer treatment. Invest New Drugs 2012; 31:230-46. [DOI: 10.1007/s10637-012-9873-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Antitumor activity of artemisinin and its derivatives: from a well-known antimalarial agent to a potential anticancer drug. J Biomed Biotechnol 2011; 2012:247597. [PMID: 22174561 PMCID: PMC3228295 DOI: 10.1155/2012/247597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2011] [Accepted: 08/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Improvement of quality of life and survival of cancer patients will be greatly enhanced by the development of highly effective drugs to selectively kill malignant cells. Artemisinin and its analogs are naturally occurring antimalarials which have shown potent anticancer activity. In primary cancer cultures and cell lines, their antitumor actions were by inhibiting cancer proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. In xenograft models, exposure to artemisinins substantially reduces tumor volume and progression. However, the rationale for the use of artemisinins in anticancer therapy must be addressed by a greater understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in their cytotoxic effects. The primary targets for artemisinin and the chemical base for its preferential effects on heterologous tumor cells need yet to be elucidated. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the recent advances and new development of this class of drugs as potential anticancer agents.
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Liu WM, Gravett AM, Dalgleish AG. The antimalarial agent artesunate possesses anticancer properties that can be enhanced by combination strategies. Int J Cancer 2010; 128:1471-80. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.25707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2010] [Accepted: 09/17/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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