1
|
Xue Y, Lu J, Liu Y, Gao Y, Gong Y, Yang Y, Xiong Y, Shi X. Dihydroartemisinin modulated arachidonic acid metabolism and mitigated liver inflammation by inhibiting the activation of 5-LOX and COX-2. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33370. [PMID: 39027511 PMCID: PMC11255665 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a derivative of Artemisia annua, has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties. Besides, Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) plays a crucial role in maintaining liver homeostasis. Methods This study used Yap1 Flox/Flox, Albumin-Cre mice with hepatocyte-specific Yap1 knockout (referred to as Yap1 LKO) and their control mice (Yap1 Flox/Flox, referred to as Yap1 Flox). The effect of Yap1 on lipid metabolism homeostasis was investigated through non-targeted metabolomic analysis of mouse liver. Subsequently, DHA was administered to Yap1 LKO mice to assess its potential as a treatment. Liver pathology was evaluated via H&E staining, and the levels of AST, ALT, and TG were quantified using biochemical assays. The contents of arachidonic acid (AA), prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), and leukotrienes (LT) in the liver were measured using ELISA, while the protein expressions of PLIN2, 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were analyzed through IHC staining. Results Hepatocyte-specific Yap1 knockout activated the AA metabolic pathway, resulting in increased elevated levels of AA, PGE1, and LT levels, along with inflammatory cytokine infiltration. DHA mitigated the elevation of metabolites such as PGE1 and LT caused by the AA metabolic pathway activation by down-regulating the levels of COX-2 and 5-LOX in the liver of Yap1 LKO mice. Moreover, it alleviated the accumulation of lipid vacuoles and reduced triglyceride (TG) and perilipin-2 (PLIN2) levels in the liver of Yap1 LKO mice. Conclusions Excessively low YAP1 expression induces liver inflammation and disturbances in lipid metabolism, whereas DHA modulated AA metabolism and mitigated liver inflammation by inhibiting the activation of 5-LOX and COX-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xue
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, 030000, China
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050200, China
| | - Junlan Lu
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, 030000, China
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050200, China
| | - Yiwei Liu
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050200, China
| | - Yuting Gao
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, 030000, China
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050200, China
| | - Yi Gong
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, 030000, China
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050200, China
| | - Yanguang Yang
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, 030000, China
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050200, China
| | - Yajun Xiong
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, 030000, China
| | - Xinli Shi
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, 030000, China
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050200, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Song XQ, Guo X, Ding YX, Han YX, You ZH, Song Y, Yuan Y, Li L. Gemfibrozil-Platinum(IV) Precursors for New Enhanced-Starvation and Chemotherapy In Vitro and In Vivo. J Med Chem 2024; 67:7033-7047. [PMID: 38634331 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
A brand-new enhanced starvation is put forward to trigger sensitized chemotherapy: blocking tumor-relation blood vessel formation and accelerating nutrient degradation and efflux. Following this concept, two cisplatin-like gemfibrozil-derived Pt(IV) prodrugs, GP and GPG, are synthesized. GP and GPG had nanomolar IC50 against A2780 cells and higher selectivity against normal cells than cisplatin. Bioactivity results confirmed that GP and GPG highly accumulated in cells and induced DNA damage, G2-phase arrest, and p53 expression. Besides, they could increase ROS and MDA levels and reduce mitochondrial membrane potential and Bcl-2 expression to promote cell apoptosis. In vivo, GP showed superior antitumor activity in A2780 tumor-bearing mice with no observable tissue damage. Mechanistic studies suggested that highly selective chemotherapy could be due to the new enhanced starvation effect: blocking vasculature formation via inhibiting the CYP2C8/EETs pathway and VEGFR2, NF-κB, and COX-2 expression and cholesterol efflux and degradation acceleration via increasing ABCA1 and PPARα.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Qing Song
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmacy, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, Hebei, P. R. China
| | - Xu Guo
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmacy, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, Hebei, P. R. China
| | - Yi-Xin Ding
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmacy, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, Hebei, P. R. China
| | - Yi-Xuan Han
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmacy, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, Hebei, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Hao You
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmacy, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, Hebei, P. R. China
| | - Yali Song
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmacy, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, Hebei, P. R. China
| | - Yanan Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmacy, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, Hebei, P. R. China
| | - Longfei Li
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmacy, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, Hebei, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang R, Su D, Liu Y, Huang H, Qiu J, Cao Z, Yang G, Chen H, Luo W, Tao J, Weng G, Zhang T. The NF-κB/NUAK2 signaling axis regulates pancreatic cancer progression by targeting SMAD2/3. iScience 2024; 27:109406. [PMID: 38510132 PMCID: PMC10951638 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) plays a pivotal role in the development of pancreatic cancer, and its phosphorylation has previously been linked to the regulation of NUAK2. However, the regulatory connection between NF-κB and NUAK2, as well as NUAK2's role in pancreatic cancer, remains unclear. In this study, we observed that inhibiting NUAK2 impeded the proliferation, migration, and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells while triggering apoptosis. NUAK2 overexpression partially resisted apoptosis and reversed the inhibitory effects of the NF-κB inhibitor. NF-κB transcriptionally regulated NUAK2 transcription by binding to the promoter region of NUAK2. Mechanistically, NUAK2 knockdown remarkably reduced the expression levels of p-SMAD2/3 and SMAD2/3, resulting in decreased nuclear translocation of SMAD4. In SMAD4-negative cells, NUAK2 knockdown impacted FAK signaling by downregulating SMAD2/3. Moreover, NUAK2 knockdown heightened the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine, suggesting that NUAK2 inhibitors could be a promising strategy for pancreatic cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruobing Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Dan Su
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yueze Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Hua Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jiangdong Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Zhe Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Gang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Wenhao Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jinxin Tao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Guihu Weng
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Taiping Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xia Y, Sun M, Huang H, Jin WL. Drug repurposing for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:92. [PMID: 38637540 PMCID: PMC11026526 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01808-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer, a complex and multifactorial disease, presents a significant challenge to global health. Despite significant advances in surgical, radiotherapeutic and immunological approaches, which have improved cancer treatment outcomes, drug therapy continues to serve as a key therapeutic strategy. However, the clinical efficacy of drug therapy is often constrained by drug resistance and severe toxic side effects, and thus there remains a critical need to develop novel cancer therapeutics. One promising strategy that has received widespread attention in recent years is drug repurposing: the identification of new applications for existing, clinically approved drugs. Drug repurposing possesses several inherent advantages in the context of cancer treatment since repurposed drugs are typically cost-effective, proven to be safe, and can significantly expedite the drug development process due to their already established safety profiles. In light of this, the present review offers a comprehensive overview of the various methods employed in drug repurposing, specifically focusing on the repurposing of drugs to treat cancer. We describe the antitumor properties of candidate drugs, and discuss in detail how they target both the hallmarks of cancer in tumor cells and the surrounding tumor microenvironment. In addition, we examine the innovative strategy of integrating drug repurposing with nanotechnology to enhance topical drug delivery. We also emphasize the critical role that repurposed drugs can play when used as part of a combination therapy regimen. To conclude, we outline the challenges associated with repurposing drugs and consider the future prospects of these repurposed drugs transitioning into clinical application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xia
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550001, PR China
- School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Ming Sun
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China
- School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China
| | - Hai Huang
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China.
- School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China.
| | - Wei-Lin Jin
- Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang Y, Xu H, Li Y, Sun Y, Peng X. Advances in the treatment of pancreatic cancer with traditional Chinese medicine. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1089245. [PMID: 37608897 PMCID: PMC10440824 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1089245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a common malignancy of the digestive system. With a high degree of malignancy and poor prognosis, it is called the "king of cancers." Currently, Western medicine treats pancreatic cancer mainly by surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, the curative effect is not satisfactory. The application of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the treatment of pancreatic cancer has many advantages and is becoming an important facet of comprehensive clinical treatment. In this paper, we review current therapeutic approaches for pancreatic cancer. We also review the protective effects shown by TCM in different models and discuss the potential molecular mechanisms of these.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanhua Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaochun Peng
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Guan L, Wang H, Xu X, Fan H. Therapeutical Utilization and Repurposing of Artemisinin and Its Derivatives: A Narrative Review. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2300086. [PMID: 37178448 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinin (ART) and its derivatives have great therapeutical utility as antimalarials and can be repurposed for other indications, such as viral infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic effects of ART-based drugs, beyond their antimalarial effects. This review also summarizes the information on their repurposing in other pathologies, with the hope that it will guide the future optimization of the use of ART-based drugs and of the treatment strategies for the listed diseases. By reviewing related literature, ART extraction and structure as well as the synthesis and structure of its derivatives are presented. Subsequently, the traditional roles of ART and its derivatives against malaria are reviewed, including antimalarial mechanism and occurrence of antimalarial resistance. Finally, the potential of ART and its derivatives to be repurposed for the treatment of other diseases are summarized. The great repurposing potential of ART and its derivatives may be useful for the control of emerging diseases with corresponding pathologies, and future research should be directed toward the synthesis of more effective derivatives or better combinations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Guan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
| | - Huiyong Wang
- Wuhan Humanwell Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Wuhan, 430206, P. R. China
| | - Xiaolong Xu
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100010, P. R. China
| | - Huahao Fan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
SAEED MOHAMEDEM, CIVES-LOSADA CANDELA, EFFERTH THOMAS. Biomarker Expression Profiling in Cervix Carcinoma Biopsies Unravels WT1 as a Target of Artesunate. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2022; 19:727-739. [PMID: 36316038 PMCID: PMC9620444 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Artemisinin and its derivatives are not only approved antimalarial drugs but also exert strong anticancer activity. Based on the clinical activity of artesunate (ART) that has been previously reported in cervix carcinoma, we investigated a panel of 12 different biomarkers and identified the Wilms Tumor 1 (WT1) protein as a potential target of ART. PATIENTS AND METHODS Matched biopsies of cervical carcinoma before, during, and after therapy from patients treated with ART were investigated for induction of apoptosis (TUNEL assay) and expression of Wilms Tumor protein 1 (WT1), 14-3-3 ζ, cluster of differentiation markers (CD4, CD8, CD56), ATP-binding cassette transporter B5 (ABCB5), glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP), eukaryotic elongation factor 3 (eIF3), and ADP/ATP translocase by immunohistochemistry. WT1 has been selected for more detailed analyses using molecular docking in silico, microscale thermophoresis using recombinant WT1, and cytotoxicity testing (resazurin assay) using HEK293 cells transfected with four different WT1 splice variants. RESULTS The fraction of apoptotic cells and the expression of WT1, 14-3-3 ζ, and CD4 increased upon ART treatment in tumors of patients. ART was bound in silico to a domain located at the DNA-binding site of WT1, while dihydroartemisinin (DHA) was bound with low affinity to a different site of WT1 not related to DNA-binding. The results were verified using microscale thermophoresis, where ART but not DHA bound to recombinant WT1. Transfectants overexpressing different WT1 splice variants exerted low but significant resistance to ART (≈2-fold). CONCLUSION WT1 may represent a novel target of ART in cancer cells that contribute to the response of tumor cells to this drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- MOHAMED E. M. SAEED
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - CANDELA CIVES-LOSADA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, IBSAL, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - THOMAS EFFERTH
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Laurella LC, Mirakian NT, Garcia MN, Grasso DH, Sülsen VP, Papademetrio DL. Sesquiterpene Lactones as Promising Candidates for Cancer Therapy: Focus on Pancreatic Cancer. Molecules 2022; 27:3492. [PMID: 35684434 PMCID: PMC9182036 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27113492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive disease which confers to patients a poor prognosis at short term. PDAC is the fourth leading cause of death among cancers in the Western world. The rate of new cases of pancreatic cancer (incidence) is 10 per 100,000 but present a 5-year survival of less than 10%, highlighting the poor prognosis of this pathology. Furthermore, 90% of advanced PDAC tumor present KRAS mutations impacting in several oncogenic signaling pathways, many of them associated with cell proliferation and tumor progression. Different combinations of chemotherapeutic agents have been tested over the years without an improvement of significance in its treatment. PDAC remains as one the more challenging biomedical topics thus far. The lack of a proper early diagnosis, the notable mortality statistics and the poor outcome with the available therapies urge the entire scientific community to find novel approaches against PDAC with real improvements in patients' survival and life quality. Natural compounds have played an important role in the process of discovery and development of new drugs. Among them, terpenoids, such as sesquiterpene lactones, stand out due to their biological activities and pharmacological potential as antitumor agents. In this review, we will describe the sesquiterpene lactones with in vitro and in vivo activity against pancreatic tumor cells. We will also discuss the mechanism of action of the compounds as well as the signaling pathways associated with their activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cecilia Laurella
- Instituto de Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco (IQUIMEFA), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Piso 2, Buenos Aires CP 1113, Argentina;
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires CP 1113, Argentina;
| | - Nadia Talin Mirakian
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires CP 1113, Argentina;
| | - Maria Noé Garcia
- Cátedra de Inmunología, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires CP 1113, Argentina;
- Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Piso 4, Buenos Aires CP 1113, Argentina;
| | - Daniel Héctor Grasso
- Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Piso 4, Buenos Aires CP 1113, Argentina;
- Cátedra de Fisiopatología, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires CP 1113, Argentina
| | - Valeria Patricia Sülsen
- Instituto de Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco (IQUIMEFA), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Piso 2, Buenos Aires CP 1113, Argentina;
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires CP 1113, Argentina;
| | - Daniela Laura Papademetrio
- Cátedra de Inmunología, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires CP 1113, Argentina;
- Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Piso 4, Buenos Aires CP 1113, Argentina;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Koltai T, Reshkin SJ, Carvalho TMA, Di Molfetta D, Greco MR, Alfarouk KO, Cardone RA. Resistance to Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Physiopathologic and Pharmacologic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2486. [PMID: 35626089 PMCID: PMC9139729 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a very aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis and inadequate response to treatment. Many factors contribute to this therapeutic failure: lack of symptoms until the tumor reaches an advanced stage, leading to late diagnosis; early lymphatic and hematic spread; advanced age of patients; important development of a pro-tumoral and hyperfibrotic stroma; high genetic and metabolic heterogeneity; poor vascular supply; a highly acidic matrix; extreme hypoxia; and early development of resistance to the available therapeutic options. In most cases, the disease is silent for a long time, andwhen it does become symptomatic, it is too late for ablative surgery; this is one of the major reasons explaining the short survival associated with the disease. Even when surgery is possible, relapsesare frequent, andthe causes of this devastating picture are the low efficacy ofand early resistance to all known chemotherapeutic treatments. Thus, it is imperative to analyze the roots of this resistance in order to improve the benefits of therapy. PDAC chemoresistance is the final product of different, but to some extent, interconnected factors. Surgery, being the most adequate treatment for pancreatic cancer and the only one that in a few selected cases can achieve longer survival, is only possible in less than 20% of patients. Thus, the treatment burden relies on chemotherapy in mostcases. While the FOLFIRINOX scheme has a slightly longer overall survival, it also produces many more adverse eventsso that gemcitabine is still considered the first choice for treatment, especially in combination with other compounds/agents. This review discusses the multiple causes of gemcitabine resistance in PDAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephan Joel Reshkin
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Tiago M. A. Carvalho
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Daria Di Molfetta
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Maria Raffaella Greco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Khalid Omer Alfarouk
- Zamzam Research Center, Zamzam University College, Khartoum 11123, Sudan;
- Alfarouk Biomedical Research LLC, Temple Terrace, FL 33617, USA
| | - Rosa Angela Cardone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Singhal S, Maheshwari P, Krishnamurthy PT, Patil VM. Drug Repurposing Strategies for Non-Cancer to Cancer Therapeutics. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2022; 22:2726-2756. [PMID: 35301945 DOI: 10.2174/1871520622666220317140557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Global efforts invested for the prevention and treatment of cancer need to be repositioned to develop safe, effective, and economic anticancer therapeutics by adopting rational approaches of drug discovery. Drug repurposing is one of the established approaches to reposition old, clinically approved off patent noncancer drugs with known targets into newer indications. The literature review suggests key role of drug repurposing in the development of drugs intended for cancer as well as noncancer therapeutics. A wide category of noncancer drugs namely, drugs acting on CNS, anthelmintics, cardiovascular drugs, antimalarial drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs have come out with interesting outcomes during preclinical and clinical phases. In the present article a comprehensive overview of the current scenario of drug repurposing for the treatment of cancer has been focused. The details of some successful studies along with examples have been included followed by associated challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shipra Singhal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry KIET School of Pharmacy, KIET Group of Institutions, Delhi-NCR, Ghaziabad, India
| | - Priyal Maheshwari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry KIET School of Pharmacy, KIET Group of Institutions, Delhi-NCR, Ghaziabad, India
| | | | - Vaishali M Patil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry KIET School of Pharmacy, KIET Group of Institutions, Delhi-NCR, Ghaziabad, India
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ma Z, Woon CYN, Liu CG, Cheng JT, You M, Sethi G, Wong ALA, Ho PCL, Zhang D, Ong P, Wang L, Goh BC. Repurposing Artemisinin and its Derivatives as Anticancer Drugs: A Chance or Challenge? Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:828856. [PMID: 35035355 PMCID: PMC8758560 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.828856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer has become a global health problem, accounting for one out of six deaths. Despite the recent advances in cancer therapy, there is still an ever-growing need for readily accessible new therapies. The process of drug discovery and development is arduous and takes many years, and while it is ongoing, the time for the current lead compounds to reach clinical trial phase is very long. Drug repurposing has recently gained significant attention as it expedites the process of discovering new entities for anticancer therapy. One such potential candidate is the antimalarial drug, artemisinin that has shown anticancer activities in vitro and in vivo. In this review, major molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effect of artemisinin and its derivatives are summarised. Furthermore, major mechanisms of action and some key signaling pathways of this group of compounds have been reviewed to explore potential targets that contribute to the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells. Despite its established profile in malaria treatment, pharmacokinetic properties, anticancer potency, and current formulations that hinder the clinical translation of artemisinin as an anticancer agent, have been discussed. Finally, potential solutions or new strategies are identified to overcome the bottlenecks in repurposing artemisinin-type compounds as anticancer drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaowu Ma
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Clariis Yi-Ning Woon
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chen-Guang Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Jun-Ting Cheng
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Mingliang You
- Hangzhou Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.,Affiliated Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andrea Li-Ann Wong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Paul Chi-Lui Ho
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Daping Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Peishi Ong
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Boon-Cher Goh
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
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.
Collapse
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
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Peng J, Wang Q, Zhou J, Zhao S, Di P, Chen Y, Tao L, Du Q, Shen X, Chen Y. Targeted Lipid Nanoparticles Encapsulating Dihydroartemisinin and Chloroquine Phosphate for Suppressing the Proliferation and Liver Metastasis of Colorectal Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:720777. [PMID: 34690764 PMCID: PMC8531263 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.720777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimalarial drugs Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and chloroquine phosphate (CQ) exhibit evident anti-cancer activity, particularly as combination therapy. DHA and CQ combination therapy has been proved to exhibit higher cytotoxic effect in tumor cells and lower toxicity to normal cells than combination of artemisinin derivatives (ARTs) and anticancer chemotherapy drugs. However, different physiochemical properties of DHA and CQ, leading to distinctive in vivo outcomes, considerably limited their synergistic effect in cancer treatment. Herein, we developed a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) for co-delivery of DHA and CQ to inhibit proliferation and metastasis of colorectal cancer. Considering the beneficial effects of acid/reactive oxide species (ROS)-sensitive phospholipids and targeting ligands for colorectal cancer cells, an RGD peptide-modified pH/ROS dual-sensitive LNP loaded with DHA and CQ (RLNP/DC) was prepared. It exhibited optimal cytotoxicity and suppression of invasion and metastasis in HCT116 cells in vitro, attributable to irreversible upregulation of intracellular ROS levels, downregulation of VEGF expression, and upregulation of paxillin expression. A mouse model of orthotopic metastasis of colorectal cancer was established to evaluate anti-proliferation and anti-metastasis effects of RLNP/DC in vivo. Thus, an optimized nanoplatform for DHA and CQ combination therapy was developed in this study that offered potential antitumor efficacy against colorectal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianqing Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Qin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Shuli Zhao
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pan Di
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ling Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Qianming Du
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangchun Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Chemical hybridization of sulfasalazine and dihydroartemisinin promotes brain tumor cell death. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20766. [PMID: 34675351 PMCID: PMC8531376 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99960-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are primary brain tumors with still poor prognosis for the patients despite a combination of cytoreduction via surgery followed by a radio-chemotherapy. One strategy to find effective treatment is to combine two different compounds in one hybrid molecule via linker to add to or at best potentiate their impact on malignant cells. Here, we report on the effects of a newly synthesized hybrid of sulfasalazine (SAS) and dihydroartemisinin (DHA), called AC254. In previous studies, both SAS and DHA have already proved to have anti-tumor properties themselves and to have sensitizing respectively potentiating effects on other treatments against malignant tumors. We investigated the impact of individual drugs SAS and DHA, their 1:1 combination and a novel SAS-DHA hybrid compound (AC254) on rodent and human glioma cells. In our study SAS alone showed no or only a mild effect on glioma, whereas DHA led to a significant reduction of cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Next we compared the efficacy of the hybrid AC254 to the combinational treatment of its parent compounds SAS and DHA. The hybrid was highly efficient in combating glioma cells compared to single treatment strategies regarding cell viability and cell death. Interestingly, AC254 showed a remarkable advantage over the combinational treatment with both parent compounds in most used concentrations. In addition to its reduction of tumor cell viability and induction of cell death, the hybrid AC254 displayed changes in cell cycle and reduction of cell migration. Taken together, these results demonstrate that clinically established compounds such as SAS and DHA can be potentiated in their anti-cancer effects by chemical hybridization. Thus, this concept provides the opportunity to devise new effective chemotherapeutic agents.
Collapse
|
15
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Liang R, Chen W, Chen XY, Fan HN, Zhang J, Zhu JS. Dihydroartemisinin inhibits the tumorigenesis and invasion of gastric cancer by regulating STAT1/KDR/MMP9 and P53/BCL2L1/CASP3/7 pathways. Pathol Res Pract 2021; 218:153318. [PMID: 33370709 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2020.153318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), an effective antimalarial drug, has been widely investigated as an anti-tumor agent. Although previous studies have indicated the potential therapeutic effects of DHA on multiple malignancies, its detailed molecular mechanisms in gastric cancer (GC) are still undocumented. In the present study, we applied network pharmacology and bioinformatics (gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses) to obtain the collective targets of DHA and GC and analyzed their involvement in constructing a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. The top 10% hub targets in this network were identified, and TCGA database was utilized for the single gene analysis of their correlation with the prognosis of GC. CCK8, EdU, Transwell, and flow cytometry analyses were conducted, and subcutaneous xenograft tumor models were constructed to assess the effects of DHA on the tumorigenesis and invasion of GC. Furthermore, the targets of DHA were verified by molecular docking, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and western blot analyses in GC cells. The results indicated that the common targets of DHA and GC were enriched in multiple cancer-related pathways including KDR, STAT1 and apoptosis signaling pathways, where the core genes included KDR, MMP9, STAT1, TP53, CASP3/7 and BCL2L1. The lowered expression of KDR and increased expression of TP53 and CASP7 harbored a favorable survival for patients with GC patients. CASP7 showed a positive correlation with CASP3 but a negative correlation with KDR and could be regarded as an independent protective factor for overall survival in GC. Moreover, DHA treatment induced cell apoptosis and suppressed the cell proliferation, DNA synthesis, cycle progression and invasive capabilities both in vitro and in vivo. DHA also upregulated p53, CASP3, and cleaved-CASP3 and downregulated BCL2L1, MMP9, KDR, p-KDR, STAT1 and p-STAT1 in GC cell lines. In conclusion, DHA could suppress the tumorigenesis and invasion of GC by regulating STAT1/KDR/MMP9 and p53/BCL2L1/CASP3/7 pathways. Our findings might provide a novel approach for the treatment of GC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Liang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Ning Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jin-Shui Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Dai X, Zhang X, Chen W, Chen Y, Zhang Q, Mo S, Lu J. Dihydroartemisinin: A Potential Natural Anticancer Drug. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:603-622. [PMID: 33613116 PMCID: PMC7893584 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.50364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is an active metabolite of artemisinin and its derivatives (ARTs), and it is an effective clinical drug widely used to treat malaria. Recently, the anticancer activity of DHA has attracted increasing attention. Nevertheless, there is no systematic summary on the anticancer effects of DHA. Notably, studies have shown that DHA exerts anticancer effects through various molecular mechanisms, such as inhibiting proliferation, inducing apoptosis, inhibiting tumor metastasis and angiogenesis, promoting immune function, inducing autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the latest progress regarding the anticancer activities of DHA in cancer. Importantly, the underlying anticancer molecular mechanisms and pharmacological effects of DHA in vitro and in vivo are the focus of our attention. Interestingly, new methods to improve the solubility and bioavailability of DHA are discussed, which greatly enhance its anticancer efficacy. Remarkably, DHA has synergistic anti-tumor effects with a variety of clinical drugs, and preclinical and clinical studies provide stronger evidence of its anticancer potential. Moreover, this article also gives suggestions for further research on the anticancer effects of DHA. Thus, we hope to provide a strong theoretical support for DHA as an anticancer drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshuo Dai
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450052, PR China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China
| | - Yihuan Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China
| | - Qiushuang Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China
| | - Saijun Mo
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China
| | - Jing Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450052, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Yuan B, Liao F, Shi ZZ, Ren Y, Deng XL, Yang TT, Li DY, Li RF, Pu DD, Wang YJ, Tan Y, Yang Z, Zhang YH. Dihydroartemisinin Inhibits the Proliferation, Colony Formation and Induces Ferroptosis of Lung Cancer Cells by Inhibiting PRIM2/SLC7A11 Axis. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:10829-10840. [PMID: 33149601 PMCID: PMC7602909 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s248492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Lung cancer is the first leading cause of cancer-related deaths both worldwide and in China and threatens human health and quality of life. New drugs and therapeutic methods are urgently needed. Our study evaluated the roles of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) in lung cancer and further explored its underlying mechanisms. Methods CCK-8, colony formation and trypan blue exclusion assays were used to detect the cell viability, colony formation ability and cell death. qRT-PCR and Western blotting assays were applied to analyze the expressions of key molecules. Results DHA inhibited the proliferation and colony formation abilities and enhanced the cell death and induced ferroptosis of lung NCI-H23 and XWLC-05 cancer cells. DHA reduced PRIM2 expression and silencing PRIM2 mimicked the inhibitory roles on proliferation and colony formation and promotive roles on cell death and ferroptosis of DHA in lung NCI-H23 and XWLC-05 cancer cells. We further found that DHA treatment and loss of PRIM2 reduced the GSH level and increased the cellular lipid ROS and mitochondrial MDA levels, and further downregulated the expressions of SLC7A11 and β-catenin in lung cancer cells, respectively. Exogenetic overexpression of PRIM2 recovered the inhibitory effects of DHA on proliferation and colony formation in lung NCI-H23 cancer cells, meanwhile loss of PRIM2 sensitizes NCI-H23 cells to DHA therapy. In vivo experiment further showed that DHA treatment significantly suppressed the tumor growth and downregulated PRIM2 and SLC7A11. Conclusion Our study suggested that DHA inhibited the proliferation, colony formation and enhanced cell death and induced ferroptosis of lung cancer cells by inactivating PRIM2/SLC7A11 axis. Loss of PRIM2 induced ferroptosis might developed to be a novel therapeutic method in lung cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bing Yuan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Liao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Zhou Shi
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Ren
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Li Deng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting-Ting Yang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Deng-Yuan Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ru-Fang Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan-Dan Pu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Jue Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Tan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun-Hui Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Augustin Y, Staines HM, Krishna S. Artemisinins as a novel anti-cancer therapy: Targeting a global cancer pandemic through drug repurposing. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 216:107706. [PMID: 33075360 PMCID: PMC7564301 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinins are a unique class of antimalarial drugs with significant potential for drug repurposing for a wide range of diseases including cancer. Cancer is a leading cause of death globally and the majority of cancer related deaths occur in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs) where conventional treatment options are often limited by financial cost. Drug repurposing can significantly shorten new therapeutic discovery pathways, ensuring greater accessibility and affordability globally. Artemisinins have an excellent safety and tolerability profile as well as being affordable for deployment in Low and Middle Class Income Countries at around USD1 per daily dose. Robust, well designed clinical trials of artemisinin drug repurposing are indicated for a variety of different cancers and treatment settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Augustin
- Institute of Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Henry M Staines
- Institute of Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Sanjeev Krishna
- Institute of Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
The potential of artemisinins as anti-obesity agents via modulating the immune system. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 216:107696. [PMID: 33022301 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives are the most effective antimalarial drugs. Besides anti-malarial activity, artemisinin and its derivatives have displayed wide-spectrum bioactivities such as anti-parasite, anti-tumor, and anti-obesity effects. Obesity is an epidemic worldwide which is a big threat to human health, but there are only a few approved anti-obesity drugs in the world. Also, these drugs are efficient to limited patients partly because their safety and efficacy are questioned. Anti-inflammatory therapies may be valuable in obesity treatment since growing evidence shows chronic metabolic inflammation is implicated in metabolic disease pathogenesis. As artemisinin and its derivatives display effective anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties with less toxicity, it provides an insight for novel drug development in obesity therapeutic strategies via immune-regulatory mechanisms. In this review, the potential of artemisinin and its derivatives to treat various metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes is discussed.
Collapse
|
21
|
Abu-Izneid T, Rauf A, Shariati MA, Khalil AA, Imran M, Rebezov M, Uddin MS, Mahomoodally MF, Rengasamy KRR. Sesquiterpenes and their derivatives-natural anticancer compounds: An update. Pharmacol Res 2020; 161:105165. [PMID: 32835868 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Sesquiterpenes belong to the largest group of plant secondary metabolites, which consist of three isoprene building units. These compounds are widely distributed in various angiosperms, a few gymnosperms and bryophytes. Sesquiterpenes and their allied derivatives are bio-synthesized in various plant parts including leaves, fruits and roots. These plant-based metabolites are predominantly identified in the Asteraceae family, wherein up to 5000 complexes have been documented to date. Sesquiterpenes and their derivatives are characteristically associated with plant defence mechanisms owing to their antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral activities. Over the last two decades, these compounds have been reportedly demonstrated health promoting perspectives against a wide range of metabolic syndromes i.e. hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular complications, neural disorders, diabetes, and cancer. The high potential of sesquiterpenes and their derivatives against various cancers like breast, colon, bladder, pancreatic, prostate, cervical, brain, liver, blood, ovarium, bone, endometrial, oral, lung, eye, stomach and kidney are the object of this review. Predominantly, it recapitulates the literature elucidating sesquiterpenes and their derivatives while highlighting the mechanistic approaches associated with their potent anticancer activities such as modulating nuclear factor kappa (NF-kB) activity, inhibitory action against lipid peroxidation and retarding the production of reactive oxygen & nitrogen species (ROS&RNS).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tareq Abu-Izneid
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdur Rauf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Mohammad Ali Shariati
- K.G. Razumovsky Moscow State University of Technologies and Management (the First Cossack University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Anees Ahmed Khalil
- University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran
- University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Maksim Rebezov
- V. M. Gorbatov Federal Research Center for Food Systems of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Md Sahab Uddin
- Pharmakon Neuroscience Research Network, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohamad Fawzi Mahomoodally
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Viet Nam; Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Mauritius
| | - Kannan R R Rengasamy
- Bionanotechnology Research Group, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kiani BH, Kayani WK, Khayam AU, Dilshad E, Ismail H, Mirza B. Artemisinin and its derivatives: a promising cancer therapy. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:6321-6336. [PMID: 32710388 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05669-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The world is experiencing a cancer epidemic and an increase in the prevalence of the disease. Cancer remains a major killer, accounting for more than half a million deaths annually. There is a wide range of natural products that have the potential to treat this disease. One of these products is artemisinin; a natural product from Artemisia plant. The Nobel Prize for Medicine was awarded in 2015 for the discovery of artemisinin in recognition of the drug's efficacy. Artemisinin produces highly reactive free radicals by the breakdown of two oxygen atoms that kill cancerous cells. These cells sequester iron and accumulate as much as 1000 times in comparison with normal cells. Generally, chemotherapy is toxic to both cancerous cells and normal cells, while no significant cytotoxicity from artemisinin to normal cells has been found in more than 4000 case studies, which makes it far different than conventional chemotherapy. The pleiotropic response of artemisinin in cancer cells is responsible for growth inhibition by multiple ways including inhibition of angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, disruption of cell migration, and modulation of nuclear receptor responsiveness. It is very encouraging that artemisinin and its derivatives are anticipated to be a novel class of broad-spectrum antitumor agents based on efficacy and safety. This review aims to highlight these achievements and propose potential strategies to develop artemisinin and its derivatives as a new class of cancer therapeutic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Hafeez Kiani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan.
| | - Waqas Khan Kayani
- Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Växtskyddsvägen 1, 23053, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Asma Umer Khayam
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Erum Dilshad
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biosciences, Capital University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Hammad Ismail
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gujrat, Gujrat, 50700, Pakistan
| | - Bushra Mirza
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Septembre-Malaterre A, Lalarizo Rakoto M, Marodon C, Bedoui Y, Nakab J, Simon E, Hoarau L, Savriama S, Strasberg D, Guiraud P, Selambarom J, Gasque P. Artemisia annua, a Traditional Plant Brought to Light. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4986. [PMID: 32679734 PMCID: PMC7404215 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21144986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional remedies have been used for thousand years for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, particularly in developing countries. Of growing interest, the plant Artemisia annua, known for its malarial properties, has been studied for its numerous biological activities including metabolic, anti-tumor, anti-microbial and immunomodulatory properties. Artemisia annua is very rich in secondary metabolites such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and phenolic compounds, of which the biological properties have been extensively studied. The purpose of this review is to gather and describe the data concerning the main chemical components produced by Artemisia annua and to describe the state of the art about the biological activities reported for this plant and its compounds beyond malaria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Axelle Septembre-Malaterre
- Unité de recherche Etudes Pharmaco-Immunologie (EPI), Université de La Réunion, CHU La Réunion site Félix Guyon, Allée des Topazes, CS11021, 97400 Saint Denis de La Réunion, France; (P.G.); (J.S.); (P.G.)
| | - Mahary Lalarizo Rakoto
- Faculté de Médecine, Université d’Antananarivo, Campus Universitaire Ambohitsaina, BP 375, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar;
| | - Claude Marodon
- APLAMEDOM Réunion, 1, rue Emile Hugot, Batiment B, Parc Technologique de Saint Denis, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France; (C.M.); (J.N.); (E.S.); (L.H.)
| | - Yosra Bedoui
- INSERM, UMR 1188 Diabète athérothrombose Thérapies Réunion Océan Indien (DéTROI), Université de La Réunion, 97400 Saint Denis de La Réunion, France;
| | - Jessica Nakab
- APLAMEDOM Réunion, 1, rue Emile Hugot, Batiment B, Parc Technologique de Saint Denis, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France; (C.M.); (J.N.); (E.S.); (L.H.)
| | - Elisabeth Simon
- APLAMEDOM Réunion, 1, rue Emile Hugot, Batiment B, Parc Technologique de Saint Denis, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France; (C.M.); (J.N.); (E.S.); (L.H.)
| | - Ludovic Hoarau
- APLAMEDOM Réunion, 1, rue Emile Hugot, Batiment B, Parc Technologique de Saint Denis, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, La Réunion, France; (C.M.); (J.N.); (E.S.); (L.H.)
| | - Stephane Savriama
- EA929 Archéologie Industrielle, Histoire, Patrimoine/Géographie-Développement Environnement de la Caraïbe (AIHP-GEODE), Université des Antilles, Campus Schoelcher, BP7207, 97275 Schoelcher Cedex Martinique, France;
| | - Dominique Strasberg
- Unité Mixte de Recherche Peuplements Végétaux et Bio-agresseurs en Milieu Tropical (PVBMT), Pôle de Protection des Plantes, Université de La Réunion, 7 Chemin de l’IRAT, 97410 Saint-Pierre, La Réunion, France;
| | - Pascale Guiraud
- Unité de recherche Etudes Pharmaco-Immunologie (EPI), Université de La Réunion, CHU La Réunion site Félix Guyon, Allée des Topazes, CS11021, 97400 Saint Denis de La Réunion, France; (P.G.); (J.S.); (P.G.)
| | - Jimmy Selambarom
- Unité de recherche Etudes Pharmaco-Immunologie (EPI), Université de La Réunion, CHU La Réunion site Félix Guyon, Allée des Topazes, CS11021, 97400 Saint Denis de La Réunion, France; (P.G.); (J.S.); (P.G.)
| | - Philippe Gasque
- Unité de recherche Etudes Pharmaco-Immunologie (EPI), Université de La Réunion, CHU La Réunion site Félix Guyon, Allée des Topazes, CS11021, 97400 Saint Denis de La Réunion, France; (P.G.); (J.S.); (P.G.)
- Laboratoire d’immunologie clinique et expérimentale de la zone de l’océan indien (LICE-OI) CHU La Réunion site Félix Guyon, Allée des Topazes, CS11021, 97400 Saint Denis de La Réunion, France
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Dihydroartemisinin inhibits endothelial cell tube formation by suppression of the STAT3 signaling pathway. Life Sci 2019; 242:117221. [PMID: 31881224 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.117221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Endothelial cell (EC) tube formation is crucial for tumor angiogenesis, which becomes a target for chemotherapy. The anti-malaria agent dihydroartemisinin (DHA) inhibited tumor growth and angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of DHA on EC tube formation and the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured with different concentrations of DHA, and the tube formation was measured by in vitro angiogenesis assay. The protein levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 3 (STAT3), phosphorylated STAT3 and fatty acid synthase (FASN) were detected by Western blotting. The gene expression of FASN was determined by real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The FASN siRNA and STAT3 (Y705D) vector were introduced into HUVECs by lipofectin transfection. KEY FINDINGS DHA treatment inhibited tube formation, and the phosphorylation of STAT3 on Y705 of HUVECs. The expression of FASN was down-regulated by DHA and STAT3 inhibitor. The inhibitory effect of DHA on FASN expression in HUVECs was eliminated by co-treatment with the STAT3 inhibitor. Over-expression of STAT3 (Y705D) relieved the inhibitory effect of DHA on tube-formation and FASN expression. Under hypoxia condition, expression of FASN was up-regulated but inhibited by DHA treatment in HUVECs through suppression of STAT3 phosphorylation. SIGNIFICANCE We demonstrate that DHA inhibits the protein level of FASN via attenuation of the Y705 phosphorylation of STAT3, and subsequently inhibits tube formation of HUVECs. Our results support the therapeutic potential of DHA on angiogenesis.
Collapse
|
25
|
Dihydroartemisinin Protects against Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice through Inhibiting the PI3K/AKT and NF- κB Signaling Pathways. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:1415809. [PMID: 31781591 PMCID: PMC6875009 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1415809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis is a common inflammatory bowel disease, and the activation of thePI3K/AKT and NF-κB signaling pathways plays a pivotal role in its pathogenesis. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is a widely used antimalarial drug and has shown anticancer effect partially through inhibiting the activation of PI3K/AKT and NF-κB. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dihydroartemisinin on ulcerative colitis and its mechanism. Adult male C57 mice were subjected to 3.0% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for seven days; simultaneously, dihydroartemisinin or control saline was administered by oral gavage once a day. In vitro, the intestinal epithelial cell-6 was treated with LPS for 24 hours with or without dihydroartemisinin combined with PI3K/Akt activator 740 Y-P or NF-κB activator phorbol myristate acetate. Western blotting was used to test the activation of PI3K/AKT and NF-κB. Dihydroartemisinin significantly ameliorated body weight loss, shortened colon length, and increased DAI in DSS-induced colitis. Meanwhile, histological damage was improved and was accompanied by decreased expression and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Moreover, DSS-induced elevation of phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, IKKα, IκBα, and NF-κB (p65) was remarkably blunted by dihydroartemisinin both in vivo and in vitro, indicating an inhibitive property on the PI3K/AKT and NF-κB signaling pathways. Furthermore, administration of 740 Y-P or PMA significantly blocked protective activity of dihydroartemisinin against colitis in vitro. In conclusion, dihydroartemisinin can attenuate DSS-induced colitis, and its anticolitis effect might be mediated via the PI3K/AKT and NF-κB signaling pathways. DHA might serve as a promising drug for patients with ulcerative colitis.
Collapse
|
26
|
Ruan Z, Zhao D. Long intergenic noncoding RNA LINC00284 knockdown reduces angiogenesis in ovarian cancer cells via up-regulation of MEST through NF-κB1. FASEB J 2019; 33:12047-12059. [PMID: 31574234 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201900101rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the major causes of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs might play a role as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Therefore, we investigated the effect and underlying mechanisms of long intergenic noncoding RNA (LINC00) 284 on angiogenesis in OC cells. Expression of LINC00284 in OC tissues and cells was determined. Next, the interaction between LINC00284 and mesoderm-specific transcript (MEST) was evaluated. Subsequently, OC cells were transfected with overexpressed (oe)-LINC00284, silenced (si)-LINC00284, si-NF-κB1, oe-MEST, or si-MEST plasmids to investigate the underlying mechanism of LINC00284 in OC. Afterwards, the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated protein x (Bax), VEGF, and CD31 was determined to assess the effect of LINC00284 on OC cell proliferation, invasion, migration angiogenesis, and apoptosis. Finally, the effect of LINC00284 on tumorigenesis was investigated in nude mice models of OC. LINC00284 was highly expressed in OC. si-LINC00284 increased expression of MEST. si-LINC00284 or si-NF-κB1 led to the reduction in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, tube formation, angiogenesis, and tumorigenic ability and promoted apoptosis in OC by down-regulating MMP-2, MMP-9, Bcl-2, VEGF, and CD31 and up-regulating Bax. These effects were all reversed following the si-MEST. In vivo experiments found the same results, confirming the aforementioned findings. Taken together, LINC00284 is involved in angiogenesis during OC development by recruiting NF-κB1 and down-regulating MEST.-Ruan, Z., Zhao, D. Long intergenic noncoding RNA LINC00284 knockdown reduces angiogenesis in ovarian cancer cells via up-regulation of MEST through NF-κB1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyi Ruan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Geismann C, Schäfer H, Gundlach JP, Hauser C, Egberts JH, Schneider G, Arlt A. NF-κB Dependent Chemokine Signaling in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101445. [PMID: 31561620 PMCID: PMC6826905 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the carcinomas with the worst prognoses, as shown by its five-year survival rate of 9%. Although there have been new therapeutic innovations, the effectiveness of these therapies is still limited, resulting in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) becoming the second leading cause of cancer-related death in 2020 in the US. In addition to tumor cell intrinsic resistance mechanisms, this disease exhibits a complex stroma consisting of fibroblasts, immune cells, neuronal and vascular cells, along with extracellular matrix, all conferring therapeutic resistance by several mechanisms. The NF-κB pathway is involved in both the tumor cell-intrinsic and microenvironment-mediated therapeutic resistance by regulating the transcription of a plethora of target genes. These genes are involved in nearly all scenarios described as the hallmarks of cancer. In addition to classical regulators of apoptosis, NF-κB regulates the expression of chemokines and their receptors, both in the tumor cells and in cells of the microenvironment. These chemokines mediate autocrine and paracrine loops among tumor cells but also cross-signaling between tumor cells and the stroma. In this review, we will focus on NF-κB-mediated chemokine signaling, with an emphasis on therapy resistance in pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Geismann
- Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine I, UKSH-Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Heiner Schäfer
- Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine I, UKSH-Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany.
- Institute of Experimental Cancer Research, UKSH Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany.
| | | | | | | | - Günter Schneider
- Technische Universität München, Klinikum rechts der Isar, II. Medizinische Klinik, 81675 Munich, Germany.
| | - Alexander Arlt
- Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine I, UKSH-Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Dihydroartemisinin inhibits prostate cancer via JARID2/miR-7/miR-34a-dependent downregulation of Axl. Oncogenesis 2019; 8:14. [PMID: 30783079 PMCID: PMC6381097 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-019-0122-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Axl expression is deregulated in several cancer types, predicts poor overall patient survival and is linked to resistance to drug therapy. Here, we evaluated a library of natural compounds for inhibitors of Axl and identified dihydroartemisinin, the active principle of the anti-malarial drug artemisinin, as an Axl-inhibitor in prostate cancer. Dihydroartemisinin blocks Axl expression leading to apoptosis, decrease in cell proliferation, migration, and tumor development of prostate cancer cells. Dihydroartemisinin treatment synergizes with docetaxel, a standard of care in metastatic prostate cancer increasing overall survival of mice with human xenografts. Dihydroartemisinin control of miR-34a and miR-7 expression leads to inhibition of Axl expression in a process at least partially dependent on regulation of chromatin via methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 residues by Jumonji, AT-rich interaction domain containing 2 (JARID2), and the enhancer of zeste homolog 2. Our discovery of a previously unidentified miR-34a/miR-7/JARID2 pathway controlling dihydroartemisinin effects on Axl expression and inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor formation provides new molecular mechanistic insights into dihydroartemisinin anticancer effect on prostate cancer with potential therapeutic implications.
Collapse
|
29
|
He Y, Sun B, Chen G, Huang R. Dihydroartemisinin ameliorates balloon injury‐induced neointimal formation in rats. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:11545-11554. [PMID: 30511399 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yang He
- Department of Anesthesiology The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University Harbin Heilongjiang China
| | - Bei Sun
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University Harbin Heilongjiang China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of General Practice Yinzhou Third Hospital of Ningbo City Ningbo Zhejiang China
| | - Renping Huang
- Department of General Surgery The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University Harbin Heilongjiang China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Anti-hypoxic effect of dihydroartemisinin on pulmonary artery endothelial cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 506:840-846. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.10.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
|
31
|
Niu N, Yu C, Li L, Liu Q, Zhang W, Liang K, Zhu Y, Li J, Zhou X, Tang J, Liu J. Dihydroartemisinin enhances VEGFR1 expression through up-regulation of ETS-1 transcription factor. J Cancer 2018; 9:3366-3372. [PMID: 30271498 PMCID: PMC6160690 DOI: 10.7150/jca.25082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is required for tumor growth. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a the effective anti-malarial derivative of artemisinin, demonstrated potent anti-angiogenic activities that closely related to the regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling cascade. VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR1), a receptor in endothelial cells (ECs), coordinately regulate angiogenic activity triggered by ligand-receptor binding. Here we aimed to explore the effects of DHA on VEGFR1 expression in ECs. We found that DHA significantly increases VEGFR1 expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In addition, DHA significantly upregulates the level of V-Ets Avian Erythroblastosis Virus E26 Oncogene Homolog 1 (ETS-1), a transcriptional factor which binds to the human VEGFR1 promoter. ChIP assay showed that DHA increases ETS-1 binding to the -52 ETS motif on the VEGFR1 promoter. Knockdown of ETS-1 by RNA interference abolished DHA-induced increase of VEGFR1 expression. Taken together, we demonstrated that DHA elevates VEGFR1 expression via up-regulation of ETS-1 transcription in HUVECs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Niu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, 324 Jingwu Road, Jinan,Shandong, China 250021
| | - Changmei Yu
- College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, 7166 Baotong West Street, Weifang, Shandong China 261053.,Medical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, 16766 Jingshi Road, Jinan, Shandong China 250014
| | - Liqun Li
- Medical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, 16766 Jingshi Road, Jinan, Shandong China 250014
| | - Qiang Liu
- Medical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, 16766 Jingshi Road, Jinan, Shandong China 250014
| | - Wenqian Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Kaili Liang
- College of Chemistry, Shandong Normal University, 88 Wenhua East Road, Jinan, Shandong China 250014
| | - Youming Zhu
- College of Chemistry, Shandong Normal University, 88 Wenhua East Road, Jinan, Shandong China 250014
| | - Jing Li
- College of Chemistry, Shandong Normal University, 88 Wenhua East Road, Jinan, Shandong China 250014
| | - Xia Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinbao Tang
- College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, 7166 Baotong West Street, Weifang, Shandong China 261053
| | - Ju Liu
- Medical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, 16766 Jingshi Road, Jinan, Shandong China 250014
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Dihydroartemisinin suppresses pancreatic cancer cells via a microRNA-mRNA regulatory network. Oncotarget 2018; 7:62460-62473. [PMID: 27613829 PMCID: PMC5308739 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite improvements in surgical procedures and chemotherapy, pancreatic cancer remains one of the most aggressive and fatal human malignancies, with a low 5-year survival rate of only 8%. Therefore, novel strategies for prevention and treatment are urgently needed. Here, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the anti-pancreatic cancer effects dihydroartemisinin (DHA). Microarray and systematic analysis showed that DHA suppressed proliferation, inhibited angiogenesis and promoted apoptosis in two different human pancreatic cancer cell lines, and that 5 DHA-regulated microRNAs and 11 of their target mRNAs were involved in these effects via 19 microRNA-mRNA interactions. Four of these microRNAs, 9 of the mRNAs and 17 of the interactions were experimentally verified. Furthermore, we found that the anti-pancreatic caner effects of DHA in vivo involved 4 microRNAs, 9 mRNAs and 17 microRNA-mRNA interactions. These results improve the understanding of the mechanisms by which DHA suppresses proliferation and angiogenesis and promotes apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells and indicate that DHA, an effective antimalarial drug, might improve pancreatic cancer treatments.
Collapse
|
33
|
Jiang J, Geng G, Yu X, Liu H, Gao J, An H, Cai C, Li N, Shen D, Wu X, Zheng L, Mi Y, Yang S. Repurposing the anti-malarial drug dihydroartemisinin suppresses metastasis of non-small-cell lung cancer via inhibiting NF-κB/GLUT1 axis. Oncotarget 2018; 7:87271-87283. [PMID: 27895313 PMCID: PMC5349987 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is an aggressive malignancy and long-term survival remains unsatisfactory for patients with metastatic and recurrent disease. Repurposing the anti-malarial drug dihydroartemisinin (DHA) has been proved to possess potent antitumor effect on various cancers. However, the effects of DHA in preventing the invasion of NSCLC cells have not been studied. In the present study, we determined the inhibitory effects of DHA on invasion and migration and the possible mechanisms involved using A549 and H1975 cells. DHA inhibited in vitro migration and invasion of NSCLC cells even in low concentration with little cytotoxicity. Additionally, low concentration DHA also inhibited Warburg effect in NSCLC cells. Mechanically, DHA negatively regulates NF-κB signaling to inhibit the GLUT1 translocation. Blocking the NF-κB signaling largely abolishes the inhibitory effects of DHA on the translocation of GLUT1 to the plasma membrane and the Warburg effect. Furthermore, GLUT1 knockdown significantly decreased the inhibition of invasion, and migration by DHA. Our results suggested that DHA can inhibit metastasis of NSCLC by targeting glucose metabolism via inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway and DHA may deserve further investigation in NSCLC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiamen Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
| | - Guojun Geng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiamen Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuyi Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiamen Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongming Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiamen Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiamen Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanxiang An
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xiamen Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengfu Cai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiamen Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiamen Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongyan Shen
- Biobank, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqiang Wu
- Biobank, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
| | - Lisheng Zheng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanjun Mi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiamen Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Xiamen Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuyu Yang
- Xiamen Diabetes Institution, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Li Q, Yang G, Feng M, Zheng S, Cao Z, Qiu J, You L, Zheng L, Hu Y, Zhang T, Zhao Y. NF-κB in pancreatic cancer: Its key role in chemoresistance. Cancer Lett 2018; 421:127-134. [PMID: 29432846 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is considered a lethal disease with a high mortality and an extremely low five-year survival rate. Chemotherapy plays a pivotal role in pancreatic cancer treatment both in an adjuvant setting after complete resection and in the case of unresectable metastatic disease. However, none of the available combination chemotherapy regimens has resulted in satisfactory survival outcomes. Recent studies have revealed that both constitutive and induced activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in pancreatic cancer cells are closely associated with cell proliferation, invasion, anti-apoptosis, inflammation, angiogenesis and chemotherapeutic resistance. Therefore, NF-κB inhibitors in combination with cytotoxic compounds have been reported as novel agents that improve chemotherapy sensitivity in pancreatic cancer. In this review, we outline recent developments in the understanding of the role of the NF-κB signaling pathway and its associated genes in the progression of pancreatic cancer and highlight some potentially effective strategies for pancreatic cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quanxiao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China; Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150086, China.
| | - Gang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Mengyu Feng
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Suli Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Zhe Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Jiangdong Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Lei You
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Lianfang Zheng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Ya Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Taiping Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China; Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Yupei Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Li X, Gao Y, Zhang Q, Hu N, Han D, Ning S, Ao Z. Dihydroartemisinin-regulated mRNAs and lncRNAs in chronic myeloid leukemia. Oncotarget 2017; 9:2543-2552. [PMID: 29416790 PMCID: PMC5788658 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) is characterized by increased and unregulated growth of predominantly myeloid cells in the bone marrow, and accumulation of these cells in blood. We investigated the effects of an anti-malarial drug, dihydroartemisinin (DHA), on K562 CML cells. We identified 34 mRNAs and eight lncRNAs dysregulated following DHA treatment in pure and hemin-induced K562 cells. Up- or downregulation of these potential DHA targets increased with increasing DHA concentration. We also constructed and analyzed a DHA-related mRNA-lncRNA regulation network in K562 cells, and found that four DHA-modulated mRNAs regulated by four lncRNAs participated in the steroid biosynthesis pathway. Some estrogen-related drugs, such as tamoxifen, shared common targets with DHA. We inferred that DHA exerted anti-cancer effects on K562 cells by influencing estrogen levels. Our findings indicate that DHA has potential not only as an anti-malarial drug, but also as an anti-CML chemotherapeutic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yue Gao
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Nan Hu
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China.,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde 066000, China
| | - Dong Han
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Shangwei Ning
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Zhuo Ao
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
From ancient herb to modern drug: Artemisia annua and artemisinin for cancer therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 46:65-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 341] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
38
|
Wei T, Liu J. Anti-angiogenic properties of artemisinin derivatives (Review). Int J Mol Med 2017; 40:972-978. [PMID: 28765885 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.3085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the process involving the development of new blood vessels from existing capillaries, is critical for growth and wound healing. However, pathological angiogenesis contributes to the pathogeneses of numerous diseases, including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Hence, the inhibition of angiogenesis is an effective therapeutic approach for these diseases. Apart from its anti-malarial properties, artemisinin and its derivatives also exhibit potent anti-angiogenic properties. The molecular mechanisms underlying their inhibitory effects on angiogenesis have been studied by several groups. These investigations have revealed that artemisinins inhibit angiogenesis via the perturbations of cellular signaling pathways involved in the regulation of angiogenesis. Along with a brief introduction to artemisinin derivatives, this review provides a detailed summary of the effects of artemisinins on the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway and the phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Due to the multiplicity of their actions on relevant signaling pathways, artemisinins are promising candidates with potential for use as anti-angiogenic agents for the treatment of related diseases or disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianshu Wei
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Ju Liu
- Laboratory of Microvascular Medicine, Medical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Jiang LB, Meng DH, Lee SM, Liu SH, Xu QT, Wang Y, Zhang J. Dihydroartemisinin inhibits catabolism in rat chondrocytes by activating autophagy via inhibition of the NF-κB pathway. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38979. [PMID: 27941926 PMCID: PMC5150254 DOI: 10.1038/srep38979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis is a disease with inflammatory and catabolic imbalance in cartilage. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a natural and safe anti-malarial agent, has been reported to inhibit inflammation, but its effects on chondrocytes have yet to be elucidated. We investigated the effects of DHA on catabolism in chondrocytes. Viability of SD rats chondrocytes was analyzed. Autophagy levels were determined via expression of autophagic markers LC3 and ATG5, GFP-LC3 analysis, acridine orange staining, and electron microscopy. ATG5 siRNA induced autophagic inhibition. Catabolic gene and chemokine expression was evaluated using qPCR. The NF-κB inhibitor SM7368 and p65 over-expression were used to analyze the role of NF-κB pathway in autophagic activation. A concentration of 1 μM DHA without cytotoxicity increased LC3-II and ATG5 levels as well as autophagosomal numbers in chondrocytes. DHA inhibited TNF-α-induced expression of MMP-3 and -9, ADAMTS5, CCL-2 and -5, and CXCL1, which was reversed by autophagic inhibition. TNF-α-stimulated nuclear translocation and degradation of the p65 and IκBα proteins, respectively, were attenuated in DHA-treated chondrocytes. NF-κB inhibition activated autophagy in TNF-α-treated chondrocytes, but p65 over-expression reduced the autophagic response to DHA. These results indicate that DHA might suppress the levels of catabolic and inflammatory factors in chondrocytes by promoting autophagy via NF-κB pathway inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Bo Jiang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - De-Hua Meng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Soo-Min Lee
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Hao Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin-Tong Xu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Abou Rayia DM, Saad AE, Ashour DS, Oreiby RM. Implication of artemisinin nematocidal activity on experimental trichinellosis: In vitro and in vivo studies. Parasitol Int 2016; 66:56-63. [PMID: 27894908 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2016.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Benzimidazole drugs are used for treatment of trichinellosis, but they have a limited effect against encapsulated larval stages of Trichinella spiralis. Hence, there is a considerable interest in developing new anthelmintic drugs. Our aim is to investigate the possible effect of artemisinin on T. spiralis in in vitro and in vivo studies. T. spiralis worms were isolated from infected mice and transferred to 3 culture media; group I: with no drugs, group II: contained artemisinin and group III: contained mebendazole, then they were subjected to electron microscopic study. An in vivo study was done where mice were divided into three groups; group I: infected and untreated, group II: received artemisinin and group III: received mebendazole. The efficacy of treatment was assessed by adult and total larval counts, histopathological study of the small intestinal and muscle tissues and immunohistochemical staining of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in muscles. Adult worm teguments showed significant degeneration and destruction with both drugs. Also, significant reduction of total adult and larval counts occurred in treated groups in comparison to the control group. Histopathological examination of the small intestine and muscles showed marked improvement with reduction in the inflammatory infiltrates with both drugs. COX-2 and VEGF expressions were reduced in both treated groups with more reduction in the artemisinin-treated group. This study revealed that artemisinin has the potential to be an alternative drug against trichinellosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dina M Abou Rayia
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - Abeer E Saad
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt.
| | - Dalia S Ashour
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - Radwa M Oreiby
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
The Glutaminase-1 Inhibitor 968 Enhances Dihydroartemisinin-Mediated Antitumor Efficacy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0166423. [PMID: 27835669 PMCID: PMC5105986 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Reprogrammed metabolism and redox homeostasis are potential targets of cancer therapy. Our previous study demonstrated that the kidney form of glutaminase (GLS1) is highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and can be used as a target for effective anticancer therapy. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) increases intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels leading to cytotoxicity in cancer cells. However, the heterogeneity of cancer cells often leads to differing responses to oxidative lesions. For instance, cancer cells with high ratio of GSH/GSSG, a critical ROS scavenger, are resistant to ROS-induced cytotoxicity. We postulate that a combinatorial strategy firstly disrupting redox homeostasis followed by DHA might yield a profound antitumor efficacy. In this study, when HCC cells were treated with a GLS1 inhibitor 968, the ROS elimination capacity was significantly reduced in HCC cells, which rendered HCC cells but not normal endothelial cells more sensitive to DHA-mediated cytotoxicity. We further confirmed that this synergistic antitumor efficacy was mediated by excessive ROS generation in HCC cells. NAC, a ROS inhibitor, partly rescued the combinatorial cytotoxic effect of 968 and DHA. Given that GLS1 is a potential antitumor target and DHA has been safely used in clinic, our findings provide new insight into liver cancer therapy targeting glutamine metabolism combined with the ROS generator DHA, which can be readily translated into cancer clinical trials.
Collapse
|
42
|
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.
Collapse
|
43
|
Lin R, Zhang Z, Chen L, Zhou Y, Zou P, Feng C, Wang L, Liang G. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) induces ferroptosis and causes cell cycle arrest in head and neck carcinoma cells. Cancer Lett 2016; 381:165-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2016.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
44
|
Perez DR, Smagley Y, Garcia M, Carter MB, Evangelisti A, Matlawska-Wasowska K, Winter SS, Sklar LA, Chigaev A. Cyclic AMP efflux inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents for leukemia. Oncotarget 2016; 7:33960-82. [PMID: 27129155 PMCID: PMC5085131 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptotic evasion is a hallmark of cancer. We propose that some cancers may evade cell death by regulating 3'-5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), which is associated with pro-apoptotic signaling. We hypothesize that leukemic cells possess mechanisms that efflux cAMP from the cytoplasm, thus protecting them from apoptosis. Accordingly, cAMP efflux inhibition should result in: cAMP accumulation, activation of cAMP-dependent downstream signaling, viability loss, and apoptosis. We developed a novel assay to assess cAMP efflux and performed screens to identify inhibitors. In an acute myeloid leukemia (AML) model, several identified compounds reduced cAMP efflux, appropriately modulated pathways that are responsive to cAMP elevation (cAMP-responsive element-binding protein phosphorylation, and deactivation of Very Late Antigen-4 integrin), and induced mitochondrial depolarization and caspase activation. Blocking adenylyl cyclase activity was sufficient to reduce effects of the most potent compounds. These compounds also decreased cAMP efflux and viability of B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) cell lines and primary patient samples, but not of normal primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Our data suggest that cAMP efflux is a functional feature that could be therapeutically targeted in leukemia. Furthermore, because some of the identified drugs are currently used for treating other illnesses, this work creates an opportunity for repurposing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominique R. Perez
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- University of New Mexico Center for Molecular Discovery, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Yelena Smagley
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- University of New Mexico Center for Molecular Discovery, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Matthew Garcia
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- University of New Mexico Center for Molecular Discovery, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Mark B. Carter
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- University of New Mexico Center for Molecular Discovery, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Annette Evangelisti
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- University of New Mexico Center for Molecular Discovery, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Ksenia Matlawska-Wasowska
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Stuart S. Winter
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Larry A. Sklar
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- University of New Mexico Center for Molecular Discovery, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Alexandre Chigaev
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- University of New Mexico Center for Molecular Discovery, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Elf S, Lin R, Xia S, Pan Y, Shan C, Wu S, Lonial S, Gaddh M, Arellano ML, Khoury HJ, Khuri FR, Lee BH, Boggon TJ, Fan J, Chen J. Targeting 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase in the oxidative PPP sensitizes leukemia cells to antimalarial agent dihydroartemisinin. Oncogene 2016; 36:254-262. [PMID: 27270429 PMCID: PMC5464402 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Revised: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) is crucial for cancer cell metabolism and tumor growth. We recently reported that targeting a key oxidative PPP enzyme, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD), using our novel small molecule 6PGD inhibitors Physcion and its derivative S3, shows anti-cancer effects. Notably, humans with genetic deficiency of either 6PGD or another oxidative PPP enzyme, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), exhibit non-immune hemolytic anemia upon exposure to aspirin and various anti-malarial drugs. Inspired by these clinical observations, we examined the anti-cancer potential of combined treatment with 6PGD inhibitors and anti-malarial drugs. We found that stable knockdown of 6PGD sensitizes leukemia cells to anti-malarial agent dihydroartemisinin (DHA). Combined treatment with DHA and Physcion activates AMP-activated protein kinase, leading to synergistic inhibition of human leukemia cell viability. Moreover, our combined therapy synergistically attenuates tumor growth in xenograft nude mice injected with human K562 leukemia cells and cell viability of primary leukemia cells from human patients, but shows minimal toxicity to normal hematopoietic cells in mice as well as red blood cells and mononucleocytes from healthy human donors. Our findings reveal the potential for combined therapy using optimized doses of Physcion and DHA as a novel anti-leukemia treatment without inducing hemolysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Elf
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - R Lin
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - S Xia
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Y Pan
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - C Shan
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - S Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - S Lonial
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - M Gaddh
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - M L Arellano
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - H J Khoury
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - F R Khuri
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - B H Lee
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - T J Boggon
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - J Fan
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - J Chen
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Apaya MK, Chang MT, Shyur LF. Phytomedicine polypharmacology: Cancer therapy through modulating the tumor microenvironment and oxylipin dynamics. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 162:58-68. [PMID: 26969215 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Integrative approaches in cancer therapy have recently been extended beyond the induction of cytotoxicity to controlling the tumor microenvironment and modulating inflammatory cascades and pathways such as lipid mediator biosynthesis and their dynamics. Profiling of important lipid messengers, such as oxylipins, produced as part of the physiological response to pharmacological stimuli, provides a unique opportunity to explore drug pharmacology and the possibilities for molecular management of cancer physiopathology. Whereas single targeted chemotherapeutic drugs commonly lack efficacy and invoke drug resistance and/or adverse effects in cancer patients, traditional herbal medicines are seen as bright prospects for treating complex diseases, such as cancers, in a systematic and holistic manner. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of traditional medicine and its bioactive chemical constituents may aid the modernization of herbal remedies and the discovery of novel phytoagents for cancer management. In this review, systems-based polypharmacology and studies to develop multi-target drugs or leads from phytomedicines and their derived natural products that may overcome the problems of current anti-cancer drugs, are proposed and summarized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Karmella Apaya
- Molecular and Biological Agricultural Sciences Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Ting Chang
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lie-Fen Shyur
- Molecular and Biological Agricultural Sciences Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Pharmacognosy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Dong F, Zhou X, Li C, Yan S, Deng X, Cao Z, Li L, Tang B, Allen TD, Liu J. Dihydroartemisinin targets VEGFR2 via the NF-κB pathway in endothelial cells to inhibit angiogenesis. Cancer Biol Ther 2015; 15:1479-88. [PMID: 25482945 DOI: 10.4161/15384047.2014.955728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The anti-malarial agent dihydroartemisinin (DHA) has strong anti-angiogenic activity. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying this effect of DHA on angiogenesis. We found that DHA shows a dose-dependent inhibition of proliferation and migration of in HUVECs. DHA specifically down-regulates the mRNA and protein expression of VEGFR2 in endothelial cells. Treatment with DHA increases IκB-α protein and blocks nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. In addition, DHA directly regulates VEGFR2 promoter activity through p65 binding motif, and decreases the binding activity of p65 and VEGFR2 promoter, suggesting defective NF-κB signaling may underlie the observed effects of DHA on VEGFR2 expression. In the presence of the NF-κB inhibitor PDTC, DHA could not further repress VEGFR2. Co-treatment with PDTC and DHA produced minimal changes compared to the effects of either drug alone in in vitro angiogenesis assays. Similar findings were found in vivo through a mouse retinal neovascularization model examining the effects of PDTC and DHA. Our data suggested that DHA inhibits angiogenesis largely through repression of the NF-κB pathway. DHA is well tolerated, and therefore may be an ideal candidate to use clinically as an angiogenesis inhibitor for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengyun Dong
- a Laboratory of Microvascular Medicine; Medical Research Center; Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital ; Shandong University ; Jinan , Shandong , China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Mi YJ, Geng GJ, Zou ZZ, Gao J, Luo XY, Liu Y, Li N, Li CL, Chen YQ, Yu XY, Jiang J. Dihydroartemisinin inhibits glucose uptake and cooperates with glycolysis inhibitor to induce apoptosis in non-small cell lung carcinoma cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120426. [PMID: 25799586 PMCID: PMC4370589 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in the therapy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the chemotherapy efficacy against NSCLC is still unsatisfactory. Previous studies show the herbal antimalarial drug dihydroartemisinin (DHA) displays cytotoxic to multiple human tumors. Here, we showed that DHA decreased cell viability and colony formation, induced apoptosis in A549 and PC-9 cells. Additionally, we first revealed DHA inhibited glucose uptake in NSCLC cells. Moreover, glycolytic metabolism was attenuated by DHA, including inhibition of ATP and lactate production. Consequently, we demonstrated that the phosphorylated forms of both S6 ribosomal protein and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), and GLUT1 levels were abrogated by DHA treatment in NSCLC cells. Furthermore, the upregulation of mTOR activation by high expressed Rheb increased the level of glycolytic metabolism and cell viability inhibited by DHA. These results suggested that DHA-suppressed glycolytic metabolism might be associated with mTOR activation and GLUT1 expression. Besides, we showed GLUT1 overexpression significantly attenuated DHA-triggered NSCLC cells apoptosis. Notably, DHA synergized with 2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2DG, a glycolysis inhibitor) to reduce cell viability and increase cell apoptosis in A549 and PC-9 cells. However, the combination of the two compounds displayed minimal toxicity to WI-38 cells, a normal lung fibroblast cell line. More importantly, 2DG synergistically potentiated DHA-induced activation of caspase-9, -8 and -3, as well as the levels of both cytochrome c and AIF of cytoplasm. However, 2DG failed to increase the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels elicited by DHA. Overall, the data shown above indicated DHA plus 2DG induced apoptosis was involved in both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways in NSCLC cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-jun Mi
- Department of thoracic surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chenggong Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Guo-jun Geng
- Department of thoracic surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zheng-zhi Zou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science and Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xian-yang Luo
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of thoracic surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of thoracic surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chun-lei Li
- Department of thoracic surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yu-qiang Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chenggong Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiu-yi Yu
- Department of thoracic surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- * E-mail: (XYY); (JJ)
| | - Jie Jiang
- Department of thoracic surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- * E-mail: (XYY); (JJ)
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
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.
Collapse
|
50
|
Guo L, Dong F, Hou Y, Cai W, Zhou X, Huang AL, Yang M, Allen TD, Liu J. Dihydroartemisinin inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor-induced endothelial cell migration by a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-independent pathway. Exp Ther Med 2014; 8:1707-1712. [PMID: 25371719 PMCID: PMC4217775 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2014.1997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin, has been demonstrated to possess a strong antiangiogenic activity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear. Endothelial cell (EC) migration is an essential component of angiogenesis, and the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway plays a key role in the regulation of migration induced by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of DHA on EC migration and the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. Human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs) were treated with DHA and VEGF-induced migration was analyzed. The activation of p38 MAPK was detected by western blot analysis, and the migration assays were performed with a p38-specific inhibitor, SB203850. It was revealed that 20 μM DHA significantly reduced EC migration in the transwell migration assay, wound healing assay and electrical cell-substrate impedance sensing real-time analysis. However, DHA did not affect p38 MAPK phosphorylation or expression. In the absence or presence of SB203850, DHA induced a similar proportional reduction of EC migration in the three migration assays. Therefore, the present study demonstrated that DHA inhibits VEGF-induced EC migration via a p38 MAPK-independent pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Guo
- Laboratory of Microvascular Medicine, Medical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China ; Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Fengyun Dong
- Laboratory of Microvascular Medicine, Medical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Yinglong Hou
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Weidong Cai
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Xia Zhou
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Ai-Ling Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Min Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Thaddeus D Allen
- G.W. Hooper Research Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0552, USA
| | - Ju Liu
- Laboratory of Microvascular Medicine, Medical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|