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McCorkle JR, Ahn R, Cao CD, Hill KS, Dietrich CS, Kolesar JM. Antineoplastic Drug Synergy of Artesunate with Navitoclax in Models of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1321. [PMID: 38610999 PMCID: PMC11011058 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Artesunate belongs to a class of medications derived from the sweet wormwood plant (Artemisia annua) known as artemisinins. Artesunate has traditionally been used as a frontline treatment for severe malaria but has also demonstrated antineoplastic activity against various malignancies, including ovarian cancer. Data suggest that artesunate exacerbates cellular oxidative stress, triggering apoptosis. In the current study, we investigated the ability of navitoclax, an inhibitor of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein family, to enhance artesunate efficacy in ovarian cancer cells. Artesunate and navitoclax both demonstrated antiproliferative effects on 2D and 3D ovarian cancer cell models as single agents. Upon combination of navitoclax with artesunate, antineoplastic drug synergy was also observed in each of the 2D cell lines and ovarian tumor organoid models tested. Further investigation of this drug combination using intraperitoneal CAOV3 xenograft models in BALB/scid mice showed that the artesunate/navitoclax doublet was superior to single-agent artesunate and vehicle control treatment. However, it did not outperform single-agent navitoclax. With optimization, this drug combination could provide a new therapeutic option for ovarian cancer and warrants further preclinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Robert McCorkle
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (J.R.M.); (K.S.H.); (C.S.D.)
| | - Rebecca Ahn
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
| | - Connie D. Cao
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
| | - Kristen S. Hill
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (J.R.M.); (K.S.H.); (C.S.D.)
| | - Charles S. Dietrich
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (J.R.M.); (K.S.H.); (C.S.D.)
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
| | - Jill M. Kolesar
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (J.R.M.); (K.S.H.); (C.S.D.)
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
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Hill KS, Schuler EE, Ellingson SR, Kolesar JM. Artesunate acts through cytochrome c to inhibit growth of pediatric AML cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22383. [PMID: 38104159 PMCID: PMC10725448 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49928-y] [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: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Artesunate is a derivative of artemisinin, an active compound isolated from Artemisia annua which has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and to treat malaria worldwide. Artemisinin derivatives have exhibited anti-cancer activity against both solid tumors and leukemia. The direct target(s) of artesunate are controversial; although, heme-bound proteins in the mitochondria have been implicated. We utilized computational modeling to calculate the predicted binding score of artesunate with heme-bound mitochondrial proteins and identified cytochrome c as potential artesunate target. UV-visible spectroscopy showed changes in the absorbance spectrum, and thus protein structure, when cytochrome c was incubated with artesunate. Artesunate induces apoptosis, disrupts mitochondrial membrane potential, and is antagonized by methazolamide in pediatric AML cells indicating a probable mechanism of action involving cytochrome c. We utilized a multi-disciplinary approach to show that artesunate can interact with and is dependent on cytochrome c release to induce cell death in pediatric AML cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen S Hill
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Erin E Schuler
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Sally R Ellingson
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, UK College of Medicine, Cancer Research Informatics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jill M Kolesar
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
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Su Q, Huang P, Luo X, Zhang P, Li H, Chen Y. Artesunate reverses cytarabine resistance in acute myeloid leukemia by blocking the JAK/STAT3 signaling. Hematology 2023; 28:2255802. [PMID: 37815490 DOI: 10.1080/16078454.2023.2255802] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although cytarabine (AraC) has greatly contributed to improving the prognosis of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), many patients developed drug resistance and eventually succumbed to AML. Thus, resistance to AraC is a major obstacle to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy in AML. Hence, this study aimed to demonstrate that artesunate (ART) can reliably induce cell death in vitro and block AraC resistance. METHODS AML cell lines resistant to AraC were first constructed by repeated dosing for 5 months. Further, we analyzed whether ART intervention affected the sensitivity of AraC-resistant cells to AraC by cell function experiments, mainly including CCK-8 to assess cell viability, flow cytometry to examine apoptosis, and Western blotting to measure the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway protein expression. Furthermore, whether JAK/STAT3 pathway knockdown has a blocking effect on the efficacy of ART was also assessed. RESULTS Co-treatment of ART and AraC increased the sensitivity of AML cells to AraC. Also, it effectively reversed the resistance of AML cells to AraC that is shown by the significantly reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis rates. ART intervention suppressed the activation of the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway in AraC-resistant AML cells, suggesting that the function of ART in reversing AraC resistance is indeed dependent on the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS In summary, ART enhanced the sensitivity of AML/AraC-resistant cells to AraC by modulating the JAK/STAT3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Su
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Zunyi Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Zunyi, People's Republic of China
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, People's Republic of China
- Department of Pediatrics, Guizhou Children's Hospital, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Tissue Injury Repair and Regenerative Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, People's Republic of China
| | - Pei Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, People's Republic of China
- Department of Pediatrics, Guizhou Children's Hospital, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Tissue Injury Repair and Regenerative Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, People's Republic of China
- Department of Pediatrics, Guizhou Children's Hospital, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Tissue Injury Repair and Regenerative Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Zunyi Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Zunyi, People's Republic of China
| | - Hang Li
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Zunyi Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Zunyi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, People's Republic of China
- Department of Pediatrics, Guizhou Children's Hospital, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Tissue Injury Repair and Regenerative Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, People's Republic of China
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Kagan AB, Moses BS, Lapidus R, Mott BT, Rai G, Anders NM, Hoag SW, Rudek MA, Civin CI. ART714 is a best-in-class antileukemic 2-carbon-linked dimeric artemisinin derivative. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2023; 92:39-50. [PMID: 37249624 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-023-04539-2] [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: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE It has become increasingly clear that new multiagent combination regimens are required to improve survival rates in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We recently reported that ART631, a first-in-class 2-carbon-linked artemisinin-derived dimer (2C-ART), was not only efficacious as a component of a novel three-drug combination regimen to treat AML, but, like other synthetic artemisinin derivatives, demonstrated low clinical toxicity. However, we ultimately found ART631 to have suboptimal solubility and stability properties, thus limiting its potential for clinical development. METHODS We assessed 22 additional 2C-ARTs with documented in vivo antimalarial activity for antileukemic efficacy and physicochemical properties. Our strategy involved culling out 2C-ARTs inferior to ART631 with respect to potency, stability, and solubility in vitro, and then validating in vivo pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy of one 2C-ART lead compound. RESULTS Of the 22 2C-ARTs, ART714 was found to have the most optimal in vitro solubility, stability, and antileukemic efficacy, both alone and in combination with the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax (VEN) and the kinase inhibitor sorafenib (SOR). ART714 was also highly effective in combination with VEN and the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 inhibitor gilteritinib (GILT) against MOLM14 AML xenografts. CONCLUSION We identified ART714 as our best-in-class antileukemic 2C-ART, based on in vitro potency and pharmacologic properties. We established its in vivo pharmacokinetics and demonstrated its in vitro cooperativity with VEN and SOR and in vivo activities of combinations of ART714, VEN, and GILT. Additional research is indicated to define the optimal niche for the use of ART714 in treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda B Kagan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, 1650 Orleans Street, CRB1 Room 1M52, Baltimore, MD, 21231-1000, USA
| | - Blake S Moses
- Departments of Pediatrics and Physiology, School of Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, BRB14-021, 655 W Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Keros Therapeutics, Inc., Lexington, MA, USA
| | - Rena Lapidus
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bryan T Mott
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Ganesha Rai
- Department of Pre-clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nicole M Anders
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, 1650 Orleans Street, CRB1 Room 1M52, Baltimore, MD, 21231-1000, USA
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Stephen W Hoag
- School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michelle A Rudek
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, 1650 Orleans Street, CRB1 Room 1M52, Baltimore, MD, 21231-1000, USA.
| | - Curt I Civin
- Departments of Pediatrics and Physiology, School of Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, BRB14-021, 655 W Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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5
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Liu Y, Li H, Luo Z, Yu Y, Yang J, Zhang M, Law BYK, Huang Z, Li W. Artesunate, a new antimalarial clinical drug, exhibits potent anti-AML activity by targeting the ROS/Bim and TFRC/Fe 2+ pathways. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:701-720. [PMID: 36368726 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15986] [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: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Artesunate, approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2020 as a new treatment for severe malaria, also shows anti-tumour activity against acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). However, the underlying molecular mechanism(s) of artesunate-induced apoptosis and differentiation of AML is not clearly elucidated. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The biological effects of artesunate on AML were explored in vitro, using cells from AML patients and leukaemia cell lines, and in vivo, using female C57BL/6 or nude nu/nu BALB/c mice. Underlying mechanisms in vitro were examined with the Trypan blue dye exclusion assay, western blotting and flow cytometry. Effects of artesunate in C57BL/6 mice intravenously injected with murine AML cells (C1498-GFP) were assessed by numbers of AML cells and by survival. KEY RESULTS In vitro, artesunate promoted apoptosis and differentiation in both leukaemia cell lines and patient-derived primary leukaemia cells. Mechanistically, artesunate promoted cell apoptosis by triggering reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and increasing expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bim. Interestingly, transferrin receptor 1 (TFRC)-mediated regulation of intracellular iron homeostasis also played an essential role in AML cell differentiation induced by artesunate. In vivo, artesunate slowed AML progression and prolonged survival in a mouse leukaemia model. Notably, artesunate displayed no apparent toxicity towards healthy haematopoietic stem cells, bone marrow mononuclear cells or experimental animals. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Artesunate is a safe agent with significant anti-leukaemia effects in mice and may serve as a promising chemotherapeutic strategy for patients with AML, based on two different mechanisms, targeting the ROS/Bim and the TFRC/Fe2+ pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Han Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Zhihong Luo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - You Yu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Jingzhao Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Union Hospital of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Betty Yuen Kwan Law
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR, PR China
| | - Zan Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Wenhua Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
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Cheikh IA, El-Baba C, Youssef A, Saliba NA, Ghantous A, Darwiche N. Lessons learned from the discovery and development of the sesquiterpene lactones in cancer therapy and prevention. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:1377-1405. [PMID: 36373806 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2147920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) are one of the most diverse bioactive secondary metabolites found in plants and exhibit a broad range of therapeutic properties . SLs have been showing promising potential in cancer clinical trials, and the molecular mechanisms underlying their anticancer potential are being uncovered. Recent evidence also points to a potential utility of SLs in cancer prevention. AREAS COVERED This work evaluates SLs with promising anticancer potential based on cell, animal, and clinical models: Artemisinin, micheliolide, thapsigargin dehydrocostuslactone, arglabin, parthenolide, costunolide, deoxyelephantopin, alantolactone, isoalantolactone, atractylenolide 1, and xanthatin as well as their synthetic derivatives. We highlight actionable molecular targets and biological mechanisms underlying the anticancer therapeutic properties of SLs. This is complemented by a unique assessment of SL mechanisms of action that can be exploited in cancer prevention. We also provide insights into structure-activity and pharmacokinetic properties of SLs and their potential use in combination therapies. EXPERT OPINION We extract seven major lessons learned and present evidence-based solutions that can circumvent some scientific limitations or logistic impediments in SL anticancer research. SLs continue to be at the forefront of cancer drug discovery and are worth a joint interdisciplinary effort in order to leverage their potential in cancer therapy and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israa A Cheikh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Chirine El-Baba
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Youssef
- Department of Chemistry, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Najat A Saliba
- Department of Chemistry, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Akram Ghantous
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Nadine Darwiche
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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The Potential Mechanisms by which Artemisinin and Its Derivatives Induce Ferroptosis in the Treatment of Cancer. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:1458143. [PMID: 35028002 PMCID: PMC8752222 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1458143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinin (ART) is a bioactive molecule derived from the Chinese medicinal plant Artemisia annua (Asteraceae). ART and artemisinin derivatives (ARTs) have been effectively used for antimalaria treatment. The structure of ART is composed of a sesquiterpene lactone, including a peroxide internal bridge that is essential for its activity. In addition to their well-known antimalarial effects, ARTs have been shown recently to resist a wide range of tumors. The antineoplastic mechanisms of ART mainly include cell cycle inhibition, inhibition of tumor angiogenesis, DNA damage, and ferroptosis. In particular, ferroptosis is a novel nonapoptotic type of programmed cell death. However, the antitumor mechanisms of ARTs by regulating ferroptosis remain unclear. Through this review, we focus on the potential antitumor function of ARTs by acting on ferroptosis, including the regulation of iron metabolism, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). This article systematically reviews the recent progress in ferroptosis research and provides a basis for ARTs as an anticancer drug in clinical practice.
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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.
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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
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9
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Kagan AB, Moses BS, Mott BT, Rai G, Anders NM, Rudek MA, Civin CI. A Novel 2-Carbon-Linked Dimeric Artemisinin With Potent Antileukemic Activity and Favorable Pharmacology. Front Oncol 2022; 11:790037. [PMID: 35127495 PMCID: PMC8811960 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.790037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a devastating disease, with low cure rates despite intensive standard chemotherapy regimens. In the past decade, targeted antileukemic drugs have emerged from research efforts. Nevertheless, targeted therapies are often effective for only a subset of patients whose leukemias harbor a distinct mutational or gene expression profile and provide only transient antileukemic responses as monotherapies. We previously presented single agent and combination preclinical data for a novel 3-carbon-linked artemisinin-derived dimer (3C-ART), diphenylphosphate analog 838 (ART838), that indicates a promising approach to treat AML, given its demonstrated synergy with targeted antileukemic drugs and large therapeutic window. We now report new data from our initial evaluation of a structurally distinct class of 2-carbon-linked dimeric artemisinin-derived analogs (2C-ARTs) with prior documented in vivo antimalarial activity. These 2C-ARTs have antileukemic activity at low (nM) concentrations, have similar cooperativity with other antineoplastic drugs and comparable physicochemical properties to ART838, and provide a viable path to clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda B. Kagan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Blake S. Moses
- Center for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Departments of Pediatrics and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Bryan T. Mott
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Ganesha Rai
- Department of Pre-Clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Nicole M. Anders
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Michelle A. Rudek
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Curt I. Civin
- Center for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Departments of Pediatrics and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Antileukemic efficacy of a potent artemisinin combined with sorafenib and venetoclax. Blood Adv 2021; 5:711-724. [PMID: 33560385 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020003429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinins are active against human leukemia cell lines and have low clinical toxicity in worldwide use as antimalarials. Because multiagent combination regimens are necessary to cure fully evolved leukemias, we sought to leverage our previous finding that artemisinin analogs synergize with kinase inhibitors, including sorafenib (SOR), by identifying additional synergistic antileukemic drugs with low toxicity. Screening of a targeted antineoplastic drug library revealed that B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) inhibitors synergize with artemisinins, and validation assays confirmed that the selective BCL2 inhibitor, venetoclax (VEN), synergized with artemisinin analogs to inhibit growth and induce apoptotic cell death of multiple acute leukemia cell lines in vitro. An oral 3-drug "SAV" regimen (SOR plus the potent artemisinin-derived trioxane diphenylphosphate 838 dimeric analog [ART838] plus VEN) killed leukemia cell lines and primary cells in vitro. Leukemia cells cultured in ART838 had decreased induced myeloid leukemia cell differentiation protein (MCL1) levels and increased levels of DNA damage-inducible transcript 3 (DDIT3; GADD153) messenger RNA and its encoded CCATT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), a key component of the integrated stress response. Thus, synergy of the SAV combination may involve combined targeting of MCL1 and BCL2 via discrete, tolerable mechanisms, and cellular levels of MCL1 and DDIT3/CHOP may serve as biomarkers for action of artemisinins and SAV. Finally, SAV treatment was tolerable and resulted in deep responses with extended survival in 2 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell line xenograft models, both harboring a mixed lineage leukemia gene rearrangement and an FMS-like receptor tyrosine kinase-3 internal tandem duplication, and inhibited growth in 2 AML primagraft models.
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Ellis T, Eze E, Raimi-Abraham BT. Malaria and Cancer: a critical review on the established associations and new perspectives. Infect Agent Cancer 2021; 16:33. [PMID: 33985540 PMCID: PMC8117320 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-021-00370-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Cancer and malaria both have high incidence rates and are leading causes of mortality worldwide, especially in low and middle-income countries with reduced access to the quality healthcare. The objective of this critical review was to summarize key associations and new perspectives between the two diseases as is reported in existing literature. Methods A critical review of research articles published between 1st January 2000 – 1st July 2020 which yielded 1753 articles. These articles were screened based on a precise inclusion criteria. Eighty-nine eligible articles were identified and further evaluated. Results Many articles reported anti-cancer activities of anti-malarial medicines, including Artemisinin and its derivatives. Other articles investigated the use of chemotherapy in areas burdened by malaria, treatment complications that malaria may cause for cancer patients as well as ways to circumvent cancer related drug resistance. Potential novel targets for cancer treatment, were identified namely oncofoetal chondroitin sulphate and haem, as well as the use of circumsporozoite proteins. A number of articles also discussed Burkitt lymphoma or febrile neutropenia. Conclusions Overall, excluding for Burkitt lymphoma, the relationship between cancer and malaria requires further extensive research in order to define association. There great potential promising new novel anti-cancer therapies using anti-malarial drugs. Graphical abstract Created using BioRender![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Toby Ellis
- King's College London, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Guy's Campus, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Elvis Eze
- Malaria no More UK, The Foundry, 17 Oval Way, Vauxhall, London, SE11 5RR, UK
| | - Bahijja Tolulope Raimi-Abraham
- King's College London, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Waterloo Campus, Franklin Wilkins Building, Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, UK.
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12
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Chen P, Yao Z, He Z. Resveratrol protects against high glucose-induced oxidative damage in human lens epithelial cells by activating autophagy. Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:440. [PMID: 33747177 PMCID: PMC7967869 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.9871] [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: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the pathogenesis of diabetic cataract, high glucose levels induce oxidative damage in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs). Resveratrol has been demonstrated to be a potent antioxidant in various disease conditions; however, limited information is available on its effects on oxidative damage associated with the pathogenesis of diabetic cataract in HLECs. The present study aimed to determine whether resveratrol prevents high glucose-induced oxidative damage to human lens epithelial cells by activating autophagy. In the present study, HLECs treated with high glucose were used as a cellular model of diabetic cataract and treated with resveratrol for 24 h. Flow cytometry was performed to detect the cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content. Autophagy marker protein levels were determined by western blotting. Immunofluorescence assay was performed to analyze in vitro microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 β (LC3B) protein expression. Autophagosome formation in HLECs was observed using transmission electron microscopy. The results demonstrated that high glucose suppressed HLEC viability and proliferation rate compared with normal glucose levels (5 mM), which were significantly reversed by resveratrol treatment. High glucose also increased the ROS content compared with ROS content in normal HLECs, which was reduced following resveratrol treatment. Further experiments demonstrated that resveratrol significantly reversed the high glucose-decreased protein levels of LC3II and beclin-1 proteins and the high glucose-increased protein levels of LC3I and p62 in HLECs. In conclusion, resveratrol inhibited the high glucose-induced oxidative damage in HLECs by promoting autophagy through the activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. These results provide a theoretical basis for the application of resveratrol in diabetic cataract prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengzhi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia 028006, P.R. China
| | - Zhenyu Yao
- Medical College, Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia 028006, P.R. China
| | - Zhihui He
- Medical College, Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia 028006, P.R. China
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13
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Lu X, Efferth T. Repurposing of artemisinin-type drugs for the treatment of acute leukemia. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 68:291-312. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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14
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Mancuso RI, Foglio MA, Olalla Saad ST. Artemisinin-type drugs for the treatment of hematological malignancies. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2020; 87:1-22. [PMID: 33141328 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-020-04170-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Qinghaosu, known as artemisinin (ARS), has been for over two millennia, one of the most common herbs prescribed in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). ARS was developed as an antimalarial drug and currently belongs to the established standard treatments of malaria as a combination therapy worldwide. In addition to the antimalarial bioactivity of ARS, anticancer activities have been shown both in vitro and in vivo. Like other natural products, ARS acts in a multi-specific manner also against hematological malignancies. The chemical structure of ARS is a sesquiterpene lactone, which contains an endoperoxide bridge essential for activity. The main mechanism of action of ARS and its derivatives (artesunate, dihydroartemisinin, artemether) toward leukemia, multiple myeloma, and lymphoma cells comprises oxidative stress response, inhibition of proliferation, induction of various types of cell death as apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, and signal transducers, as NF-κB, MYC, amongst others. Therefore, new pharmaceutically active compounds, dimers, trimers, and hybrid molecules, could enhance the existing therapeutic alternatives in combating hematologic malignancies. Owing to the high potency and good tolerance without side effects of ARS-type drugs, combination therapies with standard chemotherapies could be applied in the future after further clinical trials in hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- R I Mancuso
- Hematology and Hemotherapy Center, University of Campinas, HEMOCENTRO UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - M A Foglio
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - S T Olalla Saad
- Hematology and Hemotherapy Center, University of Campinas, HEMOCENTRO UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
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15
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Xu C, Zhang H, Mu L, Yang X. Artemisinins as Anticancer Drugs: Novel Therapeutic Approaches, Molecular Mechanisms, and Clinical Trials. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:529881. [PMID: 33117153 PMCID: PMC7573816 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.529881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives have shown broad-spectrum antitumor activities in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, outcomes from a limited number of clinical trials provide encouraging evidence for their excellent antitumor activities. However, some problems such as poor solubility, toxicity and controversial mechanisms of action hamper their use as effective antitumor agents in the clinic. In order to accelerate the use of ARTs in the clinic, researchers have recently developed novel therapeutic approaches including developing novel derivatives, manufacturing novel nano-formulations, and combining ARTs with other drugs for cancer therapy. The related mechanisms of action were explored. This review describes ARTs used to induce non-apoptotic cell death containing oncosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis. Moreover, it highlights the ARTs-caused effects on cancer metabolism, immunosuppression and cancer stem cells and discusses clinical trials of ARTs used to treat cancer. The review provides additional insight into the molecular mechanism of action of ARTs and their considerable clinical potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cangcang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Huihui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lingli Mu
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoping Yang
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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16
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Alven S, Aderibigbe BA. Nanoparticles Formulations of Artemisinin and Derivatives as Potential Therapeutics for the Treatment of Cancer, Leishmaniasis and Malaria. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E748. [PMID: 32784933 PMCID: PMC7466127 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12080748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer, malaria, and leishmaniasis remain the deadly diseases around the world although several strategies of treatment have been developed. However, most of the drugs used to treat the aforementioned diseases suffer from several pharmacological limitations such as poor pharmacokinetics, toxicity, drug resistance, poor bioavailability and water solubility. Artemisinin and its derivatives are antimalarial drugs. However, they also exhibit anticancer and antileishmanial activity. They have been evaluated as potential anticancer and antileishmanial drugs but their use is also limited by their poor water solubility and poor bioavailability. To overcome the aforementioned limitations associated with artemisinin and its derivatives used for the treatment of these diseases, they have been incorporated into nanoparticles. Several researchers incorporated this class of drugs into nanoparticles resulting in enhanced therapeutic outcomes. Their potential efficacy for the treatment of parasitic infections such as malaria and leishmaniasis and chronic diseases such as cancer has been reported. This review article will be focused on the nanoparticles formulations of artemisinin and derivatives for the treatment of cancer, malaria, and leishmaniasis and the biological outcomes (in vitro and in vivo).
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17
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Valli D, Gruszka AM, Alcalay M. Has Drug Repurposing Fulfilled its Promise in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia? J Clin Med 2020; 9:E1892. [PMID: 32560371 PMCID: PMC7356362 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9061892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug repurposing is a method of drug discovery that consists of finding a new therapeutic context for an old drug. Compound identification arises from screening of large libraries of active compounds, through interrogating databases of cell line gene expression response upon treatment or by merging several types of information concerning disease-drug relationships. Although, there is a general consensus on the potential and advantages of this drug discovery modality, at the practical level to-date no non-anti-cancer repurposed compounds have been introduced into standard acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) management, albeit that preclinical validation yielded several candidates. The review presents the state-of-the-art drug repurposing approach in AML and poses the question of what has to be done in order to take a full advantage of it, both at the stage of screening design and later when progressing from the preclinical to the clinical phases of drug development. We argue that improvements are needed to model and read-out systems as well as to screening technologies, but also to more funding and trust in drug repurposing strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Valli
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20 139 Milan, Italy; (D.V.); (M.A.)
| | - Alicja M. Gruszka
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20 139 Milan, Italy; (D.V.); (M.A.)
| | - Myriam Alcalay
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20 139 Milan, Italy; (D.V.); (M.A.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20 122 Milan, Italy
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18
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Kumar MS, Yadav TT, Khair RR, Peters GJ, Yergeri MC. Combination Therapies of Artemisinin and its Derivatives as a Viable Approach for Future Cancer Treatment. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:3323-3338. [PMID: 31475891 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190902155957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many anticancer drugs have been developed for clinical usage till now, but the major problem is the development of drug-resistance over a period of time in the treatment of cancer. Anticancer drugs produce huge adverse effects, ultimately leading to death of the patient. Researchers have been focusing on the development of novel molecules with higher efficacy and lower toxicity; the anti-malarial drug artemisinin and its derivatives have exhibited cytotoxic effects. METHODS We have done extensive literature search for artemisinin for its new role as anti-cancer agent for future treatment. Last two decades papers were referred for deep understanding to strengthen its role. RESULT Literature shows changes at 9, 10 position in the artemisinin structure produces anticancer activity. Artemisinin shows anticancer activity in leukemia, hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal and breast cancer cell lines. Artemisinin and its derivatives have been studied as combination therapy with several synthetic compounds, RNA interfaces, recombinant proteins and antibodies etc., for synergizing the effect of these drugs. They produce an anticancer effect by causing cell cycle arrest, regulating signaling in apoptosis, angiogenesis and cytotoxicity activity on the steroid receptors. Many novel formulations of artemisinin are being developed in the form of carbon nanotubes, polymer-coated drug particles, etc., for delivering artemisinin, since it has poor water/ oil solubility and is chemically unstable. CONCLUSION We have summarize the combination therapies of artemisinin and its derivatives with other anticancer drugs and also focussed on recent developments of different drug delivery systems in the last 10 years. Various reports and clinical trials of artemisinin type drugs indicated selective cytotoxicity along with minimal toxicity thus projecting them as promising anti-cancer agents in future cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maushmi S Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Vile Parle west, Mumbai-400056, India
| | - Tanuja T Yadav
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Vile Parle west, Mumbai-400056, India
| | - Rohan R Khair
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Vile Parle west, Mumbai-400056, India
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mayur C Yergeri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Vile Parle west, Mumbai-400056, India
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19
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Abstract
Artemisinin (ART) and its derivatives are one of the most important classes of antimalarial agents, originally derived from a Chinese medicinal plant called Artemisia annua L. Beyond their outstanding antimalarial and antischistosomal activities, ART and its derivatives also possess both in-vitro and in-vivo activities against various types of cancer. Their anticancer effects range from initiation of apoptotic cell death to inhibition of cancer proliferation, metastasis and angiogenesis, and even modulation of the cell signal transduction pathway. This review provides a comprehensive update on ART and its derivatives, their mechanisms of action, and their synergistic effects with other chemicals in targeting leukemia cells. Combined with limited evidence of drug resistance and low toxicity profile, we conclude that ART and its derivatives, including dimers, trimers, and hybrids, might be a potential therapeutic alternative to current chemotherapies in combating leukemia, although more studies are necessary before they can be applied clinically.
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20
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Chen S, Gan S, Han L, Li X, Xie X, Zou D, Sun H. Artesunate induces apoptosis and inhibits the proliferation, stemness, and tumorigenesis of leukemia. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:767. [PMID: 32647692 PMCID: PMC7333094 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-4558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Leukemia is characterized by the presence of highly malignant tumors formed in the hematopoietic system. Artesunate (Art), a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin, is commonly used as an antimalarial drug and has been proven to possess anticancer potential. Methods In this study, the effect of Art on the proliferation and stemness of human acute promyelocyte leukemia HL-60 cells and acute myeloid leukemia KG1a cells was investigated. Flow cytometry, colony formation assay, the protein expressive levels of survivin, P21, cleaved caspase 3, Bax, Bcl-2, Ki67 were detected the effect of Art on HL-60 and KG1a cells proliferation and apoptosis. At the same time, cell sphere formation assay and the protein expressive levels of CD44, SOX2, ALDH1 and OCT4 were used to analyze the effects of Art on cancer stem cell-like property in vitro. The orthotopic xenograft mouse models were established by using KG1a cells in BALB/c athymic nude mice. Tumor weigh was detected. The protein levels of survivin and Ki67 were detected by immunohistochemistry assays. Results Art induced cell apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation and stemness in a dose-dependent manner. In the meantime, the results exhibited that Art inhibited the growth and stemness of transplanted tumors via the suppression of the MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathway. Conclusions Our present study provides new insights into the mechanisms of Art’s anticancer potential in leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengmei Chen
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Silin Gan
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lijie Han
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqing Xie
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dianbin Zou
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hui Sun
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Chen Y, Li R, Zhu Y, Zhong S, Qian J, Yang D, Jurczyszyn A, Beksac M, Gu C, Yang Y. Dihydroartemisinin Induces Growth Arrest and Overcomes Dexamethasone Resistance in Multiple Myeloma. Front Oncol 2020; 10:767. [PMID: 32500030 PMCID: PMC7242728 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of artemisinin (ART) for malaria treatment won the 2015 Nobel Prize in Medicine, which inspired the rediscovery and development of ART for the treatment of other diseases including cancer. In this study, we investigated the potential therapeutic effect of ART and dihydroartemisinin (DHA) on multiple myeloma (MM) cells including primary MM cells and in 5TMM3VT mouse model. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that DHA might be a more promising anti-MM agent with significantly improved efficacy compared to ART. Mechanistic analyses suggested that DHA activated the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway by interacting with ferrous (Fe2+) ions and oxygen to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). Intriguingly, DHA could reverse the upregulated expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein, a typical mitochondrial apoptotic marker, induced by dexamethasone (Dexa) in MM. We further demonstrated that DHA treatment could overcome Dexa resistance and enhance Dexa efficacy in MM. Additionally, DHA combined with Dexa resulted in increased ROS production and cytochrome C translocation from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm, resulting in alterations to the mitochondrial membrane potential and caspase-mediated apoptosis. In summary, our study demonstrated that DHA was superior to ART in MM treatment and overcame Dexa resistance both in vitro and in vivo, providing a promising therapeutic strategy for MM therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Chen
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Li
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuqi Zhu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Sixia Zhong
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinjun Qian
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongqing Yang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Artur Jurczyszyn
- Department of Hematology, Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Meral Beksac
- Department of Hematology, School of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Chunyan Gu
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ye Yang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory for Combination of Acupuncture and Chinese Materia Medica of Chinese Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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22
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Wojcicki AV, Kadapakkam M, Frymoyer A, Lacayo N, Chae HD, Sakamoto KM. Repurposing Drugs for Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Worthy Cause or a Futile Pursuit? Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020441. [PMID: 32069925 PMCID: PMC7072462 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a clinically and genetically heterogenous malignancy of myeloid progenitor cells that affects patients of all ages. Despite decades of research and improvement in overall outcomes, standard therapy remains ineffective for certain subtypes of AML. Current treatment is intensive and leads to a number of secondary effects with varying results by patient population. Due to the high cost of discovery and an unmet need for new targeted therapies that are well tolerated, alternative drug development strategies have become increasingly attractive. Repurposing existing drugs is one approach to identify new therapies with fewer financial and regulatory hurdles. In this review, we provide an overview of previously U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved non-chemotherapy drugs under investigation for the treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V. Wojcicki
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.V.W.); (M.K.); (N.L.); (H.-D.C.)
| | - Meena Kadapakkam
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.V.W.); (M.K.); (N.L.); (H.-D.C.)
| | - Adam Frymoyer
- Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
| | - Norman Lacayo
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.V.W.); (M.K.); (N.L.); (H.-D.C.)
| | - Hee-Don Chae
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.V.W.); (M.K.); (N.L.); (H.-D.C.)
| | - Kathleen M. Sakamoto
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.V.W.); (M.K.); (N.L.); (H.-D.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +650-725-7126
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23
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Luo H, Vong CT, Chen H, Gao Y, Lyu P, Qiu L, Zhao M, Liu Q, Cheng Z, Zou J, Yao P, Gao C, Wei J, Ung COL, Wang S, Zhong Z, Wang Y. Naturally occurring anti-cancer compounds: shining from Chinese herbal medicine. Chin Med 2019; 14:48. [PMID: 31719837 PMCID: PMC6836491 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-019-0270-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous natural products originated from Chinese herbal medicine exhibit anti-cancer activities, including anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic, anti-angiogenic effects, as well as regulate autophagy, reverse multidrug resistance, balance immunity, and enhance chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. To provide new insights into the critical path ahead, we systemically reviewed the most recent advances (reported since 2011) on the key compounds with anti-cancer effects derived from Chinese herbal medicine (curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, berberine, artemisinin, ginsenoside Rg3, ursolic acid, silibinin, emodin, triptolide, cucurbitacin B, tanshinone I, oridonin, shikonin, gambogic acid, artesunate, wogonin, β-elemene, and cepharanthine) in scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, and Clinical Trials). With a broader perspective, we focused on their recently discovered and/or investigated pharmacological effects, novel mechanism of action, relevant clinical studies, and their innovative applications in combined therapy and immunomodulation. In addition, the present review has extended to describe other promising compounds including dihydroartemisinin, ginsenoside Rh2, compound K, cucurbitacins D, E, I, tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone in view of their potentials in cancer therapy. Up to now, the evidence about the immunomodulatory effects and clinical trials of natural anti-cancer compounds from Chinese herbal medicine is very limited, and further research is needed to monitor their immunoregulatory effects and explore their mechanisms of action as modulators of immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Luo
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Chi Teng Vong
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Hanbin Chen
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Peng Lyu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Ling Qiu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Mingming Zhao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Qiao Liu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Zehua Cheng
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jian Zou
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Peifen Yao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Caifang Gao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jinchao Wei
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Carolina Oi Lam Ung
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Shengpeng Wang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yitao Wang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
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24
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Keenan AB, Wojciechowicz ML, Wang Z, Jagodnik KM, Jenkins SL, Lachmann A, Ma'ayan A. Connectivity Mapping: Methods and Applications. Annu Rev Biomed Data Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biodatasci-072018-021211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Connectivity mapping resources consist of signatures representing changes in cellular state following systematic small-molecule, disease, gene, or other form of perturbations. Such resources enable the characterization of signatures from novel perturbations based on similarity; provide a global view of the space of many themed perturbations; and allow the ability to predict cellular, tissue, and organismal phenotypes for perturbagens. A signature search engine enables hypothesis generation by finding connections between query signatures and the database of signatures. This framework has been used to identify connections between small molecules and their targets, to discover cell-specific responses to perturbations and ways to reverse disease expression states with small molecules, and to predict small-molecule mimickers for existing drugs. This review provides a historical perspective and the current state of connectivity mapping resources with a focus on both methodology and community implementations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra B. Keenan
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Megan L. Wojciechowicz
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Zichen Wang
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Jagodnik
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Sherry L. Jenkins
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Alexander Lachmann
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Avi Ma'ayan
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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25
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Drenberg CD, Shelat A, Dang J, Cotton A, Orwick SJ, Li M, Jeon JY, Fu Q, Buelow DR, Pioso M, Hu S, Inaba H, Ribeiro RC, Rubnitz JE, Gruber TA, Guy RK, Baker SD. A high-throughput screen indicates gemcitabine and JAK inhibitors may be useful for treating pediatric AML. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2189. [PMID: 31097698 PMCID: PMC6522510 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09917-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Improvement in survival has been achieved for children and adolescents with AML but is largely attributed to enhanced supportive care as opposed to the development of better treatment regimens. High risk subtypes continue to have poor outcomes with event free survival rates <40% despite the use of high intensity chemotherapy in combination with hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Here we combine high-throughput screening, intracellular accumulation assays, and in vivo efficacy studies to identify therapeutic strategies for pediatric AML. We report therapeutics not currently used to treat AML, gemcitabine and cabazitaxel, have broad anti-leukemic activity across subtypes and are more effective relative to the AML standard of care, cytarabine, both in vitro and in vivo. JAK inhibitors are selective for acute megakaryoblastic leukemia and significantly prolong survival in multiple preclinical models. Our approach provides advances in the development of treatment strategies for pediatric AML.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Bone Marrow/pathology
- Bone Marrow/radiation effects
- Bone Marrow Transplantation
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Cytarabine/pharmacology
- Cytarabine/therapeutic use
- Deoxycytidine/analogs & derivatives
- Deoxycytidine/pharmacology
- Deoxycytidine/therapeutic use
- Disease-Free Survival
- Female
- High-Throughput Screening Assays/methods
- Humans
- Infant
- Janus Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Janus Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Leukemia, Experimental/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Experimental/etiology
- Leukemia, Experimental/mortality
- Leukemia, Experimental/pathology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/mortality
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- Taxoids/pharmacology
- Taxoids/therapeutic use
- Whole-Body Irradiation/adverse effects
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- Young Adult
- Gemcitabine
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina D Drenberg
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| | - Anang Shelat
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Jinjun Dang
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Anitria Cotton
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Shelley J Orwick
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Mengyu Li
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Jae Yoon Jeon
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Qiang Fu
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Daelynn R Buelow
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Marissa Pioso
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Shuiying Hu
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Hiroto Inaba
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Raul C Ribeiro
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Jeffrey E Rubnitz
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Tanja A Gruber
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - R Kiplin Guy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Sharyn D Baker
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
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26
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Sun X, Yan P, Zou C, Wong YK, Shu Y, Lee YM, Zhang C, Yang ND, Wang J, Zhang J. Targeting autophagy enhances the anticancer effect of artemisinin and its derivatives. Med Res Rev 2019; 39:2172-2193. [PMID: 30972803 DOI: 10.1002/med.21580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives, with their outstanding clinical efficacy and safety, represent the most effective and impactful antimalarial drugs. Apart from its antimalarial effect, artemisinin has also been shown to exhibit selective anticancer properties against multiple cancer types both in vitro and in vivo. Specifically, our previous studies highlighted the therapeutic effects of artemisinin on autophagy regulation. Autophagy is a well-conserved degradative process that recycles cytoplasmic contents and organelles in lysosomes to maintain cellular homeostasis. The deregulation of autophagy is often observed in cancer cells, where it contributes to tumor adaptation to nutrient-deficient tumor microenvironments. This review discusses recent advances in the anticancer properties of artemisinin and its derivatives via their regulation of autophagy, mitophagy, and ferritinophagy. In particular, we will discuss the mechanisms of artemisinin activation in cancer and novel findings regarding the role of artemisinin in regulating autophagy, which involves changes in multiple signaling pathways. More importantly, with increasing failure rates and the high cost of the development of novel anticancer drugs, the strategy of repurposing traditional therapeutic Chinese medicinal agents such as artemisinin to treat cancer provides a more attractive alternative. We believe that the topics covered here will be important in demonstrating the potential of artemisinin and its derivatives as safe and potent anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Sun
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peiyi Yan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Chang Zou
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University, Shenzhen Public Service Platform on Tumor Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yin-Kwan Wong
- Department of Pharmacology, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yuhan Shu
- College of Biomedical Engineering & Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yew Mun Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chongjing Zhang
- Institute of Material Medical, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Nai-Di Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jigang Wang
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University, Shenzhen Public Service Platform on Tumor Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Pharmacology, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease Prevention & Therapy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Jianbin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
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27
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Hu LJ, Jiang T, Wang FJ, Huang SH, Cheng XM, Jia YQ. [Effects of artesunate combined with bortezomib on apoptosis and autophagy of acute myeloid leukemia cells in vitro and its mechanism]. ZHONGHUA XUE YE XUE ZA ZHI = ZHONGHUA XUEYEXUE ZAZHI 2019; 40:204-208. [PMID: 30929387 PMCID: PMC7342538 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0253-2727.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the effects of artesunate combined with bortezomib on the proliferation, apoptosis and autophagy of human acute myeloid leukemia cell lines MV4-11, and its mechanisms. Methods: MTT method was used to determine the anti-proliferation effect of different concentrations of artesunate, bortezomib and their combination on MV4-11 cells. The cell apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of cleaved-Caspase-3, Bcl-2 family protein (Bcl-2, Mcl-1, Bim, Bax) and autophagy-related protein LC3B were assayed by Western blot. Results: Artesunate displayed a proliferation inhibition effect on MV4-11 with dose- and time-dependent manner, the IC(50) of artesunate on MV4-11 after 48 hours was 1.44 μg/ml. Bortezomib displayed a proliferation inhibition effect on MV4-11 with dose-dependent manner, the IC(50) of bortezomib on MV4-11 after 48 hours was 8.97 nmol/L. The combination of artesunate (0.75, 1.0 μg/ml) and Bortezomib (6, 8 nmol/L) showed higher inhibition on MV4-11 than artesunate or bortezomib alone in the same concentration gradient after 48 hours (P<0.05) . The cooperation index of the two drugs were all less than 1. The 48 h apoptotic rate of artesunate (1.5 μg/ml) on MV4-11 was (15.27±2.18) %, (19.85±3.23) % of bortezomib (8 nmol/L) , (81.67±5.96) % of combination of the two drugs, significantly higher than the single group (P<0.05) . When combination of the two drugs on MV4-11 after 24 hours, the levels of pro-apoptotic protein Bim and the cleaved activation of Caspase-3 and autophagy-related protein LC3B were up-regulated and the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 expressions was down-regulated. Conclusion: Combination of artesunate with bortezomib shows a significant synergistic effects on proliferation, apoptosis and autophagy of MV4-11 cell lines, which may be associated with Bcl-2 family proteins expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J Hu
- Department of Hematology, Hematology Laboratory, Western China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - T Jiang
- Department of Hematology, The People's Hospital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - F J Wang
- Department of Hematology, Hematology Laboratory, Western China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - S H Huang
- Department of Hematology, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin 644000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - X M Cheng
- Department of Hematology, Chengdu Military General Hospital, Chengdu 610083, China
| | - Y Q Jia
- Department of Hematology, Hematology Laboratory, Western China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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28
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Chen L, Wang C, Hu N, Zhao H. Artesunate enhances adriamycin cytotoxicity by inhibiting glycolysis in adriamycin-resistant chronic myeloid leukemia K562/ADR cells. RSC Adv 2019; 9:1004-1014. [PMID: 35547242 PMCID: PMC9087932 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra08041k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Adriamycin (ADR) is a widely used drug in multiple cancers including leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Department of Hematology
- Huaihe Hospital of Henan University
- Kaifeng 475000
- China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Hematology
- Huaihe Hospital of Henan University
- Kaifeng 475000
- China
| | - Ning Hu
- Department of Hematology
- Huaihe Hospital of Henan University
- Kaifeng 475000
- China
| | - Hongmian Zhao
- Department of Hematology
- Huaihe Hospital of Henan University
- Kaifeng 475000
- China
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29
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Zhang Y, Xu G, Zhang S, Wang D, Saravana Prabha P, Zuo Z. Antitumor Research on Artemisinin and Its Bioactive Derivatives. NATURAL PRODUCTS AND BIOPROSPECTING 2018; 8:303-319. [PMID: 29633188 PMCID: PMC6102173 DOI: 10.1007/s13659-018-0162-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of human death which seriously threatens human life. The antimalarial drug artemisinin and its derivatives have been discovered with considerable anticancer properties. Simultaneously, a variety of target-selective artemisinin-related compounds with high efficiency have been discovered. Many researches indicated that artemisinin-related compounds have cytotoxic effects against a variety of cancer cells through pleiotropic effects, including inhibiting the proliferation of tumor cells, promoting apoptosis, inducing cell cycle arrest, disrupting cancer invasion and metastasis, preventing angiogenesis, mediating the tumor-related signaling pathways, and regulating tumor microenvironment. More importantly, artemisinins demonstrated minor side effects to normal cells and manifested the ability to overcome multidrug-resistance which is widely observed in cancer patients. Therefore, we concentrated on the new advances and development of artemisinin and its derivatives as potential antitumor agents in recent 5 years. It is our hope that this review could be helpful for further exploration of novel artemisinin-related antitumor agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunqin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Guowei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shuqun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Dong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - P Saravana Prabha
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Zhili Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China.
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China.
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30
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Orsini M, Morceau F, Dicato M, Diederich M. Autophagy as a pharmacological target in hematopoiesis and hematological disorders. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 152:347-361. [PMID: 29656115 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is involved in many cellular processes, including cell homeostasis, cell death/survival balance and differentiation. Autophagy is essential for hematopoietic stem cell survival, quiescence, activation and differentiation. The deregulation of this process is associated with numerous hematological disorders and pathologies, including cancers. Thus, the use of autophagy modulators to induce or inhibit autophagy emerges as a potential therapeutic approach for treating these diseases and could be particularly interesting for differentiation therapy of leukemia cells. This review presents therapeutic strategies and pharmacological agents in the context of hematological disorders. The pros and cons of autophagy modulators in therapy will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Orsini
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du Cancer, Hôpital Kirchberg, 9, rue Edward Steichen, L-2540 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Franck Morceau
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du Cancer, Hôpital Kirchberg, 9, rue Edward Steichen, L-2540 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Mario Dicato
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du Cancer, Hôpital Kirchberg, 9, rue Edward Steichen, L-2540 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Marc Diederich
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
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31
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Chen J, Zhang L, Hao M. Effect of artemisinin on proliferation and apoptosis-related protein expression in vivo and in vitro. Saudi J Biol Sci 2018; 25:1488-1493. [PMID: 30505200 PMCID: PMC6252041 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin is the first-line drugs for the treatment of malaria. In recent years, a large number of reports showed that artemisinin exhibit anti-tumor activity. In this study, we used C6 glioma cells and rat C6 brain-glioma model to study anti-tumor activity of artemisinin in vivo and in vitro. We found that artemisinin inhibited the proliferation in C6 cells and induced cell cycle arrest and a caspase-3-dependent cell apoptosis. It also inhibited the growth of C6 brain-glioma in vivo and enhanced living state of rat brain-glioma model. These results suggested that artemisinin had significant anti-tumor activities on C6 cells both in vitro and in vivo. Artemisinin might be exploited as a promising clinical anti-cancer drug in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajun Chen
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Miao Hao
- Science Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China
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32
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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.
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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
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33
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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]
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34
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Zhou Y, Wang X, Zhang J, He A, Wang YL, Han K, Su Y, Yin J, Lv X, Hu H. Artesunate suppresses the viability and mobility of prostate cancer cells through UCA1, the sponge of miR-184. Oncotarget 2017; 8:18260-18270. [PMID: 28209917 PMCID: PMC5392325 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Artesunate (ART) is a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from the leafy portions of the Chinese herb Artemisia annua. Here, we evaluated the effect of ART on the prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines DU145 and LNCaP and explored its potential mechanisms. ART inhibited the viability and mobility of DU145 and LNCaP cells. Mechanistically, we found that UCA1, one of the most important lncRNAs in malignancies of the urinary system, may be a potential mediator contributing to the tumor suppressor function of ART. First, the UCA1 level was reduced significantly after being exposed to ART. In addition, UCA1 was up-regulated in prostate cancer tissues compared to hyperplastic prostatic tissues, and a higher UCA1 level predicted poor prognosis in PCa patients. Furthermore, reintroduction of UCA1 into PCa cells reversed the effect of ART on apoptosis and metastatic ability. Then we determined that the miR-184/Bcl-2 axis might be the downstream signaling pathway of UCA1 upon ART treatment. UCA1 binds to miR-184 through its seed sequences and may function as a sponge for miR-184.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- Oncology Department of Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai, China, 200233
| | - Xiuju Wang
- Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Gene Regulation and Target Therapy of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Yuexiu District of Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China, 510282
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- Oncology Department of Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai, China, 200233
| | - Aina He
- Oncology Department of Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai, China, 200233
| | - Ya Ling Wang
- Oncology Department of Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai, China, 200233
| | - Kun Han
- Oncology Department of Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai, China, 200233
| | - Yang Su
- Oncology Department of Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai, China, 200233
| | - Junyi Yin
- Oncology Department of Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai, China, 200233
| | - Xiaobin Lv
- Central Laboratory of the Third Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Donghu District, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China, 330008
| | - Haiyan Hu
- Oncology Department of Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai, China, 200233
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Cancer combination therapies with artemisinin-type drugs. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 139:56-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Wong YK, Xu C, Kalesh KA, He Y, Lin Q, Wong WSF, Shen HM, Wang J. Artemisinin as an anticancer drug: Recent advances in target profiling and mechanisms of action. Med Res Rev 2017. [PMID: 28643446 DOI: 10.1002/med.21446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives (collectively termed as artemisinins) are among the most important and effective antimalarial drugs, with proven safety and efficacy in clinical use. Beyond their antimalarial effects, artemisinins have also been shown to possess selective anticancer properties, demonstrating cytotoxic effects against a wide range of cancer types both in vitro and in vivo. These effects appear to be mediated by artemisinin-induced changes in multiple signaling pathways, interfering simultaneously with multiple hallmarks of cancer. Great strides have been taken to characterize these pathways and to reveal their anticancer mechanisms of action of artemisinin. Moreover, encouraging data have also been obtained from a limited number of clinical trials to support their anticancer property. However, there are several key gaps in knowledge that continue to serve as significant barriers to the repurposing of artemisinins as effective anticancer agents. This review focuses on important and emerging aspects of this field, highlighting breakthroughs in unresolved questions as well as novel techniques and approaches that have been taken in recent studies. We discuss the mechanism of artemisinin activation in cancer, novel and significant findings with regards to artemisinin target proteins and pathways, new understandings in artemisinin-induced cell death mechanisms, as well as the practical issues of repurposing artemisinin. We believe these will be important topics in realizing the potential of artemisinin and its derivatives as safe and potent anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Kwan Wong
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chengchao Xu
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Karunakaran A Kalesh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yingke He
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qingsong Lin
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - W S Fred Wong
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Han-Ming Shen
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jigang Wang
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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