The genome-wide expression profile of 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose-treated MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells: molecular target on cancer metabolism

NREP, transcriptionally upregulated by HIF-1α, aggravates breast cancer cell growth and metastasis by promoting glycolysis

Breast cancer (BC) poses a great threat to women's health. Neuronal regeneration related protein (NREP) is a multifunctional protein that is involved in embryonic development, regeneration, and human disease. However, the biological function of NREP in tumors is rarely reported and its role in BC remains unknown. Bioinformatics analysis showed that NREP is highly expressed and closely correlated with poor survival in BC patients. Under hypoxic conditions, NREP was upregulated in BC cells, and this promotion was reversed by hypoxia-inducible factor HIF-1α suppression. Luciferase reporter system and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed that HIF-1α directly binds to the promoter of NREP to increase the transcriptional activity of NREP. NREP suppression inhibited cell proliferation, arrested the cell cycle at the G1/S phase, and promoted apoptosis and caspase-3 activity in BC cells. Suppression of NREP decreased the tube formation ability of HUVECs. In addition, NREP downregulation showed an inhibition effect on cell migration, invasion, and EMT of BC cells. In NREP overexpressed cells, all these changes were reversed. In vivo, animal experiments also confirmed that NREP promotes BC tumor growth and metastasis. In addition, NREP promoted cellular glycolysis and enhanced the levels of glucose consumption, ATP, lactate production, and glucose transporters expression in NREP-overexpressed BC cells. In summary, our results demonstrated that NREP could be transcriptional activated by HIF-1α, which may aggravate BC tumor growth and metastasis by promoting cellular glycolysis. This result suggested that NREP may play an essential part in BC progression.

Acetyl-CoA synthetase 2(ACSS2): a review with a focus on metabolism and tumor development

Acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2), an important member of the acetyl-CoA synthetase (ACSS) family, can catalyze the conversion of acetate to acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA). Currently, acetyl-CoA is considered an important intermediate metabolite in the metabolism of energy substrates. In addition, nutrients converge through acetyl-CoA into a common metabolic pathway, the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Not only does ACSS2 play a crucial role in material energy metabolism, it is also involved in the regulation of various acetylation processes, such as regulation of histone and transcription factor acetylation. ACSS2-mediated regulation of acetylation is related to substance metabolism and tumorigenesis. In mammalian cells, ACSS2 utilizes intracellular acetate to synthesize acetyl-CoA, a step in the process of DNA and histone acetylation. In addition, studies in tumors have shown that cancer cells adapt to the growth conditions in the tumor microenvironment (TME) by activating or increasing the expression level of ACSS2 under metabolic stress. Therefore, this review mainly outlines the role of ACSS2 in substance metabolism and tumors and provides insights useful for investigating ACSS2 as a therapeutic target.

Unravelling the Anticancer Mechanisms of Traditional Herbal Medicines with Metabolomics

Metabolite profiling of cancer cells presents many opportunities for anticancer drug discovery. The Chinese, Indian, and African flora, in particular, offers a diverse source of anticancer therapeutics as documented in traditional folklores. In-depth scientific information relating to mechanisms of action, quality control, and safety profile will promote their extensive usage in cancer therapy. Metabolomics may be a more holistic strategy to gain valuable insights into the anticancer mechanisms of action of plants but this has remained largely unexplored. This review, therefore, presents the available metabolomics studies on the anticancer effects of herbal medicines commonly used in Africa and Asia. In addition, we present some scientifically understudied ‘candidate plants’ for cancer metabolomics studies and highlight the relevance of metabolomics in addressing other challenges facing the drug development of anticancer herbs. Finally, we discussed the challenges of using metabolomics to uncover the underlying mechanisms of potential anticancer herbs and the progress made in this regard.

Profiling Anticancer and Antioxidant Activities of Phenolic Compounds Present in Black Walnuts (Juglans nigra) Using a High-Throughput Screening Approach

Our recent studies have demonstrated multiple health-promoting benefits from black walnut kernels. These biological functions of black walnuts are likely associated with their bioactive constituents. Characterization of phenolic compounds found in black walnut could point out underexplored bioactive activities of black walnut extracts and promote the development of novel applications of black walnut and its by-products. In the present study, we assessed bioactivity profiles of phenolic compounds identified in the kernels of black walnuts using a high-throughput screening (HTS) approach. Black walnut phenolic compounds were evaluated in terms of their total antioxidant capacity, antioxidant response element (ARE) induction, and anticancer activities. The anticancer activities were identified by evaluating the effects of the phenolic compounds on the growth of the tumorigenic alveolar epithelial cells (A549) and non-tumorigenic lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5). Out of 16 phenolic compounds tested, several compounds (penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose, epicatechin gallate, quercetin, (–)-epicatechin, rutin, quercetin 3-β-d-glucoside, gallic acid, (+)-catechin, ferulic acid, syringic acid) exerted antioxidant activities that were significantly higher compared to Trolox, which was used as a control. Two phenolic compounds, penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose and quercetin 3-β-d-glucoside, exhibited antiproliferative activities against both the tumorigenic alveolar epithelial cells (A549) and non-tumorigenic lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5). The antioxidant activity of black walnut is likely driven not only by penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose but also by a combination of multiple phenolic compounds. Our findings suggested that black walnut extracts possibly possess anticancer activities and supported that penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose could be a potential bioactive agent for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Targeting PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway by polyphenols: Implication for cancer therapy

Cancer is one of the biggest challenges facing medicine and its cure is regarded to be the Holy Grail of medicine. Therapy in cancer is consisted as various artificial cytotoxic agents and radiotherapy, and recently immunotherapy. Recently much attention has been directed to the use of natural occurring agents in cancer therapy. One of the main group of agents utilized in this regard is polyphenols which are found abundantly in berries, fruits and vegetables. Polyphenols show to exert direct and indirect effects in progression of cancer, angiogenesis, proliferation and enhancing resistance to treatment. One of the cellular pathways commonly affected by polyphenols is PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, which has far ranging effects on multiple key aspects of cellular growth, metabolism and death. In this review article, evidence regarding the biology of polyphenols in cancer via PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is discussed and their application on cancer pathophysiology in various types of human malignancies is shown.

Bioactive Phenolic Compounds in the Modulation of Central and Peripheral Nervous System Cancers: Facts and Misdeeds

Efficacious therapies are not available for the cure of both gliomas and glioneuronal tumors, which represent the most numerous and heterogeneous primary cancers of the central nervous system (CNS), and for neoplasms of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which can be divided into benign tumors, mainly represented by schwannomas and neurofibromas, and malignant tumors of the peripheral nerve sheath (MPNST). Increased cellular oxidative stress and other metabolic aspects have been reported as potential etiologies in the nervous system tumors. Thus polyphenols have been tested as effective natural compounds likely useful for the prevention and therapy of this group of neoplasms, because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. However, polyphenols show poor intestinal absorption due to individual intestinal microbiota content, poor bioavailability, and difficulty in passing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Recently, polymeric nanoparticle-based polyphenol delivery improved their gastrointestinal absorption, their bioavailability, and entry into defined target organs. Herein, we summarize recent findings about the primary polyphenols employed for nervous system tumor prevention and treatment. We describe the limitations of their application in clinical practice and the new strategies aimed at enhancing their bioavailability and targeted delivery.

Assessment of the association between ACYP2 and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma risk in Chinese males

BACKGROUND

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is one of the most prevalent malignant neoplasms of the upper respiratory tract. Studies have confirmed that an unstable chromosome constitution promotes the progress of laryngeal tumorigenesis, and ACYP2 has been confirmed as a telomere length-related gene. However, to date, the association between ACYP2 polymorphisms and LSCC susceptibility has not been investigated.

METHODS

We performed this study to explore the effect of 11 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ACYP2 on LSCC susceptibility in Chinese Han males. Unconditional logistic regression analysis adjusted for age was used to calculate the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Based on allele and genotype models, our results showed that rs1682111 variant was significantly associated with a decreased LSCC susceptibility (p < 0.05). On the contrary, polymorphisms of rs10439478, rs11125529, rs12615793, rs843711, rs11896604, and rs17045754 were significantly associated with an increased LSCC risk (p < 0.05). The results of haplotype analysis indicated that haplotypes "TTCTCG" and "TTCTAA" in block 1 and "TG" in block 2 showed a risk factor for the development of LCSS (p = 0.009, p < 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively). The results of Genotype-Tissue Expression analysis indicate that these significant SNPs were known to be associated with ACYP2 expression.

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrated that ACYP2 polymorphisms may exert effects on LSCC susceptibility in Chinese Han males.

β-Pentagalloyl-Glucose Sabotages Pancreatic Cancer Cells and Ameliorates Cachexia in Tumor-Bearing Mice

Pancreatic cancer cells overexpress the insulin receptor (IR) and the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R). Activating these receptors, insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 increase the growth and glycolysis of pancreatic cancer cells. The high glycolysis in pancreatic cancer cells increases whole-body energy expenditure and is therefore involved in the pathogenesis of cancer cachexia. The antagonism of IR and IGF1R may sabotage pancreatic cancer cells and attenuate cancer cachexia. Previous studies have shown that the intracellular regulating system of IR/IGF1R may be functionally interrelated to another intracellular system whose master regulator is hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1). In this study, we investigated how the IR/IGF1R and HIF-1 systems are interrelated in pancreatic cancer cells. We also investigated whether a phytochemical, penta-O-galloyl- β -D-glucose ( β -PGG), antagonizes IR/IGF1R, sabotages pancreatic cancer cells and alleviates cancer cachexia. We found in MiaPaCa2 pancreatic cancer cells that IR/IGF1R activation increased both the α -subunit of HIF-1 and caveolin-1. This result suggests that IR/IGF1R, HIF-1 α , and caveolin-1 may constitute a feed-forward loop to mediate the effect of IR/IGF1R activation. β -PGG inhibited IR/IGF1R activity and decreased glycolytic enzymes in MiaPaCa2 and Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cells. When MiaPaCa2 cells were transplanted in athymic mice, their growth was inhibited by β -PGG or by a HIF-1 α inhibitor, rhein. β -PGG and rhein also decreased glycolytic enzymes in the tumor grafts and reduced liver gluconeogenesis, skeletal-muscle proteolysis and fat lipolysis in the tumor carriers. Cancer-induced body-weight loss, however, was prevented by β -PGG but not rhein. In conclusion, β -PGG combats pancreatic cancer cells and cures cancer cachexia.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenases: Not Just Markers, but Functional Regulators of Stem Cells

Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) is a superfamily of enzymes that detoxify a variety of endogenous and exogenous aldehydes and are required for the biosynthesis of retinoic acid (RA) and other molecular regulators of cellular function. Over the past decade, high ALDH activity has been increasingly used as a selectable marker for normal cell populations enriched in stem and progenitor cells, as well as for cell populations from cancer tissues enriched in tumor-initiating stem-like cells. Mounting evidence suggests that ALDH not only may be used as a marker for stem cells but also may well regulate cellular functions related to self-renewal, expansion, differentiation, and resistance to drugs and radiation. ALDH exerts its functional actions partly through RA biosynthesis, as all-trans RA reverses the functional effects of pharmacological inhibition or genetic suppression of ALDH activity in many cell types in vitro. There is substantial evidence to suggest that the role of ALDH as a stem cell marker comes down to the specific isoform(s) expressed in a particular tissue. Much emphasis has been placed on the ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3 members of the ALDH1 family of cytosolic enzymes required for RA biosynthesis. ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3 regulate cellular function in both normal stem cells and tumor-initiating stem-like cells, promoting tumor growth and resistance to drugs and radiation. An improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which ALDH regulates cellular function will likely open new avenues in many fields, especially in tissue regeneration and oncology.

Association between the <b><i>ACYP2</i></b> Polymorphisms and IgAN Risk in the Chinese Han Population

<b><i>Background/Aims:</i></b> The association between <i>ACYP2</i>(Acylphosphatase 2) polymorphisms and immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) risk in the Chinese Han population remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the association between <i>ACYP2</i> polymorphisms and IgAN risk by performing a case-control study. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Eleven <i>ACYP2</i> single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 416 IgAN patients and 495 healthy controls were genotyped using the Sequenom MassARRAY platform. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to evaluate the association of <i>ACYP2</i> polymorphisms with IgAN risk. <b><i>Results:</i></b> We observed that rs843720 was significantly associated with an increased risk of IgAN (allele G: OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.01–1.49, <i>p</i> = 0.036; dominant model: OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.01–2.37, <i>p =</i>0.044; log-additive model: OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.04–1.95, <i>p</i> = 0.026) before Bonferroni correction. The SNP rs12615793 was also significantly associated with an increased IgAN risk in the recessive model (OR = 3.33, 95% CI: 1.05–10.51, <i>p</i> = 0.042) before Bonferroni correction. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> These findings suggested that polymorphisms (rs843720 and rs12615793) of <i>ACYP2</i> may be pivotal in the development of IgAN. However, more functional and association studies with larger sample sizes should be performed to further validate our results in the future.

The attenuating effects of 1,2,3,4,6 penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose on pro-inflammatory responses of LPS/IFNγ-activated BV-2 microglial cells through NFƙB and MAPK signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Overactivated microglial cells exhibit chronic inflammatory response and can lead to the continuous production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, perpetuating inflammation, and ultimately resulting in neuronal injury. 1,2,3,4,6-Penta-O-Galloyl-β-d-Glucose (PGG), which is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound, has exhibited anti-inflammatory effect through the inhibition of many cytokines in different experimental models, but its effect on activated microglia cells was never described. In the present study, we investigated PGG effect in proteins involved in the NFƙB and MAPK signaling pathways, which play a central role in inflammation through their ability to induce transcription of pro-inflammatory genes.

METHODS

PCR arrays and RT-PCR with individual primers were used to determine the effect of PGG on mRNA expression of genes involved in NFƙB and MAPK signaling pathways. Western blots were performed to confirm PCR results.

RESULTS

The data obtained showed that PGG modulated the expression of 5 genes from the NFƙB (BIRC3, CHUK, IRAK1, NFƙB1, NOD1) and 2 genes from MAPK signaling pathway (CDK2 and MYC) when tested in RT-PCR assays. Western blots confirmed the PCR results at the protein level, showing that PGG attenuated the expression of total and phosphorylated proteins (CDK2, CHUK, IRAK1, and NFƙB1) involved in NFƙB and MAPK signaling.

CONCLUSION

These findings show that PGG could modulate the expression of genes and proteins involved in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in microglia cells.

Gallnuts: A Potential Treasure in Anticancer Drug Discovery

Introduction. In the discovery of more potent and selective anticancer drugs, the research continually expands and explores new bioactive metabolites coming from different natural sources. Gallnuts are a group of very special natural products formed through parasitic interaction between plants and insects. Though it has been traditionally used as a source of drugs for the treatment of cancerous diseases in traditional and folk medicinal systems through centuries, the anticancer properties of gallnuts are barely systematically reviewed. Objective. To evidence the traditional uses and phytochemicals and pharmacological mechanisms in anticancer aspects of gallnuts, a literature review was performed. Materials and Methods. The systematic review approach consisted of searching web-based scientific databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct. The keywords for searching include gallnut, Galla Chinensis, Rhus chinensis, Rhus potaninii, Rhus punjabensis, nutgall, gall oak, Quercus infectoria, Quercus lusitanica, and galla turcica. Two reviewers extracted papers independently to remove the papers unrelated to the anticancer properties of gallnuts. Patents, abstracts, case reports, and abstracts in symposium and congress were excluded. Results and Conclusion. As a result, 14 articles were eligible to be evaluated. It is primarily evident that gallnuts contain a number of bioactive metabolites, which account for anticancer activities. The phytochemical and pharmacological studies reviewed strongly underpin a fundamental understanding of anticancer properties for gallnuts (Galla Chinensis and Galla Turcica) and support their ongoing clinical uses in China. The further bioactive compounds screening and evaluation, pharmacological investigation, and clinical trials are expected to progress gallnut-based development to finally transform the wild medicinal gallnuts to the valuable authorized anticancer drugs.

1,2,3,4,6-Penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose suppresses colon cancer through induction of tumor suppressor

Colon cancer is the third most common malignancy in both sexes of Korea. Here, we investigated anti-colorectal cancer effects of 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose (PGG), a gallotannin from Galla rhois, and its possible mechanisms. PGG induced cytotoxicity and decreased proliferation of colon cancer cells without affecting normal colon fibroblasts. PGG inhibited clonogenic ability and induced apoptosis in cancer cells. One of the underlying mechanisms of the anti-cancer effect exerted by PGG, was owing to the induction p53 expression, a well-known tumor suppressor, and increased in P21, the representative target gene of p53. PGG affected cell-cycle- or apoptosis-related proteins such as cyclin E, CDK2, and Bcl-2, cleaved caspase-3. Also, PGG induced caspase-3/7 activity. These data suggest that PGG exerts anti-colorectal cancer effects.

Antimetabolic Effects of Polyphenols in Breast Cancer Cells: Focus on Glucose Uptake and Metabolism

In the last years, metabolic reprogramming became a new key hallmark of tumor cells. One of its components is a deviant energetic metabolism, known as Warburg effect—an aerobic lactatogenesis—characterized by elevated rates of glucose uptake and consumption with high-lactate production even in the presence of oxygen. Because many cancer cells display a greater sensitivity to glucose deprivation-induced cytotoxicity than normal cells, inhibitors of glucose cellular uptake (facilitative glucose transporter 1 inhibitors) and oxidative metabolism (glycolysis inhibitors) are potential therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. Polyphenols, abundantly contained in fruits and vegetables, are dietary components with an established protective role against cancer. Several molecular mechanisms are involved in the anticancer effect of polyphenols, including effects on apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, plasma membrane receptors, signaling pathways, and epigenetic mechanisms. Additionally, inhibition of glucose cellular uptake and metabolism in cancer cell lines has been described for several polyphenols, and this effect was shown to be associated with their anticarcinogenic effect. This work will review data showing an antimetabolic effect of polyphenols and its involvement in the chemopreventive/chemotherapeutic potential of these dietary compounds, in relation to breast cancer.

Genetic variants in the acylphosphatase 2 gene and the risk of breast cancer in a Han Chinese population

We performed a case-control study to investigate the associations between seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the acylphosphatase 2 (ACYP2) gene and breast cancer (BC) risk in a Han Chinese population. There were 183 BC cases and 195 healthy controls included in the study. The SNPs were genotyped using the Sequenom MassARRAY platform. Logistic regression (adjusted for age group, body mass index [BMI], and menopause status), was used to evaluate the associations between the various genotypes and BC risk. Statistical analysis revealed that rs12621038 was associated with a decreased risk of BC in the allele (T vs. C: odds ratio [OR] = 0.71, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.52–0.94; p = 0.016), homozygous (TT vs. CC: OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.24–0.85; p = 0.014), dominant (OR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.40−0.96; p = 0.032), and additive (OR = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.50–0.92; p = 0.012) models. In addition, we found that rs1682111 and rs17045754 were associated with the risk of BC and correlated with recurrence, and that rs6713088 correlated with tumor size. In sum, our findings reveal significant associations between SNPs in the ACYP2 gene and BC risk in a Han Chinese population.

1,2,3,4,6-Penta-O-Galloyl-Beta-D-Glucopyranoside Inhibits Proliferation of Multiple Myeloma Cells Accompanied with Suppression of MYC Expression

Multiple myeloma (MM) still remains an incurable disease, therefore discovery of novel drugs boosts the therapeutics for MM. The natural compound 1,2,3,4,6-Penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside (PGG) has been shown to exhibit antitumor activities against various cancer cells. Here, we aim to evaluate antitumor effects of PGG on MM cell lines. PGG inhibited the growth of three different MM cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Cell cycle analysis revealed that PGG treatment caused cell cycle arrest in G1 phase. It also induced apoptosis which was indicated by significant increases of Annexin V positive cells, caspase 3/7 activity, and cleaved caspase 3 expression in PGG treated MM cell. Since MYC is frequently hyperactivated in MM and inhibition of MYC leads to MM cell death. We further demonstrated that PGG decreased MYC expression in protein and mRNA levels and reversed the mRNA expression of MYC target genes such as p21, p27, and cyclin D2. In addition, PGG also reduced protein expression of DEPTOR which is commonly overexpressed in MM. Unexpectedly, PGG antagonized the cytotoxic effect of bortezomib in the combination treatment. However, PGG treatment sensitized MM cells to another proteasome inhibitor MG132 induced cytotoxicity. Moreover, MYC inhibitor JQ1 enhanced the cytotoxic effect of bortezomib on MM cells. Our findings raised concerns about the combinatory use of bortezomib with particular types of chemicals. The evidence also provide useful insights into the combination of MYC and proteasome-inhibitors for MM therapy. Finally, PGG has a therapeutic potential for treatment of MM and further development is mandatory.

1,2,3,4,6-Penta-O-galloyl-ß-D-glucose, a bioactive compound in Elaeocarpus sylvestris extract, inhibits varicella-zoster virus replication

The aim of this study was to establish the effect of a 70% ethanol extract of Elaeocarpus sylvestris (ESE) on varicella-zoster virus (VZV) replication and identify the specific bioactive component(s) underlying its activity. ESE induced a significant reduction in replication of the clinical strain of VZV. Activity-guided fractionation indicated that the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction of ESE contains the active compound(s) inhibiting VZV replication. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to Electrospray Ionization Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) analysis of the EtOAc fraction of ESE facilitated the identification of 13 chemical components. Among these, 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-ß-D-glucose (PGG) markedly suppressed VZV-induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation, expression of viral immediate-early 62 (IE62) protein and VZV replication. Our results collectively support the utility of PGG as a potential candidate anti-viral drug to treat VZV-associated diseases.

The attenuating effects of 1,2,3,4,6 penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose on inflammatory cytokines release from activated BV-2 microglial cells

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of neurodegeneration and dementia in the elderly. Dysregulated, chronic activation of microglia, the brain's resident macrophages, induces the release of excessive amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines which has been implicated in the early stages of AD pathology. Therefore, suppressing the expression of these inflammatory mediators may decrease or delay the progression of AD. Many natural compounds derived from plants have shown anti-inflammatory activity. The naturally occurring 1,2,3,4,6 Penta-O-Galloyl-β-d-Glucose (PGG), is a polyphenolic compound highly enriched in Rhus chinensis Millplant. It is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that act through the inhibition of many cytokines in different experimental models. In the present study, we investigated the role of PGG as an anti-inflammatory agent in LPS/IFNγ activated BV-2 microglia cells. Mouse cytokine antibody arrays were used to assess the effect of PGG on the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and ELISA experiments were performed to validate the results from the arrays. The results obtained from the cytokine arrays, and ELISA assays showed that PGG decreased the expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-5 (MCP-5) 8-fold, and pro-matrix metalloproteinase 9 (Pro MMP-9) 10-fold. Both of these cytokines are upregulated during the inflammatory process and have been shown to be involved in brain injury, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. Therefore, these findings suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of PGG on activated microglia involving the attenuation of MCP-5 and Pro MMP-9 cytokines.

Genetic polymorphisms in the telomere length-related gene ACYP2 are associated with the risk of colorectal cancer in a Chinese Han population

We investigated the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ACYP2, which has been associated with telomere length in several types of cancer, and the risk of CRC in a Chinese Han population. In a case-control study that included 247 cases and 300 healthy controls, 14 SNPs in ACYP2 were selected and genotyped using the Sequenom MassARRAY platform. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression after adjusting for age and gender. We determined that rs843711 and rs843706 were associated with an increased risk of CRC (rs843711: OR = 1.376, 95% CI = 1.082-1.749, p = 0.009; rs843706: OR = 1.361, 95% CI = 1.069-1.733, p = 0.012). Additionally, rs6713088, rs843645, rs843711, and rs843706 were associated with an increased risk of CRC under additive and recessive models (p < 0.05). Finally, the "TTCTCGCC" and "CG" haplotypes decreased the risk of CRC, while the "AG" haplotype increase the risk of CRC. The association between rs843711 and CRC remained significant after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons (p ≤ 0.00036). Our data shed new light on the associations between genetic variants in the ACYP2 gene and CRC susceptibility in a Chinese Han population.

DNA Microarray-Based Screening and Characterization of Traditional Chinese Medicine

The application of DNA microarray assay (DMA) has entered a new era owing to recent innovations in omics technologies. This review summarizes recent applications of DMA-based gene expression profiling by focusing on the screening and characterizationof traditional Chinese medicine. First, herbs, mushrooms, and dietary plants analyzed by DMA along with their effective components and their biological/physiological effects are summarized and discussed by examining their comprehensive list and a list of representative effective chemicals. Second, the mechanisms of action of traditional Chinese medicine are summarized by examining the genes and pathways responsible for the action, the cell functions involved in the action, and the activities found by DMA (silent estrogens). Third, applications of DMA for traditional Chinese medicine are discussed by examining reported examples and new protocols for its use in quality control. Further innovations in the signaling pathway based evaluation of beneficial effects and the assessment of potential risks of traditional Chinese medicine are expected, just as are observed in other closely related fields, such as the therapeutic, environmental, nutritional, and pharmacological fields.

Chinese Herbs Interfering with Cancer Reprogramming Metabolism

Emerging evidence promotes a reassessment of metabolic reprogramming regulation in cancer research. Although there exists a long history of Chinese herbs applied in cancer treatment, few reports have addressed the effects of Chinese herbal components on metabolic reprogramming, which is a central cancer hallmark involved in the slowing or prevention of chemoresistance in cancer cells. In this review, we have focused on four core elements altered by metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells. These include glucose transport, glycolysis, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, and fatty acid synthesis. With this focus, we have summarized recent advances in metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells in response to specific Chinese herbal components. We propose that exploring Chinese herbal interference in cancer metabolic reprogramming might identify new therapeutic targets for cancer and more ways in which to approach metabolism-related diseases.

Photoprotective Potential of Penta-O-Galloyl-β-DGlucose by Targeting NF-κB and MAPK Signaling in UVB Radiation-Induced Human Dermal Fibroblasts and Mouse Skin

Exposure of the skin to ultraviolet radiation can cause skin damage with various pathological changes including inflammation. In the present study, we identified the skin-protective activity of 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (pentagalloyl glucose, PGG) in ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation-induced human dermal fibroblasts and mouse skin. PGG exhibited antioxidant activity with regard to intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation as well as ROS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) scavenging. Furthermore, PGG exhibited anti-inflammatory activity, inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, resulting in inhibition of the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators. Topical application of PGG followed by chronic exposure to UVB radiation in the dorsal skin of hairless mice resulted in a significant decrease in the progression of inflammatory skin damages, leading to inhibited activation of NF-κB signaling and expression of pro-inflammatory mediators. The present study demonstrated that PGG protected from skin damage induced by UVB radiation, and thus, may be a potential candidate for the prevention of environmental stimuli-induced inflammatory skin damage.

The Genome-Wide Expression Profile of Saussurea lappa Extract on House Dust Mite-Induced Atopic Dermatitis in Nc/Nga Mice

Saussurea lappa has been reported to possess anti-atopic properties. In this study, we have confirmed the S. lappa's anti-atopic properties in Nc/Nga mice and investigated the candidate gene related with its properties using microarray. We determined the target gene using real time PCR in in vitro experiment. S. lappa showed the significant reduction in atopic dermatitis (AD) score and immunoglobulin E compared with the AD induced Nc/Nga mice. In the results of microarray using back skin obtained from animals, we found that S. lappa's properties are closely associated with cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Consistent with the microarray data, real-time RT-PCR confirmed these modulation at the mRNA level in skin tissues from S. lappa-treated mice. Among these genes, PI3Kca and IL20Rβ were significantly downregulated by S. lappa treatment in Nc/Nga mouse model. In in vitro experiment using HaCaT cells, we found that the S. lappa components, including alantolactone, caryophyllene, costic acid, costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone significantly decreased the expression of PI3Kca but not IL20Rβ in vitro. Therefore, our study suggests that PI3Kca-related signaling is closely related with the protective effects of S. lappa against the development of atopic-dermatitis.

Aldehyde dehydrogenases in cancer: an opportunity for biomarker and drug development?

Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) belong to a superfamily of 19 isozymes that are known to participate in many physiologically important biosynthetic processes including detoxification of specific endogenous and exogenous aldehyde substrates. The high expression levels of an emerging number of ALDHs in various cancer tissues suggest that these enzymes have pivotal roles in cancer cell survival and progression. Mapping out the heterogeneity of tumours and their cancer stem cell (CSC) component will be key to successful design of strategies involving therapeutics that are targeted against specific ALDH isozymes. This review summarises recent progress in ALDH-focused cancer research and discovery of small-molecule-based inhibitors.

Penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose suppresses EGF-induced eIF3i expression through inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in prostate cancer cells

Approximately 70% of prostate cancer patients will develop bone metastasis in axial and other regions of the skeleton. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) generated from bone tissue contributes to prostate cancer metastasis. In a previous study, penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (PGG) suppressed androgen-independent prostate cancer bone metastasis by transcriptionally repressing EGF-induced MMP-9 expression. This study utilized proteomics to analyze the effects of PGG in EGF-induced prostate cancer bone metastasis. This study showed that PGG suppressed EGF-induced eIF3i expression in PC-3 cells. By transfection of eIF3i shRNA, it was observed that reduced eIF3i expression suppressed the invasion of PC-3 cells in vitro. PGG reduced EGF-induced eIF3i expression through inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Therefore, PGG may be able to be used as a potential new therapeutic drug for prostate cancer bone metastasis.

Biological and biomedical functions of Penta-O-galloyl-D-glucose and its derivatives

Penta-O-galloyl-D-glucose (PGG) is a simple hydrolysable tannin in plants. PGG exists in two anomeric forms, α-PGG and β-PGG. While β-PGG can be found in a wide variety of plants, α-PGG is rather rare in nature. Numerous studies with β-PGG revealed a wide variety of biological activities, such as anti-microbial and anti-cancer functions. Until recently, studies with α-PGG were limited by the lack of its availability. Since the development of an efficient chemical synthesis of the compound, several investigations have revealed its anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and anti-platelet-coagulation functions. Based on structure-activity-relationship (SAR) studies with α-PGG, a variety of α-PGG-related novel compounds were synthesized and some of them have been shown to possess promising therapeutic activities. In this review, the authors will survey and evaluate the biological functions of PGG with a focus on α-PGG and its derivatives.

Tannic acid, a higher galloylated pentagalloylglucose, suppresses antigen-specific IgE production by inhibiting ɛ germline transcription induced by STAT6 activation

Interleukin (IL)-4 is a critical stimulator that induces ɛ germline transcripts (ɛGT) for switch recombination to initiate immunoglobulin (Ig) E and is important in allergic disease pathogenesis. We found pentagalloylglucose (PGG) inhibited IL-4-induced ɛGT expression. PGG exerted its inhibitory function by suppressing IL-4-induced activation of IL-4Rα, JAK3 and STAT6. Furthermore, tannic acid, a higher galloylated PGG, attenuated ovalbumin-induced IgE production in vivo by inhibiting IL-4-induced ɛGT expression and the IL-4 signaling pathway. In conclusion, our results suggest that tannic acid may attenuate allergic diseases by suppressing IgE production by inhibiting IL-4-induced signaling.

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Tannic acid (TA) is highly galloylated pentagalloylglucose derived from oriental herbs.

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Germline transcript (GT) expression is indispensable for immunoglobulin (Ig) E class switching.

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PGG and TA inhibit ɛGT expression by attenuating IL-4 signaling.

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TA attenuates ovalbumin-induced IgE production in vivo.