1
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Yun QS, Bao YX, Jiang JB, Guo Q. Mechanisms of norcantharidin against renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Pharmacol Rep 2024; 76:263-272. [PMID: 38472637 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-024-00578-5] [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: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis (RTIF) is a common feature and inevitable consequence of all progressive chronic kidney diseases, leading to end-stage renal failure regardless of the initial cause. Although research over the past few decades has greatly improved our understanding of the pathophysiology of RTIF, until now there has been no specific treatment available that can halt the progression of RTIF. Norcantharidin (NCTD) is a demethylated analogue of cantharidin, a natural compound isolated from 1500 species of medicinal insect, the blister beetle (Mylabris phalerata Pallas), traditionally used for medicinal purposes. Many studies have found that NCTD can attenuate RTIF and has the potential to be an anti-RTIF drug. This article reviews the recent progress of NCTD in the treatment of RTIF, with emphasis on the pharmacological mechanism of NCTD against RTIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin-Su Yun
- Department of Pharmacy, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou and the 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185 Juqian Street, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu-Xin Bao
- Research Center for Medicine and Biology, Zunyi Medical University, 6 West Xuefu Road, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China.
| | - Jie-Bing Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Qian Guo
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 881 Yonghe Road, Nantong, 226001 , Jiangsu, China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, China.
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2
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Norcantharidin liposome emulsion hybrid delivery system enhances PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy by agonizing the non-canonical NF-κB pathway. Int J Pharm 2022; 628:122361. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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3
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Yu C, Li Y, Chen G, Wu C, Wang X, Zhang Y. Bioactive constituents of animal-derived traditional Chinese medicinal materials for breast cancer: opportunities and challenges. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2022; 23:547-563. [PMID: 35794685 PMCID: PMC9264107 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2101019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is globally the most common invasive cancer in women and remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and endocrine therapy are currently the main treatments for this cancer type. However, some breast cancer patients are prone to drug resistance related to chemotherapy or immunotherapy, resulting in limited treatment efficacy. Consequently, traditional Chinese medicinal materials (TCMMs) as natural products have become an attractive source of novel drugs. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge on the active components of animal-derived TCMMs, including Ophiocordycepssinensis-derived cordycepin, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of O.sinensis, norcantharidin (NCTD), Chansu, bee venom, deer antlers, Ostreagigas, and scorpion venom, with reference to marked anti-breast cancer effects due to regulating cell cycle arrest, proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and drug resistance. In future studies, the underlying mechanisms for the antitumor effects of these components need to be further investigated by utilizing multi-omics technologies. Furthermore, large-scale clinical trials are necessary to validate the efficacy of bioactive constituents alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaochao Yu
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Guopeng Chen
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chaoyan Wu
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiuping Wang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yingwen Zhang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
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Liu Z, Zhao L, Tan X, Wu Z, Zhou N, Dong N, Zhang Y, Yin T, He H, Gou J, Tang X, Gao S. Preclinical evaluations of Norcantharidin liposome and emulsion hybrid delivery system with improved encapsulation efficiency and enhanced antitumor activity. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2022; 19:451-464. [PMID: 35385376 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2022.2063834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Norcantharidin (NCTD) has a certain degree of hydrophilicity and poor lipophilicity, and has some side-effects, including short t1/2, vascular irritation, cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, which bring difficulties for formulation research. In this study, we aim to develop a novel nanocarrier to improve encapsulation efficiency, increase sterilization stability and enhance antitumor activity. METHODS Phospholipid complexes methods were used for increasing the lipophilicity of norcantharidin (NCTD), then NCTD phospholipid complexes were not only loaded in the oil phase and oil-water interface surface, but also encapsulated in phospholipid bilayers to obtain NCTD liposome-emulsion hybrid (NLEH) delivery system. The in vitro cytotoxicity and apoptosis, in vivo tissue distribution, tumor penetration, heterotopic and orthotopic antitumor studies were conducted to evaluate therapeutic effect. RESULTS NLEH exhibited an improved encapsulation efficiency (89.3%) and a better sterilization stability, compared to NCTD liposomes and NCTD emulsions. NLEH can achieve a better antitumor activity by promoting absorption (1.93-fold), prolonging blood circulation (2.08-fold), enhancing tumor-targeting accumulation (1.19 times), improving tumor penetration, and increasing antitumor immunity. CONCLUSIONS The liposome-emulsion hybrid (LEH) delivery system was potential carrier for NCTD delivery, and LEH could open opportunities for delivery of poorly soluble anticancer drugs, especially drugs that are more hydrophilicity than lipophilicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixu Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110116, China
| | - Linxuan Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xinyi Tan
- Department of Pharmaceutics Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110116, China
| | - Zixuan Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutics Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110116, China
| | - Ning Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutics Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110116, China
| | - Nan Dong
- Department of Pharmaceutics Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110116, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110116, China
| | - Tian Yin
- Department of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110116, China
| | - Haibing He
- Department of Pharmaceutics Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110116, China
| | - Jingxin Gou
- Department of Pharmaceutics Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110116, China
| | - Xing Tang
- Department of Pharmaceutics Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110116, China
| | - Song Gao
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
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5
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Chen X, Cai X, Zheng D, Huang X, Chen Y, Deng T, Mo L, Li H, Li J, Chen S. Norcantharidin counteracts acquired everolimus resistance in renal cell carcinoma by dual inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 and complex 2 pathways in Vitro. Anticancer Drugs 2022; 33:e94-e102. [PMID: 34261913 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Everolimus, an oral mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) inhibitor, presents a therapeutic option in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients who were intolerant to, or previously failed, immune- and vascular endothelial growth factor-targeted therapies. However, the onset of drug resistance limits its clinical use. One possible mechanism underpinning the resistance is that inhibiting mTORC1 by everolimus results in mTORC2-dependent activation of v-Akt murine thymoma viral oncogene (AKT) and upregulation of hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIF). Norcantharidin (NCTD) is a demethylated derivative of cantharidin with antitumor properties which is an active ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicine Mylabris. In this study, everolimus-resistant RCC cells (786-O-R) obtained by chronic everolimus treatment revealed higher level of HIF2α and over-activated mTORC2 pathway and NCTD inhibits cell proliferation in both everolimus-resistant and -sensitive RCC cells by arresting cell cycle in G0/G1 phase and reducing cell cycle-related proteins of C-Myc and cyclin D. Furthermore, NCTD shows synergistic anticancer effects combined with everolimus in everolimus-resistant 786-O-R cells. Mechanically, NCTD repressed both mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling pathways as well as downstream molecular signaling pathways, such as p-4EBP1, p-AKT, HIF1α and HIF2α. Our findings provide sound evidence that combination of NCTD and everolimus is a potential therapeutic strategy for treating RCC and overcoming everolimus resistance by dual inhibition of mTORC1 and mTORC2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinglu Chen
- Department of Urology
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou
| | - Xiangsheng Cai
- Center for Medical Experiments, University of Chinese Academy of Science-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong
| | - Dianpeng Zheng
- Institute of Genetic, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
| | | | | | | | - Lijun Mo
- Institute of Biotherapy, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongwei Li
- Institute of Genetic, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
| | - Jinlong Li
- Institute of Biotherapy, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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6
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Zhang S, Yang Y, Hua Y, Hu C, Zhong Y. NCTD elicits proapoptotic and antiglycolytic effects on colorectal cancer cells via modulation of Fam46c expression and inhibition of ERK1/2 signaling. Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:774-782. [PMID: 32468032 PMCID: PMC7339822 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is a digestive tract malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer‑related mortality worldwide. Norcantharidin (NCTD), the demethylated form of cantharidin, has been reported to possess anticancer properties. Family‑with‑sequence‑similarity‑46c (Fam46c), a non‑canonical poly(A) polymerase, has been reported to be critical in NCTD‑mediated effects in numerous types of cancer, including hepatoma. In the current study, it was found that Fam46c expression was reduced in colorectal cancer tissues and cells. Treatment with NCTD was observed to significantly enhance apoptosis and inhibit glycolysis in colorectal cancer cells. In addition, Fam46c and cleaved caspase 3 expression levels were found to be increased in response to NCTD treatment, in contrast to tumor‑specific pyruvate kinase M2 and phosphorylated ERK expression, which was reduced. Importantly, overexpression of Fam46c exerted similar effects as NCTD treatment on the apoptosis and glycolysis of colorectal cancer cells, whereas Fam46c knockdown strongly attenuated the effect of NCTD. Moreover, epidermal growth factor, which acts as an agonist of ERK1/2 signaling, weakened the effects of NCTD on colorectal cancer cells. Taken together, the results indicated that NCTD promotes apoptosis and suppresses glycolysis in colorectal cancer cells by possibly targeting Fam46c and inhibiting ERK1/2 signaling, hence suggesting that Fam46c may act as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer. Thus, the present study identified a novel therapeutic target of NCTD in the clinical treatment of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqiang Zhang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
| | - Yun Yang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
| | - Yunwei Hua
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
| | - Chen Hu
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
| | - Yi Zhong
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
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7
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Pan MS, Cao J, Fan YZ. Insight into norcantharidin, a small-molecule synthetic compound with potential multi-target anticancer activities. Chin Med 2020; 15:55. [PMID: 32514288 PMCID: PMC7260769 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-020-00338-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD) is a demethylated derivative of cantharidin, which is an anticancer active ingredient of traditional Chinese medicine, and is currently used clinically as a routine anti-cancer drug in China. Clarifying the anticancer effect and molecular mechanism of NCTD is critical for its clinical application. Here, we summarized the physiological, chemical, pharmacokinetic characteristics and clinical applications of NCTD. Besides, we mainly focus on its potential multi-target anticancer activities and underlying mechanisms, and discuss the problems existing in clinical application and scientific research of NCTD, so as to provide a potential anticancer therapeutic agent for human malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Su Pan
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jin Cao
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue-Zu Fan
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065 People’s Republic of China
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8
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Contribution of p38 MAPK Pathway to Norcantharidin-Induced Programmed Cell Death in Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20143487. [PMID: 31315217 PMCID: PMC6678691 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20143487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD), a demethylated analog of cantharidin isolated from blister beetles, has been used as a promising anticancer agent; however, the underlying function of NCTD against human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has not been fully understood. Here, this study was aimed to investigate the apoptotic effect and molecular targets of NCTD in human OSCC in vitro and in vivo. The anticancer effects of NCTD and its related molecular mechanisms were evaluated by trypan blue exclusion assay, live/dead assay, western blotting, 4-6-Diamidino-2-Phenylindole (DAPI) staining, flow cytometric analysis, Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase dUTP Nick end Labeling (TUNEL) assay, and immunohistochemistry. NCTD significantly inhibited cell growth and increased the number of dead cells in HSC-3 and HN22 cell lines. It induced the following apoptotic phenomena: (1) the cleavages of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and casepase-3; (2) increase in apoptotic morphological changes (nuclear condensation and fragmentation); (3) increase in annexin V-positive cells or sub-G1 population of cells. NCTD significantly activated the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway but inactivated the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 pathway. A p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580) partially attenuated NCTD-induced programmed cell death (apoptosis) in both cell lines, whereas ectopic overexpression of STAT3 did not affect it. NCTD strongly suppressed tumor growth in the tumor xenograft bearing HSC-3 cells, and the number of TUNEL-positive cells increased in NCTD-treated tumor tissues. In addition, NCTD did not cause any histopathological changes in the liver nor the kidney. NCTD induced programmed cell death via the activation of p38 MAPK in OSCC. Therefore, these results suggest that NCTD could be a potential anticancer drug candidate for the treatment of OSCC.
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Hong KO, Ahn CH, Yang IH, Han JM, Shin JA, Cho SD, Hong SD. Norcantharidin Suppresses YD-15 Cell Invasion Through Inhibition of FAK/Paxillin and F-Actin Reorganization. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24101928. [PMID: 31109130 PMCID: PMC6572169 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24101928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD), a demethylated derivative of cantharidin, has been reported to exhibit activity against various types of cancers. However, the anti-invasive effects of NCTD and its molecular mechanism in human mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) remain incompletely elucidated. Clonogenic, wound healing, invasion, zymography, western blotting and immunocytochemistry assays were performed in YD-15 cells to investigate the anti-invasive effect of NCTD and its molecular mechanism of action. The inhibitory effects of NCTD on invasiveness were compared with those of a novel focal adhesion kinase (FAK) kinase inhibitor, PF-562271. NCTD markedly suppressed the colony formation, migration, and invasion of YD-15 cells as well as the activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9. It disrupted F-actin reorganization through suppressing the FAK/Paxillin axis. Moreover, NCTD exhibited a powerful anti-invasive effect compared with that of PF-562271 in YD-15 cells. Collectively, these results suggest that NCTD has a potential anti-invasive activity against YD-15 cells. This study may clarify the impact of NCTD on migration and invasion of human MEC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung-Ok Hong
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea.
| | - Chi-Hyun Ahn
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea.
| | - In-Hyoung Yang
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea.
| | - Jung-Min Han
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea.
| | - Ji-Ae Shin
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea.
| | - Sung-Dae Cho
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea.
| | - Seong Doo Hong
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea.
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Zeng L, Liu Y, Pan J, Liu X. Formulation and evaluation of norcanthridin nanoemulsions against the Plutella xylostella (Lepidotera: Plutellidae). BMC Biotechnol 2019; 19:16. [PMID: 30871528 PMCID: PMC6419361 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-019-0508-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Norcantharidin (NCTD), a demethylated derivative of cantharidin (defensive toxin of blister beetles), has been reported to exhibit insecticidal activity against various types of agricultural pests. However, NCTD applications are limited by its poor water solubility and high dosage requirement. Nanoemulsions have attracted much attentions due to the transparent or translucence appearance, physical stability, high bioavailability and non-irritant in nature. In general, nanoemulsions with small droplet size can enhance the bioavailability of drugs, whereas this phenomenon is likely system dependent. In present study, NCTD nanoemulsions were developed and optimized to evaluate and improve the insecticidal activity of NCTD against Plutella xylostella (Lepidotera: Plutellidae) by a spontaneous emulsification method. Results Triacetin, Cremophor EL and butanol were selected as the constituents of NCTD nanoemulsions via solubility determination, emulsification efficiency and ternary phase diagram construction. Insecticidal activity of NCTD nanoemulsion was associated with the content of surfactant and cosurfactant: (1) Higher effective toxicity exhibited at Smix (surfactant to cosurfactant mass ratio) = 3:1 that may be associated with the changes in interfacial tension; (2) NCTD nanoemulsion at 3:7 < SOR (surfactant to oil mass ratio) < 6:4 was more effective at lower surfactant level, which was attributed to the relatively slow diffusion rate of NCTD hindering by excess surfactant. Interestingly, nanoemulsions with smaller droplets were not found to be more effective in our study. Conclusions The optimized NCTD nanoemulsion (triacetin/Cremophor EL/butanol (60/20/20, w/w)) exhibited effective insecticidal activity (LC50 60.414 mg/l, LC90 185.530 mg/l, 48 h) than the NCTD acetone solution (LC50 175.602 mg/L, LC90 303.050 mg/L, 48 h). Spontaneous emulsifying nanoemulsion employed to formulate this poor water-soluble pesticide is a potential system for agriculture application. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12896-019-0508-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Utilization of Advantage Plants Resources in Hunan South, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Yongchang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Utilization of Advantage Plants Resources in Hunan South, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Jun Pan
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Utilization of Advantage Plants Resources in Hunan South, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaowen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Utilization of Advantage Plants Resources in Hunan South, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou, Hunan, China.
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11
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He Q, Xue S, Tan Y, Zhang L, Shao Q, Xing L, Li Y, Xiang T, Luo X, Ren G. Dual inhibition of Akt and ERK signaling induces cell senescence in triple-negative breast cancer. Cancer Lett 2019; 448:94-104. [PMID: 30742942 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Activated Akt and ERK signaling pathways are closely related to breast cancer progression, and Akt or ERK inhibition induces cell senescence. However, the crosstalk between the Akt and ERK signaling pathways in cell senescence and how to simultaneously suppress Akt and ERK signaling in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) are undefined. In this study, we found that norcantharidin (NCTD) effectively induced cell senescence and cell cycle arrest in TNBC in vitro, which was accompanied by a decline in phosphorylated Akt and ERK1/2 and a rise in p21 and p16. The inhibitors LY294002 and U0126 imitated the effect of NCTD when these two inhibitors were combined regardless of crosstalk between these two signaling pathways. In addition, NCTD inhibited the growth of xenografts via downregulation of phosphorylated Akt and ERK1/2 and upregulation of p21 in vivo. However, NCTD upregulated the level of soluble signaling factors of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in a NF-κB-independent manner. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that NCTD induced cell senescence and cell cycle arrest mainly by simultaneously blocking Akt and ERK signaling in TNBC, suggesting that NCTD may be used as a potential adjuvant therapy in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang He
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | | | - Yiqing Tan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Shao
- Breast Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital & Chongqing Cancer Institute & Chongqing Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Xing
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yunhai Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingxiu Xiang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinrong Luo
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Guosheng Ren
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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12
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Zha S, Yin Y, Wang Y, Huang Y, Li Y, Wang Z. Cloning and functional analysis of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS) gene from Mylabris cichorii. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2017; 64:667-676. [DOI: 10.1002/bab.1494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shenfang Zha
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide; School of Life Science; Chongqing University; Chongqing People's Republic of China
| | - Youping Yin
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide; School of Life Science; Chongqing University; Chongqing People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Wang
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide; School of Life Science; Chongqing University; Chongqing People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Huang
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide; School of Life Science; Chongqing University; Chongqing People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Li
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide; School of Life Science; Chongqing University; Chongqing People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongkang Wang
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide; School of Life Science; Chongqing University; Chongqing People's Republic of China
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Ye K, Wei Q, Gong Z, Huang Y, Liu H, Li Y, Peng X. Effect of norcantharidin on the proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle of human mesangial cells. Ren Fail 2017; 39:458-464. [PMID: 28393592 PMCID: PMC6014529 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2017.1308257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Norcantharidin (NCTD) regulates immune system function and reduces proteinuria. We sought to investigate the effect of NCTD on proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle of cultured human mesangial cells (HMC) in vitro. METHODS HMC cells were divided into a normal control group, and various concentrations of NCTD group (2.5, 5, 10, 20, or 40 μg/mL). Cell proliferation was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, apoptosis was detected by Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) assays, and morphological analysis was performed by Hoechest 33258 staining. Finally, cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS NCTD dose and time dependently inhibits HMC proliferation significantly (p < .05). Apoptosis dose and time dependently increased after NCTD treatment. Cell-cycle analysis revealed that the number of cells in the G2 phase increased significantly, whereas the fraction of cells in the S phase decreased, especially 24 h after 5 μg/ml NCTD treatment. CONCLUSION NCTD inhibits HMC cell proliferation, induces apoptosis, and affects the cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Ye
- a Department of Nephrology , The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Guangxi , China
| | - Qiaoyu Wei
- a Department of Nephrology , The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Guangxi , China
| | - Zhifeng Gong
- a Department of Nephrology , The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Guangxi , China
| | - Yunfeng Huang
- a Department of Nephrology , The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Guangxi , China
| | - Hong Liu
- b Department of Nephrology , The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University , Hunan , China
| | - Ying Li
- b Department of Nephrology , The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University , Hunan , China
| | - Xiaomei Peng
- a Department of Nephrology , The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Guangxi , China
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Zhang QY, Yue XQ, Jiang YP, Han T, Xin HL. FAM46C is critical for the anti-proliferation and pro-apoptotic effects of norcantharidin in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:396. [PMID: 28341836 PMCID: PMC5428258 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00313-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD), a demethylated analog of cantharidin derived from Chinese traditional medicine blister beetle, has been currently used as an anticancer drug for various cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, for a more comprehensive understanding of the targets of NCTD in HCC, next-generation RNA-Seq was utilized. We revealed that the expression of FAM46C, which has been reported as a tumor suppressor for multiple myeloma, was enhanced after NCTD treatment. Re-analysis of TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) LIHC (liver hepatocellular carcinoma) dataset demonstrated that FAM46C expression was significantly lower in HCC tissues than in normal liver tissues. NCTD injection or FAM46C overexpression could mitigate diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-initiated HCC in mice. Ectopic expression of FAM46C in two HCC cell lines, SMCC-7721 and SK-Hep-1, significantly repressed cell proliferation, and increased cells population in G2/M phase and cell apoptotic rate. We also found that FAM46C overexpression caused a notable decrease in Ras expression, MEK1/2 phosphorylation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. More importantly, FAM46C knockdown significantly weakened the biological effects of NCTD on HCC cells, which suggested NCTD exerted the anticancer functions partially through up-regulating FAM46C. In conclusion, FAM46C, a tumor suppressor for HCC, is important for the anti-proliferation and proapoptotic effects of NCTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao-Yan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Qiang Yue
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Yi-Ping Jiang
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Ting Han
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Hai-Liang Xin
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China.
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Wan XY, Zhai XF, Jiang YP, Han T, Zhang QY, Xin HL. Antimetastatic effects of norcantharidin on hepatocellular carcinoma cells by up-regulating FAM46C expression. Am J Transl Res 2017; 9:155-166. [PMID: 28123642 PMCID: PMC5250712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Norcantharidin (NCTD), a demethylated analog of cantharidin, possesses antimetastatic effects on HCC cells. The aim of this study was to identify target proteins of NCTD. In this study, we confirmed the antimetastatic effects of NCTD on SMMC-7721 and MHCC-97H cells. Through RNA sequencing, we found a non-canonical poly (A) polymerase, Family-with-sequence-similarity-46C (FAM46C) was up-regulated in response to NCTD exposure. Gene set enrichment analysis on The Cancer Genome Atlas liver HCC (LIHC) dataset revealed that metastasis down pathway was strongly associated with FAM46C expression. Overexpression of FAM46C in HCC cells suppressed cell migration and invasion via suppressing transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad signaling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Additionally, the antimetastatic effects of NCTD on HCC cells were partially rescued by FAM46C knockdown. Collectively, our results suggested that FAM46C, up-regulated by NCTD treatment, played a critical role in promoting the migration and invasion of HCC cells via TGF-β/Smad signaling. We identified a new therapeutic target of NCTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Ying Wan
- The integrated TCM & Western Medicine Department, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical UniversityShanghai 200433, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Feng Zhai
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical UniversityShanghai 200433, P. R. China
| | - Yi-Ping Jiang
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical UniversityShanghai 200433, P. R. China
| | - Ting Han
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical UniversityShanghai 200433, P. R. China
| | - Qiao-Yan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical UniversityShanghai 200433, P. R. China
| | - Hai-Liang Xin
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical UniversityShanghai 200433, P. R. China
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Han HW, Qiu HY, Hu C, Sun WX, Yang RW, Qi JL, Wang XM, Lu GH, Yang YH. Design, synthesis and anti-cancer activity evaluation of podophyllotoxin-norcantharidin hybrid drugs. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:3237-3242. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.05.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 05/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Pachuta-Stec A, Szuster-Ciesielska A. New Norcantharidin Analogs: Synthesis and Anticancer Activity. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2015; 348:897-907. [PMID: 26548647 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.201500255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The reaction of direct condensation between S-ethyl-N-(7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]heptane-2,3-dicarbonyl)isothiosemicarbazide (1) and primary amines was used for synthesizing new N-substituted amides of 3-(3-ethylthio-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)-7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]heptane-2-carboxylic acid (2-12) as norcantharadin analogs. Moreover, the anticancer activity of the obtained compounds was studied. Among all compounds, the N-3-methylbutyl amide of 3-(3-ethylthio-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)-7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]heptane-2-carboxylic acid (4) presented selective in vitro toxic and antiproliferative effects against the human hepatoma cell line Hep3B, without affecting normal human liver stellate cells (LX-2 cell line).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pachuta-Stec
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Szuster-Ciesielska
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
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Kiely M, Kiely PA. PP2A: The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing? Cancers (Basel) 2015; 7:648-69. [PMID: 25867001 PMCID: PMC4491676 DOI: 10.3390/cancers7020648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a major serine/threonine phosphatase in cells. It consists of a catalytic subunit (C), a structural subunit (A), and a regulatory/variable B-type subunit. PP2A has a critical role to play in homeostasis where its predominant function is as a phosphatase that regulates the major cell signaling pathways in cells. Changes in the assembly, activity and substrate specificity of the PP2A holoenzyme have a direct role in disease and are a major contributor to the maintenance of the transformed phenotype in cancer. We have learned a lot about how PP2A functions from specific mutations that disrupt the core assembly of PP2A and from viral proteins that target PP2A and inhibit its effect as a phosphatase. This prompted various studies revealing that restoration of PP2A activity benefits some cancer patients. However, our understanding of the mechanism of action of this is limited because of the complex nature of PP2A holoenzyme assembly and because it acts through a wide variety of signaling pathways. Information on PP2A is also conflicting as there are situations whereby inactivation of PP2A induces apoptosis in many cancer cells. In this review we discuss this relationship and we also address many of the pertinent and topical questions that relate to novel therapeutic strategies aimed at altering PP2A activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maeve Kiely
- Department of Life Sciences, and Materials and Surface Science Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick 78666, Ireland.
| | - Patrick A Kiely
- Department of Life Sciences, and Materials and Surface Science Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick 78666, Ireland.
- Stokes Institute, University of Limerick 78666, Limerick, Ireland.
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19
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Wang X, Gu Z, Li G, Zhang S, Cao Z, Yang Z, Liu G. Norcantharidin enhances ABT-263-mediated anticancer activity in neuroblastoma cells by upregulation of Noxa. Oncol Rep 2014; 32:716-22. [PMID: 24891300 DOI: 10.3892/or.2014.3228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is an aggressive childhood disease. Even with intensive conventional treatments, the long term survival rate for children with neuroblastoma remains less than 40%, highlighting the importance of finding new therapies. Bcl-2 family proteins play crucial roles in survival, proliferation and chemotherapeutic resistance of neuroblastoma cells. Therefore, targeting Bcl-2 with small molecule inhibitor ABT-263 could be a novel strategy for treatment of neuroblastoma. However, previous studies indicated that most neuroblastoma cell lines are resistant to ABT-263-mediated apoptosis. Thus, it is crucial to discover approaches that could overcome ABT-263 resistance. In this study, we examined the anticancer activity of ABT-263 in combination with norcantharidin (NCTD), a small-molecule anticancer drug derived from a traditional Chinese medicine, in human malignant neuroblastoma cells. We found that NCTD substantially enhanced ABT-263-mediated apoptosis induction, cell viability inhibition, and clonal formation inhibition in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y and CHLA-119 cell lines. Moreover, the combination anticancer activity was accompanied by upregulation of Noxa, and was associated with characteristics of mitochondrial apoptosis signaling, such as cytosolic release of cytochrome c, activation of caspase-9,-3, and cleavage of PARP. Notably, we observed that knockdown of Noxa significantly attenuated cell death induction by cotreatment with ABT-263 and NCTD, indicating Noxa essentially contributes to the combination anticancer effect. Collectively, our study demonstrated that NCTD could overcome ABT-263-resistance in neuroblastoma cells, and suggested that combinational treatment of ABT-263 with NCTD might be a novel therapeutic option for children with neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Zhimin Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Gongquan Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Shufeng Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Zhenjie Cao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Zhanfeng Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Guangzhi Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
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20
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Wu JY, Kuo CD, Chu CY, Chen MS, Lin JH, Chen YJ, Liao HF. Synthesis of novel lipophilic N-substituted norcantharimide derivatives and evaluation of their anticancer activities. Molecules 2014; 19:6911-28. [PMID: 24865603 PMCID: PMC6271113 DOI: 10.3390/molecules19066911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Revised: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This research attempted to study the effect of lipophilicity on the anticancer activity of N-substituted norcantharimide derivatives. Twenty-three compounds were synthesized and their cytotoxicities against five human cancer cell lines studied. The lipophilicity of each derivative was altered by its substituent, an alkyl, alkyloxy, terpenyl or terpenyloxy group at the N-position of norcantharimide. Further, among all synthesized derivatives studied, the compounds N-farnesyloxy-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2,3-dicarboximide (9), and N-farnesyl-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2,3-dicarboximide (18), have shown the highest cytotoxicity, anti-proliferative and apoptotic effect against human liver carcinoma HepG2 cell lines, yet displayed no significant cytotoxic effect on normal murine embryonic liver BNL CL.2 cells. Their overall performance led us to believe that these two compounds might be potential candidates for anticancer drugs development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Yi Wu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biopharmaceutics, College of Life Sciences, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 60004, Taiwan.
| | - Cheng-Deng Kuo
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Yu Chu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biopharmaceutics, College of Life Sciences, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 60004, Taiwan
| | - Min-Shin Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biopharmaceutics, College of Life Sciences, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 60004, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Hua Lin
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biopharmaceutics, College of Life Sciences, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 60004, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jen Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 25160, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Fen Liao
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Sciences, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 60004, Taiwan
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Shen B, He PJ, Shao CL. Norcantharidin induced DU145 cell apoptosis through ROS-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and energy depletion. PLoS One 2013; 8:e84610. [PMID: 24367681 PMCID: PMC3868658 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD), a demethylated analog of cantharidin derived from blister beetles, has attracted considerable attentions in recent years due to their definitely toxic properties and the noteworthy advantages in stimulating bone marrow and increasing the peripheral leukocytes. Hence, it is worth studying the anti-tumor effect of NCTD on human prostate cancer cells DU145. It was found that after the treatment of NCTD with different concentrations (25-100 μM), the cell proliferation was significantly inhibited, which led to the appearance of micronucleus (MN). Moreover, the cells could be killed in a dose-/ time-dependent manner along with the reduction of PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) expression, destruction of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), down-regulation of MnSOD, induction of ROS, depletion of ATP, and activation of AMPK (Adenosine 5‘-monophosphate -activated protein kinase) . In addition, a remarkable release of cytochrome c was found in the cells exposed to 100 μM NCTD and exogenous SOD-PEG could eliminate the generation of NCTD-induced MN. In conclusion, our studies indicated that NCTD could induce the collapse of MMP and mitochondria dysfunction. Accumulation of intercellular ROS could eventually switch on the apoptotic pathway by causing DNA damage and depleting ATP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Shen
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (C-LS); (BS)
| | - Pei-Jie He
- Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chun-Lin Shao
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (C-LS); (BS)
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Li M, Xu X, Lu F, Guo S. Primaryin vitroandin vivoevaluation of norcantharidin-chitosan/poly (vinyl alcohol) for cancer treatment. Drug Deliv 2013; 21:293-301. [DOI: 10.3109/10717544.2013.840692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
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Norcantharidin, derivative of cantharidin, for cancer stem cells. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:838651. [PMID: 24073010 PMCID: PMC3773992 DOI: 10.1155/2013/838651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2013] [Revised: 07/28/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) existing in human cancers have been demonstrated to be a major cause of cancer treatment resistance, invasion, metastasis, and relapse. Self-renewal pathways, Wnt/β-catenin, Sonic hedgehog (Shh), and the Notch signaling pathway play critical roles in developing CSCs and lead to angiogenesis, migration, invasion, and metastasis. Multidrug resistance (MDR) is an unfavorable factor causing the failure of treatments against cancer cells. The most important and thoroughly studied mechanism involved in MDR is the active efflux of chemotherapeutic agents through membrane drug transporters. There is growing evidence that Norcantharidin (NCTD), a water-soluble synthetic small molecule derivative of naturally occurring cantharidin from the medicinal insect blister beetle (Mylabris phalerata Pallas), is capable of chemoprevention and tumor inhibition. We summarize investigations into the modulation of self-renewal pathways and MDR in CSCs by NCTD. This review may aid in further investigation of using NCTD to develop more effective strategies for cancer treatment to reduce resistance and recurrence.
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The Synthetic Compound Norcantharidin Induced Apoptosis in Mantle Cell Lymphoma In Vivo and In Vitro through the PI3K-Akt-NF- κ B Signaling Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:461487. [PMID: 23935664 PMCID: PMC3722980 DOI: 10.1155/2013/461487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2013] [Revised: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to elucidate the antitumor activity of norcantharidin (NCTD) against human mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined by MTS and flow cytometry. Caspase-3, -8, and -9 activities were detected with a colorimetric caspase protease assay. Apoptotic proteins—including PARP, cyclin D1, Bcl-2 family proteins, XIAP, and cIAP I—were studied by western blot. The phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 was used to investigate the involvement of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In vivo studies were performed using Z138 cell xenografts in nude mice. NCTD inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of Z138 and Mino cells, both in vitro and in vivo. PI3Kp110α and p-Akt expressions were downregulated by NCTD treatment. NCTD downregulated NF-κB activity by preventing NF-κB phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. This effect was correlated with the suppression of NF-κB-regulated gene products, such as cyclin D1, BAX, survivin, Bcl-2, XIAP, and cIAP. This phenomenon was blocked by the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Our results demonstrated that NCTD can induce growth arrest and apoptosis in MCL cells and that the mechanism may involve the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. NCTD may have therapeutic and/or adjuvant therapeutic applications in the treatment of MCL.
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Li Y, Sun Y, Liu F, Sun L, Li J, Duan S, Liu H, Peng Y, Xiao L, Liu Y, Xi Y, You Y, Li H, Wang M, Wang S, Hou T. Norcantharidin inhibits renal interstitial fibrosis by blocking the tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66356. [PMID: 23825538 PMCID: PMC3692527 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is thought to contribute to the progression of renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Norcantharidin (NCTD) is a promising agent for inhibiting renal interstitial fibrosis. However, the molecular mechanisms of NCTD are unclear. In this study, a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rat model was established and treated with intraperitoneal NCTD (0.1 mg/kg/day). The UUO rats treated with NCTD showed a reduction in obstruction-induced upregulation of α-SMA and downregulation of E-cadherin in the rat kidney (P<0.05). Human renal proximal tubule cell lines (HK-2) stimulated with TGF-β1 were treated with different concentrations of NCTD. HK-2 cells stimulated by TGF-β1 in vitro led to downregulation of E-cadherin and increased de novo expression of α-SMA; co-treatment with NCTD attenuated all of these changes (P<0.05). NCTD reduced TGF-β1-induced expression and phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and downregulated the expression of Snail1 (P<0.05). These results suggest that NCTD antagonizes tubular EMT by inhibiting the Smad pathway. NCTD may play a critical role in preserving the normal epithelial phenotype and modulating tubular EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Division of Nephrology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, PR China. mail:
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Du HF, Yu LJ, Meng YF, Lv HY, Meng J, Song XN, Zhang JQ. Norcantharidin enhances bortezomib-antimyeloma activity in multiple myeloma cells in vitro and in nude mouse xenografts. Leuk Lymphoma 2012; 54:607-18. [PMID: 22889356 DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2012.720371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD), the demethylated analog of the Chinese medicine cantharidin, exhibits anti-myeloma activity by inactivating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), which is implicated in multiple myeloma (MM) cell survival and resistance to bortezomib (BTZ). We investigated whether NCTD could potentiate the anti-tumor activity of BTZ in MM. NCTD inhibited the proliferation of MM cells and potentiated the anti-myeloma effects of BTZ by down-regulating IKKα and p-IκBα, which induced the accumulation of IκBα and inhibited the constitutive activation of NF-κB. This effect was correlated with the suppression of NF-κB-regulated gene products. Furthermore, a chemotherapy-potentiating effect of NCTD on BTZ was also observed in vivo. Our study demonstrated that NCTD and BTZ exhibit significant therapeutic effects on MM through the NF-κB signal pathway in vitro and in vivo. Future studies will investigate the combined effects of NCTD and BTZ in patients with MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng-Fei Du
- Department of Hematology, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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27
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Liu D, Shi P, Yin X, Chen Z, Zhang X. Effect of norcantharidin on the human breast cancer Bcap-37 cells. Connect Tissue Res 2012; 53:508-12. [PMID: 22606958 DOI: 10.3109/03008207.2012.694928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD), a chemically modified form of cantharidin, is a potential anticancer drug. In this study, the effects of NCTD on the cellular viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and DNA damage in the human breast cancer cell line Bcap-37 were investigated with confocal and fluorescence microscopy. The cell cycle was further analyzed using the CellQuest software of a Becton-Dickinson FACS flow cytometer. The results indicated that the cellular viability was decreased with the growing concentrations of NCTD and time exposure. Moreover, the fluorescence intensity of ROS was increased, whereas the MMP was decreased in Bcap-37 cells with the growing concentrations of NCTD. NCTD induced a dose-dependent DNA damage and reduced the G1 peak in Bcap-37 cells. The G2/M peak of Bcap-37 was also decreased by the higher concentration of NCTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongwu Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
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Norcantharidin inhibits proliferation and fibronectin expression of HK-2 cells induced by albumin in vitro. Cell Biol Int 2012; 35:1239-41. [PMID: 21675961 DOI: 10.1042/cbi20100850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The present study aims to observe the effects of NCTD (norcantharidin) on proliferation and FN (fibronectin) expression in human renal proximal tubular epithelial cell line (HK-2) induced by albumin in vitro. HK-2 cells were divided into control group, albumin group and different concentration of NCTD intervention groups. Proliferation of HK-2 cells was determined by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide], FN protein in culture media of HK-2 cells was examined by ELISA, and FN mRNA was analysed by RT-PCR (reverse transcription-PCR). We chose less than 5.0 mg/l of NCTD as the experimental concentration for the cytotoxicity test. MTT score was higher in the albumin group than in the control group (P<0.05). As compared with that of the albumin group, MTT score and FN protein concentration decreased, FN mRNA significantly down-regulated in NCTD intervention groups respectively (P<0.05). Our study showed that NCTD could inhibit the albumin-induced cell proliferation and FN expression in HK-2 cells, which might further prove the anti-fibrotic role of NCTD in proteinuria-associated tubulointerstitial damage.
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Zhang S, Li G, Ma X, Wang Y, Liu G, Feng L, Zhao Y, Zhang G, Wu Y, Ye X, Qin B, Lu J. Norcantharidin enhances ABT-737-induced apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by transcriptional repression of Mcl-1. Cell Signal 2012; 24:1803-9. [PMID: 22609455 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2012.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2012] [Revised: 05/10/2012] [Accepted: 05/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Small-molecule cell-permeable Bcl-2/Bcl-xL antagonist ABT-737 has recently emerged as a novel cancer therapeutic agent because it potently induces apoptosis in certain cancer cells. However, since ABT-737 binds to Mcl-1 with low affinity, ABT-737-mediated apoptosis signaling is inhibited in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and other solid cancer cells due to the elevated expression of Mcl-1. Accordingly, strategies that target Mcl-1 are explored for overcoming ABT-737-resistance. In this study, we reported that Norcantharidin (NCTD), a small-molecule anticancer drug derived from Chinese traditional medicine blister beetle (Mylabris), induced transcriptional repression of Mcl-1 and considerably enhanced ABT-737-triggered cell viability inhibition and apoptosis in multiple HCC cell lines. Moreover, we observed that the enhancement of ABT-737-mediated apoptosis by NCTD was associated with activation of mitochondrial apoptosis signaling pathway, which involved cytosolic release of cytochrome c, cleavage of caspase-9 and caspase-3. Additionally, knockdown of Bax/Bak, the key effectors permeabilizing mitochondrial outer membrane significantly attenuated the enhancement, indicating mitochondrial apoptosis pathway played an essential role in the execution of the apoptosis. Finally, knockdown of Mcl-1 substantially potentiated ABT-737-mediated apoptotic cell death, confirming the potency of Mcl-1 repression by NCTD in enhancing ABT-737-induced apoptosis. These results therefore suggest that combination treatment with NCTD can overcome ABT-737 resistance and enhance ABT-737 therapeutic efficacy in treating human HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuijun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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Yeh CB, Hsieh MJ, Hsieh YH, Chien MH, Chiou HL, Yang SF. Antimetastatic effects of norcantharidin on hepatocellular carcinoma by transcriptional inhibition of MMP-9 through modulation of NF-kB activity. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31055. [PMID: 22363545 PMCID: PMC3280344 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 12/31/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rate of morbidity and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Taiwan has not lessened because of difficulty in treating tumor metastasis. Norcantharidin (NCTD) is currently used as an anticancer drug for hepatoma, breast cancer, and colorectal adenocarcinoma. NCTD possesses various biological anticancer activities, including apoptosis. However, detailed effects and molecular mechanisms of NCTD on metastasis are unclear. Thus, HCC cells were subjected to treatment with NCTD and then analyzed to determine the effects of NCTD on cell metastasis. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Modified Boyden chamber assays revealed that NCTD treatment inhibited cell migration and invasion capacities of HCC cells substantially. Results of zymography and western blotting showed that activities and protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and urokinase plasminogen activator (u-PA) were inhibited by NCTD. Western blot analysis showed that NCTD inhibits phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Testing of mRNA level, quantitative real-time PCR, and promoter assays evaluated the inhibitory effects of NCTD on MMP-9 and u-PA expression in HCC cells. The chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay for analyzing the genomic DNA sequences bound to these proteins was reactive to the transcription protein nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB, which was inhibited by NCTD. The expression of NF-kappa B was measured by western blot analysis, which revealed decreased nuclear-factor DNA-binding activity after NCTD treatment. CONCLUSIONS NCTD inhibited MMP-9 and u-PA expression through the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and NF-kappaB signaling pathway which serves as a powerful chemopreventive agent in HCC cell metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Bin Yeh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Ju Hsieh
- School of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsien Hsieh
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hsien Chien
- Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ling Chiou
- School of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (HLC); (SFY)
| | - Shun-Fa Yang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (HLC); (SFY)
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Norcantharidin inhibits the expression of extracellular matrix and TGF-β1 in HK-2 cells induced by high glucose independent of calcineurin signal pathway. J Transl Med 2011; 91:1706-16. [PMID: 21931301 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2011.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD) was shown in our previous studies to attenuate renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in rat models with diabetic nephropathy (DN). The aim of this study was to determine the effects of NCTD on the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) and TGF-β1 in HK-2 cells stimulated by high glucose and on calcineurin (CaN)/NFAT pathway. Whether or not the antifibrotic effect of NCTD on renal interstitium was dependent on its inhibition of CaN pathway was also investigated. Experimental concentrations of NCTD were verified by cytotoxic test and MTT assay. HK-2 cells were transfected with CaN small interference RNA (siRNA). The mRNA and protein expressions of FN, ColIV, TGF-β1, and CaN in HK-2 cells were detected by real-time PCR and western blot. The CaN/NFAT pathway was examined by indirect immunofluorescence and western blot. Our study revealed that NCTD concentrations over 5 mg/l had overt cytotoxicity on HK-2 cells. Meanwhile, both 2.5 and 5 mg/l NCTD inhibited HK-2 cell proliferation (P < 0.05). NCTD inhibited the upregulation of FN, ColIV, and TGF-β1 of HK-2 cells stimulated by high glucose (P < 0.05), and also significantly downregulated the expression of CaN mRNA and protein in HK-2 cells (P < 0.05). In addition, not only was the nuclear translocation of NFATc inhibited, but its protein level in the nucleus was also reduced. Following CaN siRNA transfection, CaN mRNA and protein expression were significantly decreased. In contrast, the protein levels of FN, ColIV, and TGF-β1 increased in HK-2 cells stimulated by high glucose (P < 0.05). However, NCTD treatment downregulated their expression. These results indicated that NCTD could decrease the expression of ECM and TGF-β1 in HK-2 cells stimulated by high glucose, downregulate CaN expression, and block the CaN/NFAT signaling pathway. However, the effect of NCTD on inhibition of the expression of ECM and TGF-β1 was not associated with its inhibition of the CaN/NFAT pathway.
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Liu S, Yu H, Kumar SM, Martin JS, Bing Z, Sheng W, Bosenberg M, Xu X. Norcantharidin induces melanoma cell apoptosis through activation of TR3 dependent pathway. Cancer Biol Ther 2011; 12:1005-14. [PMID: 22123174 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.12.11.18380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD) has been reported to induce tumor cell apoptosis. However, the underlying mechanism behinds its antitumor effect remains elusive. We have previously shown that TR3 expression is significantly decreased in metastatic melanomas and involved in melanoma cell apoptosis. In this study, we showed that NCTD inhibited melanoma cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in a dose related manner. NCTD induced translocation of TR3 from nucleus to mitochondria where it co-localized with Bcl-2 in melanoma cells. NCTD also increased cytochome c release from mitochondria to the cytoplasm. These changes were accompanied by increased expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 along with decreased expression of Bcl2 and NF-κB2. The effects of NCTD were inhibited by knockdown of TR3 expression using TR3 specific shRNA in melanoma cells. Furthermore, NCTD significantly decreased tumor volume and improved survival of Tyr::CreER; BRAF(Ca/+); Pten(lox/lox) transgenic mice. Our data indicates that NCTD inhibits melanoma growth by inducing tumor cell apoptosis via activation of a TR3 dependent pathway. These results suggest that NCTD is a potential therapeutic agent for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujing Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
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Ratcliffe NA, Mello CB, Garcia ES, Butt TM, Azambuja P. Insect natural products and processes: new treatments for human disease. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2011; 41:747-69. [PMID: 21658450 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2011.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2011] [Revised: 05/16/2011] [Accepted: 05/20/2011] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
In this overview, some of the more significant recent developments in bioengineering natural products from insects with use or potential use in modern medicine are described, as well as in utilisation of insects as models for studying essential mammalian processes such as immune responses to pathogens. To date, insects have been relatively neglected as sources of modern drugs although they have provided valuable natural products, including honey and silk, for at least 4-7000 years, and have featured in folklore medicine for thousands of years. Particular examples of Insect Folk Medicines will briefly be described which have subsequently led through the application of molecular and bioengineering techniques to the development of bioactive compounds with great potential as pharmaceuticals in modern medicine. Insect products reviewed have been derived from honey, venom, silk, cantharidin, whole insect extracts, maggots, and blood-sucking arthropods. Drug activities detected include powerful antimicrobials against antibiotic-resistant bacteria and HIV, as well as anti-cancer, anti-angiogenesis and anti-coagulant factors and wound healing agents. Finally, the many problems in developing these insect products as human therapeutic drugs are considered and the possible solutions emerging to these problems are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman A Ratcliffe
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, 21045-900, RJ, Brazil.
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Li Y, Ge Y, Liu FY, Peng YM, Sun L, Li J, Chen Q, Sun Y, Ye K. Norcantharidin, a protective therapeutic agent in renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Mol Cell Biochem 2011; 361:79-83. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-011-1091-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2011] [Accepted: 09/16/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Li Y, Chen Q, Liu FY, Peng YM, Hou T, Duan SB, Li J, Luo JH, Sun L, Ling GH. Norcantharidin attenuates tubulointerstitial fibrosis in rat models with diabetic nephropathy. Ren Fail 2011; 33:233-41. [PMID: 21332346 DOI: 10.3109/0886022x.2011.553305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of norcantharidin (NCTD) on tubulointerstitial fibrosis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in streptozotocin-induced rat model. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, low-dose NCTD (0.05 mg/kg/day) group, and high-dose NCTD (0.1 mg/kg/day) group. The model group was induced by injection intraperitoneally with 30 mg/kg streptozotocin in 0.1 mol/L sodium citrate solution (pH 4.5), after high-calorie foods were given for 2 months. NCTD was administered daily after the DN rat model was built. Rats were sacrificed at the end of the third and the eighth week; renal fibrosis and the expression of FN, collagen IV, TGF-β1, and calcineurin (CaN) were detected by Masson and immunohistochemistry staining, respectively. RESULTS Tubulointerstitial fibrosis was observed in DN rats, this kind of pathological changes was ameliorated in NCTD treatment group (p < 0.05). The expressions of FN, collagen IV, and TGF-β1 protein increased in the tubulointerstitial field of DN rats compared with the rats in control group. NCTD treatment could dose-dependently decrease their expression and reverse the fibrotic degree (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the expression of CaN was detected in tubular fields of normal kidney and increased in the tubulointerstitial field in DN rats. However, NCTD downregulated its expression in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS NCTD could downregulate FN, collagen IV, and TGF-β1 expression in tubulointerstitial fields and attenuate tubulointerstitial fibrosis in the early stage of DN rats. NCTD also alleviated the expression of CaN in tubules in DN. The relationship between the role of NCTD's anti-tubulointerstitial fibrosis and its inhibition to CaN expression remains to be further elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Division of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Research Institute of Nephrology, Central South University, Changsha, PR China.
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Chuang KA, Lieu CH, Tsai WJ, Wu MH, Chen YC, Liao JF, Wang CC, Kuo YC. Evaluation of anti-Wnt/β-catenin signaling agents by pGL4-TOP transfected stable cells with a luciferase reporter system. Braz J Med Biol Res 2010; 43:931-41. [PMID: 20835687 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2010007500091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2010] [Accepted: 08/19/2010] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Refractory and relapsed leukemia is a major problem during cancer therapy, which is due to the aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Activation of this pathway is promoted by wingless (Wnt) proteins and induces co-activator β-catenin binding to lymphoid enhancer factor (LEF)/T-cell factor protein (TCF). To provide a convenient system for the screening of anti-Wnt/β-catenin agents, we designed a bi-functional pGL4-TOP reporter plasmid that contained 3X β-catenin/LEF/TCF binding sites and a selectable marker. After transfection and hygromycin B selection, HEK 293-TOP and Jurkat-TOP stable clones were established. The luciferase activity in the stable clone was enhanced by the recombinant Wnt-3A (rWnt-3A; 100-400 ng/mL) and GSK3β inhibitor (2'Z,3'E)-6-bromoindirubin-3'-oxime (BIO; 5 µM) but was inhibited by aspirin (5 mM). Using this reporter model, we found that norcantharidin (NCTD; 100 µM) reduced 80% of rWnt-3A-induced luciferase activity. Furthermore, 50 µM NCTD inhibited 38% of BIO-induced luciferase activity in Jurkat-TOP stable cells. Employing ³H-thymidine uptake assay and Western blot analysis, we confirmed that NCTD (50 µM) significantly inhibited proliferation of Jurkat cells by 64%, which are the dominant β-catenin signaling cells and decreased β-catenin protein in a concentration-dependent manner. Thus, we established a stable HEK 293-TOP clone and successfully used it to identify the Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibitor NCTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Chuang
- Department of Biotechnology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Wang L, Duan H, Wang Y, Liu K, Jiang P, Qu Z, Yagasaki K, Zhang G. Inhibitory effects of Lang-du extract on the in vitro and in vivo growth of melanoma cells and its molecular mechanisms of action. Cytotechnology 2010; 62:357-66. [PMID: 20607395 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-010-9283-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2010] [Accepted: 06/04/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Lang-du extract (LDE) from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Euphorbia fischeriana Steud on the in vitro and in vivo growth of melanoma cells and its molecular mechanisms of action. Our present results have shown that LDE significantly suppressed the in vitro melanoma cell growth in dose- and time-dependent manners. LDE also displayed the synergistic effect with γ-radiation on the reduction of the cell viability in melanoma cells. The animal experimental results further confirmed that compared with the control group without drug treatment, the tumor volume in mice was significantly and time-dependently less in LDE group. The absolute weight of solid tumor in the LDE group was 7-fold lower than that in the control group. Western blot analysis indicated that LDE markedly down-regulated the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and up-regulated the level of pro-apoptotic protein Bax, eventually leading the reduction of Bcl-2/Bax protein ratios both in the cultured melanoma cells and in the tumors from melanoma-bearing mice. In addition, LDE significantly reduced the tumor progression-associated protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF), and osteopontin (OPN) in tumors from the LDE-treated mice. Our findings suggest that LDE may have a wide therapeutic and/or adjuvant therapeutic application in the treatment of melanoma and other cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, No. 30, Qing Quan Lu, Lai Shan Qu, 264005, Yantai, Shandong Province, China
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Inhibitory effects of norcantharidin against human lung cancer cell growth and migration. Cytotechnology 2010; 62:349-55. [PMID: 20087654 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-009-9250-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2009] [Accepted: 12/28/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of norcantharidin (NCTD), an anticancer drug in China, on the growth and migration in human lung cancer cells were investigated by in vitro and ex vivo assays. NCTD significantly inhibited the in vitro and ex vivo growth of human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells in dose- and time-dependent manners. Western blot analysis indicated that NCTD dose-dependently down-regulated the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and up-regulated the level of pro-apoptotic protein Bax, eventually leading the reduction of ratio of Bcl-2/Bax proteins in A549 cells. Moreover, NCTD significantly suppressed the A549 cell migration in the case of without reducing the cell viability. More importantly, NCTD significantly enhanced the anticancer activity of anticancer agents such as trichostatin A (the histone deacetylase inhibitor), celecoxib (the inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2) and lovastatin (the inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase) by strongly reducing the viability and/or the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax protein in A549 cells. Our findings suggest that NCTD may have the wide therapeutic and/or adjuvant therapeutic application in the treatment of human lung cancer.
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Duan H, Luan J, Liu Q, Yagasaki K, Zhang G. Suppression of human lung cancer cell growth and migration by berbamine. Cytotechnology 2009; 62:341-8. [PMID: 19967402 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-009-9240-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2009] [Accepted: 11/18/2009] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of berbamine (BER), a naturally occurring small-molecule compound from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Berberis amurensis, on the growth and migration of human lung cancer A549 cell line. This cell line is the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) which constitutes 80% of lung cancer cases and remains an aggressive lung cancer associated with a poor patient survival. Our present results have shown that BER significantly suppressed the in vitro and ex vivo growth of A549 cells in dose- and time-dependent manners. Furthermore, Western blot analysis confirmed that BER dose-dependently down-regulated the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and up-regulated the level of pro-apoptotic protein Bax, eventually leading the reduction of Bcl-2/Bax protein ratio in A549 cells. In addition, BER significantly inhibited the A549 cell migration at the low concentrations without restraining the cell growth. More importantly, BER significantly enhanced the anticancer activity of anticancer agents such as trichostatin A (the histone deacetylase inhibitor) and celecoxib (the inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2) by strongly reducing the viability and/or the Bcl-2/Bax protein ratio in A549 cells. Our findings suggest that BER may have the wide therapeutic and/or adjuvant therapeutic application in the treatment of human NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiying Duan
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, No. 30, Qing Quan Lu, Lai Shan Qu, 264005, Yantai, Shandong Province, China
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Wang S, Liu Q, Zhang Y, Liu K, Yu P, Liu K, Luan J, Duan H, Lu Z, Wang F, Wu E, Yagasaki K, Zhang G. Suppression of growth, migration and invasion of highly-metastatic human breast cancer cells by berbamine and its molecular mechanisms of action. Mol Cancer 2009; 8:81. [PMID: 19796390 PMCID: PMC2765940 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-8-81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2009] [Accepted: 10/01/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths among females worldwide. Berbamine (BER), a kind of bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, has been used to treat clinical patients with inflammation and cancer for many years in China. The purpose of this study is to investigate the activity of BER against highly-metastatic human breast cancer and its molecular mechanisms of action. RESULTS In our study, we found that BER inhibits growth of highly-metastatic human breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-435S cells dose-dependently and time-dependently. The sera from BER-treated rats suppress the growth of MDA-MB-231 cells. BER shows synergistic effects with some existing anticancer agents such as trichostatin A (TSA, the histone deacetylase inhibitor), celecoxib (the inhibitor of COX-2), and carmofur against the growth of MDA-MB-231 cells. BER also displays the strong activity of inducing apoptosis in both estrogen receptor-negative MDA-MB-231 cells and estrogen receptor-alpha-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells, but not in normal human mammary epithelial cell line MCF10A. BER down-regulates anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 levels and up-regulates pro-apoptotic protein Bax expressions in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-435S cells. BER also has synergistic effects with anticancer agents trichostatin A, celecoxib and/or carmofur on reducing Bcl-2/Bax ratios and VEGF secretions in MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, BER significantly suppresses cell migration and invasion, as well as decreases pro-MMP-9/pro-MMP-2 activation in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, BER suppresses Akt and nuclear factor kappaB signaling by reducing the phosphorylation of c-Met and Akt, and inhibiting their downstream targets such as nuclear factor kappaB p-65, Bcl-2/Bax, osteopontin, VEGF, MMP-9 and MMP-2 on protein and/or mRNA levels in breast cancer cells. CONCLUSION Our findings have showed that BER suppresses the growth, migration and invasion in highly-metastatic human breast cancer cells by possibly inhibiting Akt and NF-kappaB signaling with their upstream target c-Met and downstream targets Bcl-2/Bax, osteopontin, VEGF, MMP-9 and MMP-2. BER has synergistic effects with anticancer agents trichostatin A, celecoxib and carmofur on inhibiting the growth of MDA-MB-231 cells and reducing the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax and/or VEGF expressions in the cancer cells. These findings suggest that BER may have the wide therapeutic and/or adjuvant therapeutic application in the treatment of human breast cancer and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, No 30, Qing Quan Lu, Lai Shan Qu, Yantai, Shandong Province 264005, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, No 30, Qing Quan Lu, Lai Shan Qu, Yantai, Shandong Province 264005, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Clinical Medicine, Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, No 15, Feicuilu, Hefei, Anhui Province 230601, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, No 30, Qing Quan Lu, Lai Shan Qu, Yantai, Shandong Province 264005, China
| | - Pengfei Yu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, No 30, Qing Quan Lu, Lai Shan Qu, Yantai, Shandong Province 264005, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, No 30, Qing Quan Lu, Lai Shan Qu, Yantai, Shandong Province 264005, China
| | - Jinling Luan
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, No 30, Qing Quan Lu, Lai Shan Qu, Yantai, Shandong Province 264005, China
| | - Huiying Duan
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, No 30, Qing Quan Lu, Lai Shan Qu, Yantai, Shandong Province 264005, China
| | - Zhaoqiao Lu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, No 30, Qing Quan Lu, Lai Shan Qu, Yantai, Shandong Province 264005, China
| | - Fengfei Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 58105, USA
| | - Erxi Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 58105, USA
| | - Kazumi Yagasaki
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Tokyo Noko University, Saiwai-cho 3-5-8, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Guoying Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, No 30, Qing Quan Lu, Lai Shan Qu, Yantai, Shandong Province 264005, China
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