Discovery and anticancer evaluation of a formononetin derivative against gastric cancer SGC7901 cells

Latest developments in coumarin-based anticancer agents: mechanism of action and structure-activity relationship studies

Many researchers around the world are working on the development of novel anticancer drugs with different mechanisms of action. In this case, coumarin is a highly promising pharmacophore for the development of novel anticancer drugs. Besides, the hybridization of this moiety with other anticancer pharmacophores has emerged as a potent breakthrough in the treatment of cancer to decrease its side effects and increase its efficiency. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent development of coumarin derivatives and their application as novel anticancer drugs. Herein, we highlight and describe the largest number of research works reported in this field from 2015 to August 2023, along with their mechanisms of action and structure-activity relationship studies, making this review different from the other review articles published on this topic to date.

The potential role of formononetin in cancer treatment: An updated review

Currently, cancer is one of the main research topics, due to its high incidence and drug resistance to existing anti-cancer drugs. Formononetin, a natural product with phytoestrogenic properties and diverse biological functions, has attracted the attention of researchers working on anticancer drugs. Formononetin emerges as an intriguing bioactive substance compared to other isoflavones as it exhibits potent chemotherapeutic activity with less toxicity. Formononetin effectively plays a significant role in inhibiting cell proliferation, invasion, and metastatic abilities of cancer cells by targeting major signaling pathways at the junction of interconnected pathways. It also induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by modulating mediator proteins. It causes upregulation of key factors such as p-AKT, p38, p21, and p53 and downregulation of NF-κB. Furthermore, formononetin regulates the neoplastic microenvironment by inactivating the ERK1/2 pathway and lamin A/C signaling and has been reported to inactivate JAK/STAT, PKB or AKT, and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways and to suppress cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis in human cancer cells. To assist researchers in further exploring formononetin as a potential anticancer therapeutic candidate, this review focuses on both in vitro and in vivo proof of concept studies, patents, and clinical trials pertinent to formononetin's anticancer properties. Overall, this review discusses formononetin from a comprehensive perspective to highlight its potential benefits as an anticancer agent.

Advances of antitumor drug discovery in traditional Chinese medicine and natural active products by using multi-active components combination

The antitumor efficacy of Chinese herbal medicines has been widely recognized. Leading compounds such as sterols, glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, and polyketides constitute their complex active components. The antitumor monomers derived from Chinese medicine possess an attractive anticancer activity. However, their use was limited by low bioavailability, significant toxicity, and side effects, hindering their clinical applications. Recently, new chemical entities have been designed and synthesized by combining natural drugs with other small drug molecules or active moieties to improve the antitumor activity and selectivity, and reduce side effects. Such a novel conjugated drug that can interact with several vital biological targets in cells may have a more significant or synergistic anticancer activity than a single-molecule drug. In addition, antitumor conjugates could be obtained by combining pharmacophores containing two or more known drugs or leading compounds. Based on these studies, the new drug research and development could be greatly shortened. This study reviews the research progress of conjugates with antitumor activity based on Chinese herbal medicine. It is expected to serve as a valuable reference to antitumor drug research and clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine.

A review of the botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacology, toxicology, and quality control of the Astragalus memeranaceus

Astragali Radix (Huangqi) is mainly distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, South America, and Africa and rarely in North America and Oceania. It has long been used as an ethnomedicine in the Russian Federation, Mongolia, Korea, Kazakhstan, and China. It was first recorded in the Shennong Ben Cao Jing and includes the effects of reinforcing healthy qi, dispelling pathogenic factors, promoting diuresis, reducing swelling, activating blood circulation, and dredging collaterals. This review systematically summarizes the botanical characteristics, phytochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacology, and toxicology of Astragalus to explore the potential of Huangqi and expand its applications. Data were obtained from databases such as PubMed, CNKI, Wan Fang Data, Baidu Scholar, and Google Scholar. The collected material also includes classic works of Chinese herbal medicine, Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Chinese Medicine Dictionary, and PhD and Master's theses. The pharmacological effects of the isoflavone fraction in Huangqi have been studied extensively; The pharmacological effects of Huangqi isoflavone are mainly reflected in its anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-allergic, and anti-diabetic properties and its ability to treat several related diseases. Additionally, the medicinal uses, chemical composition, pharmacological activity, toxicology, and quality control of Huangqi require further elucidation. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacology, toxicology, and quality control of Astragalus to assist future innovative research and to identify and develop new drugs involving Huangqi.

Evaluation of the association of chronic inflammation and cancer: Insights and implications

Among the most extensively researched processes in the development and treatment of cancer is inflammatory condition. Although acute inflammation is essential for the wound healing and reconstruction of tissues that have been damaged, chronic inflammation may contribute to the onset and growth of a number of diseases, including cancer. By disrupting the signaling processes of cells, which result in cancer induction, invasion, and development, a variety of inflammatory molecules are linked to the development of cancer. The microenvironment surrounding the tumor is greatly influenced by inflammatory cells and their subsequent secretions, which also contribute significantly to the tumor's growth, survivability, and potential migration. These inflammatory variables have been mentioned in several publications as prospective diagnostic tools for anticipating the onset of cancer. Targeting inflammation with various therapies can reduce the inflammatory response and potentially limit or block the proliferation of cancer cells. The scientific medical literature from the past three decades has been studied to determine how inflammatory chemicals and cell signaling pathways related to cancer invasion and metastasis are related. The current narrative review updates the relevant literature while highlighting the specifics of inflammatory signaling pathways in cancer and their possible therapeutic possibilities.

Potential Therapeutic Targets of Formononetin, a Type of Methoxylated Isoflavone, and Its Role in Cancer Therapy through the Modulation of Signal Transduction Pathways

Cancer is one of the main causes of death in all developed and developing countries. Various factors are involved in cancer development and progression, including inflammation and alterations in cellular processes and signaling transduction pathways. Natural compounds have shown health-promoting effects through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, having an important role in the inhibition of cancer growth. In this regard, formononetin, a type of isoflavone, plays a significant role in disease management through the modulation of inflammation, angiogenesis, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Furthermore, its role in cancer management has been proven through the regulation of different signal transduction pathways, such as the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT 3), Phosphatidyl inositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), and mitogen activating protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. The anticancer potential of formononetin has been reported against various cancer types, such as breast, cervical, head and neck, colon, and ovarian cancers. This review focuses on the role of formononetin in different cancer types through the modulation of various cell signaling pathways. Moreover, synergistic effect with anticancer drugs and methods to improve bioavailability are explained. Thus, detailed studies based on clinical trials are required to explore the potential role of formononetin in cancer prevention and treatment.

Recent Advances in Natural Product-Based Hybrids as Anti-Cancer Agents

Cancer is one of the top leading causes of death worldwide. It is a heterogenous disease characterized by unregulated cell proliferation and invasiveness of abnormal cells. For the treatment of cancer, natural products have been widely used as a source of therapeutic ingredients since ancient times. Although natural compounds and their derivatives have demonstrated strong antitumor activity in many types of cancer, their poor pharmacokinetic properties, low cell selectivity, limited bioavailability and restricted efficacy against drug-resistant cancer cells hinder their wide clinical application. Conjugation of natural products with other bioactive molecules has given rise to a new field in drug discovery resulting to the development of novel, bifunctional and more potent drugs for cancer therapy to overcome the current drawbacks. This review discusses multiple categories of such bifunctional conjugates and highlights recent trends and advances in the development of natural product hybrids. Among them, ADCs, PDCs, ApDCs, PROTACs and AUTOTACs represent emerging therapeutic agents against cancer.

Formononetin: A Pathway to Protect Neurons

Formononetin (FMN) is a phytoestrogen member of the flavonoid family, which has the pharmacological effects of antioxidative, antihypertensive, antitumor, and anti-infective. FMN demonstrates potential in the prevention and treatment of diseases, specifically neurological diseases, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI), ischemic stroke, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, Alzheimer’s disease, and nerve tumor. Herein, a literature search is conducted to provide information on the signaling pathways of neuroprotection of formononetin based on the neuroprotective study. The significant neuroprotective function of FMN makes it a novel candidate for the development of drugs targeting the central nervous system.

Targeting cancer signaling pathways by natural products: Exploring promising anti-cancer agents

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death and significantly burdens the healthcare system. Due to its prevalence, there is undoubtedly an unmet need to discover novel anticancer drugs. The use of natural products as anticancer agents is an acceptable therapeutic approach due to accessibility, applicability, and reduced cytotoxicity. Natural products have been an incomparable source of anticancer drugs in the modern era of drug discovery. Along with their derivatives and analogs, natural products play a major role in cancer treatment by modulating the cancer microenvironment and different signaling pathways. These compounds are effective against several signaling pathways, mainly cell death pathways (apoptosis and autophagy) and embryonic developmental pathways (Notch pathway, Wnt pathway, and Hedgehog pathway). The historical record of natural products is strong, but there is a need to investigate the current role of natural products in the discovery and development of cancer drugs and determine the possibility of natural products being an important source of future therapeutic agents. Many target-specific anticancer drugs failed to provide successful results, which accounts for a need to investigate natural products with multi-target characteristics to achieve better outcomes. The potential of natural products to be promising novel compounds for cancer treatment makes them an important area of research. This review explores the significance of natural products in inhibiting the various signaling pathways that serve as drivers of carcinogenesis and thus pave the way for developing and discovering anticancer drugs.

Formononetin ameliorates IL‑13‑induced inflammation and mucus formation in human nasal epithelial cells by activating the SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway

Formononetin has proven to be anti‑inflammatory and able to alleviate symptoms of certain allergic diseases. The present study aimed to determine and elucidate the potential effects of formononetin in allergic rhinitis. JME/CF15 cells were pretreated with formononetin at different doses, followed by stimulation with IL‑13. Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay was performed to determine the cytotoxicity of formononetin. The expression levels of inflammation‑related proteins, histamine, IgE, TNF‑α, IL‑1β, IL‑6, granulocyte‑macrophage colony‑stimulating factor and eotaxin in IL‑13‑stimulated JME/CF15 cells were detected using ELISAs. The expression levels of phosphorylated‑NF‑κB p65, NF‑κB p65 and cyclooxygenase‑2 (Cox‑2) were analyzed using western blotting. Reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence were performed to measure the levels of mucin 5AC oligomeric mucus/gel‑forming. Expression levels of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and nuclear erythroid factor 2‑related factor 2 (Nrf2) proteins were also measured using western blotting. The results of the present study revealed that formononetin exerted no cytotoxic effect on the viability of JME/CF15 cells. Following stimulation of JME/CF15 cells with IL‑13, formononetin suppressed the upregulated expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines. IL‑13‑induced formation of mucus was also attenuated by formononetin treatment. Furthermore, it was found that the SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway was activated in formononetin‑treated JME/CF15 cells, whereas treatment with the SIRT1 inhibitor, EX527, reversed the effects of formononetin on IL‑13‑induced inflammation and mucus formation in JME/CF15 cells. In conclusion, the findings of the current study indicated that formononetin may activate the SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting IL‑13‑induced inflammation and mucus formation in JME/CF15 cells. These results suggested that formononetin may represent a promising agent for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

Formononetin exhibits anticancer activity in gastric carcinoma cell and regulating miR-542-5p

Formononetin exhibits anti-neoplastic activities in specific types of cancers, such as colon carcinoma and breast cancer. Nevertheless, its role in suppressing gastric carcinoma (GC) growth and metastatic-associated phenotypes has not been fully understood. Here, we demonstrated that formononetin decreased the viability of GC cell line SGC-7901 and MGC-803. Furthermore, formononetin suppressed the migration and invasion abilities of GC cells. Consistent with the results in vitro, the anticancer effect of formononetin was verified using xenograft model. The expression of microRNA-542-5p (miR-542-5p), acted as an oncogene in many cancers, was identified to be upregulated in GC. Importantly, miR-542-5p might involve in formononetin exhibits anticancer activity in GC cells. Taken together, these results indicate that formononetin inhibits the growth and aggressiveness of GC cells in vitro and in vivo.

Targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in cancer

The aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway facilitates cancer stem cell renewal, cell proliferation and differentiation, thus exerting crucial roles in tumorigenesis and therapy response. Accumulated investigations highlight the therapeutic potential of agents targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancer. Wnt ligand/ receptor interface, β-catenin destruction complex and TCF/β-catenin transcription complex are key components of the cascade and have been targeted with interventions in preclinical and clinical evaluations. This scoping review aims at outlining the latest progress on the current approaches and perspectives of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway targeted therapy in various cancer types. Better understanding of the updates on the inhibitors, antagonists and activators of Wnt/β-catenin pathway rationalizes innovative strategies for personalized cancer treatment. Further investigations are warranted to confirm precise and secure targeted agents and achieve optimal use with clinical benefits in malignant diseases.

The Potential Anticancer Activity of Phytoconstituents against Gastric Cancer-A Review on In Vitro, In Vivo, and Clinical Studies

Gastric cancer belongs to the heterogeneous malignancies and, according to the World Health Organization, it is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. The aim of this review is to provide an overview on the role of natural products of plant origin in the therapy of gastric cancer and to present the potentially active metabolites which can be used in the natural therapeutical strategies as the support to the conventional treatment. Many of the naturally spread secondary metabolites have been proved to exhibit chemopreventive properties when tested on the cell lines or in vivo. This manuscript aims to discuss the pharmacological significance of both the total extracts and the single isolated metabolites in the stomach cancer prevention and to focus on their mechanisms of action. A wide variety of plant-derived anticancer metabolites from different groups presented in the manuscript that include polyphenols, terpenes, alkaloids, or sulphur-containing compounds, underlines the multidirectional nature of natural products.

Fabrication of zein/alginate delivery system for nanofood model based on pumpkin

Gastrectomy is among the most crucial types of surgeries proposed to treat gastric cancer and obesity. Gastrectomy patients experience difficulties such as energy deficit, anorexia, and malnutrition. The objective of the present study was to introduce nanofood as a fruitful strategy to supply the needed energy and nutrients for these patients and particularly control the release of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates on the simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Cooked pumpkin puree (CPP), sodium caseinate, sesame oil, rice bran oil, rice starch, sugar and pectin were applied to prepare oil in water nanoemulsion. Six delivery systems were prepared including various concentrations of zein (0.02-0.15% w/v) and alginate (0.01-0.16% w/v) in acidic (2.45-2.81) and alkaline (11.45-11.82) pH ranges. The particle size (83.5-207.0 nm) and calorific values (467.2-498.4 Cal/100 g) of samples were measured. Encapsulated food matrix nanoemulsion with zein/alginate's biopolymers delivery system (0.15:0.16 w/v, pH = 8.30) with 489.9 Cal/100 g exhibited the least digestible nutrients in the mouth (0.10%>) and gastric phase (6.91%>). It has high release nutrients in the small intestine phase (72.14%>). Therefore, it is introduced as the optimal formulation. The use of CPP in nanoemulsion formulation besides other ingredients is a good strategy to prepare nanofood for gastrectomy patients.

Formononetin inhibits tumor growth by suppression of EGFR-Akt-Mcl-1 axis in non-small cell lung cancer

Background

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activating mutations play crucial roles in the tumorigenesis of human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The mechanism regarding how EGFR signaling regulates myeloid cell leukemia sequence 1 (Mcl-1) protein stability and ubiquitination remains undefined.

Methods

MTS assay was used for natural product library screening. The effect of formononetin (Formo) on NSCLC cells was determined by MTS assay and soft agar assay. Molecular modeling was performed to analyze the potential different binding modes between Formo and EGFR WT or mutants. Mcl-1 protein level and the inhibitory effect of Formo on EGFR signaling were examined by immunoblot, in vitro kinase assay, in vitro pulldown and ATP competition assays, co-immunoprecipitation assay, ubiquitination analysis, in vivo xenograft model, and immunohistochemical staining.

Results

Formo was identified as an EGFR inhibitor by a 98 commercially available natural product screening. Formo suppresses WT and mutant EGFR kinases activity in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. Molecular modeling indicates that Formo docks into the ATP-binding pocket of both WT and mutant EGFR. Formo inhibits EGFR-Akt signaling, which in turn activates GSK3β and promotes Mcl-1 phosphorylation in NSCLC cells. Treatment with Formo enhances the interaction between Mcl-1 and SCF^Fbw7, which eventually promotes Mcl-1 ubiquitination and degradation. Depletion of either GSK3β or SCF^Fbw7 compromised Formo-induced Mcl-1 downregulation. Finally, Formo inhibits the in vivo tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of promoting ubiquitination-dependent Mcl-1 turnover might be an alternative strategy to enhance the anti-tumor efficacy of EGFR-TKI.

QiDiTangShen Granules Activate Renal Nutrient-Sensing Associated Autophagy in db/db Mice

QiDiTangShen granules (QDTS) have been proven to reduce the proteinuria in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN) effectively. The present study was aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying QDTS's renoprotection. The main components of QDTS were identified by ultra-high liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and pharmacological databases, among which active components were screened by oral bioavailability and drug-likeness. Their regulation on autophagy-related nutrient-sensing signal molecules (AMPK, SIRT1, and mTOR) was retrieved and analyzed through the Pubmed database. Then, db/db mice were randomly divided into three groups (model control, valsartan and QDTS), and given intragastric administration for 12 weeks, separately. Fasting and random blood glucose, body weight, urinary albumin excretion (UAE) and injury markers of liver and kidney were investigated to evaluate the effects and safety. Renal histological lesions were assessed, and the expressions of proteins related to nutrient-sensing signals and autophagy were investigated. Thirteen active components were screened from 78 components identified. Over half the components had already been reported to improve nutrient-sensing signals. QDTS significantly reduced UAE, ameliorated mesangial matrix deposition, alleviate the expression of protein and mRNA of TGF-β, α-SMA, and Col I, as well as improved the quality of mitochondria and the number of autophagic vesicles of renal tubular cells although the blood glucose was not decreased in db/db mice. Compared to the db/db group, the expression of the autophagy-inducible protein (Atg14 and Beclin1) and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II (LC3-II) were up-regulated, autophagic substrate transporter p62 was down-regulated in QDTS group. It was also found that the expression of SIRT1 and the proportion of p-AMPK (thr172)/AMPK were increased, while the p-mTOR (ser2448)/mTOR ratio was decreased after QDTS treatment in db/db mice, which was consistent with the effect of its active ingredients on the nutrient-sensing signal pathway as reported previously. Therefore, QDTS may prevent the progression of DN by offering the anti-fibrotic effect. The renoprotection is probably attributable to the regulation of nutrient-sensing signal pathways, which activates autophagy.