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Deng Q, Huang Y, Zeng J, Li X, Zheng X, Guo L, Shi J, Bai L. Recent advancements in the small-molecule drugs for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): Structure-activity relationships, pharmacological activities, and the clinical trials. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 179:117343. [PMID: 39180795 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies in the world and the sixth leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and it is urgent to find safe and effective drugs for treatment. As an important therapeutic method, small-molecule drugs are continually being updated to achieve improved therapeutic effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the structural effects of various FDA-listed small-molecule drugs sorafenib, cabozantinib, lenvatinib, and regorafenib on the corresponding HCC targets and possible structural optimization methods, and to explore the mechanism for identifying potential therapeutic drugs that offer better efficacy and fewer side effects. METHODS The structure-activity relationship, pharmacological actions, and clinical applications of small-molecule drugs were reviewed by referencing MEDLINE, Web of Science, CNKI, and other databases, summarizing and integrating the relevant content. RESULTS The results showed that small-molecule drugs can inhibit HCC primarily by forming hydrogen bonds with Glu885, Asp1046, and Cys919 on the HCC target. HCC can be targeted by inhibiting the activation of multiple pathways, blocking the conduction of downstream signaling, and reducing the formation of tumor blood vessels. In general, small-molecule drugs primarily target four key receptors in HCC: VEGFR, PDGFR, EGFR, and FGFR, to achieve effective treatment. CONCLUSIONS By revealing their structure-activity relationships, pharmacological actions, and clinical trials, small-molecule drugs can offer broad prospects for the development of new medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qichuan Deng
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Huang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Zeng
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Xihua University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610039, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianyi Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Guo
- The State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
| | - Lan Bai
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; The State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Tian Q, Zeng H, Lu QQ, Xie HY, Li Y. Diagnostic value of serum vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-17 in primary hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastrointest Surg 2024; 16:2934-2941. [PMID: 39351547 PMCID: PMC11438808 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v16.i9.2934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite significant advancements in the medical treatment of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PHC) in recent years, enhancing therapeutic effects and improving prognosis remain substantial challenges worldwide. AIM To investigate the expression levels of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin (IL)-17 in patients with PHC and evaluate their diagnostic value while exploring their relationship with patients' clinical characteristics. METHODS The study included 50 patients with confirmed PHC who visited Wuhan Hanyang Hospital from January 2021 to January 2022, and 50 healthy individuals from the same period served as the control group. Serum VEGF and IL-17 levels in both groups were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, and their diagnostic value was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between serum VEGF and IL-17 levels. Pathological data of the PHC patients were analyzed to determine the relationship between serum VEGF and IL-17 levels and pathological characteristics. RESULTS Serum VEGF and IL-17 levels were significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). No significant association was observed between serum VEGF and IL-17 levels and gender, age, combined cirrhosis, tumor diameter, or degree of differentiation (P > 0.05). However, there was a significant relationship between clinical TNM stage, tumor metastasis, and serum VEGF and IL-17 levels (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between serum VEGF and IL-17 (P < 0.05). ROC analysis demonstrated that both serum VEGF and IL-17 had good diagnostic efficacy for PHC. CONCLUSION Serum VEGF and IL-17 levels were significantly higher in PHC patients compared to healthy individuals. Their levels were closely related to pathological features such as tumor metastasis and clinical TNM stage, and there was a significant positive correlation between VEGF and IL-17. These biomarkers may serve as valuable reference indicators for the early diagnosis and treatment guidance of PHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Tian
- Clinical Laboratory, Hanyang Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology/Wuhan Hanyang Hospital, Wuhan 430050, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hui Zeng
- Clinical Laboratory, Wuhan Seventh Hospital, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qi-Quan Lu
- Clinical Laboratory, Hanyang Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology/Wuhan Hanyang Hospital, Wuhan 430050, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hai-Ying Xie
- Clinical Laboratory, Hanyang Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology/Wuhan Hanyang Hospital, Wuhan 430050, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Oncology Hematology, Hanyang Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430050, Hubei Province, China
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Abdallah FM, Ghoneim AI, Abd-Alhaseeb MM, Abdel-Raheem IT, Helmy MW. Unveiling the antitumor synergy between pazopanib and metformin on lung cancer through suppressing p-Akt/ NF-κB/ STAT3/ PD-L1 signal pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 180:117468. [PMID: 39332188 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2024] [Revised: 09/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Pazopanib, an inhibitor of the VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase, has demonstrated significant antitumor effects in lung cancer. However, its application as a standard treatment for this type of cancer is limited by its drug resistance and toxicity. Metformin has the potential to combat lung cancer by modifying the tumor's immune microenvironment. In this study, we investigated the potential antitumor effects and the associated underlying molecular mechanisms of the combination of pazopanib and metformin in lung cancer. In vitro studies were conducted using the A549 and H460 lung cancer cell lines, whereas urethane-induced lung cancer-bearing mice were used for in vivo assessments. The urethane-induced mice received oral administration of pazopanib (50 mg/kg) and/or metformin (250 mg/kg) for a duration of 21 days. The results indicated that the MTT assay demonstrated a combined cytotoxic effect of the pazopanib/metformin combination in H460 and A549 cells, as evidenced by CI and DRI analyses. The observed increase in annexin V levels and the corresponding increase in Caspase-3 activity strongly suggest that this combination induced apoptosis. Furthermore, the pazopanib/metformin combination significantly inhibited the p-Akt/NF-κB/IL-6/STAT3, HIF1α/VEGF, and TLR2/TGF-β/PD-L1 pathways while also increasing CD8 expression in vivo. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that these antitumor mechanisms were manifested by the suppression of the proliferation marker Ki67. In conclusion, these findings revealed that metformin augments the antitumor efficacy of pazopanib in lung cancer by simultaneously targeting proliferative, angiogenic, and immunogenic signaling pathways, metformin enhances the antitumor effectiveness of pazopanib in lung cancer, making it a promising therapeutic option for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma M Abdallah
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, 22511, Egypt; Faculty of Health Sciences Technology, Borg Al Arab Technological University, New Borg El Arab, Egypt.
| | - Asser I Ghoneim
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, 22511, Egypt.
| | - Mohammad M Abd-Alhaseeb
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, 22511, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA.
| | - Ihab T Abdel-Raheem
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, 22511, Egypt.
| | - Maged W Helmy
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, 22511, Egypt.
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Kuang S, Zhang J, Huang N, Zhang J, Chen B, Wang L, Liu M. The cumulative antitumor effects of regorafenib and radiotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:1738-1749. [PMID: 38837427 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23769] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Regorafenib is a second-line standard treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the efficacy of regorafenib is often limited due to drug resistance, individual differences among patients, and irrational drug use. Radiotherapy (RT) is an important method of localized HCC treatment, and combining RT with other therapies may exert a synergetic antitumor effect. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-like (PDGFRL) is a tumor suppressor in various solid tumors. However, the function of PDGFRL in HCC is still unknown. In this study, we explored whether regorafenib and RT exert a synergetic effect on the treatment of HCC. The antitumor effect and mechanisms of the combination of regorafenib and RT were verified in a xenograft mouse model in vivo and in HCC cells in vitro. The combination treatment significantly inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. PDGFRL, a potential target of regorafenib, was increased after cumulative treatment in HCC cells, and PDGFRL suppressed HCC cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis by inhibiting STAT3 pathway activation. Furthermore, the cumulative antitumor effect was dependent on the upregulated expression of PDGFRL and inhibition of STAT3 signaling pathway activation in HCC cells. This study increased the understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of regorafenib plus RT on HCC and provided a theoretical basis for the clinical practice of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuwen Kuang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jiajun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Liming Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Mei Liu
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Li Y, Wu T, Li H, Liu M, Xu H. Tanshinone IIA Promoted Autophagy and Inhibited Inflammation to Alleviate Podocyte Injury in Diabetic Nephropathy. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2024; 17:2709-2724. [PMID: 39072344 PMCID: PMC11277913 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s464015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Tanshinone IIA (Tan-IIA) is widely used in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN), but its protective effect on podocytes in DN has not been well studied. In this study, the effects of Tan-IIA on autophagy and inflammation of glomerular podocytes in DN were observed in vivo and in vitro, and the underlying mechanisms were investigated. Irbesartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, is a representative medication for the clinical treatment of DN. So irbesartan was chosen as a positive control drug. Methods Eight-week-old male db/db mice were randomly divided into a DN group, an irbesartan group, and three groups receiving different doses of Tan-IIA. The control group consisted of the db/m littermate mice. Blood, urine, and kidney samples were taken from the mice after 12 weeks of continuous administration. Renal protection of Tan-IIA was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits, haematoxylin and eosin staining, transmission electron microscopy, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. In vitro, the protective effect of Tan-IIA on podocytes was explored using MPC5 cells cultured with high glucose. Results Tan-IIA significantly improved renal pathological injury and relieved the renal dysfunction in DN. Compared with the DN group, Tan-IIA could up-regulate the expression of Synaptopodin, Podocin, LC3II/I and Beclin-1 (p < 0.05), and down-regulate the expression of p62, F4/80, NF-κB p65, IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 (p < 0.05) both in vivo and in vitro, suggesting that Tan-IIA treatment alleviated podocyte injury by promoting autophagy and inhibiting inflammation during DN. The levels of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR in Tan-IIA group were lower than those in DN group (p < 0.05), indicating that Tan-IIA inhibited the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway in podocytes, which was a key pathway in regulating both autophagy and inflammation. Conclusion Tan-IIA prevented podocyte injury in DN by fostering autophagy and inhibiting inflammation, at least in part via inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tong Wu
- School of Basic Medicine, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongye Li
- Lianyungang Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, 222006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingming Liu
- Lianyungang Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, 222006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Xu
- School of Basic Medicine, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, People’s Republic of China
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Abdel-Bakky MS, Mohammed HA, Mahmoud NI, Amin E, Alsharidah M, Al Rugaie O, Ewees MG. Targeting the PI3K/pAKT/mTOR/NF-κB/FOXO3a signaling pathway for suppressing the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in rats: Role of the natural remedic Suaeda vermiculata forssk. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:3666-3678. [PMID: 38506534 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Liver malignancy is well recognized as a prominent health concern, with numerous treatment options available. Natural products are considered a renewable source, providing inspiring chemical moieties that could be used for cancer treatment. Suaeda vermiculata Forssk has traditionally been employed for management of hepatic conditions, including liver inflammation, and liver cirrhosis, as well as to improve general liver function. The findings of our earlier study demonstrated encouraging in vivo hepatoprotective benefits against liver injury generated by paracetamol and carbon tetrachloride. Additionally, Suaeda vermiculata Forssk exhibited cytotoxic activities in vitro against Hep-G2 cell lines and cell lines resistant to doxorubicin. The present investigation aimed to examine the potential in vivo hepatoprotective efficacy of Suaeda vermiculata Forssk extract (SVE) against hepatocellular carcinoma induced by diethylnitrosamine (DENA) in rats. The potential involvement of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/NF-κB pathway was addressed. Sixty adult male albino rats were allocated into five groups randomly (n = 10). First group received a buffer, whereas second group received SVE only, third group received DENA only, and fourth and fifth groups received high and low doses of SVE, respectively, in the presence of DENA. Liver toxicity and tumor markers (HGFR, p-AKT, PI3K, mTOR, NF-κB, FOXO3a), apoptosis markers, and histopathological changes were analyzed. The current results demonstrated that SVE inhibited PI3K/AKT/mTOR/NF-κB pathway as well as increased expression of apoptotic parameters and FOXO3a levels, which were deteriorated by DENA treatment. Furthermore, SVE improved liver toxicity markers and histopathological changes induced by DENA administration. This study provided evidence for the conventional hepatoprotective properties attributed to SV and investigated the underlying mechanism by which its extract, SVE, could potentially serve as a novel option for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment derived from a natural source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed S Abdel-Bakky
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Egypt
| | - Hamdoon A Mohammed
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Egypt
| | - Nesreen I Mahmoud
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Egypt
| | - Elham Amin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Egypt
| | - Mansour Alsharidah
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osamah Al Rugaie
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Unaizah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed G Ewees
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Egypt
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Zarlashat Y, Abbas S, Ghaffar A. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Beyond the Border of Advanced Stage Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2034. [PMID: 38893154 PMCID: PMC11171154 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16112034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the deadliest emergent health issue around the globe. The stronger oncogenic effect, proteins, and weakened immune response are precisely linked with a significant prospect of developing HCC. Several conventional systemic therapies, antiangiogenic therapy, and immunotherapy techniques have significantly improved the outcomes for early-, intermediate-, and advanced-stage HCC patients, giving new hope for effective HCC management and prolonged survival rates. Innovative therapeutic approaches beyond conventional treatments have altered the landscape of managing HCC, particularly focusing on targeted therapies and immunotherapies. The advancement in HCC treatment suggested by the Food and Drug Administration is multidimensional treatment options, including multikinase inhibitors (sorafenib, lenvatinib, regorafenib, ramucirumab, and cabozantinib) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (atezolizumab, pembrolizumab, durvalumab, tremelimumab, ipilimumab, and nivolumab), in monotherapy and in combination therapy to increase life expectancy of HCC patients. This review highlights the efficacy of multikinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors in monotherapy and combination therapy through the analysis of phase II, and III clinical trials, targeting the key molecular pathways involved in cellular signaling and immune response for the prospective treatment of advanced and unresectable HCC and discusses the upcoming combinations of immune checkpoint inhibitors-tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors-vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors. Finally, the hidden challenges with pharmacological therapy for HCC, feasible solutions for the future, and implications of possible presumptions to develop drugs for HCC treatment are reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusra Zarlashat
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan;
| | - Shakil Abbas
- Gomal Center of Biotechnology and Biochemistry (GCBB), Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan 29050, Pakistan;
| | - Abdul Ghaffar
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan;
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Jia J, Chen J, Wang G, Li M, Zheng Q, Li D. Progress of research into the pharmacological effect and clinical application of the traditional Chinese medicine Rehmanniae Radix. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115809. [PMID: 37907043 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Rehmanniae Radix (RR) refers to the fresh or dried root tuber of the plant Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch of the family Scrophulariaceae. As a traditional Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), it possesses multiple effects, including analgesia, sedation, anti-inflammation, antioxidation, anti-tumor, immunomodulation, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular regulation, and nerve damage repair, and it has been widely used in clinical practice. In recent years, scientists have extensively studied the active components and pharmacological effects of RR. Active ingredients mainly include iridoid glycosides (such as catalpol and aucuboside), phenylpropanoid glycosides (such as acteoside), other saccharides, and unsaturated fatty acids. In addition, the Chinese patent medicine (CPM) and Chinese decoction related to RR have also become major research subjects for TCM practitioners; one example is the Bolus of Six Drugs, which includes Rehmannia, Lily Bulb and Rehmannia Decoction, and Siwu Decoction. This article reviews recent literature on RR; summarizes the studies on its chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, and clinical applications; and analyzes the progress and limitations of current investigations to provide reference for further exploration and development of RR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhao Jia
- Featured Laboratory for Biosynthesis and Target Discovery of Active Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, Shandong, PR China
| | - Jianfei Chen
- Featured Laboratory for Biosynthesis and Target Discovery of Active Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, Shandong, PR China
| | - Guoli Wang
- Featured Laboratory for Biosynthesis and Target Discovery of Active Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, Shandong, PR China
| | - Minjing Li
- Featured Laboratory for Biosynthesis and Target Discovery of Active Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, Shandong, PR China
| | - Qiusheng Zheng
- Featured Laboratory for Biosynthesis and Target Discovery of Active Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, Shandong, PR China; Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Phytomedicine Resource and Utilization, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003 Xinjiang, PR China.
| | - Defang Li
- Featured Laboratory for Biosynthesis and Target Discovery of Active Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, Shandong, PR China; Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Phytomedicine Resource and Utilization, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003 Xinjiang, PR China.
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Qiu FS, Wang JF, Guo MY, Li XJ, Shi CY, Wu F, Zhang HH, Ying HZ, Yu CH. Rgl-exomiR-7972, a novel plant exosomal microRNA derived from fresh Rehmanniae Radix, ameliorated lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury and gut dysbiosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115007. [PMID: 37327587 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (ELNs) have been proposed as a novel therapeutic tool for preventing human diseases. However, the number of well-verified plant ELNs remains limited. In this study, the microRNAs in ELNs derived from fresh Rehmanniae Radix, a well-known traditional Chinese herb for treating inflammatory and metabolic diseases, were determined by using microRNA sequencing to investigate the active components in the ELNs and the protection against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung inflammation in vivo and in vitro. The results showed that rgl-miR-7972 (miR-7972) was the main ingredient in ELNs. It exerted stronger protective activities against LPS-induced acute lung inflammation than catalpol and acteoside, which are two well-known chemical markers in this herb. Moreover, miR-7972 decreased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) in LPS-exposed RAW264.7 cells, thereby facilitating M2 macrophage polarization. Mechanically, miR-7972 downregulated the expression of G protein-coupled receptor 161 (GPR161), activating the Hedgehog pathway, and inhibited the biofilm form of Escherichia coli via targeting virulence gene sxt2. Therefore, miR-7972 derived from fresh R. Radix alleviated LPS-induced lung inflammation by targeting the GPR161-mediated Hedgehog pathway, recovering gut microbiota dysbiosis. It also provided a new direction for gaining novel bioactivity nucleic acid drugs and broadening the knowledge on cross-kingdom physiological regulation through miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen-Sheng Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences (Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310013, China
| | - Jia-Feng Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mei-Ying Guo
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences (Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310013, China
| | - Xue-Jian Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences (Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310013, China
| | - Chang-Yi Shi
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences (Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310013, China; Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Fang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences (Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310013, China
| | - Huan-Huan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences (Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310013, China
| | - Hua-Zhong Ying
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences (Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310013, China.
| | - Chen-Huan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences (Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310013, China; Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou 310022, China; Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310018, China.
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Li M, Xiu L, Liao W, Ren Y, Huo M, Liu H, Chen S, Li N, Gao Y, Yu X, Fan A, Zhong G. Exploring the effect and mechanism of Haizao Yuhu decoction containing three variants of glycyrrhiza on goiter using an integrated strategy of network pharmacology and RNA sequencing. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023:116750. [PMID: 37295576 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Haizao Yuhu decoction (HYD) is a classic Chinese herbal formula described in the surgical monographs of the Ming Dynasty "Waikezhengzong." It has been widely used to treat goiter for approximately 500 years and found to be particularly effective. HYD contains glycyrrhiza and sargassum. This pair of herbs belongs to "18 incompatible medicaments" of traditional Chinese medicine theory. Although these two herbs are opposite, our preliminary study proved that they have superior effect when added into HYD at 2 times the dose of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. However, the species of glycyrrhiza in HYD that are the most effective have not been recorded in ancient Chinese medical texts. According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, glycyrrhiza is divided into the following three species: Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fish., G. glabra L., and G. inflata Bat. The effect of HYD containing different species of glycyrrhiza and their mechanisms remain to be further explored. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the effect of HYD containing three species of glycyrrhiza on goiter, and to elucidate the molecular mechanism using network pharmacology combined with RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). MATERIALS AND METHODS A rat model of goiter was established by 14 days of intragastric gavage of propylthiouracil (PTU), and the rats were treated for 4 weeks with HYD containing three different species of glycyrrhiza. The body weight and rectal temperature of rats were tested weekly. At the end of the experiment, the serum and thyroid tissues of rats were collected. The effect of the three HYDs was assessed based on general observations (including body weight, rectal temperature, and living status of rats), absolute/relative thyroid weight, thyroid function (including triiodothyronine, thyroxine, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels), and thyroid tissue pathology. Next, we explored their pharmacological mechanisms using network pharmacology combined with RNA-seq and validated key targets using real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blotting (WB), and immunofluorescence (IF) assays. RESULTS The three HYDs reduced the absolute/relative weights of thyroid tissues and improved the pathological structure, thyroid function, and general findings of rats with goiter. Overall, the effect of HYD-G. uralensis Fish. (HYD-U) was better. Results from network pharmacology and RNA-seq jointly suggested that both the pathogenesis of goiter and the mechanism of action of HYD for goiter were related to the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) pathway. We validated the key targets in the pathway, namely, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) A, VEGF receptor 2, phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1) and its encoded protein PI3K (p85), AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), phospho-AKT and cyclin D1 using RT-qPCR, WB, and IF assays. The PI3K-Akt pathway was hyperactivated in rats with PTU-induced goiter, whereas the three HYDs could inhibit the pathway. CONCLUSION This study confirmed the definite effect of the three HYDs in the treatment of goiter, and HYD-U was found to be more effective. The three HYDs inhibited angiogenesis and cell proliferation in goiter tissue by inhibiting the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muyun Li
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Linlin Xiu
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Wenyong Liao
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Yuna Ren
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Min Huo
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Haiyan Liu
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Shaohong Chen
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Na Li
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Yuan Gao
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Xue Yu
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Angran Fan
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Gansheng Zhong
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
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Salahuddin A, Ghanem H, Omran GA, Helmy MW. Epigenetic restoration and activation of ERβ: an inspiring approach for treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. Med Oncol 2022; 39:150. [PMID: 35843988 PMCID: PMC9288957 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01765-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive subtypes of breast cancer. TNBC lacks targeted therapy receptors, rendering endocrine and HER2-targeted therapies ineffective. TNBC is typically treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy followed by surgery. Targeting epigenetic modifications could potentially be a new effective TNBC target therapy. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of epigenetic drugs, decitabine as DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (DNMTI) and vorinostat as histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACI), and the ERβ agonist DPN on ERα and ERβ re-expressions in the MDA-MB-231 cells as a model of TNBC. METHODS Using MTT assay, the IC50 of decitabine, vorinostat, and DPN on MDA-MB-231 cells were determined. The effects of all drugs alone or in combinations on MDA-MB-231 cells were evaluated. qRT-PCR was used to determine ERα & ERβ gene expression. Caspase-3 activity and the protein expression levels of VEGF, Cyclin D1, and IGF-1 were assessed. RESULTS Both ERα and ERβ mRNA were re-expressed in different high levels in all treated groups, especially in the triple therapy group compared with control. Significantly, the triple drugs therapy showed the lowest levels of VEGF, Cyclin D1, and IGF-1 and the highest level of Caspase-3 activity, indicating a possible antitumor effect of ERβ activation through decreasing proliferation and angiogenesis and increasing apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. CONCLUSIONS The antiproliferative effect of ERβ could be retained when co-expressed with Erα using a powerful epigenetic combination of Decitabine and vorinostat with DPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Salahuddin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511, Egypt.
| | - Heba Ghanem
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511, Egypt
| | - Gamal A Omran
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511, Egypt
| | - Maged Wasfy Helmy
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511, Egypt
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Catalpol Exerts Antidepressant-Like Effects by Enhancing Anti-oxidation and Neurotrophy and Inhibiting Neuroinflammation via Activation of HO-1. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:2975-2991. [PMID: 35668334 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03641-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Catalpol is an iridoid glycoside with rich content, rich nutrition, and numerous biological activities in Rehmanniae Radix contained in classic antidepressant prescriptions in Chinese clinical medicine. Catalpol has been confirmed previously its exact antidepressant-like effect involved heme oxygenase (HO)-1, but its antidepressant molecular targets and mechanism are still unclear. Here, catalpol's antidepressant-like molecular target was diagnosed and confirmed by ZnPP intervention [the antagonist of HO-1, (10 μg/rat), intracerebroventricular] for the first time, and its molecule mechanism network was determined through HO-1 related pathway and molecules in the hippocampus. Results showed that ZnPP significantly abolished catalpol's (10 mg/kg) reversal on depressive-like behaviors of chronic unpredictable mild stress rats, abolished catalpol's up-regulation on the phosphorylation level of extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK)1/2 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)'s receptor tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB), the nuclear expression level of nuclear factor E 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), the levels of anti-oxidant factors (such as HO-1, SOD, GPX, GST, GSH) and BDNF, and abolished catalpol's down-regulation on the levels of peroxide and neuroinflammation factors [cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), induced nitrogen monoxide synthase (iNOS), nitric oxide (NO)]. Thus, HO-1 could serve as an important potential molecular target for catalpol's antidepressant-like process, and the antidepressant-like mechanism of catalpol could at least involve the activation of HO-1 triggering the up-regulation of the ERK1/2/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway-related factors to enhance the anti-oxidant defense, triggering the down-regulation of the COX-2/iNOS/NO pathway-related factors to inhibit neuroinflammation, and triggering the up-regulation of the BDNF/TrkB pathway to enhance neurotrophy.
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Abd-Alhaseeb MM, Massoud SM, Elsayed F, Omran GA, Salahuddin A. Evening Primrose Oil Enhances Tamoxifen's Anticancer Activity against Breast Cancer Cells by Inducing Apoptosis, Inhibiting Angiogenesis, and Arresting the Cell Cycle. Molecules 2022; 27:2391. [PMID: 35458590 PMCID: PMC9031472 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27082391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite advancements in cancer treatment, breast cancer (BC) is still one of the leading causes of death among women. The majority of anti-breast-cancer medications induce serious side effects and multidrug resistance. Although several natural compounds, such as evening primrose oil (EPO), have been shown to have anticancer properties when used alone, their combination with the anticancer medicine tamoxifen (TAM) has yet to be investigated. The present study aimed to investigate the anticancer efficacy of EPO, alone or in combination with TAM, in the BC cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, as well as to elucidate the mechanism of action. METHODS The MTT assay was used to investigate the cytotoxic effect of EPO on the two cell lines, and we discovered an acceptable IC50 that was comparable to TAM. The ELISA, qRT-PCR, flow cytometry and colorimetric techniques were used. RESULTS The combination of EPO and TAM suppressed the VEGF level, VEGF gene expression and Cyclin D1 signaling pathways, arrested the cell cycle, and induced the apoptotic signaling pathways by increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase 3 activity; this revealed significant anti-tumor activity. CONCLUSIONS The most significant finding of this study was the confirmation of the anticancer activity of the natural product EPO, which potentiated the activity of the anticancer drug TAM against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 BC cell lines through the induction of apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis and halting cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad M. Abd-Alhaseeb
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt;
| | - Sarah M. Massoud
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt; (S.M.M.); (G.A.O.)
| | - Fatma Elsayed
- Cell Culture Unit, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21648, Egypt;
| | - Gamal A. Omran
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt; (S.M.M.); (G.A.O.)
| | - Ahmad Salahuddin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt; (S.M.M.); (G.A.O.)
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