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Feng Y, An Q, Zhao Z, Wu M, Yang C, Liang W, Xu X, Jiang T, Zhang G. Beta-elemene: A phytochemical with promise as a drug candidate for tumor therapy and adjuvant tumor therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 172:116266. [PMID: 38350368 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116266] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND β-Elemene (IUPAC name: (1 S,2 S,4 R)-1-ethenyl-1-methyl-2,4-bis(prop-1-en-2-yl) cyclohexane), is a natural compound found in turmeric root. Studies have demonstrated its diverse biological functions, including its anti-tumor properties, which have been extensively investigated. However, these have not yet been reviewed. The aim of this review was to provide a comprehensive summary of β-elemene research, with respect to disease treatment. METHODS β-Elemene-related articles were found in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases to systematically summarize its structure, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and pharmacological activity. We also searched the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology database for therapeutic targets of β-elemene. We further combined these targets with the relevant literature for KEGG and GO analyses. RESULTS Studies on the molecular mechanisms underlying β-elemene activity indicate that it regulates multiple pathways, including STAT3, MAPKs, Cyclin-dependent kinase 1/cyclin B, Notch, PI3K/AKT, reactive oxygen species, METTL3, PTEN, p53, FAK, MMP, TGF-β/Smad signaling. Through these molecular pathways, β-elemene has been implicated in tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion and improving the immune microenvironment. Additionally, β-elemene increases chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity and reverses resistance by inhibiting DNA damage repair and regulating pathways including CTR1, pak1, ERK1/2, ABC transporter protein, Prx-1 and ERCC-1. Nonetheless, owing to its lipophilicity and low bioavailability, additional structural modifications could improve the efficacy of this drug. CONCLUSION β-Elemene exhibits low toxicity with good safety, inhibiting various tumor types via diverse mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. When combined with chemotherapeutic drugs, it enhances efficacy, reduces toxicity, and improves tumor killing. Thus, β-elemene has vast potential for research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yewen Feng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Qingwen An
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Zhengqi Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Mengting Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Chuqi Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - WeiYu Liang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Xuefei Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China.
| | - Guangji Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China.
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Jiang XY, Shi LP, Zhu JL, Bai RR, Xie T. Elemene Antitumor Drugs Development Based on "Molecular Compatibility Theory" and Clinical Application: A Retrospective and Prospective Outlook. Chin J Integr Med 2024; 30:62-74. [PMID: 37882911 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-023-3714-0] [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] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Elemene, derived from Curcuma wenyujin, one of the "8 famous genuine medicinal materials of Zhejiang province," exhibits remarkable antitumor activity. It has gained wide recognition in clinical practice for effectiveness on tumors. Dr. XIE Tian, introduced the innovative concept of "molecular compatibility theory" by combining Chinese medicine principles, specifically the "monarch, minister, assistant, and envoy" theory, with modern biomedical technology. This groundbreaking approach, along with a systematic analysis of Chinese medicine and modern biomedical knowledge, led to the development of elemene nanoliposome formulations. These novel formulations offer numerous advantages, including low toxicity, well-defined composition, synergistic effects on multiple targets, and excellent biocompatibility. Following the principles of the "molecular compatibility theory", further exploration of cancer treatment strategies and methods based on elemene was undertaken. This comprehensive review consolidates the current understanding of elemene's potential antitumor mechanisms, recent clinical investigations, advancements in drug delivery systems, and structural modifications. The ultimate goal of this review is to establish a solid theoretical foundation for researchers, empowering them to develop more effective antitumor drugs based on the principles of "molecular compatibility theory".
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ying Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-cancer Chinese Medicines, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Li-Ping Shi
- Good Clinical Practice Center, Affliliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Jun-Long Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-cancer Chinese Medicines, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Ren-Ren Bai
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-cancer Chinese Medicines, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
- Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
| | - Tian Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-cancer Chinese Medicines, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
- Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
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Wang Z, Chen Y, Yang L, Yao D, Shen Y. Combinative effects of β-elemene and propranolol on the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of hemangioma. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15643. [PMID: 37456875 PMCID: PMC10349565 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemangioma (HA) is one of the most common benign vascular tumors among children. Propranolol is used as the first-line treatment for hemangioma and is a non-selective blocker of the β-adrenergic receptor. β-elemene is a compound extracted from Rhizoma zedoariae and has been approved for the treatment of tumors in clinical practice. However, the combinatorial effects of β-elemene and propranolol in the treatment of HA remains unclear. This study explored the combinative effects and mechanisms of β-elemene and propranolol using hemangioma-derived endothelial cells (HemECs). Cytotoxic assays showed that the combinatorial treatment of β-elemene and propranolol did not increase the cytotoxic effects of HemECs. Furthermore, functional analysis showed that the combinatorial treatment with β-elemene and propranolol significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of the HemECs compared to the single treatment regimens. Mechanistic analysis showed that combinative treatment with β-elemene and propranolol synergistically down-regulated the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha/vascular endothelial growth factor-A (HIF-1-α/VEGFA) signaling pathway. Additionally, in a xenograft tumor model, angiogenesis in the combinatorial treatment group was significantly lower than in the control, propranolol, and β-elemene treatment alone groups. Our results suggest that β-elemene combined with propranolol can significantly inhibit the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of HemECs via synergistically down-regulating the HIF-1-α/VEGFA signaling pathway without increasing any cytotoxic side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Wang
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinxian Chen
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Cengong County People’s Hospital, Guizhou, China
| | - Dunbiao Yao
- Department of Orthopedics, Cengong County People’s Hospital, Guizhou, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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Li X, Zhou J, Wang X, Li C, Ma Z, Wan Q, Peng F. New advances in the research of clinical treatment and novel anticancer agents in tumor angiogenesis. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 163:114806. [PMID: 37163782 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114806] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In 1971, Folkman proposed that tumors could be limited to very small sizes by blocking angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is the generation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels, considered to be one of the important processes in tumor growth and metastasis. Angiogenesis is a complex process regulated by various factors and involves many secreted factors and signaling pathways. Angiogenesis is important in the transport of oxygen and nutrients to the tumor during tumor development. Therefore, inhibition of angiogenesis has become an important strategy in the clinical management of many solid tumors. Combination therapies of angiogenesis inhibitors with radiotherapy and chemotherapy are often used in clinical practice. In this article, we will review common targets against angiogenesis, the most common and up-to-date anti-angiogenic drugs and clinical treatments in recent years, including active ingredients from chemical and herbal medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jianbo Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chunxi Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zifan Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qiaoling Wan
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Fu Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Blei F. Update June 2021. Lymphat Res Biol 2021; 19:295-319. [PMID: 34137649 DOI: 10.1089/lrb.2021.29106.fb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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