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Liu FY, Ding DN, Wang YR, Liu SX, Peng C, Shen F, Zhu XY, Li C, Tang LP, Han FJ. Icariin as a potential anticancer agent: a review of its biological effects on various cancers. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1216363. [PMID: 37456751 PMCID: PMC10347417 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1216363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous chemical compounds used in cancer treatment have been isolated from natural herbs to address the ever-increasing cancer incidence worldwide. Therein is icariin, which has been extensively studied for its therapeutic potential due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidepressant, and aphrodisiac properties. However, there is a lack of comprehensive and detailed review of studies on icariin in cancer treatment. Given this, this study reviews and examines the relevant literature on the chemopreventive and therapeutic potentials of icariin in cancer treatment and describes its mechanism of action. The review shows that icariin has the property of inhibiting cancer progression and reversing drug resistance. Therefore, icariin may be a valuable potential agent for the prevention and treatment of various cancers due to its natural origin, safety, and low cost compared to conventional anticancer drugs, while further research on this natural agent is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Yuan Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Dan-Ni Ding
- First Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Yun-Rui Wang
- First Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Shao-Xuan Liu
- First Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- First Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Fang Shen
- First Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Xiao-Ya Zhu
- First Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Chan Li
- First Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Li-Ping Tang
- Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Feng-Juan Han
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
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Liu Y, Yang H, Xiong J, Zhao J, Guo M, Chen J, Zhao X, Chen C, He Z, Zhou Y, Xu L. Icariin as an emerging candidate drug for anticancer treatment: Current status and perspective. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 157:113991. [PMID: 36370524 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Icariin (ICA) is a kind of natural flavonoid compound monomer, which is derived from the extract of dried stems and leaves of Epimedium. Modern pharmacological studies have found that ICA has broad bioactive function in affecting the biological processes of a variety of cancers, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, esophageal cancer and other cancers, which indicates that ICA has promising application value in the treatment of cancer patients in the future. Nevertheless, the targets and molecular mechanisms of ICA in cancer treatment have not been elucidated in detail. Therefore, in this review, we systematically summarizes the current research progress of ICA in a series of cancers. In particular, an emphasis is placed on the mechanism of ICA and its future development direction, aiming at providing relevant theoretical basis for the development and application of ICA in the future cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufang Liu
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection &Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China; Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Han Yang
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection &Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China; Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Jie Xiong
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection &Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China; Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Juanjuan Zhao
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection &Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China; Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Mengmeng Guo
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection &Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China; Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection &Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China; Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Xu Zhao
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection &Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China; Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection &Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China; Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Zhixu He
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regeneration Medicine of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Ya Zhou
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection &Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China.
| | - Lin Xu
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection &Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China; Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China.
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Yu S, Ge Z, Chen W, Han J. Pyrrolidine Dithiocarbamate Enhances the Cytotoxic Effect of Arsenic Trioxide on Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2023; 26:2067-2076. [PMID: 36694317 DOI: 10.2174/1386207326666230123155944] [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: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than 95% patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) carry the PML-RARα fusion oncoprotein. Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is an efficacious therapeutic agent for APL, and the mechanism involves the binding with PML and degradation of PML-RARα protein. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) demonstrates the function of facilitating the cytotoxic effect of ATO. PURPOSE To investigate whether PDTC is potential to enhance the cytotoxic effect of ATO to APL cells by acting on PML-RARα oncoproteins. METHODS Inhibitory effects of drugs on cell viability were examined by CCK-8 test, and apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays were used to explore the mechanism. RESULTS PDTC improved the effect of ATO on inhibiting proliferation of NB4 cells in vitro. Further, PDTC-ATO promoted apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in NB4 cells. The expression of caspase- 3 and Bcl-2 was reduced in PDTC-ATO-treated NB4 cells, while cleaved caspase-3 and Bax was up-regulated. Furthermore, less PML-RARα expression were found in PDTC-ATO-treated NB4 cells than that in NB4 cells treated with ATO singly. Laser confocal microscopy showed that protein colocalization of PML and RARα was disrupted more significantly by PDTC-ATO treatment than that with ATO monotherapy. CONCLUSION In conclusion, PDTC enhanced the cytotoxic effect of ATO on APL, and the mechanism was, at least in part, related to the promotion of ATO-induced degradation of PML-RARα fusion protein via forming a complex PDTC-ATO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simin Yu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuowang Ge
- Department of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weixiang Chen
- General Department of Chongming Branch, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinbin Han
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Lu Y, Luo Q, Jia X, Tam JP, Yang H, Shen Y, Li X. Multidisciplinary strategies to enhance therapeutic effects of flavonoids from Epimedii Folium: Integration of herbal medicine, enzyme engineering, and nanotechnology. J Pharm Anal 2022; 13:239-254. [PMID: 37102112 PMCID: PMC10123947 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Flavonoids such as baohuoside I and icaritin are the major active compounds in Epimedii Folium (EF) and possess excellent therapeutic effects on various diseases. Encouragingly, in 2022, icaritin soft capsules were approved to reach the market for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China. Moreover, recent studies demonstrate that icaritin can serve as immune-modulating agent to exert anti-tumor effects. Nonetheless, both production efficiency and clinical applications of epimedium flavonoids have been restrained because of their low content, poor bioavailability, and unfavorable in vivo delivery efficiency. Recently, various strategies, including enzyme engineering and nanotechnology, have been developed to increase productivity and activity, improve delivery efficiency, and enhance therapeutic effects of epimedium flavonoids. In this review, the structure-activity relationship of epimedium flavonoids is described. Then, enzymatic engineering strategies for increasing the productivity of highly active baohuoside I and icaritin are discussed. The nanomedicines for overcoming in vivo delivery barriers and improving therapeutic effects of various diseases are summarized. Finally, the challenges and an outlook on clinical translation of epimedium flavonoids are proposed.
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Szabó R, Rácz CP, Dulf FV. Bioavailability Improvement Strategies for Icariin and Its Derivates: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147519. [PMID: 35886867 PMCID: PMC9318307 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been considerable interest in icariin (ICA) and its derivates, icariside II (ICS) and icaritin (ICT), due to their wide range of potential applications in preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, delaying the effects of Alzheimer’s disease, treating erectile dysfunction, etc. However, their poor water solubility and membrane permeability, resulting in low bioavailability, dampens their potential beneficial effects. In this regard, several strategies have been developed, such as pharmaceutical technologies, structural transformations, and absorption enhancers. All these strategies manage to improve the bioavailability of the above-mentioned flavonoids, thus increasing their concentration in the desired places. This paper focuses on gathering the latest knowledge on strategies to improve bioavailability for enhancing the efficacy of icariin, icariside II, and icaritin. We conclude that there is an opportunity for many further improvements in this field. To the best of our knowledge, no such review articles scoping the bioavailability improvement of icariin and its derivates have been published to date. Therefore, this paper can be a good starting point for all those who want to deepen their understanding of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Róbert Szabó
- Department of Environmental and Plant Protection, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Csaba Pál Rácz
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Babeș-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca, Arany János 11, 400028 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Francisc Vasile Dulf
- Department of Environmental and Plant Protection, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Correspondence:
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Gupta M, Mishra Y, Mishra V, Tambuwala MM. Current update on anticancer effects of icariin: A journey of the last ten years. EXCLI JOURNAL 2022; 21:680-686. [PMID: 35721576 PMCID: PMC9203989 DOI: 10.17179/excli2022-4848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mukta Gupta
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara (Punjab)-144411, India
| | - Yachana Mishra
- Department of Zoology, Shri Shakti Degree College, Sankhahari, Ghatampur,Kanpur Nagar (UP)-209206, India
| | - Vijay Mishra
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara (Punjab)-144411, India,*To whom correspondence should be addressed: Vijay Mishra, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara (Punjab)-144411, India, E-mail:
| | - Murtaza M. Tambuwala
- School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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Sun L, Zhang J. Icariin inhibits oral squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation and induces apoptosis via inhibiting the NF-κB and PI3K/AKT pathways. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:942. [PMID: 34306206 PMCID: PMC8281471 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), one of the most common types of human cancer, has a high mortality rate and a poor prognosis due to its high rates of recurrence and metastasis. In recent years, icariin (ICA) has been reported to play an important role in a variety of malignancies, such as gastric, colorectal, pancreatic and ovarian cancer. However, its role and mechanism in OSCC remains to be elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of ICA in OSCC cells and to reveal its underlying mechanisms. The OSCC cell lines SCC9 and Cal 27 were used to explore the effect of different concentrations of ICA on the biological behavior of OSCC cells. The effect of ICA on OSCC cell proliferation and apoptosis was determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide and flow cytometric assays, respectively. Subsequently, the protein expression levels of caspase-3 and cleaved-caspase-3 were detected using western blot analysis. Additionally, the protein and mRNA expression levels of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway-related factors were determined using western blot analysis and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, respectively. The results demonstrated that ICA inhibited OSCC cell proliferation and significantly increased the apoptosis rate in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, treatment of OSCC cells with ICA upregulated the protein expression of cleaved-caspase-3 and increased the cleaved-caspase-3/caspase-3 ratio. The protein expression levels of phosphorylated (p)-p65, p-PI3K and p-AKT were decreased in OSCC cells treated with ICA. The aforementioned findings revealed that ICA could attenuate the proliferation of OSCC cells and induce apoptosis via inhibiting the NF-κB and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Therefore, the current study provided a new insight into the clinical treatment of OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224005, P.R. China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Yancheng No. 1 People's Hospital, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224006, P.R. China
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Yang J, Lan J, Du H, Zhang X, Li A, Zhang X, Liu Y, Zhang J, Zhang C, Ding Y, Zhang T. Icariside II induces cell cycle arrest and differentiation via TLR8/MyD88/p38 pathway in acute myeloid leukemia cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 846:12-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Tian M, Yang S, Yan X. Icariin reduces human colon carcinoma cell growth and metastasis by enhancing p53 activities. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 51:e7151. [PMID: 30088538 PMCID: PMC6086551 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20187151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Icariin has been reported to possess high anticancer activity. Colon carcinoma is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Here, the anticancer activity of icariin against HCT116 colon carcinoma cells and the possible underlying mechanism were studied. The trypan blue staining assay, wound healing assay, clonogenic assay, CCK-8 assay, and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining method were carried out to determine the changes of HCT116 cell growth and migration. mRNA and protein expressions were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot, respectively. Moreover, small interfering RNA (siRNA) plasmid was used to examine the role of p53 in icariin-induced apoptosis in HCT116 cells. Icariin significantly suppressed colon carcinoma HCT116 cells by decreasing migration and viability, and simultaneously promoting apoptosis. Icariin exerted the anti-tumor effect in a dose-dependent manner by up-regulating p53. During treatment of icariin, p-p53, p21, and Bax levels increased, and Bcl-2 level decreased. Short time treatment with icariin induced DNA damage in HCT116 cells. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of icariin was decreased after p53 knockdown or by using caspase inhibitors. p53 was involved in activities of caspase-9 and caspase-3. Icariin repressed colon carcinoma cell line HCT116 by enhancing p53 expression and activating p53 functions possibly through Bcl-2/Bax imbalance and caspase-9 and -3 regulation. Icariin treatment also induced DNA damage in HCT116 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meili Tian
- Department of Health Care, Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital, Dongying, Shandong, China
| | - Shuang Yang
- Department of Health Management, Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital, Dongying, Shandong, China
| | - Xinpeng Yan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital, Dongying, Shandong, China
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Li Y, Li X, Cole A, McLaughlin S, Du W. Icariin improves Fanconi anemia hematopoietic stem cell function through SIRT6-mediated NF-kappa B inhibition. Cell Cycle 2018; 17:367-376. [PMID: 29355456 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2018.1426413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Icariin (ICA) is a flavonoid glucoside derived from the Epimedium plant genus, which has potent regenerative properties and is used in western medicine to treat impotence. Recently, ICA has generated great interest in improving hepatic stellate cell function and cardiac rejuvenation. However, how this natural component functions in hematopoiesis remains unexplored. Here we have examined the role of ICA on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) using the cancer-prone disease model of Fanconi anemia (FA), an inherited bone marrow failure syndrome with extremely high risk of leukemic predisposition. We show that ICA reverses the less quiescent status of HSCs deficient for the Fanca or Fancd2 gene, and improves the ability of these mutant stem cells to form colony formation units (CFU) in vitro and reconstitutes hematopoiesis in transplanted recipients. Further analysis reveals that ICA upregulates enzyme activity of the chromatin binding protein SIRT6 in Fanca-/- and Fancd2-/- HSCs, both of which have an intrinsic low SIRT6 activity. Furthermore, forced expression of SIRT6 blocks the natural decline of quiescent HSCs in Fanca-/- or Fancd2-/- mice and improves the repopulating capacity of these mutant HSCs in irradiated recipients. Mechanistically, ICA enhances SIRT6-mediated H3K9 deacetylation on the promoter of NF-κB and represses the expression of NF-κB target genes. Together, our findings indicate that ICA improves the function of HSCs by stimulating SIRT6 activity and contributes to the regenerative effect of ICA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibo Li
- a Institue for Brain Research and Rehabilitation , South China Normal University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Xue Li
- a Institue for Brain Research and Rehabilitation , South China Normal University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Allison Cole
- b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , West Virginia University School of Pharmacy , Morgantown , WV 26506
| | - Sarah McLaughlin
- c Animal Models and Imaging Facility , West Virginia University , Morgantown , WV 26506
| | - Wei Du
- b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , West Virginia University School of Pharmacy , Morgantown , WV 26506.,d Alexander B. Osborn Hematopoietic Malignancy and Transplantation Program , West Virginia University Cancer Institute , Morgantown , WV 26506
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Atashrazm F, Lowenthal RM, Dickinson JL, Holloway AF, Woods GM. Fucoidan enhances the therapeutic potential of arsenic trioxide and all-trans retinoic acid in acute promyelocytic leukemia, in vitro and in vivo. Oncotarget 2018; 7:46028-46041. [PMID: 27329592 PMCID: PMC5216779 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The morbidity and mortality associated with current therapies for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) remain a significant clinical concern, despite improvements in patient survival. Consequently, the development of adjuvant therapies that increase efficacy while reducing morbidities is important. Reducing the concentration of the toxic drugs in adjuvant therapy has the potential to reduce unwanted side effects. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the synergistic effects of fucoidan, an anti-tumor agent, with current APL therapies.When the human APL cell line, NB4, was treated in vitro with fucoidan plus ATO and ATRA at therapeutic and sub-therapeutic doses, there was an increase in sub-G0/G1 cells, annexin V/PI-positive-apoptotic cells and DNA fragmentation. This reduction in proliferation and increase in apoptosis was accompanied by enhanced myeloid differentiation as indicated by an increased expression of CD11b. This was not observed with the AML cell line Kasumi-1, suggesting specificity for APL.In vivo treatment of APL-bearing mice with fucoidan+ATRA or fucoidan+ATO delayed tumor growth, induced differentiation and increased tumor volume doubling time. The differentiated APL cells derived from the excised tumor mass exhibited decreased CD44 expression in fucoidan+ATRA treated mice. This could translate to decreased cell migration in APL patients.Our findings provide evidence supporting the use of fucoidan as an adjuvant therapeutic agent in the treatment of APL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Atashrazm
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | - Ray M Lowenthal
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | - Joanne L Dickinson
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | - Adele F Holloway
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | - Gregory M Woods
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
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Zhang H, Li P, Li J, Song T, Wang L, Li E, Wang J, Wang L, Wei N, Wang Z. Icariin induces apoptosis in acute promyelocytic leukemia by targeting PIM1. Pharmacol Rep 2017; 69:1270-1281. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2017.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Chen M, Wu J, Luo Q, Mo S, Lyu Y, Wei Y, Dong J. The Anticancer Properties of Herba Epimedii and Its Main Bioactive Componentsicariin and Icariside II. Nutrients 2016; 8:nu8090563. [PMID: 27649234 PMCID: PMC5037548 DOI: 10.3390/nu8090563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths worldwide. Compounds derived from traditional Chinese medicines have been an important source of anticancer drugs and adjuvant agents to potentiate the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs and improve the side effects of chemotherapy. HerbaEpimedii is one of most popular herbs used in China traditionally for the treatment of multiple diseases, including osteoporosis, sexual dysfunction, hypertension and common inflammatory diseases. Studies show HerbaEpimedii also possesses anticancer activity. Flavonol glycosides icariin and icariside II are the main bioactive components of HerbaEpimedii. They have been found to possess anticancer activities against various human cancer cell lines in vitro and mouse tumor models in vivo via their effects on multiple biological pathways, including cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis, and a variety of signaling pathways including JAK2-STAT3, MAPK-ERK, and PI3k-Akt-mTOR. The review is aimed to provide an overview of the current research results supporting their therapeutic effects and to highlight the molecular targets and action mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixia Chen
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
| | - Jinfeng Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
| | - Qingli Luo
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
| | - Shuming Mo
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
| | - Yubao Lyu
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
| | - Ying Wei
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
| | - Jingcheng Dong
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
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Tan HL, Chan KG, Pusparajah P, Saokaew S, Duangjai A, Lee LH, Goh BH. Anti-Cancer Properties of the Naturally Occurring Aphrodisiacs: Icariin and Its Derivatives. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:191. [PMID: 27445824 PMCID: PMC4925704 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epimedium (family Berberidaceae), commonly known as Horny Goat Weed or Yin Yang Huo, is commonly used as a tonic, aphrodisiac, anti-rheumatic and anti-cancer agent in traditional herbal formulations in Asian countries such as China, Japan, and Korea. The major bioactive compounds present within this plant include icariin, icaritin and icariside II. Although it is best known for its aphrodisiac properties, scientific and pharmacological studies suggest it possesses broad therapeutic capabilities, especially for enhancing reproductive function and osteoprotective, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory and immunoprotective effects. In recent years, there has been great interest in scientific investigation of the purported anti-cancer properties of icariin and its derivatives. Data from in vitro and in vivo studies suggests these compounds demonstrate anti-cancer activity against a wide range of cancer cells which occurs through various mechanisms such as apoptosis, cell cycle modulation, anti-angiogenesis, anti-metastasis and immunomodulation. Of note, they are efficient at targeting cancer stem cells and drug-resistant cancer cells. These are highly desirable properties to be emulated in the development of novel anti-cancer drugs in combatting the emergence of drug resistance and overcoming the limited efficacy of current standard treatment. This review aims to summarize the anti-cancer mechanisms of icariin and its derivatives with reference to the published literature. The currently utilized applications of icariin and its derivatives in cancer treatment are explored with reference to existing patents. Based on the data compiled, icariin and its derivatives are shown to be compounds with tremendous potential for the development of new anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Li Tan
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Monash University MalaysiaBandar Sunway, Malaysia; Biomedical Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University MalaysiaBandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Kok-Gan Chan
- Division of Genetic and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Priyia Pusparajah
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Surasak Saokaew
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Monash University MalaysiaBandar Sunway, Malaysia; Center of Health Outcomes Research and Therapeutic Safety (Cohorts), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of PhayaoPhayao, Thailand; Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research Center, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan UniversityPhitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Acharaporn Duangjai
- Center of Health Outcomes Research and Therapeutic Safety (Cohorts), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of PhayaoPhayao, Thailand; Division of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of PhayaoPhayao, Thailand
| | - Learn-Han Lee
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Monash University MalaysiaBandar Sunway, Malaysia; Center of Health Outcomes Research and Therapeutic Safety (Cohorts), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of PhayaoPhayao, Thailand
| | - Bey-Hing Goh
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Monash University MalaysiaBandar Sunway, Malaysia; Center of Health Outcomes Research and Therapeutic Safety (Cohorts), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of PhayaoPhayao, Thailand
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