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Al-Odat OS, Nelson E, Budak-Alpdogan T, Jonnalagadda SC, Desai D, Pandey MK. Discovering Potential in Non-Cancer Medications: A Promising Breakthrough for Multiple Myeloma Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2381. [PMID: 39001443 PMCID: PMC11240591 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16132381] [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: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
MM is a common type of cancer that unfortunately leads to a significant number of deaths each year. The majority of the reported MM cases are detected in the advanced stages, posing significant challenges for treatment. Additionally, all MM patients eventually develop resistance or experience relapse; therefore, advances in treatment are needed. However, developing new anti-cancer drugs, especially for MM, requires significant financial investment and a lengthy development process. The study of drug repurposing involves exploring the potential of existing drugs for new therapeutic uses. This can significantly reduce both time and costs, which are typically a major concern for MM patients. The utilization of pre-existing non-cancer drugs for various myeloma treatments presents a highly efficient and cost-effective strategy, considering their prior preclinical and clinical development. The drugs have shown promising potential in targeting key pathways associated with MM progression and resistance. Thalidomide exemplifies the success that can be achieved through this strategy. This review delves into the current trends, the challenges faced by conventional therapies for MM, and the importance of repurposing drugs for MM. This review highlights a noncomprehensive list of conventional therapies that have potentially significant anti-myeloma properties and anti-neoplastic effects. Additionally, we offer valuable insights into the resources that can help streamline and accelerate drug repurposing efforts in the field of MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar S. Al-Odat
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA; (O.S.A.-O.); (E.N.)
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA;
| | - Emily Nelson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA; (O.S.A.-O.); (E.N.)
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA;
| | | | | | - Dhimant Desai
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Neuroscience Institute, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
| | - Manoj K. Pandey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA; (O.S.A.-O.); (E.N.)
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Okayama M, Fujimori K, Sato M, Samata K, Kurita K, Sugiyama H, Suto Y, Iwasaki G, Yamada T, Kiuchi F, Ichikawa D, Matsushita M, Hirao M, Kunieda H, Yamazaki K, Hattori Y. GTN057, a komaroviquinone derivative, induced myeloma cells' death in vivo and inhibited c-MET tyrosine kinase. Cancer Med 2023; 12:9749-9759. [PMID: 36825580 PMCID: PMC10166914 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5691] [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: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite the development of newly developed drugs, most multiple myeloma (MM) patients with high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities such as t(4;14) or del17p relapse at anin early stage of their clinical course. We previously reported that a natural product,komaroviquinone (KQN), isolated from the perennial semi-shrub Dracocephalum komarovi, i.e., komaroviquinone (KQN) and its derivative GTN024 induced the apoptosis of MM cells by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), but both exhibited significant hematological toxicity. Aim of this study is to clarify anti-tumor activity, safety and pharmacokinetics of GTN057, an optimization compound of KQN in vivo. METHODS ICR/SCID xenograft model of KMS11, a t(4;14) translocation-positive MM cell line, was used for in vivo study. Mice pharmacokinetics of GTN057 and the degradation products were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. RESULTS Herein, our in vitro experiments revealed that GTN057 is much less toxic to normal hematopoietic cells, induced the apoptosis of both MM cell lines andpatient samples, including those with high-risk cytogenetic changes. A xenograft model of a high-risk MM cell line demonstrated that GTN057 significantly delayed the tumor growth with no apparent hematological or systemic toxicities in vivo. The pathological examination of GTN057-treated tumors in vivoshowed revealed apoptosis of MM cells and anti-angiogenesis. In addition to the production of ROS, GTN057 inhibited the downstream signaling of c-MET, a receptor tyrosine kinase a receptor forand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor. Thus, GTN057 is less toxic and is able tomay be a candidate drug for treating MM patients, via multifunctional mechanisms. We have also extensively studied the pharmacologyical analysis of GTN057. The metabolites of GTN057, (e.g.,such as GTN054), may also have anti-tumorantitumor activity. CONCLUSION Natural products or and their derivatives can could be good sources of antineoplastic drugs even for high-risk cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikio Okayama
- Division of Clinical Physiology and Therapeutics, Keio University Faculty of Pharmacy, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kota Fujimori
- Division of Clinical Physiology and Therapeutics, Keio University Faculty of Pharmacy, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mariko Sato
- Division of Clinical Physiology and Therapeutics, Keio University Faculty of Pharmacy, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Samata
- Division of Clinical Physiology and Therapeutics, Keio University Faculty of Pharmacy, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koki Kurita
- Division of Clinical Physiology and Therapeutics, Keio University Faculty of Pharmacy, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromu Sugiyama
- Division of Clinical Physiology and Therapeutics, Keio University Faculty of Pharmacy, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Suto
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Takasaki, Japan
| | - Genji Iwasaki
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Takasaki, Japan
| | - Taketo Yamada
- Department of Pathology, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Fumiyuki Kiuchi
- Division of Natural Medicines, Keio University Faculty of Pharmacy, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daiju Ichikawa
- Division of Clinical Physiology and Therapeutics, Keio University Faculty of Pharmacy, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maiko Matsushita
- Division of Clinical Physiology and Therapeutics, Keio University Faculty of Pharmacy, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maki Hirao
- Department of Hematology, Tokyo Saiseikai Central Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hisako Kunieda
- Department of Hematology, Tokyo Saiseikai Central Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kohei Yamazaki
- Department of Hematology, Tokyo Saiseikai Central Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Hattori
- Division of Clinical Physiology and Therapeutics, Keio University Faculty of Pharmacy, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Hematology, Tokyo Saiseikai Central Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Mancuso RI, Foglio MA, Olalla Saad ST. Artemisinin-type drugs for the treatment of hematological malignancies. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2020; 87:1-22. [PMID: 33141328 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-020-04170-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Qinghaosu, known as artemisinin (ARS), has been for over two millennia, one of the most common herbs prescribed in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). ARS was developed as an antimalarial drug and currently belongs to the established standard treatments of malaria as a combination therapy worldwide. In addition to the antimalarial bioactivity of ARS, anticancer activities have been shown both in vitro and in vivo. Like other natural products, ARS acts in a multi-specific manner also against hematological malignancies. The chemical structure of ARS is a sesquiterpene lactone, which contains an endoperoxide bridge essential for activity. The main mechanism of action of ARS and its derivatives (artesunate, dihydroartemisinin, artemether) toward leukemia, multiple myeloma, and lymphoma cells comprises oxidative stress response, inhibition of proliferation, induction of various types of cell death as apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, and signal transducers, as NF-κB, MYC, amongst others. Therefore, new pharmaceutically active compounds, dimers, trimers, and hybrid molecules, could enhance the existing therapeutic alternatives in combating hematologic malignancies. Owing to the high potency and good tolerance without side effects of ARS-type drugs, combination therapies with standard chemotherapies could be applied in the future after further clinical trials in hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- R I Mancuso
- Hematology and Hemotherapy Center, University of Campinas, HEMOCENTRO UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - M A Foglio
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - S T Olalla Saad
- Hematology and Hemotherapy Center, University of Campinas, HEMOCENTRO UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Li Y, Shan NN, Sui XH. Research Progress on Artemisinin and Its Derivatives against Hematological Malignancies. Chin J Integr Med 2020; 26:947-955. [PMID: 32048169 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-019-3207-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Although current therapeutic methods against hematological malignancies are effective in the early stage, they usually lose their effectiveness because of the development of drug resistances. Seeking new drugs with significant therapeutic effects is one of the current research hotspots. Artemisinin, an extract from the plant Artemisia annua Linne, and its derivatives have excellent antimalarial effects in clinical applications as well as excellent safety. Recent studies have documented that artemisinin and its derivatives (ARTs) also have significant effects against multiple types of tumours, including hematological malignancies. This review focuses on the latest research achievements of ARTs in the treatment of hematological malignancies as well as its mechanisms and future applications. The mechanisms of ARTs against different types of hematological malignancies mainly include cell cycle arrest, induction autophagy and apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, production of reactive oxygen species, and induction of differentiation. Additionally, the review also summarizes the anticancer effects of ARTs in many drug-resistant hematological malignancies and its synergistic effects with other drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China.
| | - Ning-Ning Shan
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Sui
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China
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Ma L, Fei H. Antimalarial drug artesunate is effective against chemoresistant anaplastic thyroid carcinoma via targeting mitochondrial metabolism. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2020; 52:123-130. [PMID: 32036542 DOI: 10.1007/s10863-020-09824-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the most aggressive type of thyroid malignancies and resistant to chemotherapy. Novel therapeutic strategy is required for better management of ATC. In this work, we show that artesunate, an antimalarial drug, is active against chemoresistant ATC cells. Artesunate dose-dependently inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in chemo-sensitive (8505C and KAT-4) and -resistant (8505C-r and KAT-4-r) ATC cells, and acts synergistically with doxorubicin. Using multiple xenograft mouse models, artesunate is active against chemo-sensitive and -resistant ATC cells in vivo at doses that do not cause toxicity in mice. Our mechanism analysis reveals that artesunate acts on ATC cells through suppressing mitochondrial functions without affecting glycolysis, leading to oxidative stress and damage, regardless of whether they are sensitive or resistant to chemotherapy. Interestingly, KAT-4-r cells demonstrate decreased glycolysis, increased mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial respiration compared to KAT-4 cells whereas such phenomenon is not observed between 8505C and 8505C-r cells. This suggests that some but not all ATC cells gain enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis after prolonged exposure to chemotherapy drug, which may explain the different sensitivities of 8505C-r and KAT-4-r to artesunate. Our work demonstrates that artesunate is a potential addition to the treatment armamentarium for ATC, particularly those with chemoresistance. Our findings also highlight the therapeutic value of targeting mitochondria in chemoresistant ATC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ma
- Department of Endocrinology, First Affiliated Hospital, First Clinical Medical College, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, 434000, China
| | - Honghua Fei
- Department of Endocrinology, People's Hospital of Rizhao, No.126, Taian Road, Rizhao, 276826, Shandong, China.
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Artesunate targets oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma via mitochondrial dysfunction-dependent oxidative damage and Akt/AMPK/mTOR inhibition. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2020; 52:113-121. [PMID: 31965456 DOI: 10.1007/s10863-020-09823-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although mitochondrial metabolism has recently gained attention as a promising therapeutic strategy in cancer, little is known on the impact of mitochondrial respiration inhibition on oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC). Using in vitro and in vivo OTSCC models, our work demonstrates that inducing mitochondrial dysfunction by anti-malarial drug artesunate is effective in targeting OTSCC stem-cell like and bulk cells. Artesunate inhibits anchorage-independent colony formation, proliferation and survival in all tested OTSCC cell lines although with varying efficacy. Artesunate displays preferential anti-OTSCC activity by sparing normal cells. Mechanism analysis indicates that artesunate inhibits mitochondrial respiration via suppressing mitochondrial complex I and II but not IV or V, resulting in oxidative stress and damage. Interestingly, OTSCC cells that are more sensitive to artesunate have higher level of basal mitochondrial respiration and reversed respiratory capacity compared to those with less sensitivity to artesunate, suggesting the varying dependence on mitochondrial respiration among OTSCC cell lines. In addition, artesunate induces oxidative stress and damage in cells with low sensitivity to a less extent than in those with high sensitivity. We confirm that mitochondrial respiration inhibition is required for the action of artesunate in OTSCC. Mitochondrial dysfunction by artesunate further activates AMPK and suppresses Akt/mTOR. Importantly, the in vitro observations are reproducible in vivo OTSCC xenograft mouse model. Our findings provide pre-clinical evidence on the efficacy of artesunate and emphasize the therapeutic value of targeting mitochondrial respiration in OTSCC.
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Ding X, Yue W, Chen H. Effect of artesunate on apoptosis and autophagy in tamoxifen resistant breast cancer cells (TAM-R). Transl Cancer Res 2019; 8:1863-1872. [PMID: 35116937 PMCID: PMC8797964 DOI: 10.21037/tcr.2019.08.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background The antitumor effect of artesunate (ART) is well-recognized. To investigate the effect of ART on tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells (TAM-R) proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy with TAM-R cells of breast cancer as objects of study, and to investigate whether ART could re-sensitize TAM-R cells to TAM therapy. Methods Experiments were performed using TAM-R cell lines. Cell Death Detection ELISA kit was used to detect the level of apoptosis. Western blot and immunofluorescent staining analysis were conducted to detect autophagy and apoptosis related proteins in TAM-R cells. Results After treated with ART, the proliferation activity of TAM-R cells was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner. Increased apoptosis activity was detected in TAM-R cells when treated with ART. Compared with 10−6 M TAM monotherapy group, treatment group with ART and TAM in combination caused significant reduction in the levels of Bcl-2, XIAP, and Survivin proteins, and elevation of caspase-7. However, increased p53 proteins was not detected after ART treatment. No significant change was observed in autophagy proteins LC-3 and Beclin-1 among control, ART, TAM, and ART combined with TAM groups. Conclusions The intervention of ART could not inhibit protective autophagy in TAM-R cells, however, possess potential in inducing apoptosis. In addition, as ART inhibit TAM-R cells growth in a dose-dependent manner, co-administration of 1 or 3 µM of ART with 10−6 M TAM might not be enough to re-sensitize TAM-R cells to TAM therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Ding
- Department of Hematology, Dongfang Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100078, China
| | - Wei Yue
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Haiyan Chen
- Department of Hematology, Dongfang Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100078, China
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Okayama M, Kitabatake S, Sato M, Fujimori K, Ichikawa D, Matsushita M, Suto Y, Iwasaki G, Yamada T, Kiuchi F, Hirao M, Kunieda H, Osada M, Okamoto S, Hattori Y. A novel derivative (GTN024) from a natural product, komaroviquinone, induced the apoptosis of high-risk myeloma cells via reactive oxygen production and ER stress. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 505:787-793. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.09.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Sun Z, Ma Y, Chen F, Wang S, Chen B, Shi J. Artesunate ameliorates high glucose-induced rat glomerular mesangial cell injury by suppressing the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Chem Biol Interact 2018; 293:11-19. [PMID: 30031708 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory response is important for the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Artesunate (ART), an antimalarial drug, possesses anti-inflammatory effect and exhibits protective effect on chronic kidney diseases. However, the effect of ART on DN is unknown. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect and the molecular mechanism of ART on DN in an in vitro model. The rat mesangial cell line, HBZY-1, was induced by high glucose (HG; 30 mM d-glucose) in the presence or absence of ART (15 and 30 μg/ml) and incubated for 24 h. We found that HG induced the proliferation of HBZY-1 cells, while treatment with ART inhibited the cell proliferation. Treatment with ART inhibited HG-induced inflammatory cytokines production and expression of extracellular matrix (ECM). Besides, HG induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and inhibited the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of HBZY-1 cells, and the effects were attenuated by ART treatment. ART decreased HG-induced the expression levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p-p65, and nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3). Inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome in HBZY-1 cells. In conclusion, ART exhibited protective effect on HG-induced HBZY-1 cells by inhibiting the inflammatory response, oxidative stress and ECM accumulation. The TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway was involved in the protective effect of ART. The results suggested that ART might be a potential therapy agent for the DN treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Sun
- Department of Nephrology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475000, Henan, PR China
| | - Yali Ma
- Department of Nephrology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475000, Henan, PR China
| | - Fang Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475000, Henan, PR China
| | - Shiying Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475000, Henan, PR China
| | - Baoping Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475000, Henan, PR China
| | - Jun Shi
- Department of Nephrology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475000, Henan, PR China.
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Cardoso PCDS, Rocha CAMD, Mota TC, Bahia MDO, Correa RMDS, Gomes LM, Alcântara DDFA, Araújo TMT, Moraes LSD, Burbano R. In vitro assessment of cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic effects of antimalarial drugs artemisinin and artemether in human lymphocytes. Drug Chem Toxicol 2018; 42:608-614. [PMID: 29681192 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2018.1455207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin is a substance extracted from the Chinese plant Artemisia annua L. widely used in natural medicine for the treatment of various diseases. Artemether is a substance synthesized from artemisinin, and both drugs are commonly administered in the treatment of malaria. Although considered effective antimalarial drugs, very little is known about the genotoxic, cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of these drugs. Therefore, in the present study, we evaluated the genotoxic, mutagenic and cytotoxic effects of artemisinin (12.5, 25 and 50 µg/mL) and artemether (7.46; 14.92 and 29.84 µg/mL) in cultured human lymphocytes using the comet assay, the micronucleus test and the cytotoxicity assay for detection of necrosis and apoptosis by acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. Our results showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the rate of DNA damage measured by comet assay and in the micronucleus frequency after treatment with both drugs. It was also observed that only artemisinin induced a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in the number of lymphocytes with death by necrosis 48 h after treatment. The results demonstrated that these two drugs induce mutagenic, genotoxic and cytotoxic effects in cultured human lymphocytes. Our data indicate the need for caution in the use of such drugs, since genotoxic/mutagenic effects may increase the risk of carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos Alberto Machado da Rocha
- Department of Teaching, Natural Resources, Design and Infrastructure, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Tatiane Cristina Mota
- Human Cytogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Marcelo de Oliveira Bahia
- Human Cytogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | | | - Lorena Monteiro Gomes
- Human Cytogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | | | - Taíssa Maíra Thomaz Araújo
- Human Cytogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Leopoldo Silva de Moraes
- Human Cytogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Rommel Burbano
- Human Cytogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
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Deeken JF, Wang H, Hartley M, Cheema AK, Smaglo B, Hwang JJ, He AR, Weiner LM, Marshall JL, Giaccone G, Liu S, Luecht J, Spiegel JY, Pishvaian MJ. A phase I study of intravenous artesunate in patients with advanced solid tumor malignancies. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2018; 81:587-596. [PMID: 29392450 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-018-3533-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The artemisinin class of anti-malarial drugs has shown significant anti-cancer activity in pre-clinical models. Proposed anti-cancer mechanisms include DNA damage, inhibition of angiogenesis, TRAIL-mediated apoptosis, and inhibition of signaling pathways. We performed a phase I study to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) of intravenous artesunate (IV AS). METHODS Patients were enrolled in an accelerated titration dose escalation study with planned dose levels of 8, 12, 18, 25, 34 and 45 mg/kg given on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle. Toxicities were assessed using the NCI CTCAE (ver. 4.0), and response was assessed using RECIST criteria (version 1.1). Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies were performed during cycle 1. RESULTS A total of 19 pts were enrolled, 18 of whom were evaluable for toxicity and 15 were evaluable for efficacy. DLTs were seen at dosages of 12 (1 of 6 patients), 18 (1 of 6) and 25 mg/kg (2 of 2), and were neutropenic fever (Gr 4), hypersensitivity reaction (Gr 3), liver function test abnormalities (Gr 3/4) along with neutropenic fever, and nausea/vomiting (Gr 3) despite supportive care. The MTD was determined to be 18 mg/kg. No responses were observed, while four patients had stable disease, including three with prolonged stable disease for 8, 10, and 11 cycles, for a disease control rate of 27%. PK parameters of AS and its active metabolite, dihydroartemisinin (DHA), correlated with dose. CONCLUSION The MTD of intravenous artesunate is 18 mg/kg on this schedule. Treatment was well tolerated. Modest clinical activity was seen in this pre-treated population. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER NCT02353026.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F Deeken
- Inova Schar Cancer Institute, Inova Health System, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA, 22042, USA.
| | - Hongkun Wang
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Marion Hartley
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Amrita K Cheema
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Brandon Smaglo
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jimmy J Hwang
- Levine Cancer Institute, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Aiwu Ruth He
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Louis M Weiner
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - John L Marshall
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Giuseppe Giaccone
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Stephen Liu
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jim Luecht
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jay Y Spiegel
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Michael J Pishvaian
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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From ancient herb to modern drug: Artemisia annua and artemisinin for cancer therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 46:65-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 341] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Kerckhove N, Collin A, Condé S, Chaleteix C, Pezet D, Balayssac D. Long-Term Effects, Pathophysiological Mechanisms, and Risk Factors of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathies: A Comprehensive Literature Review. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:86. [PMID: 28286483 PMCID: PMC5323411 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotoxic anticancer drugs, such as platinum-based anticancer drugs, taxanes, vinca alkaloids, and proteasome/angiogenesis inhibitors are responsible for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). The health consequences of CIPN remain worrying as it is associated with several comorbidities and affects a specific population of patients already impacted by cancer, a strong driver for declines in older adults. The purpose of this review is to present a comprehensive overview of the long-term effects of CIPN in cancer patients and survivors. Pathophysiological mechanisms and risk factors are also presented. Neurotoxic mechanisms leading to CIPNs are not yet fully understood but involve neuronopathy and/or axonopathy, mainly associated with DNA damage, oxidative stress, mitochondria toxicity, and ion channel remodeling in the neurons of the peripheral nervous system. Classical symptoms of CIPNs are peripheral neuropathy with a “stocking and glove” distribution characterized by sensory loss, paresthesia, dysesthesia and numbness, sometimes associated with neuropathic pain in the most serious cases. Several risk factors can promote CIPN as a function of the anticancer drug considered, such as cumulative dose, treatment duration, history of neuropathy, combination of therapies and genetic polymorphisms. CIPNs are frequent in cancer patients with an overall incidence of approximately 38% (possibly up to 90% of patients treated with oxaliplatin). Finally, the long-term reversibility of these CIPNs remain questionable, notably in the case of platinum-based anticancer drugs and taxanes, for which CIPN may last several years after the end of anticancer chemotherapies. These long-term effects are associated with comorbidities such as depression, insomnia, falls and decreases of health-related quality of life in cancer patients and survivors. However, it is noteworthy that these long-term effects remain poorly studied, and only limited data are available such as in the case of bortezomib and thalidomide-induced peripheral neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Kerckhove
- INSERM U1107, NEURO-DOL, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Délégation à la Recherche Clinique et à l'Innovation, Université Clermont Auvergne Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Aurore Collin
- INSERM U1107, NEURO-DOL, Université Clermont Auvergne Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sakahlé Condé
- INSERM U1107, NEURO-DOL, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Neurologie, Université Clermont Auvergne Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Carine Chaleteix
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Hématologie Clinique Adulte Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Denis Pezet
- INSERM U1071, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Chirurgie et Oncologie Digestive, Université Clermont Auvergne Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - David Balayssac
- INSERM U1107, NEURO-DOL, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Délégation à la Recherche Clinique et à l'Innovation, Université Clermont Auvergne Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Li Q, Ni W, Deng Z, Liu M, She L, Xie Q. Targeting nasopharyngeal carcinoma by artesunate through inhibiting Akt/mTOR and inducing oxidative stress. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2017; 31:301-310. [PMID: 28078787 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2016] [Revised: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Drug repurposing has become an alternative therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment given the known pharmacokinetics and toxicity. The inhibitory effects of artesunate have been reported in various cancers. In this work, we investigated the effects of artesunate in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We demonstrate that artesunate significantly inhibits proliferation via arresting NPC cells at G2/M phase. It also induces apoptosis through caspase-dependent and mitochondria-independent pathways in multiple NPC cell lines. The combination of artesunate and cisplatin is synergistic in targeting NPC cells in in vitro cellular culture system and in vivo xenograft tumor models. Artesunate inhibits phosphorylation of essential molecules involved in Akt/mTOR pathway in NPC cells, such as Akt, mTOR, and 4EBP1, and its inhibitory effects are partially abolished by overexpression of constitutively active Akt. In addition, artesunate also induces mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress via inhibiting mitochondrial respiration, increasing levels of mitochondrial superoxide and cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to decreased ATP levels. Two ROS scavengers partially abolish the inhibitory effects of artesunate in NPC cells. These data suggest that both inhibition of Akt/mTOR pathway and induction of ROS are required for the action of artesunate in NPC cells. Our work demonstrates that artesunate is a potential candidate for NPC treatment. Our work also highlights the critical roles of Akt/mTOR pathway and mitochondrial function in NPC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Li
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Clinical Medical College, Yangtze University, Renmin Road 1, Jing Zhou, 434020, China
| | - Wei Ni
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Clinical Medical College, Yangtze University, Renmin Road 1, Jing Zhou, 434020, China
| | - Zhifeng Deng
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Clinical Medical College, Yangtze University, Renmin Road 1, Jing Zhou, 434020, China
| | - Minghe Liu
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Clinical Medical College, Yangtze University, Renmin Road 1, Jing Zhou, 434020, China
| | - Lazhi She
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Clinical Medical College, Yangtze University, Renmin Road 1, Jing Zhou, 434020, China
| | - Qiong Xie
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Clinical Medical College, Yangtze University, Renmin Road 1, Jing Zhou, 434020, China
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The pharmacological activities and mechanisms of artemisinin and its derivatives: a systematic review. Med Chem Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-016-1778-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Artemisinin and Its Derivatives as a Repurposing Anticancer Agent: What Else Do We Need to Do? Molecules 2016; 21:molecules21101331. [PMID: 27739410 PMCID: PMC6272993 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21101331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical investigation and clinical experience have provided evidence on the potential anticancer effect of artemisinin and its derivatives (ARTs) in the recent two decades. The major mechanisms of action of ARTs may be due to toxic-free radicals generated by an endoperoxide moiety, cell cycle arrest, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of tumor angiogenesis. It is very promising that ARTs are expected to be a new class of antitumor drugs of wide spectrum due to their detailed information regarding efficacy and safety. For developing repurposed drugs, many other characteristics of ARTs should be studied, including through further investigations on possible new pathways of anticancer effects, exploration on efficient and specific drug delivery systems-especially crossing biological barriers, and obtaining sufficient data in clinical trials. The aim of this review is to highlight these achievements and propose the potential strategies to develop ARTs as a new class of cancer therapeutic agents.
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17
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Apaya MK, Chang MT, Shyur LF. Phytomedicine polypharmacology: Cancer therapy through modulating the tumor microenvironment and oxylipin dynamics. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 162:58-68. [PMID: 26969215 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Integrative approaches in cancer therapy have recently been extended beyond the induction of cytotoxicity to controlling the tumor microenvironment and modulating inflammatory cascades and pathways such as lipid mediator biosynthesis and their dynamics. Profiling of important lipid messengers, such as oxylipins, produced as part of the physiological response to pharmacological stimuli, provides a unique opportunity to explore drug pharmacology and the possibilities for molecular management of cancer physiopathology. Whereas single targeted chemotherapeutic drugs commonly lack efficacy and invoke drug resistance and/or adverse effects in cancer patients, traditional herbal medicines are seen as bright prospects for treating complex diseases, such as cancers, in a systematic and holistic manner. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of traditional medicine and its bioactive chemical constituents may aid the modernization of herbal remedies and the discovery of novel phytoagents for cancer management. In this review, systems-based polypharmacology and studies to develop multi-target drugs or leads from phytomedicines and their derived natural products that may overcome the problems of current anti-cancer drugs, are proposed and summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Karmella Apaya
- Molecular and Biological Agricultural Sciences Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Ting Chang
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lie-Fen Shyur
- Molecular and Biological Agricultural Sciences Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Pharmacognosy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Artesunate suppresses tumor growth and induces apoptosis through the modulation of multiple oncogenic cascades in a chronic myeloid leukemia xenograft mouse model. Oncotarget 2016; 6:4020-35. [PMID: 25738364 PMCID: PMC4414170 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Artesunate (ART), a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin, is one of the most commonly used anti-malarial drugs. Also, ART possesses anticancer potential albeit through incompletely understood molecular mechanism(s). Here, the effect of ART on various protein kinases, associated gene products, cellular response, and apoptosis was investigated. The in vivo effect of ART on the growth of human CML xenograft tumors in athymic nu/nu mice was also examined. In our preliminary experiments, we first observed that phosphorylation of p38, ERK, CREB, Chk-2, STAT5, and RSK proteins were suppressed upon ART exposure. Interestingly, ART induced the expression of SOCS-1 protein and depletion of SOCS-1 using siRNA abrogated the STAT5 inhibitory effect of the drug. Also various dephosphorylations caused by ART led to the suppression of various survival gene products and induced apoptosis through caspase-3 activation. Moreover, ART also substantially potentiated the apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutic agents. Finally, when administered intraperitoneally, ART inhibited p38, ERK, STAT5, and CREB activation in tumor tissues and the growth of human CML xenograft tumors in mice without exhibiting any significant adverse effects. Overall, our results suggest that ART exerts its anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects through suppression of multiple signaling cascades in CML both in vitro and in vivo.
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Abstract
The anti-malarial drug artemisinin has shown anticancer activity in vitro and animal experiments, but experience in human cancer is scarce. However, the ability of artemisinins to kill cancer cells through a variety of molecular mechanisms has been explored. A PubMed search of about 127 papers on anti-cancer effects of antimalarials has revealed that this class of drug, including other antimalarials, have several biological characteristics that include anticancer properties. Experimental evidences suggest that artemisinin compounds may be a therapeutic alternative in highly aggressive cancers with rapid dissemination, without developing drug resistance. They also exhibit synergism with other anticancer drugs with no increased toxicity toward normal cells. It has been found that semisynthetic artemisinin derivatives have much higher antitumor activity than their monomeric counterparts via mechanisms like apoptosis, arrest of cell cycle at G0/G1, and oxidative stress. The exact mechanism of activation and molecular basis of these anticancer effects are not fully elucidated. Artemisinins seem to regulate key factors such as nuclear factor-kappa B, survivin, NOXA, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, and BMI-1, involving multiple pathways that may affect drug response, drug interactions, drug resistance, and associated parameters upon normal cells. Newer synthetic artemisinins have been developed showing substantial antineoplastic activity, but there is still limited information regarding the mode of action of these synthetic compounds. In view of the emerging data, specific interactions with established chemotherapy need to be further investigated in different cancer cells and their phenotypes and validated further using different semisynthetic and synthetic artemisinin derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Das
- Department of Medicine, Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
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Xu N, Zhou X, Wang S, Xu LL, Zhou HS, Liu XL. Artesunate Induces SKM-1 Cells Apoptosis by Inhibiting Hyperactive β-catenin Signaling Pathway. Int J Med Sci 2015; 12:524-9. [PMID: 26078714 PMCID: PMC4466518 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.11352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Artesunate (ART), a wildly used agent to treat severe malarial around the world, also has the power to inhibit growth of different types of tumor. However, the exact molecular mechanisms keep unknown. METHOD In this study, we used myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) cells (SKM-1 cells) with differential ART concentrations treatment at multiple time points to observe the subsequence cell function alteration and the possible involved pathway genes. RESULTS We found that ART demonstrated the ability to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in SKM-1 in a dose and time-dependent manner. Demethylase recovered CDH1 gene expression may be involved in the apoptosis process. The β-catenin protein translocated from the nucleus and cytoplasm to the membrane result in inactivation of β-catenin signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Our findings provide a rational basis to develop ART as a useful therapeutic agent for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Xu
- 1. Department of Hematology, Nan fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- 1. Department of Hematology, Nan fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- 2. Department of Ultrasound, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan, China
| | - Lu-lu Xu
- 1. Department of Hematology, Nan fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong-sheng Zhou
- 1. Department of Hematology, Nan fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-li Liu
- 1. Department of Hematology, Nan fang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Jongen JLM, Broijl A, Sonneveld P. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathies in hematological malignancies. J Neurooncol 2014; 121:229-37. [PMID: 25326770 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-014-1632-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Recent developments in the treatment of hematological malignancies, especially with the advent of proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs in plasma cell dyscrasias, call for an increased collaboration between hematologists and neurologists. This collaboration involves differentiating chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathies (CiPN) from disease-related neurologic complications, early recognition of CiPN and treatment of neuropathic pain. Multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia and light-chain amyloidosis frequently present with peripheral neuropathy. In addition, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin lymphomas and leukemia's may mimic peripheral neuropathy by compression or invasion of the extra/intradural space. Platinum compounds, vinca alkaloids, proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs may all cause CiPN, each with different and often specific clinical characteristics. Early recognition, by identifying the distinct clinical phenotype of CiPN, is of crucial importance to prevent irreversible neurological damage. No recommendations can be given on the use of neuroprotective strategies because of a lack of convincing clinical evidence. Finally, CiPN caused by vinca-alkaloids, proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs is often painful and neurologists are best equipped to treat this kind of painful neuropathy.
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Antiviral effects of artesunate on JC polyomavirus replication in COS-7 cells. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:6724-34. [PMID: 25155602 DOI: 10.1128/aac.03714-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The human JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) causes the fatal demyelinating disease progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). A growing number of patients with induced or acquired immunosuppression are at risk for infection, and no effective antiviral therapy is presently available. The widely used antimalarial drug artesunate has shown broad antiviral activity in vitro but limited clinical success. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of artesunate on JCPyV replication in vitro. The permissivity for JCPyV MAD-4 was first compared in four cell lines, and the monkey kidney cell line COS-7 was selected. Artesunate caused a concentration-dependent decrease in the extracellular JCPyV DNA load 96 h postinfection, with a 50% effective concentration (EC50) of 2.9 μM. This effect correlated with a decreased expression of capsid protein VP1 and a reduced release of infectious viral progeny. For concentrations of <20 μM, transient reductions in cellular DNA replication and proliferation were seen, while for higher concentrations, some cytotoxicity was detected. A selective index of 16.6 was found when cytotoxicity was calculated based on cellular DNA replication in the mock-infected cells, but interestingly, cellular DNA replication in the JCPyV-infected cells was more strongly affected. In conclusion, artesunate is efficacious in inhibiting JCPyV replication at micromolar concentrations, which are achievable in plasma. The inhibition at EC50 probably reflects an effect on cellular proteins and involves transient cytostatic effects. Our results, together with the favorable distribution of the active metabolite dihydroartemisinin to the central nervous system, suggest a potential use for artesunate in patients with PML.
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ZHU SHUNQIN, LIU WANHONG, KE XIAOXUE, LI JIFU, HU RENJIAN, CUI HONGJUAN, SONG GUANBIN. Artemisinin reduces cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in neuroblastoma. Oncol Rep 2014; 32:1094-100. [DOI: 10.3892/or.2014.3323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Artesunate induces G2/M cell cycle arrest through autophagy induction in breast cancer cells. Anticancer Drugs 2014; 25:652-62. [DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Jiang W, Huang Y, Wang JP, Yu XY, Zhang LY. The synergistic anticancer effect of artesunate combined with allicin in osteosarcoma cell line in vitro and in vivo. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2014; 14:4615-9. [PMID: 24083713 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2013.14.8.4615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artesunate, extracted from Artemisia annua, has been proven to have anti-cancer potential. Allicin, diallyl thiosulfinate, the main biologically active compound derived from garlic, is also of interest in cancer treatment research. This object of this report was to document synergistic effects of artesunate combined with allicin on osteosarcoma cell lines in vitro and in vivo. METHODS After treatment with artesunate and allicin at various concentrations, the viability of osteosarcoma cells was analyzed by MTT method, with assessment of invasion and motility, colony formation and apoptosis. Western Blotting was performed to determine the expression of caspase-3/9, and activity was also detected after drug treatment. Moreover, in a nude mouse model established with orthotopic xenograft tumors, tumor weight and volume were monitored after drug administration via the intraperitoneal (i.p.) route. RESULTS The viability of osteosarcoma cells in the combination group was significantly decreased in a concentration and time dependent manner; moreover, invasion, motility and colony formation ability were significantly suppressed and the apoptotic rate was significantly increased through caspase-3/9 expression and activity enhancement in the combination group. Furthermore, suppression of tumor growth was evident in vivo. CONCLUSION Our results indicated that artesunate and allicin in combination exert synergistic effects on osteosarcoma cell proliferation and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jiang
- Department of Orthopaedic, Wenling City Chinese Medicine Hospital, Wenling, Zhejiang, China E-mail :
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Tan SSL, Ong B, Cheng C, Ho WE, Tam JKC, Stewart AG, Harris T, Wong WSF, Tran T. The antimalarial drug artesunate inhibits primary human cultured airway smooth muscle cell proliferation. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2014; 50:451-8. [PMID: 24066853 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2013-0273oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Airway smooth muscle (ASM) cell hyperplasia contributes to airway wall remodeling (AWR) in asthma. Glucocorticoids, which are used as first-line therapy for the treatment of inflammation in asthma, have limited impact on AWR, and protracted usage of high doses of glucocorticoids is associated with an increased risk of side effects. Moreover, patients with severe asthma often show reduced sensitivity to glucocorticoids. Artesunate, a semisynthetic artemisinin derivative used to treat malaria with minimal toxicity, attenuates allergic airway inflammation in mice, but its impact on AWR is not known. We examined the effects of artesunate on ASM proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Primary human ASM cells derived from nonasthmatic donors were treated with artesunate before mitogen stimulation. Artesunate reduced mitogen-stimulated increases in cell number and cyclin D1 protein abundance but had no significant effect on ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Artesunate, but not dexamethasone, inhibited phospho-Akt and phospho-p70(S6K) protein abundance. Artesunate, but not dexamethasone, inhibited mitogen-stimulated increases in cell number, cyclin D1, and phospho-Akt protein abundance on ASM cells derived from asthmatic donors. In a murine model of allergic asthma, artesunate reduced the area of α-smooth muscle actin-positive cells and decreased cyclin D1 protein abundance. Our study provides a basis for the future development of artesunate as a novel anti-AWR agent that targets ASM hyperplasia via the PI3K/Akt/p70(S6K) pathway and suggests that artesunate may be used as combination therapy with glucocorticoids.
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Zhang J, Wang L, Chen H, Yin T, Teng Y, Zhang K, Yu D, Wang G. Effect of Caspase Inhibitor Ac-DEVD-CHO on Apoptosis of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Induced by Artesunate. AIMS BIOENGINEERING 2014. [DOI: 10.3934/bioeng.2014.1.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Antiviral effects of artesunate on polyomavirus BK replication in primary human kidney cells. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2013; 58:279-89. [PMID: 24145549 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01800-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyomavirus BK (BKV) causes polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PyVAN) and hemorrhagic cystitis (PyVHC) in renal and bone marrow transplant patients, respectively. Antiviral drugs with targeted activity against BKV are lacking. Since the antimalarial drug artesunate was recently demonstrated to have antiviral activity, the possible effects of artesunate on BKV replication in human primary renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (RPTECs), the host cells in PyVAN, were explored. At 2 h postinfection (hpi), RPTECs were treated with artesunate at concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 80 μM. After one viral replication cycle (approximately 72 hpi), the loads of extracellular BKV DNA, reflecting viral progeny production, were reduced in a concentration-dependent manner. Artesunate at 10 μM reduced the extracellular BKV load by 65%; early large T antigen mRNA and protein expression by 30% and 75%, respectively; DNA replication by 73%; and late VP1 mRNA and protein expression by 47% and 64%, respectively. Importantly, the proliferation of RPTECs was also inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner. At 72 hpi, artesunate at 10 μM reduced cellular DNA replication by 68% and total metabolic activity by 47%. Cell impedance and lactate dehydrogenase measurements indicated a cytostatic but not a cytotoxic mechanism. Flow cytometry and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation revealed a decreased number of cells in S phase and suggested cell cycle arrest in G0 or G2 phase. Both the antiproliferative and antiviral effects of artesunate at 10 μM were reversible. Thus, artesunate inhibits BKV replication in RPTECs in a concentration-dependent manner by inhibiting BKV gene expression and genome replication. The antiviral mechanism appears to be closely connected to cytostatic effects on the host cell, underscoring the dependence of BKV on host cell proliferative functions.
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Li Y, Feng L, Li Y, Jiang W, Shan N, Wang X. Artesunate possesses anti-leukemia properties that can be enhanced by arsenic trioxide. Leuk Lymphoma 2013; 55:1366-72. [PMID: 23906016 DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2013.829573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Artesunate (ART), an effective and safe anti-malaria drug, also exhibits anticancer activity. We studied the effects of ART on proliferation and apoptosis of human K562 and U937 leukemia cell lines. MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay demonstrated that ART inhibits cell growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Based on the findings obtained from light, fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy and propidium iodide staining, the effect of ART was shown to be mediated through apoptosis. In parallel, ART treatment increased Fas expression, while it decreased the c-Fos level in K562 cells. Furthermore, co-treatment with arsenic trioxide (ATO) significantly facilitated ART-induced K562 cell apoptosis. These findings demonstrated that ART had an antitumor activity against K562 and U937 leukemia cells, largely due to inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis via the intrinsic pathway; and this tumoricidal function could be enhanced by ATO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Department of Hematology, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University , Jinan , P. R. China
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Holien T, Olsen OE, Misund K, Hella H, Waage A, Rø TB, Sundan A. Lymphoma and myeloma cells are highly sensitive to growth arrest and apoptosis induced by artesunate. Eur J Haematol 2013; 91:339-46. [PMID: 23869695 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.12176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The use of new drugs has improved the treatment of multiple myeloma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Nevertheless, over time many patients relapse and develop resistance to treatment, and efforts are needed to overcome drug resistance. The widely used malaria drug artesunate has been reported to have antitumor activity, and we aimed to test the effects of artesunate on a panel of myeloma and lymphoma cells. METHODS Myeloma and DLBCL cell lines were treated with artesunate in vitro. The effects of artesunate treatment were evaluated using ATP content measurements for proliferation and annexin V/propidium iodide labeling for apoptosis. Western blotting was used to look for artesunate-induced protein changes. In addition, we measured artesunate effects on patient myeloma cells in the presence of bone marrow stromal cells. RESULTS Artesunate treatment efficiently inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in cell lines. Apoptosis was induced concomitantly with downregulation of MYC and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, as well as with cleavage of caspase-3. The IC50 values of artesunate in cell lines varied between 0.3 and 16.6 μm. Furthermore, some primary myeloma cells were also sensitive to artesunate at doses around 10 μm. Concentrations of this order are pharmacologically relevant as they can be obtained in plasma after intravenous administration of artesunate for malaria treatment. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that artesunate is a potential drug for treatment of multiple myeloma and DLBCL at doses of the same order as currently in use for treatment of malaria without serious adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toril Holien
- Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, KG Jebsen Center for Myeloma Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Huang M, Lu JJ, Huang MQ, Bao JL, Chen XP, Wang YT. Terpenoids: natural products for cancer therapy. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2012; 21:1801-18. [DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2012.727395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Artesunate inhibits cell proliferation and decreases growth hormone synthesis and secretion in GH3 cells. Mol Biol Rep 2012; 39:6227-34. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-011-1442-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2011] [Accepted: 12/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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The effects of artesunate on the expression of EGFR and ABCG2 in A549 human lung cancer cells and a xenograft model. Molecules 2011; 16:10556-69. [PMID: 22183882 PMCID: PMC6264700 DOI: 10.3390/molecules161210556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Revised: 11/25/2011] [Accepted: 12/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Clinical and laboratory studies have suggested that multi-targeting approaches against neoplastic cells could help to increase patient survival and might reduce the emergence of cells that are resistant to single-target inhibitors. Artesunate (ART) is one of the most potent and rapidly acting antimalarial agents known, and it also exerts a profound cytotoxic activity toward cancer cells and reverses multi-drug resistance. In the present study, we found that artesunate inhibited NSCLC A549 cell growth and proliferation, induced apoptosis and suppressed tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner in A549 cells and a mouse xenograft model. Furthermore, artesunate down-regulated the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Akt and ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2) at the mRNA and protein levels in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, artesunate is an effective anti-cancer drug that may enhance the effectiveness of other anticancer drugs and may reverse multi-drug resistance by suppressing the transcription of ABCG2, which inhibits drug efflux.
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Antitumor activity of artemisinin and its derivatives: from a well-known antimalarial agent to a potential anticancer drug. J Biomed Biotechnol 2011; 2012:247597. [PMID: 22174561 PMCID: PMC3228295 DOI: 10.1155/2012/247597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 237] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2011] [Accepted: 08/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Improvement of quality of life and survival of cancer patients will be greatly enhanced by the development of highly effective drugs to selectively kill malignant cells. Artemisinin and its analogs are naturally occurring antimalarials which have shown potent anticancer activity. In primary cancer cultures and cell lines, their antitumor actions were by inhibiting cancer proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. In xenograft models, exposure to artemisinins substantially reduces tumor volume and progression. However, the rationale for the use of artemisinins in anticancer therapy must be addressed by a greater understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in their cytotoxic effects. The primary targets for artemisinin and the chemical base for its preferential effects on heterologous tumor cells need yet to be elucidated. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the recent advances and new development of this class of drugs as potential anticancer agents.
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Alcântara DDFÁ, Ribeiro HF, Cardoso PCDS, Araújo TMT, Burbano RR, Guimarães AC, Khayat AS, de Oliveira Bahia M. In vitro evaluation of the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of artemether, an antimalarial drug, in a gastric cancer cell line (PG100). J Appl Toxicol 2011; 33:151-6. [PMID: 21953315 DOI: 10.1002/jat.1734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Revised: 08/04/2011] [Accepted: 08/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin is a sesquiterpene lactone endoperoxide, obtained from Artemisia annua, and extensively used as an antimalarial drug. Many studies have reported the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of artemisinins; however, there are no studies that compare such effects between cancer cell lines and normal human cells after treatment with artemether, an artemisinin derivative. Gastric cancer is the fourth most frequent type of cancer and the second highest cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro genotoxic and cytotoxic effects induced by artemether in gastric cancer cell line (PG100) and compare them with the results obtained in human lymphocytes exposed to the same conditions. We used MTT (3-(4,5-methylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) assay, comet assay and ethidium bromide/acridine orange viability staining to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of artemether in PG100. MTT assay showed a decrease in the survival percentages for both cell types treated with different concentrations of artemether (P < 0.05). PG100 also showed a significant dose-dependent increase in DNA damage index at concentrations of 119.4 and 238.8 µg ml(-1) (P < 0.05). Our results showed that artemether induced necrosis in PG100 at concentrations of 238.8 and 477.6 µg ml(-1), for all the tested harvest times (P < 0.05). In lymphocytes, artemether induced both apoptosis and necrosis at concentrations of 238.8 and 477.6 µg ml(-1), for all the tested harvest times (P < 0.05). In conclusion, human lymphocytes were more sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of the antimalarial drug than the gastric cancer cell line PG100.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Di Felipe Ávila Alcântara
- Human Cytogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Augusto Corrêa, 01, CEP, 66075-110, Belém, PA, Brazil
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Xu Q, Li ZX, Peng HQ, Sun ZW, Cheng RL, Ye ZM, Li WX. Artesunate inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in human osteosarcoma HOS cell line in vitro and in vivo. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2011; 12:247-55. [PMID: 21462379 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b1000373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This paper aims to investigate the effects of artesunate (ART) on growth and apoptosis in human osteosarcoma HOS cell line in vitro and in vivo and to explore the possible underlying mechanisms. Cell viability was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The induction of apoptosis was detected by light and transmission electron microscopy and flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was used to investigate the related mechanisms. Nude mice were further employed to investigate the antitumour activity of ART in vivo. MTT assay results demonstrated that ART selectively inhibits the growth of HOS cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Based on the findings of light and transmission electron microscopy, Hoechst 33258 staining, and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-annexin V staining, the cytotoxicity of ART in HOS cells occurs through apoptosis. With ART treatment, cytosolic cytochrome c was increased, Bax expression was gradually upregulated, Bcl-2 expression was downregulated, and caspase-9 and caspase-3 were activated. Thus, the intrinsic apoptotic pathway may be involved in ART-induced apoptosis. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry indicated that ART may induce cell cycle arrest at G(2)/M phase. In nude mice bearing HOS xenograft tumours, ART inhibited tumour growth and regulated the expressions of cleaved caspase-3 and survivin, in agreement with in vitro observations. ART has a selective antitumour activity against human osteosarcoma HOS cells, which may be related to its effects on induction of apoptosis via the intrinsic pathway. The results suggest that ART is a promising candidate for the treatment of osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Abstract
Carcinogenesis is a multi-step process which could be prevented by phytochemicals. Phytochemicals from dietary plants and other plant sources such as herbs are becoming increasingly important sources of anticancer drugs or compounds for cancer chemoprevention or adjuvant chemotherapy. Phytochemicals can prevent cancer initiation, promotion, and progression by exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects which are mediated by integrated Nrf2, NF-kappaB, and AP-1 signaling pathways. In addition, phytochemicals from herbal medicinal plants and/or some dietary plants developed in recent years have been shown to induce apoptosis in cancer cells and inhibition of tumor growth in vivo. In advanced tumors, a series of changes involving critical signaling molecules that would drive tumor cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and becoming invasive. In this review, we will discuss the potential molecular targets and signaling pathways that mediate tumor onset and metastasis. In addition, we will shed light on some of the phytochemicals that are capable of targeting these signaling pathways which would make them potentially applicable to cancer chemoprevention, treatment and control of cancer progression.
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Liu WM, Gravett AM, Dalgleish AG. The antimalarial agent artesunate possesses anticancer properties that can be enhanced by combination strategies. Int J Cancer 2010; 128:1471-80. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.25707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2010] [Accepted: 09/17/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Chen H, Shi L, Yang X, Li S, Guo X, Pan L. Artesunate inhibiting angiogenesis induced by human myeloma RPMI8226 cells. Int J Hematol 2010; 92:587-97. [PMID: 20945119 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-010-0697-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2010] [Revised: 08/18/2010] [Accepted: 09/15/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable plasma cell disorder to date; therefore, new biologically target-based therapies are in urgent demand. Our previous studies showed that the antimalarial artesunate (ART) possessed anti-myeloma effect by inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis of myeloma cells. The present study evaluated the effect of ART on human myeloma cell-induced angiogenesis and elucidated its mechanism. The human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) migration test, aortic sprouting in fibrin gel in vitro and chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) neovascularization in vivo model were used to examine the effect of ART on angiogenesis induced by human myeloma cells. The results showed that ART could inhibit HUVECs migration, even at a lower concentration (3 μmol/l, P < 0.01, compared with the result of control group), and suppress efficiently the angiogenic ability of myeloma RPMI8226 cells in a dose-dependent pattern (3-12 μmol/l, P < 0.05). The levels of VEGF and Ang-1 in the conditioned medium (CM) were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results confirmed that 3 μmol/l ART could significantly decrease VEGF and Ang-1 secretion by RPMI8226 cells (P < 0.05), which correlated well with the reduction of angiogenesis induced by myeloma RPMI8226 cells. The present study also showed that ART downregulated the expression of VEGF and Ang-1 in RPMI8226 cells and reduced the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1) as well. Therefore, ART can block ERK1/2 activation, downregulate VEGF and Ang-1 expression and inhibit angiogenesis induced by human multiple myeloma RPMI8226 cells. Combined with our previous published data, results from the present study indicate that ART possesses potential anti-myeloma effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- Department of Hematology, The 2nd Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215, Heping Xi Road, Shijiazhuang 050000, People's Republic of China
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