Therapeutic effects of ginsenosides on breast cancer growth and metastasis

20-hydroxyecdysone suppresses bladder cancer progression via inhibiting USP21: A mechanism associated with deubiquitination and degradation of p65

Bladder cancer is one of the most common malignancies of the urinary tract and a prevalent cancer worldwide, still requiring efficient therapeutic agents and approaches. 20-Hydroxyecdysone (20-HE), a steroid hormone, can be found in insects and few plants and mediate numerous biological events to control the progression of varying diseases; however, its impacts on bladder cancer remain unclear. In the study, we found that 20-HE treatments effectively inhibited the viability and proliferation of bladder cancer cells and induced apoptosis by activating Caspase-3. The migratory and invasive potential of bladder cancer cells was markedly repressed by 20-HE in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effects of 20-HE on bladder cancer were confirmed in an established xenograft mouse model, as indicated by the markedly reduced tumor growth rates and limited lung and lymph node metastasis. High-throughput RNA sequencing was performed to explore dysregulated genes in bladder cancer cells after 20-HE treatment. We identified ubiquitin-specific protease 21 (USP21) as a key deubiquitinating enzyme for bladder cancer progression and a positive correlation between USP21 and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/p65 in patients. Furthermore, 20-HE treatments markedly reduced USP21 expression, NF-κB/p65 mRNA, stability and phosphorylated NF-κB/p65 expression levels in bladder cancer cells, which were validated in animal tumor tissues. Mechanistic studies showed that USP21 directly interacted with and stabilized p65 by deubiquitinating its K48-linked polyubiquitination in bladder cancer cells, which could be abolished by 20-HE treatment, contributing to p65 degradation. Finally, we found that USP21 overexpression could not only facilitate the proliferation, migration, and invasion of bladder cancer cells, but also significantly eliminated the suppressive effects of 20-HE on bladder cancer. Notably, 20-HE could still perform its anti-tumor role in bladder cancer when USP21 was knocked down with decreased NF-κB/p65 expression and activation, revealing that USP21 suppression might not be the only way for 20-HE during bladder cancer treatment. Collectively, all our results clearly demonstrated that 20-HE may function as a promising therapeutic strategy for bladder cancer treatment mainly through reducing USP21/p65 signaling expression.

Ginsenosides: changing the basic hallmarks of cancer cells to achieve the purpose of treating breast cancer

In 2021, breast cancer accounted for a substantial proportion of cancer cases and represented the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide. Although tumor cells originate from normal cells in the human body, they possess distinct biological characteristics resulting from changes in gene structure and function of cancer cells in contrast with normal cells. These distinguishing features, known as hallmarks of cancer cells, differ from those of normal cells. The hallmarks primarily include high metabolic activity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and resistance to cell death. Current evidence suggests that the fundamental hallmarks of tumor cells affect the tissue structure, function, and metabolism of tumor cells and their internal and external environment. Therefore, these fundamental hallmarks of tumor cells enable tumor cells to proliferate, invade and avoid apoptosis. Modifying these hallmarks of tumor cells represents a new and potentially promising approach to tumor treatment. The key to breast cancer treatment lies in identifying the optimal therapeutic agent with minimal toxicity to normal cells, considering the specific types of tumor cells in patients. Some herbal medicines contain active ingredients which can precisely achieve this purpose. In this review, we introduce Ginsenoside's mechanism and research significance in achieving the therapeutic effect of breast cancer by changing the functional hallmarks of tumor cells, providing a new perspective for the potential application of Ginsenoside as a therapeutic drug for breast cancer.

Ginsenosides in cancer: Targeting cell cycle arrest and apoptosis

Despite the existence of extensive clinical research and novel therapeutic treatments, cancer remains undefeated and the significant cause of death worldwide. Cancer is a disease in which growth of cells goes out of control, being also able to invade other parts of the body. Cellular division is strictly controlled by multiple checkpoints like G1/S and G2/M which, when dysregulated, lead to uncontrollable cell division. The current remedies which are being utilized to combat cancer are monoclonal antibodies, chemotherapy, cryoablation, and bone marrow transplant etc. and these have also been greatly disheartening because of their serious adverse effects like hypotension, neuropathy, necrosis, leukemia relapse and many more. Bioactive compounds derived from natural products have marked the history of the development of novel drug therapies against cancer among which ginsenosides have no peer as they target several signaling pathways, which when abnormally regulated, lead to cancer. Substantial research has reported that ginsenosides like Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, Rc, Rd, Rg3, Rh2 etc. can prevent and treat cancer by targeting different pathways and molecules by induction of autophagy, neutralizing ROS, induction of cancerous cell death by controlling the p53 pathway, modulation of miRNAs by decreasing Smad2 expression, regulating Bcl-2 expression by normalizing the NF-Kb pathway, inhibition of inflammatory pathways by decreasing the production of cytokines like IL-8, causing cell cycle arrest by restricting cyclin E1 and CDC2, and induction of apoptosis during malignancy by decreasing β-catenin levels etc. In this review, we have analyzed the anti-cancer therapeutic potential of various ginsenoside compounds in order to consider their possible use in new strategies in the fight against cancer.

Djakonoviosides A, A1, A2, B1-B4 - Triterpene Monosulfated Tetra- and Pentaosides from the Sea Cucumber Cucumaria djakonovi: The First Finding of a Hemiketal Fragment in the Aglycones; Activity against Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Seven new monosulfated triterpene glycosides, djakonoviosides A (1), A₁ (2), A₂ (3), and B₁-B₄ (4-7), along with three known glycosides found earlier in the other Cucumaria species, namely okhotoside A₁-1, cucumarioside A₀-1, and frondoside D, have been isolated from the far eastern sea cucumber Cucumaria djakonovi (Cucumariidae, Dendrochirotida). The structures were established on the basis of extensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR spectra and confirmed by HR-ESI-MS data. The compounds of groups A and B differ from each other in their carbohydrate chains, namely monosulfated tetrasaccharide chains are inherent to group A and pentasaccharide chains with one sulfate group, branched by C-2 Qui2, are characteristic of group B. The aglycones of djakonoviosides A₂ (3), B₂ (5), and B₄ (7) are characterized by a unique structural feature, a 23,16-hemiketal fragment found first in the sea cucumbers' glycosides. The biosynthetic pathway of its formation is discussed. The set of aglycones of C. djakonovi glycosides was species specific because of the presence of new aglycones. At the same time, the finding in C. djakonovi of the known glycosides isolated earlier from the other species of Cucumaria, as well as the set of carbohydrate chains characteristic of the glycosides of all investigated representatives of the genus Cucumaria, demonstrated the significance of these glycosides as chemotaxonomic markers. The membranolytic actions of compounds 1-7 and known glycosides okhotoside A₁-1, cucumarioside A₀-1, and frondoside D, isolated from C. djakonovi against human cell lines, including erythrocytes and breast cancer cells (MCF-7, T-47D, and triple negative MDA-MB-231), as well as leukemia HL-60 and the embryonic kidney HEK-293 cell line, have been studied. Okhotoside A₁-1 was the most active compound from the series because of the presence of a tetrasaccharide linear chain and holostane aglycone with a 7(8)-double bond and 16β-O-acetoxy group, cucumarioside A₀-1, having the same aglycone, was slightly less active because of the presence of branching xylose residue at C-2 Qui2. Generally, the activity of the djakonoviosides of group A was higher than that of the djakonoviosides of group B containing the same aglycones, indicating the significance of a linear chain containing four monosaccharide residues for the demonstration of membranolytic action by the glycosides. All the compounds containing hemiketal fragments, djakonovioside A₂ (3), B₂ (5), and B₄ (7), were almost inactive. The most aggressive triple-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line was the most sensitive to the glycosides action when compared with the other cancer cells. Okhotoside A₁-1 and cucumarioside A₀-1 demonstrated promising effects against MDA-MB-231 cells, significantly inhibiting the migration, as well as the formation and growth, of colonies.

Investigating the Anticancer Activity of G-Rh1 Using In Silico and In Vitro Studies (A549 Lung Cancer Cells)

Ginsenoside Rh1 (G-Rh1), a possible bioactive substance isolated from the Korean Panax ginseng Meyer, has a wide range of pharmacological effects. In this study, we have investigated the anticancer efficacy of G-Rh1 via in silico and in vitro methodologies. This study mainly focuses on the two metastatic regulators, Rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) and RhoA, along with other standard apoptosis regulators. The ROCK1 protein is a member of the active serine/threonine kinase family that is crucial for many biological processes, including cell division, differentiation, and death, as well as many cellular processes and muscle contraction. The abnormal activation of ROCK1 kinase causes several disorders, whereas numerous studies have also shown that RhoA is expressed highly in various cancers, including colon, lung, ovarian, gastric, and liver malignancies. Hence, inhibiting both ROCK1 and RhoA will be promising in preventing metastasis. Therefore, the molecular level interaction of G-Rh1 with the ROCK1 and RhoA active site residues from the preliminary screening clearly shows its inhibitory potential. Molecular dynamics simulation and principal component analysis give essential insights for comprehending the conformational changes that result from G-Rh1 binding to ROCK1 and RhoA. Further, MTT assay was employed to examine the potential cytotoxicity in vitro against human lung cancer cells (A549) and Raw 264.7 Murine macrophage cells. Thus, G-Rh1 showed significant cytotoxicity against human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) at 100 µg/mL. In addition, we observed an elevated level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, perhaps promoting cancer cell toxicity. Additionally, G-Rh1 suppressed the mRNA expression of RhoA, ROCK1, MMP1, and MMP9 in cancer cell. Accordingly, G-Rh1 upregulated the p53, Bax, Caspase 3, caspase 9 while Bcl2 is downregulated intrinsic pathway. The findings from our study propose that the anticancer activity of G-Rh1 may be related to the induction of apoptosis by the RhoA/ROCK1 signaling pathway. As a result, this study evaluated the functional drug-like compound G-Rh1 from Panax ginseng in preventing and treating lung cancer adenocarcinoma via regulating metastasis and apoptosis.

Uncovering the Anticancer Potential of Polydatin: A Mechanistic Insight

Polydatin or 3-O-β-d-resveratrol-glucopyranoside (PD), a stilbenoid component of Polygonum cuspicadum (Polygonaceae), has a variety of biological roles. In traditional Chinese medicine, P. cuspicadum extracts are used for the treatment of infections, inflammation, and cardiovascular disorders. Polydatin possesses a broad range of biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and immunostimulatory effects. Currently, a major proportion of the population is victimized with cervical lung cancer, ovarian cancer and breast cancer. PD has been recognized as a potent anticancer agent. PD could effectively inhibit the migration and proliferation of ovarian cancer cells, as well as the expression of the PI3K protein. The malignancy of lung cancer cells was reduced after PD treatments via targeting caspase 3, arresting cancer cells at the S phase and inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome by downregulation of the NF-κB pathway. This ceases cell cycle, inhibits VEGF, and counteracts ROS in breast cancer. It also prevents cervical cancer by regulating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), apoptosis, and the C-Myc gene. The objective of this review is thus to unveil the polydatin anticancer potential for the treatment of various tumors, as well as to examine the mechanisms of action of this compound.

Anti-cancer effect and potential microRNAs targets of ginsenosides against breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignant tumor, the incidence of which has increased worldwide in recent years. Ginsenosides are the main active components of Panax ginseng C. A. Mey., in vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed that ginsenosides have significant anti-cancer activity, including BC. It is reported that ginsenosides can induce BC cells apoptosis, inhibit BC cells proliferation, migration, invasion, as well as autophagy and angiogenesis, thereby suppress the procession of BC. In this review, the therapeutic effects and the molecular mechanisms of ginsenosides on BC will be summarized. And the combination strategy of ginsenosides with other drugs on BC will also be discussed. In addition, epigenetic changes, especially microRNAs (miRNAs) targeted by ginsenosides in the treatment of BC are clarified.

Ginsenoside Rh1 protects human endothelial cells against lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory injury through inhibiting TLR2/4-mediated STAT3, NF-κB, and ER stress signaling pathways

AIM

Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction initiates atherosclerosis by inducing inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules. Herein, we investigated the role of ginsenoside Rh1 (Rh1) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced EC dysfunction.

MAIN METHODS

The inhibitory effect of Rh1 on LPS binding to toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) or TLR4 was evaluated using an immunofluorescence (IF) assay. Annexin V and cleaved caspase-3-positive EC apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry and IF assay. Western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR were performed to clarify underlying molecular mechanisms. In vivo model, effect of Rh1 on EC dysfunction was evaluated by using en face IF assay on aortas isolated C57BL/6 mice.

KEY FINDING

LPS (500 ng/mL) activated inflammatory signaling pathways, including ERK1/2, STAT3, and NF-κB. Interestingly, Rh1 significantly abolished the binding of LPS to TLR2 and TLR4. Consistently, Rh1 inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB activation and its downstream molecules, including inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules. Furthermore, Rh1 alleviated LPS-induced downregulation of eNOS promoter activity. Notably, inactivation of eNOS by 50 μM L-NAME significantly increased NF-κB promoter activity. In addition, Rh1 abolished LPS-mediated cell cycle arrest and EC apoptosis by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress via PERK/CHOP/ERO1-α signaling pathway. Consistent with in vitro experimental data, Rh1 effectively suppressed LPS-induced VCAM-1 and CHOP expression and rescuing LPS-destroyed tight junctions between ECs as indicated in ZO-1 expression on mice aorta.

SIGNIFICANCE

Rh1 suppresses LPS-induced EC inflammation and apoptosis by inhibiting STAT3/NF-κB and endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling pathways, mediated by blocking LPS binding-to TLR2 and TLR4. Consistently, Rh1 effectively reduced EC dysfunction in vivo model.

Fabrication of Ginsenoside-Based Nanodrugs for Enhanced Antitumor Efficacy on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

There is an urgent need to identify chemotherapeutic agents with improved efficacy and safety against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Ginsenosides can reportedly induce tumor cell death, invasion, and metastasis; however, poor water solubility, low oral absorption rate, and rapid blood clearance limit their clinical application. Utilizing the amphiphilic property of ginsenosides as building blocks of biomaterials, we fabricated a carrier-free nanodrug composed of ginsenosides Rg3 and Rb1 using a nano-reprecipitation method without any additional carriers. After characterizing and demonstrating their uniform morphology and pH-sensitive drug release properties, we observed that Rg3-Rb1 nanoparticles (NPs) exhibited stronger antitumor and anti-invasive effects on TNBCs in vitro than those mediated by free ginsenosides. Consequently, Rg3-Rb1 NPs afforded superior inhibition of tumor growth and reduction of pulmonary metastasis than the Rg3 and Rb1 mixture, with no obvious systematic toxicity in vivo. Collectively, our results provide a proof-of-concept that self-assembled engineered ginsenoside nanodrugs may be efficient and safe for TNBC therapy.

Preparation and in vitro release of mPEG-PLA microspheres of Panax notoginseng saponins

This study was performed to promote the clinical application of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS), which present anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities, and provided insights for the preparation of controlled-release dosage forms of traditional Chinese medicine. A series of drug-loaded microspheres with degradable amphiphilic polymer material polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether-polylactic acid (mPEG-PLA) as the carrier was synthesized. The degradation, sustained-release behavior, and biocompatibility of the drug-loaded microspheres were studied through in vitro release, degradation, hemolysis, anticoagulation, and cytotoxicity experiments. The pharmacological activities of the microspheres were studied through anti-inflammatory and antitumor experiments. The results showed that the best carrier material was mPEG_2k-PLA (1:9), with an average particle size of 3.47 ± 0.35 μm, a drug load of 5.50 ± 0.28 %, and an encapsulation efficiency of 38.52 ± 1.93 %. This material could be released stably for approximately 24 days and degrade in approximately 60 days. Moreover, the microspheres had good biocompatibility and anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities.

Saponins and their derivatives: Potential candidates to alleviate anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity and multidrug resistance

Anthracyclines (ANTs) continue to play an irreplaceable role in oncology treatment. However, the clinical application of ANTs has been limited. In the first place, ANTs can cause dose-dependent cardiotoxicity such as arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure. In the second place, the development of multidrug resistance (MDR) leads to their chemotherapeutic failure. Oncology cardiologists are urgently searching for agents that can both protect the heart and reverse MDR without compromising the antitumor effects of ANTs. Based on in vivo and in vitro data, we found that natural compounds, including saponins, may be active agents for other both natural and chemical compounds in the inhibition of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) and the reversal of MDR. In this review, we summarize the work of previous researchers, describe the mechanisms of AIC and MDR, and focus on revealing the pharmacological effects and potential molecular targets of saponins and their derivatives in the inhibition of AIC and the reversal of MDR, aiming to encourage future research and clinical trials.

Comprehensive fecal metabolomics and gut microbiota for the evaluation of the mechanism of Panax Ginseng in the treatment of Qi-deficiency liver cancer

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Qi deficiency liver cancer (QDLC) is an important part of liver cancer research in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In the course of its treatment, Panax ginseng is often selected as the main Chinese herbal medicine, and its function has special significance in the tumor treatment of Qi deficiency constitution. However, its mechanism is not clear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The research tried to evaluate the mechanism of Panax ginseng in the treatment of QDLC through fecal metabonomics and gut microbiota on the basis of previous pharmacodynamic evaluation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, biomarkers and related metabolic pathways were screened and identified by metabonomics and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. Then, 16S rRNA sequencing technique was used to investigate the composition, β diversity and key differences of gut microbiota. Finally, the relationship among phenotypes, gut microbiota and fecal metabolites was comprehensively analyzed by spearman correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

31 pharmacodynamic potential biomarkers and 20 synergistic potential biomarkers of effective parts of Panax ginseng on QDLC were screened and identified by fecal metabonomics. And then, 6 major metabolic pathways were searched, including bile acid biosynthesis, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, tryptophan metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, vitamin B6 metabolism. In the study of gut microbiota, at the genus level, 25 species of bacteria with significant differences of effective parts on QDLC and 23 species of bacteria with significant differences of synergistic action of ginsenosides and polysaccharides were screened. In addition, Spearman correlation analysis showed that there was a complex potential relationship among phenotype, gut microbiota and fecal metabolites during the development of QDLC and Panax ginseng intervention, which was mainly reflected in the close potential relationship between bacteria and fecal metabolites such as bile acids, unsaturated fatty acids and indole compounds.

CONCLUSION

Through the changes of fecal endogenous metabolites and intestinal bacteria, the mechanism of Panax ginseng on QDLC were preliminarily clarified.

Rg3 and Rh2 ginsenosides suppress embryoid body formation by inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Numerous active compounds derived from ginseng exhibit various pharmacological and therapeutic effects in humans. Despite the benefits of ginsenosides, little is known about their influence on embryonic development, especially in human embryonic models. In this study, we evaluated the effect of two ginsenosides (Rg3 and Rh2) on human embryonic development, using embryoid bodies and three-dimensional (3D) aggregates of pluripotent stem cells. We exposed embryoid bodies to varying concentrations of Rg3 and Rh2 (5, 10, and 25 μg/mL), and their embryotoxicity was evaluated by measuring the size of the embryoid body and the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. The growth rates of embryoid bodies were reduced upon treatment with a high concentration (25 μg/mL) of Rg3 and Rh2. In addition, Rg3 induced E-cadherin expression while inhibiting N-cadherin and vimentin expression, which implies the inhibition of EMT. Such a change in E-cadherin expression was not observed after Rh2 treatment, but the inhibition of N-cadherin and vimentin expression was observed to be consistent with that observed on treatment with Rg3. Taken together, using the human embryoid model, we found that the two active ginsenosides, Rg3 and Rh2, induce aberrant embryoid body formation and ablate normal EMT.

A Review of Twenty Years of Research on the Regulation of Signaling Pathways by Natural Products in Breast Cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is the second leading cause of death among women, and it has become a global health issue due to the increasing number of cases. Different treatment options, including radiotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy and anti-estrogen therapy, aromatase inhibitors, anti-angiogenesis drugs, and anthracyclines, are available for BC treatment. However, due to its high occurrence and disease progression, effective therapeutic options for metastatic BC are still lacking. Considering this scenario, there is an urgent need for an effective therapeutic strategy to meet the current challenges of BC. Natural products have been screened as anticancer agents as they are cost-effective, possess low toxicity and fewer side effects, and are considered alternative therapeutic options for BC therapy. Natural products showed anticancer activities against BC through the inhibition of angiogenesis, cell migrations, proliferations, and tumor growth; cell cycle arrest by inducing apoptosis and cell death, the downstream regulation of signaling pathways (such as Notch, NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK/ERK, and NFAT-MDM2), and the regulation of EMT processes. Natural products also acted synergistically to overcome the drug resistance issue, thus improving their efficacy as an emerging therapeutic option for BC therapy. This review focused on the emerging roles of novel natural products and derived bioactive compounds as therapeutic agents against BC. The present review also discussed the mechanism of action through signaling pathways and the synergistic approach of natural compounds to improve their efficacy. We discussed the recent in vivo and in vitro studies for exploring the overexpression of oncogenes in the case of BC and the current status of newly discovered natural products in clinical investigations.

Targeting Epigenetic Regulatory Enzymes for Cancer Therapeutics: Novel Small-Molecule Epidrug Development

Dysregulation of the epigenetic enzyme-mediated transcription of oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes is closely associated with the occurrence, progression, and prognosis of tumors. Based on the reversibility of epigenetic mechanisms, small-molecule compounds that target epigenetic regulation have become promising therapeutics. These compounds target epigenetic regulatory enzymes, including DNA methylases, histone modifiers (methylation and acetylation), enzymes that specifically recognize post-translational modifications, chromatin-remodeling enzymes, and post-transcriptional regulators. Few compounds have been used in clinical trials and exhibit certain therapeutic effects. Herein, we summarize the classification and therapeutic roles of compounds that target epigenetic regulatory enzymes in cancer treatment. Finally, we highlight how the natural compounds berberine and ginsenosides can target epigenetic regulatory enzymes to treat cancer.

Ginsenoside Rh1 Inhibits Angiotensin II-Induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Migration and Proliferation through Suppression of the ROS-Mediated ERK1/2/p90RSK/KLF4 Signaling Pathway

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration play key roles in the progression of atherosclerosis and restenosis. A variety of ginsenosides exert various cardiovascular benefits. However, whether and how ginsenoside Rh1 (Rh1) inhibits VSMC dysfunction remain unclear. Here, we investigated the inhibitory effects of Rh1 on rat aortic smooth muscle cell (RASMC) migration and proliferation induced by angiotensin II (Ang II) and the underlying mechanisms. Cell proliferation and migration were evaluated using sulforhodamine B and wound-healing assay. The molecular mechanisms were investigated using Western blotting, quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis, immunofluorescence staining, and luciferase assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured using dihydroethidium and MitoSOX staining. We found that Rh1 dose-dependently suppressed Ang II-induced cell proliferation and migration. Concomitantly, Ang II increased protein levels of osteopontin, vimentin, MMP2, MMP9, PCNA, and cyclin D1, while these were reduced by Rh1 pretreatment. Notably, Ang II enhanced both the protein expression and promoter activity of KLF4, a key regulator of phenotypic switching, whereas pretreatment with Rh1 reversed these effects. Mechanistically, the effects of Rh1 on VSMC proliferation and migration were found to be associated with inhibition of ERK1/2/p90RSK signaling. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of Rh1 were accompanied by inhibition of ROS production. In conclusion, Rh1 inhibited the Ang II-induced migration and proliferation of RASMCs by suppressing the ROS-mediated ERK1/2/p90RSK signaling pathway.

Ginsenoside Rh1 inhibits tumor growth in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells via mitochondrial ROS and ER stress-mediated signaling pathway

Ginsenoside-Rh1 (Rh1) is a ginseng-derived compound that has been reported to exert anticancer effects by regulating cell cycle arrest and apoptosis according to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. However, the effects of Rh1 on mitochondrial dysfunction are involved in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell apoptosis, and the related molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Rh1 treatment induced cell toxicity less than 50% at 50 μM. In addition, Rh1 induced apoptosis in TNBC cells through cleaved caspase-3 activation and G1/S arrest. The Rh1-treated TNBC cells showed a significant increase in mitochondrial ROS (mtROS), which in turn increased protein expression of mitochondrial molecules, such as Bak and cytochrome C, and caused the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Pretreatment with mitochondria-targeted antioxidant Mito-TEMPO alters the Rh1-reduced rate of mito- and glycol-ATP. Furthermore, Rh1 induces ER stress-mediated calcium accumulation via PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP pathway. Inhibition of ATF4 by siRNA transfection significantly inhibited Rh1-mediated apoptosis and calcium production. Interestingly, Mito-TEMPO treatment significantly reduced apoptosis and ER stress induced by Rh1. Finally, Rh1 at 5 mg/kg suppressed tumor growth through increased levels of ROS production, cleaved caspase-3, and ATF4 more than 5-fluorouracil treated group. Overall, our results suggest that Rh1 has potential for use in TNBC treatment.

Ginsenosides emerging as both bifunctional drugs and nanocarriers for enhanced antitumor therapies

Ginsenosides, the main components isolated from Panax ginseng, can play a therapeutic role by inducing tumor cell apoptosis and reducing proliferation, invasion, metastasis; by enhancing immune regulation; and by reversing tumor cell multidrug resistance. However, clinical applications have been limited because of ginsenosides' physical and chemical properties such as low solubility and poor stability, as well as their short half-life, easy elimination, degradation, and other pharmacokinetic properties in vivo. In recent years, developing a ginsenoside delivery system for bifunctional drugs or carriers has attracted much attention from researchers. To create a precise treatment strategy for cancer, a variety of nano delivery systems and preparation technologies based on ginsenosides have been conducted (e.g., polymer nanoparticles [NPs], liposomes, micelles, microemulsions, protein NPs, metals and inorganic NPs, biomimetic NPs). It is desirable to design a targeted delivery system to achieve antitumor efficacy that can not only cross various barriers but also can enhance immune regulation, eventually converting to a clinical application. Therefore, this review focused on the latest research about delivery systems encapsulated or modified with ginsenosides, and unification of medicines and excipients based on ginsenosides for improving drug bioavailability and targeting ability. In addition, challenges and new treatment methods were discussed to support the development of these new tumor therapeutic agents for use in clinical treatment.

Ginsenoside Rh1 Prevents Migration and Invasion through Mitochondrial ROS-Mediated Inhibition of STAT3/NF-κB Signaling in MDA-MB-231 Cells

Breast cancer (BC) a very common cancer in women worldwide. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has been shown to have a poor prognosis with a high level of tumor metastatic spread. Here, the inhibitory effects of ginsenoside-Rh1 (Rh1) on BC metastasis, and its underlying signaling pathway in TNBC were investigated. Rh1-treated MDA-MB-231 cells were analyzed for metastasis using a wound healing assay, transwell migration and invasion assay, western blotting, and qRT-PCR. Rh1 treatment significantly inhibited BC metastasis by inhibiting the both protein and mRNA levels of MMP2, MMP9, and VEGF-A. Further, Rh1-mediated inhibitory effect on BC migration was associated with mitochondrial ROS generation. Rh1 treatment significantly eliminated STAT3 phosphorylation and NF-κB transactivation to downregulate metastatic factors, such as MMP2, MMP9, and VEGF-A. In addition, Mito-TEMPO treatment reversed Rh1 effects on the activation of STAT3, NF-κB, and their transcriptional targets. Rh1 further enhanced the inhibitory effects of STAT3 or NF-κB specific inhibitor, stattic or BAY 11-7082 on MMP2, MMP9, and VEGF-A expression, respectively. In summary, our results revealed the potent anticancer effect of Rh1 on TNBC migration and invasion through mtROS-mediated inhibition of STAT3 and NF-κB signaling.

Ginsenoside-Rg2 exerts anti-cancer effects through ROS-mediated AMPK activation associated mitochondrial damage and oxidation in MCF-7 cells

In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer effects of ginsenoside Rg2 (G-Rg2) and its underlying signaling pathways in breast cancer (BC) cells. G-Rg2 significantly induced cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in MCF-7 cells among various types of BC cells including HCC1428, T47D, and BT-549. G-Rg2 significantly inhibited protein and mRNA expression of cell cycle G1-S phase regulators, including p-Rb, cyclin D1, CDK4, and CDK6, whereas it enhanced the protein and mRNA expression of cell cycle arrest and apoptotic molecules including cleaved PARP, p21, p27, p53 and Bak through ROS production. These effects were abrogated by the antioxidant N-acetyl-I-cysteine, or NADPH oxidase inhibitors, such as diphenyleneiodonium chloride and apocynin. Interestingly, G-Rg2 induced mitochondrial damage by reducing the membrane potential. G-Rg2 further activated the ROS-sensor protein, AMPK and downstream targets of AMPK activation, including PGC-1α, FOXO1, and IDH2, and downregulated mTOR activation and antioxidant response element-driven luciferase activity. Together, our data demonstrate that G-Rg2 mediates anti-cancer effects by activating cell cycle arrest and signaling pathways related to mitochondrial damage-induced ROS production and apoptosis.

Ginsenoside-Rg2 affects cell growth via regulating ROS-mediated AMPK activation and cell cycle in MCF-7 cells

BACKGROUND

Ginsenoside-Rg2 (G-Rg2) is a protopanaxatriol-type ginsenoside isolated from ginseng. It has been found to exhibit various pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the anticancer effects of G-Rg2 on estrogen receptor-positive MCF-7 breast cancer (BC) cells, and the underlying mechanisms involving in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS

Cell viability, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, and ROS production were measured following exposure to G-Rg2. The protein expression levels of p-ERK1/2, p-Akt, PARP, p-Rb, cyclin D1, CDK6, and p-AMPK were quantified using western blot analysis. The in vivo activity of G-Rg2 was assessed in a xenograft model. Immunohistochemistry staining for p-Rb and p-AMPK was performed in tumor tissues.

RESULTS

G-Rg2 significantly decreased cell viability but increased cell apoptosis. In MCF-7 cells, G-Rg2 increased ROS production by inhibiting ERK1/2 and Akt activation. G-Rg2-induced ROS induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and AMPK phosphorylation. In the xenograft model, the 5 mg/kg G-Rg2-treated group showed decreased tumor volume and weight, similar to the 5 mg/kg 4-OHT-treated group, compared to the control group. Immunohistochemistry staining showed that G-Rg2 treatment decreased Rb phosphorylation, while increasing AMPK phosphorylation in tumor tissues.

CONCLUSION

G-Rg2 has potential anticancer effects by increasing the ROS-AMPK signaling pathway and inhibiting ERK1/2 and Akt activation-mediated cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in MCF-7 BC cells.

Ginsenoside Rh1 Induces MCF-7 Cell Apoptosis and Autophagic Cell Death through ROS-Mediated Akt Signaling

Simple Summary

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide, and its incidence has been increasing. However, current therapeutic approaches, such as chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal therapy, have become increasingly ineffective because of their severe adverse effects and multidrug resistance. Therefore, the discovery of new potential candidates for BC therapy is essential. Here, we investigated whether ginsenoside Rh1 exhibits anticancer effects on BC. We found that this ginsenoside effectively inhibited the growth of BC cells in both cell cultures and mice. Therefore, ginsenoside Rh1 is a promising candidate for BC treatment.

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Ginsenosides exhibit anticancer activity against various cancer cells. However, the effects of ginsenoside Rh1 on BC and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we investigated the anticancer effects of Rh1 on human BC MCF-7 and HCC1428 cells and the underlying signaling pathways. The anticancer effects of Rh1 in vitro were evaluated using sulforhodamine B (SRB), 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), clonogenic assay, propidium iodide (PI)/Hoechst staining, Western blotting, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence analysis. The in vivo effects of Rh1 were determined using a xenograft model via hematoxylin and eosin and the immunohistochemistry staining of tumor tissues. We found that Rh1 exerted cytotoxicity in the cells by increasing cell apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle arrest. These effects were further enhanced by a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor but were rescued by the inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, enhanced ROS generation by Rh1 inhibited the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Consistently, Rh1 treatment significantly reduced tumor growth in vivo and increased the ROS production and protein expression of LC3B and cleaved caspase-3 but decreased the phosphorylation of Akt and retinoblastoma (Rb) in tumor tissues. Taken together, Rh1 exerted a potential anticancer effect on BC cells by inducing cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy via inhibition of the ROS-mediated PI3K/Akt pathway.

Protective effects of ginsenoside-Rg2 and -Rh1 on liver function through inhibiting TAK1 and STAT3-mediated inflammatory activity and Nrf2/ARE-mediated antioxidant signaling pathway

Systemic or hepatic inflammation is caused by intraperitoneal application of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In this study, we investigated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of combination of ginsenoside-Rg2 (G-Rg2) and -Rh1 (G-Rh1) on liver function under LPS challenging. We first confirmed that G-Rg2 and -Rh1 at 100 μg/ml did not show cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. G-Rg2 and -Rh1 treatment significantly inhibited activation of STAT3 and TAK1, and inflammatory factors including iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-1β in peritoneal macrophages. In HepG2 cells, G-Rg2 and -Rh1 treatment inhibited activation of STAT3 and TAK1/c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and down-regulated nuclear translocation of NF-κB transcription factor. In addition, LPS-induced mitochondrial dysfunction was restored by treatment with G-Rg2 and -Rh1. Interestingly, pretreatment with G-Rg2 and -Rh1 effectively inhibited mitochondrial damage-mediated ROS production induced by LPS stimulation, and alterations of Nrf2 nuclear translocation and ARE promotor activity were involved in G-Rg2 and -Rh1 effects on balancing ROS levels. In liver tissues of LPS-treated mice, G-Rg2 and -Rh1 treatment protected liver damages and increased Nrf2 expression while reducing CD45 expression. Taken together, G-Rg2 and -Rh1 exerts a protective effect on liver function by increasing antioxidant through Nrf2 and anti-inflammatory activities through STAT3/TAK1 and NF-κB signaling pathways in liver cells and macrophages.