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Tian H, Zhao F, Yue BS, Zhai BT. Combinational Antitumor Strategies Based on the Active Ingredients of Toad Skin and Toad Venom. Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:3549-3594. [PMID: 39139676 PMCID: PMC11321342 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s469832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
A multidrug combination strategy is an important mean to improve the treatment of cancer and is the mainstream scheme of clinical cancer treatment. The active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine, represented by toad skin and toad venom, have the advantages of high efficiency, low toxicity, wide action and multiple targets and have become ideal targets in combined treatment strategies for tumors in recent years. Toad skin and toad venom are traditional Chinese animal medicines derived from Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor or Bufo melanostictus Schneider that have shown excellent therapeutic effects on the treatment of various cancers and cancer pain as adjuvant antitumor drugs in clinical practice. The involved mechanisms include inducing apoptosis, arresting the cell cycle, inhibiting cell proliferation, migration and invasion, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, reversing the multidrug resistance of tumor cells, and regulating multiple signaling pathways and targets. Moreover, a multidrug combination strategy based on a nanodelivery system can realize the precise loading of the active ingredients of toad skin or toad venom and other antitumor drugs and carry drugs to overcome physiological and pathological barriers, complete efficient enrichment in tumor tissues, and achieve targeted delivery to tumor cells and the controlled release of drugs, thus enhancing antitumor efficacy and reducing toxicity and side effects. This article reviewed the clinical efficacy and safety of the combination of toad skin and toad venom with chemotherapeutic drugs, targeted drugs, analgesics and other drugs; evaluated the effects and mechanisms of the combination of toad skin and toad venom with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy or hyperthermia, traditional Chinese medicine, signaling pathway inhibitors and other therapies in cell and animal models; and summarized the codelivery strategies for the active ingredients of toad skin and toad venom with chemotherapeutic drugs, small-molecule targeted drugs, monoclonal antibodies, active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine, and photodynamic and photothermal therapeutic drugs to provide a basis for the rational drug use of toad skin and toad venom in the clinic and the development of novel drug delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Tian
- Department of Pharmacy, Xi’an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Feng Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Xi’an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bao-Sen Yue
- Department of Pharmacy, Xi’an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bing-Tao Zhai
- College of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
- Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
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Zhang H, Wei S, Hu Y, Zhang Y, Yao H, Qi G, Adu-Frimpong M, Sun C. Influence of Different Ratios of DSPE-PEG2k on Ester Prodrug Self-Assembly Nanoparticles for Cell Migration and Proliferation Suppression. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:2807-2821. [PMID: 38525014 PMCID: PMC10959298 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s446741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Bufalin (BFL, an active anti-tumor compound derived from toad venom) is limited in its application due to high toxicity and rapid metabolism of the cardiotonic steroid. Ester prodrug self-assembly nanoparticles have shown significant improved effects in addressing the above-mentioned issues. Methods An ester bond was formed between linoleic acid and bufalin to synthesize linoleic acid-bufalin prodrug (LeB). The self-assembly nanoparticles (LeB-PSNs) containing different mass ratios of DSPE-PEG2k and prodrug (6:4, 7:3, 8:2, 9:1 and 10:0) were prepared via co-precipitation method and defined as 6:4-PSNs, 7:3-PSNs, 8:2-PSNs, 9:1-PSNs and LeB-PSNs, respectively. Further, the characterization (particle size, zeta potential, surface morphology and stability) of the nanoparticles was carried out. Finally, we evaluated the impact of different ratios of DSPE-PEG2k on the hydrolysis rate, cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, cell migration and proliferation suppression potential of the prodrug nanoparticles. Results The linoleic acid-bufalin prodrug (LeB) was successfully synthesized. Upon the addition of DSPE-PEG2k at different weight ratios, both particle size and polydispersity index (PDI) significantly decreased, while the zeta potential increased remarkably. No significant differences in particle size, PDI and Zeta potential were observed among the 9:1, 8:2 and 7:3 PSNs. Notably, the 8:2 (w/w) DSPE-PEG2k nanoparticles exhibited superior stability, hydrolysis and cellular uptake rates, along with efficient cell cytotoxicity, cell migration and proliferation suppression. Conclusion These findings indicate that DSPE-PEG2k could improve the performance of BFL prodrug nanoparticles, namely enhancing stability and achieving adaptive drug release by modulating the hydrolysis rate of esterase. This study therefore provides more opportunities for the development of BFL application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyun Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu, 224003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shunru Wei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu, 224003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yunfei Hu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu, 224003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu, 224003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Yao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu, 224003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gang Qi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu, 224003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Michael Adu-Frimpong
- Department of Biochemistry and Forensic Sciences, School of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences, C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS), Navrongo, UK-0215-5321, Ghana
| | - Congyong Sun
- Department of Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People’s Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Huai’an, Jiangsu, 223300, People’s Republic of China
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Alfhili MA, Alsughayyir J. Bufalin reprograms erythrocyte lifespan through p38 MAPK and Rac1 GTPase. Toxicon 2024; 240:107636. [PMID: 38316294 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Ample evidence indicates that bufalin (BFN), a cardiotonic steroid in Bufo toad toxin, possesses a potent anticancer activity mainly by stimulating apoptosis in cancer cells. Human red blood cells (RBCs) undergo eryptosis which contributes to a plethora of pathological conditions. No reports, however, have examined the potential toxicity of BFN to RBCs. This study aims to characterize the biochemical mechanisms governing the influence of BFN on the physiology and lifespan of RBCs. Isolated RBCs from healthy volunteers were exposed to anticancer concentrations of commercially available BFN from the skin of Bufo gargarizans (10-200 μM) for 24 h at 37 °C. Photometric assays were used to estimate hemolysis and hemolytic markers, and flow cytometry was used to detect eryptotic markers. Phosphatidylserine externalization was captured by fluorescein isothiocyante-labeled annexin V, cellular dimensions by light scatter patterns, and intracellular Ca2+ and reactive oxygen species (ROS) by fluorogenic dyes Fluo4/AM and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA), respectively. BFN caused Ca2+-independent hemolysis and release of LDH, AST, CK, and K+, and increased annexin V-bound cells, cytosolic Ca2+, cell shrinkage, and ROS levels. BFN also disrupted Na+ and Mg2+ trafficking, and was sensitive to PEG 8000, sucrose, SB203580, and NSC 23766. In whole blood, BFN depleted hemoglobin stores, increased fragmented RBCs, and was selectively toxic to reticulocytes, lymphocytes, and platelets. In conclusion, BFN elicits premature RBC death, subject to regulation by p38 MAPK and Rac1 GTPase, and is detrimental to other peripheral blood cells. Altogether, these novel findings prompt cautious consideration of the toxin in anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad A Alfhili
- Chair of Medical and Molecular Genetics Research, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, 12372, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Jawaher Alsughayyir
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, 12372, Saudi Arabia
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Ye Q, Zhou X, Ren H, Han F, Lin R, Li J. An overview of the past decade of bufalin in the treatment of refractory and drug-resistant cancers: current status, challenges, and future perspectives. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1274336. [PMID: 37860119 PMCID: PMC10582727 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1274336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Profound progress has been made in cancer treatment in the past three decades. However, drug resistance remains prevalent and a critical challenge. Drug resistance can be attributed to oncogenes mutations, activated defensive mechanisms, ATP-bind cassette transporters overexpression, cancer stem cells, etc. Chinese traditional medicine toad venom has been used for centuries for different diseases, including resistant cancers. Bufalin is one of the bufadienolides in toad venom that has been extensively studied for its potential in refractory and drug-resistant cancer treatments in vitro and in vivo. In this work, we would like to critically review the progress made in the past decade (2013-2022) of bufalin in overcoming drug resistance in cancers. Generally, bufalin shows high potential in killing certain refractory and resistant cancer cells via multiple mechanisms. More importantly, bufalin can work as a chemo-sensitizer that enhances the sensitivity of certain conventional and targeted therapies at low concentrations. In addition, the development of bufalin derivatives was also briefly summarized and discussed. We also analyzed the obstacles and challenges and provided possible solutions for future perspectives. We hope that the collective information may help evoke more effort for more in-depth studies and evaluation of bufalin in both lab and possible clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingmei Ye
- Hainan General Hospital & Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicinal Resource Chemistry of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicinal Plant Chemistry of Hainan Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- The Fifth People’s Hospital of Hainan Province & Affiliated Dermatology Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Han Ren
- Hainan General Hospital & Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Fangxuan Han
- Hainan General Hospital & Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Rong Lin
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Juan Li
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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