1
|
Prencipe F, Barzan C, Savian C, Spalluto G, Carosati E, De Amici M, Mosconi G, Gianferrara T, Federico S, Da Ros T. Gaucher Disease: A Glance from a Medicinal Chemistry Perspective. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202300641. [PMID: 38329692 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Rare diseases are particular pathological conditions affecting a limited number of people and few drugs are known to be effective as therapeutic treatment. Gaucher disease, caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase, belongs to this class of disorders, and it is considered the most common among the Lysosomal Storage Diseases. The two main therapeutic approaches are the Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) and the Substrate Reduction Therapy (SRT). ERT, consisting in replacing the defective enzyme by administering a recombinant enzyme, is effective in alleviating the visceral symptoms, hallmarks of the most common subtype of the disease whereas it has no effects when symptoms involve CNS, since the recombinant protein is unable to significantly cross the Blood Brain Barrier. The SRT strategy involves inhibiting glucosylceramide synthase (GCS), the enzyme responsible for the production of the associated storage molecule. The rational design of new inhibitors of GCS has been hampered by the lack of either the crystal structure of the enzyme or an in-silico model of the active site which could provide important information regarding the interactions of potential inhibitors with the target, but, despite this, interesting results have been obtained and are herein reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Prencipe
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Chiara Barzan
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
- Molecular Genetics Institute, CNR Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Chiara Savian
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giampiero Spalluto
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Emanuele Carosati
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco De Amici
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milano Via Luigi Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Giorgio Mosconi
- Fidia Farmaceutici Via Ponte della Fabbrica 3/A, 35021, Abano Terme, Italy
| | - Teresa Gianferrara
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Stephanie Federico
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Tatiana Da Ros
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Flori E, Cavallo A, Mosca S, Kovacs D, Cota C, Zaccarini M, Di Nardo A, Bottillo G, Maiellaro M, Camera E, Cardinali G. JAK/STAT Inhibition Normalizes Lipid Composition in 3D Human Epidermal Equivalents Challenged with Th2 Cytokines. Cells 2024; 13:760. [PMID: 38727296 PMCID: PMC11083560 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Derangement of the epidermal barrier lipids and dysregulated immune responses are key pathogenic features of atopic dermatitis (AD). The Th2-type cytokines interleukin IL-4 and IL-13 play a prominent role in AD by activating the Janus Kinase/Signal Transduction and Activator of Transcription (JAK/STAT) intracellular signaling axis. This study aimed to investigate the role of JAK/STAT in the lipid perturbations induced by Th2 signaling in 3D epidermal equivalents. Tofacitinib, a low-molecular-mass JAK inhibitor, was used to screen for JAK/STAT-mediated deregulation of lipid metabolism. Th2 cytokines decreased the expression of elongases 1, 3, and 4 and serine-palmitoyl-transferase and increased that of sphingolipid delta(4)-desaturase and carbonic anhydrase 2. Th2 cytokines inhibited the synthesis of palmitoleic acid and caused depletion of triglycerides, in association with altered phosphatidylcholine profiles and fatty acid (FA) metabolism. Overall, the ceramide profiles were minimally affected. Except for most sphingolipids and very-long-chain FAs, the effects of Th2 on lipid pathways were reversed by co-treatment with tofacitinib. An increase in the mRNA levels of CPT1A and ACAT1, reduced by tofacitinib, suggests that Th2 cytokines promote FA beta-oxidation. In conclusion, pharmacological inhibition of JAK/STAT activation prevents the lipid disruption caused by the halted homeostasis of FA metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Flori
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy; (E.F.); (A.C.); (S.M.); (D.K.); (A.D.N.); (G.B.); (M.M.); (G.C.)
| | - Alessia Cavallo
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy; (E.F.); (A.C.); (S.M.); (D.K.); (A.D.N.); (G.B.); (M.M.); (G.C.)
| | - Sarah Mosca
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy; (E.F.); (A.C.); (S.M.); (D.K.); (A.D.N.); (G.B.); (M.M.); (G.C.)
| | - Daniela Kovacs
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy; (E.F.); (A.C.); (S.M.); (D.K.); (A.D.N.); (G.B.); (M.M.); (G.C.)
| | - Carlo Cota
- Genetic Research, Molecular Biology and Dermatopathology Unit, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.Z.)
| | - Marco Zaccarini
- Genetic Research, Molecular Biology and Dermatopathology Unit, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.Z.)
| | - Anna Di Nardo
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy; (E.F.); (A.C.); (S.M.); (D.K.); (A.D.N.); (G.B.); (M.M.); (G.C.)
| | - Grazia Bottillo
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy; (E.F.); (A.C.); (S.M.); (D.K.); (A.D.N.); (G.B.); (M.M.); (G.C.)
| | - Miriam Maiellaro
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy; (E.F.); (A.C.); (S.M.); (D.K.); (A.D.N.); (G.B.); (M.M.); (G.C.)
| | - Emanuela Camera
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy; (E.F.); (A.C.); (S.M.); (D.K.); (A.D.N.); (G.B.); (M.M.); (G.C.)
| | - Giorgia Cardinali
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy; (E.F.); (A.C.); (S.M.); (D.K.); (A.D.N.); (G.B.); (M.M.); (G.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li B, Liu Y, Chen D, Sun S. Comprehensive Analysis of Predictive Value and the potential therapeutic target of NLRP3 inflammasome in glioma based on tumor microenvironment. Clin Immunol 2024; 261:109918. [PMID: 38307475 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2024.109918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioma exhibits high recurrence rates and poor prognosis. The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays a crucial role in inflammation. There is a lack of research exploring the NLRP3 in glioma. METHODS We used several databases, networks, Western blotting, multiple immunofluorescence staining to analyze the role of NLRP3 in inflammatory tumor microenvironment (TME). RESULTS NLRP3 is higher-expression in glioma with a low mutation load. NLRP3 expression is linked to the infiltration of immune cells, chemokines, immunomodulators, and the TME. Signaling pathways, co-expression genes and interacting proteins contribute to the up-regulation of NLRP3. Patients responding to immunotherapy positively tend to have lower NLRP3 expression relating to the overall survival based on nomogram. Sensitivity to molecular medicines is observed in relation to NLRP3. CONCLUSION The NLRP3 inflammasome plays a pivotal role in TME which could serve as a higher predictive value biomarker and therapeutic target for glioma treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bihan Li
- Nanjing municipal center for disease control and prevention, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Dawei Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Shilong Sun
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li L, Zhang Y, Gong J, Yang G, Zhi S, Ren D, Zhao H. Cpt1a alleviates cigarette smoke‑induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Exp Ther Med 2022; 25:54. [PMID: 36588819 PMCID: PMC9780514 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study aimed to determine the expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (Cpt1a) in the lung tissue of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and its correlation with lung function. An increase in Cpt1a expression improved lung function in patients with COPD by inhibiting apoptosis and the inflammatory response of lung endothelial cells. Lung tissues of 20 patients with COPD and 10 control patients were collected, their Cpt1a expression was determined by western blotting and apoptosis and inflammation were assessed by haematoxylin-eosin staining, TUNEL assay and ELISA. Mice with knockout or overexpression of Cpt1a were constructed by lentivirus in vivo. A COPD model was induced by cigarette smoke and the role of Cpt1a in COPD was determined in vivo and in vitro. Cpt1a expression was positively correlated with lung function and negatively correlated with apoptosis and inflammation. Patients with COPD with higher expression of Cpt1a in lung tissues had improved lung function indices and lung tissue morphology with less apoptosis and decreased inflammatory response. Compared with the control group, COPD mice with Cpt1a knockdown had aggravated lung dysfunction and increased lung inflammation and apoptosis. Overexpression of Cpt1a alleviated lung dysfunction and reduced inflammatory response and apoptosis of lung tissues in COPD mice. Pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells of mice were isolated in vitro and the results were consistent with the findings obtained in vivo. In conclusion, the clinical, in vivo and in vitro data confirmed for the first time that Cpt1a alleviated lung dysfunction of patients with COPD by inhibiting apoptosis of endothelial cells and inflammatory responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lifang Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Yaqian Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030000, P.R. China
| | - Jiannan Gong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Shuyin Zhi
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Dongping Ren
- Department of R&D, USBAY Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Beijing 102006, P.R. China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030000, P.R. China,Correspondence to: Professor Hui Zhao, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 382 Wuyi Road, Xinghualing, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ning R, Chen G, Fang R, Zhang Y, Zhao W, Qian F. Diosmetin inhibits cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis through STAT3/c-Myc signaling pathway in human osteosarcoma cells. Biol Res 2021; 54:40. [PMID: 34922636 PMCID: PMC8684101 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-021-00363-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diosmetin is a bioflavonoid compound naturally abundant in citrus fruits. It is found to perform a variety of activities, while its antitumor property in osteosarcoma, a malignant tumor with unmet clinical treatment, remained unknown. METHODS Colony formation assay, cell cycle analysis and apoptosis analysis were conducted respectively to observe the effect of diosmetin on cell proliferation and apoptosis in human osteosarcoma cells. Western blot and immunoprecipitation were used to detect the expression of apoptotic molecules and activation of STAT3/c-Myc pathway in Saos-2 and U2SO cells. RESULTS Diosmetin significantly inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and promoted cell apoptosis in both Saos-2 and U2SO cells. Moreover, Diosmetin downregulated the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xL while upregulated the levels of pro-apoptotic proteins including cleaved Caspase-3, cleaved-PARP and Bax. Furthermore, diosmetin dose-dependently inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation, reduced the expression of its downstream protein c-Myc and impeded the interaction between STAT3 molecules. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that diosmetin exerts anti-osteosarcoma effects by suppressing cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis via inhibiting the activation of STAT3/c-Myc signaling pathway, which provide the possibility for diosmetin to be a chemotherapeutic candidate for osteosarcoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rende Ning
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 390 Huaihe Road, Hefei, 230031, China.
| | - Guang Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 390 Huaihe Road, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Run Fang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 390 Huaihe Road, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Yanhui Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, 85 Wu Jin Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Wenjuan Zhao
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Feng Qian
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li Z, Zhang L, Liu D, Wang C. Ceramide glycosylation and related enzymes in cancer signaling and therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 139:111565. [PMID: 33887691 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Ceramides, the core of the sphingolipid metabolism, draw wide attention as tumor suppressor, and act directly on mitochondria to trigger apoptotic cell death. Ceramide-based therapies are being developed by using promote ceramide generating agents. The ceramide metabolism balance is regulated by multifaceted factors in cancer development. Ceramide metabolic enzymes can increase the elimination of ceramide and counteract the anti-tumor effects of ceramide. However, recent research showed that these metabolic enzymes were highly expressed in several cancers. Especially ceramide glycosyltransferases, they catalyze ceramide glycosylation and synthesis the skeleton of glycosphingolipids (GSLs), play an important role in regulating tumor progression and have a significant correlation with the poor prognosis of cancer patients. To further understand the biological characteristics of ceramide metabolism in tumor, this review focuses on the role of ceramide glycosylation and related enzymes in cancer signaling and therapy. Besides, the research on multidrug resistance and potential inhibitors of ceramide glycosyltransferases are also discussed. Advance study on the structure of ceramide glycosyltransferases and ceramide glycosylation signaling pathway will open the path to new therapies and treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zibo Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Caiyan Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine, Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yang XG, Zhu LC, Wang YJ, Li YY, Wang D. Current Advance of Therapeutic Agents in Clinical Trials Potentially Targeting Tumor Plasticity. Front Oncol 2019; 9:887. [PMID: 31552191 PMCID: PMC6746935 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor plasticity refers to tumor cell's inherent property of transforming one type of cell to different types of cells. Tumor plasticity is the main cause of tumor relapse, metastasis and drug resistance. Cancer stem cell (CSC) model embodies the trait of tumor plasticity. During carcinoma progression, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays crucial role in the formation of CSCs and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) based on epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity. And the unique tumor microenvironment (TME) not only provides suitable niche for CSCs but promotes the building of CSCs and VM that nourishes tumor tissue together with neoplasm metabolism by affecting tumor plasticity. Therapeutic strategies targeting tumor plasticity are promising ways to treat malignant tumor. In this article, we discuss the recent developments of potential drug targets related to CSCs, EMT, TME, VM, and metabolic pathways and summarize drugs that target these areas in clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Guang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lan-Cao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yan-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yan-Yu Li
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gan C, Li Y, Yu Y, Yu X, Liu H, Zhang Q, Yin W, Yu L, Ye T. Natural product pectolinarigenin exhibits potent anti-metastatic activity in colorectal carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:115089. [PMID: 31540827 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.115089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the most common cancers with high metastatic potential, explaining why identifying new drug candidates that inhibit tumour metastasis is an urgent need. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological activities of pectolinarigenin (PEC, a natural flavonoid present in Cirsium chanroenicum) in CRC in vitro and in vivo and to determine its underlying mechanism of action. Here, we observed that treatment with PEC could inhibit cell viability and induce apoptosis in cancer cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The occurrence of apoptosis was associated with activation of caspase-3 and Bax and decreased expression of Bcl-2. In addition, PEC markedly impaired CRC cell migration and invasion by downregulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9) and phosphorylated-Stat3Tyr705. Moreover, our studies showed that PEC inhibited abdominal metastasis models of murine colorectal cancer. In addition, histological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed a decrease in Ki67-positive cells, MMP9-positive cells and p-Stat3Tyr705 cells upon treatment with PEC compared to control samples. Furthermore, PEC reduced the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the blood and tumours, which was accompanied by the increased infiltration of CD8+T cells in the blood. Taken together, our findings suggested that PEC could be used as a natural drug to inhibit CRC metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cailing Gan
- Laboratory of Liver Surgery, Oxford University-Sichuan University Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Yali Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Yu
- Laboratory of Liver Surgery, Oxford University-Sichuan University Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Xi Yu
- Carey Business School, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Hongyao Liu
- Laboratory of Liver Surgery, Oxford University-Sichuan University Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Qianyu Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenya Yin
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Luoting Yu
- Laboratory of Liver Surgery, Oxford University-Sichuan University Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China.
| | - Tinghong Ye
- Laboratory of Liver Surgery, Oxford University-Sichuan University Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China.
| |
Collapse
|