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Sun Y, Tang L, Wu C, Wang J, Wang C. RSK inhibitors as potential anticancer agents: Discovery, optimization, and challenges. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 251:115229. [PMID: 36898330 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115229] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) family is a group of serine/threonine kinases, including four isoforms (RSK1/2/3/4). As a downstream effector of the Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase (Ras-MAPK) pathway, RSK participates in many physiological activities such as cell growth, proliferation, and migration, and is intimately involved in tumor occurrence and development. As a result, it is recognized as a potential target for anti-cancer and anti-resistance therapies. There have been several RSK inhibitors discovered or designed in recent decades, but only two have entered clinical trials. Low specificity, low selectivity, and poor pharmacokinetic properties in vivo limit their clinical translation. Published studies performed structure optimization by increasing interaction with RSK, avoiding hydrolysis of pharmacophores, eliminating chirality, adapting to binding site shape, and becoming prodrugs. Besides enhancing efficacy, the focus of further design will move towards selectivity since there are functional differences among RSK isoforms. This review summarized the types of cancers associated with RSK, along with the structural characteristics and optimization process of the reported RSK inhibitors. Furthermore, we addressed the importance of RSK inhibitors' selectivity and discussed future drug development directions. This review is expected to shed light on the emergence of RSK inhibitors with high potency, specificity, and selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Sun
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Lichao Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, 60208, IL, United States
| | - Chengyong Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, 38163, Tennessee, United States
| | - Chengdi Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Van Nguyen D, Nguyen TLL, Jin Y, Kim L, Myung CS, Heo KS. 6′-Sialylactose abolished lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation and hyper-permeability in endothelial cells. Arch Pharm Res 2022; 45:836-848. [DOI: 10.1007/s12272-022-01415-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Nguyen TLL, Jin Y, Kim L, Heo KS. Inhibitory effects of 6'-sialyllactose on angiotensin II-induced proliferation, migration, and osteogenic switching in vascular smooth muscle cells. Arch Pharm Res 2022; 45:658-670. [PMID: 36070173 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-022-01404-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Excessive production and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are associated with vascular remodeling that causes vascular diseases, such as restenosis and hypertension. Angiotensin II (Ang II) stimulation is a key factor in inducing abnormal VSMC function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 6'-sialyllactose (6'SL), a human milk oligosaccharide, on Ang II-stimulated cell proliferation, migration and osteogenic switching in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs) and human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). Compared with the control group, Ang II increased cell proliferation by activating MAPKs, including ERK1/2/p90RSK/Akt/mTOR and JNK pathways. However, 6'SL reversed Ang II-stimulated cell proliferation and the ERK1/2/p90RSK/Akt/mTOR pathways in RASMCs and HASMCs. Moreover, 6'SL suppressed Ang II-stimulated cell cycle progression from G0/G1 to S and G2/M phases in RASMCs. Furthermore, 6'SL effectively inhibited cell migration by downregulating NF-κB-mediated MMP2/9 and VCAM-1 expression levels. Interestingly, in RASMCs, 6'SL attenuated Ang II-induced osteogenic switching by reducing the production of p90RSK-mediated c-fos and JNK-mediated c-jun, leading to the downregulation of AP-1-mediated osteopontin production. Taken together, our data suggest that 6'SL inhibits Ang II-induced VSMC proliferation and migration by abolishing the ERK1/2/p90RSK-mediated Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways, respectively, and osteogenic switching by suppressing p90RSK- and JNK-mediated AP-1 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Le Lam Nguyen
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Drug Research and Development, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Yujin Jin
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Drug Research and Development, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Lila Kim
- GeneChem Inc., Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Sun Heo
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Drug Research and Development, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea.
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Yang YW, Deng NH, Tian KJ, Liu LS, Wang Z, Wei DH, Liu HT, Jiang ZS. Development of hydrogen sulfide donors for anti-atherosclerosis therapeutics research: Challenges and future priorities. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:909178. [PMID: 36035922 PMCID: PMC9412017 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.909178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gas transmitter found in eukaryotic organisms, plays an essential role in several physiological processes. H2S is one of the three primary biological gas transmission signaling mediators, along with nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. Several animal and in vitro experiments have indicated that H2S can prevent coronary endothelial mesenchymal transition, reduce the expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecules, and stabilize intravascular plaques, suggesting its potential role in the treatment of atherosclerosis (AS). H2S donors are compounds that can release H2S under certain circumstances. Development of highly targeted H2S donors is a key imperative as these can allow for in-depth evaluation of the anti-atherosclerotic effects of exogenous H2S. More importantly, identification of an optimal H2S donor is critical for the creation of H2S anti-atherosclerotic prodrugs. In this review, we discuss a wide range of H2S donors with anti-AS potential along with their respective transport pathways and design-related limitations. We also discuss the utilization of nano-synthetic technologies to manufacture H2S donors. This innovative and effective design example sheds new light on the production of highly targeted H2S donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Wei Yang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Nian-Hua Deng
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerosis of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical College, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Kai-Jiang Tian
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerosis of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical College, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Lu-Shan Liu
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerosis of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical College, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Zuo Wang
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerosis of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical College, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Dang-Heng Wei
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerosis of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical College, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Hui-Ting Liu
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerosis of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical College, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Zhi-Sheng Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerosis of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical College, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- *Correspondence: Zhi-Sheng Jiang
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Huynh DTN, Jin Y, Van Nguyen D, Myung CS, Heo KS. 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. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11040643. [PMID: 35453328 PMCID: PMC9030830 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11040643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diem Thi Ngoc Huynh
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Drug Research and Development, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (D.T.N.H.); (Y.J.); (D.V.N.); (C.-S.M.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam
| | - Yujin Jin
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Drug Research and Development, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (D.T.N.H.); (Y.J.); (D.V.N.); (C.-S.M.)
| | - Dung Van Nguyen
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Drug Research and Development, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (D.T.N.H.); (Y.J.); (D.V.N.); (C.-S.M.)
| | - Chang-Seon Myung
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Drug Research and Development, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (D.T.N.H.); (Y.J.); (D.V.N.); (C.-S.M.)
| | - Kyung-Sun Heo
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Drug Research and Development, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (D.T.N.H.); (Y.J.); (D.V.N.); (C.-S.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-42-821-5927
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Role of mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration in progression of atherosclerosis. Arch Pharm Res 2021; 44:1051-1061. [PMID: 34743301 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-021-01360-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration are critical events that contribute to the pathogenesis of vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, restenosis, and hypertension. Recent findings have revealed that VSMC phenotype switching is associated with metabolic switch, which is related to the role of mitochondria. Mitochondrial dynamics are directly associated with mitochondrial function and cellular homeostasis. Interestingly, it has been suggested that mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy play crucial roles in the regulation of VSMC proliferation and migration through various mechanisms. Especially, dynamin-related protein-1 and mitofusion-2 are two main molecules that play a key role in regulating mitochondrial dynamics to induce VSMC proliferation and migration. Therefore, this review describes the function and role of mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy in VSMC homeostasis as well as the underlying mechanisms. This will provide insight into the development of innovative approaches to treat atherosclerosis.
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Huynh DTN, Jin Y, Myung CS, Heo KS. Ginsenoside Rh1 Induces MCF-7 Cell Apoptosis and Autophagic Cell Death through ROS-Mediated Akt Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081892. [PMID: 33920802 PMCID: PMC8071122 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diem Thi Ngoc Huynh
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (D.T.N.H.); (Y.J.); (C.-S.M.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam
| | - Yujin Jin
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (D.T.N.H.); (Y.J.); (C.-S.M.)
| | - Chang-Seon Myung
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (D.T.N.H.); (Y.J.); (C.-S.M.)
| | - Kyung-Sun Heo
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (D.T.N.H.); (Y.J.); (C.-S.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-42-821-5927
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Nguyen TLL, Huynh DTN, Jin Y, Jeon H, Heo KS. 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. Arch Pharm Res 2021; 44:241-252. [PMID: 33537886 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-020-01304-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Le Lam Nguyen
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Drug Research and Development, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Diem Thi Ngoc Huynh
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Drug Research and Development, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea.,Department of Pharmacy, Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Yujin Jin
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Drug Research and Development, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hyesu Jeon
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Drug Research and Development, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Sun Heo
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Drug Research and Development, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea.
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Jin Y, Huynh DTN, Nguyen TLL, Jeon H, Heo KS. Therapeutic effects of ginsenosides on breast cancer growth and metastasis. Arch Pharm Res 2020; 43:773-787. [PMID: 32839835 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-020-01265-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Thus, the development of new and effective low-toxicity drugs is vital. The specific characteristics of breast cancer have allowed for the development of targeted therapy towards each breast cancer subtype. Nevertheless, increasing drug resistance is displayed by the changing phenotype and microenvironments of the tumor through mutation or dysregulation of various mechanisms. Recently, emerging data on the therapeutic potential of biocompounds isolated from ginseng have been reported. Therefore, in this review, various roles of ginsenosides in the treatment of breast cancer, including apoptosis, autophagy, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, epigenetic changes, combination therapy, and drug delivery system, have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujin Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, Chungnam National University College of Pharmacy, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Diem Thi Ngoc Huynh
- Department of Pharmacology, Chungnam National University College of Pharmacy, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Thuy Le Lam Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacology, Chungnam National University College of Pharmacy, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyesu Jeon
- Department of Pharmacology, Chungnam National University College of Pharmacy, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Sun Heo
- Department of Pharmacology, Chungnam National University College of Pharmacy, Daejeon, Republic of Korea. .,Institute of Drug Research & Development, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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Wang L, Deng L, Lin N, Shi Y, Chen J, Zhou Y, Chen D, Liu S, Li C. Berberine inhibits proliferation and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells induced by mechanical stretch via the PDI/ERS and MAPK pathways. Life Sci 2020; 259:118253. [PMID: 32795536 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We recently demonstrated that mechanical stretch increases the proliferation and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) by activating the protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) redox system, thus accelerating atherosclerotic lesion formation in the transplanted vein. At present, there are no efficient intervention measures to prevent this phenomenon. Berberine inhibits pathological vascular remodeling caused by hypertension, but the underlying mechanism is controversial. Herein, we investigate the role of berberine and the underlying mechanism of its effects on mechanical stretch-induced VSMC proliferation and apoptosis. MAIN METHODS Mouse VSMCs cultivated on flexible membranes were pretreated for 1 h with one of the following substances: berberine, PDI inhibitor bacitracin, MAPK inhibitors, or ERS inhibitor 4-PBA. VSMCs were then subjected to mechanical stretch. Immunofluorescence and western blot were used to detect proliferation and apoptosis, as well as to analyze signaling pathways in VSMCs. KEY FINDINGS Our results showed that berberine inhibits the PDI-endoplasmic reticulum stress system, thereby attenuating the simultaneous increase of VSMC proliferation and apoptosis in response to mechanical stretch. Interestingly, MAPK inhibitors PD98059, SP600125, and SB202190 significantly reduced the activation of ERS signaling cascades, and their combination with berberine had additive effects. The ERS inhibitor 4-PBA reduced PDI activation and ERS signaling, but not MAPK phosphorylation. Moreover, caspase-3 and caspase-12 were downregulated by berberine. SIGNIFICANCE These results illustrate a novel mechanism of action of berberine that has practical implications. Our data provide important insights for the prevention and treatment of vascular remodeling and diseases caused by mechanical stretching during hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linli Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, China
| | - Lie Deng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, China
| | - Ning Lin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Division of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, China
| | - Jingbo Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, China
| | - Dadi Chen
- Experimental Center for Basic Medical Teaching, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, China
| | - Shuying Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, China.
| | - Chaohong Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, China.
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