Regulation of different components from Ophiopogon japonicus on autophagy in human lung adenocarcinoma A549Cells through PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway

Panax notoginseng saponins inhibits oxidative stress- induced human nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis and delays disc degeneration in vivo and in vitro

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Panax notoginseng (Burk) F. H. Chen has been a popular traditional Chinese medicine with a long history of treating low back pain. Its main active ingredient, Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS), can be found in several Chinese patent medicines that are frequently used to treat blood stasis type low back pain. Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the most common cause of back pain, and the injection of PNS has been used to relieve IDD-induced back pain in clinical practice. Despite its effectiveness, the exact mechanisms of action for PNS injections remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

IDD as a consequence of aging involves apoptosis of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and imbalanced degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) induced by several factors including oxidative stress. We hypothesized that PNS may have a therapeutic effect on IDD via inhibiting apoptosis of NP cells and degradation of ECM under oxidative stress.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, network pharmacology was initially employed to predict the targets of PNS against IDD. Subsequently, commercial PNS was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography to confirm the ingredients for in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vitro experiments were conducted on human nucleus pulposus (HNP) cells, including CCK-8, RT-PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence staining, autophagic flux detection, and TUNEL assay. In vivo experiments were also performed on rats with IDD of tail discs induced by annular fibrosus needle puncture, which involved MRI, HE staining, and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Our study demonstrated the theoretical targets of PNS against IDD, including Caspase 3, MMP13, Akt, and autophagy, based on network pharmacology. Subsequently, in vitro experiments revealed that PNS attenuated cellular apoptosis of NP by suppressing the expression of cleaved-caspase 3 and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 under H2O2 stimulation. Autophagy was also inhibited by PNS treatment, and the protective effect was abolished with rapamycin, an autophagy inducer, indicating that autophagy inhibition was involved in the protective effect of PNS on IDD. Furthermore, Akt/mTOR pathway activation was observed in HNP cells responding to H2O2 with PNS treatment, which played a role in autophagy downregulation. PNS was also shown to promote the expression of anabolic genes such as COL2A1 and ACAN while inhibiting the expression of catabolic gene MMP13 in HNP cells. In addition, the in vivo study revealed that PNS treatment could ameliorate IDD in a puncture-induced rat tail model. The development of IDD was significantly reduced, and there was decreased MMP13 expression, as well as increased COL2A1 protein expression in NP tissues.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that PNS could protect HNP cells against apoptosis via autophagy inhibition and ameliorate disc degeneration in vivo, indicating its potential to be a therapeutic agent for IDD.

The mechanism and application of traditional Chinese medicine extracts in the treatment of lung cancer and other lung-related diseases

Lung cancer stands as one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, bearing the highest morbidity and mortality rates among all malignant tumors. The treatment of lung cancer primarily encompasses surgical procedures, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, which are fraught with significant side effects, unfavorable prognoses, and a heightened risk of metastasis and relapse. Although targeted therapy and immunotherapy have gradually gained prominence in lung cancer treatment, diversifying the array of available methods, the overall recovery and survival rates for lung cancer patients remain suboptimal. Presently, with a holistic approach and a focus on syndrome differentiation and treatment, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has emerged as a pivotal player in the prognosis of cancer patients. TCM possesses characteristics such as targeting multiple aspects, addressing a wide range of concerns, and minimizing toxic side effects. Research demonstrates that Traditional Chinese Medicine can significantly contribute to the treatment or serve as an adjunct to chemotherapy for lung cancer and other lung-related diseases. This is achieved through mechanisms like inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, inducing tumor cell apoptosis, suppressing tumor angiogenesis, influencing the cellular microenvironment, regulating immune system function, impacting signal transduction pathways, and reversing multidrug resistance in tumor cells. In this article, we offer an overview of the advancements in research concerning Traditional Chinese Medicine extracts for the treatment or adjunctive chemotherapy of lung cancer and other lung-related conditions. Furthermore, we delve into the challenges that Traditional Chinese Medicine extracts face in lung cancer treatment, laying the foundation for the development of diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic targets.

Polyphyllins in cancer therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies

BACKGROUND

Polyphyllins are secondary metabolites that inhibit the growth of various tumours; however, clinical trials on their use are lacking.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the antitumour efficacy of polyphyllins in animal models.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Electronic bibliographic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Wanfang Data, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched for relevant articles. The Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation's Risk of Bias tool was used to assess methodological quality. RevMan V.5.4 (Cochrane) and Stata MP 17 software were used to perform a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty articles were analysed including 33 independent experiments and 452 animals in this paper. Overall, tumour volume (standardised mean difference [SMD]: -3.35; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: -4.27 to -2.43; p < 0.00001) and tumour weight (SMD: -3.79; 95% CI: -4.75 to -2.82; p < 0.00001) were reduced by polyphyllins, which showed a good cancer therapeutic effect; mouse weight (SMD: -0.22; 95% CI: -0.61 to -0.18; p = 0.28) was insignificantly different, which indicated that polyphyllins did not affect the growth of the mice within the test range. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms of the antitumour activity of polyphyllins were explained, including the P53, NF-kB, AMPK, and ERK signalling pathways.

CONCLUSION

Polyphyllins inhibit the growth of cancers within the experimental dose. However, due to heterogeneity of the results of the included studies, more studies are needed to support this conclusion.

Decoding the key compounds and mechanism of Shashen Maidong decoction in the treatment of lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is a malignant tumour with the fastest increase in morbidity and mortality around the world. The clinical treatments available have significant side effects, thus it is desirable to identify alternative modalities to treat lung cancer. Shashen Maidong decoction (SMD) is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula for treating lung cancer in the clinic. While the key functional components (KFC) and the underlying mechanisms of SMD treating lung cancer are still unclear.

METHODS

We propose a new integrated pharmacology model, which combines a novel node-importance calculation method and the contribution decision rate (CDR) model, to identify the KFC of SMD and to deduce their mechanisms in the treatment of lung cancer.

RESULTS

The enriched effective Gene Ontology (GO) terms selected from our proposed node importance detection method could cover 97.66% of enriched GO terms of reference targets. After calculating CDR of active components in key functional network, the first 82 components covered 90.25% of the network information, which were defined as KFC. 82 KFC were subjected to functional analysis and experimental validation. 5-40 μM protocatechuic acid, 100-400 μM paeonol or caffeic acid exerted significant inhibitory activity on the proliferation of A549 cells. The results show that KFC play an important therapeutic role in the treatment of lung cancer by targeting Ras, AKT, IKK, Raf1, MEK, and NF-κB in the PI3K-Akt, MAPK, SCLC, and NSCLC signaling pathways active in lung cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a methodological reference for the optimization and secondary development of TCM formulas. The strategy proposed in this study can be used to identify key compounds in the complex network and provides an operable test range for subsequent experimental verification, which greatly reduces the experimental workload.

Ophiopogon japonicus and its active compounds: A review of potential anticancer effects and underlying mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker Gawl., a well-known Chinese herb, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Extensive in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that O. japonicus and its active compounds exhibit potential anticancer effects in a variety of cancer cells in vitro and suppress tumor growth and metastasis without causing serious toxicity in vivo.

PURPOSE

This review aims to systemically summarize and discuss the anticancer effects and the underlying mechanisms of O. japonicus extracts and its active compounds.

METHODS

The review is prepared following the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Various scientific databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched using the keywords: Ophiopogon japonicus, tumor, cancer, carcinoma, content, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity.

RESULTS

O. japonicus extracts and the active compounds, such as ruscogenin-1-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl(1→2)][β-d-xylopyranosyl(1→3)]-β-d-fucopyranoside (DT-13), ophiopogonin B, and ophiopogonin D, exert potential anticancer effects, including the induction of cell cycle arrest, activation of apoptosis and autophagy, and inhibition of metastasis and angiogenesis. In addition, the mechanisms underlying these effects, as well as the pharmacokinetics, toxicity and clinical utility of O. japonicus extracts and active compounds are discussed. Furthermore, this review highlights the research and application prospects of these compounds in immunotherapy and combination chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The traditional herb O. japonicus and its phytochemicals could be safe and reliable anticancer drug candidates, alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs. We hope that this review, which highlights the anticancer properties of O. japonicus, will contribute to drug optimization, therapeutic development, and future studies on cancer therapies based on this medicinal plant.

Effects of saponins from Chinese herbal medicines on signal transduction pathways in cancer: A review

Cancer poses a serious threat to human health, and the search for safe and effective drugs for its treatment has aroused interest and become a long-term goal. Traditional Chinese herbal medicine (TCM), an ancient science with unique anti-cancer advantages, has achieved outstanding results in long-term clinical practice. Accumulating evidence shows that saponins are key bioactive components in TCM and have great research and development applications for their significant role in the treatment of cancer. Saponins are a class of glycosides comprising nonpolar triterpenes or sterols attached to hydrophilic oligosaccharide groups that exert antitumor effects by targeting the NF-κB, PI3Ks-Akt-mTOR, MAPK, Wnt-β-catenin, JAK-STAT3, APMK, p53, and EGFR signaling pathways. Presently, few advances have been made in physiological and pathological studies on the effect of saponins on signal transduction pathways involved in cancer treatment. This paper reviews the phytochemistry and extraction methods of saponins of TCM and their effects on signal transduction pathways in cancer. It aims to provide theoretical support for in-depth studies on the anticancer effects of saponins.

Comparison of Ophiopogon japonicus and Liriope spicata var. prolifera from Different Origins Based on Multi-Component Quantification and Anticancer Activity

The tuberous root of Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker-Gawl. is a well-known Chinese medicine also called Maidong (MD) in Chinese. It could be divided into "Chuanmaidong" (CMD) and "Zhemaidong" (ZMD), according to the geographic origins. Meanwhile, the root of Liriope spicata (Thunb.) Lour. var. prolifera Y. T. Ma (SMD) is occasionally used as a substitute for MD in the market. In this study, a reliable pressurized liquid extraction and HPLC-DAD-ELSD method was developed for the simultaneous determination of nine chemical components, including four steroidal saponins (ophiopojaponin C, ophiopogonin D, liriopesides B and ophiopogonin D'), four homoisoflavonoids (methylophiopogonone A, methylophiopogonone B, methylophiopogonanone A and methylophiopogonanone B) and one sapogenin (ruscogenin) in CMD, ZMD and SMD. The method was validated in terms of linearity, sensitivity, precision, repeatability and accuracy, and then applied to the real samples from different origins. The results indicated that there were significant differences in the contents of the investigated compounds in CMD, ZMD and SMD. Ruscogenin was not detected in all the samples, and liriopesides B was only found in SMD samples. CMD contained higher ophiopogonin D and ophiopogonin D', while the other compounds were more abundant in ZMD. Moreover, the anticancer effects of the herbal extracts and selected components against A2780 human ovarian cancer cells were also compared. CMD and ZMD showed similar cytotoxic effects, which were stronger than those of SMD. The effects of MD may be due to the significant anticancer potential of ophiopognin D' and homoisoflavonoids. These results suggested that there were great differences in the chemical composition and pharmacological activity among CMD, ZMD and SMD; thus, their origins should be carefully considered in clinical application.

Integrating Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation to Elucidate the Mechanism of Yiqi Yangyin Decoction in Suppressing Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Yiqi Yangyin Decoction (YYD) is a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulation to treat lung cancer in clinic. Nevertheless, the active ingredients, key targets, and molecular mechanisms for YYD are still poorly understood. This study is focused on elucidating the pharmacological mechanism of YYD in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by using a combined network pharmacology approach and biological experiment validation. Online bioinformatics tools showed that 40 bioactive compounds and 229 putative targets of YYD were associated with anti-NSCLC activity. Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network demonstrated AKT1, SRC, JUN, TP53, and EGFR as the top five key targets for YYD against NSCLC. Through enrichment analysis, YYD was found to affect cell proliferation and apoptosis in NSCLC possibly by PI3K-AKT signaling. Molecular docking confirmed a strong binding between the main compounds (quercetin or luteolin) and EGFR. As demonstrated by CCK-8, EdU, and colony formation assays, we found a significant inhibition of YYD on cell proliferation. Moreover, YYD treatment induced cell cycle arrest by affecting p53, p21, and cyclin D1 expression. YYD administration enhanced apoptosis by changing the expression of cleaved caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2. Mechanistically, YYD resulted in a significant inactivation of EGFR-PI3K-AKT signaling. Furthermore, EGFR activator significantly reversed YYD-mediated proliferation inhibition and apoptosis. YYD also showed an inhibitory effect on tumor growth in mice. Together, YYD might target the EGFR-PI3K-AKT pathway to repress NSCLC progression.

Elucidating the mechanism of Hongjinshen decoction in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

BACKGROUND

To explore the mechanism of compound Hongginshen decoction in improving pulmonary fibrosis based on network pharmacology.

METHODS

The active components and targets of ginseng and Salvia miltiorrhiza were screened from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) database. The chemical components of Rhodiola, Ophiopogon japonicus, and Dendrobium were screened using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database (TCMID), and the target compounds were predicted by the Swisstargets method. The related target genes of pulmonary fiber (PF) were screened by the Genecards database and the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. The protein-protein interaction network was drawn using the string database and Cytoscape software, and the network topology was analyzed. Then, using R3.6.3 software, biological processes, molecular function, cell component enrichment, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment were carried out on the common targets of drugs and diseases. The network diagram of the "traditional Chinese medicine composition disease target" of Compound Hongginshen Decoction was constructed and analyzed with the software of Cytoscape 3.6.1.

RESULTS

We identified 159 active components and 2820 targets in Compound Hongginshen Decoction, and 2680 targets in pulmonary fibrosis. A total of 343 common targets were obtained by the intersection of drug targets and disease targets. protein-protein interaction protein interaction network analysis showed that PIK3CA, PIK3R1, MAPK1, SRC, AKT1, and so on may be the core targets of the compound Hongjingshen recipe in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis identified 3463 items, and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis identified 181 related signaling pathways, including the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, HCMV pathway, Hb pathway, PGs pathway, and KSHV signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Compound Hongginshen Decoction has the characteristics of a multichannel and multitargeted effect in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Radix Ophiopogonis and Dendrobium officinale play a key role in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. The whole compound prescription may play a therapeutic role by affecting cell metabolism, being anti-inflammatory, regulating the immune system, promoting angiogenesis, and improving anaerobic metabolism.

Cell metabolomics study on the anticancer effects of Ophiopogon japonicus against lung cancer cells using UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS analysis

Ophiopogon japonicus (OJ) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that has been used for thousands of years. Recently, the anticancer effects of OJ have been reported in multiple types of cancer, particularly in lung cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In present study, the effects of OJ against NCI-H1299 human lung cancer cells were investigated, and the underlying mechanisms were explored using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS)-based cell metabolomics. As a result, OJ inhibited the proliferation, induced the apoptosis and suppressed the migration of NCI-H1299 cells. A total of 22 differential metabolites responsible for the effects of OJ were screened and annotated based on the LC-MS-based cell metabolomics approach. The altered metabolites were involved in three metabolic pathways, including glycerophospholipid metabolism, ether lipid metabolism and glutathione metabolism. These results showed that cell metabolomics-based strategies are promising tools to discover the action mechanisms of OJ against lung cancer cells.

Comparison of Protective Effects of Shenmai Injections Produced by Medicinal Materials from Different Origins on Cardiomyocytes

Shenmai injection is mainly used for the treatment of heart-related diseases, including coronary heart disease, viral myocarditis, chronic cor pulmonale, and shock in Asia. Medicinal materials from different origins produce Shenmai injections for clinical use, and their protective effects on cardiomyocytes may vary with the choice of raw materials. In this study, we compared the protective effects of Shenmai injections produced from different raw materials on cardiomyocytes. Results showed that the protective effects of various Shenmai injections on hypoxia-reoxygenation-induced cardiomyocyte injury were mainly attributed to total ginsenosides extract, with few differences between them. However, the protective effects of different Shenmai injections on doxorubicin and oxidative stress-induced cardiomyocyte injury were significantly different; the protective effects of Shenmai injection with Zhejiang Ophiopogon japonicus as raw material were significantly better than those with Sichuan Ophiopogon japonicus, consistent with our previous research results. Our study reveals the different cardiomyocyte protective effects of Shenmai injections produced by medicinal materials from different origins, laying a scientific foundation for their clinical selection.

Astragaloside IV enhances the sensibility of lung adenocarcinoma cells to bevacizumab by inhibiting autophagy

Bevacizumab (BV) has an inhibitory effect on tumor growth including lung adenocarcinoma. However, its efficacy is greatly affected by drug resistance. Astragaloside IV (AST-IV) is effective in combination with other drugs is effective to treat cancer. This study aimed to investigate the effect of AST-IV on enhancing the sensibility of lung adenocarcinoma cells to BV. A549 cells were treated by different concentrations of BV and AST-IV. Cell viability, cell cycle, and apoptosis were detected by thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and flow cytometry, respectively. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting were performed to detect the expression levels of autophagy- and apoptosis-related proteins, protein kinase B (AKT), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). The results showed that BV or AST-IV could inhibit the viability and promote the apoptosis of A549 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, BV or AST-IV inhibited Bcl-2 expression and increased the expressions of Bax and Cleaved caspase-3, and promoted apoptosis. BV and AST-IV in combination acted synergistically on viability and apoptosis of A549 cells. However, BV alone down-regulated P62 expression, LC3I/LC3II level, the number of cells arrested at S phase and the phosphorylation levels of AKT and mTOR, but upregulated the number of cells arrested at G0/G1 phase and Beclin1 expression, whereas AST-IV alone could reverse the effect of BV on autophagy-related proteins, the phosphorylation levels of AKT and mTOR. This paper demonstrates that AST-IV enhances the effect of BV on inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis of lung adenocarcinoma cells through inhibiting autophagy pathway.

Targeting autophagy using saponins as a therapeutic and preventive strategy against human diseases

Autophagy is a ubiquitous mechanism for maintaining cellular homeostasis through the degradation of long-lived proteins, insoluble protein aggregates, and superfluous or damaged organelles. Dysfunctional autophagy is observed in a variety of human diseases. With advanced research into the role that autophagy plays in physiological and pathological conditions, targeting autophagy is becoming a novel tactic for disease management. Saponins are naturally occurring glycosides containing triterpenoids or steroidal sapogenins as aglycones, and some saponins are reported to modulate autophagy. Research suggests that saponins may have therapeutic and preventive efficacy against many autophagy-related diseases. Therefore, this review comprehensively summarizes and discusses the reported saponins that exhibit autophagy regulating activities. In addition, the relevant signaling pathways that the mechanisms involved in regulating autophagy and the targeted diseases were also discussed. By regulating autophagy and related pathways, saponins exhibit bioactivities against cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, atherosclerosis and other cardiac diseases, kidney diseases, liver diseases, acute pancreatitis, and osteoporosis. This review provides an overview of the autophagy-regulating activity of saponins, the underlying mechanisms and potential applications for managing various diseases.

Furostanol Saponins from Trillium tschonoskii Promote the Expansion of Human Cord Blood Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells

Trillium tschonoskii is a medicinal plant known to biosynthesize steroidal saponins. A phytochemical investigation of the rhizomes of T. tschonoskii led to the isolation of nine new furostanol saponins (1-9) and 11 known analogues (10-20). Five of these new compounds were shown to have hydroxy groups at the C-5 and C-6 positions, while two possess a rare aglycone containing carbonyl groups at the C-16 and C-22 positions as well as a Δ¹⁷⁽²⁰⁾ double bond, and the others have conjugated double bonds in the E-ring or have different sugar chains at the C-3 position. All the isolates were tested for their effect on the expansion of human cord blood (CB) CD34⁺ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. It was found that CB CD34⁺ cells treated with compounds 6, 7, 9, 10, 14, 15, and 19 showed increased numbers of rigorously phenotype-defined hematopoietic stem cells. Notably, compounds 9, 10, 13, and 14 demonstrated an enhanced ability to increase the percentages and numbers of CB CD34⁺CD38^- cells and multipotential progenitors. The present study is the first to report that furostanol saponins from T. tschonoskii rhizomes can promote hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) expansion.

PP9, a steroidal saponin, induces G2/M arrest and apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β pathway

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents one of the commonest malignancies around the world. PP9, a natural steroidal saponin, was firstly isolated from the rhizomes of Paris polyphylla var. latifolia. However, the therapeutic effects of PP9 on CRC and the underlying molecular mechanism remain undefined. Here, we demonstrated that treatment with PP9 time- and dose-dependently inhibited HT-29 and HCT116 cells without significantly inhibiting normal NCM460 cells. Furthermore, our results indicated that PP9 effectively induced G2/M phase arrest by upregulating p21 and suppressing cdc25C, Cyclin B1 and cdc2. Meanwhile, PP9 upregulated cleaved Caspase 3, cleaved Caspase 9 and cleaved PARP and Bax, while downregulating Bcl-2 to stimulate cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, PP9-suppressed PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling, while the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 augmented PP9-mediated apoptosis, G2/M arrest and effects on PI3K/Akt/GSK3β related proteins. Finally, we showed that PP9 (10 mg/kg) significantly reduced tumor growth in nude mouse CRC xenografts, more potently than 5-Fu (20 mg/kg). Jointly, these data firstly demonstrated that PP9 promotes G2/M arrest and apoptotic death in CRC cells through PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling suppression, suggesting that PP9 could be considered a new and promising candidate for CRC therapy.

JuBei Oral Liquid Induces Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptosis in NSCLC Cells

Background

Although gefitinib brings about tremendous advances in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, most of patients become incurable due to drug resistance. JuBei oral liquid (JB) has been widely used to treat pneumonia in clinic. Components of JB were reported to induce apoptosis in NSCLC, which indicated that JB could be a potential antitumor agent for NSCLC patients. In this study, we investigated the effect of JB on gefitinib-sensitive PC-9 and gefitinib-resistant PC-9/GR, H1975 cells as well as its underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

PC-9, PC-9/GR and H1975 cells were treated with JB, LY294002, SCH772984, gefitinib alone or in combination. Then, cell viability, colony formation, cell death, expression of mitochondria-dependent pathway proteins, expression of EGFR, PI3K/AKT, MAPK signal pathway proteins, Bcl-2 mitochondrial translocation, ROS generation and cell apoptosis were examined by MTT, colony forming, live/dead cell staining, Western blot, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry assay.

Results

Our results showed that JB significantly induced cell growth inhibition and apoptotic cell death in PC-9, PC-9/GR and H1975 cells. JB activated mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway through inhibiting Bcl-2 mitochondrial translocation while inducing Bax translocated into mitochondria along with accumulated ROS production, thereby increasing the release of cytochrome c, subsequently cleaving procaspase9 into cleaved-caspase9 and then cleaving procaspase3 into cleaved-caspase3. Furthermore, the employment of protein kinase inhibitors LY294002 and SCH772984 revealed that the induction of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis by JB was reliant on inactivation of PI3K/AKT and MAPK signal pathways. Moreover, JB could synergize with gefitinib to induce apoptosis in PC-9, PC-9/GR and H1975 cells.

Conclusion

These data indicated that JB could be a potential therapeutic agent for NSCLC patients harboring EGFR mutations as well as those under gefitinib resistance.

Advances in Molecular Mechanisms for Traditional Chinese Medicine Actions in Regulating Tumor Immune Responses

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been developed for thousands of years with its various biological activities. The interest in TCM in tumor prevention and treatment is rising with its synergistic effect on tumor cells and tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment (TIM). Characteristic of TCM fits well within the whole system and multi-target cancer treatment. Herein we discuss the underlying mechanisms of TCM actions in TIM via regulating immunosuppressive cells, including restoring the antigen presentation function of dendritic cells, enhancing NK cells-mediated killing activity, restraining the functions of myeloid cell-derived suppressor cells, and inhibiting cancer-associated fibroblasts. TCM also regulates tumor progression through enhancing immune response, preventing immune escape and inducing cell death of tumor cells, which triggers immune response in nearby cells. In addition, we discuss TCM in clinical applications and the advantages and disadvantages of TCM in cancer prevention and treatment, as well as current therapeutic challenges and strategies. It might be helpful for understanding the therapeutic potential of TCM for cancer in clinic.

Siniperca chuatsi rhabdovirus (SCRV) induces autophagy via PI3K/Akt-mTOR pathway in CPB cells

Autophagy is an important mechanism for organisms to eliminate viruses and other intracellular pathogens. Siniperca chuatsi rhabdovirus (SCRV) is an agent that has caused devastating losses in Chinese perch (Siniperca chuatsi) industry. But the role of autophagy in Siniperca chuatsi rhabdovirus (SCRV) infection is not clearly understood. In this study, we identified that SCRV infection triggered autophagy in CPB cells, which was demonstrated by the appearance of the membrane vesicles, GFP-LC3 punctuate pattern, conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II, and the co-localization of autophagosomes and lysosomes. The changes of autophagy flux in SCRV infection indicated that autophagy was inhibited at the early stage of SCRV infection, but was promoted at the late stage. UV-inactivated SCRV can induce autophagy, suggesting that SCRV replication is not essential for the induction of autophagy. Furthermore, we found inducing autophagy with Rapa inhibited SCRV proliferation, but inhibiting autophagy with 3-MA or CQ increased SCRV production in CPB cells. Then we assessed the effects of PI3K/Akt-mTOR signaling pathway on SCRV induced autophagy. We found that SCRV infection activated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway at 4 hpi, but inhibited it at 8 hpi. SCRV-N mRNA and protein level were decreased by inhibiting PI3K with LY294002, but increased by activating PI3K with 740Y-P. Those results indicated that SCRV infection induced autophagy via the PI3K/Akt-mTOR signal pathway, which will provide new insights into SCRV pathogenesis and antiviral treatment strategies.

Clinical efficacy of Baihe Gujin decoction combined with anti-tuberculosis therapy for pulmonary tuberculosis with Yin-deficiency and Fire-hyperactivity syndrome

Objective

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Baihe Gujin decoction combined with anti-tuberculosis therapy in mitigating the symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis and to measure the effect on the CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cell (T_reg) ratio.

Methods

This randomized study enrolled patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and randomly assigned them to one of two treatment groups: an anti-tuberculosis treatment group and a combined treatment group. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed before and 2 weeks after treatment. The ratio of CD4+ CD25+ T_reg cells and the levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6 and IL-12 in peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were measured. Symptoms were recorded before and after treatment.

Results

A total of 100 patients were enrolled and assigned to the anti-tuberculosis (n = 58) and combined treatment groups (n = 42). In the combined treatment group, Leicester Cough Questionnaire score, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, CD4+ CD25+ T_reg cell ratio in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, cytokine levels, chest pain score and sleep disorder score were significantly decreased compared with the anti-tuberculosis treatment group after treatment. The leukocyte count, haemoglobin level, platelet and alanine aminotransferase levels did not differ significantly between the two groups after treatment. The creatinine level in the combined treatment group was significantly lower than that in the anti-tuberculosis treatment group.

Conclusion

Baihe Gujin decoction combined with anti-tuberculosis treatment can effectively alleviate the symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis, enhance the host immune function and protect renal function.

Targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR-mediated autophagy for tumor therapy

Autophagy is a highly conserved catabolic process and participates in a variety of cellular biological activities. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, as a critical regulator of autophagy, is involved in the initiation and promotion of a series of pathological disorders including various tumors. Autophagy also participates in regulating the balance between the tumor and the tumor microenvironment. Natural products have been considered a treasure of new drug discoveries and are of great value to medicine. Mounting evidence has suggested that numerous natural products are targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR-mediated autophagy, thereby suppressing tumor growth. Furthermore, autophagy plays a "double-edged sword" role in different tumors. Targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR-mediated autophagy is an important therapeutic strategy for a variety of tumors, and plays important roles in enhancing the chemosensitivity of tumor cells and avoiding drug resistance. Therefore, we summarized the roles of PI3K/AKT/mTOR-mediated autophagy in tumorigenesis, progression, and drug resistance of tumors, which may be utilized to design preferably therapeutic strategies for various tumors.

Ophiopogon japonicus inhibits radiation-induced pulmonary inflammation in mice

Background

Radiation-induced lung injury, including the acute pulmonary inflammation and chronic pulmonary fibrosis remains the major complication of thoracic radiotherapy.

Methods

In this study, we assessed the effects of Ophiopogon japonicus (O. japonicas) in inhibiting the radiation-induced pulmonary inflammation through an acute lung injury mouse model using C57BL/6 mice that received 18 Gy irradiation to the thoracic region. Starting at 4 days before radiation, mice were treated with O. japonicus or dexamethasone combined with cephalexin or vehicle daily for 14 days.

Results

Exposure to radiation resulted in pulmonary inflammation in mice, but treatment with O. japonicus or dexamethasone-cephalexin could both significantly reduce radiation-induced pulmonary inflammation through inhibition of IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β1, hydroxyproline, MDA, MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in plasma or lung tissue. In addition, through analyzing tissue damage, cytokines and inflammation-related protein at 12 weeks after irradiation, we found that the protective effect of O. japonicus was more enduring than dexamethasone-cephalexin.

Conclusions

As radiation-induced lung injury is a major obstacle in thoracic radiotherapies and seriously affect the quality of patients' life. Application of O. japonicus may be a novel strategy to manage radiation-induced pulmonary inflammation.

Reduced CENPU expression inhibits lung adenocarcinoma cell proliferation and migration through PI3K/AKT signaling

CENPU (centromere protein U), a centromere component essential for mitosis, relates with some cancers progression. However, it is not well illustrated in lung adenocarcinoma (LAC). Here, we aimed to investigate the potential effect of CENPU on LAC progression and prognosis. In this experiment, expression level of CENPU and association between its expression and LAC patients' clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis were analyzed. The proliferation, migration and invasive abilities of LAC cells were determined by CCK-8, colony formation, transwell assays. Western blot was used to detect PI3K/AKT signaling key proteins. We found CENPU level was overexpressed in LAC tissues on comparing normal tissues. Moreover, CENPU overexpression correlated with clinicopathological variables and predicted an independent prognostic indicator in LAC patients. Functionally, CENPU downregulation significantly inhibited LAC cell proliferation, migration and invasion in, which was possibly mediated by PI3K/AKT pathway inactivation. Our findings insinuate targeting CENPU may be a potential therapeutic strategy for LAC.

Ligustrazin increases lung cell autophagy and ameliorates paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR and hedgehog signalling via increasing miR-193a expression

Background

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels largely determine pulmonary fibrosis. Antioxidants have been found to ameliorate lung fibrosis after long-term paraquat (PQ) exposure. The effects of antioxidants, however, on the signalling pathways involved in PQ-induced lung fibrosis have not yet been investigated sufficiently. Here, we examined the impacts of ligustrazin on lung fibrosis, in particular ROS-related autophagy and pro-fibrotic signalling pathways, using a murine model of PQ-induced lung fibrosis.

Methods

We explored the effects of microRNA-193 (miR-193a) on Hedgehog (Hh) and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling and oxidative stress in lung tissues. Levels of miR-193a, protein kinase B (Akt), phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K), ceclin1, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), sonic hedgehog (SHH), myosin-like Bcl2 interacting protein (LC3), smoothened (Smo), and glioma-associated oncogene-1 (Gli-1) mRNAs were determined with quantitative real-time PCR. Protein levels of PI3K, p-mTOR, p-Akt, SHH, beclin1, gGli-1, LC3, smo, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), mothers against DPP homologue-2 (Smad2), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), collagen I, collagen III, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) nuclear factor erythroid 2p45-related factor-2 (Nrf2), and p-Smad2 were detected by western blotting. In addition, α-SMA, malondialdehyde, ROS, superoxide dismutase (SOD), oxidised and reduced glutathione, hydroxyproline, and overall collagen levels were identified in lung tissues using immunohistochemistry.

Results

Long-term PQ exposure blocked miR-193a expression, reduced PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling, increased oxidative stress, inhibited autophagy, increased Hh signalling, and facilitated the formation of pulmonary fibrosis. Ligustrazin blocked PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Hh signalling as well as reduced oxidative stress via increasing miR-193a expression and autophagy, all of which reduced pulmonary fibrosis. These effects of ligustrazin were accompanied by reduced TGF-β1, CTGF, and Collagen I and III expression.

Conclusions

Ligustrazin blocked PQ-induced PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Hh signalling by increasing miR-193a expression, thereby attenuating PQ-induced lung fibrosis.

Afrocyclamin A, a triterpene saponin, induces apoptosis and autophagic cell death via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in human prostate cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Afrocyclamin A, an oleanane-type triterpene saponin, was isolated from Androsace umbellata which used as a traditional herbal medicine.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore the anticancer activity of afrocyclamin A on human prostate cancer cells in vitro as well as in vivo.

METHODS

Cytotoxicity, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, and autophagic cell death were measured following exposure to afrocyclamin A. In vivo antitumor activity of afrocyclamin A was assessed in a xenograft model. The protein levels of p-Akt, p-mTOR, Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, and caspase-9 were quantified using western blot analysis.

RESULTS

In DU145 cells, afrocyclamin A increased cytotoxicity, caused changes in cell morphology, and induced sub-G0/G1 phase indicating increased apoptosis. Afrocyclamin A robustly induced autophagic cell death as demonstrated by the conversion of LC3B-I to LC3B-II, and the formation of autophagic vacuoles as revealed by western blot analysis and fluorescence staining, respectively. Afrocyclamin A also inhibited the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR, suggesting their role in afrocyclamin A induced cell death. In addition, afrocyclamin A inhibited cell migration and invasion in concentration and time-dependent manners. In an in vivo xenograft model, afrocyclamin A inhibited the growth of DU145 cells.

CONCLUSION

Afrocyclamin A has anticancer activity via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, which leads to cell death.

YiQiFuMai lyophilized injection attenuates particulate matter-induced acute lung injury in mice via TLR4-mTOR-autophagy pathway

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are the serious diseases that are characterized by a severe inflammatory response of lung injuries and damage to the microvascular permeability, frequently resulting in death. YiQiFuMai (YQFM) lyophilized injection powder is a redeveloped preparation based on the well-known traditional Chinese medicine formula Sheng-Mai-San which is widely used in clinical practice in China, mainly for the treatment of microcirculatory disturbance-related diseases. However, there is little information about its role in ALI/ARDS. The aim of this study was to determine the protective effect of YQFM on particulate matter (PM)-induced ALI. The mice were intratracheally instilled with 50 mg/kg body weight of Standard Reference Material1648a (SRM1648a) in the PM-induced group. The mice in the YQFM group were given YQFM (three doses: 0.33, 0.67, and 1.34 g/kg) by tail vein injection 30 min after the intratracheal instillation of PM. The results showed that YQFM markedly reduced lung pathological injury and the lung wet/dry weight ratios induced by PM. Furthermore, we also found that YQFM significantly inhibited the PM-induced myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in lung tissues, decreased the PM-induced inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), reduced nitric oxide (NO) and total protein in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF), and effectively attenuated PM-induced increases lymphocytes in BALF. In addition, YQFM increased mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation and dramatically suppressed the PM-stimulated expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), MyD88, autophagy-related protein LC3Ⅱand Beclin 1 as well as autophagy. In conclusion, these findings indicate that YQFM had a critical anti-inflammatory effect due to its ability to regulate both TLR4-MyD88 and mTOR-autophagy pathways, and might be a possible therapeutic agent for PM-induced ALI.

Effects of Panax notoginseng saponins on severe acute pancreatitis through the regulation of mTOR/Akt and caspase-3 signaling pathway by upregulating miR-181b expression in rats

BACKGROUND

In China, Panax notoginseng has been used to treat oxidative stress-related diseases for a long time. Panax notoginseng saponins is an extract from Panax notoginseng Ledeb. Its therapeutic potential is related to antioxidant activity, but related mechanisms are still unclear. The study aims to assess the protection effects of Panax notoginseng saponins in the taurocholate-induced rat model of acute pancreatitis (AP) and explore underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

A rat model of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) was established in rats induced with taurocholate. Panax notoginseng saponins was firstly administered in the treatment group via intravenous injection. After 2 h, taurocholate administration was performed. After 24 h, the expression levels of miR-181b, Beclin1, LC3-II, Akt and mTOR from pancreas tissues were measured by Western Blotting and RT-PCR. Then the expression levels of Caspase-3 and Blc-2 were determined by immunohistochemistry. Apoptosis was assessed by the TUNEL assay. Amylase and lipase in serum were determined by ELISA and pancreatic water contents in pancreatic tissue were measured. After eosin and hematoxylin staining, the histologic analysis was performed.

RESULTS

After SAP induction by taurocholate and the treatment with Panax notoginseng saponins for 24 h, we detected the up-regulated miR-181b, the reduced Bcl-2 expression, the increased activity of mTOR/Akt, the blocked Beclin1 and LC3-II expressions, and the enhanced Caspase-3 expression. Serum lipase and amylase levels were significantly decreased in the treatment group of Panax notoginseng saponins compared to the control group. Histological analysis results verified the attenuation effects of Panax notoginseng saponins on taurocholate-induced pancreas injury, apoptosis, and autophagy.

CONCLUSION

By up-regulating the miR-181b expression level, Panax notoginseng saponins significantly reduced taurocholate-induced pancreas injury and autophagy and increased apoptosis. The significant protection effects of Panax notoginseng saponins suggested its potential in treating taurocholate induced-acute pancreatitis.

Non-apoptotic cell death in malignant tumor cells and natural compounds

Traditional cancer therapy is mainly targeting on enhancing cell apoptosis, however, it is well established that many cancer cells are chemo-resistant and defective in apoptosis induction. Therefore, it may have important therapeutic implications to exploit some novel natural compounds based on non-apoptotic programmed cell death. Currently, accumulating evidence shows that the compounds from nature source can induce non-apoptotic programmed cell death in cancer cells, and therefore these natural compounds have gained a great promise for the future anticancer therapeutics. In this review, we will concentrate our efforts on the latest developments regarding major forms of non-apoptotic programmed cell death--autophagic cell death, necroptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, glutamoptosis and exosome-associated cell death. Our increased understanding of the role of natural compounds in regulating non-apoptotic programmed cell death will hopefully provide prospective strategies for cancer therapy.

Novel steroidal saponins with cytotoxic activities from the roots of Ophiopogon japonicus (L. f.) Ker-Gawl

Novel cytotoxic steroidal saponins from the roots of Ophiopogon japonicus (L. f.) Ker-Gawl.