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Lorca M, Muscia GC, Pérez-Benavente S, Bautista JM, Acosta A, González C, Sabadini G, Mella J, Asís SE, Mellado M. 2D/3D-QSAR Model Development Based on a Quinoline Pharmacophoric Core for the Inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum: An In Silico Approach with Experimental Validation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:889. [PMID: 39065740 PMCID: PMC11279914 DOI: 10.3390/ph17070889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria is an infectious disease caused by Plasmodium spp. parasites, with widespread drug resistance to most antimalarial drugs. We report the development of two 3D-QSAR models based on comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA), comparative molecular similarity index analysis (CoMSIA), and a 2D-QSAR model, using a database of 349 compounds with activity against the P. falciparum 3D7 strain. The models were validated internally and externally, complying with all metrics (q2 > 0.5, r2test > 0.6, r2m > 0.5, etc.). The final models have shown the following statistical values: r2test CoMFA = 0.878, r2test CoMSIA = 0.876, and r2test 2D-QSAR = 0.845. The models were experimentally tested through the synthesis and biological evaluation of ten quinoline derivatives against P. falciparum 3D7. The CoMSIA and 2D-QSAR models outperformed CoMFA in terms of better predictive capacity (MAE = 0.7006, 0.4849, and 1.2803, respectively). The physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of three selected quinoline derivatives were similar to chloroquine. Finally, the compounds showed low cytotoxicity (IC50 > 100 µM) on human HepG2 cells. These results suggest that the QSAR models accurately predict the toxicological profile, correlating well with experimental in vivo data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Lorca
- Instituto de Química y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Av. Gran Bretaña 1111, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile; (M.L.); (G.S.)
| | - Gisela C. Muscia
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, C1113AAB Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1113, Argentina;
| | - Susana Pérez-Benavente
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.P.-B.); (J.M.B.)
| | - José M. Bautista
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.P.-B.); (J.M.B.)
| | - Alison Acosta
- Universidad Andres Bello, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Viña del Mar 2531015, Chile;
| | - Cesar González
- Departamento de Química, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Av. España 1680, Valparaíso 2390123, Chile;
| | - Gianfranco Sabadini
- Instituto de Química y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Av. Gran Bretaña 1111, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile; (M.L.); (G.S.)
| | - Jaime Mella
- Instituto de Química y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Av. Gran Bretaña 1111, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile; (M.L.); (G.S.)
- Centro de Investigacion, Desarrollo e Innovacion de Productos Bioactivos (CInBIO), Universidad de Valparaiso, Av. Gran Bretaña 1111, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
| | - Silvia E. Asís
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, C1113AAB Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1113, Argentina;
| | - Marco Mellado
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Central de Chile, Santiago 8330507, Chile
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Zhang W, Liu C, Li J, Lu Y, Li H, Zhuang J, Ren X, Wang M, Sun C. Tanshinone IIA: New Perspective on the Anti-Tumor Mechanism of A Traditional Natural Medicine. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2022; 50:209-239. [PMID: 34983327 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x22500070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The search for natural and efficacious antineoplastic drugs, with minimal toxicity and side effects, is an important part of antitumor drug research and development. Tanshinone IIA is the most evaluated lipophilic active component of Salvia miltiorrhiza. Tanshinone IIA is a path-breaking traditional drug applied in cardiovascular treatment. It has also been found that tanshinone IIA plays an important role in the digestive, respiratory and circulatory systems, as well as in other tumor diseases. Tanshinone IIA significantly inhibits the proliferation of several types of tumors, blocks the cell cycle, induces apoptosis and autophagic death, in addition to inhibiting cell migration and invasion. Among these, the regulation of tumor-cell apoptosis signaling pathways is the key breakthrough point in several modes of antitumor therapy. The PI3K/AKT/MTOR signaling pathway and the JNK pathway are the key pathways for tanshinone IIA to induce tumor cell apoptosis. In addition to glycolysis, reactive oxygen species and signal transduction all play an active role with the participation of tanshinone IIA. Endogenous apoptosis is considered the main mechanism of tumor apoptosis induced by tanshinone IIA. Multiple pathways and targets play a role in the process of endogenous apoptosis. Tanshinone IIA can protect chemotherapy drugs, which is mainly reflected in the protection of the side effects of chemotherapy drugs, such as neurotoxicity and inhibition of the hematopoietic system. Tanshinone IIA also has a certain regulatory effect on tumor angiogenesis, which is mainly manifested in the control of hypoxia. Our findings indicated that tanshinone IIA is an effective treatment agent in the cardiovascular field and plays a significant role in antitumor therapeutics. This paper reviews the pharmacological potential and inhibitory effect of tanshinone IIA on cancer. It is greatly anticipated that tanshinone IIA will be employed as an adjuvant in the treatment of various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P. R. China.,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau, P. R. China
| | - Cun Liu
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P. R. China
| | - Jie Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P. R. China
| | - Yiping Lu
- Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Center, Department of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao Shandong 266000, P. R. China
| | - Huayao Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P. R. China
| | - Jing Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 261041, P. R. China
| | - Xin Ren
- Clinical Medical Colleges, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P. R. China
| | - Mengmeng Wang
- Clinical Medical Colleges, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P. R. China
| | - Changgang Sun
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 261041, P. R. China.,Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, P. R. China
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Zhou X, Suo F, Haslinger K, Quax WJ. Artemisinin-Type Drugs in Tumor Cell Death: Mechanisms, Combination Treatment with Biologics and Nanoparticle Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:395. [PMID: 35214127 PMCID: PMC8875250 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin, the most famous anti-malaria drug initially extracted from Artemisia annua L., also exhibits anti-tumor properties in vivo and in vitro. To improve its solubility and bioavailability, multiple derivatives have been synthesized. However, to reveal the anti-tumor mechanism and improve the efficacy of these artemisinin-type drugs, studies have been conducted in recent years. In this review, we first provide an overview of the effect of artemisinin-type drugs on the regulated cell death pathways, which may uncover novel therapeutic approaches. Then, to overcome the shortcomings of artemisinin-type drugs, we summarize the recent advances in two different therapeutic approaches, namely the combination therapy with biologics influencing regulated cell death, and the use of nanocarriers as drug delivery systems. For the former approach, we discuss the superiority of combination treatments compared to monotherapy in tumor cells based on their effects on regulated cell death. For the latter approach, we give a systematic overview of nanocarrier design principles used to deliver artemisinin-type drugs, including inorganic-based nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles, polymer-based nanoparticles, carbon-based nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers and niosomes. Both approaches have yielded promising findings in vitro and in vivo, providing a strong scientific basis for further study and upcoming clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kristina Haslinger
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; (X.Z.); (F.S.)
| | - Wim J. Quax
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; (X.Z.); (F.S.)
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Chen Y, Wang F, Wu P, Gong S, Gao J, Tao H, Shen Q, Wang S, Zhou Z, Jia Y. Artesunate induces apoptosis, autophagy and ferroptosis in diffuse large B cell lymphoma cells by impairing STAT3 signaling. Cell Signal 2021; 88:110167. [PMID: 34628002 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Artesunate (ART), a water-soluble derivative of artemisinin, has been reported to exert antineoplastic effects via diverse mechanisms in various types of cancer. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanism of action of ART in distinct cancer types is indispensable to optimizing the therapeutic application of ART for different types of cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for the antineoplastic effects of ART in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cells. Cell proliferation was measured using Cell Counting Kit-8 and colony formation assays. The levels of apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were investigated using flow cytometry. In addition, western blotting was used to analyze the expression levels of ART-induced apoptosis-, autophagy- and ferroptosis-related proteins. Monodansylcadaverine staining was performed to determine the levels of autophagy. Moreover, malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species assays were used to determine the levels of ferroptosis. The results of the present study revealed that ART inhibited proliferation, and induced apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, autophagy and ferroptosis in DLBCL cells. Pharmacological inhibition of autophagy and ferroptosis alleviated the increased levels of apoptosis induced by ART. Notably, ART was found to exert its effects via inhibition of STAT3 activation. The genetic knockdown of STAT3 enhanced ART-induced autophagy and ferroptosis, and concomitantly upregulated the expression levels of apoptosis- and cell cycle-related proteins. In conclusion, the findings of the current study suggested that ART may induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest to inhibit cell proliferation, and regulate autophagy and ferroptosis via impairing the STAT3 signaling pathway in DLBCL cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Chen
- Department of Hematology and Research Laboratory of Hematology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Fujue Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Pengqiang Wu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Shuaige Gong
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Department of Hematology and Research Laboratory of Hematology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Huan Tao
- Department of Hematology and Research Laboratory of Hematology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Qianqing Shen
- Department of Hematology and Research Laboratory of Hematology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Shuoting Wang
- Department of Hematology and Research Laboratory of Hematology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhencang Zhou
- Department of Hematology and Research Laboratory of Hematology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yongqian Jia
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Song C, Shi D, Chang K, Li X, Dong Q, Ma X, Wang X, Guo Z, Liu Y, Wang J. Sodium fluoride activates the extrinsic apoptosis via regulating NOX4/ROS-mediated p53/DR5 signaling pathway in lung cells both in vitro and in vivo. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 169:137-148. [PMID: 33857626 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
An extensive body of research has demonstrated that pulmonary toxicity induced by fluoride is related to cell apoptosis. Although induction of death receptor-initiated extrinsic apoptosis by sodium fluoride (NaF) has been reported, its mechanism of action is still not clearly defined. Herein, we found that NaF treatment induced activation of caspase-8 in BEAS-2B cells, resulting in apoptosis, which was markedly reduced by blocking caspase-8 using small interfering RNA (siRNA). In this study, we report that death receptor 5 (DR5), a major component of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway, is markedly induced upon NaF stimulation. Enhanced DR5 induction was necessary for the apoptotic effects of NaF, inasmuch as transfected BEAS-2B cells with DR5 siRNA attenuated NaF-induced caspase-8 activation in lung cells. Mechanism investigation indicated that the induction of DR5, following NaF exposure, was mediated by tumor protein 53 (p53)-dependent transcriptional activation. Notably, we demonstrated that NaF could induce a significant increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level derived from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4). Specifically, NOX4 knockdown inhibited NaF-induced the activation of p53/DR5 axis by reducing NOX4-derived ROS production. Further in vivo investigation demonstrated that NOX4 deficiency markedly attenuates NaF-induced lung injury, apoptosis, and ROS levels in the lung. Moreover, the expressions of p53 and DR5 were significantly reduced after NaF treatment in NOX4 knockout mice compared with the wild type mice. Taken together, our findings provide a novel insight into for the pulmonary apoptosis in response to NaF exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Song
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Metabolic and Poisoning Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China.
| | - Dongmei Shi
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Metabolic and Poisoning Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Kaiwen Chang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Probes, Department of Chemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
| | - Xianghui Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Qing Dong
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Metabolic and Poisoning Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Xia Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Xuefei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Zhenhuan Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Yonglu Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Jundong Wang
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Metabolic and Poisoning Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China; Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China.
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Tanshinone IIA sensitizes TRAIL-induced apoptosis in glioblastoma through inducing the expression of death receptors (and suppressing STAT3 activation). Brain Res 2021; 1766:147515. [PMID: 33984327 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This work was designed to explore whether the combination of Tanshinone IIA (T-IIA) and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has a direct anti-cancer effect in glioblastoma (GBM) and the possible mechanisms. METHODS GBM cells (U-87 and U-251 MG) were treated with T-IIA or/and TRAIL, or the expression of death receptors (DRs), DR4 and DR5, was suppressed in GBM cells. The activity of GBM cells was determined by MTT, and the apoptosis was assessed by Hoechst33342 staining and flow cytometry. The expression levels of cleaved caspase-3/8/9, phosphorylated (p)-STAT3 as well as DR4 and DR5 in GBM cells were assessed by Western blotting. A nude mouse xenograft model was constructed to evaluate the effects of T-IIA and TRAIL cotreatment on tumor growth and apoptosis in vivo. RESULTS After T-IIA treatment, GBM cells resumed the sensitivity to TRAIL-induced apoptosis dependent on inhibition of p-STAT3 and activation of DR4, DR5 and caspases. DR4 or/and DR5 knockdown significantly abated the co-effect of T-IIA and TRAIL on GBM cell apoptosis and proliferation. Furthermore, T-IIA and TRAIL cotreatment markedly inhibited the growth of transplanted tumor and activated U87 cell apoptosis in nude mice. CONCLUSION T-IIA increases TRAIL-induced apoptosis by downregulating STAT3 and upregulating DR4 and DR5, indicating T-IIA therapy as a novel treatment strategy for TRAIL-resistant GBM.
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Zhang R, Wu T, Zheng P, Liu M, Xu G, Xi M, Yu J. Thymoquinone sensitizes human hepatocarcinoma cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis via oxidative DNA damage. DNA Repair (Amst) 2021; 103:103117. [PMID: 33990030 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2021.103117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the most predominant types of digestive system malignancies worldwide. TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a biological cytokine with the mentioned specificity, but some tumor cells' resistance limits its use as a therapeutic approach. The present study aimed to investigate thymoquinone (TQ) and TRAIL's combined effect and the potential mechanisms in human hepatic HepG2 carcinoma cells. METHODS Cell viability and IC50 dose for TQ and TRAIL, alone and in combination, were determined using the MTT method. ELISA evaluated the expression levels of 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine. The apoptosis rate was assessed by flow cytometry, ELISA cell death assay, and caspase 8 activity assays. The mRNA and protein evaluation of candidate genes, including survivin, Bcl-2, XIAP, c-IAP1, c-IAP2, and c-FLIP, were accomplished before and after the treatment using qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. RESULTS Our results showed that TQ synergistically increased TRAIL's cell toxic effects as follows: TQ plus TRAIL > TRAIL > TQ. TQ could sensitize the HepG2 cells against the TRAIL-induced apoptosis and amplify the caspase 8 activity. This outcome is achieved by decreasing the mRNA and protein expression levels of anti-apoptotic genes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that TQ can sensitize the human HCC cell line HepG2 against TRAIL by inducing the death receptor pathway. Moreover, these agents' combinational therapy might promise a therapeutic regimen for improving the clinical efficacy of TRAIL-induced apoptosis in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruikui Zhang
- Department of Special Emergency Surgery, Special Medical Center of Chinese People 's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, 300162, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, 570311, China
| | - Peipei Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, the First Hospital Affiliated of Shandong First Medical University (Qianfoshan Hospital), Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, 570311, China
| | - Guixiang Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Qingdao Fuwai Hospital Qingdao, Shandong, 266034, China
| | - Ming Xi
- Department of Urology, Huadu District People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510800, China
| | - Jian Yu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Hospital Affiliated of Shandong First Medical University (Qianfoshan Hospital), Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China.
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Huang X, Ou C, Shu Y, Wang Y, Gong S, Luo R, Chen S, Wu Q, Gong C. A self-sustained nanoplatform reverses TRAIL-resistance of pancreatic cancer through coactivating of exogenous and endogenous apoptotic pathway. Biomaterials 2021; 272:120795. [PMID: 33836292 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Since the 5-year survival rate of pancreatic cancer is only 10.0%, new therapies are urgently needed. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis specifically on tumor cells, nevertheless its clinical application was seriously restricted by resistance and short in vivo half-life. Herein, a novel multifunctional R6ST protein equipped with cell penetrating peptides R6, intrinsic apoptosis inducing tetrapeptide AVPI and soluble TRAIL was designed and constructed. Then, it was recruited to prepare self-sustained nanoplatform (SSN) to reverse TRAIL-resistance of pancreatic cancer through simultaneously promoting extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathway, as well to elongate circulation time. Once administrated, high tumor accumulation and cellular uptake of SSN were achieved through prolonged circulation time, targeting ability of soluble TRAIL to death receptors and positive-charged R6, and further enhanced through reversed upregulation of death receptors on TRAIL-resistant tumor cells by the cumulated artesunate released in cytoplasm as a positive feedback loop. Furthermore, this loop simultaneously promoted extrinsic apoptosis of TRAIL fragment via the upregulated death receptors on TRAIL-resistant pancreatic cancer cells and intrinsic apoptosis of AVPI tetrapeptide via the efficient accumulation and uptake of R6ST on SSN. Hence, SSN exhibited synergistic antitumor effect and provided a new strategy for TRAIL-resistant pancreatic cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianzhou Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chunqing Ou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yaqian Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Songlin Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Rui Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Shouchun Chen
- Chengdu Huachuang Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qinjie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Changyang Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Pan K, Lu J, Song Y. Artesunate ameliorates cigarette smoke-induced airway remodelling via PPAR-γ/TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signalling pathway. Respir Res 2021; 22:91. [PMID: 33757521 PMCID: PMC7989207 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-021-01687-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Airway remodelling is the major pathological feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and leads to poorly reversible airway obstruction. Current pharmacological interventions are ineffective in controlling airway remodelling. In the present study, we investigated the potential role of artesunate in preventing and treating airway remodelling and the underlying molecular mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. METHODS A COPD rat model was established by cigarette smoke (CS) exposure. After 12 weeks of artesunate treatment, pathological changes in the lung tissues of COPD rats were examined by ELISA and histochemical and immunohistochemical staining. A lung functional experiment was also carried out to elucidate the effects of artesunate. Human bronchial smooth muscle (HBSM) cells were used to clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms. RESULTS Artesunate treatment inhibited CS-induced airway inflammation and oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner and significantly reduced airway remodelling by inhibiting α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and cyclin D1 expression. PPAR-γ was upregulated and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signalling was inactivated by artesunate treatment in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, PPAR-γ knockdown by siRNA transfection abolished artesunate-mediated inhibition of HBSM cell proliferation by activiting the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signalling pathway and downregulating the expression of α-SMA and cyclin D1 in HBSM cells. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that artesunate could be used to treat airway remodelling by regulating PPAR-γ/TGF-β1/Smad signalling in the context of COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunming Pan
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Juanjuan Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yun Song
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
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Ke Z, Xie A, Chen J, Zou Z, Shen L, Dai Y, Zou D. Naturally available hypericin undergoes electron transfer for type I photodynamic and photothermal synergistic therapy. Biomater Sci 2021; 8:2481-2487. [PMID: 32202278 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm00021c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Naturally available compounds with bioactivity are potential candidates for cancer treatment. In this paper, we isolated hypericin (HC) from Hypericum sinense L. and investigated its antitumor activity both in vitro and in vivo. The nanoparticles (NPs) of HC were prepared by a nanoprecipitation process with 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-ethanolamine-N-[methoxy(polyethylene glycol)-2000] (DSPE-PEG-2000). With light irradiation, HC NPs not only undergo efficient electron transfer to generate the superoxide radical (O2-˙) and the hydroxyl radical (OH˙) as well as energy transfer producing singlet oxygen (1O2) for photodynamic therapy (PDT), but also non-radiative decay to produce heat for photothermal therapy (PTT) with a photothermal conversion efficiency of 29.3%. This synergistic therapy, therefore, largely boosts the phototherapy efficacy of HC NPs on human cervical cancer cells (HeLa), guaranteeing a low half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of only 5.6 μg mL-1. Furthermore, in vivo studies suggest that HC NPs are capable of inhibiting tumor proliferation after laser irradiation, and the main organs remain healthy, including the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs and spleen. Our results indicate that HC NPs derived from nature with excellent phototherapy efficacies are biocompatible candidates for type I PDT/PTT synergistic cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Ke
- School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, Guangxi, P.R. China.
| | - Aize Xie
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Jianjiao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, Guangxi, P.R. China.
| | - Zhenyuan Zou
- School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, Guangxi, P.R. China.
| | - Lei Shen
- Jiangsu Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials, Department of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Changshu Institute of Technology, Changshu 215500, Jiangsu, P.R. China.
| | - Yansong Dai
- Virginia University of Integrative Medicine, Fairfax, 22031, Virginia, USA.
| | - Dengfeng Zou
- School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, Guangxi, P.R. China.
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11
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Li W, Ma G, Deng Y, Wu Q, Wang Z, Zhou Q. Artesunate exhibits synergistic anti-cancer effects with cisplatin on lung cancer A549 cells by inhibiting MAPK pathway. Gene 2020; 766:145134. [PMID: 32898605 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.145134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artesunate (ART) has been used extensively as anti-malarial drugs worldwide. Besides, it has also been reported to have anti-cancer activities. This study was aimed to explore the anti-cancer activity of ART in combination with cisplatin (CIS) on A549 cells. METHODS Cells were cultured with different concentrations of ART and/or CIS for 24, 48, or 72 h to test the anti-proliferative effects by CCK-8 assay. Colony formation assay and EdU staining were also performed. TUNEL staining was used to illustrate the morphologic changes. Cell cycle and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry assay, and Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the expression of apoptosis- and proliferation-related proteins. Caspase activities were determined by colorimetric assay kit. Moreover, the synergistic effect of ART with CIS in A549 cell xenograft model was also determined. RESULTS ART significantly inhibited cell proliferation in dose- and time-dependent manners. Collectively, the combination treatment remarkably decreased colony formation rates and increased the rates of TUNEL-positive cells compared with mono-treatment. Mechanistically, the combination treatment influenced the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, p-P53, Caspase-3/7, Caspase-9, CyclinB1, P34, P21, and synergistically regulated the activity of P38/JNK/ERK1/2 MAPK pathway. In mice A549 xenograft tumors, the combination strategy significantly increased the anti-cancer efficacy of ART and CIS alone, consistent with the in vitro observations. CONCLUSIONS ART exhibited significant anti-tumor effect on A549 cells and this efficiency could be enhanced by combination with CIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Li
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P. R. China
| | - Guangzhi Ma
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P. R. China
| | - Yunfu Deng
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Wu
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P. R. China
| | - Zhu Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis of Cancer, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P. R. China
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P. R. China.
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12
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Zhou X, Zijlstra SN, Soto-Gamez A, Setroikromo R, Quax WJ. Artemisinin Derivatives Stimulate DR5-Specific TRAIL-Induced Apoptosis by Regulating Wildtype P53. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2514. [PMID: 32899699 PMCID: PMC7563660 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin derivatives, widely known as commercial anti-malaria drugs, may also have huge potential in treating cancer cells. It has been reported that artemisinin derivatives can overcome resistance to tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis in liver and cervical cancer cells. In our study, we demonstrated that artesunate (ATS) and dihydroartemisinin (DHA) are more efficient in killing colon cancer cells compared to artemisinin (ART). ATS/DHA induces the expression of DR5 in a P53 dependent manner in HCT116 and DLD-1 cells. Both ATS and DHA overcome the resistance to DHER-induced apoptosis in HCT116, mainly through upregulating death receptor 5 (DR5). We also demonstrate that DHA sensitizes HCT116 cells to DHER-induced apoptosis via P53 regulated DR5 expression in P53 knockdown assays. Nevertheless, a lower effect was observed in DLD-1 cells, which has a single Ser241Phe mutation in the P53 DNA binding domain. Thus, the status of P53 could be one of the determinants of TRAIL resistance in some cancer cells. Finally, the combination treatment of DHA and the TRAIL variant DHER increases cell death in 3D colon cancer spheroid models, which shows its potential as a novel therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Wim J. Quax
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; (X.Z.); (S.N.Z.); (A.S.-G.); (R.S.)
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13
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Old wine in new bottles: Drug repurposing in oncology. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 866:172784. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.172784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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14
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Yu C, Sun P, Zhou Y, Shen B, Zhou M, Wu L, Kong M. Inhibition of AKT enhances the anti-cancer effects of Artemisinin in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 118:109383. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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15
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Mota TC, Garcia TB, Bonfim LT, Portilho AJS, Pinto CA, Burbano RMR, Bahia M. Markers of oxidative‐nitrosative stress induced by artesunate are followed by clastogenic and aneugenic effects and apoptosis in human lymphocytes. J Appl Toxicol 2019; 39:1405-1412. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.3826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiane C. Mota
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic and Genetic Toxicology, Institute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Pará (UFPA) Belém‐ Pará Brazil
| | - Tarcyane B. Garcia
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic and Genetic Toxicology, Institute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Pará (UFPA) Belém‐ Pará Brazil
| | - Laís T. Bonfim
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic and Genetic Toxicology, Institute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Pará (UFPA) Belém‐ Pará Brazil
| | - Adrhyann J. S. Portilho
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic and Genetic Toxicology, Institute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Pará (UFPA) Belém‐ Pará Brazil
| | - Camila A. Pinto
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic and Genetic Toxicology, Institute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Pará (UFPA) Belém‐ Pará Brazil
| | - Rommel M. R. Burbano
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic and Genetic Toxicology, Institute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Pará (UFPA) Belém‐ Pará Brazil
| | - Marcelo Bahia
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic and Genetic Toxicology, Institute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Pará (UFPA) Belém‐ Pará Brazil
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16
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Saraf RS, Datta A, Sima C, Hua J, Lopes R, Bittner M. An in-silico study examining the induction of apoptosis by Cryptotanshinone in metastatic melanoma cell lines. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:855. [PMID: 30157799 PMCID: PMC6116360 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4756-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastatic melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer that evades various anti-cancer treatments including surgery, radio-,immuno- and chemo-therapy. TRAIL-induced apoptosis is a desirable method to treat melanoma since, unlike other treatments, it does not harm non-cancerous cells. The pro-inflammatory response to melanoma by nF κB and STAT3 pathways makes the cancer cells resist TRAIL-induced apoptosis. We show that due to to its dual action on DR5, a death receptor for TRAIL and on STAT3, Cryptotanshinone can be used to increase sensitivity to TRAIL. METHODS The development of chemoresistance and invasive properties in melanoma cells involves several biological pathways. The key components of these pathways are represented as a Boolean network with multiple inputs and multiple outputs. RESULTS The possible mutations in genes that can lead to cancer are captured by faults in the combinatorial circuit and the model is used to theoretically predict the effectiveness of Cryptotanshinone for inducing apoptosis in melanoma cell lines. This prediction is experimentally validated by showing that Cryptotanshinone can cause enhanced cell death in A375 melanoma cells. CONCLUSION The results presented in this paper facilitate a better understanding of melanoma drug resistance. Furthermore, this framework can be used to detect additional drug intervention points in the pathway that could amplify the action of Cryptotanshinone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhika S. Saraf
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, US
| | - Aniruddha Datta
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, US
| | - Chao Sima
- TEES-AgriLife Center for Bioinformatics and Genomic Systems Engineering (CBGSE), College Station, US
| | - Jianping Hua
- TEES-AgriLife Center for Bioinformatics and Genomic Systems Engineering (CBGSE), College Station, US
| | - Rosana Lopes
- TEES-AgriLife Center for Bioinformatics and Genomic Systems Engineering (CBGSE), College Station, US
| | - Michael Bittner
- TEES-AgriLife Center for Bioinformatics and Genomic Systems Engineering (CBGSE), College Station, US
- Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, US
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17
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Zhang X, Zhang S, Sun Q, Jiao W, Yan Y, Zhang X. Compound K Induces Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Apoptosis in Human Liver Cancer Cells by Regulating STAT3. Molecules 2018; 23:E1482. [PMID: 29921768 PMCID: PMC6099685 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23061482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The ginsenoside compound K (20-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol; CK) is an intestinal bacterial metabolite of ginseng protopanaxadiol saponin that has been reported to induce apoptosis in many cancer cells; however, the precise mechanisms of its activity in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells remain unclear. Herein, we demonstrated that CK inhibited the growth and colony formation of HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells, phenotypes that were mediated by inducing apoptosis. Meanwhile, CK showed lower toxicity in normal hepatoma cells. After treating HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells with CK, p-STAT3 levels decreased, the three branches of the unfolded protein response were activated, and levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins were increased. We also revealed that CK decreased the DNA-binding capacity of STAT3. Moreover, silencing STAT3 with CRISPR/Cas9 technology enhanced CK-induced ERS and apoptosis. Finally, we showed that CK inhibited the growth of liver cancer xenografts with little toxicity. Mice bearing human HCC xenografts that were treated with CK showed increased GRP78 expression and decreased p-STAT3 levels. Taken together, these data showed that CK induced ERS and apoptosis by inhibiting p-STAT3 in human liver cancer cells; thus, CK might be a potential therapeutic candidate for human HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhang
- College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji 133000, China.
| | - Silin Zhang
- College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji 133000, China.
| | - Qitong Sun
- College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji 133000, China.
| | - Wenjun Jiao
- College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji 133000, China.
| | - Yan Yan
- College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji 133000, China.
| | - Xuewu Zhang
- College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji 133000, China.
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