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Marchesi E, Perrone D, Navacchia ML. Molecular Hybridization as a Strategy for Developing Artemisinin-Derived Anticancer Candidates. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2185. [PMID: 37765156 PMCID: PMC10536797 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin is a natural compound extracted from Artemisia species belonging to the Asteraceae family. Currently, artemisinin and its derivatives are considered among the most significant small-molecule antimalarial drugs. Artemisinin and its derivatives have also been shown to possess selective anticancer properties, however, there are several limitations and gaps in knowledge that retard their repurposing as effective anticancer agents. Hybridization resulting from a covalent combination of artemisinin with one or more active pharmacophores has emerged as a promising approach to overcome several issues. The variety of hybridization partners allows improvement in artemisinin activity by tuning the ability of conjugated artemisinin to interact with various molecule targets involved in multiple biological pathways. This review highlights the current scenario of artemisinin-derived hybrids with potential anticancer activity. The synthetic approaches to achieve the corresponding hybrids and the structure-activity relationships are discussed to facilitate further rational design of more effective candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Marchesi
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Daniela Perrone
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Maria Luisa Navacchia
- Institute for Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity (ISOF), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 40129 Bologna, Italy
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2
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Yilmaz Goler AM, Jannuzzi AT, Bayrak N, Yıldız M, Yıldırım H, Otsuka M, Fujita M, Radwan MO, TuYuN AF. In Vitro and In Silico Study to Assess Toxic Mechanisms of Hybrid Molecules of Quinone-Benzocaine as Plastoquinone Analogues in Breast Cancer Cells. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:30250-30264. [PMID: 36061710 PMCID: PMC9434764 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c03428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We managed to obtain three different series of 2,3-dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinones, named nonhalogenated and halogenated (brominated and chlorinated) PQ analogues, via the molecular hybridization strategy. Sixteen of eighteen hybrid molecules were selected by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of Bethesda for their in vitro antiproliferative potential against the full NCI 60 cell line panel. The hybrid molecules (BrPQ5, CIPQ1, and CIPQ3) showed good growth inhibition at 10 μM concentration, particularly against breast cancer cell lines. As per the results obtained from in vitro antiproliferative evaluation, cytotoxic activities of the hybrid molecules (BrPQ5, CIPQ1, and CIPQ3) were evaluated with an 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in T47D and MCF7 breast cancer and human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVEC) cells. Molecules exhibited cytotoxic activity, and especially, CIPQ1 showed remarkable cytotoxic activity and good selectivity on T47D and MCF7 cells. Furthermore, CIPQ1 could inhibit cell proliferation, cause apoptotic cell death and disturb the cell cycle in T47D and MCF7 cells. Additionally, CIPQ1 caused oxidative stress induction in both cells, more so in T47D. In vitro study results indicated that the anticancer activity of CIPQ1 was more prominent in T47D cells than in MCF7 cells. The compound CIPQ1 showed a prominent binding with JNK3 in silico. Thus, the obtained hybrid molecules via the molecular hybridization strategy of two important pharmacophores could be useful in the discovery of novel antiproliferative agents, and CIPQ1 could be considered a promising drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Mine Yilmaz Goler
- Department
of Biochemistry, School of Medicine/Genetic and Metabolic Diseases
Research and Investigation Center, Marmara
University, 34854 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayse Tarbin Jannuzzi
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, 34126 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nilüfer Bayrak
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Istanbul
University-Cerrahpasa, Avcılar, 34320 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mahmut Yıldız
- Department
of Chemistry, Gebze Technical University, Gebze 41400, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Hatice Yıldırım
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Istanbul
University-Cerrahpasa, Avcılar, 34320 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Masami Otsuka
- Medicinal
and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty
of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
- Department
of Drug Discovery, Science Farm Ltd., 1-7-30 Kuhonji,
Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Kumamoto 862-0976, Japan
| | - Mikako Fujita
- Medicinal
and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty
of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
| | - Mohamed O. Radwan
- Medicinal
and Biological Chemistry Science Farm Joint Research Laboratory, Faculty
of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
- Chemistry
of Natural Compounds Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries
Research Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo 12622, Egypt
| | - Amaç Fatih TuYuN
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Istanbul
University, Fatih, 34126 Istanbul, Turkey
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3
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Zhang S, Yi C, Li WW, Luo Y, Wu YZ, Ling HB. The current scenario on anticancer activity of artemisinin metal complexes, hybrids, and dimers. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2022; 355:e2200086. [PMID: 35484335 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202200086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cancer, the most significant cause of morbidity and mortality, has already posed a heavy burden on health care systems globally. In recent years, cancer treatment has made a significant breakthrough, but cancer cells inevitably acquire resistance, and the efficacy of the treatment is greatly reduced as the tumor progresses. To overcome the above issues, novel chemotherapeutics are needed urgently. Artemisinin and its derivatives-sesquiterpene lactone compounds possessing a unique peroxy bridge moiety-exhibit excellent safety and tolerability profiles. Mechanistically, artemisinin derivatives can promote cancer cell apoptosis, induce cell cycle arrest and autophagy, and inhibit cancer cell invasion and migration. Accordingly, artemisinin derivatives demonstrate promising anticancer efficacy both in vitro and in vivo, and even in clinical Phase I/II trials. The purpose of the present review article is to provide an emphasis on the current scenario (January 2017-January 2022) of artemisinin derivatives with potential anticancer activity, inclusive of artemisinin metal complexes, hybrids, and dimers. The structure-activity relationships and mechanisms of action are also discussed to facilitate the further rational design of more effective candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Zhang
- Hubei Provincial Academy of Eco-Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan Yi
- Hubei Provincial Academy of Eco-Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Wei Li
- Hubei Provincial Academy of Eco-Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Luo
- Hubei Provincial Academy of Eco-Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Zhe Wu
- Hubei Provincial Academy of Eco-Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Bo Ling
- Hubei Provincial Academy of Eco-Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
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4
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Shi Q, Xia F, Wang Q, Liao F, Guo Q, Xu C, Wang J. Discovery and repurposing of artemisinin. Front Med 2022; 16:1-9. [PMID: 35290595 PMCID: PMC8922983 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-021-0898-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is an ancient infectious disease that threatens millions of lives globally even today. The discovery of artemisinin, inspired by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has brought in a paradigm shift and been recognized as the “best hope for the treatment of malaria” by World Health Organization. With its high potency and low toxicity, the wide use of artemisinin effectively treats the otherwise drug-resistant parasites and helps many countries, including China, to eventually eradicate malaria. Here, we will first review the initial discovery of artemisinin, an extraordinary journey that was in stark contrast with many drugs in western medicine. We will then discuss how artemisinin and its derivatives could be repurposed to treat cancer, inflammation, immunoregulation-related diseases, and COVID-19. Finally, we will discuss the implications of the “artemisinin story” and how that can better guide the development of TCM today. We believe that artemisinin is just a starting point and TCM will play an even bigger role in healthcare in the 21st century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoli Shi
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Fei Xia
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Qixin Wang
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Fulong Liao
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Qiuyan Guo
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Chengchao Xu
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China. .,Department of Geriatrics, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518020, China.
| | - Jigang Wang
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China. .,Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang, 524045, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China. .,Department of Geriatrics, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518020, China.
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5
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Ren H, Zhang YY, Li YL, Bai M, Yan QL, Huang XX, Cui W, Zhao H, Gu L, Liu Q, Yao GD, Song SJ. Semisynthesis and Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Germacrane-Type Sesquiterpene Lactones from Elephantopus scaber. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2022; 85:352-364. [PMID: 35090346 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c00936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Two series of germacrane-type sesquiterpene lactones were produced by semisynthetic modulation of scaberol C, which was prepared by a standard chemical transformation from an Elephantopus scaber extract. Their inhibition activities against non-small-cell lung cancer cells were screened, and preliminary structure-activity relationships were also established. Among them, monomeric analog 1u and dimeric analog 3d exhibited superior anti-non-small-cell lung cancer cytotoxic potencies with IC50 values of 4.3 and 0.7 μM against A549 cells, respectively, and were more active than cisplatin and the standard sesquiterpene lactones, parthenolide and scabertopin. Further studies revealed that compounds 1u and 3d cause G2/M phase arrest and induce apoptosis through the activation of mitochondrial pathways in A549 cells. Collectively, the results obtained suggest that compounds 1u and 3d are promising anti-non-small-cell lung cancer lead compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ren
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang-Yang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-Ling Li
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Bai
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiu-Lin Yan
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Cui
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongwei Zhao
- Jilin Yizheng Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Siping 136001, Jilin Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Liwei Gu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingbo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China
- Jilin Yizheng Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Siping 136001, Jilin Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Guo-Dong Yao
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Shao-Jiang Song
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China
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6
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Zhu Y, Shuai W, Zhao M, Pan X, Pei J, Wu Y, Bu F, Wang A, Ouyang L, Wang G. Unraveling the Design and Discovery of c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Inhibitors and Their Therapeutic Potential in Human Diseases. J Med Chem 2022; 65:3758-3775. [PMID: 35200035 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, are encoded by three genes: jnk1, jnk2, and jnk3. JNKs are involved in the pathogenesis and development of many diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, and cancers. Therefore, JNKs have become important therapeutic targets. Many JNK inhibitors have been discovered, and some have been introduced into clinical trials. However, the study of isoform-selective JNK inhibitors is still a challenging task. To further develop novel JNK inhibitors with clinical value, a comprehensive understanding of JNKs and their corresponding inhibitors is required. In this Perspective, we introduced the JNK signaling pathways and reviewed different chemical types of JNK inhibitors, focusing on their structure-activity relationships and biological activities. The challenges and strategies for the development of JNK inhibitors are also discussed. It is hoped that this Perspective will provide valuable references for the development of novel selective JNK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Zhu
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wen Shuai
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiaoli Pan
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Junping Pei
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yongya Wu
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Faqian Bu
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Aoxue Wang
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Liang Ouyang
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Guan Wang
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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7
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Yu R, Jin G, Fujimoto M. Dihydroartemisinin: A Potential Drug for the Treatment of Malignancies and Inflammatory Diseases. Front Oncol 2021; 11:722331. [PMID: 34692496 PMCID: PMC8529146 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.722331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) has been globally recognized for its efficacy and safety in the clinical treatment of malaria for decades. Recently, it has been found that DHA inhibits malignant tumor growth and regulates immune system function in addition to anti-malaria. In parasites and tumors, DHA causes severe oxidative stress by inducing excessive reactive oxygen species production. DHA also kills tumor cells by inducing programmed cell death, blocking cell cycle and enhancing anti-tumor immunity. In addition, DHA inhibits inflammation by reducing the inflammatory cells infiltration and suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Further, genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and network pharmacology of DHA therapy provide the basis for elucidating the pharmacological effects of DHA. This review provides a summary of the recent research progress of DHA in anti-tumor, inhibition of inflammatory diseases and the relevant pharmacological mechanisms. With further research of DHA, it is likely that DHA will become an alternative therapy in the clinical treatment of malignant tumors and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Yu
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Guihua Jin
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Manabu Fujimoto
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Laboratory of Cutaneous Immunology, Osaka University Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka, Japan
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Zhu S, Yu Q, Huo C, Li Y, He L, Ran B, Chen J, Li Y, Liu W. Ferroptosis: A Novel Mechanism of Artemisinin and its Derivatives in Cancer Therapy. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:329-345. [PMID: 31965935 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200121124404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artemisinin is a sesquiterpene lactone compound with a special peroxide bridge that is tightly linked to the cytotoxicity involved in fighting malaria and cancer. Artemisinin and its derivatives (ARTs) are considered to be potential anticancer drugs that promote cancer cell apoptosis, induce cell cycle arrest and autophagy, inhibit cancer cell invasion and migration. Additionally, ARTs significantly increase intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in cancer cells, which result in ferroptosis, a new form of cell death, depending on the ferritin concentration. Ferroptosis is regarded as a cancer suppressor and as well as considered a new mechanism for cancer therapy. METHODS The anticancer activities of ARTs and reference molecules were compared by literature search and analysis. The latest research progress on ferroptosis was described, with a special focus on the molecular mechanism of artemisinin-induced ferroptosis. RESULTS Artemisinin derivatives, artemisinin-derived dimers, hybrids and artemisinin-transferrin conjugates, could significantly improve anticancer activity, and their IC50 values are lower than those of reference molecules such as doxorubicin and paclitaxel. The biological activities of linkers in dimers and hybrids are important in the drug design processes. ARTs induce ferroptosis mainly by triggering intracellular ROS production, promoting the lysosomal degradation of ferritin and regulating the System Xc-/Gpx4 axis. Interestingly, ARTs also stimulate the feedback inhibition pathway. CONCLUSION Artemisinin and its derivatives could be used in the future as cancer therapies with broader applications due to their induction of ferroptosis. Meanwhile, more attention should be paid to the development of novel artemisinin-related drugs based on the mechanism of artemisinininduced ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunqin Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Qin Yu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Chunsong Huo
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yuanpeng Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Linshen He
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Botian Ran
- School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Ji Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yonghao Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Wanhong Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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9
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Li Y, Zhou X, Liu J, Yuan X, He Q. Therapeutic Potentials and Mechanisms of Artemisinin and its Derivatives for Tumorigenesis and Metastasis. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 20:520-535. [PMID: 31958040 DOI: 10.2174/1871520620666200120100252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor recurrence and metastasis are still leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. The influence of traditional treatment strategies against metastatic tumors may still be limited. To search for novel and powerful agents against tumors has become a major research focus. In this study, Artemisinin (ARM), a natural compound isolated from herbs, Artemisia annua L., proceeding from drug repurposing methods, attracts more attention due to its good efficacy and tolerance in antimalarial practices, as well as newly confirmed anticancer activity. METHODS We have searched and reviewed the literatures about ARM and its derivatives (ARMs) for cancer using keywords "artemisinin" until May 2019. RESULTS In preclinical studies, ARMs can induce cell cycle arrest and cell death by apoptosis etc., to inhibit the progression of tumors, and suppress EMT and angiogenesis to inhibit the metastasis of tumors. Notably, the complex relationships of ARMs and autophagy are worth exploring. Inspired by the limitations of its antimalarial applications and the mechanical studies of artemisinin and cancer, people are also committed to develop safer and more potent ARM-based modified compounds (ARMs) or combination therapy, such as artemisinin dimers/ trimers, artemisinin-derived hybrids. Some clinical trials support artemisinins as promising candidates for cancer therapy. CONCLUSION ARMs show potent therapeutic potentials against carcinoma including metastatic tumors. Novel compounds derived from artemisinin and relevant combination therapies are supposed to be promising treatment strategies for tumors, as the important future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Jiali Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Xiaohong Yuan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Qian He
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
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10
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Malami I, Bunza AM, Alhassan AM, Muhammad A, Abubakar IB, Yunusa A, Waziri PM, Etti IC. Dihydroartemisinin as a potential drug candidate for cancer therapy: a structural-based virtual screening for multitarget profiling. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 40:1347-1362. [PMID: 32964804 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1824811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a rapidly growing non-communicable disease worldwide that is responsible for high mortality rates, which account for 9.6 million death in 2018. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is an active metabolite of artemisinin, an active principle present in the Chinese medicinal plant Artemisia annua used for malaria treatment. Dihydroartemisinin possesses remarkable and selective anticancer properties however the underlying mechanism of the antitumor effects of DHA from the structural point of view is still not yet elucidated. In the present study, we employed molecular docking simulation techniques using Autodock suits to access the binding properties of dihydroartemisinin to multiple protein targets implicated in cancer pathogenesis. Its potential targets with comprehensive pharmacophore were predicted using a PharmMapper database. The co-crystallised structures of the protein were obtained from a Protein Data Bank and prepared for molecular docking simulation. Out of the 24 selected protein targets, DHA has shown about 29% excellent binding to the targets compared to their co-crystallised ligand. Additionally, 75% of the targets identified for dihydroartemisinin binding are protein kinases, and 25% are non-protein kinases. Hydroxyl functional group of dihydroartemisinin contributed to 58.5% of the total hydrogen interactions, while pyran (12.2%), endoperoxide (9.8%), and oxepane (19.5%) contributed to the remaining hydrogen bonding. The present findings have elucidated the possible antitumor properties of dihydroartemisinin through the structural-based virtual studies, which provides a lead to a safe and effective anticancer agent useful for cancer therapy.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Malami
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Ethnopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria.,Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training (CAMRET), Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Aisha Muktar Bunza
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Ethnopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Alhassan Muhammad Alhassan
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Aliyu Muhammad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | | | - Abdulmajeed Yunusa
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Peter M Waziri
- Department of Biochemistry, Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Nigeria
| | - Imaobong C Etti
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
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11
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Gao F, Sun Z, Kong F, Xiao J. Artemisinin-derived hybrids and their anticancer activity. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 188:112044. [PMID: 31945642 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of drug-resistance and the low specificity of anticancer agents are the major challenges in the treatment of cancer and can result in many side effects, creating an urgent demand to develop novel anticancer agents. Artemisinin-derived compounds, bearing a peroxide-containing sesquiterpene lactone moiety, could form free radicals with high reactivity and possess diverse pharmaceutical properties including in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity besides their typical antimalarial activity. Hybrid molecules have the potential to improve the specificity and overcome the drug resistance, therefore hybridization of artemisinin skeleton with other anticancer pharmacophores may provide novel anticancer candidates with high specificity and great potency against drug-resistant cancers. The review outlines the recent advances of artemisinin-derived hybrids as potential anticancer agents, and the structure-activity relationships are also discussed to provide an insight for rational designs of novel hybrids with high activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking (LBMP), Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, PR China.
| | - Zhou Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking (LBMP), Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, PR China
| | - Fangong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking (LBMP), Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, PR China
| | - Jiaqi Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking (LBMP), Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, PR China.
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12
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Sun X, Yan P, Zou C, Wong YK, Shu Y, Lee YM, Zhang C, Yang ND, Wang J, Zhang J. Targeting autophagy enhances the anticancer effect of artemisinin and its derivatives. Med Res Rev 2019; 39:2172-2193. [PMID: 30972803 DOI: 10.1002/med.21580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives, with their outstanding clinical efficacy and safety, represent the most effective and impactful antimalarial drugs. Apart from its antimalarial effect, artemisinin has also been shown to exhibit selective anticancer properties against multiple cancer types both in vitro and in vivo. Specifically, our previous studies highlighted the therapeutic effects of artemisinin on autophagy regulation. Autophagy is a well-conserved degradative process that recycles cytoplasmic contents and organelles in lysosomes to maintain cellular homeostasis. The deregulation of autophagy is often observed in cancer cells, where it contributes to tumor adaptation to nutrient-deficient tumor microenvironments. This review discusses recent advances in the anticancer properties of artemisinin and its derivatives via their regulation of autophagy, mitophagy, and ferritinophagy. In particular, we will discuss the mechanisms of artemisinin activation in cancer and novel findings regarding the role of artemisinin in regulating autophagy, which involves changes in multiple signaling pathways. More importantly, with increasing failure rates and the high cost of the development of novel anticancer drugs, the strategy of repurposing traditional therapeutic Chinese medicinal agents such as artemisinin to treat cancer provides a more attractive alternative. We believe that the topics covered here will be important in demonstrating the potential of artemisinin and its derivatives as safe and potent anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Sun
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peiyi Yan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Putuo District People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Chang Zou
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University, Shenzhen Public Service Platform on Tumor Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yin-Kwan Wong
- Department of Pharmacology, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yuhan Shu
- College of Biomedical Engineering & Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yew Mun Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chongjing Zhang
- Institute of Material Medical, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Nai-Di Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jigang Wang
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University, Shenzhen Public Service Platform on Tumor Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Pharmacology, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease Prevention & Therapy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Jianbin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
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