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Dai J, Chen R, Wang J, Zhou P, Wang B, Li J, Lu Y, Pang X, Fu S. Intraperitoneal administration of doxorubicin-encapsulated Brucea javanica oil nanoemulsion against malignant ascites. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024:114422. [PMID: 39033885 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114422] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Malignant ascites is a common complication of advanced cancers, which reduces survival rates and diminishes patients' quality of life. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy is a conventional method for treating cancer-related ascites, but the poor drug retention of conventional drugs requires frequent administration to maintain sustained anti-tumor effects. In this study, we encapsulated doxorubicin (DOX) into Brucea javanica oil (BJO) to develop a water-in-oil (W/O) nanoemulsion called BJO@DOX for the treatment of malignant ascites through in-situ intraperitoneal administration. BJO significantly induced apoptosis of S180 cells by upregulating the expression of p53 and caspase-3 (cleaved). Additionally, BJO notably downregulated the expression of Bcl-2, further promoting apoptosis of S180 cells. Cell apoptosis significantly inhibited ascites formation and tumor cell proliferation in a mouse model. The combination of DOX and BJO exhibited satisfactory synergistic effects, consequently prolonging the survival period of mice. Histological examination of major organs indicated that the nanoemulsion had excellent biosafety in vivo. The BJO@DOX nanoemulsion represents a promising platform for in-situ chemotherapy of malignant ascites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Dai
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Renjin Chen
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Department of Radiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - BiQiong Wang
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Jianmei Li
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Yun Lu
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Xianlun Pang
- Health Management Center, the Affiliated TCM Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.
| | - ShaoZhi Fu
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.
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2
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Wu ZH, Zhang HF, Li JY, Diao YR, Huang MJ, Gao DY, Liang CH, Luo ZQ. Effectiveness and safety of brucea javanica oil assisted TACE versus TACE in the treatment of liver cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1337179. [PMID: 38974037 PMCID: PMC11224762 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1337179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The effectiveness and safety of using Brucea javanica oil (BJO) in combination with Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) for liver cancer treatment are subjects of debate. This study aims to assess the comparative effectiveness and safety of BJO-assisted TACE versus TACE alone and quantifies the differences between these two treatment methods. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in multiple databases including PubMed, Cochrane, CNKI, and Wanfang, until 1 July 2023. Meta-analysis was conducted, and the results were presented as mean difference (MD), risk ratio (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: The search yielded 11 RCTs, with a combined sample size of 1054 patients. Meta-analysis revealed that BJO-assisted TACE exhibited superior outcomes compared to standalone TACE. Specific data revealed that BJO-assisted TACE improves clinical benefit rate by 22% [RR = 1.22, 95% CI (1.15, 1.30)], increases the number of people with improved quality of life by 32%, resulting in an average score improvement of 9.53 points [RR = 1.32, 95% CI (1.22, 1.43); MD = 9.53, 95% CI (6.95, 12.10)]. Furthermore, AFP improvement rate improved significantly by approximately 134% [RR = 2.34, 95% CI (1.58, 3.46)], accompanied by notable improvements in liver function indicators, with an average reduction of 27.19 U/L in AST [MD = -27.19, 95% CI (-40.36, -14.02)], 20.77 U/L in ALT [MD = -20.77, 95% CI (-39.46, -2.08)], 12.17 μmol/L in TBIL [MD = -12.17, 95% CI (-19.38, -4.97)], and a decrease of 43.72 pg/mL in VEGF [MD = -43.72, 95% CI (-63.29, -24.15)]. Most importantly, there was a 29% reduction in the occurrence of adverse reactions [RR = 0.71, 95% CI (0.60, 0.84)]. Conclusion: These findings indicate that BJO-assisted TACE may be considered as a potentially beneficial treatment option for liver cancer patients when compared to standalone TACE. It appears to contribute to improved treatment outcomes, enhanced quality of life, and potentially reduced adverse reactions, suggesting it warrants further investigation as a promising approach for liver cancer treatment. Systematic Review Registration: identifier CRD42023428948.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Hai Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Feng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jun-Yan Li
- School of Information Technology, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Yi-Rui Diao
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Third Affiliated Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Man-Jing Huang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Dong-Yang Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chang-Hao Liang
- Centre for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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3
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Chen J, Yu D, Li X, Deng Q, Yang H, Chen L, Bai L. A review of Brucea javanica: metabolites, pharmacology and clinical application. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1317620. [PMID: 38371913 PMCID: PMC10871038 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1317620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
This review examines advances in the metabolites, pharmacological research, and therapeutic applications of the medicinal fruit of Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. Brucea javanica (BJ) is derived from the fruit of the Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. There are nearly 200 metabolites present in BJ, and due to the diversity of its metabolites, BJ has a wide range of pharmacological effects. The traditional pharmacological effects of BJ include anti-dysentery, anti-malaria, etc. The research investigating the contemporary pharmacological impacts of BJ mainly focuses on its anti-tumor properties. In the article, the strong monomeric metabolites among these pharmacological effects were preliminarily screened. Regarding the pharmacological mechanism of action, current research has initially explored BJ's pharmacological agent and molecular signaling pathways. However, a comprehensive system has yet to be established. BJ preparations have been utilized in clinical settings and have demonstrated effectiveness. Nevertheless, clinical research is primarily limited to observational studies, and there is a need for higher-quality research evidence to support its clinical application. There are still many difficulties and obstacles in studying BJ. However, it is indisputable that BJ is a botanical drugs with significant potential for application, and it is expected to have broader global usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangyuan Central Hospital of Sichuan Province, Guangyuan, China
| | - Dongke Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qichuan Deng
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Hao Yang
- Power China Chengdu Engineering Corporation Limited, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Guanghan People's Hospital, Guanghan, China
| | - Lan Bai
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Li Q, Chen X, Lin W, Guo X, Ma Y. Application of a Novel Multicomponent Nanoemulsion to Tumor Therapy Based on the Theory of “Unification of Drugs and Excipients”. Pharm Dev Technol 2023; 28:351-362. [PMID: 36971746 DOI: 10.1080/10837450.2023.2196330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Toad skin has many pharmacological activities and bufadienolides are regarded as its main anti-tumor components. The poor water solubility, high toxicity, rapid elimination and less selectivity in vivo of bufadienolides limit the application of toad skin. Based on the "unification of drugs and excipients" theory, the toad skin extracts (TSE) and Brucea javanica oil (BJO) nanoemulsions (NEs) were designed to solve the aforementioned problems. BJO as the main oil phase was not only used to prepare the NEs, but played a synergistic therapeutic role combined with TSE. TSE-BJO NEs showed 155 nm particle size, entrapment efficiency of >95% and good stability. TSE-BJO NEs demonstrated superior anti-tumor activity compared with the TSE or BJO NEs alone. The mechanism of TSE-BJO NEs to enhance the antineoplastic efficacy involved several pathways, such as inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing tumor cell apoptosis >40% and arresting cell cycle at G2/M. TSE-BJO NEs could co-deliver drugs into the target cells efficiently and exhibit satisfying synergism. Besides, TSE-BJO NEs facilitated the long circulation of bufadienolides contributing to the high accumulation of drugs at tumor sites and the improvement of anti-tumor efficacy. The study achieves the combinative administration of the toxic TSE and BJO with high efficacy and safety.
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Brusatol: A potential sensitizing agent for cancer therapy from Brucea javanica. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114134. [PMID: 36525821 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is currently the most important problem endangering human health. As antitumor drugs have always been the most common methods for treating cancers, searching for new antitumor agents is of great significance. Brusatol, a quassinoid from the seeds of Brucea javanica, exhibits a potent tumor-suppressing effect with improved disease outcome. Studies have shown that brusatol not only shows potential tumor inhibition through multiple pharmacological effects, such as promoting apoptosis and inhibiting metastasis but also exhibits significant synergistic antitumor effects in combination with chemotherapeutic agents and overcoming chemical resistance in a wide range of cancer types. In this paper, the antitumor effects and mechanisms of brusatol were reviewed to provide evidence that brusatol has the exact antitumor efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents and show the potential of brusatol to be developed as a promising antitumor drug.
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Wani AK, Akhtar N, Mir TUG, Singh R, Jha PK, Mallik SK, Sinha S, Tripathi SK, Jain A, Jha A, Devkota HP, Prakash A. Targeting Apoptotic Pathway of Cancer Cells with Phytochemicals and Plant-Based Nanomaterials. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020194. [PMID: 36830564 PMCID: PMC9953589 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis is the elimination of functionally non-essential, neoplastic, and infected cells via the mitochondrial pathway or death receptor pathway. The process of apoptosis is highly regulated through membrane channels and apoptogenic proteins. Apoptosis maintains cellular balance within the human body through cell cycle progression. Loss of apoptosis control prolongs cancer cell survival and allows the accumulation of mutations that can promote angiogenesis, promote cell proliferation, disrupt differentiation, and increase invasiveness during tumor progression. The apoptotic pathway has been extensively studied as a potential drug target in cancer treatment. However, the off-target activities of drugs and negative implications have been a matter of concern over the years. Phytochemicals (PCs) have been studied for their efficacy in various cancer cell lines individually and synergistically. The development of nanoparticles (NPs) through green synthesis has added a new dimension to the advancement of plant-based nanomaterials for effective cancer treatment. This review provides a detailed insight into the fundamental molecular pathways of programmed cell death and highlights the role of PCs along with the existing drugs and plant-based NPs in treating cancer by targeting its programmed cell death (PCD) network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atif Khurshid Wani
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India
| | - Nahid Akhtar
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India
| | - Tahir ul Gani Mir
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India
| | - Rattandeep Singh
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India
| | - Prakash Kumar Jha
- Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Collaborative Research on Sustainable Intensification, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Shyam Kumar Mallik
- College of Medical and Allied Sciences, Purbanchal University, Morang 56600, Nepal
| | - Shruti Sinha
- UNC Blood Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Surya Kant Tripathi
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Abha Jain
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Aprajita Jha
- School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar 751024, India
| | - Hari Prasad Devkota
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan
- Headquarters for Admissions and Education, Kumamoto University, Kurokami, 2-39-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
- Pharmacy Program, Gandaki University, Pokhara 33700, Nepal
- Correspondence: (H.P.D.); (A.P.)
| | - Ajit Prakash
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Correspondence: (H.P.D.); (A.P.)
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Zheng X, Mai L, Xu Y, Wu M, Chen L, Chen B, Su Z, Chen J, Chen H, Lai Z, Xie Y. Brucea javanica oil alleviates intestinal mucosal injury induced by chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil in mice. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1136076. [PMID: 36895947 PMCID: PMC9990700 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1136076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Brucea javanica (L.) Merr, has a long history to be an anti-dysentery medicine for thousand of years, which is commonly called "Ya-Dan-Zi" in Chinese. The common liquid preparation of its seed, B. javanica oil (BJO) exerts anti-inflammatory action in gastrointestinal diseases and is popularly used as an antitumor adjuvant in Asia. However, there is no report that BJO has the potential to treat 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced chemotherapeutic intestinal mucosal injury (CIM). Aim of the study: To test the hypothesis that BJO has potential intestinal protection on intestinal mucosal injury caused by 5-FU in mice and to explore the mechanisms. Materials and methods: Kunming mice (half male and female), were randomly divided into six groups: normal group, 5-FU group (5-FU, 60 mg/kg), LO group (loperamide, 4.0 mg/kg), BJO group (0.125, 0.25, 0.50 g/kg). CIM was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 5-FU at a dose of 60 mg/kg/day for 5 days (from day 1 to day 5). BJO and LO were given orally 30 min prior to 5-FU administration for 7 days (from day 1 to day 7). The ameliorative effects of BJO were assessed by body weight, diarrhea assessment, and H&E staining of the intestine. Furthermore, the changes in oxidative stress level, inflammatory level, intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis, and proliferation, as well as the amount of intestinal tight junction proteins were evaluated. Finally, the involvements of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway were tested by western blot. Results: BJO effectively alleviated 5-FU-induced CIM, as represented by the improvement of body weight, diarrhea syndrome, and histopathological changes in the ileum. BJO not only attenuated oxidative stress by upregulating SOD and downregulating MDA in the serum, but also reduced the intestinal level of COX-2 and inflammatory cytokines, and repressed CXCL1/2 and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Moreover, BJO ameliorated 5-FU-induced epithelial apoptosis as evidenced by the downregulation of Bax and caspase-3 and the upregulation of Bcl-2, but enhanced mucosal epithelial cell proliferation as implied by the increase of crypt-localized proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) level. Furthermore, BJO contributed to the mucosal barrier by raising the level of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1). Mechanistically, these anti-intestinal mucositis pharmacological effects of BJO were relevant for the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 in the intestinal tissues. Conclusion: The present study provides new insights into the protective effects of BJO against CIM and suggests that BJO deserves to be applied as a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention of CIM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinghan Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University General Hospital/Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,Pharmacy Department, Quanzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Quanzhou, China
| | - Liting Mai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Medical Insurance Office, Zhaoqing Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhaoqing, China.,Dongguan Institute of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, China
| | - Ying Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Dongguan Institute of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, China
| | - Minghui Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Dongguan Institute of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, China
| | - Li Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Dongguan Institute of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, China
| | - Baoyi Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Dongguan Institute of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, China
| | - Ziren Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Dongguan Institute of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, China
| | - Jiannan Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Dongguan Institute of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, China
| | - Hongying Chen
- Guangzhou Baiyunshan Mingxing Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhengquan Lai
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University General Hospital/Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Youliang Xie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Dongguan Institute of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, China
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Alharbi KS, Almalki WH, Albratty M, Meraya AM, Najmi A, Vyas G, Singh SK, Dua K, Gupta G. The therapeutic role of nutraceuticals targeting the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in liver cancer. J Food Biochem 2022; 46:e14357. [PMID: 35945911 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.14357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer (L.C.) is the most common cause of cancer death in the United States and the fifth most common globally. The overexpression of nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) caused by oxidative stress has been associated with tumor growth, aggressiveness, treatment resistance, and poor prognosis. Nutraceuticals that inhibit Nrf2/HO-1 signaling may become the most effective strategy to treat liver cancer. Phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables, also known as nutraceuticals, tend to emerge as chemopreventive agents, with the added benefit of low toxicity and high nutritional values. This paper reviews the present scientific knowledge of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling as a possible target molecule for chemotherapeutic agents, its basic control mechanisms, and Nrf2/HO-1 inducers produced from natural products that might be employed as cancer chemopreventive drugs. The growing interest in the contribution of the Nrf2/ARE/HO-1 signaling in the development of liver cancer and the Use of nutraceuticals to treat liver cancer by targeting Nrf2/ARE/HO-1. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: An increase in Nrf2 expression indicates that Nrf2 is the most important player in liver cancer. Cancer patients are more resistant to chemotherapy because of this erroneous Nrf2 signaling. Furthermore, an increasing body of evidence indicates that activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway results in the production of phase II detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes, which serve a defense purpose in cells. As a consequence, treating liver cancer. This master regulator may be a possibility. Nutraceuticals that reduce Nrf2/HO-1 signaling may be the most effective strategy for preventing liver cancer. The methods of action of numerous natural substances are examined in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Saad Alharbi
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Hassan Almalki
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Albratty
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulkarim M Meraya
- Pharmacy Practice Research Unit, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asim Najmi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Govind Vyas
- R&D, Quality and Regulatory Compliance, Invahealth Inc., Cranbury, New Jersey, USA
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India.,Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kamal Dua
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia.,Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur, India.,Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India.,Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India
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9
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Li K, Xiao K, Zhu S, Wang Y, Wang W. Chinese Herbal Medicine for Primary Liver Cancer Therapy: Perspectives and Challenges. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:889799. [PMID: 35600861 PMCID: PMC9117702 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.889799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer (PLC) is one of the most common solid malignancies. However, PLC drug development has been slow, and first-line treatments are still needed; thus, studies exploring and developing alternative strategies for effective PLC treatment are urgently needed. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has long been applied in the clinic due to its advantages of low toxicity and targeting of multiple factors and pathways, and it has great potential for the development of novel natural drugs against PLC. Purpose: This review aims to provide an update on the pharmacological mechanisms of Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) and the latest CHM-derived compounds for the treatment of PLC and relevant clinical evaluations. Materials and Methods: A systematic search of English literature databases, Chinese literature, the Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry for studies of CHMs for PLC treatment was performed. Results: In this review, we summarize the clinical trials and mechanisms of CPMs for PLC treatment that have entered the clinic with the approval of the Chinese medicine regulatory authority. These CPMs included Huaier granules, Ganfule granules, Fufang Banmao capsules, Jinlong capsules, Brucea javanica oil emulsions, and compound kushen injections. We also summarize the latest in vivo, in vitro, and clinical studies of CHM-derived compounds against PLC: icaritin and ginsenoside Rg3. Dilemmas facing the development of CHMs, such as drug toxicity and low oral availability, and future developments are also discussed. Conclusion: This review provides a deeper the understanding of CHMs as PLC treatments and provides ideas for the development of new natural drugs against PLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Li
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Kunmin Xiao
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Department of Oncology, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shijie Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yong Wang, ; Wei Wang,
| | - Wei Wang
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Institute of Prescription and Syndrome, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provinvial Key Laboratory of TCM Pathogenesis and Prescriptions of Heart and Spleen Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yong Wang, ; Wei Wang,
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Targeting the NRF2/HO-1 Antioxidant Pathway in FLT3-ITD-Positive AML Enhances Therapy Efficacy. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11040717. [PMID: 35453402 PMCID: PMC9027903 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11040717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a molecularly heterogenous hematological malignancy, with one of the most common mutations being internal tandem duplication (ITD) of the juxtamembrane domain of the fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor-3 (FLT3). Despite the development of FLT3-directed tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), relapse and resistance are problematic, requiring improved strategies. In both patient samples and cell lines, FLT3-ITD raises levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and elicits an antioxidant response which is linked to chemoresistance broadly in AML. NF-E2–related factor 2 (NRF2) is a transcription factor regulating the antioxidant response including heme oxygenase -1 (HO-1), a heat shock protein implicated in AML resistance. Here, we demonstrate that HO-1 is elevated in FLT3-ITD-bearing cells compared to FLT3-wild type (WT). Transient knockdown or inhibitor-based suppression of HO-1 enhances vulnerability to the TKI, quizartinib, in both TKI-resistant and sensitive primary AML and cell line models. NRF2 suppression (genetically or pharmacologically using brusatol) results in decreased HO-1, suggesting that TKI-resistance is dependent on an active NRF2-driven pathway. In AML-patient derived xenograft (PDX) models, brusatol, in combination with daunorubicin, reduces leukemia burden and prolongs survival. Cumulatively, these data encourage further development of brusatol and NRF2 inhibition as components of combination therapy for refractory AML.
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Xing S, Nong F, Wang Y, Huang D, Qin J, Chen YF, He DH, Wu PE, Huang H, Zhan R, Xu H, Liu YQ. Brusatol has therapeutic efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer by targeting Skp1 to inhibit cancer growth and metastasis. Pharmacol Res 2022; 176:106059. [PMID: 34998973 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Skp1-Cul1-F-box protein (SCF) ubiquitin E3 ligases play important roles in cancer development and serve as a promising therapeutic target in cancer therapy. Brusatol (Bru), a known Nrf2 inhibitor, holds promise for treating a wide range of tumors; however, the direct targets of Bru and its anticancer mode of action remain unclear. In our study, 793 Bru-binding candidate proteins were identified by using a biotin-brusatol conjugate (Bio-Bru) followed by streptavidin-affinity pull down-based mass spectrometry. We found that Bru can directly bind to Skp1 and disrupt the interactions of Skp1 with the F-box protein Skp2, leading to the inhibition of the Skp2-SCF E3 ligase. Bru inhibited both proliferation and migration via promoting the accumulation of the substrates p27 and E-cadherin; Skp1 overexpression attenuated while Skp1 knockdown enhanced these effects of Bru in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Moreover, Bru binding to Skp1 also inhibited the β-TRCP-SCF E3 ligase. In both subcutaneous and orthotopic NSCLC xenografts, Bru significantly inhibited the growth and metastasis of NSCLC through targeting SCF complex and upregulating p27 and E-cadherin protein levels. These data demonstrate that Bru is a Skp1-targeting agent that may have therapeutic potentials in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangping Xing
- Research Center of Chinese Herbal Resources Science and Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Resource from Lingnan, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Feifei Nong
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yaqin Wang
- Research Center of Chinese Herbal Resources Science and Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Resource from Lingnan, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Da Huang
- Research Center of Chinese Herbal Resources Science and Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Resource from Lingnan, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jialiang Qin
- Research Center of Chinese Herbal Resources Science and Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Resource from Lingnan, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yu-Fei Chen
- Research Center of Chinese Herbal Resources Science and Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Resource from Lingnan, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Dan-Hua He
- Research Center of Chinese Herbal Resources Science and Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Resource from Lingnan, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Pei-En Wu
- Research Center of Chinese Herbal Resources Science and Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Resource from Lingnan, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Huicai Huang
- Research Center of Chinese Herbal Resources Science and Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Resource from Lingnan, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ruoting Zhan
- Research Center of Chinese Herbal Resources Science and Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Resource from Lingnan, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Research Center of Chinese Herbal Resources Science and Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Resource from Lingnan, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yong-Qiang Liu
- Research Center of Chinese Herbal Resources Science and Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Resource from Lingnan, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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Liu M, Chen X, Chen H, Wu X, Fan W, Chen J. Nanotechnology-Based Drug Delivery System for Anticancer Active Ingredients from Traditional Chinese Medicines: A Review. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2022; 50:2011-2032. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x22500860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The variable dosage forms of most traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) could be disadvantaged by low selectivity, poor biological distribution, limited bioavailability with low efficacy, and some adverse effects. These issues limit the control of clinical pharmacodynamics of the antitumor active components. With the progress of science and technology, many new polymer materials and new technologies have emerged, such as nanotechnology, cyclodextrin inclusion, solid dispersion, microcapsule and microsphere technologies. These new technologies provide a good basis for exploring novel TCM dosage forms for overcoming the shortcomings. The increased numbers of new technologies have been used to study TCM dosage forms with remarkable achievements. In this review paper, we will provide a systematic overview of the new dosage forms of nano-formulations and co-medications in relation to nano-delivery systems in an attempt to provide useful references for practical application of active antitumor ingredients from the TCMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P. R. China
| | - Xinmei Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P. R. China
| | - Hang Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P. R. China
| | - Xin Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P. R. China
- Shanghai Wei Er Lab, Shanghai 200137, P. R. China
| | - Wei Fan
- Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200137, P. R. China
| | - Jianming Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P. R. China
- Shanghai Wei Er Lab, Shanghai 200137, P. R. China
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Rodriguez S, Skeet K, Mehmetoglu-Gurbuz T, Goldfarb M, Karri S, Rocha J, Shahinian M, Yazadi A, Poudel S, Subramani R. Phytochemicals as an Alternative or Integrative Option, in Conjunction with Conventional Treatments for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225753. [PMID: 34830907 PMCID: PMC8616323 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is globally ranked as the sixth most diagnosed cancer, and the second most deadly cancer. To worsen matters, there are only limited therapeutic options currently available; therefore, it is necessary to find a reservoir from which new HCC treatments may be acquired. The field of phytomedicine may be the solution to this problem, as it offers an abundance of plant-derived molecules, which show capabilities of being effective against HCC proliferation, invasion, migration, and metastasis. In our review, we collect and analyze current evidence regarding these promising phytochemical effects on HCC, and delve into their potential as future chemotherapies. Additionally, information on the signaling behind these numerous phytochemicals is provided, in an attempt to understand their mechanisms. This review makes accessible the current body of knowledge pertaining to phytochemicals as HCC treatments, in order to serve as a reference and inspiration for further research into this subject. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most abundant form of liver cancer. It accounts for 75–85% of liver cancer cases and, though it ranks globally as the sixth most common cancer, it ranks second in cancer-related mortality. Deaths from HCC are usually due to metastatic spread of the cancer. Unfortunately, there are many challenges and limitations with the latest HCC therapies and medications, making it difficult for patients to receive life-prolonging care. As there is clearly a high demand for alternative therapy options for HCC, it is prudent to turn to plants for the solution, as their phytochemicals have long been used and revered for their many medicinal purposes. This review explores the promising phytochemical compounds identified from pre-clinical and clinical trials being used either independently or in conjunction with already existing cancer therapy treatments. The phytochemicals discussed in this review were classified into several categories: lipids, polyphenols, alkaloids, polysaccharides, whole extracts, and phytochemical combinations. Almost 80% of the compounds failed to progress into clinical studies due to lack of information regarding the toxicity to normal cells and bioavailability. Although large obstacles remain, phytochemicals can be used either as an alternative or integrative therapy in conjunction with existing HCC chemotherapies. In conclusion, phytochemicals have great potential as treatment options for hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheryl Rodriguez
- Center of Emphasis in Cancer Research, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (S.R.); (T.M.-G.); (S.P.)
| | - Kristy Skeet
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (K.S.); (J.R.); (M.S.); (A.Y.)
| | - Tugba Mehmetoglu-Gurbuz
- Center of Emphasis in Cancer Research, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (S.R.); (T.M.-G.); (S.P.)
| | - Madeline Goldfarb
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (M.G.); (S.K.)
| | - Shri Karri
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (M.G.); (S.K.)
| | - Jackelyn Rocha
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (K.S.); (J.R.); (M.S.); (A.Y.)
| | - Mark Shahinian
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (K.S.); (J.R.); (M.S.); (A.Y.)
| | - Abdallah Yazadi
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (K.S.); (J.R.); (M.S.); (A.Y.)
| | - Seeta Poudel
- Center of Emphasis in Cancer Research, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (S.R.); (T.M.-G.); (S.P.)
| | - Ramadevi Subramani
- Center of Emphasis in Cancer Research, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (S.R.); (T.M.-G.); (S.P.)
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (K.S.); (J.R.); (M.S.); (A.Y.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-915-215-6851
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14
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Efficacy and Safety of Brucea javanica Oil Emulsion Injection for Treating Gastric Cancer: A Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta Analysis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:5236454. [PMID: 34691217 PMCID: PMC8536405 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5236454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction. Brucea javanica oil emulsion injection (BJOEI) is an antitumor drug extracted from the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Brucea javanica, which has broad prospects as an adjuvant treatment for gastric cancer (GC); however, its efficacy and safety are still controversial. We plan to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarise the clinical efficacy and safety of BJOEI in the treatment of GC and provide credible evidence for the clinical application and subsequent studies of BJOEI. Methods and Analysis. This systematic review will include articles identified by electronically searching the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Web of Science, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, and Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP Database) from inception to 31 July 2021. The primary outcomes of this research will be the clinical total effective rate, performance status, and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The systematic review will be performed using RevMan 5 software. Finally, we will use the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation System (GRADE) to assess the quality of evidence. Ethics and Dissemination. Ethical approval is not required for literature-based studies. The results of this systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021265646.
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15
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Su J, Chen X, Xiao Y, Li D, Li M, Li H, Huang J, Lai Z, Su Z, Xie Y, Zhu D, Chen Q, Lu H, He J, Xia C. Bruceae Fructus Oil Inhibits Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Restraining Autophagy: Dependence on the Gut Microbiota-Mediated Amino Acid Regulation. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:727082. [PMID: 34658867 PMCID: PMC8517338 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.727082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has been acknowledged as an aggressive disease with worst prognosis, which requires endeavor to develop novel therapeutic agents. Bruceae fructus oil (BO), a vegetable oil derived from the fruit of Brucea javanica (L.) Merr., is an approved marketable drug for the treatment of cancer in China for several decades. Despite that the anti–breast cancer activity of several quassinoids derived from B. javanica has been found, it was the first time that the potential of BO against TNBC was revealed. Although BO had no cytotoxicity on TNBC cell lines in vitro, the oral administration of BO exhibited a gut microbiota–dependent tumor suppression without toxicity on the non-targeted organs in vivo. By metagenomics and untargeted metabolomics, it was found that BO not only altered the composition and amino acid metabolism function of gut microbiota but also regulated the host’s amino acid profile, which was in accordance with the metabolism alternation in gut microbiota. Moreover, the activity of mTOR in tumor was promoted by BO treatment as indicated by the phosphorylation of 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) and ribosomal protein S6, and hyper-autophagy was consequently restrained. By contrast, the failure of tumor suppression by BO under pseudo germ-free (PGF) condition came with indistinctive changes in autophagy and mTOR activity, implying the critical role of the gut microbiota in BO’s anticancer activity. The present study highlighted a promising application of BO against breast cancer with novel efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyan Su
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Xiaohong Chen
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Guangdong Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanjie Xiao
- Department of Cell Biology and Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Muxia Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongfu Li
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiangjian Huang
- Guangzhou Baiyunshan Ming Xing Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhengquan Lai
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ziren Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yizhen Xie
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Guangdong Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dajiang Zhu
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Qianjun Chen
- Department of Breast Disease, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai Lu
- Department of Breast Disease, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingjin He
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen International Institute for Biomedical Research, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chenglai Xia
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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16
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Bovilla VR, Kuruburu MG, Bettada VG, Krishnamurthy J, Sukocheva OA, Thimmulappa RK, Shivananju NS, Balakrishna JP, Madhunapantula SV. Targeted Inhibition of Anti-Inflammatory Regulator Nrf2 Results in Breast Cancer Retardation In Vitro and In Vivo. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1119. [PMID: 34572304 PMCID: PMC8471069 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor-2 (Nrf2) is an oxidative stress-response transcriptional activator that promotes carcinogenesis through metabolic reprogramming, tumor promoting inflammation, and therapeutic resistance. However, the extension of Nrf2 expression and its involvement in regulation of breast cancer (BC) responses to chemotherapy remain largely unclear. This study determined the expression of Nrf2 in BC tissues (n = 46) and cell lines (MDA-MB-453, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468) with diverse phenotypes. Immunohistochemical (IHC)analysis indicated lower Nrf2 expression in normal breast tissues, compared to BC samples, although the difference was not found to be significant. However, pharmacological inhibition and siRNA-induced downregulation of Nrf2 were marked by decreased activity of NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), a direct target of Nrf2. Silenced or inhibited Nrf2 signaling resulted in reduced BC proliferation and migration, cell cycle arrest, activation of apoptosis, and sensitization of BC cells to cisplatin in vitro. Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cells demonstrated elevated levels of Nrf2 and were further tested in experimental mouse models in vivo. Intraperitoneal administration of pharmacological Nrf2 inhibitor brusatol slowed tumor cell growth. Brusatol increased lymphocyte trafficking towards engrafted tumor tissue in vivo, suggesting activation of anti-cancer effects in tumor microenvironment. Further large-scale BC testing is needed to confirm Nrf2 marker and therapeutic capacities for chemo sensitization in drug resistant and advanced tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venugopal R. Bovilla
- Department of Biochemistry (DST-FIST Supported Department), JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India; (V.R.B.); (M.G.K.); (V.G.B.); (R.K.T.)
- Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CEMR) Laboratory (DST-FIST Supported Center), JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
- Public Health Research Institute of India (PHRII), Mysuru 570020, Karnataka, India
| | - Mahadevaswamy G. Kuruburu
- Department of Biochemistry (DST-FIST Supported Department), JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India; (V.R.B.); (M.G.K.); (V.G.B.); (R.K.T.)
- Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CEMR) Laboratory (DST-FIST Supported Center), JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Vidya G. Bettada
- Department of Biochemistry (DST-FIST Supported Department), JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India; (V.R.B.); (M.G.K.); (V.G.B.); (R.K.T.)
- Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CEMR) Laboratory (DST-FIST Supported Center), JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Jayashree Krishnamurthy
- Department of Pathology, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India;
| | - Olga A. Sukocheva
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Rajesh K. Thimmulappa
- Department of Biochemistry (DST-FIST Supported Department), JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India; (V.R.B.); (M.G.K.); (V.G.B.); (R.K.T.)
- Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CEMR) Laboratory (DST-FIST Supported Center), JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Nanjunda Swamy Shivananju
- Department of Biotechnology, JSS Technical Institutions Campus, JSS Science and Technology University, Mysore 570006, Karnataka, India;
| | | | - SubbaRao V. Madhunapantula
- Department of Biochemistry (DST-FIST Supported Department), JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India; (V.R.B.); (M.G.K.); (V.G.B.); (R.K.T.)
- Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CEMR) Laboratory (DST-FIST Supported Center), JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
- Leader, Special Interest Group in Cancer Biology and Cancer Stem Cells (SIG-CBCSC), JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysore 570015, Karnataka, India
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Brusatol-Enriched Brucea javanica Oil Ameliorated Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice: Involvement of NF- κB and RhoA/ROCK Signaling Pathways. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:5561221. [PMID: 34414236 PMCID: PMC8370821 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5561221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Brucea javanica oil (BJO) is beneficial for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC), and that quassinoids in particular brusatol are bioactive components. However, it is still uncertain whether or not other components in BJO, such as oleic acid and fatty acids, have an anti-UC effect. The present study is aimed at comparing the anti-UC effects between brusatol-enriched BJO (BE-BJO) and brusatol-free BJO (BF-BJO) and at exploring the effects and mechanisms of BE-BJO on colon inflammation and intestinal epithelial barrier function. Balb/C mice received 3% (wt/vol) DSS for one week to establish the UC model. Different doses of BE-BJO, BF-BJO, or BJO were treated. The result illustrated that BE-BJO alleviated DSS-induced loss of body weight, an increase of disease activity index (DAI), and a shortening of colon, whereas BF-BJO did not have these protective effects. BE-BJO treatment improved the morphology of colon tissue, inhibited the production and release of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-1β in the colon tissue, and reversed the decreased expressions of ZO-1, occludin, claudin-1, and E-cadherin induced by DSS but augmented claudin-2 expression. Mechanistically, BE-BJO repressed phosphorylation of NF-κB subunit p65, suppressed RhoA activation, downregulated ROCK, and prevented phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC) in DSS-treated mice, indicating that the protective effect of BE-BJO is attributed to suppression of NF-κB and RhoA/ROCK signaling pathways. These findings confirm that brusatol is an active component from BJO in the treatment of UC.
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18
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Chiriac AP, Rusu AG, Nita LE, Chiriac VM, Neamtu I, Sandu A. Polymeric Carriers Designed for Encapsulation of Essential Oils with Biological Activity. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13050631. [PMID: 33925127 PMCID: PMC8146382 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13050631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The article reviews the possibilities of encapsulating essential oils EOs, due to their multiple benefits, controlled release, and in order to protect them from environmental conditions. Thus, we present the natural polymers and the synthetic macromolecular chains that are commonly used as networks for embedding EOs, owing to their biodegradability and biocompatibility, interdependent encapsulation methods, and potential applicability of bioactive blend structures. The possibilities of using artificial intelligence to evaluate the bioactivity of EOs—in direct correlation with their chemical constitutions and structures, in order to avoid complex laboratory analyses, to save money and time, and to enhance the final consistency of the products—are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurica P. Chiriac
- Department of Natural Polymers, Bioactive and Biocompatible Materials, Petru Poni Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 700487 Iasi, Romania; (A.G.R.); (L.E.N.); (I.N.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Alina G. Rusu
- Department of Natural Polymers, Bioactive and Biocompatible Materials, Petru Poni Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 700487 Iasi, Romania; (A.G.R.); (L.E.N.); (I.N.); (A.S.)
| | - Loredana E. Nita
- Department of Natural Polymers, Bioactive and Biocompatible Materials, Petru Poni Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 700487 Iasi, Romania; (A.G.R.); (L.E.N.); (I.N.); (A.S.)
| | - Vlad M. Chiriac
- Faculty of Electronics Telecommunications and Information Technology, Gh. Asachi Technical University, 700050 Iași, Romania;
| | - Iordana Neamtu
- Department of Natural Polymers, Bioactive and Biocompatible Materials, Petru Poni Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 700487 Iasi, Romania; (A.G.R.); (L.E.N.); (I.N.); (A.S.)
| | - Alina Sandu
- Department of Natural Polymers, Bioactive and Biocompatible Materials, Petru Poni Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 700487 Iasi, Romania; (A.G.R.); (L.E.N.); (I.N.); (A.S.)
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