13,28-Epoxy triterpenoid saponins from Ardisia japonica selectively inhibit proliferation of liver cancer cells without affecting normal liver cells

A New Saponin (Zygo-albuside D) from Zygophyllum album Roots Triggers Apoptosis in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (A549 Cells) through CDK-2 Inhibition

Phytochemical study of the ethyl acetate root extract of Zygophyllum album has resulted in the isolation of a new saponin, Zygo-albuside D (1), along with two known compounds; (3-O-[β-D-quinovopyranosyl]-quinovic acid) (2), which is first reported in the root, and catechin (3), first reported in the genus. Their chemical structures were established by NMR and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The new saponin (1) exhibited promising cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 3.5 and 5.52 μM on A549 and PC-3 cancer cell lines, respectively, compared to doxorubicin with IC50 values of 9.44 and 11.39 μM on A549 and PC-3 cancer cell lines, respectively. While it had an IC50 value of 46.8 μM against WISH cells. Investigating apoptosis-induction, compound 1 induced total apoptotic cell death in A549 lung cancer cells by 32-fold; 21.53% compared to 0.67% in the untreated control cells. Finally, it upregulated the pro-apoptotic genes and downregulated the antiapoptotic gene using gene expression levels. Compound 1 exhibited remarkable CDK-2 target inhibition by 96.2% with an IC50 value of 117.6 nM compared to Roscovitine. The molecular docking study further confirmed the binding affinity of compound 1 as CDK2 and Bcl2 inhibitors that led to apoptosis induction in A549 cancer cells. Hence, this study highlights the importance of compound 1 in the design of a new anticancer agent with specific mechanisms.

Exploring the Effective Components and Mechanism of Action of Japanese Ardisia in the Treatment of Autoimmune Hepatitis Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification

Japanese Ardisia is widely used as a hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory agent in China. However, the active ingredients in Japanese Ardisia and their potential mechanisms of action in the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are unknown. The pharmacodynamic substance and mechanism of action of Japanese Ardisia in the treatment of AIH were investigated using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology in this study. Following that, the effects of Japanese Ardisia were evaluated using the concanavalin A (Con A)-induced acute liver injury rat model. The active ingredients and targets of Japanese Ardisia were searched using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database, and hepatitis-related therapeutic targets were identified through GeneCards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man databases. A compound-target network was then constructed using Cytoscape software, and enrichment analysis was performed using gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases. Molecular docking technology was used to simulate the docking of key targets, and the AIH rat model was used to validate the expression of key targets. Nineteen active chemical components and 143 key target genes were identified. GO enrichment analysis revealed that the treatment of AIH with Japanese Ardisia mainly involved DNA-binding transcription factor binding, RNA polymerase II-specific DNA transcription factor binding, cytokine receptor binding, receptor-ligand activity, ubiquitin-like protein ligase binding, and cytokine activity. In the KEGG enrichment analysis, 165 pathways were identified, including the lipid and atherosclerotic pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, hepatitis B pathway, and the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications. These pathways may be the key to effective AIH treatment with Japanese Ardisia. Molecular docking showed that quercetin and kaempferol have good binding to AKT1, IL6, VEGFA, and CASP3. Animal experiments demonstrated that Japanese Ardisia could increase the expression of AKT1 and decrease the expression of CASP3 protein, as well as IL-6, in rat liver tissues. This study identified multiple molecular targets and pathways for Japanese Ardisia in the treatment of AIH. At the same time, the effectiveness of Japanese Ardisia in treating AIH was verified by animal experiments.

Systematic characterization of the effective constituents and molecular mechanisms of Ardisiae Japonicae Herba using UPLC-Orbitrap Fusion MS and network pharmacology

Objective

Ardisiae Japonicae Herba (AJH), the dried whole herb of Ardisia japonica (Thunb.) Blume [Primulaceae], has been used in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in China. However, the material basis and molecular mechanisms of AJH against COPD remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, we attempt to establish a systematic approach to elucidate the material basis and molecular mechanisms through compound identification, network analysis, molecular docking, and experimental validation.

Methods

Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-Orbitrap Fusion mass spectrometry (UPLC-Orbitrap Fusion MS) was used to characterize the chemical compounds of AJH. The SwissTargetPrediction, String and Metascape databases were selected for network pharmacology analysis, including target prediction, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Cytoscape 3.7.2 software was used to construct a component-target-pathway network to screen out the main active compounds. Autodock Vina software was used to verify the affinity between the key compounds and targets. TNF-α-stimulated A549 cell inflammation model was built to further verify the anti-inflammatory effects of active compounds.

Results

Altogether, 236 compounds were identified in AJH, including 33 flavonoids, 21 Phenylpropanoids, 46 terpenes, 7 quinones, 27 steroids, 71 carboxylic acids and 31 other compounds. Among them, 41 compounds were selected as the key active constituents, which might exhibit therapeutic effects against COPD by modulating 65 corresponding targets primarily involved in inflammation/metabolism/immune-related pathways. The results of molecular docking showed that the key compounds could spontaneously bind to the receptor proteins with a strong binding ability. Finally, the anti-inflammatory effects of the three active compounds were validated with the decreased levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) in TNF-α-induced A549 cells model.

Conclusion

This study clarified that AJH may exert therapeutic actions for COPD via regulating inflammation/immune/metabolism-related pathways using UPLC-Orbitrap Fusion MS technology combined with network pharmacology for the first time. This study had a deeper exploration of the chemical components and pharmacological activities in AJH, which provided a reference for the further study and clinical application of AJH in the treatment of COPD.

Triterpenoids with modified A-ring as modulators of P-gp-dependent drug-resistance in cancer cells

Semi-synthetic A-cycle modified triterpenic derivatives with A-cycle condensed with a heterocyclic fragment (compound 1) and fragmented A-ring (compound 2) were tested for cytotoxicity against several tumor cell cultures and doxorubicin (Dox)-resistant cell lines. The equal cytotoxicity of the tested compounds to the parental tumor cell lines (HBL-100, K562) and their resistant subclones (HBL-100/Dox, K562/i-S9) was revealed. The overexpression of ABCB1 (MDR1) gene and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) was confirmed for both resistant subclones of tumor cells. Compounds 1 and 2 were shown to inhibit the ABC-transporter gene expression (MDR1, MRP, MVP, and BCRP) and the transport of well-known P-gp substrate Rhodamine 123 from resistant cells. The docking of triterpenoids 1 and 2 into the drug binding site of P-gp revealed a similarity between the conformation of the tested triterpenoids and that of classical inhibitor verapamil, thus assuming these compounds to be more likely the inhibitors than the substrates of P-gp. Any tested triterpenic derivatives, when combined at non-toxic concentrations with doxorubicin, improved cytotoxic effect of the therapeutic drug against resistant subclones of tumor cells.

In Search of High-Yielding and Single-Compound-Yielding Plants: New Sources of Pharmaceutically Important Saponins from the Primulaceae Family

So far, only a few primrose species have been analyzed regarding their saponin composition and content. Moreover, the roots of only two of them are defined by the European Union (EU) Pharmacopoeia monograph and commercially utilized by the pharmaceutical industry. Thus, this study intended to find some new sources of main triterpene saponins from Primulae radix, namely primulasaponins I and II together with the closely related sakurasosaponin. Using isolated standards, UHPLC-ESI-HRMS served to assess over 155 Primulaceae members qualitatively and quantitatively. Nine examples of plants accumulating over 5% of primulasaponin I in their roots were found. Among them, in one case, it was found as the almost sole secondary metabolite with the concentration of 15–20% (Primula grandis L.). A reasonable content of primulasaponin II was found to be typical for Primula vulgaris Huds. and P. megaseifolia Boiss. & Bal. The sakurasosaponin level was found in seven species to exceed 5%. The finding of new, single and rich sources of the abovementioned biomolecules among species that were never analyzed phytochemically is important for future research and economic benefit. The chemotaxonomic significance of the occurrence of these three saponins in Primulaceae is discussed.

Sasanquasaponin ΙΙΙ from Schima crenata Korth induces autophagy through Akt/mTOR/p70S6K pathway and promotes apoptosis in human melanoma A375 cells

BACKGROUND

Melanoma is a high fatality skin cancer which lacks effective drugs. Sasanquasaponin, an important sort of constituents in theaceae, has been demonstrated to have potent anti-tumor effect in breast cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. As a sasanquasaponin, we speculate that Sasanquasaponin III (SQS III) isolated from Schima crenata Korth may also have anti-tumor activity.

PURPOSE

This study aims to investigate whether SQS III has anti-melanoma activity and examine the underlying mechanisms of SQS III against melanoma.

METHODS/STUDY DESIGNS

The anti-proliferative effect of SQS III was assessed by cells viability assay. Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining assay was utilized for detection of apoptosis. Mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were detected using JC-1 and DCFH-DA assay, respectively. Autophagy was monitored using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and GFP-LC3 transfection fluorescence analysis. Autophagosome-lysosome fusion and lysosomal degradation were determined using a GFP-LC3 & LAMP1 co-localization assay and DQ-BSA staining. Proteins related to apoptosis and autophagy were analyzed by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that the SQS III exhibited potent anti-cancer activity in A375 cells by inducing both apoptosis and autophagy. In melanoma cells treated with SQS III, caspases were activated and PARP was cleaved, proving the occurrence of apoptosis. Mechanistic studies indicated that the pro-apoptosis activity of SQS III was mediated by death receptor pathway and mitochondrial dysfunction which was induced by ROS accumulation and reversed by the ROS inhibitor N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC). In addition to triggering apoptosis, SQS III may also cause autophagy in melanoma cells. Our results demonstrated that SQS III induced up-regulated expression of GFP-LC3, autophagosome-lysosomal fusion and lysosomal degradation. Additionally, the ROS accumulation was also involved in the activation of autophagy. Meanwhile, it was also found that after SQS III treatment, the expression of LC3-II was up-regulated and the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway was inhibited. The autophagy inhibitor 3-MA converted cytotoxicity and apoptosis of SQS III in A375 cells, which indicated that autophagy promoted the SQS III-induced apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

SQS III showed potent anti-cancer activity by inducing apoptosis and autophagy, which provides insights into its possible use as a therapy for melanoma.

New derivatives of 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (KBA) induce apoptosis in breast and prostate cancers cells

A series of new 11-keto-β-boswellic acid were partially-synthesized by modifying the hydroxyl and carboxylic acid functional groups of ring A. The structures of the new analogs were confirmed by detailed spectral data analysis. Compounds 4, 5 and 9 exhibited potent anti-cancer results against two human tumor cancer cell lines having IC₅₀ value of MCF-7 (breast) and LNCaP (prostate): 123.6, 9.6 and 88.94 μM and 9.6, 44.12 and 12.03 μM, respectively. Additionally, a maximum nuclear fragmentation was observed for 4 (78.44%) in AKBA treated cells after 24 hr followed by 5 and 9 with (74.25 and 66.9% respectively). This study suggests that the presence of hydrazone functionality (4 and 9) has effectively improved the potency of AKBA. Interestingly, compound 5 with a lost carboxylic acid group of ring A showed comparable potent activity. Highly selective AKBA requires further modification to improve its bioavailability and solubility inside the cancer cells.

Inhibitory effect of Gypsophila oldhamiana gypsogenin on NCI-N87 gastric cancer cell line

Gastric cancer is one of the major cancers threatening people’s lives worldwide. Recent studies showed that Gypsophila oldhamiana gypsogenin (GOG) exhibits inhibition effects and cytotoxic activities against different cell lines. The aim of this study was to explore the inhibitory effect and dose response of GOG on gastric cancer cell line NCI-N87 and to provide the theoretical basis for clinical anti-tumor therapy. The experiments showed that GOG could inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of human gastric cancer cell line NCI-N87. GOG could dose dependently reduce the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloprotein (MMP)-9 proteins, while increase the expression of caspase-3 and Bax proteins. Compared with model group, tumor volume (TV), relative tumor volume (RTV), and relative tumor increment rate (T/C) in the mid-dose and high-dose GOG groups were significantly reduced, and the inhibition rate (IR) in the two groups was significantly increased. The results indicated that the anti-tumor effect of GOG on gastric cancer cells may be related with the downregulation of caspase-3 and Bax and the upregulation of MMP-9 and VEGF.

Pfaffosidic Fraction from Hebanthe paniculata Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Caspase-3-Induced Apoptosis in HepG2 Cells

Hebanthe paniculata roots (formerly Pfaffia paniculata and popularly known as Brazilian ginseng) show antineoplastic, chemopreventive, and antiproliferative properties. Functional properties of these roots and their extracts are usually attributed to the pfaffosidic fraction, which is composed mainly by pfaffosides A–F. However, the therapeutic potential of this fraction in cancer cells is not yet entirely understood. This study aimed to analyze the antitumoral effects of the purified pfaffosidic fraction or saponinic fraction on the human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cell line. Cellular viability, proliferation, and apoptosis were evaluated, respectively, by MTT assay, BrdU incorporation, activated caspase-3 immunocytochemistry, and DNA fragmentation assay. Cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry and the cell cycle-related proteins were analyzed by quantitative PCR and Western blot. The cells exposed to pfaffosidic fraction had reduced viability and cellular growth, induced G2/M at 48 h or S at 72 h arrest, and increased sub-G1 cell population via cyclin E downregulation, p27^KIP1 overexpression, and caspase-3-induced apoptosis, without affecting the DNA integrity. Antitumoral effects of pfaffosidic fraction from H. paniculata in HepG2 cells originated by multimechanisms of action might be associated with cell cycle arrest in the S phase, by CDK2 and cyclin E downregulation and p27^KIP1 overexpression, besides induction of apoptosis through caspase-3 activation.

The apoptotic effect of D Rhamnose β-hederin, a novel oleanane-type triterpenoid saponin on breast cancer cells

There is growing interest in development of natural products as anti-cancer and chemopreventive agents. Many triterpenoids have been proved as potential agents for chemoprevention and therapy of breast cancer. Ginsenosides from ginseng, which mostly belong to dammarane-type triterpenoids, have gained great attention for their anti-breast cancer activity with diverse mechanisms. However, studies of other kinds of triterpenoid saponins on breast cancer are limited. Previously, we purified and identified a novel oleanane-type triterpene saponin named D Rhamnose β-hederin (DRβ-H) from Clematis ganpiniana, a Chinese traditional anti-tumor herb. In the present study, DRβ-H showed strong inhibitory activity on the growth of various breast cancer cells and induced apoptosis in these cells. DRβ-H inhibited PI3K/AKT and activated ERK signaling pathway. PI3K inhibitor LY294002 synergistically enhanced DRβ-H-induced apoptosis whereas MEK inhibitor U0126 reduced the apoptosis rate. Moreover, DRβ-H regulated the ratio of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins. Furthermore, DRβ-H induced depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential which released Apaf-1 and Cytochrome C from the inter membrane space into the cytosol, where they promoted caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation. This is the first report on the pro-apoptotic effects of DRβ-H, a novel oleanane-type triterpenoid saponin, on breast cancer cells and its comprehensive apoptosis pathways. It implied that oleanane-type triterpenoid saponin DRβ-H could be a promising candidate for chemotherapy of breast cancer.

Momordin Ic induces HepG2 cell apoptosis through MAPK and PI3K/Akt-mediated mitochondrial pathways

Momordin Ic is a natural triterpenoid saponin enriched in various Chinese and Japanese natural medicines such as the fruit of Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad. So far, there is little scientific evidence for momordin Ic with regard to the anti-tumor activities. The aim of this work was to elucidate the anti-tumor effect of momordin Ic and the signal transduction pathways involved. We found that momordin Ic induced apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells, which were supported by DNA fragmentation, caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage. Meanwhile, momordin Ic triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS) production together with collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome c release, down-regulation of Bcl-2 and up-regulation of Bax expression. The activation of p38 and JNK, inactivation of Erk1/2 and Akt were also demonstrated. Although ROS production rather than NO was stimulated, the expression of iNOS and HO-1 were altered after momordin Ic treatment for 4 h. Furthermore, the cytochrome c release, caspase-3 activation, Bax/Bcl-2 expression and PARP cleavage were promoted with LY294002 and U0126 intervention but were blocked by SB203580, SP600125, PI3K activator, NAC and 1,400 W pretreatment, demonstrating the mitochondrial disruption. Furthermore, momordin Ic combination with NAC influenced MAPK, PI3K/Akt and HO-1, iNOS pathways, MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways also regulated the expression of HO-1 and iNOS. These results indicated that momordin Ic induced apoptosis through oxidative stress-regulated mitochondrial dysfunction involving the MAPK and PI3K-mediated iNOS and HO-1 pathways. Thus, momordin Ic might represent a potential source of anticancer candidate.