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Yang T, Yu R, Cheng C, Huo J, Gong Z, Cao H, Hu Y, Dai B, Zhang Y. Cantharidin induces apoptosis of human triple negative breast cancer cells through mir-607-mediated downregulation of EGFR. J Transl Med 2023; 21:597. [PMID: 37670360 PMCID: PMC10481602 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04483-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a major subtype of breast cancer, with limited therapeutic drugs in clinical. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is reported to be overexpressed in various TNBC cells. Cantharidin is an effective ingredient in many clinical traditional Chinese medicine preparations, such as Delisheng injection, Aidi injection, Disodium cantharidinate and vitamin B6 injection. Previous studies showed that cantharidin had satisfactory pharmacological activity on a variety of tumors. In this study, we aimed to study the therapeutic potential of cantharidin for TNBC treatment by targeting EGFR, and expound its novel regulator miR-607. METHODS The effect of cantharidin on breast cancer in vivo was evaluated by 4T1 mice model. Then the effects of cantharidin on TNBC cells was assessed by the MTT, colony formation, and AnnexinV-PE/7AAD staining. Cantharidin acts on EGFR were verified using the cell membrane chromatography, RT-PCR, Western blotting, MTT, and so on. Mechanistic studies were explored by dual-luciferase report assay, RT-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining assay. RESULTS Cantharidin inhibited TNBC cell growth and induce apoptosis by targeting EGFR. miR-607 was a novel EGFR regulator and exhibited suppressive functions on TNBC cell behaviors. Mechanistic study showed that cantharidin blocked the downstream PI3K/AKT/mTOR and ERK/MAPK signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Our results revealed that cantharidin may be served as a potential candidate for TNBC treatment by miR-607-mediated downregulation of EGFR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianfeng Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Street, #54, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Runze Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Street, #54, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Street, #54, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Huo
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Street, #54, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengyan Gong
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Street, #54, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanbing Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Street, #54, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Street, #54, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingling Dai
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Street, #54, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an, 710061, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yanmin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Street, #54, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an, 710061, People's Republic of China.
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Merhi M, Ahmad F, Taib N, Inchakalody V, Uddin S, Shablak A, Dermime S. The complex network of transcription factors, immune checkpoint inhibitors and stemness features in colorectal cancer: A recent update. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 89:1-17. [PMID: 36621515 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.01.001] [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: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunity is regulated by several mechanisms that include co-stimulatory and/or co-inhibitory molecules known as immune checkpoints expressed by the immune cells. In colorectal cancer (CRC), CTLA-4, LAG3, TIM-3 and PD-1 are the major co-inhibitory checkpoints involved in tumor development and progression. On the other hand, the deregulation of transcription factors and cancer stem cells activity plays a major role in the development of drug resistance and in the spread of metastatic disease in CRC. In this review, we describe how the modulation of such transcription factors affects the response of CRC to therapies. We also focus on the role of cancer stem cells in tumor metastasis and chemoresistance and discuss both preclinical and clinical approaches for targeting stem cells to prevent their tumorigenic effect. Finally, we provide an update on the clinical applications of immune checkpoint inhibitors in CRC and discuss the regulatory effects of transcription factors on the expression of the immune inhibitory checkpoints with specific focus on the PD-1 and PD-L1 molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maysaloun Merhi
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fareed Ahmad
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nassiba Taib
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Varghese Inchakalody
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Alaaeldin Shablak
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Said Dermime
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
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Zhai BT, Sun J, Shi YJ, Zhang XF, Zou JB, Cheng JX, Fan Y, Guo DY, Tian H. Review targeted drug delivery systems for norcantharidin in cancer therapy. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:509. [DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01703-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractNorcantharidin (NCTD) is a demethylated derivative of cantharidin (CTD), the main anticancer active ingredient isolated from traditional Chinese medicine Mylabris. NCTD has been approved by the State Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of various solid tumors, especially liver cancer. Although NCTD greatly reduces the toxicity of CTD, there is still a certain degree of urinary toxicity and organ toxicity, and the poor solubility, short half-life, fast metabolism, as well as high venous irritation and weak tumor targeting ability limit its widespread application in the clinic. To reduce its toxicity and improve its efficacy, design of targeted drug delivery systems based on biomaterials and nanomaterials is one of the most feasible strategies. Therefore, this review focused on the studies of targeted drug delivery systems combined with NCTD in recent years, including passive and active targeted drug delivery systems, and physicochemical targeted drug delivery systems for improving drug bioavailability and enhancing its efficacy, as well as increasing drug targeting ability and reducing its adverse effects.
Graphical Abstract
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Ju J, Wu Y, He W, Zhan L, Yin X, Zhang J, Zhang Y, Qiu L, Muhammad P, Reis RL, Li C. Nanocarriers for Active Ingredients of Chinese Medicine (AIFCM) Used in Gastrointestinal Cancer Therapy. J Biomed Nanotechnol 2022. [DOI: 10.1166/jbn.2022.3446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Active ingredients of Chinese medicine (AIFCM) are pharmacological substances taken from traditional Chinese medicine that show promise in treating gastrointestinal cancer. Compared with traditional chemotherapeutic drugs, AIFCM have advantages such as multi-target and multi-level treatment
of gastrointestinal cancer. Nanocarriers have the following advantages, better bioavailability, passive or active targeting of tumor sites and responsive release of drugs. The use of nanocarriers for delivery of AIFCM in treatment of gastrointestinal cancer, can overcome the disadvantages
of some AIFCM, such as insolubility and low bioavailability. In this review, we first outline the background on gastrointestinal cancer, main curative factors and conventional therapeutic approaches. Then, the mechanisms for AIFCM in gastrointestinal cancer therapy are presented in the following
four aspects: gene regulation, immune modulation, cellular pathway transduction, and alteration of intestinal flora. Thirdly, preparation of various nanocarriers and results when combining AIFCM in gastrointestinal cancer are presented. Fourth, application of novel targeted nanocarriers and
responsive nanocarriers in gastrointestinal tumors is further introduced. Finally, the application of AIFCM in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer is summarized and prospected, hoping to shed some light on the nanocarrier-bound AIFCM in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiale Ju
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Yinghua Wu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Wen He
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Lin Zhan
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Xuelian Yin
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Yuxi Zhang
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Li Qiu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Pir Muhammad
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, Hainan, China
| | - Rui L. Reis
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue, Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Guimarães,
4805-017, Portugal
| | - Chenchen Li
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
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Hu J, Xia X, Zhao Q, Li S. Lysine acetylation of NKG2D ligand Rae-1 stabilizes the protein and sensitizes tumor cells to NKG2D immune surveillance. Cancer Lett 2021; 502:143-153. [PMID: 33279621 PMCID: PMC10142196 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Shedding, loss of expression, or internalization of natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) ligands from the tumor cell surface leads to immune evasion, which is associated with poor prognosis in patients with cancer. In many cancers, matrix metalloproteinases cause the proteolytic shedding of NKG2D ligands. However, it remained unclear how to protect NKG2D ligands from shedding. Here, we showed that the shedding of the mouse NKG2D ligand Rae-1 can be prevented by two critical acetyltransferases, GCN5 and PCAF, which acetylate the lysine residues of Rae-1 to avoid shedding both in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, mutations at lysines 80 and 87 of Rae-1 abrogated this acetylation and thereby desensitized tumor cells to NKG2D-dependent immune surveillance. Notably, the protein levels of GCN5 correlated with the expression levels of the human NKG2D ligand ULPB1 in a human tumor tissue microarray and, more importantly, with prolonged overall survival in many cancers. Our results suggest that the acetylation of Rae-1 protein at lysines 80 and 87 by GCN5 and PCAF protects Rae-1 from shedding so as to activate NKG2D-dependent immune surveillance. This discovery may shed light on new targets for NKG2D immunotherapy in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiemiao Hu
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 853, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Xueqing Xia
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 853, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Qingnan Zhao
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 853, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Shulin Li
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 853, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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6
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Transcription factors in colorectal cancer: molecular mechanism and therapeutic implications. Oncogene 2020; 40:1555-1569. [PMID: 33323976 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01587-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer mortality worldwide, however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of CRC remain largely unclear. Recent studies have revealed crucial roles of transcription factors in CRC development. Transcription factors essential for the regulation of gene expression by interacting with transcription corepressor/enhancer complexes and they orchestrate downstream signal transduction. Deregulation of transcription factors is a frequent occurrence in CRC, and the accompanying drastic changes in gene expression profiles play fundamental roles in multistep process of tumorigenesis, from cellular transformation, disease progression to metastatic disease. Herein, we summarized current and emerging key transcription factors that participate in CRC tumorigenesis, and highlighted their oncogenic or tumor suppressive functions. Moreover, we presented critical transcription factors of CRC, emphasized the major molecular mechanisms underlying their effect on signal cascades associated with tumorigenesis, and summarized of their potential as molecular biomarkers for CRC prognosis therapeutic response, as well as drug targets for CRC treatment. A better understanding of transcription factors involved in the development of CRC will provide new insights into the pathological mechanisms and reveal novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for CRC.
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Zhang S, Yang Y, Hua Y, Hu C, Zhong Y. NCTD elicits proapoptotic and antiglycolytic effects on colorectal cancer cells via modulation of Fam46c expression and inhibition of ERK1/2 signaling. Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:774-782. [PMID: 32468032 PMCID: PMC7339822 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is a digestive tract malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer‑related mortality worldwide. Norcantharidin (NCTD), the demethylated form of cantharidin, has been reported to possess anticancer properties. Family‑with‑sequence‑similarity‑46c (Fam46c), a non‑canonical poly(A) polymerase, has been reported to be critical in NCTD‑mediated effects in numerous types of cancer, including hepatoma. In the current study, it was found that Fam46c expression was reduced in colorectal cancer tissues and cells. Treatment with NCTD was observed to significantly enhance apoptosis and inhibit glycolysis in colorectal cancer cells. In addition, Fam46c and cleaved caspase 3 expression levels were found to be increased in response to NCTD treatment, in contrast to tumor‑specific pyruvate kinase M2 and phosphorylated ERK expression, which was reduced. Importantly, overexpression of Fam46c exerted similar effects as NCTD treatment on the apoptosis and glycolysis of colorectal cancer cells, whereas Fam46c knockdown strongly attenuated the effect of NCTD. Moreover, epidermal growth factor, which acts as an agonist of ERK1/2 signaling, weakened the effects of NCTD on colorectal cancer cells. Taken together, the results indicated that NCTD promotes apoptosis and suppresses glycolysis in colorectal cancer cells by possibly targeting Fam46c and inhibiting ERK1/2 signaling, hence suggesting that Fam46c may act as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer. Thus, the present study identified a novel therapeutic target of NCTD in the clinical treatment of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqiang Zhang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
| | - Yun Yang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
| | - Yunwei Hua
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
| | - Chen Hu
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
| | - Yi Zhong
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
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Pan MS, Cao J, Fan YZ. Insight into norcantharidin, a small-molecule synthetic compound with potential multi-target anticancer activities. Chin Med 2020; 15:55. [PMID: 32514288 PMCID: PMC7260769 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-020-00338-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD) is a demethylated derivative of cantharidin, which is an anticancer active ingredient of traditional Chinese medicine, and is currently used clinically as a routine anti-cancer drug in China. Clarifying the anticancer effect and molecular mechanism of NCTD is critical for its clinical application. Here, we summarized the physiological, chemical, pharmacokinetic characteristics and clinical applications of NCTD. Besides, we mainly focus on its potential multi-target anticancer activities and underlying mechanisms, and discuss the problems existing in clinical application and scientific research of NCTD, so as to provide a potential anticancer therapeutic agent for human malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Su Pan
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jin Cao
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue-Zu Fan
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065 People’s Republic of China
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Jeong CH, Kwon HC, Cheng WN, Kim DH, Choi Y, Han SG. Aluminum exposure promotes the metastatic proclivity of human colorectal cancer cells through matrix metalloproteinases and the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 141:111402. [PMID: 32437896 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Human exposure to aluminum (Al) mainly occurs through food intake. However, influences of Al on the gastrointestinal tract have been rarely reported. In particular, the effect of Al on the metastasis and angiogenesis of colorectal cancer cells has not been studied. Thus, we investigated the effect of Al on the metastatic proclivity using the human colorectal cancer cell line, HT-29. Cells were exposed to 1-16 mM AlCl3 for 3-72 h. The effects of AlCl3 on HT-29 cells for migration/invasion/adhesion, and metastasis-associated protein and gene expression were evaluated. AlCl3 promoted cell migration and invasion, whereas it suppressed cell adhesion. AlCl3-exposed cells showed decreased E-cadherin and increased vimentin and Snail. AlCl3 increased transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) mRNA expression and Smad2/3 nuclear translocation. AlCl3-treated cells had a higher mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-7 and -9 than the control. Particularly, AlCl3-treated HT-29 cells promoted the angiogenesis of endothelial cells via increasing the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor. Taken together, AlCl3 can promote the metastatic proclivity of colorectal cancer cells through MMP-7, -9, and TGF-β/Smad2/3 pathway. Our data suggest that Al exposure of the gastrointestinal tract may be a risk factor for metastasis initiation in colorectal cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Hee Jeong
- Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Food Science and Biotechnology of Animal Resources, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuk Cheol Kwon
- Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Food Science and Biotechnology of Animal Resources, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Wei Nee Cheng
- Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Food Science and Biotechnology of Animal Resources, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Do Hyun Kim
- Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Food Science and Biotechnology of Animal Resources, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngsok Choi
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Gu Han
- Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Food Science and Biotechnology of Animal Resources, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea.
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Zeng Y, Guo Y, Zhang Y, Wang X, Jiang Y, Yang D. Rapid profiling of cantharidin analogs in Mylabris phalerata Pallas by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-tandem mass spectrometry. Biomed Chromatogr 2020; 34:e4801. [PMID: 31999361 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.4801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the protective effect and toxicity of extracts from Mylabris phalerata Pallas by measuring the activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, venous thrombosis and acute toxicity in rats. Results showed the petroleum ether and water fractions of M. phalerata inhibited thrombosis but hardly prolonged the activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time in rats. The trichloromethane fraction had obvious toxicity with an LD50 of 0.2 g/kg in vivo, and contained many cantharidin analogs (CAs) by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole ion trap-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS). CAs are the major potential bioactivity constituent in M. phalerata. An effective and reliable UPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS method was successfully developed to separate and identify CAs. The fragmentation patterns of five purified compounds were applied to elucidate the structure of their analogs. Thirty-four CAs were characterized or tentatively identified, eight of which are proposed to be novel compounds (13-17, 20, 21, 23), and their fragmentation patterns were investigated for the first time. Most importantly, a rapid and reliable UPLC-MS method was developed to identify the CAs of M. phalerata. This method has contributed to the discovery of most of these unknown analogs or their metabolites in M. phalerata effectively and quickly, and does not rely on limited chemical structural diversity libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaobo Zeng
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanlei Guo
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianying Wang
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Jiang
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, People's Republic of China
| | - Dajian Yang
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, People's Republic of China.,Comprehensive Health Center of Chongqing Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, People's Republic of China
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Chi J, Jiang Z, Chen X, Peng Y, Liu W, Han B, Han B. Studies on anti-hepatocarcinoma effect, pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of carboxymethyl chitosan based norcantharidin conjugates. Carbohydr Polym 2019; 226:115297. [PMID: 31582090 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.115297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Aiming to enhance therapeutic efficiency and reduce toxic effect of norcantharidin (NCTD), NCTD-conjugated carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) conjugates (CNC) were prepared and evaluated for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. In vitro cellular assays revealed that CNC conjugates possessed potent inhibitory effects on the proliferation and migration of BEL-7402 cells. Besides, CNC could change nuclear morphology of tumor cells. In comparison with free NCTD at equivalent dose, CNC exerted enhanced therapeutic efficiency and diminished systemic toxicity in H22 tumor-bearing mice with a tumor inhibition rate of 56.20%. Further investigation about pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis indicated that CNC showed a longer retention time in blood circulation and reduced distribution in heart and kidney tissues, thereby exerting different antitumor efficacy and toxicity compared with free NCTD. Our results suggested that CNC conjugates based on CMCS as polymer carriers might be used as a potential clinical alternative for NCTD in tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhua Chi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biomedical Materials, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, PR China
| | - Zhiwen Jiang
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biomedical Materials, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266235, PR China
| | - Xiaotong Chen
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biomedical Materials, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, PR China
| | - Yanfei Peng
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biomedical Materials, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266235, PR China
| | - Wanshun Liu
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biomedical Materials, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, PR China
| | - Baosan Han
- Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, PR China.
| | - Baoqin Han
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biomedical Materials, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266235, PR China.
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12
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Contribution of p38 MAPK Pathway to Norcantharidin-Induced Programmed Cell Death in Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20143487. [PMID: 31315217 PMCID: PMC6678691 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20143487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD), a demethylated analog of cantharidin isolated from blister beetles, has been used as a promising anticancer agent; however, the underlying function of NCTD against human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has not been fully understood. Here, this study was aimed to investigate the apoptotic effect and molecular targets of NCTD in human OSCC in vitro and in vivo. The anticancer effects of NCTD and its related molecular mechanisms were evaluated by trypan blue exclusion assay, live/dead assay, western blotting, 4-6-Diamidino-2-Phenylindole (DAPI) staining, flow cytometric analysis, Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase dUTP Nick end Labeling (TUNEL) assay, and immunohistochemistry. NCTD significantly inhibited cell growth and increased the number of dead cells in HSC-3 and HN22 cell lines. It induced the following apoptotic phenomena: (1) the cleavages of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and casepase-3; (2) increase in apoptotic morphological changes (nuclear condensation and fragmentation); (3) increase in annexin V-positive cells or sub-G1 population of cells. NCTD significantly activated the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway but inactivated the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 pathway. A p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580) partially attenuated NCTD-induced programmed cell death (apoptosis) in both cell lines, whereas ectopic overexpression of STAT3 did not affect it. NCTD strongly suppressed tumor growth in the tumor xenograft bearing HSC-3 cells, and the number of TUNEL-positive cells increased in NCTD-treated tumor tissues. In addition, NCTD did not cause any histopathological changes in the liver nor the kidney. NCTD induced programmed cell death via the activation of p38 MAPK in OSCC. Therefore, these results suggest that NCTD could be a potential anticancer drug candidate for the treatment of OSCC.
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Chi J, Jiang Z, Qiao J, Peng Y, Liu W, Han B. Synthesis and anti-metastasis activities of norcantharidin-conjugated carboxymethyl chitosan as a novel drug delivery system. Carbohydr Polym 2019; 214:80-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Hong KO, Ahn CH, Yang IH, Han JM, Shin JA, Cho SD, Hong SD. Norcantharidin Suppresses YD-15 Cell Invasion Through Inhibition of FAK/Paxillin and F-Actin Reorganization. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24101928. [PMID: 31109130 PMCID: PMC6572169 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24101928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD), a demethylated derivative of cantharidin, has been reported to exhibit activity against various types of cancers. However, the anti-invasive effects of NCTD and its molecular mechanism in human mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) remain incompletely elucidated. Clonogenic, wound healing, invasion, zymography, western blotting and immunocytochemistry assays were performed in YD-15 cells to investigate the anti-invasive effect of NCTD and its molecular mechanism of action. The inhibitory effects of NCTD on invasiveness were compared with those of a novel focal adhesion kinase (FAK) kinase inhibitor, PF-562271. NCTD markedly suppressed the colony formation, migration, and invasion of YD-15 cells as well as the activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9. It disrupted F-actin reorganization through suppressing the FAK/Paxillin axis. Moreover, NCTD exhibited a powerful anti-invasive effect compared with that of PF-562271 in YD-15 cells. Collectively, these results suggest that NCTD has a potential anti-invasive activity against YD-15 cells. This study may clarify the impact of NCTD on migration and invasion of human MEC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung-Ok Hong
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea.
| | - Chi-Hyun Ahn
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea.
| | - In-Hyoung Yang
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea.
| | - Jung-Min Han
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea.
| | - Ji-Ae Shin
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea.
| | - Sung-Dae Cho
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea.
| | - Seong Doo Hong
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea.
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Sugano H, Shirai Y, Horiuchi T, Saito N, Shimada Y, Eto K, Uwagawa T, Ohashi T, Yanaga K. Nafamostat Mesilate Enhances the Radiosensitivity and Reduces the Radiation-Induced Invasive Ability of Colorectal Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:E386. [PMID: 30336548 PMCID: PMC6210678 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10100386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by radical surgery is the standard treatment for patients with locally advanced low rectal cancer. However, several studies have reported that ionizing radiation (IR) activates nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) that causes radioresistance and induces matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/-9, which promote tumor migration and invasion. Nafamostat mesilate (FUT175), a synthetic serine protease inhibitor, enhances the chemosensitivity to cytotoxic agents in digestive system cancer cells by inhibiting NF-κB activation. Therefore, we evaluated the combined effect of IR and FUT175 on cell proliferation, migration and invasion of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. IR-induced upregulation of intranuclear NF-κB, FUT175 counteracted this effect. Moreover, the combination treatment suppressed cell viability and induced apoptosis. Similar effects were also observed in xenograft tumors. In addition, FUT175 prevented the migration and invasion of cancer cells caused by IR by downregulating the enzymatic activity of MMP-2/-9. In conclusion, FUT175 enhances the anti-tumor effect of radiotherapy through downregulation of NF-κB and reduces IR-induced tumor invasiveness by directly inhibiting MMP-2/-9 in CRC cells. Therefore, the use of FUT175 during radiotherapy might improve the efficacy of radiotherapy in patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Sugano
- Department of Surgery, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8, Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan.
- Division of Gene Therapy, Research Center for Medical Science, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8, Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan.
| | - Yoshihiro Shirai
- Department of Surgery, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8, Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan.
- Division of Gene Therapy, Research Center for Medical Science, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8, Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan.
| | - Takashi Horiuchi
- Department of Surgery, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8, Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan.
- Division of Gene Therapy, Research Center for Medical Science, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8, Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan.
| | - Nobuhiro Saito
- Department of Surgery, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8, Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan.
- Division of Gene Therapy, Research Center for Medical Science, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8, Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan.
| | - Yohta Shimada
- Division of Gene Therapy, Research Center for Medical Science, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8, Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan.
| | - Ken Eto
- Department of Surgery, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8, Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan.
| | - Tadashi Uwagawa
- Department of Surgery, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8, Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan.
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8, Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan.
| | - Toya Ohashi
- Division of Gene Therapy, Research Center for Medical Science, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8, Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan.
| | - Katsuhiko Yanaga
- Department of Surgery, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8, Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan.
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Guo J, Wu Y, Du J, Yang L, Chen W, Gong K, Dai J, Miao S, Jin D, Xi S. Deregulation of UBE2C-mediated autophagy repression aggravates NSCLC progression. Oncogenesis 2018; 7:49. [PMID: 29904125 PMCID: PMC6002383 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-018-0054-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The roles of aberrantly regulated autophagy in human malignancy and the mechanisms that initiate and sustain the repression of autophagy in carcinogenesis are less well defined. Activation of the oncogene UBE2C and repression of autophagy are concurrently underlying the initiation, progression, and metastasis of lung cancer and exploration of essential association of UBE2C with autophagy will confer more options in searching novel molecular therapeutic targets in lung cancer. Here we report that aberrant activation of UBE2C in lung tumors from patients associates with adverse prognosis and enhances cell proliferation, clonogenicity, and invasive growth of NSCLC. UBE2C selectively represses autophagy in NSCLC and disruption of UBE2C-mediated autophagy repression attenuates cell proliferation, clonogenicity, and invasive growth of NSCLC. Autophagy repression is essentially involved in UBE2C-induced cell proliferation, clonogenicity, and invasive growth of NSCLC. Interference of UBE2C-autophagy repression axis by Norcantharidin arrests NSCLC progression. UBE2C is repressed post-transcriptionally via tumor suppressor miR-381 and epitranscriptionally stabilized with maintenance of lower m6A level within its mature RNAs due to the upregulation of m6A demethylase ALKBH5 in NSCLC. Collectively, our results indicated that deregulated UBE2C-autophagy repression axis drives NSCLC progression which renders varieties of potential molecular targets in cancer therapy of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwei Guo
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256603, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yan Wu
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256603, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jing Du
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256603, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Yang
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256603, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Weiwei Chen
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256603, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Kaikai Gong
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256603, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Juanjuan Dai
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256603, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Shuang Miao
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256603, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Dan Jin
- Department of Pain Ward, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256603, Binzhou, P.R. China
| | - Sichuan Xi
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, 256603, Binzhou, P.R. China.
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YAP and TAZ in Lung Cancer: Oncogenic Role and Clinical Targeting. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10050137. [PMID: 29734788 PMCID: PMC5977110 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10050137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the world and there is no current treatment able to efficiently treat the disease as the tumor is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Moreover, cancer cells are often resistant or acquire resistance to the treatment. Further knowledge of the mechanisms driving lung tumorigenesis, aggressiveness, metastasization, and resistance to treatments could provide new tools for detecting the disease at an earlier stage and for a better response to therapy. In this scenario, Yes Associated Protein (YAP) and Trascriptional Coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), the final effectors of the Hippo signaling transduction pathway, are emerging as promising therapeutic targets. Here, we will discuss the most recent advances made in YAP and TAZ biology in lung cancer and, more importantly, on the newly discovered mechanisms of YAP and TAZ inhibition in lung cancer as well as their clinical implications.
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Guo J, Wu Y, Yang L, Du J, Gong K, Chen W, Dai J, Li X, Xi S. Repression of YAP by NCTD disrupts NSCLC progression. Oncotarget 2018; 8:2307-2319. [PMID: 27903989 PMCID: PMC5356801 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of available lung cancer therapeutic interference is significantly limited by various resistance mechanisms to those drugs. Activation of the oncogene YAP underlying the initiation, progression, and metastasis of lung cancer associates with poor prognosis and confers drug resistance against targeted therapy. In this study, we evaluated the specificity of norcantharidin (NCTD) in repressing YAP to inhibit non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) progression. Our study revealed that YAP signal pathways were aberrantly activated in lung cancer tissues and cells which rendered more proliferative and invasive phenotypes to human lung cancer cells. We confirmed that NCTD specifically repressed YAP signaling pathway to interfere the YAP-mediated non-small cell lung carcinoma progression and metastasis via arresting cell cycle, enhancing apoptosis and inducing senescence. We also found NCTD-mediated repression of YAP decreased epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and reduced the motile and invasive cellular phenotype in vitro via enhancing E-cadherin and decreasing fibronectin/vimentin. Mechanistic investigations revealed that NCTD transcriptionally downregulated YAP and post-translationally modulated the subcellular redistribution of YAP between nucleus and cytoplasm. Collectively, our results indicated that NCTD is a novel therapeutic drug candidate for NSCLC which specifically and sensitively target YAP signal pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwei Guo
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, P.R. China
| | - Yan Wu
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Yang
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, P.R. China
| | - Jing Du
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, P.R. China
| | - Kaikai Gong
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, P.R. China
| | - Weiwei Chen
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, P.R. China
| | - Juanjuan Dai
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, P.R. China
| | - XueLin Li
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, P.R. China
| | - Sichuan Xi
- Cancer Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, P.R. China
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Lin CL, Chen CM, Lin CL, Cheng CW, Lee CH, Hsieh YH. Norcantharidin induces mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis through Mcl-1 inhibition in human prostate cancer cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2017; 1864:1867-1876. [PMID: 28760656 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2017.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD) is the demethylated form of cantharidin that exhibits anticancer potential in many cancer cell types. Recent reports suggest that NCTD targeting ROS/AMPK and DNA replication signaling pathway could be an effective strategy for the treatment of PCa cells. However, supportive evidence is limited to the effect of NCTD that induction of apoptosis through suppression of the Mcl-1. Here, we show that NCTD induced PCa cell apoptosis and triggered caspase activation, which was associated with mitochondria dysfunction. Mechanistic investigations suggested that NCTD modulated the Akt signaling via increased nuclear translocation and interaction with the myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) promoter by FOXO4, resulting in an apoptotic effect. Moreover, miR-320d, which targets Mcl-1, was significantly upregulated after NCTD treatment. Overexpression of miR-320d by NCTD induced mitochondria dysfunction and apoptosis, which was notably attenuated with a miR-320d inhibitor. In vivo xenograft analysis revealed that NCTD significantly reduced tumor growth in mice with PC3 tumor xenografts. Taken together, our results provide new insights into the critical role of NCTD in suppressing Mcl-1 via epigenetic upregulation of miR-320d, resulting in PCa cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu-Liang Lin
- Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Min Chen
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Liang Lin
- Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Wen Cheng
- Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hsing Lee
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of China Medical University, Taichung. Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Hsien Hsieh
- Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Clinical laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
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20
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Kim CK, He P, Bialkowska AB, Yang VW. SP and KLF Transcription Factors in Digestive Physiology and Diseases. Gastroenterology 2017; 152:1845-1875. [PMID: 28366734 PMCID: PMC5815166 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Specificity proteins (SPs) and Krüppel-like factors (KLFs) belong to the family of transcription factors that contain conserved zinc finger domains involved in binding to target DNA sequences. Many of these proteins are expressed in different tissues and have distinct tissue-specific activities and functions. Studies have shown that SPs and KLFs regulate not only physiological processes such as growth, development, differentiation, proliferation, and embryogenesis, but pathogenesis of many diseases, including cancer and inflammatory disorders. Consistently, these proteins have been shown to regulate normal functions and pathobiology in the digestive system. We review recent findings on the tissue- and organ-specific functions of SPs and KLFs in the digestive system including the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, pancreas, and liver. We provide a list of agents under development to target these proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Kyung Kim
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY
| | - Ping He
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY
| | - Agnieszka B. Bialkowska
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY,Corresponding Authors: Vincent W. Yang & Agnieszka B. Bialkowska, Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, HSC T-16, Rm. 020; Stony Brook, NY, USA. Tel: (631) 444-2066; Fax: (631) 444-3144; ;
| | - Vincent W. Yang
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY,Corresponding Authors: Vincent W. Yang & Agnieszka B. Bialkowska, Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, HSC T-16, Rm. 020; Stony Brook, NY, USA. Tel: (631) 444-2066; Fax: (631) 444-3144; ;
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Bajpai R, Nagaraju GP. Specificity protein 1: Its role in colorectal cancer progression and metastasis. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2017; 113:1-7. [PMID: 28427500 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2017.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Specificity protein 1 (Sp1) is a widely expressed transcription factor that plays an important role in the promotion of oncogenes required for tumor survival, progression and metastasis. Sp1 is highly expressed in several cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC) and is related to poor prognosis. Therefore, targeting Sp1 is a rational for CRC therapy. In this review, we will recapitulate the current understanding of Sp1 signaling, its molecular mechanisms, and its potential involvement in CRC growth, progression and metastasis. We will also discuss the current therapeutic drugs for CRC and their mechanism of action via Sp1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Bajpai
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Ganji Purnachandra Nagaraju
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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Liu X, Han M, Xu J, Geng S, Zhang Y, Ye X, Gou J, Yin T, He H, Tang X. Asialoglycoprotein receptor-targeted liposomes loaded with a norcantharimide derivative for hepatocyte-selective targeting. Int J Pharm 2017; 520:98-110. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2017.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Chang MC, Wu JY, Liao HF, Chen YJ, Kuo CD. Comparative assessment of therapeutic safety of norcantharidin, N-farnesyloxy-norcantharimide, and N-farnesyl-norcantharimide against Jurkat T cells relative to human normal lymphoblast: A quantitative pilot study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e4467. [PMID: 27495082 PMCID: PMC4979836 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000004467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic safety of an anticancer drug is one of the most important concerns of the physician treating the cancer patient. Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and hillslope are usually used to represent the strength and sensitivity of an anticancer drug on cancer cells. The therapeutic safety of the anticancer drug can be assessed by comparing the IC50 and hillslope of anticancer drugs on cancer cells relative to normal cells. Since there are situations where "more anticancer activity" implies "more toxicity," the safety of an anticancer drug in these situations is hard to evaluate by using IC50 and hillslope alone. In a previous study, the "net effect" index was devised to represent the net therapeutic effects of one anticancer drug relative to the other. However, the therapeutic safety of one specific anticancer drug alone was not defined in the "net effect" index. This study introduced the "safety index (SI)" to quantify the degree of safety of an anticancer drug by using 4-parameter logistic model on cancer cells relative to normal cells. The therapeutic safety of norcantharidin (NCTD), N-farnesyloxy-norcantharimide (NOC15), and N-farnesyl-norcantharimide (NC15) in the treatment of Jurkat T cells relative to human normal lymphoblast was compared using the newly defined SI. We found that the SI of NOC15 and NC15 was significantly higher than that of NCTD, suggesting that both NOC15 and NC15 can damage more cancer cells and less normal cells than NCTD. We conclude that both NOC15 and NC15 are safer anticancer drugs than NCTD in the treatment of Jurkat T cells relative to human normal lymphoblast. The SI can be further applied to the screening, developments, and applications of anticancer drugs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Che Chang
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei
| | - Jin-Yi Wu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biopharmaceutics, College of Life Sciences
| | - Hui-Fen Liao
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, National Chiayi University, Chiayi
| | - Yu-Jen Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei
| | - Cheng-Deng Kuo
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei
- Chest Medicine and Physiological Signals Research Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
- Correspondence: Cheng-Deng Kuo, Chest Medicine and Physiological Signals Research Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan (e-mail: )
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Yang PY, Hu DN, Kao YH, Lin IC, Chou CY, Wu YC. Norcantharidin induces apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Pharmacol Rep 2016; 68:874-80. [PMID: 27351942 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2016.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Norcantharidin, a modified pure compound from blister beetles, was previously demonstrated to induce apoptosis of cancer cells. This study investigated its anti-cancer activity in prostate cancer cells and the mechanisms involved. METHODS Two human prostate cancer cell lines, 22Rv1 and Du145, were treated with norcantharidin at concentrations ranging from 3 to 30μg/ml. Cytotoxic effect of norcantharidin was determined by use of the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-yl)-diphenyl tetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assay. The effects of apoptosis were evaluated by cell death assay, Caspase-3, -8, -9 activity and cytochrome c release. The apoptotic related protein expressions (Bcl-2 family and inhibitor of apoptosis proteins) were determined using western blotting. RESULTS An MTT assay revealed that norcantharidin induced cytotoxicity against both prostate cancer cells in dose- and time-dependent manners. Treatment with norcantharidin at 3μg/ml or higher significantly increased oligonucleosomal formation with concomitant appearance of PARP cleavage, implicating the induction of apoptosis. Norcantharidin intrinsically elevated cytosolic cytochrome c levels and activated caspase-3, -8, and -9. Extrinsically, it upregulated the expression of not only the death receptors Fas and DR5 in 22Rv1 cells, but also of RIP and TRADD adaptor proteins in Du145 cells. Mechanistically, norcantharidin increased ratios of pro-/anti-apoptotic proteins and decreased expression of IAP family member proteins, including cIAP1 and survivin, regardless of the distinct status of androgen receptor expression in both cells. CONCLUSIONS Norcantharidin exhibited cytotoxicity against 22Rv1 and Du145 prostate cancer cells by inducing both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways and could thus potentially be a remedy for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Yu Yang
- Department of Medical Research, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Dan-Ning Hu
- Tissue Culture Center, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Ying-Hsien Kao
- Department of Medical Research, E-DA Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - I-Ching Lin
- Department of Family Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, ROC; School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC; School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Chih-Yuan Chou
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Show-Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Yang-Chang Wu
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.
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Liu MC, Liu L, Wang XR, Shuai WP, Hu Y, Han M, Gao JQ. Folate receptor-targeted liposomes loaded with a diacid metabolite of norcantharidin enhance antitumor potency for H22 hepatocellular carcinoma both in vitro and in vivo. Int J Nanomedicine 2016; 11:1395-412. [PMID: 27110110 PMCID: PMC4831591 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s96862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The diacid metabolite of norcantharidin (DM-NCTD) is clinically effective against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but is limited by its short half-life and high incidence of adverse effects at high doses. We developed a DM-NCTD-loaded, folic acid (FA)-modified, polyethylene glycolated (DM-NCTD/FA-PEG) liposome system to enhance the targeting effect and antitumor potency for HCC at a moderate dose based on our previous study. The DM-NCTD/FA-PEG liposome system produced liposomes with regular spherical morphology, with mean particle size approximately 200 nm, and an encapsulation efficiency >80%. MTT cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that the DM-NCTD/FA-PEG liposomes showed significantly stronger cytotoxicity effects on the H22 hepatoma cell line than did PEG liposomes without the FA modification (P<0.01). We used liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry for determination of DM-NCTD in tissues and tumors, and found it to be sensitive, rapid, and reliable. In addition, the biodistribution study showed that DM-NCTD liposomes improved tumor-targeting efficiency, and DM-NCTD/FA-PEG liposomes exhibited the highest efficiency of the treatments (P<0.01). Meanwhile, the results indicated that although the active liposome group had an apparently increased tumor-targeting efficiency of DM-NCTD, the risk to the kidney was higher than in the normal liposome group. With regard to in vivo antitumor activity, DM-NCTD/FA-PEG liposomes inhibited tumors in H22 tumor-bearing mice better than either free DM-NCTD or DM-NCTD/PEG liposomes (P<0.01), and induced considerably more significant cellular apoptosis in the tumors, with no obvious toxicity to the tissues of model mice or the liver tissue of normal mice, as shown by histopathological examination. All these results demonstrate that DM-NCTD-loaded FA-modified liposomes might have potential application for HCC-targeting therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Chen Liu
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Liu
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xia-Rong Wang
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wu-Ping Shuai
- First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Hu
- Zhejiang Pharmaceutical College, Ningbo, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Han
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Qing Gao
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
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Liu MC, Ma XQ, Xu Y, Peng LH, Han M, Gao JQ. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry evaluation of the pharmacokinetics of a diacid metabolite of norcantharidin loaded in folic acid-targeted liposomes in mice. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2016; 119:76-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2015.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Revised: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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N-Farnesyloxy-norcantharimide inhibits progression of human leukemic Jurkat T cells through regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and interleukin-2 production. Anticancer Drugs 2015; 26:1034-42. [PMID: 26288134 PMCID: PMC4588604 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the anticancer effects of N-farnesyloxy-norcantharimide (NOC15), a newly synthesized norcantharidin (NCTD) analogue, on human leukemic Jurkat T cells and the signaling pathway underlying its effects. We found that the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of NOC15 on Jurkat T cells is 1.4 μmol/l, which is 11.14-fold (=15.6÷1.4) smaller than the 15.6 μmol/l of NCTD on Jurkat T cells, whereas the IC50 of NOC15 on human normal lymphoblast (HNL) is 207.9 μmol/l, which is 8.17-fold (=1698.0÷207.8) smaller than the 1698.0 μmol/l of NCTD on HNL cells. These results indicated that NOC15 exerts a higher anticancer effect on Jurkat T cells and has higher toxicity toward HNL cells than NCTD. Thus, NOC15 is 1.36-fold (=11.14÷8.17) beneficial as an anticancer agent toward Jurkat T cells compared with NCTD. Moreover, NOC15 can increase the percentage of cells in the sub-G1 phase and reduce the cell viability of Jurkat T cells, stimulate p38 and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathway, and inhibit calcineurin expression and interleukin-2 (IL-2) production. However, NOC15 exerted no effects on the Jun-N-terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2) signaling pathway, the production of IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α. We conclude that the anticancer activity of the newly synthesized NOC15 is 1.36-fold beneficial than NCTD as an anticancer agent and that NOC15 can increase the percentage of cells in the sub-G1 phase through the stimulation of p38 and ERK1/2 of the MAPK signaling pathway and the inhibition of calcineurin expression and IL-2 production. The NOC15 may have the potential of being developed into an anticancer agent in the future.
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Pachuta-Stec A, Szuster-Ciesielska A. New Norcantharidin Analogs: Synthesis and Anticancer Activity. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2015; 348:897-907. [PMID: 26548647 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.201500255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The reaction of direct condensation between S-ethyl-N-(7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]heptane-2,3-dicarbonyl)isothiosemicarbazide (1) and primary amines was used for synthesizing new N-substituted amides of 3-(3-ethylthio-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)-7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]heptane-2-carboxylic acid (2-12) as norcantharadin analogs. Moreover, the anticancer activity of the obtained compounds was studied. Among all compounds, the N-3-methylbutyl amide of 3-(3-ethylthio-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)-7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]heptane-2-carboxylic acid (4) presented selective in vitro toxic and antiproliferative effects against the human hepatoma cell line Hep3B, without affecting normal human liver stellate cells (LX-2 cell line).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pachuta-Stec
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Szuster-Ciesielska
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
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Khan IS, Odom M, Ehtesham M, Colvin D, Quarles CC, McLaughlin B, Singer RJ. Intraarterial administration of norcantharidin attenuates ischemic stroke damage in rodents when given at the time of reperfusion: novel uses of endovascular capabilities. J Neurosurg 2015; 125:152-9. [PMID: 26544777 DOI: 10.3171/2015.4.jns142400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT Matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) plays a critical role in infarct progression, blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, and vasogenic edema. While systemic administration of MMP-9 inhibitors has shown neuroprotective promise in ischemic stroke, there has been little effort to incorporate these drugs into endovascular modalities. By modifying the rodent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model to allow local intraarterial delivery of drugs, one has the ability to mimic endovascular delivery of therapeutics. Using this model, the authors sought to maximize the protective potential of MMP-9 inhibition by intraarterial administration of an MMP-9 inhibitor, norcantharidin (NCTD). METHODS Spontaneously hypertensive rats were subjected to 90-minute MCAO followed immediately by local intraarterial administration of NCTD. The rats' neurobehavioral performances were scored according to the ladder rung walking test results and the Garcia neurological test for as long as 7 days after stroke. MRI was also conducted 24 hours after the stroke to assess infarct volume and BBB disruption. At the end of the experimental protocol, rat brains were used for active MMP-9 immunohistochemical analysis to assess the degree of MMP-9 inhibition. RESULTS NCTD-treated rats showed significantly better neurobehavioral scores for all days tested. MR images also depicted significantly decreased infarct volumes and BBB disruption 24 hours after stroke. Inhibition of MMP-9 expression in the ischemic region was depicted on immunohistochemical analysis, wherein treated rats showed decreased active MMP-9 staining compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS Intraarterial NCTD significantly improved outcome when administered at the time of reperfusion in a spontaneously hypertensive rat stroke model. This study suggests that supplementing endovascular revascularization with local neuroprotective drug therapy may be a viable therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imad S Khan
- J.B. Marshall Laboratory for Neurovascular Therapeutics at Dartmouth;,Division of Neurosurgery, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Mitchell Odom
- Department of Neurosurgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - Moneeb Ehtesham
- Department of Neurosurgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - Daniel Colvin
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Sciences; and
| | - C Chad Quarles
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Sciences; and
| | - BethAnn McLaughlin
- Department of Neurology and Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Robert J Singer
- J.B. Marshall Laboratory for Neurovascular Therapeutics at Dartmouth;,Division of Neurosurgery, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
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Wu H, Fan F, Liu Z, Shen C, Wang A, Lu Y. Norcantharidin combined with EGFR-TKIs overcomes HGF-induced resistance to EGFR-TKIs in EGFR mutant lung cancer cells via inhibition of Met/PI3k/Akt pathway. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2015; 76:307-15. [DOI: 10.1007/s00280-015-2792-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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N-Farnesyloxy-norcantharimide and N-farnesyl-norcantharimide inhibit the progression of leukemia and increase survival days in a syngeneic mouse leukemia model. Anticancer Drugs 2015; 26:508-17. [PMID: 25588161 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the anticancer effects of two newly synthesized norcantharidin analogs, N-farnesyloxy-norcantharimide (NOC15) and N-farnesyl-norcantharimide (NC15), in L1210 cells and in a syngeneic mouse leukemia model (L1210 cell line plus DBA/2 mice). We found that the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of NOC15 and NC15 on L1210 cells is 1.56 and 2.62 μmol/l, respectively, and that the IC50 of NOC15 and NC15 on human normal lymphoblast is 207.9 and 2569 μmol/l, respectively. In cell cycle analysis, NOC15 could increase the sub-G1 phase, whereas NC15 could induce G2/M arrest. Annexin-V apoptosis assay indicated that both NOC15 and NC15 could induce cell apoptosis. In the syngeneic mouse leukemia model, both NOC15 and NC15 could increase the survival days of mice and decrease the tumor weight. Moreover, both NOC15 and NC15 could retard the increase in peripheral blood leukocyte count due to L1210 cells. In the subcutaneous (s.c.) group, the treatment with NOC15 could retard the decrease in the weight of the liver and the spleen caused by L1210 cells, whereas the treatment with NC15 could retard the decrease in the weight of the spleen caused by L1210 cells. We conclude that the new compounds NOC15 and NC15 have strong anticancer activity and low toxicity both in vitro and in vivo. NOC15 and NC15 may have the potential to be developed into anticancer agents in the future.
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Zhang JP, Zhang H, Wang HB, Li YX, Liu GH, Xing S, Li MZ, Zeng MS. Down-regulation of Sp1 suppresses cell proliferation, clonogenicity and the expressions of stem cell markers in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. J Transl Med 2014; 12:222. [PMID: 25099028 PMCID: PMC4132216 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-014-0222-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcription factor Sp1 is multifaceted, with the ability to function as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor, depending on the cellular context. We previously reported that Sp1 is required for the transcriptional activation of the key oncogenes in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), including B-lymphoma mouse Moloney leukemia virus insertion region 1 (Bmi1) and centromere protein H (CENPH), but the role of Sp1 and its underlying mechanisms in NPC remained largely unexplored. The objective of this study was to investigate the cellular function of Sp1 and to verify the clinical significance of Sp1 as a potential therapeutic target in NPC. METHODS The levels of Sp1 in the normal primary nasopharyngeal epithelial cells (NPECs) and NPC cell lines were analyzed by Quantitative Real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. The location and expression of Sp1 in the NPC tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry staining (IHC). The effect of Sp1 knockdown on the cell proliferation, clonogenicity, anchorage-independent growth and the stem-cell like phenotype in NPC cells were evaluated by MTT, flow cytometry, clonogenicity analysis and sphere formation assay. RESULTS The mRNA and protein levels of Sp1 were elevated in NPC cell lines than in the normal primary NPECs. Higher expression of Sp1 was found in NPC tissues with advanced clinical stage (P=0.00036). Either inhibition of Sp1 activity by mithramycin A, the FDA-approved chemotherapeutic anticancer drug or Sp1 silencing by two distinct siRNA against Sp1 suppressed the growth of NPC cells. Mechanism analysis revealed that Sp1 silencing may suppress cell proliferation, clonogenicity, anchorage-independent growth and the stem-cell like phenotype through inducing the expression of p27 and p21, and impairing the expressions of the critical stem cell transcription factors (SCTFs), including Bmi1, c-Myc and KLF4 in NPC cells. CONCLUSIONS Sp1 was enriched in advanced NPC tissues and silencing of Sp1 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, clonogenicity, anchorage-independent growth and the stem-cell like phenotype of NPC cells, suggesting Sp1 may serve as an appealing drug target for NPC.
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Wu JY, Kuo CD, Chu CY, Chen MS, Lin JH, Chen YJ, Liao HF. Synthesis of novel lipophilic N-substituted norcantharimide derivatives and evaluation of their anticancer activities. Molecules 2014; 19:6911-28. [PMID: 24865603 PMCID: PMC6271113 DOI: 10.3390/molecules19066911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Revised: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This research attempted to study the effect of lipophilicity on the anticancer activity of N-substituted norcantharimide derivatives. Twenty-three compounds were synthesized and their cytotoxicities against five human cancer cell lines studied. The lipophilicity of each derivative was altered by its substituent, an alkyl, alkyloxy, terpenyl or terpenyloxy group at the N-position of norcantharimide. Further, among all synthesized derivatives studied, the compounds N-farnesyloxy-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2,3-dicarboximide (9), and N-farnesyl-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2,3-dicarboximide (18), have shown the highest cytotoxicity, anti-proliferative and apoptotic effect against human liver carcinoma HepG2 cell lines, yet displayed no significant cytotoxic effect on normal murine embryonic liver BNL CL.2 cells. Their overall performance led us to believe that these two compounds might be potential candidates for anticancer drugs development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Yi Wu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biopharmaceutics, College of Life Sciences, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 60004, Taiwan.
| | - Cheng-Deng Kuo
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Yu Chu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biopharmaceutics, College of Life Sciences, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 60004, Taiwan
| | - Min-Shin Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biopharmaceutics, College of Life Sciences, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 60004, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Hua Lin
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biopharmaceutics, College of Life Sciences, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 60004, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jen Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 25160, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Fen Liao
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Sciences, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 60004, Taiwan
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Lee JY, Chung TW, Choi HJ, Lee CH, Eun JS, Han YT, Choi JY, Kim SY, Han CW, Jeong HS, Ha KT. A novel cantharidin analog N-benzylcantharidinamide reduces the expression of MMP-9 and invasive potentials of Hep3B via inhibiting cytosolic translocation of HuR. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 447:371-7. [PMID: 24735540 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Invasion and metastasis are major causes of malignant tumor-associated mortality. The present study aimed to investigate the molecular events underlying inhibitory effect of N-benzylcantharidinamide, a novel synthetic analog of cantharidin, on matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)-mediated invasion in highly metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3B cells. In this investigation, among six analogs of cantharidin, only N-benzylcantharidinamide has the inhibitory action on MMP-9 expression at non-toxic dose. The MMP-9 expression and invasion of Hep3B cells were significantly suppressed by treatment of N-benzylcantharidinamide in a dose-dependent manner. On the other hand, the transcriptional activity of MMP-9 promoter and nuclear levels of NF-κB and AP-1 as the main transcriptional factors inducing MMP-9 expression were not affected by it although the level of MMP-9 mRNA was reduced by treatment of N-benzylcantharidinamide. Interestingly, the stability of MMP-9 mRNA was significantly reduced by N-benzylcantharidinamide-treatment. In addition, the cytosolic translocation of human antigen R (HuR), which results in the increase of MMP-9 mRNA stability through interaction of HuR with 3'-untranslated region of MMP-9 mRNA, was suppressed by treatment of N-benzylcantharidinamide, in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, it was demonstrated, for the first time, that N-benzylcantharidinamide suppresses MMP-9 expression by reducing HuR-mediated MMP-9 mRNA stability for the inhibition of invasive potential in highly metastatic Hep3B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Yeon Lee
- Division of Applied Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Wook Chung
- Division of Applied Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Jung Choi
- Division of Applied Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Hyun Lee
- Department of Anatomy, College of Korean Medicine, Woosuk University, Wanju-gun, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Soon Eun
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Wanju-gun, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Taek Han
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, Wanju-gun, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Yong Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korean Medicine Hospital, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea; Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Yeon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korean Medicine Hospital, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Woo Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korean Medicine Hospital, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Han-Sol Jeong
- Division of Applied Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongnam, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ki-Tae Ha
- Division of Applied Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongnam, Republic of Korea; Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongnam, Republic of Korea.
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Lu S, Gao Y, Huang X, Wang X. Cantharidin exerts anti-hepatocellular carcinoma by miR-214 modulating macrophage polarization. Int J Biol Sci 2014; 10:415-25. [PMID: 24719559 PMCID: PMC3979994 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.8002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 02/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD), a demethylated form of cantharidin, has been used as a routine anticancer drug in China. In this study, the effect and mechanism of NCTD on anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was examined. In vivo antitumor activity was investigated in hepatoma-bearing mice by intraperitoneal injection of different concentration of NCTD. The levels of MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNA were detected by real-time PCR. The concentrations of IL-10 and IL-12 in BMDMs, Raw 264.7 cells or tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) were measured with ELISA kit. The effects of TAMs on H22 cell survival and invasion were assayed via the CCK-8 and tumor invasion assay, respectively. Anti-miR-214 or pre-miR-214 was used to down-regulate or up-regulated miR-214 expression. The results showed that NCTD drastically impaired tumor growth in hepatoma-bearing mice, correlating with increased anti-tumor activity of TAMs. Moreover, NCTD stimulation led to an alteration of HCC microenvironment, reflected by a decrease in a shift from M2 to M1 polarization and the populations of CD4+/CD25+Foxp3 T cells. The activation of STAT3 was inhibited in TAMs from hepatoma-bearing mice injected with NCTD. Addition of NCTD to treat RAW264.7 or TAMs enhanced M1 polarization through increase of miR-214 expression. NCTD significantly inhibited β-catenin expression, which could be reversed by miR-214 inhibitor. Conditioned media from TAMs in hepatoma-bearing mice treated with NCTD or TAMs transfected with pre-miR-214 inhibited survival and invasion of H22 cells. This finding reveals a novel role for NCTD on inhibition of HCC through miR-214 modulating macrophage polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Lu
- Center of Liver Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Ministry of Health, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yun Gao
- Center of Liver Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Ministry of Health, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xinli Huang
- Center of Liver Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Ministry of Health, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xuehao Wang
- Center of Liver Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Ministry of Health, Nanjing 210029, China
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Shen B, He PJ, Shao CL. Norcantharidin induced DU145 cell apoptosis through ROS-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and energy depletion. PLoS One 2013; 8:e84610. [PMID: 24367681 PMCID: PMC3868658 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD), a demethylated analog of cantharidin derived from blister beetles, has attracted considerable attentions in recent years due to their definitely toxic properties and the noteworthy advantages in stimulating bone marrow and increasing the peripheral leukocytes. Hence, it is worth studying the anti-tumor effect of NCTD on human prostate cancer cells DU145. It was found that after the treatment of NCTD with different concentrations (25-100 μM), the cell proliferation was significantly inhibited, which led to the appearance of micronucleus (MN). Moreover, the cells could be killed in a dose-/ time-dependent manner along with the reduction of PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) expression, destruction of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), down-regulation of MnSOD, induction of ROS, depletion of ATP, and activation of AMPK (Adenosine 5‘-monophosphate -activated protein kinase) . In addition, a remarkable release of cytochrome c was found in the cells exposed to 100 μM NCTD and exogenous SOD-PEG could eliminate the generation of NCTD-induced MN. In conclusion, our studies indicated that NCTD could induce the collapse of MMP and mitochondria dysfunction. Accumulation of intercellular ROS could eventually switch on the apoptotic pathway by causing DNA damage and depleting ATP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Shen
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (C-LS); (BS)
| | - Pei-Jie He
- Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chun-Lin Shao
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (C-LS); (BS)
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Synthesis and in vitro cellular evaluation of novel anti-tumor norcantharidin-conjugated chitosan derivatives. Int J Biol Macromol 2013; 62:418-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2013.09.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Revised: 09/22/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Liu M, Ma X, Jin Z, Li W, Guo M, Li F. Determination and pharmacokinetic study of the diacid metabolite of norcantharidin in beagle plasma by use of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Anal Bioanal Chem 2013; 405:9273-83. [PMID: 24096565 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-013-7300-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Revised: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Because norcantharidin (NCTD) is unstable and subject to ring opening and hydrolysis, the diacid metabolite of norcantharidin (DM-NCTD) is the stable form of NCTD found in normal saline solution. Conversion of NCTD to DM-NCTD is almost 100%, making it possible to determine and investigate the pharmacokinetics of DM-NCTD converted from NCTD. In this paper, a sensitive, simple and selective liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric method was developed and validated for determination of DM-NCTD in beagle plasma. DM-NCTD was detected in multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) mode by using the dehydrated ion 169.3 as precursor ion and its product ion 123.1 as the detected ion. Ribavirin was used as internal standard and detected in MRM mode by use of precursor ions, resulting in a product ion transition of m/z 267.1 → 135.1. This method was successfully used for a pharmacokinetic study of DM-NCTD in beagles after intravenous administration of DM-NCTD in normal saline solution at doses of 0.39, 0.78, and 1.6 mg kg(-1). DM-NCTD had dose-dependent kinetics across the dosage range investigated, with enhanced T(1/2α) and AUC(0-12) and apparently decreasing V(d) and CL with increasing dosage. After single-dose administration, T(1/2α) ranged from 0.20 to 0.55 h, AUC(0-12) from 1.81 to 43.6 μg mL(-1) h(-1), V(d) from 228 to 55.9 mL kg(-1), and CL from 220 to 36.5 mL kg(-1) h(-1) (P < 0.01). The results indicated nonlinear pharmacokinetic behavior of DM-NCTD in beagles, suggesting that the risk of DM-NCTD in normal saline solution intoxication may be non-proportionally increased at higher doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minchen Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548, Binwen Road, 310053, Hangzhou, China
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Norcantharidin, derivative of cantharidin, for cancer stem cells. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:838651. [PMID: 24073010 PMCID: PMC3773992 DOI: 10.1155/2013/838651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2013] [Revised: 07/28/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) existing in human cancers have been demonstrated to be a major cause of cancer treatment resistance, invasion, metastasis, and relapse. Self-renewal pathways, Wnt/β-catenin, Sonic hedgehog (Shh), and the Notch signaling pathway play critical roles in developing CSCs and lead to angiogenesis, migration, invasion, and metastasis. Multidrug resistance (MDR) is an unfavorable factor causing the failure of treatments against cancer cells. The most important and thoroughly studied mechanism involved in MDR is the active efflux of chemotherapeutic agents through membrane drug transporters. There is growing evidence that Norcantharidin (NCTD), a water-soluble synthetic small molecule derivative of naturally occurring cantharidin from the medicinal insect blister beetle (Mylabris phalerata Pallas), is capable of chemoprevention and tumor inhibition. We summarize investigations into the modulation of self-renewal pathways and MDR in CSCs by NCTD. This review may aid in further investigation of using NCTD to develop more effective strategies for cancer treatment to reduce resistance and recurrence.
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Xu X, Li Y, Wang F, Lv L, Liu J, Li M, Guo A, Jiang J, Shen Y, Guo S. Synthesis, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of new norcantharidin-conjugated hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan derivatives as polymer therapeutics. Int J Pharm 2013; 453:610-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2013.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2013] [Revised: 05/04/2013] [Accepted: 05/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Puerto Galvis CE, Vargas Méndez LY, Kouznetsov VV. Cantharidin-Based Small Molecules as Potential Therapeutic Agents. Chem Biol Drug Des 2013; 82:477-99. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos E. Puerto Galvis
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica y Biomolecular; Escuela de Química; Universidad Industrial de Santander; A.A. 678; Bucaramanga; Colombia
| | - Leonor Y. Vargas Méndez
- Grupo de Investigaciones Ambientales; Facultad de Química Ambiental; Universidad Santo Tomás; A. A. 1076; Bucaramanga; Colombia
| | - Vladimir V. Kouznetsov
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica y Biomolecular; Escuela de Química; Universidad Industrial de Santander; A.A. 678; Bucaramanga; Colombia
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The Synthetic Compound Norcantharidin Induced Apoptosis in Mantle Cell Lymphoma In Vivo and In Vitro through the PI3K-Akt-NF- κ B Signaling Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:461487. [PMID: 23935664 PMCID: PMC3722980 DOI: 10.1155/2013/461487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2013] [Revised: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to elucidate the antitumor activity of norcantharidin (NCTD) against human mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined by MTS and flow cytometry. Caspase-3, -8, and -9 activities were detected with a colorimetric caspase protease assay. Apoptotic proteins—including PARP, cyclin D1, Bcl-2 family proteins, XIAP, and cIAP I—were studied by western blot. The phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 was used to investigate the involvement of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In vivo studies were performed using Z138 cell xenografts in nude mice. NCTD inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of Z138 and Mino cells, both in vitro and in vivo. PI3Kp110α and p-Akt expressions were downregulated by NCTD treatment. NCTD downregulated NF-κB activity by preventing NF-κB phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. This effect was correlated with the suppression of NF-κB-regulated gene products, such as cyclin D1, BAX, survivin, Bcl-2, XIAP, and cIAP. This phenomenon was blocked by the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Our results demonstrated that NCTD can induce growth arrest and apoptosis in MCL cells and that the mechanism may involve the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. NCTD may have therapeutic and/or adjuvant therapeutic applications in the treatment of MCL.
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Targeting sonic hedgehog signaling by compounds and derivatives from natural products. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:748587. [PMID: 23762158 PMCID: PMC3671665 DOI: 10.1155/2013/748587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a major cause of cancer treatment failure, relapse, and drug resistance and are known to be responsible for cancer cell invasion and metastasis. The Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway is crucial to embryonic development. Intriguingly, the aberrant activation of the Shh pathway plays critical roles in developing CSCs and leads to angiogenesis, migration, invasion, and metastasis. Natural compounds and chemical structure modified derivatives from complementary and alternative medicine have received increasing attention as cancer chemopreventives, and their antitumor effects have been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. However, reports for their bioactivity against CSCs and specifically targeting Shh signaling remain limited. In this review, we summarize investigations of the compounds cyclopamine, curcumin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, genistein, resveratrol, zerumbone, norcantharidin, and arsenic trioxide, with a focus on Shh signaling blockade. Given that Shh signaling antagonism has been clinically proven as effective strategy against CSCs, this review may be exploitable for development of novel anticancer agents from complementary and alternative medicine.
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CHEN SANSAN, WAN PEI, DING WEN, LI FEI, HE CHENGWU, CHEN PENGLIANG, LI HONGWEI, HU ZHIMING, TAN WANLONG, LI JINLONG. Norcantharidin inhibits DNA replication and induces mitotic catastrophe by degrading initiation protein Cdc6. Int J Mol Med 2013; 32:43-50. [DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2013.1359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Kim YM, Ku MJ, Son YJ, Yun JM, Kim SH, Lee SY. Anti-metastatic effect of cantharidin in A549 human lung cancer cells. Arch Pharm Res 2013; 36:479-84. [PMID: 23435912 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-013-0044-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 01/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis is represented by migration and invasion of cancer cells. Cancer cells invade into the blood or lymphatic vessels and this leads to the spread of cancer into the organs in distant sites. For cancer cells to migrate, extracellular matrix (ECM) must be degraded. Cantharidin, a compound derived from blister beetles, is known for its anti-cancer effect in several cancer cells. Here we report that cantharidin inhibits migration and invasion of A549 human lung cancer cell. We found that cantharidin inhibits activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway. This leads to the selective attenuation of one of the gelatinases, matrix metalloproteinase 2, which can degrade components of ECM, and inhibits migration and invasion of A549 human lung cancer cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Min Kim
- Department of Life Science, Gachon University, San 65, Bokjeong-Dong, Sujeong-Gu, Seongnam-Si, Kyeonggi-Do, 461-701, Korea
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Zhao Q, Qian Y, Li R, Tan B, Han H, Liu M, Qian M, Du B. Norcantharidin facilitates LPS-mediated immune responses by up-regulation of AKT/NF-κB signaling in macrophages. PLoS One 2012; 7:e44956. [PMID: 22984593 PMCID: PMC3439369 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Accepted: 08/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD), a demethylated analog of cantharidin, is a common used clinical drug to inhibit proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells. But the role of NCTD in modulating immune responses remains unknown. Here, we investigated the function and mechanism of NCTD in regulation of TLR4 associated immune response in macrophages. We evaluated the influence of NCTD on host defense against invaded pathogens by acute peritonitis mouse model, ELISA, Q-PCR, nitrite quantification, phagocytosis assay and gelatin zymography assay. Our data showed that the survival and the serum concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α were all enhanced by NCTD significantly in peritonitis mouse model. Accordingly, LPS-induced cytokine, nitric oxide and MMP-9 production as well as the phagocytosis of bacteria were all up-regulated by NCTD in a dose dependent manner in both RAW264.7 cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs). Then we further analyzed TLR4 associated signaling pathway by Western blot, Immunofluorescence and EMSA in the presence or absence of LPS. The phosphorylation of AKT and p65 at serine 536 but not serine 468 was enhanced obviously by NCTD in a dose dependent manner, whereas the degradation of IκBα was little effected. Consequently, the nuclear translocation and DNA binding ability of NF-κB was also increased by NCTD obviously in RAW264.7 cells. Our results demonstrated that NCTD could facilitate LPS-mediated immune response through promoting the phosphorylation of AKT/p65 and transcriptional activity of NF-κB, thus reprofiling the traditional anti-tumor drug NCTD as a novel immune regulator in promoting host defense against bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qufei Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Qian
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruimei Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Binghe Tan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Honghui Han
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyao Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Qian
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (BD); (MQ)
| | - Bing Du
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (BD); (MQ)
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Du HF, Yu LJ, Meng YF, Lv HY, Meng J, Song XN, Zhang JQ. Norcantharidin enhances bortezomib-antimyeloma activity in multiple myeloma cells in vitro and in nude mouse xenografts. Leuk Lymphoma 2012; 54:607-18. [PMID: 22889356 DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2012.720371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD), the demethylated analog of the Chinese medicine cantharidin, exhibits anti-myeloma activity by inactivating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), which is implicated in multiple myeloma (MM) cell survival and resistance to bortezomib (BTZ). We investigated whether NCTD could potentiate the anti-tumor activity of BTZ in MM. NCTD inhibited the proliferation of MM cells and potentiated the anti-myeloma effects of BTZ by down-regulating IKKα and p-IκBα, which induced the accumulation of IκBα and inhibited the constitutive activation of NF-κB. This effect was correlated with the suppression of NF-κB-regulated gene products. Furthermore, a chemotherapy-potentiating effect of NCTD on BTZ was also observed in vivo. Our study demonstrated that NCTD and BTZ exhibit significant therapeutic effects on MM through the NF-κB signal pathway in vitro and in vivo. Future studies will investigate the combined effects of NCTD and BTZ in patients with MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng-Fei Du
- Department of Hematology, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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48
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Zhang S, Li G, Ma X, Wang Y, Liu G, Feng L, Zhao Y, Zhang G, Wu Y, Ye X, Qin B, Lu J. Norcantharidin enhances ABT-737-induced apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by transcriptional repression of Mcl-1. Cell Signal 2012; 24:1803-9. [PMID: 22609455 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2012.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2012] [Revised: 05/10/2012] [Accepted: 05/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Small-molecule cell-permeable Bcl-2/Bcl-xL antagonist ABT-737 has recently emerged as a novel cancer therapeutic agent because it potently induces apoptosis in certain cancer cells. However, since ABT-737 binds to Mcl-1 with low affinity, ABT-737-mediated apoptosis signaling is inhibited in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and other solid cancer cells due to the elevated expression of Mcl-1. Accordingly, strategies that target Mcl-1 are explored for overcoming ABT-737-resistance. In this study, we reported that Norcantharidin (NCTD), a small-molecule anticancer drug derived from Chinese traditional medicine blister beetle (Mylabris), induced transcriptional repression of Mcl-1 and considerably enhanced ABT-737-triggered cell viability inhibition and apoptosis in multiple HCC cell lines. Moreover, we observed that the enhancement of ABT-737-mediated apoptosis by NCTD was associated with activation of mitochondrial apoptosis signaling pathway, which involved cytosolic release of cytochrome c, cleavage of caspase-9 and caspase-3. Additionally, knockdown of Bax/Bak, the key effectors permeabilizing mitochondrial outer membrane significantly attenuated the enhancement, indicating mitochondrial apoptosis pathway played an essential role in the execution of the apoptosis. Finally, knockdown of Mcl-1 substantially potentiated ABT-737-mediated apoptotic cell death, confirming the potency of Mcl-1 repression by NCTD in enhancing ABT-737-induced apoptosis. These results therefore suggest that combination treatment with NCTD can overcome ABT-737 resistance and enhance ABT-737 therapeutic efficacy in treating human HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuijun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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Chen YJ, Kuo CD, Chen SH, Chen WJ, Huang WC, Chao KSC, Liao HF. Small-molecule synthetic compound norcantharidin reverses multi-drug resistance by regulating Sonic hedgehog signaling in human breast cancer cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37006. [PMID: 22615870 PMCID: PMC3352857 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 04/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Multi-drug resistance (MDR), an unfavorable factor compromising treatment efficacy of anticancer drugs, involves upregulated ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters and activated Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling. By preparing human breast cancer MCF-7 cells resistant to doxorubicin (DOX), we examined the effect and mechanism of norcantharidin (NCTD), a small-molecule synthetic compound, on reversing multidrug resistance. The DOX-prepared MCF-7R cells also possessed resistance to vinorelbine, characteristic of MDR. At suboptimal concentration, NCTD significantly inhibited the viability of DOX-sensitive (MCF-7S) and DOX-resistant (MCF-7R) cells and reversed the resistance to DOX and vinorelbine. NCTD increased the intracellular accumulation of DOX in MCF-7R cells and suppressed the upregulated the mdr-1 mRNA, P-gp and BCRP protein expression, but not the MRP-1. The role of P-gp was strengthened by partial reversal of the DOX and vinorelbine resistance by cyclosporine A. NCTD treatment suppressed the upregulation of Shh expression and nuclear translocation of Gli-1, a hallmark of Shh signaling activation in the resistant clone. Furthermore, the Shh ligand upregulated the expression of P-gp and attenuated the growth inhibitory effect of NCTD. The knockdown of mdr-1 mRNA had not altered the expression of Shh and Smoothened in both MCF-7S and MCF-7R cells. This indicates that the role of Shh signaling in MDR might be upstream to mdr-1/P-gp, and similar effect was shown in breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and BT-474 cells. This study demonstrated that NCTD may overcome multidrug resistance through inhibiting Shh signaling and expression of its downstream mdr-1/P-gp expression in human breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jen Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Deng Kuo
- Department of Medical Research and Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Han Chen
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Jen Chen
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Huang
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - K. S. Clifford Chao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Hui-Fen Liao
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research and Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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Wang S, Wu X, Tan M, Gong J, Tan W, Bian B, Chen M, Wang Y. Fighting fire with fire: poisonous Chinese herbal medicine for cancer therapy. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2012; 140:33-45. [PMID: 22265747 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2011] [Revised: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 12/23/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Following the known principle of "fighting fire with fire", poisonous Chinese herbal medicine (PCHM) has been historically used in cancer therapies by skilled Chinese practitioners for thousands of years. In fact, most of the marketed natural anti-cancer compounds (e.g., camptothecin derivatives, vinca alkaloids, etc.) are often known in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and recorded as poisonous herbs as well. Inspired by the encouraging precedents, significant researches into the potential of novel anticancer drugs from other PCHM-derived natural products have been ongoing for several years and PCHM is increasingly being recognized as a gathering place for promising anti-cancer drugs. The present review aimed at giving a rational understanding of the toxicity of PCHM and, especially, providing the most recent developments on PCHM-derived anti-cancer compounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS Information on the toxicity and safety control of PCHM, as well as PCHM-derived anti-cancer compounds, was gathered from the articles, books and monographs published in the past 20 years. RESULTS Based on an objective introduction to the CHM toxicity, we clarified the general misconceptions about the safety of CHM and summarized the traditional experiences in dealing with the toxicity. Several PCHM-derived compounds, namely gambogic acid, triptolide, arsenic trioxide, and cantharidin, were selected as representatives, and their traditional usage and mechanism of anti-cancer actions were discussed. CONCLUSIONS Natural products derived from PCHM are of extreme importance in devising new drugs and providing unique ideas for the war against cancer. To fully exploit the potential of PCHM in cancer therapy, more attentions are advocated to be focused on their safety evaluation and mechanism exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengpeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
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