Cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects of novel ganoderic acid derivatives on human cervical cancer cells in vitro

The effect of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract on sensitizing prostate cancer cells to flutamide and docetaxel: an in vitro study

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide is the most widely used complementary therapy in cancer. The present study aims to investigate the possible interaction between Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide and Docetaxel (a chemotherapy drug) and the first-line medication for prostate cancer treatment (Flutamide) and sensitizing the cells to these treatments. The cytotoxic effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide in combination with Docetaxel and Flutamide on prostate cancer cells were investigated by the MTT test, Hoechst staining, and flow cytometry. In addition, the expression of genes related to apoptosis, angiogenesis, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition pathway (EMT), and prostate cancer biomarkers by Real-Time PCR was investigated. The results demonstrated that IC50 values for Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (30 μM and 20 μM), Docetaxel (10 μM and 5 μM), and Flutamide (20 μM and 12 μM) with MTT were confirmed by flow cytometry in a dose and time-dependent manner. Regarding the high efficacy of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide in combination with Flutamide and Docetaxel, 10 μM and 5 μM Flutamide were used instead of 20 μM and 12 μM and 5 μM and 2 μM Docetaxel was used instead of 10 μM and 5 μM in PC3 and LNCap, respectively. Moreover, for the first time, it was shown that Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide alone and in combination with Docetaxel and Flutamide significantly augmented apoptosis, reduced cell migration and colonization, and downregulated expression of KLK2 and EMT pathway genes in both PC3 and LNCap cell line (P < 0.01). Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide synergistically increased the effect of Docetaxel and Flutamide and increased the sensitivity of the prostate cancer cell lines to these drugs. Therefore, it may provide a new therapeutic strategy against prostate cancer.

Natural Bio-Compounds from Ganoderma lucidum and Their Beneficial Biological Actions for Anticancer Application: A Review

Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) has been known for many centuries in Asian countries under different names, varying depending on the country. The objective of this review is to investigate the scientific research on the natural active bio-compounds in extracts obtained from G. lucidum with significant biological actions in the treatment of cancer. This review presents the classes of bio-compounds existing in G. lucidum that have been reported over time in the main databases and have shown important biological actions in the treatment of cancer. The results highlight the fact that G. lucidum possesses important bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, triterpenoids, sterols, proteins, nucleotides, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, which have been demonstrated to exhibit multiple anticancer effects, namely immunomodulatory, anti-proliferative, cytotoxic, and antioxidant action. The potential health benefits of G. lucidum are systematized based on biological actions. The findings present evidence regarding the lack of certainty about the effects of G. lucidum bio-compounds in treating different forms of cancer, which may be due to the use of different types of Ganoderma formulations, differences in the study populations, or due to drug-disease interactions. In the future, larger clinical trials are needed to clarify the potential benefits of pharmaceutical preparations of G. lucidum, standardized by the known active components in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

A review of anti-tumour effects of Ganoderma lucidum in gastrointestinal cancer

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is the most common cancer in the world and one of the main causes of cancer-related death. Clinically, surgical excision and chemotherapy are the main treatment methods for GI cancer, which is unfortunately accompanied with serious adverse reactions and drug toxicity, bringing irreversible damage to patients and seriously affecting the quality of life. Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) has a long history of medicinal and edible use in China. Its bioactive compounds mainly include polysaccharides, triterpenes, and proteins, which have potential anti-tumor activities by inhibiting proliferation, inducing apoptosis, inhibiting metastasis, and regulating autophagy. Currently, there is no in-depth review on the anti-tumor effect of G. lucidum in GI cancer. Therefore, this review is an attempt to compile the basic characteristics, anti-GI caner mechanisms, and clinical application of G. lucidum, aiming to provide a reference for further research on the role of G. lucidum in the prevention and treatment of GI cancer from the perspective of traditional Chinese and western medicine.

Effects of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase on reactive oxygen species in Ganoderma lucidum

Nitrogen metabolism can regulate mycelial growth and secondary metabolism in Ganoderma lucidum. As an important enzyme in intracellular amino acid metabolism, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) has many physiological functions in animals and plants, but its function in fungi has been less studied. In the present study, two GOT isoenzymes were found in G. lucidum; one is located in the mitochondria (GOT1), and the other is located in the cytoplasm (GOT2). The reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was increased in got1 silenced strains and was approximately 1.5-fold higher than that in the wild-type (WT) strain, while silencing got2 did not affect the ROS level. To explore how GOT affects ROS in G. lucidum, experiments related to the generation and elimination of intracellular ROS were conducted. First, compared with that in the WT strain, the glutamate content, one of the substrates of GOT, decreased when got1 or got2 was knocked down, and the glutathione (l-γ-glutamyl-l-cysteinylglycine) (GSH) content decreased by approximately 38.6%, 19.3%, and 40.1% in got1 silenced strains, got2 silenced strains, and got1/2 co-silenced strains respectively. Second, GOT also affects glucose metabolism. The pyruvate (PA), acetyl-CoA and α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) contents decreased in got1 and got2 silenced strains, and the transcription levels of most genes involved in the glycolytic pathway and the tricarboxylic acid cycle increased. The NADH content was increased in got1 silenced strains and got2 silenced strains, and the NAD⁺/NADH ratio was decreased, which might result in mitochondrial ROS production. Compared with the WT strain, the mitochondrial ROS level was approximately 1.5-fold higher in the got1 silenced strains. In addition, silencing of got1 or got2 resulted in a decrease in antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and ascorbate peroxidase. Finally, ganoderic acid (GA) was increased by approximately 40% in got1 silenced strains compared with the WT strain, while silencing of got2 resulted in a 10% increase in GA biosynthesis. These findings provide new insights into the effect of GOT on ROS and secondary metabolism in fungi. KEY POINTS: • GOT plays important roles in ROS level in Ganoderma lucidum. • Silencing of got1 resulted in decrease in GSH content and antioxidant enzymes activities, but an increase in mitochondrial ROS level in G. lucidum. • Silencing of got1 and got2 resulted in an increase in ganoderic acid biosynthesis in G. lucidum.

Effect of Methyl Jasmonate Elicitation on Triterpene Production and Evaluation of Cytotoxic Activity of Mycelial Culture Extracts of Ganoderma applanatum (Pers.) Pat

Abiotic elicitation, a well-known strategy in mushroom biotechnology, promotes increased accumulation of secondary metabolites in mycelial cultures. The study aimed the effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on the production of triterpenes in submerged cultures of Ganoderma applanatum. Further, the study evaluated the cytotoxic activity of the extract corresponding to the optimal elicitation variant in selected human cancer cell lines as well as the selectivity against normal cells. MeJA was added on days 1, 4, 6, and 8 in the 10-day growth cycle at concentrations of 10, 50, 100, 150, and 200 µM MeJA. The HPLC-DAD was used to analyze the triterpenes. The cytotoxic activity was tested using the MTTFc assay in grouped panels of skin, prostate, and gastrointestinal cancer cells. The results of the quantitative analyses confirmed the stimulating effect of MeJA on the production of ganoderic acid A and ganoderic acid C. The greatest increase in total triterpenes was found on day 6 of the culture cycle compared to the control group-with the concentration of MeJA-150 µM. Compared to the control samples, mycelial culture extract after the most productive elicitation variant showed significant cytotoxic activity against prostate cancer cells and moderate effects on melanoma cells. Ganoderma applanatum mycelial cultures can be proposed as a model to study the dynamics of the accumulation of compounds with therapeutic values through abiotic elicitation.

Advances in Production of Medicinal Mushrooms Biomass in Solid State and Submerged Bioreactors

Production of mushroom fruit bodies using farming technology could hardly meet the increasing demand of the world market. During the last several decades, there have been various basic and applied studies on fungal physiology, metabolism, process engineering, and (pre)clinical studies. The fundamental aspects of solid-state cultivation of various kinds of medicinal mushroom mycelia in various types of bioreactors were established. Solid-state cultivation of medicinal mushrooms for their biomass and bioactive metabolites production appear very suitable for veterinary use. Development of comprehensive submerged technologies using stirred tank and airlift bioreactors is the most promising technology for fast and large-scale production of medicinal fungi biomass and their pharmaceutically active products for human need. The potentials initiate the development of new drugs and some of the most attractive over-the-counter human and veterinary remedies. This article is to overview the engineering achievements in solid state and submerged cultivations of medicinal mushrooms in bioreactors.

Target of Rapamycin Mediated Ornithine Decarboxylase Antizyme Modulate Intracellular Putrescine and Ganoderic Acid Content in Ganoderma lucidum

Putrescine (Put) has been shown to play an important regulatory role in cell growth in organisms. As the primary center regulating the homeostasis of polyamine (PA) content, ornithine decarboxylase antizyme (AZ) can regulate PA content through feedback. Nevertheless, the regulatory mechanism of Put is poorly understood in fungi. Here, our analysis showed that GlAZ had a modulate effect on intracellular Put content by interacting with ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) proteins and reducing its intracellular protein levels. In addition, GlAZ upregulated the metabolic pathway of ganoderic acid (GA) biosynthesis in Ganoderma lucidum by modulating the intracellular Put content. However, a target of rapamycin (TOR) was found to promote the accumulation of intracellular Put after the GlTOR inhibitor Rap was added exogenously, and unbiased analyses demonstrated that GlTOR may promote Put production through its inhibitory effect on the level of GlAZ protein in GlTOR-GlAZ-cosilenced strains. The effect of TOR on fungal secondary metabolism was further explored, and the content of GA in the GlTOR-silenced strain after the exogenous addition of the inhibitor Rap was significantly increased compared with that in the untreated wild-type (WT) strain. Silencing of TOR in the GlTOR-silenced strains caused an increase in GA content, which returned to the WT state after replenishing Put. Moreover, the content of GA in GlTOR-GlAZ-cosilenced strains was also not different from that in the WT strain. Consequently, these results strongly indicate that GlTOR affects G. lucidum GA biosynthesis via GlAZ. IMPORTANCE Research on antizyme (AZ) in fungi has focused on the mechanism by which AZ inhibits ornithine decarboxylase (ODC). Moreover, there are existing reports on the regulation of AZ protein translation by TOR. However, little is known about the mechanisms that influence AZ in fungal secondary metabolism. Here, both intracellular Put content and GA biosynthesis in G. lucidum were shown to be regulated through protein interactions between GlAZ and GlODC. Furthermore, exploration of upstream regulators of GlAZ suggested that GlAZ was regulated by the upstream protein GlTOR, which affected intracellular Put levels and ganoderic acid (GA) biosynthesis. The results of our work contribute to the understanding of the upstream regulation of Put and provide new insights into PA regulatory systems and secondary metabolism in fungi.

Antioxidant activity of olive flounder (Paralichthya olivaceus) surimi digest in in vitro and in vivo

Surimi is refined myofibrillar proteins of fish, which are materials of processed seafood products. However, the health-related outcomes associated with surimi consumption need further investigation. Given the high valued impact of surimi in the functional food industry, the study aims to evaluate its digest with regard to antioxidant potential to understand health benefits raised by surimi consumption. Paralichthys olivaceus surimi digest (POSD) showed a significant DPPH and alkyl radical scavenging activity and protective effects against 2,20-azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced oxidative stressed Vero cells with a significant increasing cell viability and decreasing apoptosis. It also dramatically suppressed the production of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation as well as prevented cell death and down-regulated pro-apoptotic genes at the mRNA levels in AAPH-stimulated zebrafish. This study reports the protective effects against oxidative stressed cells and zebrafish by a strong antioxidant activity of POSD. Therefore, surimi consumption could be a potential benefit in the prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases.

Ganoderic acid T improves the radiosensitivity of HeLa cells via converting apoptosis to necroptosis

The use of natural substances derived from traditional Chinese medicine and natural plants as safe radiosensitizing adjuvants is a new trend for cancer radiotherapy. Ganoderma lucidum has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine with a history of more than 2000 years. Ganoderic acid T (GAT) is a typical triterpene of G. lucidum, which has strong cytotoxicity to cancer cells, but whether it has radiation sensitization effect has not been explored. In this work, we treated the HeLa cells with different concentrations of GAT before exposure to gamma-ray radiation and investigated its influence on the radiosensitivity. The cell viability, apoptosis rate, necoptosis rate, intracellular ATP level, cell cycle, the amount of H2AX and 53BP1, reactive oxygen species, and mitochondrial membrane potential were examined. Apoptotic, necroptotic, and autophagic biomarker proteins, including caspase 8, cytochrome c, caspase 3, RIPK, MLKL, P62, and LC3, were analyzed. As a result, we confirmed that with treatment of GAT, the gamma-ray radiation induced both apoptosis and necroptosis in HeLa cells, and with increase of GAT, the percentage ratio of necroptosis was increased. The involved pathways and mechanisms were also explored and discussed.

Ganoderma lucidum: A rational pharmacological approach to surmount cancer

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) has been broadly used for health endorsement as well as longevity for over 2000 years in Asian countries. It is an example of an ancient remedy and known as immortality mushroom. It has been employed as a health promoting agent owing to its broad pharmacological and therapeutical approaches. It has been confirmed that G. lucidum exhibits significant potency to prevent and treat different types of cancers such as breast, prostate, colon, lung and cervical.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore anticancer effects of various pharmacologically active compounds obtained from G. lucidum and their possible mechanism of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Goggle Scholar, Saudi Digital Library and Cochrane Library until October 11, 2019. Search was made by using keywords such as anticancer evidence, mechanism of action, pharmacology, antioxidant, toxicity, chemotherapy, triterpenoids and polysaccharides of G. lucidum.

RESULTS

Various chemical compounds from G. lucidum exhibit anticancer properties mainly through diverse mechanism such as cytotoxic properties, host immunomodulators, metabolizing enzymes induction, prohibit the expression of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) in cancer cells. Among the various compounds of G. lucidum triterpenoids and polysaccharides are under the major consideration of studies due to their several evidence of preclinical and clinical studies against cancer.

CONCLUSION

Natural alternatives associated with mild side effects are the basic human need of present therapy to eradicate the new emerging disorders. This review is an attempt to compile pharmacologically active compounds of G. lucidum those exhibit anti cancer effects either alone or along with chemotherapy and anticancer mechanisms against various cancer cells, clinical trials, chemotherapy induced toxicity challenges with limitations. It acts as a possible substitute to combat cancer growth with advance and conventional combination therapies as natural alternatives.

Function of ceramide synthases on growth, ganoderic acid biosynthesis and sphingolipid homeostasis in Ganoderma lucidum

Ceramide synthases (CERSs) catalyse an N-acyltransferase reaction using long-chain base (LCB) and fatty acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) as substrates to synthesize ceramide (Cer), which is the backbone of all complex sphingolipids. In the present study, three CERSs (LAG1, LAG2 and LAG3) form Ganoderma lucidum were analysed. The silencing of lag1 by RNA interference reduced ganoderic acid biosynthesis and Cer and complex sphingolipids contents, which contain long-chain-fatty-acids (LCFAs, including C16 and C18). In contrast, the silencing of lag2 or lag3 did not result in obvious phenotypic and sphingolipid homeostasis changes, although the lag2/lag3 double-silenced mutants exhibited increased ganoderic acid biosynthesis as well as reduced growth, reduced Cer and complex sphingolipids contents, which contain very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs, including C22, C24 and C26). The results of the present study indicate that the three assayed CERSs have distinct physiological functions and substrate specificities in G. lucidum.

Historical and current perspectives on therapeutic potential of higher basidiomycetes: an overview

Mushrooms are macroscopic fungi which can be either epigeous or hypogeous and is estimated to be 140,000 on earth, yet only 10% are known. Since ancient time, it played a diverse role in human history for mycolatry, mycophagy and as medicine in folklore and religion. Many Asian and western countries consider mushrooms as panacea for a large number of diseases and utilized for consumption as a gourmet food for its taste as well as flavor. In recent years, scientific research fraternities have confirmed that various extracts and metabolites of mushrooms used traditionally are able to treat a wide range of diseases due to their balanced modulation of multiple targets thereby providing a greater therapeutic effect or equivalent curative effect to that of modern medicine. Medicinal mushrooms especially those belonging to higher basidiomycete groups are reservoir of bioactive compounds with multiple therapeutic properties. The present review provides historical importance as well as an updated information on pharmacologically relevant higher basidiomycetes belong to the genus Agaricus, Auricularia, Phellinus, Ganoderma, Pleurotus, Trametes and Lentinus and their biologically active secondary metabolites. This will help the researchers to understand various type of secondary metabolites, their therapeutic role and related in vivo or in vitro work at a glance. The mounting evidences from several scientific community across the globe, regarding various therapeutic applications of mushroom extracts, unarguably make it an advance research area worth mass attention.

Review of the molecular mechanisms of Ganoderma lucidum triterpenoids: Ganoderic acids A, C2, D, F, DM, X and Y

Ganoderma lucidum is a multi-purpose plant medicine that is homologous to functional food. The most attractive properties of G. lucidum are its immunomodulatory and antitumour activities, which are mainly attributed to the following two major active components: G. lucidum polysaccharides and G. lucidum triterpenoids (GLTs). GLTs are effective as supplemental therapies and improve health when combined with other medications to treat hepatitis, fatigue syndrome, and prostate cancer. However, research investigating the mechanism and application of G. lucidum or GLTs in the treatment of diseases remains preliminary in terms of both the utilization efficacy and product type. This review offers comprehensive insight into the pharmacological activities of GLTs and their potential applications in the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals. Specifically, 83 GLTs were selected, and their molecular structures and chemical formulas were described. We also describe 7 ganoderic acids that are currently at different stages of clinical trials (ganoderic acids A, C2, D, F, DM, X and Y). The related pharmacodynamic mechanisms and targeted signalling proteins were further analysed. Notably, the specific relationship between autophagy and apoptosis induced by ganoderic acid DM is summarized here for the first time.

In vitro anticancer activity Annona squamosa extract nanoparticle on WiDr cells

This study aimed to prepare Annona squamosa leaf extract-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (nano-ASLE) against human colon cancer (WiDr) cells. Nano-ASLE was made with ionic gelation method. Four concentrations of the nano-ASLE (50, 100, 200, and 400 μg/mL) in dimethyl sulfoxide were prepared on WiDr cells to determine the IC₅₀ value using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Then, it was divided into three groups of concentration of IC₅₀, 2IC₅₀, and 4IC₅₀ and continued with analysis of caspase-3 expression and cell cycle arrest. The results of particles size were obtained 535.1 nm and showed potent cytotoxicity with IC₅₀ 292.39 μg/mL. The expression of caspase-3 increased significantly and caused cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and induced apoptosis on WiDr cells. Further studies are needed to obtain the loading efficiency, release of drug concentration, and in vivo study of nano-ASLE to suppress WiDr cells.

Optimization of Culture Condition for Ganoderic Acid Production in Ganoderma lucidum Liquid Static Culture and Design of a Suitable Bioreactor

Ganoderma lucidum, a famous medicinal mushroom used worldwide, is a rich source of triterpenoids which, together with polysaccharides, are believed to be the main effective constituents of G. lucidum. With the increase of market demand, the wild resource is facing serious limitations, and the quality of cultivated fruiting bodies can be seriously affected by the availability of wood resources and by cultivation management practices. In the present study, we aimed to develop an alternative way to produce useful triterpenoids from G. lucidum. We cultured the strain using a two-stage liquid culture strategy and investigated the effects of nitrogen limitation, carbon supply, static culture volume and air supply in the static culture stage on the accumulation of five triterpenoids (GA-P, GA-Q, GA-T, GA-S, GA-R). Our results showed that, under optimized condition, the total yield of the five triterpenoids reached 963 mg/L (as determined by HPLC). Among the five triterpenoids, GA-T accounted for about 75% of the total yield. Besides, a bioreactor suitable for fungal liquid static culture with a 10 L extensible plastic bag shaped culture unit was designed and in which the maximum total yield of the five GAs reached 856.8 mg/L, and the GAs content reached 5.99%. Our results demonstrate the potential of industrial application of G. lucidum culture for the production of triterpenoids, especially GA-T. Air supply significantly improved the accumulation of triterpenoids, and this will provide important clues to understand why more triterpenoids are produced in the mycelia mat under static liquid culture conditions.

Curcumin induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest via the activation of reactive oxygen species-independent mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in Smad4 and p53 mutated colon adenocarcinoma HT29 cells

Curcumin is a natural dietary polyphenol compound that has various pharmacological activities such as antiproliferative and cancer-preventive activities on tumor cells. Indeed, the role reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by curcumin on cell death and cell proliferation inhibition in colon cancer is poorly understood. In the present study, we hypothesized that curcumin-induced ROS may promote apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in colon cancer. To test this hypothesis, the apoptosis-inducing potential and cell cycle inhibition effect of ROS induced by curcumin was investigated in Smd4 and p53 mutated HT-29 colon adenocarcinoma cells. We found that curcumin treatment significantly increased the level of ROS in HT-29 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, curcumin treatment markedly decreased the cell viability and proliferation potential of HT-29 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Conversely, generation of ROS and inhibitory effect of curcumin on HT-29 cells were abrogated by N-acetylcysteine treatment. In addition, curcumin treatment did not show any cytotoxic effects on HT-29 cells. Furthermore, curcumin-induced ROS generation caused the DNA fragmentation, chromatin condensation, and cell nuclear shrinkage and significantly increased apoptotic cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner in HT-29 cells. However, pretreatment of N-acetylcysteine inhibited the apoptosis-triggering effect of curcumin-induced ROS in HT-29 cells. In addition, curcumin-induced ROS effectively mediated cell cycle inhibition in HT-29 cells. In conclusion, our data provide the first evidence that curcumin induces ROS independent apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in colon cancer cells that carry mutation on Smad4 and p53.

SG2NA is a regulator of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis as its depletion leads to ER stress

SG2NA belongs to a three-member striatin subfamily of WD40 repeat superfamily of proteins. It has multiple protein-protein interaction domains involved in assembling supramolecular signaling complexes. Earlier, we had demonstrated that there are at least five variants of SG2NA generated by alternative splicing, intron retention, and RNA editing. Such versatile and dynamic mode of regulation implicates it in tissue development. In order to shed light on its role in cell physiology, total proteome analysis was performed in NIH3T3 cells depleted of 78 kDa SG2NA, the only isoform expressing therein. A number of ER stress markers were among those modulated after knockdown of SG2NA. In cells treated with the ER stressors thapsigargin and tunicamycin, expression of SG2NA was increased at both mRNA and protein levels. The increased level of SG2NA was primarily in the mitochondria and the microsomes. A mouse injected with thapsigargin also had an increase in SG2NA in the liver but not in the brain. Cell cycle analysis suggested that while loss of SG2NA reduces the level of cyclin D1 and retains a population of cells in the G1 phase, concurrent ER stress facilitates their exit from G1 and traverse through subsequent phases with concomitant cell death. Thus, SG2NA is a component of intrinsic regulatory pathways that maintains ER homeostasis.

Effects of hispolon on glioblastoma cell growth

Hispolon is a polyphenolic compound isolated from Phellinus linteus which exhibits antitumor activity. Here, we explored the effects of hispolon on human glioblastoma cells U87MG. Cell viability was examined by MTT assay. Growth was investigated by incubating cells with various concentrations of hispolon (25 and 50 µM) for 24, 48 or 72 h and daily cell count. Cell cycle and apoptosis assay were assessed by flow cytometry. Hispolon decreased cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The cell cycle distribution showed that hispolon enhanced the accumulation of the cells in G2/M phase. Hispolon decreased the expression of G1-S transition-related protein cyclin D4 but increased the expression of CDK inhibitor p21. Additionally, hispolon enhanced the expression of p53. Moreover, hispolon treatment was effective on U87MG cells in inhibiting cell viability and inducing cell apoptosis. Our results indicate that hispolon inhibits the cell viability, induces G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in glioblastoma U87MG cells, and p53 should play a role in hispolon-mediated antitumor activity.

Ganoderic acid A inhibits proliferation and invasion, and promotes apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Ganoderic acid A (GA-A), a triterpenoid, has been demonstrated to suppress cell proliferation in various cancers, including breast cancer and osteosarcoma. However, its effect on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of GA-A on HCC cells in vitro. The HepG2 and SMMC7721 human HCC cell lines were treated with differing concentrations of GA-A for 24, 48 and 72 h. The cell growth rate, cell cycle and apoptosis, migration and invasion were determined using a Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometry and transwell assays, respectively. The expression of apoptosis-associated proteins was detected via western blot analysis. GA-A significantly inhibited the proliferation of human HCC HepG2 and SMMC7721 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, GA-A induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase and apoptosis, and suppressed the migration and invasion of HCC cells. Furthermore, GA-A decreased the expression of cyclin D1 and increased the expression of p21 and cleaved caspase-3. In conclusion, GA-A suppressed the proliferation of human HCC cells in vitro and may act as a promising natural therapeutic reagent in the treatment of HCC.

Possible role of nanocarriers in drug delivery against cervical cancer

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer and the largest cancer killer among women in most developing countries including India. Although, various drugs have been developed for cervical cancer, treatment with these drugs often results in a number of undesirable side effects, toxicity and multidrug resistance (MDR). Also, the outcomes for cervical cancer patients remain poor after surgery and chemo radiation. Methods: A literature search (for drugs and delivery systems against cervical cancer) was performed on PubMed and through Google. The present review discuss about various methods including its current conventional treatment with special reference to recent advances in delivery systems encapsulating various anticancer drugs and natural plant products for targeting towards cervical cancer. The role of photothermal therapy, gene therapy and radiation therapy against cervical cancer is also discussed. Results: Systemic/targeted drug delivery systems including liposomes, nanoparticles, hydrogels, dendrimers etc. and localized drug delivery systems like cervical patches, films, rings etc. are safer than the conventional chemotherapy which has further been proved by the several drug delivery systems undergoing clinical trials. Conclusion: Novel approaches for the aggressive treatment of cervical cancer will optimistically result in decreased side effects as well as toxicity, frequency of administration of existing drugs, to overcome MDR and to increase the survival rates.

Improved Production and Antitumor Properties of Triterpene Acids from Submerged Culture of Ganoderma lingzhi

Triterpene acids (TAs) are the major bioactive constituents in the medicinal fungus Ganoderma lingzhi. However, fermentative production of TAs has not been optimized for commercial use, and whether the TAs isolated from G. lingzhi submerged culture mycelia possess antitumor activity needs to be further proven. In this study, enhanced TA yield and productivity were attained with G. lingzhi using response surface methodology. The interactions of three variables were studied using a Box-Benhnken design, namely initial pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) and fermentation temperature. The optimum conditions were an initial pH of 5.9, 20.0% DO and 28.6 °C. These conditions resulted in a TA yield of 308.1 mg/L in a 5-L stirred bioreactor. Furthermore, the optimized conditions were then successfully scaled up to a production scale of 200 L, and maximum TA production and productivity of 295.3 mg/L and 49.2 mg/L/day were achieved, which represented 80.9% and 111.5% increases, respectively, compared with the non-optimized conditions. Additionally, the triterpene acid extract (TAE) from G. lingzhi mycelia was found to be cytotoxic to the SMMC-7721 and SW620 cell lines in vitro, and the TAE exhibited dose-dependent antitumor activity against the solid tumor sarcoma 180 in vivo. Chemical analysis revealed that the key active triterpene compounds, ganoderic acid T and ganoderic acid Me, predominated in the extract.

Heat Stress Modulates Mycelium Growth, Heat Shock Protein Expression, Ganoderic Acid Biosynthesis, and Hyphal Branching of Ganoderma lucidum via Cytosolic Ca2

Heat stress (HS) influences the growth and development of organisms. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of how organisms sense HS and respond to it is required. Ganoderma lucidum, a higher basidiomycete with bioactive secondary metabolites, has become a potential model system due to the complete sequencing of its genome, transgenic systems, and reliable reverse genetic tools. In this study, we found that HS inhibited mycelium growth, reduced hyphal branching, and induced the accumulation of ganoderic acid biosynthesis and heat shock proteins (HSPs) in G. lucidum Our data showed that HS induced a significant increase in cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration. Further evidence showed that Ca(2+) might be a factor in the HS-mediated regulation of hyphal branching, ganoderic acid (GA) biosynthesis, and the accumulation of HSPs. Our results further showed that the calcium-permeable channel gene (cch)-silenced and phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase gene (plc)-silenced strains reduced the HS-induced increase in HSP expression compared with that observed for the wild type (WT). This study demonstrates that cytosolic Ca(2+) participates in heat shock signal transduction and regulates downstream events in filamentous fungi.

IMPORTANCE

Ganoderma lucidum, a higher basidiomycete with bioactive secondary metabolites, has become a potential model system for evaluating how environmental factors regulate the development and secondary metabolism of basidiomycetes. Heat stress (HS) is an important environmental challenge. In this study, we found that HS inhibited mycelium growth, reduced hyphal branching, and induced HSP expression and ganoderic acid biosynthesis in G. lucidum Further evidence showed that Ca(2+) might be a factor in the HS-mediated regulation of hyphal branching, GA biosynthesis, and the accumulation of HSPs. This study demonstrates that cytosolic Ca(2+) participates in heat shock signal transduction and regulates downstream events in filamentous fungi. Our research offers a new way to understand the mechanism underlying the physiological and metabolic responses to other environmental factors in G. lucidum This research may also provide the basis for heat shock signal transduction studies of other fungi.

Identification of Potential Anticancer Activities of Novel Ganoderma lucidum Extracts Using Gene Expression and Pathway Network Analysis

Ganoderma lucidum (lingzhi) has been used for the general promotion of health in Asia for many centuries. The common method of consumption is to boil lingzhi in water and then drink the liquid. In this study, we examined the potential anticancer activities of G. lucidum submerged in two commonly consumed forms of alcohol in East Asia: malt whiskey and rice wine. The anticancer effect of G. lucidum, using whiskey and rice wine-based extraction methods, has not been previously reported. The growth inhibition of G. lucidum whiskey and rice wine extracts on the prostate cancer cell lines, PC3 and DU145, was determined. Using Affymetrix gene expression assays, several biologically active pathways associated with the anticancer activities of G. lucidum extracts were identified. Using gene expression analysis (real-time polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR]) and protein analysis (Western blotting), we confirmed the expression of key genes and their associated proteins that were initially identified with Affymetrix gene expression analysis.

Reduction of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and lymphoma growth by a natural triterpenoid

Lymphoma is a potentially life threatening disease. The goal of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of a natural triterpenoid, Ganoderic acid A (GA-A) in controlling lymphoma growth both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we show that GA-A treatment induces caspase-dependent apoptotic cell death characterized by a dose-dependent increase in active caspases 9 and 3, up-regulation of pro-apoptotic BIM and BAX proteins, and a subsequent loss of mitochondrial membrane potential with release of cytochrome c. In addition to GA-A's anti-growth activity, we show that lower doses of GA-A enhance HLA class II-mediated antigen (Ag) presentation and CD4+ T cell recognition of lymphoma cells in vitro. The therapeutic relevance of GA-A treatment was also tested in vivo using the EL4 syngeneic mouse model of metastatic lymphoma. GA-A-treatment significantly prolonged survival of EL4 challenged mice and decreased tumor metastasis to the liver, an outcome accompanied by a marked down-regulation of STAT3 phosphorylation, reduction myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and enhancement of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells in the host. Thus, GA-A not only selectively induces apoptosis in lymphoma cells, but also enhances cell-mediated immune responses by attenuating MDSCs, and elevating Ag presentation and T cell recognition. The demonstrated therapeutic benefit indicates that GA-A is a candidate for future drug design for the treatment of lymphoma.

Structurally related ganoderic acids induce apoptosis in human cervical cancer HeLa cells: Involvement of oxidative stress and antioxidant protective system

Ganoderic acids (GAs) produced by Ganoderma lucidum possess anticancer activities with the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the role of oxidative stress in apoptotic process induced by GAs is still undefined. In this study, the effects of four structurally related GAs, i.e. GA-T, GA-Mk, and two deacetylated derivatives of GA-T (GA-T1 and GA-T2) on the antioxidant defense system and induced apoptosis in cervical cancer cells HeLa were investigated in vitro. Our results indicated that the tested GAs (5-40 μM) induced apoptotic cell death through mitochondrial membrane potential decrease and activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. Furthermore, GAs increased the generation of intracellular ROS and attenuated antioxidant defense system by decreasing glutathione (GSH) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities. The above effects were remarkably blocked by the exogenous antioxidants, i.e. N-acetylcysteine, catalase and diphenyleneiodonium chloride. The potency of the four GAs toward induced apoptosis, generation of ROS and suppression of antioxidant defense system was in the order of: GA-T > GA-Mk ≈ GA-T1 > GA-T2 in HeLa cells. These findings suggest that GAs induced mitochondria-dependent cell apoptosis in HeLa cells are mediated via enhancing oxidative stress and depressing antioxidant defense. Additionally, the acetylation of hydroxyl groups in GAs may contribute to their pro-oxidant activities and cytotoxicity, which is helpful to the development of novel chemotherapy agents.

Ganoderma lucidum for cancer treatment: we are close but still not there

The medicinal fungus Ganoderma lucidum has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for millennia to improve health and promote longevity. The idea of using G. lucidum for cancer treatment is based on numerous laboratory and preclinical studies with cancer and immune cells as well as animal models demonstrating various biological activities in vitro and in vivo. For example, G. lucidum possesses cytotoxic, cytostatic, antimetastatic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulating activities. Limited clinical studies, including case reports and randomized controlled trials, suggest G. lucidum as an alternative adjunct therapy for stimulating the immune system in cancer patients. To confirm the efficacy of G. lucidum in cancer treatment, systematic translational research programs should be started worldwide. In addition, only standardized preclinically evaluated, biologically active G. lucidum extracts should be used in alternative treatments. This approach will lead to the development of standardized G. lucidum preparations with specific chemical fingerprint-associated anticancer activities.

A novel approach to enhancing ganoderic acid production by Ganoderma lucidum using apoptosis induction

Ganoderma lucidum is one of most widely used herbal medicine and functional food in Asia, and ganoderic acids (GAs) are its active ingredients. Regulation of GA biosynthesis and enhancing GA production are critical to using G. lucidum as a medicine. However, regulation of GA biosynthesis by various signaling remains poorly understood. This study investigated the role of apoptosis signaling on GA biosynthesis and presented a novel approach, namely apoptosis induction, to increasing GA production. Aspirin was able to induce cell apoptosis in G. lucidum, which was identified by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUPT nick end labeling assay positive staining and a condensed nuclear morphology. The maximum induction of lanosta-7,9(11), 24-trien-3α-01-26-oic acid (ganoderic acid 24, GA24) production and total GA production by aspirin were 2.7-fold and 2.8-fold, respectively, after 1 day. Significantly lower levels of GA 24 and total GAs were obtained after regular fungal culture for 1.5 months. ROS accumulation and phosphorylation of Hog-1 kinase, a putative homolog of MAPK p38 in mammals, occurred after aspirin treatment indicating that both factors may be involved in GA biosynthetic regulation. However, aspirin also reduced expression of the squalene synthase and lanosterol synthase coding genes, suggesting that these genes are not critical for GA induction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing that GA biosynthesis is linked to fungal apoptosis and provides a new approach to enhancing secondary metabolite production in fungi.