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Li Y, Li Y, Yao Y, Li H, Gao C, Sun C, Zhuang J. Potential of cucurbitacin as an anticancer drug. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115707. [PMID: 37862969 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In Chinese medicine, the Cucurbitaceae family contains many compounds known as cucurbitacins, which have been categorized into 12 classes ranging from A to T and more than 200 derivatives. Cucurbitacins are a class of highly oxidized tetracyclic triterpenoids with potent anticancer properties. The eight components of cucurbitacins with the strongest anticancer activity are cucurbitacins B, D, E, I, IIa, L-glucoside, Q, and R. Cucurbitacins have also been reported to suppress JAK-STAT 3, mTOR, VEGFR, Wnt/β-catenin, and MAPK signaling pathways, all of which are crucial for the survival and demise of cancer cells. In this paper, we review the progress in research on cucurbitacin-induced apoptosis, autophagy, cytoskeleton disruption, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of cell proliferation, inhibition of invasion and migration, inhibition of angiogenesis, epigenetic alterations, and synergistic anticancer effects in tumor cells. Recent studies have identified cucurbitacins as promising molecules for therapeutic innovation with broad versatility in immune response. Thus, cucurbitacin is a promising class of anticancer agents that can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy for the treatment of many types of cancer.Therefore, based on the research reports in the past five years at home and abroad, we further summarize and review the structural characteristics, chemical and biological activities, and studies of cucurbitacins based on the previous studies to provide a reference for further development and utilization of cucurbitacins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- College of Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yingrui Li
- College of Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yan Yao
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Huayao Li
- College of Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Chundi Gao
- College of Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Changgang Sun
- College of Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China; Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Jing Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang 261000, China.
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Zieniuk B, Pawełkowicz M. Recent Advances in the Application of Cucurbitacins as Anticancer Agents. Metabolites 2023; 13:1081. [PMID: 37887406 PMCID: PMC10608718 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13101081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cucurbitacins are tetracyclic triterpenoid secondary metabolites, widely distributed in the Cucurbitaceae family. These bitter-tasting compounds act primarily as defense mechanisms against external injuries, and thus against herbivores, and furthermore, they have also found use in folk medicine in the treatment of various diseases. Many studies have acknowledged significant biological activities of cucurbitacins, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, antimicrobial properties, or antitumor potential. Overall, cucurbitacins have the ability to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. Both in vitro and in vivo studies were performed to evaluate the anticancer activity of varied cucurbitacins. Cucurbitacins offer a promising avenue for future cancer treatment strategies, and their diverse mechanisms of action make them attractive candidates for further investigation. The aim of the present study is to shed light on the chemical diversity of this group of compounds by providing the sources of origin of selected compounds and their chemical structure, as well as insight into their anticancer potential. In addition, within this paper molecular targets for cucurbitacins and signalling pathways important for cancer cell proliferation and/or survival that are affected by the described class of compounds have been presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartłomiej Zieniuk
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Pawełkowicz
- Department of Plant Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
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Yin S, Mai Z, Liu C, Xu L, Xia C. Label-free-based quantitative proteomic analysis of the inhibition of cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cell proliferation by cucurbitacin B. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 111:154669. [PMID: 36681055 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer is a serious threat to women's health, and resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs constitutes one of the principal reasons for ovarian cancer recurrence and the low overall survival rate. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to develop additional and more-effective drugs to combat resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. Cucurbitacin B (CuB) is a natural compound found in food plants such as bitter gourd and pumpkin, and it manifests favorable antitumor effects on a variety of malignant tumors. PURPOSE The present study aimed to determine the mechanism effects of CuB overcomes tumor-drug resistance in ovarian cancer. METHODS We used CCK-8, Edu, flow cytometric assays and cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer xenograft mouse model to evaluate the cellular proliferation, cellular apoptosis.and tumor growth. We subsequently applied a pharmacoproteomic approach to analyze the molecular mechanisms by which CuB inhibited the proliferation of cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells. We also employed western blot and molecular docking experiments to verify elements of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway expression. RESULTS We found that CuB inhibited cellular proliferation and promoted apoptosis in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cell lines. We discerned that CuB inhibited tumor growth of xenograft mouse tumors. We ascertained that treatment of A2780-DDP cells with CuB resulted in the differential expression of 305 proteins, with 202 proteins downregulated and 103 proteins upregulated. Of these proteins, the mTOR protein was significantly downregulated in the drug-treated group. We also found that CuB inhibited PI3K, Akt, and mTOR and that it activated cGAS expression upstream of PI3K and inhibited ATR expression. Molecular docking experiments revealed that CuB was hydrogen-bonded to mTOR proteins at Gly (2142) and Thr (2207), with a binding force of -10.2 kcal/mol. CONCLUSION Our study confirmed that cucurbitacin B inhibits the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, targets mTOR, suppresses the proliferation of cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells.And we also found that cucurbitacin B induces DNA damage, activates cGASA and recruits IKBα,playing a crucial role in eliciting anti-tumor immunity. We herein uncovered a new use for CuB in inhibiting tumor-drug resistance, providing a novel approach to overcoming chemotherapeutic drug resistance in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuanghong Yin
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Chlid Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528000, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 515150, China
| | - Zhikai Mai
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Chlid Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528000, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 515150, China
| | - Can Liu
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Chlid Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528000, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 515150, China
| | - Lipeng Xu
- Institute of New Drug Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases, Jinan University College of Pharmacy, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Chenglai Xia
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Chlid Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528000, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 515150, China.
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Wang Y, Li J, Xia L. Plant-derived natural products and combination therapy in liver cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1116532. [PMID: 36865794 PMCID: PMC9971944 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1116532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the malignant cancers globally and seriously endangers human health because of its high morbidity and mortality. Plant-derived natural products have been evaluated as potential anticancer drugs due to low side effects and high anti-tumor efficacy. However, plant-derived natural products also have defects of poor solubility and cumbersome extraction process. In recent years, a growing numbers of plant derived natural products have been used in combination therapy of liver cancer with conventional chemotherapeutic agents, which has improved clinical efficacy through multiple mechanisms, including inhibition of tumor growth, induction of apoptosis, suppression of angiogenesis, enhancement of immunity, reversal of multiple drug resistance and reduction of side effects. The therapeutic effects and mechanisms of plant-derived natural products and combination therapy on liver cancer are reviewed to provide references for developing anti-liver-cancer strategies with high efficacy and low side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqin Wang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| | - Jinyao Li
- *Correspondence: Jinyao Li, ; Lijie Xia,
| | - Lijie Xia
- *Correspondence: Jinyao Li, ; Lijie Xia,
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Tuli HS, Rath P, Chauhan A, Ranjan A, Ramniwas S, Sak K, Aggarwal D, Kumar M, Dhama K, Lee EHC, Yap KCY, Capinpin SM, Kumar AP. Cucurbitacins as Potent Chemo-Preventive Agents: Mechanistic Insight and Recent Trends. Biomolecules 2022; 13:biom13010057. [PMID: 36671442 PMCID: PMC9855938 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cucurbitacins constitute a group of cucumber-derived dietary lipids, highly oxidized tetracyclic triterpenoids, with potential medical uses. These compounds are known to interact with a variety of recognized cellular targets to impede the growth of cancer cells. Accumulating evidence has suggested that inhibition of tumor cell growth via induction of apoptosis, cell-cycle arrest, anti-metastasis and anti-angiogenesis are major promising chemo-preventive actions of cucurbitacins. Cucurbitacins may be a potential choice for investigations of synergism with other drugs to reverse cancer cells' treatment resistance. The detailed molecular mechanisms underlying these effects include interactions between cucurbitacins and numerous cellular targets (Bcl-2/Bax, caspases, STAT3, cyclins, NF-κB, COX-2, MMP-9, VEGF/R, etc.) as well as control of a variety of intracellular signal transduction pathways. The current study is focused on the efforts undertaken to find possible molecular targets for cucurbitacins in suppressing diverse malignant processes. The review is distinctive since it presents all potential molecular targets of cucurbitacins in cancer on one common podium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hardeep Singh Tuli
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala 133207, India
- Correspondence: (H.S.T.); (A.P.K.)
| | - Prangya Rath
- Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences, Amity University, Noida 201303, India
| | - Abhishek Chauhan
- Amity Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Safety and Management, Amity University, Noida 201303, India
| | - Anuj Ranjan
- Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, 344090 Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - Seema Ramniwas
- University Centre for Research and Development, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali 140413, India
| | | | - Diwakar Aggarwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala 133207, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Maharishi Markandeshwar University Sadopur, Ambala 134007, India
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly 243122, India
| | - E Hui Clarissa Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Kenneth Chun-Yong Yap
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Sharah Mae Capinpin
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
- Correspondence: (H.S.T.); (A.P.K.)
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Ji X, Chen X, Sheng L, Deng D, Wang Q, Meng Y, Qiu Z, Zhang B, Zheng G, Hu J. Metabolomics profiling of AKT/c-Met-induced hepatocellular carcinogenesis and the inhibitory effect of Cucurbitacin B in mice. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1009767. [PMID: 36506561 PMCID: PMC9728611 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1009767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common kind of liver cancer, accounts for the majority of liver cancer diagnoses and fatalities. Clinical aggressiveness, resistance to traditional therapy, and a high mortality rate are all features of this disease. Our previous studies have shown that co-activation of AKT and c-Met induces HCC development, which is the malignant biological feature of human HCC. Cucurbitacin B (CuB), a naturally occurring tetracyclic triterpenoid compound with potential antitumor activity. However, the metabolic mechanism of AKT/c-Met-induced Hepatocellular Carcinogenesis and CuB in HCC remains unclear. In this study, we established an HCC mouse model by hydrodynamically transfecting active AKT and c-Met proto-oncogenes. Based on the results of hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), oil red O (ORO) staining, and immunohistochemistry (IHC), HCC progression was divided into two stages: the early stage of HCC (3 weeks after AKT/c-Met injection) and the formative stage of HCC (6 weeks after AKT/c-Met injection), and the therapeutic effect of CuB was evaluated. Through UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS metabolomics, a total of 26 distinct metabolites were found in the early stage of HCC for serum samples, while in the formative stage of HCC, 36 distinct metabolites were found in serum samples, and 13 different metabolites were detected in liver samples. 33 metabolites in serum samples and 11 in live samples were affected by CuB administration. Additionally, metabolic pathways and western blotting analysis revealed that CuB influences lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and glucose metabolism by altering the AKT/mTORC1 signaling pathway, hence decreasing tumor progression. This study provides a metabolic basis for the early diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of HCC and the clinical application of CuB in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Ji
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xin Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lei Sheng
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dongjie Deng
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qi Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yan Meng
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhenpeng Qiu
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Baohui Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Guohua Zheng
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China,Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Resource and Compound Prescription, Ministry of Education, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China,*Correspondence: Guohua Zheng, ; Junjie Hu,
| | - Junjie Hu
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China,*Correspondence: Guohua Zheng, ; Junjie Hu,
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Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Medicinal Plants Used by the Tenggerese Society in Java Island of Indonesia. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27217532. [DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The archipelagic country of Indonesia is inhabited by 300 ethnic groups, including the indigenous people of Tengger. Based on the reported list of medicinal plants used by the Tengger community, we have reviewed each of them for their phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activities. Out of a total of 41 medicinal plants used by the Tengerrese people, 33 species were studied for their phytochemical and pharmacological properties. More than 554 phytochemicals with diverse molecular structures belonging to different chemical classes including flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins and volatiles were identified from these studied 34 medicinal plants. Many of these medicinal plants and their compounds have been tested for various pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, wound healing, headache, antimalarial and hypertension. Five popularly used medicinal plants by the healers were Garcinia mangostana, Apium graveolens, Cayratia clematidea, Drymocallis arguta and Elaeocarpus longifolius. Only A. graviolens were previously studied, with the outcomes supporting the pharmacological claims to treat hypertension. Few unexplored medicinal plants are Physalis lagascae, Piper amplum, Rosa tomentosa and Tagetes tenuifolia, and they present great potential for biodiscovery and drug lead identification.
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Curcumin Modulates Oxidative Stress, Fibrosis, and Apoptosis in Drug-Resistant Cancer Cell Lines. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12091427. [PMID: 36143462 PMCID: PMC9504331 DOI: 10.3390/life12091427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In cancer management, drug resistance remains a challenge that reduces the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Several studies have shown that curcumin resensitizes cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs to overcome resistance. In the present study, we investigate the potential therapeutic role of curcumin in regulating the proliferation of drug-resistant cancers. Six drug-sensitive (MCF7, HCT116, and A549) and -resistant (MCF7/TH, HCT116R, and A549/ADR) cancer cell lines were treated with curcumin followed by an analysis of cytotoxicity, LDH enzyme, total reactive oxygen species, antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT), fibrosis markers (TGF-β1 protein, fibronectin, and hydroxyproline), and expression of cellular apoptotic markers (Bcl-2, Bax, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, Annexin V, cytochrome c, and caspase-8). Additionally, the expression of cellular SIRT1 was estimated by ELISA and RT-PCR analysis. Curcumin treatment at doses of 2.7–54.3 µM significantly reduced the growth of sensitive and resistant cells as supported with decreased viability and increased cellular LDH enzyme of treated cells compared to controls non-treated cells. Curcumin also at doses of 2.7 and 54.3 µM regulated the fibrogenesis by reducing the expression of fibrotic markers in treated cells. Analysis of apoptotic markers indicated increased Bax, Bax, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, Annexin V, caspase-8, and cytochrome c expression, while Bcl-2 expressions were significantly reduced. In curcumin-treated cells at 2.7 μM, non-significant change in ROS with significant increase in SOD and CAT activity was observed, whereas an increase in ROS with a reduction in respective antioxidant enzymes were seen at higher concentrations along with significant upregulation of SIRT1. In conclusion, the present study shows that curcumin induces anticancer activity against resistant cancer cell lines in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The protective activities of curcumin against the growth of cancer cells are mediated by modulating oxidative stress, regulating fibrosis, SIRT1 activation, and inducing cellular apoptosis. Therefore, curcumin could be tested as an auxiliary therapeutic agent to improve the prognosis in patients with resistant cancers.
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Chen T, Ma B, Lu S, Zeng L, Wang H, Shi W, Zhou L, Xia Y, Zhang X, Zhang J, Chen J. Cucumber-Derived Nanovesicles Containing Cucurbitacin B for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Therapy. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:3583-3599. [PMID: 35974872 PMCID: PMC9376005 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s362244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose In recent years, a variety of nanoparticles with excellent anticancer and delivery properties have emerged for cancer therapy. However, potential toxicity, high production cost and complex preparation procedures have been obstacles to their use in biomedicine. Here, we obtained cucumber-derived nanovesicles (CDNVs) at high yield and low cost by simple juicing and ultracentrifugation. The anticancer effects of CDNVs were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Methods Transmission electron microscope, nanoparticle tracking analysis and laser particle size analysis were used to characterize the morphology, diameter and zeta potential of CDNVs, respectively. The anticancer effects of CDNVs in vitro were evaluated by MTT and apoptosis assays. The mechanism was further explored by measuring the protein levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway, reactive oxygen species, cell cycle distribution and caspase activity. In-vivo anticancer efficacy was evaluated by measuring tumor volume and weight of mice in three different treatment groups (CDNVs, cucurbitacin B and PBS). Results CDNVs inhibited proliferation of human non-small cell lung cancer cells by suppressing signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 activation, generating reactive oxygen species, promoting cell cycle arrest, and activating the caspase pathway. These CDNVs exhibited strong anticancer effects both in vitro and in vivo, and reduced the rate of tumor growth without obvious toxicity to mouse visceral organs. Compared with an equivalent dose of cucurbitacin B, CDNVs exerted stronger anticancer effects in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion These results demonstrate that CDNVs suppress tumor growth. This study addresses the development of cancer therapeutic drugs using plant-derived nanovesicles that are cost-efficient, simple to produce in high yields, and provide an alternative approach to drug isolation that may help advance sustainability of medicinal plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350108, People's Republic of China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350108, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingxiang Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350108, People's Republic of China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350108, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350108, People's Republic of China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350108, People's Republic of China
| | - Lupeng Zeng
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350108, People's Republic of China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350108, People's Republic of China
| | - Huaying Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350108, People's Republic of China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350108, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanhua Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350108, People's Republic of China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350108, People's Republic of China
| | - Linying Zhou
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Public Technology Service Center, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350108, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaokun Xia
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350108, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350108, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350002, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinghua Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350108, People's Republic of China
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Chen SH, Xu DD, Zhou PJ, Wang Y, Liu QY, Ren Z, Liu Z, Wang X, Huang HQ, Xue X, Wang Y, Wang YF. Combination treatment with sorafenib and wh‑4 additively suppresses the proliferation of liver cancer cells. Exp Ther Med 2022; 23:232. [PMID: 35222709 PMCID: PMC8815050 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Su-Hong Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Dan-Dan Xu
- College of Biotechnology, Guangdong Food and Drug Vocational College, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510520, P.R. China
| | - Peng-Jun Zhou
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Yao Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Qiu-Ying Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Zhe Ren
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Zhong Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Xia Wang
- College of Biotechnology, Guangdong Food and Drug Vocational College, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510520, P.R. China
| | - Hui-Qing Huang
- College of Biotechnology, Guangdong Food and Drug Vocational College, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510520, P.R. China
| | - Xue Xue
- College of Biotechnology, Guangdong Food and Drug Vocational College, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510520, P.R. China
| | - Ying Wang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510225, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Fei Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
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Ullah MF, Ahmad A, Bhat SH, Abuduhier FM, Mustafa SK, Usmani S. Diet-derived small molecules (nutraceuticals) inhibit cellular proliferation by interfering with key oncogenic pathways: an overview of experimental evidence in cancer chemoprevention. Biol Futur 2022; 73:55-69. [PMID: 35040098 DOI: 10.1007/s42977-022-00110-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Discouraging statistics of cancer disease has projected an increase in the global cancer burden from 19.3 to 28.4 million incidences annually within the next two decades. Currently, there has been a revival of interest in nutraceuticals with evidence of pharmacological properties against human diseases including cancer. Diet is an integral part of lifestyle, and it has been proposed that an estimated one-third of human cancers can be prevented through appropriate lifestyle modification including dietary habits; hence, it is considered significant to explore the pharmacological benefits of these agents, which are easily accessible and have higher safety index. Accordingly, an impressive embodiment of evidence supports the concept that the dietary factors are critical modulators to prevent, retard, block, or reverse carcinogenesis. Such an action reflects the ability of these molecules to interfere with multitude of pathways to subdue and neutralize several oncogenic factors and thereby keep a restraint on neoplastic transformations. This review provides a series of experimental evidence based on the current literature to highlight the translational potential of nutraceuticals for the prevention of the disease through consumption of enriched diets and its efficacious management by means of novel interventions. Specifically, this review provides the current understanding of the chemopreventive pharmacology of nutraceuticals such as cucurbitacins, morin, fisetin, curcumin, luteolin and garcinol toward their potential as anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Fahad Ullah
- Prince Fahd Research Chair, Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Aamir Ahmad
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Interim Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Showket H Bhat
- Prince Fahd Research Chair, Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Vocational Studies, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Faisel M Abuduhier
- Prince Fahd Research Chair, Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Khalid Mustafa
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shazia Usmani
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Integral University, Lucknow, India
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12
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Cui G, Yuan H, He W, Deng Y, Sun R, Zhong G. Synergistic effects of botanical curcumin-induced programmed cell death on the management of Spodoptera litura Fabricius with avermectin. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 229:113097. [PMID: 34942422 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.113097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Chemical pesticides and adjuvants have caused many negative effects. Botanical compounds provide solutions for the development of environment friendly pesticides and the management of increasing pest resistance. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol, showed synergistic effects on avermectin upon the destructive agricultural pest, Spodoptera litura. However, the botanical synergist and its relevant mechanisms remain unclear. In the article, curcumin significantly enhanced the growth inhibition and midgut structural damage of avermectin on the larvae of S. litura, and the synergistic effects were confirmed with pot experiments. There were only a few influences on the gene expression of avermectin targets, while apoptotic and autophagic related genes and proteins were accumulated in the avermectin/curcumin mixed regent (0.013/0.0013 μg/mL) treated group. Moreover, the potential mechanism was explored with an in vitro model, insect Spodoptera frugiperda Sf9 cell line. Morphology observation featured the damage on cells and Hoechst33258 staining revealed the fragments of DNA after treating with the avermectin/curcumin mixed regent (10/1 μg/mL). Dansylcadaverine and LysoTracker staining, as well as the gene expressions, supposed that curcumin exhibited autophagy inducing effects and the mixed regent possessed a higher ability to induce apoptosis and autophagy. All these results suggested that the synergistic effects of curcumin on the pest management of avermectin potentially mainly derived from the enhancement of programed cell death. It provides new sights for the application of natural compounds in integrated pest management and enriches examples of synergistic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaofeng Cui
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Haiqi Yuan
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Develop Department, BrightMart CropScience, Foshan 528522, China.
| | - Wei He
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Yukun Deng
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Ranran Sun
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Guohua Zhong
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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13
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Jin M, Kong L, Han Y, Zhang S. Gut microbiota enhances the chemosensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma to 5-fluorouracil in vivo by increasing curcumin bioavailability. Phytother Res 2021; 35:5823-5837. [PMID: 34374130 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
5-Fluorouracil (5-Fu) is efficient for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment, but fast-emerging resistance limits its usage. Curcumin is being investigated for its potential chemosensitivity, but its low oral bioavailability hinders its chemosensitivity effect in vivo. Gut microbiota modulation is considered to contribute to its bioactivities in vivo. In the current study, we demonstrate that curcumin can enhance 5-Fu chemosensitivity in HCC cells in vitro, increase the apoptosis rate, arrest the cell cycle at G2/M phase, and block the PI3k/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway by inhibiting the phosphorylation of PI3K and its downstream protein kinases. Curcumin also remarkably sensitized H22 cells to 5-Fu, allowing it to inhibit tumour growth in vivo. 16S rDNA sequencing suggests that curcumin in combination with 5-Fu significantly alters the gut microbiota composition based on alpha and beta diversity analysis compared to drug treatment alone. Gut microbiota depletion abolished curcumin's chemosensitivity effect in vivo. A pharmacodynamics study suggested that the gut microbiota increased the oral bioavailability of curcumin (AUC(0-t) 15.24 ± 0.77 μM/h [wt] vs. 3.04 ± 0.18 μM/h [gut microbiota depleted]). In conclusion, curcumin can increase the chemosensitivity of HCC to 5-Fu in vitro and in vivo, and gut microbiota plays a key role in its effect in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Jin
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Li Kong
- Department of Chinese and Western Medicine Combined with Liver Disease, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ying Han
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Sen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union medical college, Beijing, China
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14
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Morshedi K, Borran S, Ebrahimi MS, Masoud Khooy MJ, Seyedi ZS, Amiri A, Abbasi-Kolli M, Fallah M, Khan H, Sahebkar A, Mirzaei H. Therapeutic effect of curcumin in gastrointestinal cancers: A comprehensive review. Phytother Res 2021; 35:4834-4897. [PMID: 34173992 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers with a high global prevalence are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Accordingly, there is a great need to develop efficient therapeutic approaches. Curcumin, a naturally occurring agent, is a promising compound with documented safety and anticancer activities. Recent studies have demonstrated the activity of curcumin in the prevention and treatment of different cancers. According to systematic studies on curcumin use in various diseases, it can be particularly effective in GI cancers because of its high bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract. Nevertheless, the clinical applications of curcumin are largely limited because of its low solubility and low chemical stability in water. These limitations may be addressed by the use of relevant analogues or novel delivery systems. Herein, we summarize the pharmacological effects of curcumin against GI cancers. Moreover, we highlight the application of curcumin's analogues and novel delivery systems in the treatment of GI cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korosh Morshedi
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Sarina Borran
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Zeynab Sadat Seyedi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran
| | - Atefeh Amiri
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abbasi-Kolli
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Fallah
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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15
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Li C, Wang Y, Zhang S, Zhang J, Wang F, Sun Y, Huang L, Bian W. pH and ROS sequentially responsive podophyllotoxin prodrug micelles with surface charge-switchable and self-amplification drug release for combating multidrug resistance cancer. Drug Deliv 2021; 28:680-691. [PMID: 33818237 PMCID: PMC8023596 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2021.1905750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Multidrug resistance (MDR) is one of the main reasons for tumor chemotherapy failure. Podophyllotoxin (PPT) has been reported that can suppress MDR cancer cell growth; however, effective delivery of PPT to MDR cancer cells is challenged by cascaded bio-barriers. To effectively deliver PPT to MDR cancer cells, a PPT polymeric prodrug micelle (PCDMA) with the charge-conversion capability and self-acceleration drug release function are fabricated, which is composed of a pH and reactive oxygen species (ROS) sequentially responsive PPT-polymeric prodrug and an ROS generation agent, cucurbitacin B (CuB). After reach to tumor tissue, the surface charge of PCDMA could rapidly reverse to positive in the tumor extracellular environment to promote cellular uptake. Subsequently, the PCDMA could be degraded to release PPT and CuB in response to an intracellular high ROS condition. The released CuB is competent for generating ROS, which in turn accelerates the release of PPT and CuB. Eventually, the released PPT could kill MDR cancer cells. The in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that PCDMA was effectively internalized by cancer cells and produces massive ROS intracellular, rapid release drug, and effectively overcame MDR compared with the control cells, due to the tumor-specific weakly acidic and ROS-rich environment. Our results suggest that the pH/ROS dual-responsive PCDMA micelles with surface charge-reversal and self-amplifying ROS-response drug release provide an excellent platform for potential MDR cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- Department of Infectious Disease, Wuhu No. 1 People's Hospital, Wuhu, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Department of Oncology, Yancheng No. 1 People's Hospital, Yancheng First Hospital Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Yancheng, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Wuhu No. 1 People's Hospital, Wuhu, China
| | - Jiaojiao Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Wuhu No. 1 People's Hospital, Wuhu, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Wuhu No. 1 People's Hospital, Wuhu, China
| | - Yunhao Sun
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Yancheng No. 1 People's Hospital, Yancheng First Hospital Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Yancheng, China
| | - Lirong Huang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Yancheng No. 1 People's Hospital, Yancheng First Hospital Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Yancheng, China
| | - Wen Bian
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Yancheng No. 1 People's Hospital, Yancheng First Hospital Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Yancheng, China
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16
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Synergistic effects of curcumin and its analogs with other bioactive compounds: A comprehensive review. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 210:113072. [PMID: 33310285 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.113072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Curcumin, as a natural compound, extracted from plant Curcuma longa, is abundant in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, and have been used in a diverse array of pharmacological activities. Although curcumin has some limitations like low stability and low bioavailability, it has been proved that this compound induced apoptosis signaling and is also known to block cell proliferation signaling pathway. Recently, extensive research has been carried out to study the application of curcumin as a health improving agent, and devise new methods to overcome to the curcumin limitations and incorporate this functional ingredient into foods. Combinational chemotherapy is one of the basic strategies is using for 60 years for the treatment of various health problems like cancer, malaria, inflammation, diabetes and etc. Molecular hybridization is another strategy to make multi-pharmacophore or conjugated drugs with more synergistic effect than the parent compounds. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the pharmacological activity of curcumin and its analogs in combination with other bioactive compounds and cover more recent reports of anti-cancer, anti-malarial, and anti-inflammatory activities of these analogs.
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17
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Curcumin prevents cognitive deficits in the bile duct ligated rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:3529-3537. [PMID: 32761362 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05633-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Bile duct ligation (BDL) in rodents can cause impaired liver function and cognition deficits. Curcumin has shown a preventive and therapeutic role in memory impairment. OBJECTIVES Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effect of curcumin on the performance of male adult Wistar rats that underwent BDL, a model of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in the Morris water maze (MWM). METHODS Four weeks after surgery, sham (manipulation of common bile duct without ligation) and BDL rats underwent the MWM test. RESULTS The representative data showed that BDL rats exhibited impairments in spatial learning and reference memory in the MWM compared with the sham rats. Treatment of BDL rats with curcumin (40 mg/kg, i.p., for 4 weeks) prevented these impairments, while it did not affect spatial learning and memory in the sham rats, by itself. Curcumin increased expression levels of the pro-survival B cell lymphoma extra-large (Bcl-xL) gene and two genes involved in mitochondrial function, peroxisome proliferative-activated receptor-γ co-activator 1α (PGC-1α) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), in the hippocampus of BDL rats compared with the vehicle-treated sham or BDL rats, while it decreased the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) gene expression level. BDL up-regulated Bax and down-regulated TFAM, by itself. Furthermore, curcumin reduced the mRNA level of Bax, while it increased Bcl-2 and TFAM mRNA levels. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate the beneficial effect of curcumin on cognitive function in BDL rats of the HE model. The curcumin effect may be related to mitochondrial function improvement in the HE.
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18
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Shao M, Lou D, Yang J, Lin M, Deng X, Fan Q. Curcumin and wikstroflavone B, a new biflavonoid isolated from Wikstroemia indica, synergistically suppress the proliferation and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells via blocking FAK/STAT3 signaling pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 79:153341. [PMID: 32992086 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Curcumin (CUR) is a natural diarylheptanoid with marked anti-tumor activities. Recent investigations demonstrate that CUR combines with some other phytochemicals exerts advantages over its single application manifested as lower toxicity, higher efficacy or more significant reversal of multidrug resistance. PURPOSE This study aimed to elucidate a new biflavonoid (wikstroflavone B, WFB) isolated from Wikstroemia indica and to assess the synergistic inhibition of combined CUR and WFB (CUR/WFB) on human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines proliferation and metastasis. METHODS WFB was obtained through sequential chromatographic methods including silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 and preparative HPLC. Its structure was determined by HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configuration of WFB was assigned through comparison of experimental and calculated optical rotation (OR) values. Changes in cellular viability, migration and invasion were assessed by MTT, colony formation, wound healing and Transwell assays. The nature of synergistic interaction of CUR/WFB was determined through the combination index (CI) method under the median-effect analysis. Expression levels of indicated mRNAs and proteins were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blotting assays, respectively. RESULTS WFB was isolated and structural elucidated. Compared with CUR or WFB used alone, CUR/WFB treatment inhibited more effectively on the cell viability, colony formation, cell migration and invasion. Both CI and dose reduction index (DRI) values indicated the significant synergistic effects existed between CUR and WFB. Besides, CUR/WFB showed the marked modulation on the genes involved in cell proliferation (survivin, cyclin D1, p53 and p21) and metastasis (MMP-2, MMP-9 and FAK). CUR/WFB treatment was also found to restrain the phosphorylation of FAK and STAT3 proteins. When pretreatment with a FAK inhibitor, the cell viability and metastasis were significantly attenuated. CONCLUSION The results indicate that WFB can synergistically increase the inhibitory effects of CUR on NPC cells proliferation and metastasis, and these findings may afford a rational approach for developing the antitumor medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Shao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, 510515 Guangzhou, China
| | - Dandan Lou
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, 510515 Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiabin Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, 510515 Guangzhou, China
| | - Meiting Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, 510515 Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianghua Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, 510515 Guangzhou, China
| | - Qin Fan
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, 510515 Guangzhou, China.
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19
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Wang X, Li H, Li D, Bai Y, Zhang Y, Yan X, Li J, Zhao R, Liu J, Liu W, Shi M, Xu C, Yang T, Zhang T. Sorafenib and CuB exert synergistic antitumor effects against hepatocellular carcinoma cells via inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation. FEBS Open Bio 2020; 11:133-145. [PMID: 33176070 PMCID: PMC7780105 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib, the first‐line agent for treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), improves median overall survival by approximately 3 months. In the present study, we investigated whether sorafenib combined with cucurbitacin B (CuB), a natural tetracyclic triterpenoid isolated from Cucurbitaceae, exerts enhanced antitumor effects against HCC. Cell viability and colony formation ability were detected by cell‐counting kit‐8 and colony formation assays. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Protein expression was detected by western blotting. HepG2 xenografts in nude mice were used to evaluate in vivo antitumor effects. We report that sorafenib and CuB exhibited synergistic effects on cellular proliferation inhibition and cell apoptosis induction, but not on cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, combination treatment enhanced levels of cleaved caspase 3 and cleaved caspase 9, but suppressed phosphorylation of STAT3. Epidermal growth factor, a potent stimulator of signal transducer and activator of transcription‐3 (STAT3), promoted cell viability and colony formation ability, whereas combination treatment exerted inhibitory effects on epidermal growth factor‐induced STAT3 phosphorylation. Finally, HepG2 xenograft mice cotreated with sorafenib and CuB exhibited reduced tumor progression without notable weight loss. In conclusion, sorafenib and CuB exert synergistic antitumor effects through a pathway that may involve STAT3 phosphorylation, and this may represent a promising therapeutic approach for treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Wang
- Department of Cancer, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,Clinical School of Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hua Li
- Cancer Center, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Dong Li
- Cancer Center, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Yudi Bai
- Basic School of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Basic School of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xue Yan
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Li
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Ri Zhao
- Scientific Research Center, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiahui Liu
- Basic School of Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Clinical School of Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Maolin Shi
- Clinical School of Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Cheng Xu
- Department of Cancer, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,Clinical School of Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Tai Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Cancer Center, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
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20
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Liu Y, Xie X, Chen H, Hou X, He Y, Shen J, Shi J, Feng N. Advances in next-generation lipid-polymer hybrid nanocarriers with emphasis on polymer-modified functional liposomes and cell-based-biomimetic nanocarriers for active ingredients and fractions from Chinese medicine delivery. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2020; 29:102237. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2020.102237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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21
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STAT3 transcription factor as target for anti-cancer therapy. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 72:1101-1124. [PMID: 32880101 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00156-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
STATs constitute a large family of transcription activators and transducers of signals that have an important role in many cell functions as regulation of proliferation and differentiation of the cell also regulation of apoptosis and angiogenesis. STAT3 as a member of that family, recently was discovered to have a vital role in progression of different types of cancers. The activation of STAT3 was observed to regulate multiple gene functions during cancer-like cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, metastasis, inflammation, immunity, cell survival, and angiogenesis. The inhibition of STAT3 activation has been an important target for cancer therapy. Inhibitors of STAT3 have been used for a long time for treatment of many types of cancers like leukemia, melanoma, colon, and renal cancer. In this review article, we summarize and discuss different drugs inhibiting the action of STAT3 and used in treatment of different types of cancer.
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22
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Jing S, Zou H, Wu Z, Ren L, Zhang T, Zhang J, Wei Z. Cucurbitacins: Bioactivities and synergistic effect with small-molecule drugs. J Funct Foods 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2020.104042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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23
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Luo H, Vong CT, Chen H, Gao Y, Lyu P, Qiu L, Zhao M, Liu Q, Cheng Z, Zou J, Yao P, Gao C, Wei J, Ung COL, Wang S, Zhong Z, Wang Y. Naturally occurring anti-cancer compounds: shining from Chinese herbal medicine. Chin Med 2019; 14:48. [PMID: 31719837 PMCID: PMC6836491 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-019-0270-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous natural products originated from Chinese herbal medicine exhibit anti-cancer activities, including anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic, anti-angiogenic effects, as well as regulate autophagy, reverse multidrug resistance, balance immunity, and enhance chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. To provide new insights into the critical path ahead, we systemically reviewed the most recent advances (reported since 2011) on the key compounds with anti-cancer effects derived from Chinese herbal medicine (curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, berberine, artemisinin, ginsenoside Rg3, ursolic acid, silibinin, emodin, triptolide, cucurbitacin B, tanshinone I, oridonin, shikonin, gambogic acid, artesunate, wogonin, β-elemene, and cepharanthine) in scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, and Clinical Trials). With a broader perspective, we focused on their recently discovered and/or investigated pharmacological effects, novel mechanism of action, relevant clinical studies, and their innovative applications in combined therapy and immunomodulation. In addition, the present review has extended to describe other promising compounds including dihydroartemisinin, ginsenoside Rh2, compound K, cucurbitacins D, E, I, tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone in view of their potentials in cancer therapy. Up to now, the evidence about the immunomodulatory effects and clinical trials of natural anti-cancer compounds from Chinese herbal medicine is very limited, and further research is needed to monitor their immunoregulatory effects and explore their mechanisms of action as modulators of immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Luo
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Chi Teng Vong
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Hanbin Chen
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Peng Lyu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Ling Qiu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Mingming Zhao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Qiao Liu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Zehua Cheng
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jian Zou
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Peifen Yao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Caifang Gao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jinchao Wei
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Carolina Oi Lam Ung
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Shengpeng Wang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yitao Wang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
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Role of Phytochemicals in Cancer Prevention. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20204981. [PMID: 31600949 PMCID: PMC6834187 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20204981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of synthetic, natural, or biological agents to minimize the occurrence of cancer in healthy individuals is defined as cancer chemoprevention. Chemopreventive agents inhibit the development of cancer either by impeding DNA damage, which leads to malignancy or by reversing or blocking the division of premalignant cells with DNA damage. The benefit of this approach has been demonstrated in clinical trials of breast, prostate, and colon cancer. The continuous increase in cancer cases, failure of conventional chemotherapies to control cancer, and excessive toxicity of chemotherapies clearly demand an alternative approach. The first trial to show benefit of chemoprevention was undertaken in breast cancer patients with the use of tamoxifen, which demonstrated a significant decrease in invasive breast cancer. The success of using chemopreventive agents for protecting the high risk populations from cancer indicates that the strategy is rational and promising. Dietary components such as capsaicin, cucurbitacin B, isoflavones, catechins, lycopenes, benzyl isothiocyanate, phenethyl isothiocyanate, and piperlongumine have demonstrated inhibitory effects on cancer cells indicating that they may serve as chemopreventive agents. In this review, we have addressed the mechanism of chemopreventive and anticancer effects of several natural agents.
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Yuan RQ, Qian L, Yun WJ, Cui XH, Lv GX, Tang WQ, Cao RC, Xu H. Cucurbitacins extracted from Cucumis melo L. (CuEC) exert a hypotensive effect via regulating vascular tone. Hypertens Res 2019; 42:1152-1161. [PMID: 30962520 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-019-0258-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
As an effective medicine for jaundice in traditional Chinese medicine, Cucumis melo L. has been widely used in China. However, its effect on vascular function is still unclear. In this study, we extracted the compounds of Cucumis melo L., and the major ingredients were identified as cucurbitacins (CuEC, cucurbitacins extracted from Cucumis melo L.), especially cucurbitacin B. We replicated the toxicity in mice by intraperitoneal injection of a high dose of CuEC (2 mg/kg) and demonstrated that the cause of death was CuEC-induced impairment of the endothelial barrier and, thus, increased vascular permeability via decreasing VE-cadherin conjunction. The administration of low doses of CuEC (1 mg/kg) led to a decline in systolic blood pressure (SBP) without causing toxicity in mice. More importantly, CuEC dramatically suppressed angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced SBP increase. Further studies demonstrated that CuEC facilitated acetylcholine-mediated vasodilation in mesenteric arteries of mice. In vitro studies showed that CuEC induced vasodilation in a dose-dependent manner in mesenteric arteries of both mice and rats. Pretreatment with CuEC inhibited phenylephrine-mediated vasoconstriction. In summary, a moderate dose of CuEC reduced SBP by improving blood vessel tension. Therefore, our study provides new experimental evidence for developing new antihypertensive drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Qiang Yuan
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Lei Qian
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Wei-Jing Yun
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Cui
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Guang-Xin Lv
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Wei-Qi Tang
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Ri-Chang Cao
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Hu Xu
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
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Discovery and synthesis of sulfur-containing 6-substituted 5,8-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone oxime derivatives as new and potential anti-MDR cancer agents. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 165:160-171. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Patel SS, Acharya A, Ray RS, Agrawal R, Raghuwanshi R, Jain P. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of curcumin in prevention and treatment of disease. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2019; 60:887-939. [PMID: 30632782 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2018.1552244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Curcumin is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound present in rhizome of Curcuma longa belonging to the family zingiberaceae. Growing experimental evidence revealed that curcumin exhibit multitarget biological implications signifying its crucial role in health and disease. The current review highlights the recent progress and mechanisms underlying the wide range of pharmacological effects of curcumin against numerous diseases like neuronal, cardiovascular, metabolic, kidney, endocrine, skin, respiratory, infectious, gastrointestinal diseases and cancer. The ability of curcumin to modulate the functions of multiple signal transductions are linked with attenuation of acute and chronic diseases. Numerous preclinical and clinical studies have revealed that curcumin modulates several molecules in cell signal transduction pathway including PI3K, Akt, mTOR, ERK5, AP-1, TGF-β, Wnt, β-catenin, Shh, PAK1, Rac1, STAT3, PPARγ, EBPα, NLRP3 inflammasome, p38MAPK, Nrf2, Notch-1, AMPK, TLR-4 and MyD-88. Curcumin has a potential to prevent and/or manage various diseases due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic properties with an excellent safety profile. In contrast, the anti-cancer effects of curcumin are reflected due to induction of growth arrest and apoptosis in various premalignant and malignant cells. This review also carefully emphasized the pharmacokinetics of curcumin and its interaction with other drugs. Clinical studies have shown that curcumin is safe at the doses of 12 g/day but exhibits poor systemic bioavailability. The use of adjuvant like piperine, liposomal curcumin, curcumin nanoparticles and curcumin phospholipid complex has shown enhanced bioavailability and therapeutic potential. Further studies are warranted to prove the potential of curcumin against various ailments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sita Sharan Patel
- Department of Pharmacy, Sagar Institute of Research and Technology, Bhopal, India
| | - Ashish Acharya
- Department of Pharmacy, Sagar Institute of Research and Technology, Bhopal, India
| | - R S Ray
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ritesh Agrawal
- Department of Pharmacy, Sagar Institute of Research and Technology, Bhopal, India
| | - Ramsaneh Raghuwanshi
- Department of Pharmacy, Sagar Institute of Research and Technology, Bhopal, India
| | - Priyal Jain
- Department of Pharmacy, Sagar Institute of Research and Technology, Bhopal, India
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He WT, Zhu YH, Zhang T, Abulimiti P, Zeng FY, Zhang LP, Luo LJ, Xie XM, Zhang HL. Curcumin Reverses 5-Fluorouracil Resistance by Promoting Human Colon Cancer HCT-8/5-FU Cell Apoptosis and Down-regulating Heat Shock Protein 27 and P-Glycoprotein. Chin J Integr Med 2018; 25:416-424. [PMID: 30484020 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-018-2997-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the potential mechanisms that curcumin reverses 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) multidrug resistance (MDR). METHODS Cell growth and the inhibitory rate of curcumin (2-25 μg/mL) and/or 5-FU (0.05-1000 μg/mL) on human colon cancer HCT-8 and HCT-8/5-FU (5-FU-resistant cell line) were determined using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Apoptosis and cell cycle after 5-FU and/or curcumin treatment were detected by flow cytometry (FCM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression of the multidrug resistance related factors p-glycoprotein (P-gp) and heat shock protein 27 (HSP-27) genes and proteins were analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting (WB), respectively. RESULTS The inhibitory rate of curcumin or 5-FU on HCT-8 and HCT-8/5-FU cells proliferation at exponential phase were in a dosedependent manner, HCT-8 cell line was more sensitive to curcumin or 5-FU when compared the inhibitory rate of HCT-8/5-FU. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of combination 5-FU and curcumin (4.0 μg/mL) in HCT-8/5-FU was calculated as 179.26 μg/mL, with reversal fold of 1.85. Another IC50 of combination 5-FU and curcumin (5.5 μg/mL) in HCT-8/5-FU was calculated as 89.25 μg/mL, with reversal fold of 3.71. Synergistic effect of 5-FU and curcumin on HCT-8 and HCT-8/5-FU cells were found. The cell cycle analysis performed by FCM showed that HCT-8 and HCT-8/5-FU cells mostly accumulated at G0/G1 phase, which suggested a synergistic effect of curcumin and 5-FU to induce apoptosis. FCM analysis found that the percentage of apoptosis of cells treated with curcumin, 5-FU and their combination were significantly increased compared to the control group (P<0.05), and the percentage of apoptosis of the combination groups were slightly higher than other groups (P<0.05). The mRNA levels of P-gp (0.28±0.02) and HSP-27 (0.28±0.09) in HCT-8/5-FU cells treated with combination drugs were lower than cells treated with 5-FU alone (P-gp, 0.48±0.07, P=0.009; HSP-27, 0.57±0.10, P=0.007). The protein levels of P-gp (0.25±0.06) and HSP-27 (0.09±0.02) in HCT-8/5-FU cells treated with combination drugs were decreased when compared to 5-FU alone (P-gp, 0.46±0.02, P=0.005; HSP-27, 0.43±0.01, P=0.000). CONCLUSIONS Curcumin can inhibit the proliferation of human colon cancer cells. Curcumin has the ability of reversal effects on the multidrug resistance of human colon cancer cells lines HCT-8/5-FU. Down-regulation of P-gp and HSP-27 may be the mechanism of curcumin reversing the drug resistance of HCT-8/5-FU to 5-FU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ting He
- Second Department of Oncology, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Uyghur, 830000, China
| | - Yan-Hua Zhu
- Second Department of Oncology, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Uyghur, 830000, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Patima Abulimiti
- Second Department of Oncology, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Uyghur, 830000, China
| | - Fan-Ye Zeng
- Second Department of Oncology, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Uyghur, 830000, China
| | - Li-Ping Zhang
- Second Department of Oncology, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Uyghur, 830000, China
| | - Ling-Juan Luo
- Second Department of Oncology, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Uyghur, 830000, China
| | - Xin-Mei Xie
- Second Department of Oncology, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Uyghur, 830000, China
| | - Hong-Liang Zhang
- Second Department of Oncology, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Uyghur, 830000, China.
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Targeting ncRNAs by plant secondary metabolites: The ncRNAs game in the balance towards malignancy inhibition. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 36:1779-1799. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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30
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Zhang C, He LJ, Ye HZ, Liu DF, Zhu YB, Miao DD, Zhang SP, Chen YY, Jia YW, Shen J, Liu XP. Nrf2 is a key factor in the reversal effect of curcumin on multidrug resistance in the HCT‑8/5‑Fu human colorectal cancer cell line. Mol Med Rep 2018; 18:5409-5416. [PMID: 30365132 PMCID: PMC6236280 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major concern when using chemotherapy for the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer. MDR modulators are agents that can reverse MDR and, thus, enhance the chemosensitivity of tumor cells. The development of MDR modulators can improve the therapeutic efficacies of MDR in cancer. However, few effective MDR modulators have been identified so far. Curcumin has been reported to be an effective compound in the reversal of MDR in colorectal cancer cells. However, the mechanisms associated with the reversal effect of curcumin on MDR and its regulation of target factors in MDR cells remain to be fully elucidated. 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazol)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays, flow cytometer apoptosis assays as well as mRNA and protein expression assays were performed in the present study, and the results confirmed the reversal effect of curcumin on HCT-8/5-Fu cells and provided evidence that activated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) deficiency induced by the curcumin altered the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) associated X protein/Bcl-2 expression ratio, which led to the induction of apoptosis in HCT-8/5-Fu cells. These results indicated that Nrf2 may have a functional in the reversal effect of curcumin and contribute, at least in part, to the outcomes of chemotherapy in patients with MDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- Center of Drug Screening and Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Lian-Jun He
- School of Clinical Medicine, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Hai-Zhu Ye
- School of Clinical Medicine, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Ding-Feng Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Bao Zhu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Dong-Dong Miao
- School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Sheng-Peng Zhang
- Center of Drug Screening and Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Yun-Yu Chen
- Center of Drug Screening and Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Yuan-Wei Jia
- Center of Drug Screening and Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Jie Shen
- Center of Drug Screening and Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Ping Liu
- Center of Drug Screening and Evaluation, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
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Bioactive profile of pumpkin: an overview on terpenoids and their health-promoting properties. Curr Opin Food Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cofs.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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32
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Khandaker M, Akter S, Imam MZ. Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.: A vegetable with diverse pharmacological properties. FOOD SCIENCE AND HUMAN WELLNESS 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fshw.2017.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Yang T, Liu J, Yang M, Huang N, Zhong Y, Zeng T, Wei R, Wu Z, Xiao C, Cao X, Li M, Li L, Han B, Yu X, Li H, Zou Q. Cucurbitacin B exerts anti-cancer activities in human multiple myeloma cells in vitro and in vivo by modulating multiple cellular pathways. Oncotarget 2018; 8:5800-5813. [PMID: 27418139 PMCID: PMC5351590 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cucurbitacin B (CuB), a triterpenoid compound isolated from the stems of Cucumis melo, has long been used to treat hepatitis and hepatoma in China. Although its remarkable anti-cancer activities have been reported, the mechanism by which it achieves this therapeutic activity remains unclear. This study was designed to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which CuB inhibits cancer cell proliferation. Our results indicate that CuB is a novel inhibitor of Aurora A in multiple myeloma (MM) cells, arresting cells in the G2/M phase. CuB also inhibited IL-10-induced STAT3 phosphorylation, synergistically increasing the anti-tumor activity of Adriamycin in vitro. CuB induced dephosphorylation of cofilin, resulting in the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c, and activation of caspase-8. CuB inhibited MM tumor growth in a murine MM model, without host toxicity. In conclusion, these results indicate that CuB interferes with multiple cellular pathways in MM cells. CuB thus represents a promising therapeutic tool for the treatment of MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tai Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China.,Department of Immunology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of Immunology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Mali Yang
- Department of Immunology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Ning Huang
- Laboratory for Aging Research, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Yueling Zhong
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Zeng
- Department of Immunology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong Wei
- Department of Immunology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhongjun Wu
- Department of Immunology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Cui Xiao
- Department of Immunology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaohua Cao
- Department of Immunology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Minhui Li
- Department of Immunology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Limei Li
- Department of Immunology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Han
- Department of Public Health, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoping Yu
- Department of Public Health, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Hua Li
- Cancer Center, Chengdu Military General Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiang Zou
- Department of Immunology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
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LUO WW, ZHAO WW, LU JJ, WANG YT, CHEN XP. Cucurbitacin B suppresses metastasis mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) via focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. Chin J Nat Med 2018; 16:10-19. [DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(18)30025-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Garg S, Kaul SC, Wadhwa R. Cucurbitacin B and cancer intervention: Chemistry, biology and mechanisms (Review). Int J Oncol 2017; 52:19-37. [PMID: 29138804 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2017.4203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most important healthcare matters, with the worst prognosis but the best possibilities for scientific development. It is likely to increase in the future and cause global havoc designating it as an epidemic. Cancer development requires urgent intervention. Past few decades have witnessed extensive research to challenge carcinogenesis. Treatment involving synthetic discipline is often associated with severe adverse effects, or even worsened prognosis. Accordingly, newer economic and patient friendly molecules are warranted. Many natural substances have proved their potential so far. Cucurbitacin B against cancer and other diseases has achieved towering popularity among the researchers around the world, as detailed in the below sections with summarized tables. In line with the fascinating role of cucurbitacin B against various types of cancers, through various molecular signaling pathways, it is justifiable to propose cucurbitacin B as a mainline chemotherapy before the onset and after the diagnosis of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukant Garg
- Drug Discovery and Assets Innovation Lab, DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan
| | - Sunil C Kaul
- Drug Discovery and Assets Innovation Lab, DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan
| | - Renu Wadhwa
- Drug Discovery and Assets Innovation Lab, DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan
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Wang Z, Zhu W, Gao M, Wu C, Yang C, Yang J, Wu G, Yang B, Kuang H. Simultaneous determination of cucurbitacin B and cucurbitacin E in rat plasma by UHPLC-MS/MS: A pharmacokinetics study after oral administration of cucurbitacin tablets. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2017; 1065-1066:63-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2017.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Marostica LL, de Barros ALB, Oliveira J, Salgado BS, Cassali GD, Leite EA, Cardoso VN, Lang KL, Caro MSB, Durán FJ, Schenkel EP, de Oliveira MC, Simões CMO. Antitumor effectiveness of a combined therapy with a new cucurbitacin B derivative and paclitaxel on a human lung cancer xenograft model. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 329:272-281. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Liang B, Liu Z, Cao Y, Zhu C, Zuo Y, Huang L, Wen G, Shang N, Chen Y, Yue X, Du J, Li B, Zhou B, Bu X. MC37, a new mono-carbonyl curcumin analog, induces G2/M cell cycle arrest and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 796:139-148. [PMID: 28024945 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2016] [Revised: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
(E)-1-(3'-fluoro-[1,1'-biphenyl-3-yl)-3-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one) (MC37), a novel mono-carbonyl curcumin analog, was previously synthesized in our laboratory as a nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) inhibitor with excellent cytotoxicity against several cancer cell lines. In this study, our further investigations showed that the potent growth inhibitory activity of MC37 in human colorectal cancer cells was associated with the arrest of cell cycle progression and the induction of apoptosis. As a multi-targeted agent, MC37 inhibited the intracellular microtubule assembly, altered the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), and ultimately induced G2/M cell cycle arrest. Moreover, MC37 collapsed the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, activated the caspase-9/3 cascade, and finally led to cancer cells apoptosis, suggesting that the mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic pathway was involved in MC37-induced apoptosis. In conclusion, these observations demonstrated that mono-carbonyl curcumin analogs would serve as multi-targeted lead for promising anti-colorectal cancer agent development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoxia Liang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Ziyi Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yingnan Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Cuige Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yinglin Zuo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Lei Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Gesi Wen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Nana Shang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yu Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Xin Yue
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Jun Du
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Baojian Li
- Shenzhen Davoos tech. Ltd.Co., Room A611, Silver star tech. building, 1301 Guanguang Road, Guanlan, Longhua District, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Binhua Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China.
| | - Xianzhang Bu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China.
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Curcumin, mitochondrial biogenesis, and mitophagy: Exploring recent data and indicating future needs. Biotechnol Adv 2016; 34:813-826. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2016.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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