Induction of apoptosis and inhibition of telomerase activity in human lung carcinoma cells by the water extract of Cordyceps militaris

Cordyceps militaris: A Comprehensive Study on Laboratory Cultivation and Anticancer Potential in Dalton's Ascites Lymphoma Tumor Model

BACKGROUND

Cancer, a predominant cause of mortality, poses a formidable challenge in our pursuit of elevating life expectancy. Throughout history, individuals have sought natural remedies with minimal side effects as an appealing substitute for chemotherapeutic drugs. One such remedy is Cordyceps militaris, a renowned medicinal mushroom deeply entrenched in Asian ethnomedicine. Revered for its rejuvenating and curative attributes, it relied upon for ages.

OBJECTIVE

The mushroom's soaring demand outpaced natural availability, necessitating controlled laboratory cultivation as the core focus and exploring the potential of methanolic extracts from harvested Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies against Dalton's Lymphoma Ascites (DLA) cells in vitro, with a specific emphasis on its anticancer traits.

METHODS

For cultivation, we employed a diverse range of rice substrates, among which bora rice showed promising growth of C. militaris fruiting bodies. To assess DLA cell cytotoxicity, several assays, including trypan blue exclusion assay, MTT assay, and LDH assay, were employed at different time points (24-96 h), which provided valuable insights on DLA cell viability and proliferation, shedding light on its therapeutic potential against cancer.

RESULTS

Our studies unveiled that methanolic extract prompts apoptosis in DLA cells via AO/EB dual staining, manifesting consistent apoptosis indicators such as membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, nuclei fragmentation, and cellular shrinkage at 48-96 h of treatment. Furthermore, these striking repercussions of apoptosis were comprehended by an in silico approach having molecular docking simulation against antiapoptotic proteins like BCL-2, BCL-XL, MCL-1, BFL-1 & HSP100.

CONCLUSION

Methanolic C. militaris extracts exhibited cytotoxicity and apoptotic alterations in DLA cells.

Blood-Derived Exosomal hTERT mRNA in Patients with Lung Cancer: Characterization and Correlation with Response to Therapy

Background: Telomerase (human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is considered a hallmark of cancer, being active in cancer cells but repressed in human somatic cells. As such, it has the potential to serve as a valid cancer biomarker. Exosomal hTERT mRNA can be detected in the serum of patients with solid malignancies but not in healthy individuals. We sought to evaluate the feasibility of measuring serum exosomal hTERT transcripts levels in patients with lung cancer. Methods: A prospective analysis of exosomal hTERT mRNA levels was determined in serum-derived exosomes from 76 patients with stage III-IV lung cancer (11 SCLC and 65 NSCLC). An hTERT level above RQ = 1.2 was considered "detectable" according to a previous receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curve. Sequential measurements were obtained in 33 patients. Demographic and clinical data were collected retrospectively from patients' charts. Data on response to systemic therapy (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors) were collected by the treating physicians. Results: hTERT was detected in 53% (40/76) of patients with lung cancer (89% of SCLC and 46% of NSLCC). The mean hTERT levels were 3.7 in all 76 patients, 5.87 in SCLC patients, and 3.62 in NSCLC patients. In total, 25 of 43 patients with sequential measurements had detectable levels of hTERT. The sequential exosomal hTERT mRNA levels reflected the clinical course in 23 of them. Decreases in hTERT levels were detected in 17 and 5 patients with partial and complete response, respectively. Eleven patients with a progressive disease had an increase in the level of exosomal hTERT, and seven with stable disease presented increases in its exosomal levels. Another patient who progressed on the first line of treatment and had a partial response to the second line of treatment exhibited an increase in exosomal hTERT mRNA levels during the progression and a decrease during the response. Conclusions: Exosomal hTERT mRNA levels are elevated in over half of patients with lung cancer. The potential association between hTERT levels and response to therapy suggests its utility as a promising cancer biomarker for response to therapy. This issue should be further explored in future studies.

Effect of Traditional Korean Medicine Oncotherapy on the Survival, Quality of Life, and Telomere Length: A Prospective Cohort Study

A 4-year prospective cohort study on patients with lung, gastric, hepatic, colorectal, breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer was conducted at the East-West Cancer Center (EWCC) of Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital in Daejeon, Korea. We divided patients into 2 groups based on how long they had been receiving TKM oncotherapy and compared event-free survival (EFS), telomere length change, and quality of life (QoL). The study collected data on 83 patients from October 2016 to June 2020 and discovered no statistical differences in EFS based on the duration of TKM oncotherapy. In the analysis of changes in QoL outcomes, there were no statistically significant group differences between the groups. After controlling for covariates that could affect telomere length, the long-term TKM oncotherapy group had a higher daily telomere attrition rate. The study of the relationship between telomere length and prognostic factors discovered that patients with advanced N stage at the time of diagnosis and who had previously received radiotherapy had shorter telomere length. When examining associations between SNP genotype and percentile score of telomere length, this study was able to confirm an association between telomere length and rs4387287. This study is significant because it is the first to assess the effects of TKM oncotherapy and investigate telomere length-related factors. To assess the effects of TKM oncotherapy on cancer patients' survival and QoL, a longer-term observational study with a larger sample size is required.

Cordyceps militaris: An Overview of Its Chemical Constituents in Relation to Biological Activity

Cordyceps spp. mushrooms have a long tradition of use as a natural raw material in Asian ethnomedicine because of their adaptogenic, tonic effects and their ability to reduce fatigue and stimulate the immune system in humans. This review aims to present the chemical composition and medicinal properties of Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies and mycelium, as well as mycelium from in vitro cultures. The analytical results of the composition of C. militaris grown in culture media show the bioactive components such as cordycepin, polysaccharides, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), ergothioneine and others described in the review. To summarize, based on the presence of several bioactive compounds that contribute to biological activity, C. militaris mushrooms definitely deserve to be considered as functional foods and also have great potential for medicinal use. Recent scientific reports indicate the potential of cordycepin in antiviral activity, particularly against COVID-19.

Treasures from the forest: Evaluation of mushroom extracts as anti-cancer agents

Mushrooms provide a reliable source of bioactive compounds and have numerous nutritional values, which is one of the reasons why they are widely used for culinary purposes. They may also be a remedy for several medical conditions, including cancer diseases. Given the constantly increasing number of cancer incidents, the great anticancer potential of mushrooms has unsurprisingly become an object of interest to researchers. Therefore, this review aimed to collect and summarize all the available scientific data on the anti-cancer activity of mushroom extracts. Our research showed that mushroom extracts from 92 species, prepared using 12 different solvents, could reduce the viability of 38 various cancers. Additionally, we evaluated different experimental models: in vitro (cell model), in vivo (mice and rat model, case studies and randomized controlled trials), and in silico. Breast cancer proved to be sensitive to the highest number of mushroom extracts. The curative mechanisms of the studied mushrooms consisted in: inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, unregulated proportion of cells in cell cycle phases, induction of autophagy and phagocytosis, improved response of the immune system, and induction of apoptotic death of cells via upregulation of pro-apoptotic factors and downregulation of anti-apoptotic genes. The processes mainly involved the expression of caspases -3, -8, -9, AKT, p27, p53, BAX, and BCL2. The quoted results could lead to the classification of mushrooms as nutraceuticals used to prevent a variety of disorders or to support treatment of cancer diseases.

Promising Anti-cancer Therapeutics From Mushrooms: Current Findings and Future Perceptions

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, medicines derived from natural sources have drawn much attention as potential therapeutic agents in the suppression and treatment of cancer because of their low toxicity and fewer side effects.

OBJECTIVE

The present review aims to assess the currently available knowledge on the ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological activities of bioactive compounds obtained from medicinal mushrooms towards cancer treatment.

METHODS

A literature search has been conducted for the collection of research papers from universally accepted scientific databases. These research papers and published book chapters were scrutinized to retrieve information on ethnomedicinal uses of mushrooms, different factors involved in cancer cell proliferation, clinical and in silico pharmaceutical studies made for possible treatments of cancer using mushroom derived compounds. Overall, 241 articles were retrieved and reviewed from the year 1970 to 2020, out of which 98 relevant articles were finally considered for the preparation of this review.

RESULTS

This review presents an update on the natural bioactive substances derived from medicinal mushrooms and their role in inhibiting the factors responsible for cancer cell proliferation. Along with it, the present review also provides information on the ethnomedicinal uses, solvents used for extraction of anti-cancer metabolites, clinical trials, and in silico studies that were undertaken towards anticancer drug development from medicinal mushrooms.

CONCLUSION

The present review provides extensive knowledge on various anti-cancer substances obtained from medicinal mushrooms, their biological actions, and in silico drug designing approaches, which could form a basis for the development of natural anti-cancer therapeutics.

Baicalein blocked cervical carcinoma cell proliferation by targeting CCND1 via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

The purpose of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of baicalein on the proliferation of cervical carcinoma cells and stimulate cervical carcinoma cells with baicalein. MTT method was used to observe cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was used to observe cell cycle, and gene technology was used to observe the expression of corresponding genes at the level of gene and protein. β-catenin activity was assessed using Western blot and ChIP. Baicalein suppressed cervical carcinoma cell HeLa proliferation by enhancing the activity of caspase-3. Baicalein blocked cell cycle at G0/G1 stage by inhibiting the expression of some genes. At the same time, it can prevent the nuclear translocation of β-catenin and inhibit the activity of Wnt. When the Wnt signaling pathway is increased, the proliferation of HeLa cells is inhibited, and apoptosis is promoted in this way. In conclusion, it indicated that baicalein inhibits cervical carcinoma progression by targeting CCND1 via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Se-Enriched Cordyceps militaris Inhibits Cell Proliferation, Induces Cell Apoptosis, And Causes G2/M Phase Arrest In Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells

Background

The anticancer effects of cordyceps on various tumors have been reported. However, little is known about the role of selenium (Se)-enriched Cordyceps militaris in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, the effects of Se-enriched Cordyceps militaris on cell proliferation, cell apoptosis and cell cycle in NSCLC cell line NCI-H292 and A549 were investigated.

Methods

CCK-8 assay was used to determine the appropriate concentrations of Se-enriched Cordyceps militaris in NSCLC (namely NCI-H292 and A549) cells. Colony formation assay, flow cytometric and Hoechst 33342 staining assays, and flow cytometric analysis were separately employed to assess the effect of increased Se-enriched Cordyceps militaris on NSCLC cell viability, cell apoptosis and cell-cycle distribution. Finally, the qPCR and Western blot assays were, respectively, applied to evaluate the effects of Se-enriched Cordyceps militaris on the expression of pro-apoptotic member BAX and the anti-apoptotic member BCL-2, as well as of G2/M cell cycle regulatory proteins CDK1 and cyclin B1.

Results

The concentration of Se-enriched Cordyceps militaris was 0, 4, 8, 12 mg/mL for NCI-H292 cells, and 0, 12.5, 25, 50 mg/mL for A549 cells. NSCLC cells treated with increased Se-enriched Cordyceps militaris showed the inhibited cell viability. Se-enriched Cordyceps militaris induced NSCLC cell apoptosis in concentration-dependent manner. Consistently, Se-enriched Cordyceps militaris diminished the ratio of anti-apoptotic member BCL-2 and pro-apoptotic member BAX at mRNA and protein levels in NSCLC cells. The percentage in G2/M phase was increased in NSCLC cells treated with increased Se-enriched Cordyceps militaris. Downregulation of G2/M cell cycle regulatory proteins CDK1 and cyclin B1 at mRNA and protein levels in NSCLC cells further confirmed the effects of Se-enriched Cordyceps militaris on cell cycle.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the inhibitory role of Se-enriched Cordyceps militaris in cell proliferation and its facilitating role in cell apoptosis and cell cycle in NSCLC cells, suggesting an alternative therapeutic strategy for NSCLC treatment.

Therapeutic strategies for targeting telomerase in cancer

Telomere and telomerase play important roles in abnormal cell proliferation, metastasis, stem cell maintenance, and immortalization in various cancers. Therefore, designing of drugs targeting telomerase and telomere is of great significance. Over the past two decades, considerable knowledge regarding telomere and telomerase has been accumulated, which provides theoretical support for the design of therapeutic strategies such as telomere elongation. Therefore, the development of telomere-based therapies such as nucleoside analogs, non-nucleoside small molecules, antisense technology, ribozymes, and dominant negative human telomerase reverse transcriptase are being prioritized for eradicating a majority of tumors. While the benefits of telomere-based therapies are obvious, there is a need to address the limitations of various therapeutic strategies to improve the possibility of clinical applications. In this study, current knowledge of telomere and telomerase is discussed, and therapeutic strategies based on recent research are reviewed.

Genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation in subcultured Cordyceps militaris

The entomopathogenic mushroom Cordyceps militaris is a storehouse of various medicinal compounds and pharmacological effects. However, the high frequency of strain degeneration during subculture and preservation severely limits the large-scale production of C. militaris. DNA methylation is an important epigenomic modification involved in gene regulation. In this study, we used bisulfite sequencing for DNA methylation profiling of wild-type and mutant C. militaris. The differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of the two types were analyzed using Gene Ontology (GO) clustering and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. DNA methylation levels of the wild-type and mutant-type C. militaris were 0.48% and 0.56%, respectively. Methylation appeared at CHH dinucleotides in 58.62% and 58.20% of all methylated cytosine sites in the wild and mutant types, respectively. In all, 188 DMRs were identified from the wild and mutant types. Most of the DMRs ranged from 200 to 350 bp in length. KEGG pathways of the expression of DMR-related genes, which are involved in pyruvate metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, DNA replication, and N-glycan biosynthesis. This contributes to the knowledge and understanding of the possible mechanisms of C. militaris strain degeneration.

Aqueous Extracts of Cordyceps kyushuensis Kob Induce Apoptosis to Exert Anticancer Activity

Cancer has become the leading cause of mortality since 2010 in China. Despite the remarkable advances in cancer therapy, a low survival rate is still a burden to the society. The antineoplastic activity of aqueous extracts of Cordyceps kyushuensis Kob (AECK) was measured in this study. Results showed that AECK can significantly inhibit the proliferation and viability of U937 and K562 when treated with different concentrations of AECK, and the IC50 values of U937 and K562 were 31.23 μg/ml and 62.5 μg/ml, respectively. Hoechst 33258 staining showed that AECK could cause cell shrinkage, chromatin, condensation, and cytoplasmic blebbing, and DNA ladder experiment revealed the evident feature of DNA fragmentation which showed that AECK could induce cell apoptosis. Moreover, AECK gave rise to intrinsic apoptosis through increasing the amount of Ca2+ and downregulating the expression of Bcl-2. Meanwhile, the level of Fas death receptor was elevated which indicated that AECK could lead to exogenous apoptosis in U937. The expressions of oncogene c-Myc and c-Fos were suppressed which manifested that AECK could negatively regulate the growth, proliferation, and tumorigenesis of U937 cells. This research presented the primary antitumor activity of AECK which would contribute to the widely use of Cordyceps kyushuensis Kob as a functional food and medicine.

Effects of Different Temperatures on the Chemical Structure and Antitumor Activities of Polysaccharides from Cordyceps militaris

The effects of different extraction temperatures (4 and 80 °C) on the physicochemical properties and antitumor activity of water soluble polysaccharides (CMPs-4 and CMPs-80) from Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) were evaluated in this study. The results of gas chromatography (GC) and high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) showed that a higher extraction temperature could degrade the polysaccharides with 188 kDa, mainly composed of glucose, and increase the dissolution rate of polysaccharides about 308 kDa, mainly consisting of rhamnose and galactose. In addition, the CMPs displayed the same sugar ring and category of glycosidic linkage based on Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, however, their invisible structural difference occurred in the specific rotation and conformational characteristics according to the results of specific optical rotation measurement and Congo red test. In vitro antitumor experiments indicated that CMPs-4 possessed stronger inhibitory effects on human esophagus cancer Eca-109 cells by inducing cell apoptosis more than CMPs-80 did. These findings demonstrated that the polysaccharides extracted with cold water (4 °C) could be applied as a novel alternative chemotherapeutic agent or dietary supplement with its underlying antitumor property.

Baicalein induces cervical cancer apoptosis through the NF-κB signaling pathway

To investigate the mechanism of baicalein in inducing human cervical cancer cell line C33A apoptosis. Baicalein (200 µM) was used to treat C33A cells. Cell proliferation was tested by the MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by the TUNEL assay and caspase‑3 activity measurement. Cell cycle was determined by flow cytometry and associated gene expression at mRNA and protein levels. Nuclear factor (NF)‑κB activity was assessed by luciferase assay and western blotting. Baicalein suppressed cervical cancer cell C33A proliferation and induced cell apoptosis by activating caspase‑3 activity. Baicalein blocked cell cycle in G0/G1 phase through regulating the expression of associated genes. Baicalein inhibited NF‑κB activity by repressing nuclear translocation. Baicalein suppressed C33A proliferation and promoted cellular apoptosis by inhibiting NF‑κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, the results indicate that baicalein can inhibit cervical cancer cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis by affecting NF-κB activity.

Telomerase Inhibitors from Natural Products and Their Anticancer Potential

Telomeres and telomerase are nowadays exploring traits on targets for anticancer therapy. Telomerase is a unique reverse transcriptase enzyme, considered as a primary factor in almost all cancer cells, which is mainly responsible to regulate the telomere length. Hence, telomerase ensures the indefinite cell proliferation during malignancy—a hallmark of cancer—and this distinctive feature has provided telomerase as the preferred target for drug development in cancer therapy. Deactivation of telomerase and telomere destabilization by natural products provides an opening to succeed new targets for cancer therapy. This review aims to provide a fundamental knowledge for research on telomere, working regulation of telomerase and its various binding proteins to inhibit the telomere/telomerase complex. In addition, the review summarizes the inhibitors of the enzyme catalytic subunit and RNA component, natural products that target telomeres, and suppression of transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. This extensive understanding of telomerase biology will provide indispensable information for enhancing the efficiency of rational anti-cancer drug design.

A review on the effects of current chemotherapy drugs and natural agents in treating non-small cell lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, and this makes it an attractive disease to review and possibly improve therapeutic treatment options. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted treatments, and immunotherapy separate or in combination are commonly used to treat lung cancer. However, these treatment types may cause different side effects, and chemotherapy-based regimens appear to have reached a therapeutic plateau. Hence, effective, better-tolerated treatments are needed to address and hopefully overcome this conundrum. Recent advances have enabled biologists to better investigate the potential use of natural compounds for the treatment or control of various cancerous diseases. For the past 30 years, natural compounds have been the pillar of chemotherapy. However, only a few compounds have been tested in cancerous patients and only partial evidence is available regarding their clinical effectiveness. Herein, we review the research on using current chemotherapy drugs and natural compounds (Wortmannin and Roscovitine, Cordyceps militaris, Resveratrol, OSU03013, Myricetin, Berberine, Antroquinonol) and the beneficial effects they have on various types of cancers including non-small cell lung cancer. Based on this literature review, we propose the use of these compounds along with chemotherapy drugs in patients with advanced and/or refractory solid tumours.

Transcriptome-wide analysis reveals the progress of Cordyceps militaris subculture degeneration

BACKGROUND

The entomopathogenic mushroom Cordyceps militaris is an important medicinal and food resource owing to its various medicinal components and pharmacological effects. However, the high frequency of strain degeneration during subculture seriously restricts the large-scale production of C. militaris, and the mechanism underlying strain degeneration remains unclear. In this study, we artificially cultured C. militaris for six generations and compared changes during fruiting body growth. The transcriptome of six generations of C. militaris strains were sequenced with the Illumine Hiseq4000.

RESULTS

The subcultured C. militaris strains degenerated beginning at the third generation, with incomplete fruiting body growth beginning at the fourth generation. Over 9,015 unigenes and 731 new genes were identified. In addition, 35,323 alternative splicing (AS) events were detected in all samples, and more AS events occurred in the second, fourth and sixth generations. Compared with the first generation, the third generation (degenerated strain) included 2,498 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) including 1,729 up-regulated and 769 down-regulated genes. This number was higher than the number of DEGs in the second (1,892 DEGs), fourth (2,006 DEGs), fifth (2,273 DEGs) and sixth (2,188 DEGs) generations. Validation of RNA-seq by qRT-PCR showed that the expression patterns of 51 DEGs were in accordance with the transcriptome data.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the mechanism of C. militaris strain degeneration is associated with gene involved in toxin biosynthesis, energy metabolism, and DNA methylation and chromosome remodeling.

Identification of a novel component leading to anti-tumor activity besides the major ingredient cordycepin in Cordyceps militaris extract

In accordance with our previous study that was carried out to identify novel anti-tumor ingredients, chromatographic separation in combination with an anti-tumor activity assay was used for analysis of Cordyceps militaris extract in this study. Various modes of chromatography including reversed-phase, cation-exchange and anion-exchange were used to separate components of Cordyceps militaris, which showed various chemical properties. Anti-tumor activity of each fraction was assessed by a Hoechst staining-based apoptosis assay using malignant melanoma MeWo cells. By these repeated approaches through chromatographic segregation and cell biological assay, we finally succeeded in identifying the target substance from a certain fraction that included neutral hydrophilic components using a pre-column and post-column chlorine adduct ionization LC-APCI-MS method. The target substance was a mono-carbohydrate, xylitol, that induced apoptotic cell death in MeWo cells but not in normal human OUMS-24 fibroblasts. This is the first study showing that Cordyceps militaris extract contains a large amount of xylitol. Thus, our results will contribute greatly to uncovering the mysterious multifunctional herbal drug Cordyceps militaris as an anti-tumor agent.

Best Case Series Program Supportive Cases of Cordyceps militaris– and Panax notoginseng–Based Anticancer Herbal Formula

Objective. The major aim of this study was to present 2 cancer cases treated with anticancer herbal formula Panax notoginseng and Cordyceps militaris. Methods. Two patients, with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and mucosa-associated lymphatic tissue type lymphoma, respectively, were treated with P notoginseng and C militaris herbal formula without conventional treatments. Their tumor masses were compared using computed tomography during early and later periods of herbal formula treatment. Results. On computed tomography, reduction in tumor mass in both patients after 17 and 13 months of herbal treatments was noted, and the patients maintained stable disease and good quality of life until the last contact in November 2008. Conclusion. C militaris and P notoginseng are potential anticancer herbal prescriptions for adenocarcinoma and mucosa-associated lymphatic tissue type lymphoma.

Uncovering the Molecular Mechanism of Anti-Allergic Activity of Silkworm Pupa-Grown Cordyceps militaris Fruit Body

Cordyceps militaris has been widely used as an herbal drug and tonic food in East Asia and has also been recently studied in the West because of its various pharmacological activities such as antitumoral, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. In this study, we examined the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-allergic activity of ethanol extract prepared from silkworm pupa-cultivated Cordyceps militaris fruit bodies in activated mast cells. Our results showed that ethanol extract treatment significantly inhibited the release of [Formula: see text]-hexosaminidase (a degranulation marker) and mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-[Formula: see text] as well as interleukin-4 in RBL-2H3 cells. The cells were sensitized with 2,4-dinitrophenol specific IgE and then stimulated with human serum albumin conjugated with 2,4-dinitrophenol. Oral administration of 300[Formula: see text]mg/kg ethanol extract significantly ameliorated IgE-induced allergic reaction in mice with passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. Western immunoblotting results demonstrated that ethanol extract incubation significantly inhibited Syk/PI3K/MEKK4/JNK/c-jun biochemical cascade in activated RBL-2H3 cells, which activated the expression of various allergic cytokines. In addition, it suppressed Erk activation and PLC[Formula: see text] evocation, which would respectively evoke the synthesis of lipid mediators and Ca[Formula: see text] mobilization to induce degranulation in stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. A compound, identified as [Formula: see text]-sitostenone, was shown to inhibit [Formula: see text]–hexosaminidase secretion from activated mast cells. Our study demonstrated that ethanol extract contained the ingredients, which could inhibit immediate degranulation and de novo synthesis of allergic lipid mediators and cytokines in activated mast cells.

A novel protein from edible fungi Cordyceps militaris that induces apoptosis

Cordyceps militaris is a dietary therapeutic fungus that is an important model species in Cordyceps research. In this study, we purified a novel protein from the fruit bodies of C. militaris and designated it as Cordyceps militaris protein (CMP). CMP has a molecular mass of 18.0 kDa and is not glycosylated. Interestingly, CMP inhibited cell viability in murine primary cells and other cell lines in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Using trypan blue staining and a lactate dehydrogenase release assay, we showed that CMP caused cell death in the murine hepatoma cell line BNL 1MEA.7R.1. Furthermore, the frequency of BNL 1MEA.7R.1 cells at the sub-G1 stage was increased by CMP. Apoptosis, as determined by Annexin V and propidium iodide analysis, indicated that CMP could mediate BNL 1MEA.7R.1 apoptosis, but not necrosis. After coincubation with CMP, a decrease in mitochondria potential was detected using 3,3′-dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide. These results suggest that CMP is a harmful protein that induces apoptosis through a mitochondrion-dependent pathway. Stability experiments demonstrated that heat treatment and alkalization degraded CMP and further destroyed its cell-death-inducing ability, implying that cooking is necessary for food containing C. militaris.

The effects of cordycepin on the cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis in human lung cancer cell lines A549 and NCI-H460

OBJECTIVES

Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of cordycepin on human lung cancer cell lines A549 and NCI-H460.

METHODS

Human lung cancer A549 cells and NCI-H460 cells were treated with different concentrations of cordycepin for different times. Cells incubated without cordycepin were defined as a control. The cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis were, respectively, determined by MTT assay, transwell migration assay and flow cytometry. Additionally, the expression levels of related proteins associated with cell cycle, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and apoptosis were examined.

KEY FINDINGS

The survival rate of A549 cells and NCI-H460 cells treated with cordycepin significantly decreased compared with untreated cells in a concentration-dependent manner, while the apoptosis rate increased. The migration number of cells treated with cordycepin significantly decreased as the increase in concentration. qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that the aberrant expression of related molecules associated with cell cycle, migration and apoptosis was observed in the lung cancer cells, such as cyclin B, cyclin E, MMP-9, caspase-3 and Bcl-2.

CONCLUSIONS

Cordycepin may exert inhibitory effects on the development of human lung cancer via inhibiting cell proliferation, suppressing migration and inducing apoptosis, suggesting that cordycepin may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of this disease.

Cordyceps militaris (L.) Link Fruiting Body Reduces the Growth of a Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Line by Increasing Cellular Levels of p53 and p21

Cordyceps militaris (L.) Link, an edible entomopathogenic fungus widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, has numerous potential medicinal properties including antitumor activity. The methanolic extract of C. militaris fruiting body was recently shown to have tumor cell growth inhibitory activity in several human tumor cell lines. Nonetheless, the mechanism of action involved is still not known. This work aimed at further studying the effect of the methanolic extract of C. militaris regarding its antitumor mechanism of action, using the non-small cell lung cancer cell line (NCI-H460) as a model. Results showed that treatment with the extract decreased cellular proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 and increased apoptosis. In addition, the extract increased the levels of p53 and p21. Moreover, an increase in p-H2A.X and 53BP1 levels, together with an increase in the number of 53BP1 foci/cell (all indicative of DNA damage), were also observed after treatment with the extract. This work suggests that this extract affected NCI-H460 cellular viability through a mechanism involving DNA damage and p53 activation. This further supports the potential of this extract as a source of bioactive compounds, which may be used in anticancer strategies.

Anti-cancer effect of Cordyceps militaris in human colorectal carcinoma RKO cells via cell cycle arrest and mitochondrial apoptosis

Background

Cordyceps militaris has been used as a traditional medicine in Asian countries for a long time. Different types of Cordyceps extract were reported to have various pharmacological activities including an anti-cancer effect. We investigated the inhibitory effect of Cordyceps militaris ethanol extract on a human colorectal cancer-derived cell line, RKO.

Methods

RKO cells were treated with various concentrations of nucleosides-enriched ethanol extract of Cordyceps militaris for 48 h and cytotoxicity was measured using a CCK-8 assay. Then, xenograft Balb/c nude mice were injected with RKO cells and subsequently orally administered with ethanol extract of Cordyceps militaris every day for 3 weeks to examine the inhibitory effect on tumor growth. Lastly, the effect of Cordyceps militaris on cell cycle as well as apoptosis was measured using flow cytometry. Also, the expression of p53, caspase 9, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved PARP, Bim, Bax, Bak, and Bad were detected using western blot assay.

Results

RKO cells were highly susceptible to the ethanol extract of Cordyceps militaris (CME) and the growth of RKO cells-derived tumor was significantly delayed by the treatment of Cordyceps militaris. Cordyceps militaris induced cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase (untreated; 20.5 %, CME 100 μg/ml; 61.67 %, CME 300 μg/ml; 66.33 %) and increased early apoptosis (untreated; 1.01 %, CME 100 μg/ml; 8.48 %, CME 300 μg/ml; 18.07 %). The expression of p53, cleaved caspase 9, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved PARP, Bim, Bak, and Bad were upregulated by the treatment of Cordyceps militaris.

Conclusion

Ethanol extract of Cordyceps militaris was highly cytotoxic to human colorectal carcinoma RKO cells and inhibited the growth of tumor in xenograft model. The anti-tumor effect of Cordyceps militaris was associated with an induction of cell cycle arrest and mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis.

Dose-dependent cytotoxic effects of boldine in HepG-2 cells-telomerase inhibition and apoptosis induction

Plant metabolites are valuable sources of novel therapeutic compounds. In an anti-telomerase screening study of plant secondary metabolites, the aporphine alkaloid boldine (1,10-dimethoxy-2,9-dihydroxyaporphine) exhibited a dose and time dependent cytotoxicity against hepatocarcinoma HepG-2 cells. Here we focus on the modes and mechanisms of the growth-limiting effects of this compound. Telomerase activity and expression level of some related genes were estimated by real-time PCR. Modes of cell death also were examined by microscopic inspection, staining methods and by evaluating the expression level of some critically relevant genes. The growth inhibition was correlated with down-regulation of the catalytic subunit of telomerase (hTERT) gene (p < 0.01) and the corresponding reduction of telomerase activity in sub-cytotoxic concentrations of boldine (p < 0.002). However, various modes of cell death were stimulated, depending on the concentration of boldine. Very low concentrations of boldine over a few passages resulted in an accumulation of senescent cells so that HepG-2 cells lost their immortality. Moreover, boldine induced apoptosis concomitantly with increasing the expression of bax/bcl2 (p < 0.02) and p21 (p < 0.01) genes. Boldine might thus be an interesting candidate as a potential natural compound that suppresses telomerase activity in non-toxic concentrations.

Anti-proliferative effects of Atractylis lancea (Thunb.) DC. via down-regulation of the c-myc/hTERT/telomerase pathway in Hep-G2 cells

Atractylis lancea (Thunb.) DC. (AL), an important medicinal herb in Asia, has been shown to have anti-tumor effects on cancer cells, but the involved mechanisms are poorly understood. This study focused on potential effects and molecular mechanisms of AL on the proliferation of the Hep-G2 liver cancer cell line in vitro. Cell viability was assessed by MTT test in Hep-G2 cells incubated with an ethanol extract of AL. Then, the effects of AL on apoptosis and cell cycle progression were determined by flow cytometry. Telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) assays was performed to investigate telomerase activity. The mRNA and protein expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and c-myc were determined by real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting. Our results show that AL effectively inhibits proliferation in Hep-G2 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. When Hep-G2 cells were treated with AL after 48h,the IC50 was about 72.1 μg/ mL. Apoptosis was induced by AL via arresting the cells in the G1 phase. Furthermore, AL effectively reduced telomerase activity through inhibition of mRNA and protein expression of hTERT and c-myc. Hence, these data demonstrate that AL exerts anti-proliferative effects in Hep-G2 cells via down-regulation of the c-myc/hTERT/ telomerase pathway.

Baicalein induces apoptosis of human cervical cancer HeLa cells in vitro

A number of studies have shown that baicalein shows high antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo. In this study, the inhibitory effect of baicalein on human cervical cancer HeLa cells was studied in vitro. HeLa cells were treated with high (100 µg/ml) and low (50 µg/ml) doses of baicalein, and cell growth inhibition rates were examined by the MTT assay. The morphological changes of apoptotic cells were observed under the light and electron microscope, while the rate of cell apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins was analyzed by western blot, and caspase-3 activation was examined by a caspase-3 activity assay and spectrophotometry. The results demonstrated that baicalein inhibits the proliferation of HeLa cells and induces apoptosis in a caspase-3-dependent pathway, through downregulation of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein and upregulation of the Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), Fas, Fas ligand (FasL) and caspase-8. Thus, we conclude that baicalein induces apoptosis of HeLa cells via the mitochondrial and the death receptor pathways. Cell apoptosis in HeLa cells was most likely promoted by the activation of the proteolytic enzyme caspase-3 in both pathways.

Cordyceps cicadae induces G2/M cell cycle arrest in MHCC97H human hepatocellular carcinoma cells: a proteomic study

Background

Cordyceps cicadae is a medicinal fungus that is often used for treating cancer. However, the anticancer mechanisms of C. cicadae are largely unknown. This study aims to investigate the anticancer mechanisms of C. cicadae against hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro using a proteomic approach.

Methods

Human hepatocellular carcinoma MHCC97H cells were treated with a water extract of C. cicadae (0, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 μg/mL) for 48 h and harvested for cell viability assays. The significant differences in protein expression between control and C. cicadae-treated cells were analyzed by two-dimensional gel-based proteomics coupled with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Flow cytometry analysis was employed to investigate the cell cycle and cell death. The anticancer molecular mechanism was analyzed by whole proteome mapping.

Results

The water extract of C. cicadae (0, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 μg/mL) inhibited the growth of MHCC97H cells in a dose-dependent manner via G2/M phase cell cycle arrest with no evidence of apoptosis. Among the identified proteins with upregulated expression were dynactin subunit 2, N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1, heat shock protein beta-1, alpha-enolase isoform 1, phosphatidylinositol transfer protein, and WD repeat-containing protein 1. Meanwhile, the proteins with downregulated expression were 14-3-3 gamma, BUB3, microtubule-associated protein RP/EB family member 1, thioredoxin-like protein, chloride intracellular channel protein 1, ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 5, xaa-Pro dipeptidase, enoyl-CoA delta isomerase 1, protein-disulfide isomerase-related chaperone Erp29, hnRNP 2H9B, peroxiredoxin 1, WD-40 repeat protein, and serine/threonine kinase receptor-associated protein.

Conclusion

The water extract of C. cicadae reduced the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma MHCC97H cells via G2/M cell cycle arrest.

Pharmacological and therapeutic potential of Cordyceps with special reference to Cordycepin

An entomopathogenic fungus, Cordyceps sp. has been known to have numerous pharmacological and therapeutic implications, especially, in terms of human health making it a suitable candidate for ethno-pharmacological use. Main constituent of the extract derived from this fungus comprises a novel bio-metabolite called as Cordycepin (3′deoxyadenosine) which has a very potent anti-cancer, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The current review discusses about the broad spectrum potential of Cordycepin including biological and pharmacological actions in immunological, hepatic, renal, cardiovascular systems as well as an anti-cancer agent. The article also reviews the current efforts to delineate the mechanism of action of Cordycepin in various bio-molecular processes. The study will certainly draw the attention of scientific community to improve the bioactivity and production of Cordycepin for its commercial use in pharmacological and medical fields.

Optimization for production of exopolysaccharides with antitumor activity in vitro from Paecilomyces hepiali

In the present study, optimal medium for the growth of mycelia and the production of exopolysaccharides from Paecilomyces hepiali HN1 (PHEPS) in submerged culture was investigated. As a result, the maximum production of mycelia (12.98 ± 0.14 g/L) and PHEPS (5.33 ± 0.11 g/L) were achieved under the optimal medium of sucrose 46.08 g/L, yeast extract 4.71 g/L, (NH₄)₂SO₄ 5.72 g/L, KH₂PO₄ 1.70 g/L, CaCl₂ 0.50 g/L, MgSO₄ 0.50 g/L, potato extract 1% and malt extract 1%. Furthermore, the antitumor activity of PHEPS in vitro was evaluated by using three cell lines of human liver tumor HepG2 cells, breast cancer MCF-7 cells and cervical cancer Hela cells. It was found that PHEPS exhibited relative higher anti-proliferative activity against HepG2 cells than MCF-7 cells and Hela cells. At a concentration of 500 μg/mL and 72 h treatment, the inhibition rate of PHEPS on HepG2 cells reached to 62.58%. All these results suggested that PHEPS could be explored as novel natural antitumor agent with great potential application.

The physicochemical properties of a new class of anticancer fungal polysaccharides: a comparative study

The structural and physicochemical properties of polysaccharides isolated from fungi with anticancer properties were investigated. The majority of the polysaccharides considered, have the β-d-Glcp component mostly connected by 1→3 and 1→6 linkages in the backbones and the short branches, respectively. The established parameters of lead-like, drug-like and of known dug space (KDS) were used and the repeating units of the polysaccharides exhibit some overlap with these. It was found that a unique region of chemical space is occupied by the polysaccharides, with MW: 1.0 x 10(5) to 2.5 x 10(5) g mol(-1); LogP: -3.0 x 10(3) to -1.0 x 10(3); HD: 1.0 x 10(3) to 5.0 x 10(3); HA: 5.0 x 10(3) to 1.0 x 10(4); PSA: 5.0 x 10(4) to 1.0 x 10(5) and RB: 5.0 x 10(3) to 1.0 x 10(4). These findings can be exploited in antitumor drug discovery projects.

Pharmacological inhibition of beta-catenin in hepatoblastoma cells

PURPOSE

The proto-oncogene beta-catenin is linked to an abnormal activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin-pathway and shows mutations in 50-90 % of hepatoblastoma (HB). Corresponding, the recently published murine orthotopic HB model differs from the former subcutaneous model by nuclear beta-catenin distribution. As the nuclear localization of beta-catenin is considered to reflect a more aggressive tumor growth, the influence of beta-catenin inhibition on cell viability and drug-efficiency in HB cells was analyzed.

METHODS

Beta-catenin distribution in HB cells was analyzed by immunofluorescence. The influence of beta-catenin inhibitors Celecoxib, Etodolac, ICG001, and MET kinase inhibitor (SU11274) alone and in combination with cisplatin (CDDP) on HB cell lines (HuH6, HepT1) was evaluated by cell viability assays and BrdU incorporation.

RESULTS

Celecoxib and ICG001 reduced dose-dependently HB cell viability and decreased nuclear beta-catenin in cultivated HB cells. Etodolac was without influence at concentrations up to 100 μM. Combinations of Celecoxib or ICG001 with MET kinase inhibitor or CDDP resulted in additive reduction of cell viability.

CONCLUSION

Pharmaceutical beta-catenin inhibitors can modulate the nuclear localization of beta-catenin and reduce cell viability of HB cells in vitro. These promising effects might optimize the outcome of high-risk HB. The orthotopic HB model is a suitable basis for further in vivo studies.

A new isoflavone glycitein 7-O-beta-D-glucoside 4''-O-methylate, isolated from Cordyceps militaris grown on germinated soybeans extract, inhibits EGF-induced mucus hypersecretion in the human lung mucoepidermoid cells

A new isoflavone glycitein 7-O-beta-d-glucoside 4''-O-methylate (CGLM) has been isolated recently from Cordyceps militaris grown on germinated soybean extract and has antioxidant activity. In the present study, CGLM was investigated for its suppression of airway mucous hyper-secretion in epidermal growth factor (EGF)-treated human lung mucoepidermoid cells. NCI-H292 cells were treated with CGLM for 1 h, followed by EGF treatment for 24 h. The decrease in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) production was correlated with reduced levels of protein and mRNA of inducible matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and also MUC5AC gene expression. CGLM directly inhibited down-regulated NF-κB activity, and significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2 (p42/p44) in NCI-H292 cells. These results suggest that CGLM protects NCI-H292 cells from EGF-induced damage by down-regulation of COX-2, MMP-9 and MUC5AC gene expression, mediated via blocking the NF-kappa-B and p38/ERK MAPK pathways.

Cordyceps militaris and mycelial fermentation induced apoptosis and autophagy of human glioblastoma cells

This study is the first report that investigated the apoptosis-inducing effects of Cordyceps militaris (CM) and its mycelial fermentation in human glioblastoma cells. Both fractions arrested the GBM8401 cells in the G0/G1 phase, whereas the U-87MG cells were arrested at the G2/M transitional stage. Western blot data suggested that upregulation of p53 and p21 might be involved in the disruption of cell cycle progression. Induction of chromosomal condensation and the appearance of a sub-G1 hypodipoid population further supported the proapoptogenicity, possibly through the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-8, and the downregulation of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and the upregulation of proapoptotic Bax protein expression. Downregulation of mammalian target of rapamycin and upregulation of Atg5 and LC3 II levels in GBM8401 cells implicated the involvement of autophagy. The signaling profiles with mycelial fermentation treatment indicated that mycelial fermentation triggered rapid phosphorylation of Akt, p38 MAPK, and JNK, but suppressed constitutively high levels of ERK1/2 in GBM8401 cells. Mycelial fermentation treatment only significantly increased p38 MAPK phosphorylation, but decreased constitutively high levels of Akt, ERK1/2, and JNK phosphorylation in U-87MG cells. Pretreatment with PI3K inhibitor wortmannin and MEK1 inhibitor PD98059 prevented the mycelial fermentation-induced cytotoxicity in GBM8401 and U-87MG cells, suggesting the involvement of PI3K/Akt and MEK1 pathways in mycelial fermentation-driven glioblastoma cell apoptosis and autophagy.

Antitumor activity of water extracts from Cordyceps militaris in NCI-H460 cell xenografted nude mice

This experimental study investigated the antitumor effect of Cordyceps militaris in NCI-H406 cell transplanted nude mice. After feeding an aqueous solution of C. militaris extracts in NCI-H460 cell xenografted nude mice for 4 weeks, we measured the size of a tumor mass and calculated the inhibition rate. We also estimated survival time and calculated mean survival time and percent increase in lifespan. Results showed that the inhibition rate of water extract of the 150 mg/kg/day C. militaris-administered group was 94.73-75.08% and that of the 300 mg/kg/day C. militaris-administered group was 85.81-73.81%. The tumor weights and volumes decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Mean survival time of the 150 mg/kg/day C. militaris-administered group was extended to 19.43 +/- 2.44 days and 5.42% increased in lifespan (ILS) and that of the 300 mg/kg/day C. militaris-administered group was 21.86 +/- 3.53 days and 18.61% ILS. The relative liver weight was significantly increased in 300 mg/kg/day C. militaris-administered group, but there was no histopathological difference. In conclusion, C. militaris, shrunk tumors and increased mouse lifespan, suggesting that C. militaris was effective in treating tumors in nude mice.

Integrative Tumor Board: A Case Report and Discussion From East-West Cancer Center

Aim. To introduce the application of wheel balance cancer therapy (WBCT) in cancer treatment through an intensive study of a representative patient. Method. A 59-year-old, female patient who was a secondhand smoker and who carried no significant medical and family history was diagnosed with T1N0M1 (stage 4) lung adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemistry was positive for thyroid transcription factor-1, CK7, cyclin D1, p53, and Ki-67 on both lung biopsy specimens. An open lobectomy with mediastinal nodal dissection followed. The patient was transferred to East-West Cancer Center (EWCC) suffering from exertional dyspnea (NYHA [New York Heart Association] grade 2) with thoracic pain and pain in both upper limbs because of the decreased ventilatory capacity and reduced exercise capacity after a pulmonary resection. She also complained of emotional stress. EWCC provided WBCT, a multimodality alternative protocol based on the theory of traditional oriental medicine. Physicians regularly monitored whether metastasis or recurrence existed through blood and radiation tests. Observations and dialogues with the patient were used to record the changes in symptoms such as thoracic pain, dyspnea, anxiety, and fear. Results . Treatments at EWCC led to a disease-free survival of 28 months without adjuvant chemotherapy. Neither metastasis nor recurrence occurred during this period. Exertional dyspnea recovered to NYHA grade 1. Other physical and psychological symptoms were alleviated. Conclusion. This report suggests that WBCT may have the potential for extending life expectancy, controlling symptoms, and improving quality of life in cancer patients.