The altered microRNA profile in andrographolide-induced inhibition of hepatoma tumor growth

The therapeutic potential of andrographolide in cancer treatment

Cancer poses a substantial global health challenge, necessitating the widespread use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Despite these efforts, issues like resistance development and severe side effects remain. As such, the search for more effective alternatives is critical. Andrographolide, a naturally occurring compound, has recently gained attention for its extensive biological activities. This review explores the role of andrographolide in cancer therapy, especially focusing on the molecular mechanisms that drive its anti-tumor properties. It also examines innovative methods to enhance andrographolide's bioavailability, thus boosting its effectiveness against cancer. Notably, andrographolide has potential for use in combination with various clinical drugs, and both preclinical and clinical studies provide strong evidence supporting its broader anticancer applications. Additionally, this paper proposes future research directions for andrographolide's anti-cancer effects and discusses the challenges in its clinical usage along with current research efforts to address these issues. In summary, this review underscores andrographolide's potential roles and contributes to the development of improved cancer treatment strategies.

A three miRNAs panel in paraffin tissue serves as tool for predicting prognosis of renal cell carcinoma

Background

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) stands as the most prevalent form of urogenital cancer. However, there is currently no universally accepted method for predicting the prognosis of RCC. MiRNA holds great potential as a prognostic biomarker for RCC.

Methods

A total of 100 cases with complete paraffin specimens and over 5-year follow-up data meeting the requirements were collected. Utilizing the clinical information and follow-up data of the specimens, an information model was developed. The expression levels of eight microRNAs were identified using RT-qPCR. Finally, determine and analyze the clinical application value of these microRNAs as prognostic markers for RCC.

Results

Significant differences were observed in the expression of two types of miRNAs (miR-378a-5p, miR-23a-5p) in RCC tissue, and three types of miRNAs (miR-378a-5p, miR-642a-5p, miR-23a-5p) were found to be linked to the prognosis of RCC. Establish biomarker combinations of miR-378a-5p, miR-642a-5p, and miR-23a-5p to evaluate RCC prognosis.

Conclusion

The combination of three microRNA groups (miR-378a-5p, miR-642a-5p, and miR-23a-5p) identified in paraffin section specimens of RCC in this study holds significant potential as biomarkers for assessing RCC prognosis.

Plant-derived natural products and combination therapy in liver cancer

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.

The role of Andrographolide in the prevention and treatment of liver diseases

BACKGROUND

The presence or absence of damage to the liver organ is crucial to a person's health. Nutritional disorders, alcohol consumption, and drug abuse are the main causes of liver disease. Liver transplantation is the last irrevocable option for liver disease and has become a serious economic burden worldwide. Andrographolide (AP) is one of the main active ingredients of Herba Andrographitis. It has several biological activities and has been reported to have protective and therapeutic effects against liver diseases. Earlier literature has been written on AP's role in treating inflammation and other diseases, and there has not been a systematic review on liver diseases. This review is dedicated to sorting out the research results of AP against liver diseases. Pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and nanotechnology to improve bioavailability are discussed. Finally, an outlook and assessment of its future are provided.

METHODS

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. PubMed and web of Science databases were used to search all relevant literature on AP for liver disease up to 2022.

RESULTS

Studies have shown that AP plays an important role in different liver disease phenotypes, mainly through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. AP regulates HO-1 and inhibits hepatitis virus replication. It affects the NF-κB pathway, downregulates inflammatory factors such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and reduces liver damage. In preventing liver fibrosis, AP inhibits angiogenesis and activation of hepatic stellate cells and reduces oxidative stress involved in the Nrf2 and TGF-β1/Smad pathways. In addition, AP impedes the development of liver cancer by promoting apoptosis and autonomous phagocytosis in a cell-dependent way. Interestingly, miRNAs are involved in the therapeutic process of liver cancer and hepatic fibrosis. The poor solubility of AP limits the development of dosage forms. Therefore, the advent of nanoformulations has improved bioavailability. Although the effect of AP is dose- and time-dependent, the magnitude of its toxicity is not negligible. Some clinical trials have shown that AP has mild side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

AP, as an effective natural product, has a good effect on the liver disease through multiple pathways and targets. However, the dose reaches a certain level, leading to its toxicity and side effects. For better clinical application of AP, high-quality clinical and toxic intervention mechanisms are needed to validate current studies. In addition, modulation of miRNA-mediated hepatocellular carcinoma and liver fibrosis and synergistic action with drugs may be the future focus of AP. In conclusion, AP can be regarded as an important candidate for treating different liver diseases in the future.

Restoration of miR-23a expression by chidamide sensitizes CML cells to imatinib treatment with concomitant downregulation of CRYAB

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in various processes from the initiation and development of cancers, including chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). In this report, we aimed to investigate the roles of miR-23a in the regulation of imatinib mesylate (IM) sensitivity in CML cells and the possible mechanisms involved in this process. We demonstrated that the expression of miR-23a was markedly low in bone marrow mononuclear cells from patients in whom IM treatment had failed and imatinib-resistant K562/G01 cells when compared to patients with optimal responses and imatinib-sensitive K562 cells, respectively. Overexpression of miR-23a was shown to induce apoptosis of K562/G01 cells and sensitize these cells to imatinib treatment. With the aid of bioinformatics analysis, we revealed that CRYAB could be a potential downstream effector of miR-23a, contributing to miR-23a-mediated IM resistance. We also observed that the expression of CRYAB was inversely correlated with miR-23a expression in CML cell lines and patient samples. Importantly, chidamide upregulated miR-23a expression and reversed the IM resistance of CML cells. Together, these findings strongly suggest that miR-23a acts as a tumor suppressor by downregulating CRYAB expression. Restoration of miR-23a by chidamide may therefore have a therapeutic effect in controlling the sensitivity of CML cells to imatinib.

Advances in ameliorating inflammatory diseases and cancers by andrographolide: Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and perspective

Andrographolide, a well-known natural lactone having a range of pharmacological actions in traditional Chinese medicine. It has long been used to cure a variety of ailments. In this review, we cover the pharmacokinetics and pharmacological activity of andrographolide which supports its further clinical application in cancers and inflammatory diseases. Growing evidence shows a good therapeutic effect in inflammatory diseases, including liver diseases, joint diseases, respiratory system diseases, nervous system diseases, heart diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and inflammatory skin diseases. As a result, the effects of andrographolide on immune cells and the processes that underpin them are discussed. The preclinical use of andrographolide to different organs in response to malignancies such as colorectal, liver, gastric, breast, prostate, lung, and oral cancers has also been reviewed. In addition, several clinical trials of andrographolide in inflammatory diseases and cancers have been summarized. This review highlights recent advances in ameliorating inflammatory diseases as well as cancers by andrographolide and its analogs, providing a new perspective for subsequent research of this traditional natural product.

Emerging roles and mechanisms of microRNA‑222‑3p in human cancer (Review)

MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are a class of small non‑coding RNAs that maintain the precise balance of various physiological processes through regulating the function of target mRNAs. Dysregulation of miRNAs is closely associated with various types of human cancer. miR‑222‑3p is considered a canonical factor affecting the expression and signal transduction of multiple genes involved in tumor occurrence and progression. miR‑222‑3p in human biofluids, such as urine and plasma, may be a potential biomarker for the early diagnosis of tumors. In addition, miR‑222‑3p acts as a prognostic factor for the survival of patients with cancer. The present review first summarizes and discusses the role of miR‑222‑3p as a biomarker for diverse types of cancers, and then focuses on its essential roles in tumorigenesis, progression, metastasis and chemoresistance. Finally, the current understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of miR‑222‑3p at the molecular level are summarized. Overall, the current evidence highlights the crucial role of miR‑222‑3p in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.

Targeting miRNAs by natural products: A new way for cancer therapy

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression through mRNA degradation or translation inhibition. MiRNAs play important roles in a variety of biological processes, and dysregulation of miRNA expression is highly associated with cancer development. Individual miRNA regulates multiple gene expressions, enabling them to regulate multiple cellular signaling pathways simultaneously. Hence, miRNAs could be served as cancer biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis, and also therapeutic targets. Recently, more and more evidences showed that natural products such as paclitaxel, curcumin, resveratrol, genistein or epigallocatechin-3-gallate exert their anti-proliferative and/or pro-apoptotic effects through regulating one or more miRNAs, leading to the inhibition of cancer cell growth, induction of apoptosis or enhancement of conventional cancer therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we outlined the recent advances in the regulation of miRNAs expression by the natural products and highlight the importance of these natural drugs as a potential strategy in cancer treatment. This review will help us better understand how natural products modulate miRNAs and contribute to the development of effective and safe natural drugs for therapeutic purposes.

MiRNA-106b-5p in human cancers: diverse functions and promising biomarker

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as a class of small, well-conserved, non-coding RNA molecules, hold the capacity to post-transcriptionally suppress the expression of over 50% protein-coding genes. Emerging and accumulating evidence suggests that miRNAs function as the master regulators of multiple pathophysiological processes, and play important roles in diverse human diseases, especially in tumorigenesis and progression. MiR-106b-5p, a member of miR-106b seed family, has been demonstrated to be aberrantly expressed in human solid malignancies, and to play paradoxically opposing functions as an oncomiR or a tumor suppressor in tumor development. In addition, it has been recently reported to be a promising biomarker for prognostic evaluation for cancer patients. In the present review, we provided an overview to summarize the present findings of miR-106b-5p in cancer research fields, thereby establishing comprehensive understanding of its diverse functions and clinical implications in human cancers.

Bioactive Ingredients in Chinese Herbal Medicines That Target Non-coding RNAs: Promising New Choices for Disease Treatment

Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) are widely used in China and have long been a powerful method to treat diseases in Chinese people. Bioactive ingredients are the main components extracted from herbs that have therapeutic properties. Since artemisinin was discovered to inhibit malaria by Nobel laureate Youyou Tu, extracts from natural plants, particularly bioactive ingredients, have aroused increasing attention among medical researchers. The bioactive ingredients of some CHMs have been found to target various non-coding RNA molecules (ncRNAs), especially miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, which have emerged as new treatment targets in numerous diseases. Here we review the evidence that, by regulating the expression of ncRNAs, these ingredients exert protective effects, including pro-apoptosis, anti-proliferation and anti-migration, anti-inflammation, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-infection, anti-senescence, and suppression of structural remodeling. Consequently, they have potential as treatment agents in diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, nervous system disease, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, infectious diseases, and senescence-related diseases. Although research has been relatively limited and inadequate to date, the promising choices and new alternatives offered by bioactive ingredients for the treatment of the above diseases warrant serious investigation.

microRNA-23a in Human Cancer: Its Roles, Mechanisms and Therapeutic Relevance

microRNA-23a (miR-23a) is one of the most extensively studied miRNAs in different types of human cancer, and plays various roles in the initiation, progression, and treatment of tumors. Here, we comprehensively summarize and discuss the recent findings about the role of miR-23a in cancer. The differential expression of tissue miR-23a was reported, potentially indicating cancer stages, angiogenesis, and metastasis. miR-23a in human biofluid, such as plasma and salivary fluid, may be a sensitive and specific marker for early diagnosis of cancer. Tissue and circulating miR-23a serves as a prognostic factor for cancer patient survival, as well as a predictive factor for response to anti-tumor treatment. The direct and indirect regulation of miR-23a on multiple gene expression and signaling transduction mediates carcinogenesis, tumor proliferation, survival, cell migration and invasion, as well as the response to anti-tumor treatment. Tumor cell-derived miR-23a regulates the microenvironment of human cancer through manipulating both immune function and tumor vascular development. Several transcriptional and epigenetic factors may contribute to the dysregulation of miR-23a in cancer. This evidence highlights the essential role of miR-23a in the application of cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

Role of MicroRNAs Induced by Chinese Herbal Medicines Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Brief Review

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are highly conserved, noncoding small RNAs that regulate gene expression, and consequently several important functions including early embryo development, cell cycle, programmed cell death, cell differentiation, and metabolism. While there are no effective treatments available against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), some Chinese herbal medicines have been shown to regulate growth, differentiation, invasion, and metastasis of HCC. Many studies have shown that Chinese herbal medicines regulate the expression of miRNAs and this may be associated with their ability to control the development of HCC. In this article, the effects of Chinese herbal medicines on the expression of miRNAs and their functions in the regulation of HCC have been reviewed and discussed. miRNAs such as miRNA-221 and miRNA-222 mediated by Chinese herbal medicines may be good biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC.

Andrographolide, a diterpene lactone from Andrographis paniculata and its therapeutic promises in cancer

The diterpene lactone andrographolide, isolated from Andrographis paniculata, has been proven to possess several important protective biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiseptic, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, hypolipidemic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective effects. In addition, it has been reported to play a therapeutic role in the treatment of major human diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and colitis. This systematic review aims to highlight andrographolide as a promising agent in cancer treatment. To this purpose, a number of databases were used to search for the cytotoxic/anticancer effects of andrographolide in pre-clinical and clinical studies. Among 1703 identified literature articles, 139 were included in this review; 109 were investigated as non-clinical, whereas 24, 3, and 3 were pre-clinical, clinical, and non-pre-clinical trials, respectively. Among the model systems, cultured cell lines appeared as the most frequently (79.14%) used, followed by in vivo models using rodents, among others. Furthermore, andrographolide was found to exert cytotoxic/anticancer effects on almost all types of cell lines with the underlying mechanisms involving oxidative stress, cell cycle arrest, anti-inflammatory and immune system mediated effects, apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, inhibition of cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, invasion, anti-angiogenic activity, and other miscellaneous actions. After careful consideration of the relevant evidence, we suggest that andrographolide can be one of the potential agents in the treatment of cancer in the near future.

Targeting microRNAs: a new action mechanism of natural compounds

Unlike genetics, epigenetics involves the modification of genome without changes in DNA sequences, including DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling and noncoding RNA regulation. MicroRNA (miRNA), a member of noncoding RNAs superfamily, participates in RNA interference through a unique mechanism. Currently, microRNAs have been found to be regulated by some natural compounds. Through altering the expression of miRNAs and influencing the downstream signaling pathways or target genes, several natural compounds exhibit its bioactivity in the prevention, diagnosis, therapy, prognosis and drug resistance of human diseases, such as cancer. In this review, several natural compounds and their studies about miRNA-related action mechanism were summarized. These studies provide a new insight into action mechanism by which natural compound exerts its bioactivity and a novel treatment strategy, demonstrating natural compound a promising remedy for clinical treatments.

High-sensitive surface plasmon resonance microRNA biosensor based on streptavidin functionalized gold nanorods-assisted signal amplification

Herein, a facile and sensitive microRNA (miRNA) biosensor was designed by using interfacial biotinylated thiolated DNA molecular beacon (MB) as probe and streptavidin functionalized gold nanorods (Stre-GNRs) as tag for the enhanced surface plasmon resonance (SPR) signal. The MB probe with two terminals labeled with biotin and thiol groups, respectively, was modified on the gold film via thiol-gold interaction. Upon hybridization with the target, the biotinylated group became accessible to the Stre-GNRs. The introduction of the Stre-GNRs tag to the gold film produced strong SPR signal for detection. Our work has illustrated that the plasmonic field extension generated from the gold film to GNRs and the mass increase due to the GNRs have led to drastic sensitivity enhancement. Under optimal conditions, this proposed approach allowed detection of miRNA with the limit of detection (LOD) down to 0.045 pM. The results have shown that the MB probe functionalized sensing film, together with streptavidin-conjugated GNRs, was readily served as a plasmonic coupling partner that can be used as a powerful ultrasensitive sandwich assay for miRNA detection, and GNRs were readily served as promising amplification labels in SPR sensing technology.

Current state of phenolic and terpenoidal dietary factors and natural products as non-coding RNA/microRNA modulators for improved cancer therapy and prevention

The epigenetic regulation of cancer cells by small non-coding RNA molecules, the microRNAs (miRNAs), has raised particular interest in the field of oncology. These miRNAs play crucial roles concerning pathogenic properties of cancer cells and the sensitivity of cancer cells towards anticancer drugs. Certain miRNAs are responsible for an enhanced activity of drugs, while others lead to the formation of tumor resistance. In addition, miRNAs regulate survival and proliferation of cancer cells, in particular of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), that are especially drug-resistant and, thus, cause tumor relapse in many cases. Various small molecule compounds were discovered that target miRNAs that are known to modulate tumor aggressiveness and drug resistance. This review comprises the effects of naturally occurring small molecules (phenolic compounds and terpenoids) on miRNAs involved in cancer diseases.