Huaier polysaccharides suppresses hepatocarcinoma MHCC97-H cell metastasis via inactivation of EMT and AEG-1 pathway

GDF15: Immunomodulatory Role in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Implications

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally and the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Evidence shows that growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) contributes to hepatocarcinogenesis through various mechanisms. This paper reviews the latest insights into the role of GDF15 in the development of HCC, its role in the immune microenvironment of HCC, and its molecular mechanisms in metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)-related HCC. Additionally, as a serum biomarker for HCC, diagnostic and prognostic value of GDF15 for HCC is summarized. The article elaborates on the immunological effects of GDF15, elucidating its effects on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), liver fibrosis, as well as its role in HCC metastasis and tumor angiogenesis, and its interactions with anticancer drugs. Based on the impact of GDF15 on the immune response in HCC, future research should identify its signaling pathways, affected immune cells, and tumor microenvironment interactions. Clinical studies correlating GDF15 levels with patient outcomes can aid personalized treatment. Additionally, exploring GDF15-targeted therapies with immunotherapies could improve anti-tumor responses and patient outcomes.

Long-term oral administration of Huaier granules improves survival outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma patients within Milan criteria following microwave ablation: a propensity score matching and stabilized inverse probability weighting analysis

Objective

This study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic effects of Huaier granules on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within the Milan criteria in patients who underwent microwave ablation (MWA).

Materials and methods

A total of 228 patients were included, with 97 in the Huaier group and 131 in the control group. We evaluated progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and extrahepatic metastasis survival (EMS) using Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves with a log-rank test. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and Stabilized Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting (IPTW) were performed to minimize selection and confounding biases.

Results

Following PSM, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year PFS rates in the Huaier and control groups were 83.5% vs 70.7%, 57.7% vs 42.6%, and 43.6% vs 31.9% (p = 0.030), respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 98.9% vs 95.6%, 83.9% vs 72.3%, and 72.2% vs 53.7% (p = 0.023), respectively. The corresponding 1-, 3-, and 5-year EMS rates were 98.9% vs 93.4%, 91.7% vs 83.7%, and 91.7% vs 78.5% (p = 0.039), respectively. Stabilized IPTW analysis of KM curves yielded results similar to those of the PSM analysis. Additionally, administering Huaier granules for at least 6 months significantly improved PFS and OS.

Conclusion

Huaier granules can reduce the risk of recurrence and improve the OS of patients with HCC within the Milan criteria following MWA. Administering Huaier granules for over 6 months proved beneficial.

Huaier Polysaccharide Alleviates Dextran Sulphate Sodium Salt-Induced Colitis by Inhibiting Inflammation and Oxidative Stress, Maintaining the Intestinal Barrier, and Modulating Gut Microbiota

The incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC) is increasing annually, and UC has a serious impact on patients' lives. Polysaccharides have gained attention as potential drug candidates for treating ulcerative colitis (UC) in recent years. Huaier (Trametes robiniophila Murr) is a fungus that has been used clinically for more than 1000 years, and its bioactive polysaccharide components have been reported to possess immunomodulatory effects, antitumour potential, and renoprotective effects. In this study, we aimed to examine the protective effects and mechanisms of Huaier polysaccharide (HP) against UC. Based on the H2O2-induced oxidative stress model in HT-29 cells and the dextran sulphate sodium salt (DSS)-induced UC model, we demonstrated that Huaier polysaccharides significantly alleviated DSS-induced colitis (weight loss, elevated disease activity index (DAI) scores, and colonic shortening). In addition, HP inhibited oxidative stress and inflammation and alleviated DSS-induced intestinal barrier damage. It also significantly promoted the expression of the mucin Muc2. Furthermore, HP reduced the abundance of harmful bacteria Escherichia-Shigella and promoted the abundance of beneficial bacteria Muribaculaceae_unclassified, Anaerotruncus, and Ruminococcaceae_unclassified to regulate the intestinal flora disturbance caused by DSS. Nontargeted metabolomics revealed that HP intervention would modulate metabolism by promoting levels of 3-hydroxybutyric acid, phosphatidylcholine (PC), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). These results demonstrated that HP had the ability to mitigate DSS-induced UC by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation, maintaining the intestinal barrier, and modulating the intestinal flora. These findings will expand our knowledge of how HP functions and offer a theoretical foundation for using HP as a potential prebiotic to prevent UC.

Review on active components and mechanism of natural product polysaccharides against gastric carcinoma

One of the malignant tumors with a high occurrence rate worldwide is gastric carcinoma, which is an epithelial malignant tumor emerging from the stomach. Natural product polysaccharides are a kind of natural macromolecular polymers, which have the functions of regulating immunity, anti-oxidation, anti-fatigue, hypoglycemia, etc. Natural polysaccharides have remarkable effectiveness in preventing the onset, according to studies, and development of gastric cancer at both cellular and animal levels. This paper summarizes the inhibitory mechanisms and therapeutic significance of plant polysaccharides, fungi polysaccharides, and algal polysaccharides in natural product polysaccharides on the occurrence and development of gastric cancer in recent years, providing a theoretical basis for the research, development, and medicinal value of polysaccharides.

Sulfated polysaccharides of Laetiporus sulphureus fruiting bodies exhibit anti-breast cancer activity through cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, and inhibiting cell migration

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Laetiporus sulphureus has long been used as an edible and medicinal mushroom in Asia, America, and Europe. Its fruiting bodies are widely used in folk medicine for treating cancer, gastric diseases, cough, and rheumatism. Polysaccharides are an important bioactive component of mushrooms. In nature, sulfated polysaccharides have never been reported in mushrooms. Furthermore, there is no information on differences in physicochemical properties and anti-breast cancer activities between polysaccharides (PS) and sulfated polysaccharides (SPS) of L. sulphureus.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical properties of PS and SPS isolated from fruiting bodies of L. sulphureus and examine their anti-proliferative effects and mechanism(s) of action on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.

METHODS

Polysaccharides (PS) were isolated using hot water and ethanol precipitation methods. Sulfated polysaccharides (SPS) were isolated by the papain-assisted hydrolysis method. Physicochemical properties comprising sugar, protein, uronic acid, and sulfate contents, and molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and structural conformation were analyzed on PS and SPS. In the anti-cancer study, a triple-negative breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) and a normal human mammary epithelial cell line (H184B5F5/M10) were used to evaluate the anti-proliferative activity of PS and SPS, and their mechanism(s) of action.

RESULTS

The results showed that SPS, which had higher sulfate and protein contents and diversified monosaccharide composition, exhibited more potent anti-proliferative activity against MDA-MB-231 cells than PS. Furthermore, it had a selective cytotoxic effect on breast cancer cells but not the normal cells. SPS induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase via down-regulating CDK4 and cyclin D1 and up-regulating p21 protein expression. Breast cancer cell apoptosis was not observed until 72 h after SPS treatment. In addition, SPS also markedly inhibited breast cancer cell migration.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that SPS exhibited selective cytotoxicity and was more potent than PS in inhibiting MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation. The contents of sulfate and protein, and monosaccharide composition could be the main factors affecting the anti-breast cancer activity of L. sulphureus SPS.

Recent advances in natural polysaccharides against hepatocellular carcinoma: A review

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor of the digestive system that poses a serious threat to human life and health. Chemotherapeutic drugs commonly used in the clinic have limited efficacy and heavy adverse effects. Therefore, it is imperative to find effective and safe alternatives, and natural polysaccharides (NPs) fit the bill. This paper summarizes in detail the anti-HCC activity of NPs in vitro, animal and clinical trials. Furthermore, the addition of NPs can reduce the deleterious effects of chemotherapeutic drugs such as immunotoxicity, bone marrow suppression, oxidative stress, etc. The potential mechanisms are related to induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, block of angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, stimulation of immune activity and targeting of MircoRNA. And on this basis, we further elucidate that the anti-HCC activity may be related to the monosaccharide composition, molecular weight (Mw), conformational features and structural modifications of NPs. In addition, due to its good physicochemical properties, it is widely used as a drug carrier in the delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs and small molecule components. This review provides a favorable theoretical basis for the application of the anti-HCC activity of NPs.

Harnessing function of EMT in hepatocellular carcinoma: From biological view to nanotechnological standpoint

Management of cancer metastasis has been associated with remarkable reduction in progression of cancer cells and improving survival rate of patients. Since 90% of mortality are due to cancer metastasis, its suppression can improve ability in cancer fighting. The EMT has been an underlying cause in increasing cancer migration and it is followed by mesenchymal transformation of epithelial cells. HCC is the predominant kind of liver tumor threatening life of many people around the world with poor prognosis. Increasing patient prognosis can be obtained via inhibiting tumor metastasis. HCC metastasis modulation by EMT and HCC therapy by nanoparticles are discussed here. First of all, EMT happens during progression and advanced stages of HCC and therefore, its inhibition can reduce tumor malignancy. Moreover, anti-cancer compounds including all-trans retinoic acid and plumbaging, among others, have been considered as inhibitors of EMT. The EMT association with chemoresistance has been evaluated. Moreover, ZEB1/2, TGF-β, Snail and Twist are EMT modulators in HCC and enhancing cancer invasion. Therefore, EMT mechanism and related molecular mechanisms in HCC are evaluated. The treatment of HCC has not been only emphasized on targeting molecular pathways with pharmacological compounds and since drugs have low bioavailability, their targeted delivery by nanoparticles promotes HCC elimination. Moreover, nanoparticle-mediated phototherapy impairs tumorigenesis in HCC by triggering cell death. Metastasis of HCC and even EMT mechanism can be suppressed by cargo-loaded nanoparticles.

Huaier granule prolongs overall survival after curative resection of hepatocarcinoma carcinoma: A propensity score analysis

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness and safety of huaier granules in reducing recurrence after curative resection of HCC have been confirmed, but it is unclear whether huaier granules can significantly prolong overall survival.

AIM

To demonstrate the effectiveness of huaier granule for HCC after curative resection over a 5-year follow-up.

METHOD

A total of 1265 HCC patients who underwent curative resection from January 2008 to January 2020 were enrolled, 1111 patients were finally enrolled according to the exclusion criteria, and the oncology outcome of Huaier granule was analyzed by propensity score matching method (PSM).

RESULT

Before propensity score matching, huaier granule resulted in better 5- year overall survival (61.49% vs 54.92%, p = 0.0099) and recurrence-free survival (45.64% vs 38.42%, p = 0.0042) for HCC patients. For solitary HCC ≤30 mm, huaier granule resulted in similar 5- year recurrence-free survival (54.55% vs 50.13%, p = 0.4403), but better 5- year overall survival (82.42% vs70.08%, p = 0.0189). Similar to overall patients, huaier granule resulted in better 5- year overall survival (54.77% vs 51.37%, p = 0.1530) and recurrence-free survival (42.61% vs 35.62%, p = 0.0082) for solitary HCC >30 mm. After propensity score matching, we did confirm that huaier granules can significantly prolong overall survival by more than 5 years, the exception was recurrence-free survival in the HCC <30 mm cohort.

Huaier polysaccharides suppress triple-negative breast cancer metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by inducing autophagic degradation of Snail

Background

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer, and the targeted therapies are lacking for this type of cancer. We previously demonstrated that Huaier effectively improve 5-year OS and DFS in stage III TNBC patients, and the polysaccharides of Huaier (PS-T) have been identified as the major components of Huaier. However, the mechanisms of anti-tumor action of PS-T is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of PS-T on TNBC cell invasion and migration.

Results

This study showed that PS-T inhibited cell invasion and migration both in vitro and in vivo by inducing autophagy to suppress epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Autophagy inhibitor LY294002 or knockdown of ATG5 suppressed the inhibitory effects of PS-T. In addition, as a key transcription factor controlling EMT initiation, Snail was found to be degraded by PS-T induced autophagy. In addition, overexpression of Snail reversed the inhibitory effects of PS-T. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the expression of Snail was inversely correlated with LC3 and associated with poor prognosis using immunohistochemistry and TCGA database analysis, respectively.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that PS-T could inhibit EMT in breast cancer cells by inducing autophagy to degrade Snail protein, thus improving the prognosis of TNBC, offering potential treatment alternatives for TNBC patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13578-021-00682-6.

Treatment for liver cancer: From sorafenib to natural products

Liver cancer most commonly develops in patients with chronic liver disease, the etiology of which includes viral hepatitis (B and C), alcohol, obesity, dietary carcinogens, and so forth. The current treatment modalities, including surgical resection and liver transplantation, have been found far from effective. Hence, there is an obvious critical need to develop alternative strategies for the treatment of it. In this review, we discuss the formation process and therapeutic targets of liver cancer. Currently, targeted therapy is limited to sorafenib, lenvatinib, regorafenib, ramucirumab and cabozantinib which leads to a survival benefit in patients, but on the other hand is hampered by the occurrence of drug resistance. Pleasingly and importantly, there are multiple natural products undergoing clinical evaluation in liver cancer, such as polyphenols like icaritin, resveratrol, and silybin, saponins including ginsenoside Rg3 and glycyrrhizinate, alkaloid containing irinotecan and berberine and inorganic compound arsenic trioxide at present. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that these compounds inhibit liver cancer formation owing to the influence on the anti-viral, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant, anti-angiogenesis and anti-metastasis activity. Furthermore, a series of small molecule derivatives inspired by the aforementioned compounds are designed and synthesized according to structure-activity relationship studies. Drug combination and novel type of drug-targeted delivery system thereof have been well developed. This article is ended by a perspective remark of futuristic development of natural product-based therapeutic regimen for liver cancer treatment. We expect that this review is an account for current status of natural products as promising anti-liver cancer treatments and should contribute to its understanding.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a source of new anticancer drugs

Covering: up to July 2020Drugs derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) include both single chemical entities and multi-component preparations. Drugs of both types play a significant role in the healthcare system in China, but are not well-known outside China. The research and development process, the molecular mechanisms of action, and the clinical evaluation associated with some exemplificative anticancer drugs based on TCM are discussed, along with their potential of integration in western medicine.

Inhibition or Reversal of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Gastric Cancer: Pharmacological Approaches

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) constitutes one of the hallmarks of carcinogenesis consisting in the re-differentiation of the epithelial cells into mesenchymal ones changing the cellular phenotype into a malignant one. EMT has been shown to play a role in the malignant transformation and while occurring in the tumor microenvironment, it significantly affects the aggressiveness of gastric cancer, among others. Importantly, after EMT occurs, gastric cancer patients are more susceptible to the induction of resistance to various therapeutic agents, worsening the clinical outcome of patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need to search for the newest pharmacological agents targeting EMT to prevent further progression of gastric carcinogenesis and potential metastases. Therapies targeted at EMT might be combined with other currently available treatment modalities, which seems to be an effective strategy to treat gastric cancer patients. In this review, we have summarized recent advances in gastric cancer treatment in terms of targeting EMT specifically, such as the administration of polyphenols, resveratrol, tangeretin, luteolin, genistein, proton pump inhibitors, terpenes, other plant extracts, or inorganic compounds.

Research Progress on the Anti-Cancer Molecular Mechanisms of Huaier

Huaier (Trametes robiniophila Murr), a Chinese traditional herb of medicine, has demonstrated promising curative effects in clinical treatment for various tumors. There are documented experiments showing the biological functions of Huaier with its antineoplastic molecular mechanisms: restraining proliferation and metastasis, arresting cell cycle, inducing apoptosis, pyrosis, and autophagy, anti-intratumoral angiogenesis, attenuating characteristics of tumor stem-like cells, interfering with the function of the tumor-related immune system, reversing drug resistance, and enhancing the sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs, etc. In addition, studies suggest that non-coding RNA (ncRNA) acts a pivotal part in cancer occurrence and development, and demonstrates that Huaier adjusts the performance of certain lncRNA (long non-coding RNA) and proceeds to affect the microRNA and its target genes, rendering an anti-tumor effect. Huaier also modulates the expression of lncRNA to attenuate the activity of ncRNA-sponged microRNA and then inhibits the expression of downstream target genes. We summarize and illustrate the experimentally confirmed anti-cancer molecular mechanisms of Huaier, to inspire new ideas for researchers in relevant fields.

Huaier Restrains Cholangiocarcinoma Progression in vitro and in vivo Through Modulating lncRNA TP73-AS1 and Inducing Oxidative Stress

Purpose

Huaier, the fruiting body of Trametes robiniophila Murr, is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine. Recently, many studies have confirmed that Huaier has antitumor effects on various malignancies. Moreover, studies have demonstrated that long noncoding RNAs play an important regulatory role in the occurrence and progression of malignancies. Our present study was to explore whether Huaier has a potential antitumor effect in cholangiocarcinoma and reveal the relationship between lncRNAs and Huaier-induced tumor inhibition.

Methods

Microarray assay was performed to identify the candidate lncRNAs regulated by Huaier. Quantitative real-time PCR was applied to assess the effect of Huaier on TP73-AS1 expression. The effect of Huaier on the cell viability, proliferation, migration and invasion was evaluated by CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively. The ratio of cell apoptosis was determined using AO/EB, Hoechst 33342 and flow cytometry. The effect of Huaier on oxidative stress was revealed using DCFH-DA, mito-SOX, JC-1 probes and Western blotting. In addition, the effect of Huaier on tumor growth and metastasis was explored using subcutaneous tumor model and lung metastatic tumor model in nude mice.

Results

In vitro, Huaier inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of cholangiocarcinoma cells by down-regulating TP73-AS1 and induced apoptosis through mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. In vivo, Huaier suppressed the growth and metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma by modulating the expression of proliferation and EMT-associated proteins.

Conclusion

Huaier could inhibit cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis by modulating the expression of TP73-AS1, meanwhile promote apoptosis of CCA cells through disturbing mitochondrial function, inducing oxidative stress and activating caspases in vitro. In addition, Huaier could suppress tumor growth and metastasis by regulating the expression of proliferation and EMT-related proteins. In the meantime, Huaier prolonged the survival of nude mice in lung metastatic model with acceptable drug safety.

Effect of Huaier on Melanoma Invasion, Metastasis, and Angiogenesis

Malignant melanoma (MM) is a highly metastatic and malignant cancer. Developing potential drugs with good efficacy and low toxicity for MM treatment is needed. Huaier, extracted from the mushroom Trametes robiniophila Murr, has been widely used in clinical anticancer treatments in China. A previous work done by our group confirmed that Huaier could inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in human melanoma cells. The current study is aimed at investigating the effects of Huaier on melanoma metastasis and angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo and to explore its possible mechanism of action. Our results showed that Huaier not only significantly inhibited the metastasis of A375 cells at the concentration ranging from 4 to 16 mg/ml (P < 0.05), which were determined by the wound healing assay and transwell assay in vitro, but also suppressed the MM tumor growth and metastatic cells to the liver in A375-bearing mice after oral administration at the dose of 5 mg/kg (P < 0.05). In addition, Huaier treatment downregulated the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), astrocyte-elevated gene-1 (AEG-1), and N-cadherin, while it upregulated E-cadherin expression in both the A375 cells and tumor tissues, which was detected using western blotting and RT-PCR (P < 0.05). Taken together, our data suggests that the antitumor and antimetastatic activities of Huaier are caused by the downregulation of the HIF-1α/VEGF and AEG-1 signaling pathways and by the inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This study provides a new insight into the mechanism of Huaier on antimetastatic therapy and a new scientific basis for comprehensive treatment strategies for MM.

Trametes robiniophila Murr in the treatment of breast cancer

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women across the world. Trametes robiniophila Murr (Huaier), a traditional herbal medicine, has been used in China to protect human health for about 1600 years. Recent years, Huaier had been proven to be effective for multiple types of malignancies. This systematic review focused on breast cancer treatment, summarizing the curative function of Huaier aqueous extract and polysaccharides in preclinical researches. Huaier could markedly inhibit breast cancer progression with low toxicity, enhance immune response and increase the sensitivity to radiation and chemotherapy. The therapeutic effect of Huaier granule in clinical studies was also included. This review amalgamated the current studies and highlighted the promising role of Huaier and its polysaccharides as complementary alternative medicine in breast cancer treatment.

Huai Qi Huang Potentiates Dexamethasone-Mediated Lethality in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells by Upregulating Glucocorticoid Receptor α

Background

Glucocorticoids are important components of a number of chemotherapeutic regimens used to treat pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). A primary cause of treatment failure of ALL is acquired resistance to glucocorticoids. Recently, traditional Chinese medicines were effectively used to treat solid tumors. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether Huai Qi Huang (HQH), a traditional Chinese medicine, increased the efficacy of glucocorticoids in the treatment of ALL, and if so, to determine the underlying mechanism.

Material/Methods

Various concentrations of HQH were used to treat Jurkat and Nalm-6 cells for 24 to 72 hours. Subsequently, cells were co-treated with HQH and the glucocorticoid receptor agonist, dexamethasone (DEX), or a MEK inhibitor (PD98059) to verify the synergistic effects on apoptosis in Jurkat and Nalm-6 cells for 24 hours. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and flow cytometry were used to measure cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. Protein and mRNA expression levels were assessed using western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The results revealed that cell survival was reduced and apoptosis was increased as the HQH concentration was increased, and this was accompanied with increases in the levels of BAX, cleaved-caspase-3 and glucocorticoid receptor α (GRα) and decreases in the levels of Bcl-2 and phospho-ERK (pERK). Glucocorticoid receptor β (GRβ) and total ERK (t-ERK) had no significant changes. Combined treatment with HQH and DEX or PD98059 increased apoptosis in Jurkat and Nalm-6 cells, and concurrently increased BAX, cleaved-caspase-3, GILZ, NFKBIA, and GRα and decreased Bcl-2 and pERK.

Conclusions

HQH enhanced the sensitivity of ALL cells to glucocorticoids by increasing the expression of GRα and inhibiting the MEK/ERK pathway, thus providing a rational foundation for the treatment of ALL with HQH.

Effects of Huaier Polysaccharide SP1 on Gastric Cancer Cell Proliferation, Apoptosis, Migration, and Invasion by Regulating TGF-β/SMAD Signaling Pathway

Objective. To study the effects of Huaier polysaccharide SP1 on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cell line MGC-803 and the underlying mechanism. Methods. MGC-803 cells were cultured in vitro and treated with SP1. The effects of SP1 on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of MGC-803 cells were detected by CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry analysis, and Transwell assay, respectively. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression of related genes. Results. Our study showed that Huaier polysaccharide SP1 could inhibit proliferation, migration, invasion, and promote the apoptosis of MGC-803 cells in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Huaier polysaccharide SP1 could inhibit the activation of TGF-β/SMAD signal pathway by upregulating SMAD7 expression, thereby downregulating the expression of SOX4, ZEB2, MMP9, Snail, and Slug. Conclusion. Huaier polysaccharide SP1 can regulate the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells by promoting the expression of SMAD7 and inhibiting the activation of TGF-β/SMAD signal pathway as well as the expression of the downstream oncogenes.

A clinical study on the use of Huaier granules in post-surgical treatment of triple-negative breast cancer

Background

In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been developing rapidly in cancer treatment. Huaier is a widely used fungus by TCM to treat different kinds of cancers. Its good efficacy in prevention of tumor recurrence and metastasis has been proven by a large number of clinical studies. In order to further investigate the efficacy and safety of Huaier granules in post-surgical therapy for stage I-III triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients, we performed a case-control clinical study to observe its effects on the post-surgical safety and survival rates of these patients.

Methods

Two hundred and one TNBC patients underwent modified radical mastectomy were selected, they were admitted to our hospital between October 2010 to September 2014. The patients were randomly allocated to the experimental group (101 cases) or the control group (100 cases). Patients in the experimental group were treated with Huaier granules, by orally taking 20 g each time with 3 times a day. Medication was started during chemotherapy or at the time in 6 or 18 months after it. The control group did not receive any TCM preparations during this process. The disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were measured as the main outcome.

Results

The median follow-up time was 46 months. For the 100 patients in control group, 5-year DFS and OS was 82% and 86% respectively, while 87.1% and 90.1% for the 101 patients in the experimental group. The difference was not statistically significant. However, stage III patients in the control group showed a 5-year DFS of 53.8% and OS of 65.4%, which were significantly lower than that of stage III patients in the experimental group as 81.3% and 87.5%. In the experimental group, 10 patients with 6-month medication showed disease progression, whereas only 3 patients with 18-month medication showed disease progression. This difference was statistically significant as well.

Conclusions

Huaier granules could play an important role in post-surgical adjuvant therapy of TNBC patients, specially by effectively increasing the DFS and OS of breast cancer patients at middle to advanced stage.

Huaier extract suppresses non-small cell lung cancer progression through activating NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis

Recent studies have reported the anticancer activity of huaier extract in various human malignancies. However, little is known about the effect of huaier extract in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its underlying mechanism. The current study aimed to investigate whether huaier extract affects the progression of NSCLC. mRNA and proteins expression of pyroptotic-related genes (NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18) in NSCLC tissues and cells were, respectively, detected by qRT-PCR and western blot. The effects of huaier extract on NSCLC cell viability and cytotoxicity were evaluated by CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, and LDH detection kit. Besides, we established a xenograft model to assess the antitumor effect of huaier extract on tumor growth in vivo. Our results showed that the expression of pyroptotic-related genes was downregulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Huaier extract pretreatment inhibited cell viability and the percentage of colony formation of H520 and H358 cells, and upregulated the expression of pyroptotic-related genes. Mechanistically, huaier extract exhibited antitumor effect in NSCLC via inducing NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, our finding confirmed that huaier extract played an antitumor role in NSCLC progression through promoting pyroptotic cell death, which provided a new potential strategy for NSCLC clinical treatment.

Huaier polysaccharide inhibits the stem-like characteristics of ERα-36high triple negative breast cancer cells via inactivation of the ERα-36 signaling pathway

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive cancer and lack of targeting therapies. It is believed that the breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are responsible for the aggressive characteristics of TNBC. Hence, developing BCSC-targeting agents may provide new therapeutic strategies for the patients. Huaier polysaccharide (HP), an active ingredient extracted from the mushroom Trametes robiniophila Murr, has been widely used in clinical anti-cancer treatments in China. Here we demonstrated that HP could target BCSCs in TNBC cells, resulting in decreased mammosphere formation, downregulated expression of stem-related genes and reduced proportion of aldehyde dehydrogenase positive cells in vitro, and inhibited xenograft tumor formation in vivo. Mechanically, HP markedly reduced the expression of estrogen receptor α-36 (ERα-36), a recently identified subtype of estrogen receptor α, and attenuated ERα-36-mediated activation of AKT/β-catenin signaling in ERα-36^high TNBC cells. This study provides a new insight into the mechanism of HP on BCSC-targeting therapy and new ideas for comprehensive treatment strategies for TNBC.

Trametes robiniophila Murr: a traditional Chinese medicine with potent anti-tumor effects

Trametes robiniophila Murr also known as Huaier, one of the traditional Chinese medicines, has been shown an effective adjuvant of cancer therapy. Accumulating evidence suggests that the anti-cancer effects of Huaier can be briefly divided into two aspects: the direct effects on tumor cells and the indirect effects on immune cells. In vitro and in vivo experiment showed Huaier directly inhibited tumor cell proliferation, induced tumor cell death, prevented metastasis and interfered with angiogenesis via various signaling pathways. The immunomodulatory effect of Huaier is associated with enhancement of the number and function of CD4⁺ T cells and NK cells, regulation of the polarization and function of macrophages, and elevated secretion of immune stimulatory cytokines. In this review, the anti-cancer effects and combined treatments of Huaier with other anti-cancer therapies, and the underlying mechanisms are summarized and discussed.

PET Imaging on Dynamic Metabolic Changes after Combination Therapy of Paclitaxel and the Traditional Chinese Medicine in Breast Cancer-Bearing Mice

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to non-invasively evaluate the anticancer activity of a traditional Chinese medicine-Huaier, combined with paclitaxel (PTX) in breast cancer bearing mice by detecting dynamic metabolic changes with positron emission tomography (PET).

PROCEDURES

Balb/c nude mice were randomly divided into one of the four groups: Huaier, PTX, PTX + Huaier, or the control. PET imaging with 2-deoxy-2-[¹⁸F]fluoro-D-glucose ([¹⁸F]FDG) was performed to monitor the metabolic changes in BT474 (luminal B) and MDA-MB-231 (triple-negative) breast cancer xenografts. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) study was performed immediately after the final PET scan to assess the expressions of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), phospho-AKT (p-AKT), caspase-3, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

RESULTS

Compared to the control group, [¹⁸F]FDG accumulation demonstrated a significant decrease in PTX + Huaier (p < 0.01) or Huaier group (p < 0.05), which was consistent to the decreased expression of PI3K (p < 0.05) and p-AKT (p < 0.05) in the breast cancer xenografts.

CONCLUSION

The therapeutic effect of Huaier combined with PTX was superior than the PTX alone in BT474 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer-bearing mice. [¹⁸F]FDG PET imaging could be a potential non-invasive approach to assess the metabolic changes after chemotherapy combined with traditional Chinese medicine in the breast cancer.

An immune-stimulating proteoglycan from the medicinal mushroom Huaier up-regulates NF-κB and MAPK signaling via Toll-like receptor 4

Trametes robiniophila Murr. (Huaier) is a mushroom with a long history of use as a medicinal ingredient in China and exhibits good clinical efficacy in cancer management. However, the antitumor components of Huaier and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we isolated a proteoglycan with a molecular mass of ∼5.59 × 10⁴ Da from Huaier aqueous extract. We named this proteoglycan TPG-1, and using FTIR and additional biochemical analyses, we determined that its total carbohydrate and protein compositions are 43.9 and 41.2%, respectively. Using biochemical assays and immunoblotting, we found that exposing murine RAW264.7 macrophages to TPG-1 promotes the production of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) through Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-dependent activation of NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Of note, the TPG-1 treatment significantly inhibited the tumorigenesis of human hepatoma HepG2 cells likely at least in part by increasing serum levels of TNFα and promoting leukocyte infiltration into tumors in nude mice. TPG-1 also exhibited good antitumor activity in hepatoma H22-bearing mice and had no obvious adverse effects in these mice. We conclude that TPG-1 exerts antitumor activity partially through an immune-potentiating effect due to activation of the TLR4-NF-κB/MAPK signaling cassette. Therefore, TPG-1 may be a promising candidate drug for cancer immunotherapy. This study has identified the TPG-1 proteoglycan as an antitumor agent and provided insights into TPG-1's molecular mechanism, suggesting a potential utility for applying this agent in cancer therapy.

Recent Advances in Herbal Medicines for Digestive System Malignancies

Herbal medicines, as an important part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), have been used to treat digestive system malignancies (DSM) for many years, and have gradually gained recognition worldwide. The role of herbal medicines in the comprehensive treatment of DSM is being improved from adjuvant treatment of the autologous immune function in cancer patients, to the treatment of both the symptoms and disease, direct inhibition of tumor cell growth and proliferation, and induction of tumor cell autophagy and apoptosis. Their specific mechanisms in these treatments are also being explored. The paper reviews the current anti-tumor mechanisms of TCM, including single herbal medicines, Chinese herbal formulations, Chinese medicine preparations and TCM extract, and their application in the comprehensive treatment of digestive system tumors, providing a reference for clinical application of TCM.

Cytotoxicity of two water-soluble polysaccharides from Codonopsis pilosula Nannf. var. modesta (Nannf.) L.T.Shen against human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells and its mechanism

Two water-soluble polysaccharides named CPP1a and CPP1c were isolated from C. pilosula Nannf. var. modesta L.T.Shen by hot-water extraction and purified by graded alcohol precipitation and DEAE-52 cellulose column. The structure of CPP1c with higher yield has been characterized while its antitumor activities has not been elucidated. In this study, we firstly analyzed the chemical structure of CPP1a. The results of instrumental analysis combined with chemical analysis showed that CPP1a was composed of →1)- β‑l‑Rhap‑(4→, →1)- β‑Arap‑(5→, →1)- β‑d‑GalpA‑(4→, →1)- β‑d‑Galp‑(6→, terminal‑β‑d‑Glcp in a molar ratio of 1:12:1:10:3 and its relative and absolute molecular weight were 1.01 × 10⁵ Da and 1.03 × 10⁵ Da respectively. Further, the cytotoxicity assay indicated that CPP1a and CPP1c were more sensitive to HepG2 cells than cervical carcinoma Hela cells and gastric carcinoma MKN45 cells. Both of CPP1a and CPP1c could influence cell morphology, inhibit the migration and induce apoptosis by affecting the G2/M phase of HepG2 cells. Preliminary mechanism studies confirmed that CPP1a and CPP1c could induce apoptosis through up-regulating the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and activating caspase-3. According to previous research, we might speculate that the reason for the stronger cytotoxicity and pro-apoptotic effect of CPP1c than that of CPP1a can be attributed to its high uronic acid content.

Metadherin contributes to epithelial-mesenchymal transition and paclitaxel resistance induced by acidic extracellular pH in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Paclitaxel resistance is a challenge to the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). An acidic extracellular pH (pH_e), a hallmark of solid tumors, is demonstrated to decrease the efficacy of chemotherapy. However, the precise function of acidic pH_e in mediating chemotherapy in NPC remains unknown. In the present study, acidic pH_e significantly decreased the cytotoxicity of paclitaxel in NPC cells. In addition, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like changes were observed in NPC cells cultured at acidic pH_e. Metadherin (MTDH), a novel oncogene, is expressed in multiple types of solid tumor, and is associated with several malignant cell characteristics, including malignant cell transformation, proliferation, angiogenesis, chemoresistance, invasion and metastasis. In the present study, MTDH expression was increased in NPC cells that had been cultured at an acidic pH_e. Furthermore, the silencing of MTDH expression reversed EMT molecular marker expression and sensitized NPC cells to paclitaxel. Taken together, the results of the present study provide evidence to support an association between acidic pH_e-induced paclitaxel resistance and MTDH-mediated EMT in NPC cells. Thus, targeting MTDH may provide a novel strategy for overcoming chemoresistance in NPC therapy.

Selenium-enriched polysaccharides from Pyracantha fortuneana (Se-PFPs) inhibit the growth and invasive potential of ovarian cancer cells through inhibiting β-catenin signaling

Polysaccharides from medicinal plants exert antitumor activity in many cancers. Our previous study demonstrated that polysaccharides extracted from the selenium-enriched Pyracantha fortuneana (Se-PFPs) showed antiproliferative effect in breast cancer cell line. This study aimed to investigate the antitumor effect of Se-PFPs in ovarian cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Se-PFPs could decrease cell viability, induce apoptosis, and inhibit migratory and invasive potentials in HEY and SKOV3 cells. These findings are supported by reduced expression of cyclin D1, Bcl-2 and MMP-9, enhanced cleavage of PARP and caspase-3, elevated activity of caspase-3 and caspase-9, and EMT (epithelial to mesenchymal transition) inhibition (elevated expression of E-cadherin and cytokeratin 19, and reduced expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, ZEB1 and ZEB2). Moreover, Se-PFPs inhibited xenografted tumor growth through inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing cell apoptosis. More importantly, Se-PFPs significantly reduced cytoplasmic β-catenin particularly nuclear β-catenin expression but increased β-catenin phosphorylation in a GSK-3β-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, β-catenin knockdown exerted similar effects on cell proliferation and invasion as seen in Se-PFPs-treated cells, while β-catenin overexpression neutralized the inhibitory effects of Se-PFPs on cell proliferation and invasion. Take together,Se-PFPs exert antitumor activity through inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT, and inducing cell apoptosis. These effects are achieved by the inhibition of β-catenin signaling. Thus Se-PFPs can be used as potential therapeutic agents in the prevention and treatment of ovarian cancer.

Anti-Vasculogenic Activity of a Polysaccharide Derived from Brittle Star via Inhibition of VEGF, Paxillin and MMP-9

Background: Bioactive compounds such as terpenoids, chondroitin sulfate, and polysaccharides with added value can be found in prestine marine creatures. These compounds often do have highly valuable therapeutic applications such as being antioxidant, antitumorogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic. For the latter, varieties of angiogenesis factors can suppress this issue within the bodily tissues. Objectives: The anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic capacity of a polysaccharide derived from brittle star was investigated. Material and Methods: The anti-proliferative effect of derived polysaccharide on umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) was measured using MTT (dimethyl thiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. The anti-angiogenic effect of the isolated polysaccharide was examined by Chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. The transcriptional expression of VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) was evaluated by Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). The anti-metastatic activity was investigated via scratch-wound healing assay. The levels of Paxillin and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression were analyzed by RT-PCR. Statistical analysis and mean comparisons (p< 0.05) were carried out by SPSS 16. Results: Our results elucidated that the brittle star isolated polysaccharide exerted a dose dependent cytotoxic effect on the HUVEC endothelial cells. The CAM assay exhibited potent anti-angiogenic activity in vivo. The RT-PCR analysis showed that the extracted polysaccharide (40, 60 µg.mL^-1) down-regulated the VEGF expression. Further, the diminished attachment of endothelial cells demonstrated that the anti-invasiveness of the derived polysaccharide (25, 50 µg.mL^-1) was administrated via down-regulation of paxillin and MMP-9 mRNA expression. Conclusions: Taken together, these results indicated that the polysaccharide extracted from brittle star was able to decrease the viability of the HUVEC cells, to suppress angiogenesis, and possibly act as a natural anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic marine organic compound against angiogenesis related pathologies.

The inhibitory effect of anti- tumor polysaccharide from Punica granatum on metastasis

Galactomannan (PSP001) isolated from the fruit rind of Punica granatum was demonstrated as an excellent antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anticancer agent both in vitro and in vivo models. Since the most lethal and debilitating attribute of cancer cells is their ability to evolve to a state of malignancy, with key features like increased angiogenesis, invasion, migration, colony formation, and metastasis, the present study focused on evaluating the effects of the galactomannan on tumor and malignancy. PSP001 effectively reduced the neovascularization in chick embryos highlighting its potential as an angiogenic inhibitor. Furthermore, the invasion, migration and clonogenic capacity of human and murine cancer cells were dramatically inhibited by PSP001. Evaluation of the molecular mechanism of its unique potential revealed the down regulation of key players including VEGF, MMP-2, and MMP-9 with marked elevation of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. The anti-metastatic potential of PSP001 tested in pulmonary metastasis C57BL/6 mice model deciphered the combinatorial administration with vincristine deliberated better survival rates and decreased metastatic index. The angiogenic inhibition potential of PSP001 was further proved with peritoneal angiogenesis assay in BALB/c mice ascitic tumor model. The outcomes of the current investigation highlight the mode of action of antitumor galactomannan in the reduction of tumor malignancy.

Metadherin regulates actin cytoskeletal remodeling and enhances human gastric cancer metastasis via epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Metadherin (MTDH) can be recruited to mature tight junction complexes, and it regulates mesenchymal marker protein expression in many tumors and promote cancer metastasis. This study investigated the influence of MTDH expression on gastric cancer and to elucidate the potential mechanisms by which MTDH regulates actin cytoskeletal remodeling and enhances human gastric cancer metastasis via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Relative MTDH mRNA expression levels were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (Q-PCR), and MTDH protein expression levels and localization were evaluated via immunohistochemical (ICH) staining. We studied the role of MTDH in cancer cell migration and invasion by modulating MTDH expression in the gastric cancer cell lines MKN45 and AGS. We also confirmed the functions of MTDH through in vivo experiments. We found that MTDH expression levels were correlated with lymph node metastasis, TNM stages and decreased OS (P=0.002, <0.001 and 0.010, respectively) in human gastric cancer and that MTDH upregulation promoted EMT in vitro. Consistent with this finding, MTDH downregulation inhibited cell migration and invasion in vitro and suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Furthermore, MTDH knockdown regulated actin cytoskeletal remodeling and inhibited EMT. Overall, our results provide a novel role for MTDH in regulating gastric cancer metastasis.

Evaluation on biological compatibility of carboxymethyl chitosan as biomaterials for antitumor drug delivery

Carboxymethyl-chitosan, a water-soluble derivative of chitosan, has emerged as a promising candidate for biomedical applications due to its excellent water solubility, biodegradation, biocompatibility, hydrating, antimicrobial, and nontoxicity. In this paper, the antitumor proliferation and metastasis was studied in vitro and in vivo to evaluate biocompatibility of carboxymethyl-chitosan as biomaterials for antitumor drug delivery. The results showed that carboxymethyl-chitosan could significantly reduce the clone formation and tumor migration of human cancer cells including kidney cancer cell line OS-RC-2, gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901, colon cancer cell line HT-29, and nonsmall cell lung cancer cell line NCI-H1650 in vitro. Through Lewis tumor-bearing C57BL/6 mouse model, carboxymethyl-chitosan was proved to be able to inhibit solid tumor growth and tumor metastasis to the liver and lung, meanwhile increase the level of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 and E-cadherin, and decrease the level of mice blood serum matrix metalloproteinase 9. This study suggested that carboxymethyl-chitosan had certain antimetastasis effect and good biocompatibility and may have a potential application as a synergic antitumor reagent.

Huaier polysaccharide induces apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells through p38 MAPK

The underlying mechanism of the antitumor activity of Huaier polysaccharide (HP) remains to be explored. The present study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of HP on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, and to explore the possible mechanisms of its anticancer effect. Cell viability was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, while apoptotic nuclear changes were observed using Hoechst 33258 staining. The distribution of cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry, and western blotting was used to test the apoptotic pathways. Apoptosis and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors were used to investigate the mechanism of apoptosis. HP triggered cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HepG2 and Huh7 cells. Both the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways were activated after HP treatment. Furthermore, HP enhanced the three major MAPK pathways (extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 MAPK) and inhibited the AKT/mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling pathway in HCC cells. Notably, the inactivation of p38 MAPK impaired the HP-induced cell death. HP exerted its antitumor effect on HCC cells through the regulation of the expression of the apoptosis-related proteins B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2, Bcl-2-associated X protein and survivin. The present study provides evidence that HP induces apoptosis in HCC cells and demonstrated the role of p38 MAPK in HP-triggered cancer cell death.

AEG-1 Promotes Metastasis Through Downstream AKR1C2 and NF1 in Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is one of the most lethal cancers, but our knowledge of the molecular mechanism underlying this process remains insufficient. Through deep sequencing and expression regulation analysis in liver cancer cells, we identified two novel factors, AKR1C2 (positive factor) and NF1 (negative factor), as the AEG-1 downstream players in the process of metastasis in liver cancer. They were experimentally validated to have the capacities of regulating cell migration, cell invasion, cell proliferation, and EMT. Further clinic expression and animal model evidence confirmed their functions. Together, our findings provide a new insight into the pharmaceutical and therapeutic use of AEG-1 and downstream AKR1C2 and NF1.

Metadherin regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition in carcinoma

Metadherin (MTDH) was first identified in primary human fetal astrocytes exposed to HIV-1 in 2002 and then recognized as an important oncogene mediating tumorigenesis, progression, invasiveness, and metastasis of carcinomas. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a vital process in embryonic development, organ repair, and cancer progression. MTDH and EMT have also been proved to be related to the prognosis of patients with cancers. Recent studies reveal a relationship between MTDH overexpression and EMT in some malignancies. This review highlights the overexpression of MTDH and EMT in cancers and their correlations in clinical studies. Positive correlations have been established between MTDH and mesenchymal biomarkers, and negative correlations between MTDH and epithelial biomarkers have also been established. Furthermore, experiments reveal EMT regulated by MTDH, and some signal pathways have been established. Some anticancer drugs targeting MTDH and EMT are introduced in this review. Some perspectives concerning EMT regulation by MTDH are also presented in this review.

Modulation of E-cadherin expression promotes migration ability of esophageal cancer cells

Losing the E-cadherin plays an important role in the metastasis of cancer. The regulation of the expression of E-cadherin is unclear. Circadian rhythm alteration is associated with the pathogenesis of a number of cancers. This study aims to investigate the role of one of the circadian proteins, period-2 (Per2) in repressing the expression of E-cadherin in esophageal cancer (esophageal cancer). We observed that the levels of circadian protein Per2 were significantly increased and E-cadherin was significantly decreased in the tissue of human esophageal cancer with metastasis as compared with non-metastatic esophageal cancer. Overexpression of Per2 in the esophageal cancer cells markedly repressed the expression of E-cadherin. The pHDAC1 was detected in human esophageal cancer with metastasis, which was much less in the esophageal cancer tissue without metastasis. Overexpression of Per2 increased the levels of pHDAC1 as well as the E-cadherin repressors at the E-cadherin promoter locus. Overexpression of Per2 markedly increased the migratory capacity of esophageal cancer cells, which was abolished by the inhibition of HDAC1. We conclude that Per-2 plays an important role in the esophageal cancer cell metastasis, which may be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of esophageal cancer.

Huaier extract suppresses breast cancer via regulating tumor-associated macrophages

Macrophages in tumor microenvironment are mostly M2-polarized - and have been reported to promote tumorigenesis, which are also defined as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Here, we examined the regulatory effects of Huaier extract on TAMs using RAW264.7 murine macrophage cell line. Our data demonstrated that Huaier extract could inhibit the infiltration of macrophages into tumor microenvironment in a dose-dependent manner. By performing RT-PCR, immunofluorescence and phagocytosis assay, we were able to find that Huaier extract could regulate the polarization of macrophages, with decreased M2-polarization and increased phagocytosis of RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, we identified that Huaier extract could suppress macrophages-induced angiogenesis by using HUVEC migration assay, tube formation and chorioallantoic membrane assay. Additionally, western blotting showed decreased expression of MMP2, MMP9 and VEGF with the use of Huaier extract. Finally, we found that Huaier extract could inhibit M2-macrophages infiltration and angiogenesis through treating 4T1 tumor bearing mice with Huaier extract. Our study revealed a novel mechanism of the anti-tumor effect of Huaier extract which inhibited angiogenesis by targeting TAMs. These findings provided that Huaier was a promising drug for clinical treatment of breast cancer.

Preventive and Therapeutic Effects of Chinese Herbal Compounds against Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Traditional Chinese Medicines, unique biomedical and pharmaceutical resources, have been widely used for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prevention and treatment. Accumulated Chinese herb-derived compounds with significant anti-cancer effects against HCC have been identified. Chinese herbal compounds are effective in preventing carcinogenesis, inhibiting cell proliferation, arresting cell cycle, inducing apoptosis, autophagy, cell senescence and anoikis, inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis and angiogenesis, regulating immune function, reversing drug resistance and enhancing the effects of chemotherapy in HCC. This paper comprehensively reviews these compounds and their effects on HCC. Finally, the perspectives and rational application of herbal compounds for HCC management are discussed.

Effect of Huai Qi Huang on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells through miR-200a

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of renal tubular epithelial cells is a vital mechanism of renal fibrosis. Mounting evidence suggests that miR-200a expression decreases in tubular epithelial cells in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rats. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that Huai Qi Huang (HQH) can ameliorate tubulointerstitial damage in adriamycin nephrosis and delay kidney dysfunction in primary glomerular disease. However, the effect of HQH on EMT of tubular epithelial cells in UUO rats and its molecular mechanism is unclear. In order to explore the effect of HQH on EMT and its molecular mechanism in renal fibrosis, in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed in our study. Our results showed that HQH increased miR-200a expression in UUO rats and in TGF-β1 stimulated NRK-52E cells. Meanwhile, HQH decreased ZEB1 and ZEB2 (the transcriptional repressors of E-cadherin), α-SMA expression in renal tubular epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we found that HQH protected kidney from fibrosis in UUO rats. The results demonstrated that HQH regulated miR-200a/ZEBs pathway and inhibited EMT process, which may be a mechanism of protecting effect on tubular cells in renal fibrosis.

Clinical significance of expression of AEG-1 and NF-κB p65 proteins in human primary hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To detect the expression of astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 proteins in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to analyze their clinical significance.

METHODS: The expression of AEG-1 and NF-κB p65 proteins was detected by immunohistochemical analysis in 40 HCC samples, 40 tumor adjacent tissue samples, and 8 normal hepatic tissue samples. Western blot was also performed for detecting protein levels of AEG-1 and NF-κB p65 in part of the above tissue samples. The relationship between survival and expression of AEG-1 and NF-κB p65 was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS: The positive expression rates of AEG-1 in HCC, tumor adjacent tissue and normal tissue samples were 72.5% (29/40), 60% (24/40), and 12.5% (1/8), respectively; the differences among the three groups were statistically significant (χ² = 9.74, P < 0.05). The expression of AEG-1 protein was significantly higher in HCC and tumor adjacent tissue than in normal tissue (P < 0.05). The expression rates of NF-κB p65 protein in HCC, tumor adjacent tissue and normal tissue samples were 75% (30/40), 62.5% (25/40), and 12.5% (1/8), respectively; the differences among the three groups were statistically significant (χ² = 11.29, P < 0.05). The expression of NF-κB p65 protein was significantly higher in HCC and tumor adjacent tissue than in normal tissue (P < 0.05). The expression of AEG-1 and NF-κB p65 protein determined by Western blot was similar to that by immunohistochemical analysis. The survival rates in patients with positive expression of AEG-1 and NF-κB p65 were significantly lower than those in patients with negative expression (P < 0.05)．

CONCLUSION: AEG-1 may promote invasion and metastasis of HCC through up-regulation of NF-κB p65 expression and activity. The combined detection of expression of AEG-1 and NF-κB p65 has significance in gene therapy and in predicting the prognosis of patients with HCC.

Huaier aqueous extract inhibits cervical cancer cell proliferation via JNK/p38 pathway

Although the anticancer effects of Huaier extract have been widely investigated, including anti-proliferate, anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic activities, the mechanisms are not well understood. This study aimed to elucidate the inhibitory effect of Huaier extract on tumor growth in cervical cancer cells and its molecular mechanisms. Cell viability and motility were measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, colony assays, migration, and invasive assays, respectively. The distribution of the cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. Huaier inhibited cell viability of SiHa and C33A cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner; cell migration and invasiveness were also suppressed; Huaier was able to cause G2/M cell cycle arrest in C33A cells. The western blot results confirmed Huaier dose-dependently increased expression of phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p-38 and downregulated the expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in a time- and dose-dependently manner. In vivo experiments showed that Huaier significantly suppressed the tumor volume of SiHa cell xenografts. These data suggest that Huaier may inhibit tumor proliferation in cervical cancer via the JNK/p38 signaling pathway.

The key role of astrocyte elevated gene-1 in CCR6-induced EMT in cervical cancer

In recent years, astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) has been recommended as an important mediator that is involved in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. However, the mechanisms underlying the chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 20 (CCL20)/chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 6 (CCR6)-AEG-1 pathway-mediated EMT in cervical cancer (CC) have not been well featured till now. We used immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting to assess the expression of AEG-1 in 94 cervical cancer tissues and cells. Subsequently, cervical cancer SiHa cells were treated with si-AEG-1 and then subjected to in vitro assays. We observed that AEG-1 proteins were highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues and closely correlated with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage and metastasis. Importantly, we validated the expression of AEG-1, p-Erk1/2, p-Akt, vimentin, N-cadherin, and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) increased in SiHa with CCL20 treatment in a concentration-dependent manner. When cells were treated with si-AEG-1, the expression of p-Erk1/2, p-Akt, vimentin, N-cadherin, and MMP2 was also downregulated. Using the cell cycle assay, the knockdown of AEG-1 inhibited the entry of G1 into S phase. In conclusion, AEG-1 mediates CCL20/CCR6-induced EMT development via both Erk1/2 and Akt signaling pathway in cervical cancer, which indicates that CCL20/CCR6-AEG-1-EMT pathway could be suggested as a useful target to affect the progression of cervical cancer.

Astrocyte-elevated gene-1 mediates insulin-like growth factor 1-induced the progression of cardiac myxoma

Recently, astrocyte-elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) have been involved in the regulation of multiple signaling pathways in tumorigenesis. To date, the detailed mechanisms underlying IGF-1-AEG-1 pathway-induced proliferation and apoptosis in cardiac myxoma (CM) was not reported. In the present study, we used immnohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and qRT-PCR to detect the expression profile of IGF-1 and AEG-1 in 90 CM tissues, and then cultured CM cells were subjected to si-AEG-1, in vitro, and in vivo assays. Our findings showed that IGF-1 and AEG-1 were obviously upregulated in CM tissues and markedly associated with tumor size. When CM cells were treated with si-AEG-1, si-AEG-1 attenuated IGF-1-induced CM cell growth and enhanced cell apoptosis. Mechanically, we validated the expression of AEG-1, p-Erk1/2, and p-Akt increased in CM cells in response to IGF-1 treatment in a time-dependent manner. However, si-AEG-1 affected the expression of these proteins. Functionally, we found the knockdown of AEG-1-inhibited G1/S transition and tumor formation of CM cells. In conclusion, AEG-1 regulates IGF-1-induced proliferation and apoptosis via Erk1/2 and Akt signaling in CM development, which suggests IGF-1-AEG-1 signaling could be recommended to be a useful target to exert anti-tumor effects on CM.

Huaier Aqueous Extract Induces Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells Arrest in S Phase via JNK Signaling Pathway

Huaier aqueous extract, the main active constituent of Huaier proteoglycan, has antihepatocarcinoma activity in experimental and clinical settings. However, the potential and associated antihepatoma mechanisms of Huaier extract are not yet fully understood. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to elucidate the inhibitory proliferation effect of Huaier extract on apoptosis and cycle of HepG2 and Bel-7402 cells. Our data demonstrated that incubation with Huaier extract resulted in a marked decrease in cell viability dose-dependently. Flow cytometric analysis showed that a 48 h treatment of Huaier extract caused cell apoptosis. Typical apoptotic nucleus alterations were observed with fluorescence microscope after Hoechst staining. Immunoblot analysis further demonstrated that Huaier extract activated caspase 3 and PARP. Additionally, Huaier extract inhibited the activity of p-ERK, p-p38, and p-JNK in terms of MAPK. Furthermore, Huaier extract induced HCC cells arrest in S phase and decreased the cycle related protein expression of β-catenin and cyclin D1. Studies with JNK specific inhibitor, SP600125, showed that Huaier extract induced S phase arrest and decreased β-catenin and cyclin D1 expression via JNK signaling pathway. In conclusion, we verify that Huaier extract causes cell apoptosis and induces hepatocellular carcinoma cells arrest in S phase via JNK pathway, which advances our understanding on the molecular mechanisms of Huaier extract in hepatocarcinoma management.

Astrocyte elevated gene-1 regulates CCL3/CCR5-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition via Erk1/2 and Akt signaling in cardiac myxoma

In recent years, astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) has been reported as a key mediator that is involved in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. However, the mechanisms underlying CCL3/CCR5-AEG-1 pathway-mediated EMT in cardiac myxoma (CM) has not been well featured till now. We used immnohistochemistry and immunoblotting to assess the expression of CCR5 and AEG-1 in 30 cases of CM tissues and cells. Subsequently, cultured CM cells were treated with si-AEG-1 or si-CCR5 and then subjected to in vitro assays. We observed that CCR5 and AEG-1 proteins were highly expressed in CM tissues (73.3 and 76.7%, respectively) and closely correlated with tumor size (>5 cm). Importantly, we validated the expression of AEG-1, p-Erk1/2, p-Akt, vimentin, N-cadherin and MMP2 increased in the CM cell with CCL3 treatment in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. When CM cells were treated with si-CCR5, the expression of AEG-1, p-Erk1/2, p-Akt, vimentin, N-cadherin and MMP2 was downregulated. In addition, when CM cells were treated with si-AEG-1, the expression of p-Erk1/2, p-Akt, vimentin, N-cadherin and MMP2 was also downregulated. Using the cell cycle and proliferation assay, the knockdown of AEG-1 inhibited the entry of G1 into S phase and the proliferation capacity of CM cells. In conclusion, AEG-1 mediates CCL3/CCR5-induced EMT development via both Erk1/2 and Akt signaling pathway in CM patients, which indicates CCL3/CCR5-AEG-1-EMT pathway could be suggested as a useful target to affect the progression of CM.