Polysaccharide isolated from persimmon leaves (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) suppresses TGF-β1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in A549 cells

Targeting anoikis resistance as a strategy for cancer therapy

Anoikis, known as matrix detachment-induced apoptosis or detachment-induced cell death, is crucial for tissue development and homeostasis. Cancer cells develop means to evade anoikis, e.g. anoikis resistance, thereby allowing for cells to survive under anchorage-independent conditions. Uncovering the mechanisms of anoikis resistance will provide details about cancer metastasis, and potential strategies against cancer cell dissemination and metastasis. Here, we summarize the principal elements and core molecular mechanisms of anoikis and anoikis resistance. We discuss the latest progress of how anoikis and anoikis resistance are regulated in cancers. Furthermore, we summarize emerging data on selective compounds and nanomedicines, explaining how inhibiting anoikis resistance can serve as a meaningful treatment modality against cancers. Finally, we discuss the key limitations of this therapeutic paradigm and possible strategies to overcome them. In this review, we suggest that pharmacological modulation of anoikis and anoikis resistance by bioactive compounds could surmount anoikis resistance, highlighting a promising therapeutic regimen that could be used to overcome anoikis resistance in cancers.

Structural clarification of mannoglucan GSBP-2 from Ganoderma sinense and its effects on triple-negative breast cancer migration and invasion

Ganoderma sinense, known as Lingzhi in China, is a medicinal fungus with anti-tumor properties. Herein, crude polysaccharides (GSB) extracted from G. sinense fruiting bodies were used to selectively inhibit triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. GSBP-2 was purified from GSB, with a molecular weight of 11.5 kDa and a composition of α-l-Fucp-(1→, β-d-Glcp-(1→, β-d-GlcpA-(1→, →3)-β-d-Glcp-(1→, →3)-β-d-GlcpA-(1→, →4)-α-d-Galp-(1→,→6)-β-d-Manp-(1→, and →3,6)-β-d-Glcp-(1→ at a ratio of 1.0:6.3:1.7:5.5:1.5:4.3:8.0:7.9. The anti-MDA-MB-231 cell activity of GSBP-2 was determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium, colony formation, scratch wound healing, and transwell migration assays. The results showed that GSBP-2 could selectively inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells through the regulation of genes targeting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (i.e., Snail1, ZEB1, VIM, CDH1, CDH2, and MMP9) in the MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, Western blotting results indicated that GSBP-2 could restrict epithelial-mesenchymal transition by increasing E-cadherin and decreasing N-cadherin expression through the PI3K/Akt pathway. GSBP-2 also suppressed the angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In conclusion, GSBP-2 could inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells and showed significant anti-angiogenic ability. These findings indicate that GSBP-2 is a promising therapeutic adjuvant for TNBC.

Anti-Metastatic Effects of Standardized Polysaccharide Fraction from Diospyros kaki Leaves via GSK3β/β-Catenin and JNK Inactivation in Human Colon Cancer Cells

A polysaccharide fraction from Diospyros kaki (PLE0) leaves was previously reported to possess immunostimulatory, anti-osteoporotic, and TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition inhibitory activities. Although a few beneficial effects against colon cancer metastasis have been reported, we aimed to investigate the anti-metastatic activity of PLE0 and its underlying molecular mechanisms in HT-29 and HCT-116 human colon cancer cells. We conducted a wound-healing assay, invasion assay, qRT-PCR analysis, western blot analysis, gelatin zymography, luciferase assay, and small interfering RNA gene silencing in colon cancer cells. PLE0 concentration-dependently inhibited metastasis by suppressing cell migration and invasion. The suppression of N-cadherin and vimentin expression as well as upregulation of E-cadherin through the reduction of p-GSK3β and β-catenin levels resulted in the outcome of this effect. PLE0 also suppressed the expression and enzymatic activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, while simultaneously increasing the protein and mRNA levels of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1). Furthermore, signaling data disclosed that PLE0 suppressed the transcriptional activity and phosphorylation of p65 (a subunit of NF-κB), as well as the phosphorylation of c-Jun and c-Fos (subunits of AP-1) pathway. PLE0 markedly suppressed JNK phosphorylation, and JNK knockdown significantly restored PLE0-regulated MMP-2/-9 and TIMP-1 expression. Collectively, our data indicate that PLE0 exerts an anti-metastatic effect in human colon cancer cells by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition and MMP-2/9 via downregulation of GSK3β/β-catenin and JNK signaling.

Doxorubicin-loaded zymosan nanoparticles: Synergistic cytotoxicity and modulation of apoptosis and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in C26 colorectal cancer cells

Zymosan is a β-glucan isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae that could be employed for drug delivery. We synthesized zymosan nanoparticles and measured their structural and morphological properties using XRD, UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM and AFM. The loading of doxorubicin (DOX) onto the nanoparticles was confirmed by FT-IR, and the DOX release was shown to be pH-dependent. The effect of these agents on C26 cell viability was evaluated by MTT tests and the expression of genes connected with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and apoptosis were analyzed by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Treatments were able to suppress the proliferation of C26 cells, and the zymosan nanocarriers loaded with DOX enhanced the anti-proliferative effect of DOX in a synergistic manner. Zymosan nanoparticles were able to suppress the expression of cyclin D1, VEGF, ZEB1, and Twist mRNAs. Treatment groups upregulated the expression of caspase-8, while reducing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, thus promoting apoptosis. In conclusion, zymosan nanoparticles as DOX nanocarriers could provide a more targeted drug delivery through pH-responsiveness, and showed synergistic cytotoxicity by modifying Wnt/β-catenin signaling and apoptosis.

Harnessing natural product polysaccharides against lung cancer and revisit its novel mechanism

The incidence and mortality of lung cancer are on the rise worldwide. However, the benefit of clinical treatment in lung cancer is limited. Owning to important sources of drug development, natural products have received constant attention around the world. Main ingredient polysaccharides in natural products have been found to have various activities in pharmacological research. In recent years, more and more scientists are looking for the effects and mechanisms of different natural product polysaccharides on lung cancer. In this review, we focus on the following aspects: First, natural product polysaccharides have been discovered to directly suppress the growth of lung cancer cells, which can be effective in limiting tumor progression. Additionally, polysaccharides have been considered to enhance immune function, which can play a pivotal role in fighting lung cancer. Lastly, polysaccharides can improve the efficacy of drugs in lung cancer treatment by regulating the gut microbiota. Overall, the research of natural product polysaccharides in the treatment of lung cancer is a promising area that has the potential to lead to new clinical treatments. With better understanding, natural product polysaccharides have the potential to become important components of future lung cancer treatments.

A Review: Pharmacological Effect of Natural Compounds in Diospyros kaki Leaves from the Perspective of Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant levels. Current research suggests that oxidative stress is one of the key factors in the development of many chronic diseases, and it has been a concern for many years. Many natural compounds have been studied for their special free-radical-scavenging properties. The major chemical constituents of the leaves of Diospyros kaki are flavonoids and triterpenoids, both of which are potential antioxidants that can prevent damage caused by reactive oxygen species or reactive nitrogen species and ameliorate diseases associated with oxidative stress. In addition to the major constituents such as flavonoids and triterpenoids, the leaves of Diospyros kaki include compounds such as phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, and terpenes. Studies have shown these compounds have certain antioxidant and neuroprotective activities. Experiments have shown that flavonoids or the extracts from the leaves of Diospyros kaki have a variety of good pharmacological activities, which could activate oxidative stress and mitochondrial apoptosis, inhibit the proliferation of human prostate cancer cells and induce apoptosis. It also could achieve the effect of anti-cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis by regulating oxidative stress. The main chemical substance of the leaves of Diospyros kaki regulating oxidative stress may be these multi-hydroxyl structure compounds. These natural products exhibit significant antioxidant activity and are an important basis for the leaves of Diospyros kaki to treat human diseases by regulating oxidative stress. This review summarizes the structural types of natural products in the leaves of Diospyros kaki and elaborates the mechanism of the leaves of Diospyros kaki in neuroprotection, anti-diabetes, renal protection, retinal degenerative diseases, and anti-cancer from a new perspective of oxidative stress, including how it supplements other pharmacological effects. The chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of the leaves of Diospyros kaki are summarized in this paper. The relationship between the chemical components in the leaves of Diospyros kaki and their pharmacological effects is summarized from the perspective of oxidative stress. This review provides a reference for the study of natural anti-oxidative stress drugs.

Myricetin suppresses TGF-β-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in ovarian cancer

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) is the second most common gynecological malignancy and has a high mortality rate. The current chemotherapeutic drugs have the disadvantages of drug resistance and side effects. Myricetin, a kind of natural compound, has the advantages of easy extraction, low price, and fewer side effects. Multiple studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer properties of myricetin. However, its impact on OC is still unknown and needs further investigation. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which myricetin suppresses transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) -induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in OC through in vivo and in vitro experiments. Methods: In vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of myricetin on cell proliferation and apoptosis using CCK8 assay, plate clonal formation assay, and flow cytometry. Western blot was employed to evaluate the expression levels of caspase-3, PARP, and the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Wound healing, transwell, western blot and immunofluorescence assay were used to detect TGF-β-induced cell migration, invasion, EMT and the levels of Smad3, MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Additionally, a mouse xenograft model was established to verify the effects of myricetin on OC in vivo. Results: Myricetin inhibited OC proliferation through MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Flow cytometry and western blot analyses demonstrated that myricetin promoted apoptosis by increasing the expression of cleaved-PARP and cleaved-caspase-3 and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 in OC. Furthermore, myricetin suppressed the TGF-β-induced migration and invasion by transwell and wound healing assays. Mechanistically, western blot indicated that myricetin reversed TGF-β-induced metastasis through Smad3, MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In vivo, myricetin significantly repressed OC progression and liver and lung metastasis. Conclusion: Myricetin exhibited inhibitory effects on OC progression and metastasis both in vivo and in vitro. And it also reversed TGF-β-induced EMT through the classical and non-classical Smad signaling pathways.

Persimmon Leaves: Nutritional, Pharmaceutical, and Industrial Potential-A Review

Persimmon is a delicious fruit, and its leaves are considered a valuable ingredient in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors. Traditionally, persimmon leaves (PL) are used as a functional tea in Asian culture to cure different ailments, and are also incorporated into various food and cosmeceutical products as a functional ingredient. PL mainly contain flavonoids, terpenoids, and polysaccharides, along with other constituents such as carotenoids, organic acids, chlorophylls, vitamin C, and minerals. The major phenolic compounds in PL are proanthocyanidins, quercetin, isoquercetin, catechin, flavonol glucosides, and kaempferol. Meanwhile, ursolic acid, rotungenic acid, barbinervic acid, and uvaol are the principal terpenoids. These compounds demonstrate a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, anti-tyrosinase, antiallergic, and antiglaucoma properties. This review summarizes the latest information on PL, mainly distribution, traditional uses, industrial potential, and bioactive compounds, as well as their potential action mechanisms in exhibiting biological activities. In addition, the effect of seasonality and geographical locations on the content and function of these biomolecules are discussed.

Suppressive effects of bioactive herbal polysaccharides against different cancers: From mechanisms to translational advancements

BACKGROUND

Fueled by rapidly evolving comprehension of multifaceted nature of cancers, recently emerging preclinical and clinical data have supported researchers in the resolution of knowledge gaps to deepen the understanding of the molecular mechanisms. The extra-ordinary and bewildering chemical diversity encompassed by biologically active natural products continues to be of relevance to drug discovery. Accumulating evidence has spurred a remarkable evolution of concepts related to pharmacological target of oncogenic signaling pathways by polysaccharides in different cancers.

PURPOSE

The objective of the current review is to provide new insights into study progress on anticancer effects of bioactive herbal polysaccharides.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and other databases were searched for articles related to anticancer effects of polysaccharides. Searches were conducted to locate relevant publications published up to October 2022.

RESULTS

Polysaccharides have been reported to pleiotropically modulate TGF/SMAD, BMP/SMAD, TLR4, mTOR, CXCR4 and VEGF/VEGFR cascades. We have also summarized how different polysaccharides regulated apoptosis and non-coding RNAs. Additionally, this mini-review describes increasingly sophisticated understanding related to polysaccharides mediated tumor suppressive and anti-metastatic effects in tumor-bearing mice. We have also provided an overview of the clinical trials related to chemopreventive role of polysaccharides.

CONCLUSION

Genomic and proteomic findings from these studies will facilitate 'next-generation' clinical initiatives in the prevention/inhibition of cancer.

Plant polysaccharides with anti-lung injury effects as a potential therapeutic strategy for COVID-19

When coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) develops into the severe phase, lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and/or respiratory failure could develop within a few days. As a result of pulmonary tissue injury, pathomorphological changes usually present endothelial dysfunction, inflammatory cell infiltration of the lung interstitium, defective gas exchange, and wall leakage. Consequently, COVID-19 may progress to tremendous lung injury, ongoing lung failure, and death. Exploring the treatment drugs has important implications. Recently, the application of traditional Chinese medicine had better performance in reducing fatalities, relieving symptoms, and curtailing hospitalization. Through constant research and study, plant polysaccharides may emerge as a crucial resource against lung injury with high potency and low side effects. However, the absence of a comprehensive understanding of lung-protective mechanisms impedes further investigation of polysaccharides. In the present article, a comprehensive review of research into plant polysaccharides in the past 5 years was performed. In total, 30 types of polysaccharides from 19 kinds of plants have shown lung-protective effects through the pathological processes of inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and immunomodulation by mediating mucin and aquaporins, macrophage, endoplasmic reticulum stress, neutrophil, TGF-β1 pathways, Nrf2 pathway, and other mechanisms. Moreover, the deficiencies of the current studies and the future research direction are also tentatively discussed. This research provides a comprehensive perspective for better understanding the mechanism and development of polysaccharides against lung injury for the treatment of COVID-19.

Anoikis-Associated Lung Cancer Metastasis: Mechanisms and Therapies

Simple Summary

Anoikis is a programmed cell death process resulting from the loss of interaction between cells and the extracellular matrix. Therefore, it is necessary to overcome anoikis when tumor cells acquire metastatic potential. In lung cancer, the composition of the extracellular matrix, cell adhesion-related membrane proteins, cytoskeletal regulators, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition are involved in the process of anoikis, and the initiation of apoptosis signals is a critical step in anoikis. Inversely, activation of growth signals counteracts anoikis. This review summarizes the regulators of lung cancer-related anoikis and explores potential drug applications targeting anoikis.

Abstract

Tumor metastasis occurs in lung cancer, resulting in tumor progression and therapy failure. Anoikis is a mechanism of apoptosis that combats tumor metastasis; it inhibits the escape of tumor cells from the native extracellular matrix to other organs. Deciphering the regulators and mechanisms of anoikis in cancer metastasis is urgently needed to treat lung cancer. Several natural and synthetic products exhibit the pro-anoikis potential in lung cancer cells and in vivo models. These products include artonin E, imperatorin, oroxylin A, lupalbigenin, sulforaphane, renieramycin M, avicequinone B, and carbenoxolone. This review summarizes the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of anoikis regulation and relevant regulators involved in lung cancer metastasis and discusses the therapeutic potential of targeting anoikis in the treatment of lung cancer metastasis.

A thioredoxin reductase 1 inhibitor pyrano [3,2-a] phenazine inhibits A549 cells proliferation and migration through the induction of reactive oxygen species production

BACKGROUND

Thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) inhibitor, pyrano [3,2-a] phenazine, named CPUL-1, was synthesized with potential anticancer activity. The aim of the present work was to explore the potential anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic ability of CPUL-1 against A549 cancer cell lines in vitro.

METHODS AND RESULTS

First, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay was used to assess cell proliferation. The A549 cell migration was evaluated by wound healing assay and transwell assay. Second, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins in A549 cells treated with CPUL-1 were analyzed by western blot methods. Then, TrxR1 enzyme activity assay and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay were conducted to evaluate the effect of CPUL-1 on TrxR1 inhibition and ROS levels. Finally, western blotting was used to explore the mechanism of CPUL-1. The study results revealed that the ability of cell proliferation and migration was decreased under CPUL-1 treatment. CPUL-1 could distinctly restrain the migration and invasion of A549 cells through inhibiting EMT process. The results of TrxR1 enzyme activity assay, ROS assay and western blotting showed that CPUL-1 influenced EMT via inducing ROS-mediated ERK/JNK signaling by inhibiting TrxR1 enzyme activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, proliferation suppression and anti-metastasis activity of CPUL-1 in A549 cells were demonstrated by all the evidence. Our findings highlight the great potential of phenazine compound CPUL-1 to suppress A549 cells proliferation and metastasis.

α5-nAChR associated with Ly6E modulates cell migration via TGF-β1/Smad signaling in non-small cell lung cancer

The α5-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α5-nAChR) is closely associated with nicotine-related lung cancer, offering a novel perspective for investigating the molecular pathogenesis of this disease. However, the mechanism by which α5-nAChR functions in lung carcinogenesis remains to be elucidated. Lymphocyte antigen 6 (Ly6) proteins, like snake three-finger alpha toxins such as α-bungarotoxin, can modulate nAChR signaling. Ly6E, a member of the Ly6 family, is a biomarker of poor prognosis in smoking-induced lung carcinogenesis and is involved in the regulation of TGF-β1/Smad signaling. Here, we explored the underlying mechanisms linking α5-nAChR and Ly6E in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The expression of α5-nAChR was correlated with Ly6 expression, smoking status and lower survival in NSCLC tissues. In vitro, α5-nAChR mediated Ly6E, the phosphorylation of the TGF-β1 downstream molecule Smad3 (pSmad3, a key mediator of TGF-β1 signaling), the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers Zeb1, N-cadherin and vimentin expression in NSCLC cells. The downregulation of Ly6E reduced α5-nAChR, pSmad3, Zeb1, N-cadherin and vimentin expression. Functionally, silencing both α5-nAChR and Ly6E significantly inhibited cell migration compared to silencing α5-nAChR or Ly6E alone. Furthermore, the functional effects of α5-nAchR and Ly6E were confirmed in chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and mouse xenograft models. Therefore, our findings uncover a new interaction between α5-nAChR and Ly6E that inhibits cancer cell migration by modulating the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in NSCLC, which may serve as a novel target for therapeutic intervention.

The beneficial effects of polysaccharide obtained from persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) on the proliferation of Lactobacillus and gut microbiota

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of polysaccharide extracts from persimmon (PPE) on the proliferation of Lactobacillus and the gut microbiota of mice. Lactobacillus strains were cultured in medium containing PPE, and differential gene expression was evaluated using transcriptomics. In addition, 16S rDNA was employed to analyze the abundance and diversity of fecal colonies in mice, and the influence of PPE on the intestinal flora in mice was further examined. The results showed that Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Lactobacillus acidophilus CICC 6075 could proliferate in PPE medium. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated that glucose metabolism-related genes, such as phosphoyruvate hydratase (eno) and PTS mannose transporter subunit IIAB (manX), were up-regulated. The metabolic pathways of fructose and mannose were also significantly up-regulated. After gavage of mice with PPE, 16S rDNA sequencing of mouse feces indicated that the beneficial bacteria in the intestines proliferated and the abundance of harmful bacteria was reduced. PPE can maintain the balance of intestinal microorganisms in mice. Therefore, PPE has a significant positive effect on both Lactobacillus proliferation and gut microbiota of mice.