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Chen X, Wei C, Zhao J, Zhou D, Wang Y, Zhang S, Zuo H, Dong J, Zhao Z, Hao M, He X, Bian Y. Carnosic acid: an effective phenolic diterpenoid for prevention and management of cancers via targeting multiple signaling pathways. Pharmacol Res 2024; 206:107288. [PMID: 38977208 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a serious global public health issue, and a great deal of research has been made to treat cancer. Of these, discovery of promising compounds that effectively fight cancer always has been the main point of interest in pharmaceutical research. Carnosic acid (CA) is a phenolic diterpenoid compound widely present in Lamiaceae plants such as Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.). In recent years, there has been increasing evidence that CA has significant anti-cancer activity, such as leukaemia, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, lymphoma, prostate cancer, oral cancer, etc. The potential mechanisms involved by CA, including inhibiting cell proliferation, inhibiting metastasis, inducing cell apoptosis, stimulating autophagy, regulating the immune system, reducing inflammation, regulating the gut microbiota, and enhancing the effects of other anti-cancer drugs. This article reviews the biosynthesis, pharmacokinetics and metabolism, safety and toxicity, as well as the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways of the anticancer activity of CA. This will contribute to the development of CA or CA-containing functional foods for the prevention and treatment of cancer, providing important advances in the advancement of cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xufei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Modern Biotechnology in Western China, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Cuntao Wei
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Modern Biotechnology in Western China, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Juanjuan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Modern Biotechnology in Western China, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Dandan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Modern Biotechnology in Western China, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Modern Biotechnology in Western China, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Shengxiang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Modern Biotechnology in Western China, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Haiyue Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Modern Biotechnology in Western China, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Jianhui Dong
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Modern Biotechnology in Western China, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Zeyuan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Modern Biotechnology in Western China, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Man Hao
- Clinical Medical College of Acuupuncture Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Department of Ortho and MSK Science, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Xirui He
- School of Bioengineering, Zhuhai Campus, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519041, China; UCL School of Pharmacy, Pharmacognosy & Phytotherapy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Yangyang Bian
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Modern Biotechnology in Western China, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China.
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Ji G, Li Y, Zhang Z, Li H, Sun P. Recent advances of novel targeted drug delivery systems based on natural medicine monomers against hepatocellular carcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24667. [PMID: 38312669 PMCID: PMC10834828 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent type of liver cancer, is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Surgical interventions are often ineffective, leading HCC patients to rely on systemic chemotherapy. Unfortunately, commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs have limited efficacy and can adversely affect vital organs, causing significant physical and psychological distress for patients. Natural medicine monomers (NMMs) have shown promising efficacy and safety profiles in HCC treatment, garnering attention from researchers. In recent years, the development of novel targeted drug delivery systems (TDDS) combining NMMs with nanocarriers has emerged. These TDDS aim to concentrate drugs effectively in HCC cells by manipulating the characteristics of nanomedicines, leveraging receptor and ligand interactions, and utilizing endogenous stimulatory responses to promote specific nanomedicines distribution. This comprehensive review presents recent research on TDDS for HCC treatment using NMMs from three perspectives: passive TDDS, active TDDS, and stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems (SDDS). It consolidates the current state of research on TDDS for HCC treatment with NMMs and highlights the potential of these innovative approaches in improving treatment outcomes. Moreover, the review also identifies research gaps in the related fields to provide references for future targeted therapy research in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanjie Ji
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Zhiyue Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
| | - Ping Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
- Grade Three Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparation of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China
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Hu Y, Song J, Feng A, Li J, Li M, Shi Y, Sun W, Li L. Recent Advances in Nanotechnology-Based Targeted Delivery Systems of Active Constituents in Natural Medicines for Cancer Treatment. Molecules 2023; 28:7767. [PMID: 38067497 PMCID: PMC10708032 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Owing to high efficacy and safety, natural medicines have found their way into the field of cancer therapy over the past few decades. However, the effective ingredients of natural medicines have shortcomings of poor solubility and low bioavailability. Nanoparticles can not only solve the problems above but also have outstanding targeting ability. Targeting preparations can be classified into three levels, which are target tissues, cells, and organelles. On the premise of clarifying the therapeutic purpose of drugs, one or more targeting methods can be selected to achieve more accurate drug delivery and consequently to improve the anti-tumor effects of drugs and reduce toxicity and side effects. The aim of this review is to summarize the research status of natural medicines' nano-preparations in tumor-targeting therapies to provide some references for further accurate and effective cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Jinan 250355, China
| | - Jizheng Song
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Jinan 250355, China
| | - Anjie Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Jinan 250355, China
| | - Jieyu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Jinan 250355, China
| | - Mengqi Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Jinan 250355, China
| | - Yu Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Jinan 250355, China
| | - Wenxiu Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Jinan 250355, China
| | - Lingjun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Jinan 250355, China
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Zhao X, Yang Y, Su X, Xie Y, Liang Y, Zhou T, Wu Y, Di L. Transferrin-Modified Triptolide Liposome Targeting Enhances Anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma Effects. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2869. [PMID: 37893242 PMCID: PMC10604558 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Triptolide (TP) is an epoxy diterpene lactone compound isolated and purified from the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f., which has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, due to problems with solubility, bioavailability, and adverse effects, the use and effectiveness of the drug are limited. In this study, a transferrin-modified TP liposome (TF-TP@LIP) was constructed for the delivery of TP. The thin-film hydration method was used to prepare TF-TP@LIP. The physicochemical properties, drug loading, particle size, polydispersity coefficient, and zeta potential of the liposomes were examined. The inhibitory effects of TF-TP@LIP on tumor cells in vitro were assessed using the HepG2 cell line. The biodistribution of TF-TP@LIP and its anti-tumor effects were investigated in tumor-bearing nude mice. The results showed that TF-TP@LIP was spherical, had a particle size of 130.33 ± 1.89 nm and zeta potential of -23.20 ± 0.90 mV, and was electronegative. Encapsulation and drug loading were 85.33 ± 0.41% and 9.96 ± 0.21%, respectively. The preparation was stable in serum over 24 h and showed biocompatibility and slow release of the drug. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy showed that uptake of TF-TP@LIP was significantly higher than that of TP@LIP (p < 0.05), while MTT assays indicated mean median inhibition concentrations (IC50) of TP, TP@LIP, and TF-TP@ of 90.6 nM, 56.1 nM, and 42.3 nM, respectively, in HepG2 cell treated for 48 h. Real-time fluorescence imaging indicated a significant accumulation of DiR-labeled TF-TP@LIPs at tumor sites in nude mice, in contrast to DiR-only or DiR-labeled, indicating that modification with transferrin enhanced drug targeting to the tumor tissues. Compared with the TP and TP@LIP groups, the TF-TP@LIP group had a significant inhibitory effect on tumor growth. H&E staining results showed that TF-TP@LIP inhibited tumor growth and did not induce any significant pathological changes in the heart, liver, spleen, and kidneys of nude mice, with all liver and kidney indices within the normal range, with no significant differences compared with the control group, indicating the safety of the preparation. The findings indicated that modification by transferrin significantly enhanced the tumor-targeting ability of the liposomes and improved their anti-tumor effects in vivo. Reducing its distribution in normal tissues and decreasing its toxic effects suggest that the potential of TF-TP@LIP warrants further investigation for its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; (X.Z.); (Y.Y.); (X.S.); (Y.X.); (Y.L.); (T.Z.); (Y.W.)
- Jiangsu Provincial TCM Engineering Technology Research Center of High Efficient Drug Delivery System (DDS), Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yifan Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; (X.Z.); (Y.Y.); (X.S.); (Y.X.); (Y.L.); (T.Z.); (Y.W.)
- Jiangsu Provincial TCM Engineering Technology Research Center of High Efficient Drug Delivery System (DDS), Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xuerong Su
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; (X.Z.); (Y.Y.); (X.S.); (Y.X.); (Y.L.); (T.Z.); (Y.W.)
- Jiangsu Provincial TCM Engineering Technology Research Center of High Efficient Drug Delivery System (DDS), Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ying Xie
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; (X.Z.); (Y.Y.); (X.S.); (Y.X.); (Y.L.); (T.Z.); (Y.W.)
- Jiangsu Provincial TCM Engineering Technology Research Center of High Efficient Drug Delivery System (DDS), Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yiyao Liang
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; (X.Z.); (Y.Y.); (X.S.); (Y.X.); (Y.L.); (T.Z.); (Y.W.)
- Jiangsu Provincial TCM Engineering Technology Research Center of High Efficient Drug Delivery System (DDS), Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Tong Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; (X.Z.); (Y.Y.); (X.S.); (Y.X.); (Y.L.); (T.Z.); (Y.W.)
- Jiangsu Provincial TCM Engineering Technology Research Center of High Efficient Drug Delivery System (DDS), Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yangqian Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; (X.Z.); (Y.Y.); (X.S.); (Y.X.); (Y.L.); (T.Z.); (Y.W.)
- Jiangsu Provincial TCM Engineering Technology Research Center of High Efficient Drug Delivery System (DDS), Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Liuqing Di
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; (X.Z.); (Y.Y.); (X.S.); (Y.X.); (Y.L.); (T.Z.); (Y.W.)
- Jiangsu Provincial TCM Engineering Technology Research Center of High Efficient Drug Delivery System (DDS), Nanjing 210023, China
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Shi H, Yang J, Qiao Z, Li L, Liu G, Dai Q, Xu L, Jiao W, Zhang G, Wang F, Lu X, Ma X. Design, synthesis and structure-activity relationship studies on erianin analogues as pyruvate carboxylase inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Org Biomol Chem 2023; 21:7005-7017. [PMID: 37593934 DOI: 10.1039/d3ob01114c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
A series of novel erianin analogues were designed and synthesized based on the bioisosterism principle by altering the two aromatic rings of erianin, the substituents on the rings and the linker between them. The analogues were evaluated as pyruvate carboxylase (PC) inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. It was found that compounds 35 and 36, where fluorine replaces a hydroxyl group, exhibited higher activity than erianin (IC50 value of 17.30 nM) in liver cancer cells with IC50 values of 15.15 nM and 10.05 nM, respectively. Additionally, at a concentration of 10 nM, compounds 35 and 36 inhibited PC with inhibitory rates of 39.10% and 40.15%, respectively, exhibiting nearly identical inhibitory activity to erianin (inhibitory rate of 40.07%). Additionally, a computer simulation docking study demonstrated the basis for better interactions between the receptors and ligands. The fluorine atom of 35 can not only form hydrogen bonds with Lys-1043 (NH⋯F, 2.04 Å), but also form fluorine bonds with the carbonyl groups of Lys-1043 (3.67 Å) and Glu-1046 (3.70 Å), due to the different orientations of the halogens on the B ring warhead. Conversely, the chlorine atom of 34 can only form alkyl hydrophobic interactions with the alkane chain in Lys-1043. Fluorinated compounds 35 and 36 also show better chemical stability and higher log P (clog P = 3.89 for 35 and 36) values than that of erianin (clog P = 3.07), and may be used as candidate compounds for further drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Shi
- Natural Product Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Institution Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Monitoring and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Chinese Materia Medica), P. R. China
| | - Jinlian Yang
- Natural Product Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Institution Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Monitoring and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Chinese Materia Medica), P. R. China
| | - Zeen Qiao
- Natural Product Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Institution Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Lingyu Li
- Natural Product Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Institution Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Gang Liu
- Natural Product Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Institution Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Qi Dai
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Monitoring and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Chinese Materia Medica), P. R. China
| | - Li Xu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Monitoring and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Chinese Materia Medica), P. R. China
| | - Wei Jiao
- Natural Product Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
| | - Guolin Zhang
- Natural Product Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
| | - Fei Wang
- Natural Product Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
| | - Xiaoxia Lu
- Natural Product Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Monitoring and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Chinese Materia Medica), P. R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Ma
- Natural Product Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
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Chen N, Wang Y, Zeng Y, Li Y, Pan Z, Li H, Chen J, Chen Z, Yuan J, Yan W, Lu YJ, Liu X, He Y, Zhang K. All-in-one CoFe 2O 4@Tf nanoagent with GSH depletion and tumor-targeted ability for mutually enhanced chemodynamic/photothermal synergistic therapy. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:828-839. [PMID: 36453535 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm01542k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In the complex and severe tumor microenvironment, the antitumor efficiency of nanomedicines is significantly limited by their low-efficacy monotherapy, non-tumor targeting, and systemic toxicity. Herein, to achieve tumor-targeted and enhanced chemodynamic/photothermal therapy (CDT/PTT), we fabricated an "all-in-one" biocompatible transferrin-loaded cobalt ferrate nanoparticle (CoFe2O4@Tf (CFOT)) with multiple functions by a simple solvothermal method and the following transferrin (Tf) functionalization. Upon exposure to 808 nm laser irradiation, CFOT, as a novel photothermal agent, exhibited outstanding phototherapeutic activity because of its excellent photothermal conversion efficiency (η = 46.5%) for high-performance PTT. Moreover, CFOT with multiple redox pairs could efficiently convert endogenous H2O2 to hazardous hydroxyl radicals (˙OH) via Fenton reactions while scavenging overexpressed GSH in the tumor microenvironment to realize self-reinforcing CDT. Importantly, CFOT undergoes a promoted Fenton-type reaction upon increasing the temperature under a photothermal effect and could augment PTT by high-level ˙OH, exhibiting a considerably enhanced synergistic therapeutic effect. In vitro and in vivo experimental results demonstrated that CFOT has good potential as an "all-in-one" nanoagent to combine photothermal, chemodynamic, and tumor targeting for efficient tumor elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niping Chen
- Allan H. Conney Laboratory for Anticancer Research, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Yakun Wang
- Allan H. Conney Laboratory for Anticancer Research, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Yaoxun Zeng
- Allan H. Conney Laboratory for Anticancer Research, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Yushan Li
- Allan H. Conney Laboratory for Anticancer Research, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Zhenxing Pan
- Allan H. Conney Laboratory for Anticancer Research, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Haihong Li
- Allan H. Conney Laboratory for Anticancer Research, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Jingman Chen
- Allan H. Conney Laboratory for Anticancer Research, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Zefeng Chen
- Allan H. Conney Laboratory for Anticancer Research, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Jiongpeng Yuan
- Allan H. Conney Laboratory for Anticancer Research, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Wen Yan
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou 510317, China
| | - Yu-Jing Lu
- Allan H. Conney Laboratory for Anticancer Research, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Xujie Liu
- Allan H. Conney Laboratory for Anticancer Research, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Yan He
- Allan H. Conney Laboratory for Anticancer Research, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Kun Zhang
- Allan H. Conney Laboratory for Anticancer Research, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China. .,School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
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Dong M, Liu H, Cao T, Li L, Sun Z, Qiu Y, Wang D. Huoxiang Zhengqi alleviates azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis-associated cancer by regulating Nrf2/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1002269. [PMID: 36339623 PMCID: PMC9634060 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1002269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Colitis-associated cancer (CAC) is a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-associated colorectal cancer. Huoxiang Zhengqi (HXZQ) is a classical Chinese herbal medicine and has been used to treat intestinal disorders, however, anti-CAC effects and underlying mechanisms of HXZQ have not been reported. An azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium-induced CAC mice model was used to investigate the anti-CAC effect of HXZQ. HXZQ significantly reduced colonic inflammation, suppressed the size and number of tumors, and reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-21, IL-23, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor, and tumor necrosis factor-α) and oxidative stress markers (reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde), and increased the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and IL-27) in CAC mice. Intestinal microbiota and serum metabolomics analyses indicated that HXZQ altered the gut microbial composition and the abundance of 29 serum metabolites in CAC mice. Additionally, HXZQ activated the nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway and increased the levels of antioxidants such as catalase (CAT), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductases-1 (NQO-1), and superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1). HXZQ inhibited the activation of the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and decreased the expression of NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) by inhibiting the phosphorylation of inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B (IκB), inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase (IKK), and NF-κB. In conclusion, HXZQ alleviated CAC in mice by modulating the intestinal microbiota and metabolism, activating Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response, and inhibiting NF-κB-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation against inflammation. The present data provide a reference for the use of HXZQ as a therapeutic or combination agent for clinical CAC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyuan Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Honghan Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tianjiao Cao
- Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lanzhou Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education ford Eible and Medicinal Fungi, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhen Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ye Qiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Ye Qiu, ; Di Wang,
| | - Di Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education ford Eible and Medicinal Fungi, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Ye Qiu, ; Di Wang,
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The involvement of gut microbiota in the anti-tumor effect of carnosic acid via IL-17 suppression in colorectal cancer. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 365:110080. [PMID: 35926579 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant tumor that threatens human health worldwide. Disturbance of the gut microbiota caused by various external factors is one of the leading causes. Carnosic acid (CA) is a phenolic diterpene compound, mainly isolated from rosemary plants, with anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of CA in CRC development and its underlying mechanisms in B6/JGpt-Apcem1Cin(min)/Gpt (ApcMin/+) mice based on the analysis of gut microbiota, serum metabolomics, and tumor proteomics. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot were performed to confirm the changes in cytokine and protein levels related to inflammation after CA administration. CA regulated the abundance of the gut microbiota, which further caused changes in the production of dl-lactic acid. CA suppressed the inflammatory response by reducing the levels of IL-1β, -6, and -17A. Overall, CA showed anti-CRC properties via modulation of gut microbiota and serum metabolites through NF-κB/STAT3 signaling to inhibit IL-17 expression in ApcMin/+ mice. These results provide experimental evidence for the future treatment of CRC with CA.
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Acquaviva R, Malfa GA, Loizzo MR, Xiao J, Bianchi S, Tundis R. Advances on Natural Abietane, Labdane and Clerodane Diterpenes as Anti-Cancer Agents: Sources and Mechanisms of Action. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27154791. [PMID: 35897965 PMCID: PMC9330018 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27154791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Extensive research over the past decades has identified numerous phytochemicals that could represent an important source of anti-cancer compounds. There is an immediate need for less toxic and more effective preventive and therapeutic strategies for the treatment of cancer. Natural compounds are considered suitable candidates for the development of new anti-cancer drugs due to their pleiotropic actions on target events with multiple manners. This comprehensive review highlighted the most relevant findings achieved in the screening of phytochemicals for anticancer drug development, particularly focused on a promising class of phytochemicals such as diterpenes with abietane, clerodane, and labdane skeleton. The chemical structure of these compounds, their main natural sources, and mechanisms of action were critically discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Acquaviva
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria, 95125 Catania, Italy; (R.A.); (S.B.)
- CERNUT, Research Centre on Nutraceuticals and Health Products, Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe A. Malfa
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria, 95125 Catania, Italy; (R.A.); (S.B.)
- CERNUT, Research Centre on Nutraceuticals and Health Products, Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Monica R. Loizzo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.R.L.); (R.T.)
| | - Jianbo Xiao
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade de Vigo, 32004 Ourense, Spain;
| | - Simone Bianchi
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria, 95125 Catania, Italy; (R.A.); (S.B.)
| | - Rosa Tundis
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.R.L.); (R.T.)
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Khella KF, Abd El Maksoud AI, Hassan A, Abdel-Ghany SE, Elsanhoty RM, Aladhadh MA, Abdel-Hakeem MA. Carnosic Acid Encapsulated in Albumin Nanoparticles Induces Apoptosis in Breast and Colorectal Cancer Cells. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134102. [PMID: 35807348 PMCID: PMC9268188 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Carnosic acid (CA) is a natural phenolic compound with several biomedical actions. This work was performed to study the use of CA-loaded polymeric nanoparticles to improve the antitumor activity of breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and colon cancer cells (Caco-2). CA was encapsulated in bovine serum albumin (BSA), chitosan (CH), and cellulose (CL) nanoparticles. The CA-loaded BSA nanoparticles (CA-BSA-NPs) revealed the most promising formula as it showed good loading capacity and the best release rate profile as the drug reached 80% after 10 h. The physicochemical characterization of the CA-BSA-NPs and empty carrier (BSA-NPs) was performed by the particle size distribution analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and zeta potential. The antitumor activity of the CA-BSA-NPs was evaluated by measuring cell viability, apoptosis rate, and gene expression of GCLC, COX-2, and BCL-2 in MCF-7 and Caco-2. The cytotoxicity assay (MTT) showed elevated antitumor activity of CA-BSA-NPs against MCF-7 and Caco-2 compared to free CA and BSA-NPs. Moreover, apoptosis test data showed an arrest of the Caco-2 cells at G2/M (10.84%) and the MCF-7 cells at G2/M (4.73%) in the CA-BSA-NPs treatment. RT-PCR-based gene expression analysis showed an upregulation of the GCLC gene and downregulation of the BCL-2 and COX-2 genes in cells treated with CA-BSA-NPs compared to untreated cells. In conclusion, CA-BSA-NPs has been introduced as a promising formula for treating breast and colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katren F. Khella
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology, Misr University of Science and Technology, Giza 3236101, Egypt; (K.F.K.); (A.I.A.E.M.); (M.A.A.-H.)
| | - Ahmed I. Abd El Maksoud
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology, Misr University of Science and Technology, Giza 3236101, Egypt; (K.F.K.); (A.I.A.E.M.); (M.A.A.-H.)
- Department of Industrial Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), University of Sadat City, Sadat City 32897, Egypt;
| | - Amr Hassan
- Department of Bioinformatics, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), University of Sadat City, Sadat City 32897, Egypt
- Correspondence: (A.H.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Shaimaa E. Abdel-Ghany
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology, Misr University of Science and Technology, Giza 3236101, Egypt;
| | - Rafaat M. Elsanhoty
- Department of Industrial Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), University of Sadat City, Sadat City 32897, Egypt;
| | - Mohammed Abdullah Aladhadh
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (A.H.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Mohamed A. Abdel-Hakeem
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology, Misr University of Science and Technology, Giza 3236101, Egypt; (K.F.K.); (A.I.A.E.M.); (M.A.A.-H.)
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Engineering of combination drug delivery of pH/reduction response potential nanocarrier for the treatment of liver cancer. APPLIED NANOSCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13204-021-02312-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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