Wogonin induces apoptosis and down-regulates survivin in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells by modulating PI3K–AKT pathway

Survivin (BIRC5): Implications in cancer therapy

Inhibitors of Apoptosis proteins (IAPs) were discovered through experiments aimed at rescuing apoptosis in insects. Classically associated with the inhibition of apoptosis, the IAP member Survivin also regulates cell cycle progression and is an essential component of the Chromosomal Passenger Complex (CPC), responsible for chromosomal segregation. Although undetectable in most adult tissues, Survivin is expressed in Adult Stem Cells (ASCs) and plays a crucial role in their maintenance. Survivin is overexpressed in most cancers, contributing to their clonal expansion. As a result, it has been proposed as a possible anticancer target for nearly two decades. In this discussion, we will explore the rationale behind Survivin as a therapeutic target, focusing on common cancer types such as carcinomas, sarcomas, and leukemias. We will delve into the modulation of Survivin by cancer pro-survival cell signaling, the association between SNPs and tumorigenesis, and its regulation by miRNAs. Finally, we will compare cell growth, clonogenic capacity, and apoptosis, along with different strategies for Survivin inhibition, including gene expression and protein activity modulation.

Exploring the potential of Huangqin Tang in breast cancer treatment using network pharmacological analysis and experimental verification

AIMS OF THIS STUDY

This study aims to investigate the potential of Huangqin Tang (HQT), a traditional Chinese medicine formulation, in the treatment of breast cancer (BC) through a comprehensive approach integrating network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation.

METHODS

Chemical composition and target information of HQT were collected using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Disease-related target genes were obtained from the GeneCards database. Network pharmacological analysis, including construction of compound-disease-target networks and protein-protein interaction networks, was performed. Molecular docking simulations were conducted to evaluate the binding affinity between HQT components and key targets. Experimental validation was carried out using cell viability assays, clone formation assays, flow cytometry, Western blotting, and pathway analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 210 candidate targets were identified. Network analysis revealed STAT3, AKT1, MAPK3 etc. as central targets. Enrichment analysis suggested HQT may exert anti-tumor effects through regulating lipid metabolism and inflammation related pathways. Molecular docking showed that the key compounds baicalein, wogonin, kaempferol and quercetin all bound effectively to MAPK1. The binding of baicalein to IL6 and naringenin to TNF-α was also relatively stable. The experimental results demonstrated that HQT effectively inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer cells, with IC50 values of 2.334 mg/mL and 1.749 mg/mL in MCF-7 cells at 24 h and 48 h, and IC50 values of 1.286 mg/mL and 1.496 mg/mL in MDA-MB-231 cells at 24 h and 48 h, respectively. Furthermore, HQT induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase in breast cancer cells and downregulated the expression of related proteins including CDK1, Cyclin B1, CDK2, and Cyclin E. Additionally, HQT promoted apoptosis in breast cancer cells by upregulating the expression of Bak and CC-3, while downregulating the expression of Bcl-2. Notably, HQT also exhibited regulatory effects on the HIF-1 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides insights into the potential multi-component and multi-target mechanisms of HQT against BC, suggesting it may achieve therapeutic effects through regulating inflammatory response and cancer-related pathways via the identified active compounds and targets. The findings highlight the importance of integrating traditional medicine with modern approaches for the development of novel cancer therapies.

Wogonin induces apoptosis in macrophages by exhibiting cytotoxic and genotoxic effects

Macrophages play an important role in defending the body against invading pathogens. In the face of pathogens, macrophages become activated and release toxic materials that disrupt the pathogens. Macrophage overactivation can lead to severe illness and inflammation. Wogonin has several therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. No studies have investigated the cytotoxic effects of wogonin at concentrations of more than 0.1 mM in RAW264.7 cells. In this study, RAW 264.7 cells were treated with wogonin, which, at concentrations of more than 0.1 mM, had cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in the RAW264.7 cells, leading to apoptosis and necrosis. Further, wogonin at concentrations of more than 0.1 mM induced caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 activation and mitochondrial dysfunction and death receptor expression. These results suggest that wogonin induces apoptosis through upstream intrinsic and extrinsic pathways by exhibiting cytotoxic and genotoxic effects.

Cowanin induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells via Bcl-2 signaling pathway

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the effect of cowanin the mechanism of cowanin toward cell death and BCL-2 protein (antiapoptotic) expression of T47D breast cancer.

METHODS

The cell death was evaluated by double staining, namely acridine orange and propidium iodide, and then observed under a fluorescence microscope. Meanwhile, the BCL-2 protein expression was determined by western blotting with measurement of protein area and protein density.

RESULTS

The result found T47D breast cancer cells were viable, apoptosis, and necrosis after treatment with cowanin. The average viable cells, apoptosis, and necrosis percentages were 54.13 %, 45.43 %, and 0.44 %, respectively. Statistical analysis showed cowanin could significantly induce death in T47D breast cancer cells by apoptosis (p<0.05). It was also revealed that cowanin and positive control (doxorubicin) treatment had a significantly decreased protein area and protein density (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

It can be concluded that cowanin can induce death in T47D breast cancer cells by apoptosis and affect the expression of Bcl-2 protein in T47D breast cancer cells.

The Influence of Microwave-Assisted Extraction on the Phenolic Compound Profile and Biological Activities of Extracts from Selected Scutellaria Species

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) conditions (microwave power, extraction time, and ethanol concentration) on the efficiency of the extraction of phenolic compounds from selected plant species belonging to the genus Scutellaria (i.e., Scutellaria baicalensis and Scutellaria lateriflora). The extracts from selected Scutellaria species were examined to establish the total phenolic content and the in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The antioxidant capacity was determined by the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity methods. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated through the lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitory assay. The phenolic profile of the extracts was characterized using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD/ESI-HRMS/MS). Depending on the type of solvent and the extraction conditions used, the extracts obtained from selected Scutellaria species showed different total and individual phenolic content, as well as different antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The results showed that all Scutellaria extracts had high total phenolic content and exhibited strong ferric ion reducing power and free radical scavenging capacity and a significant ability to inhibit the LOX activity. In general, the 70% ethanol extracts contained more phenolic compounds, mainly flavones, flavanones, and their derivatives, and showed greater in vitro biological activity than other extracts. The highest levels of phenolic compounds and the strongest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential were found in extracts from the roots of S. baicalensis. Optimal extraction conditions for all the plant materials tested were determined as the microwave power of 63 W, extraction time of 10 min, and 70% ethanol as the solvent.

Wogonin, as a potent anticancer compound: From chemistry to cellular interactions

Chinese native medicine Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, also referred to as Chinese skullcap or Huang-Qin, is frequently used to treat cancer, viral infections, and seizures. This plant's abundance of flavones (wogonoside) and their related aglycones (wogonin) is responsible for many of its pharmacologic effects. A significant ingredient in S. baicalensis that has been the subject of the most research is wogonin. Numerous preclinical investigations revealed that wogonin suppresses tumor growth by cell cycle arrest, stimulating cell death and preventing metastasis. This review focuses on a complete overview of published reports that suggest chemopreventive action of wogonin and the mechanistic insights behind these neoplastic activities. It also emphasizes the synergistic improvements made by wogonin in chemoprevention. The factual data in this mini-review stimulate additional research on chemistry and toxicological profile of wogonin to confirm its safety issues. This review will encourage researchers to generalize the merits of wogonin to be used as potential compound for cancer treatment.

Baicalein as Promising Anticancer Agent: A Comprehensive Analysis on Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Perspectives

Despite significant therapeutic advancements for cancer, an atrocious global burden (for example, health and economic) and radio- and chemo-resistance limit their effectiveness and result in unfavorable health consequences. Natural compounds are generally considered safer than synthetic drugs, and their use in cancer treatment alone, or in combination with conventional therapies, is increasingly becoming accepted. Interesting outcomes from pre-clinical trials using Baicalein in combination with conventional medicines have been reported, and some of them have also undergone clinical trials in later stages. As a result, we investigated the prospects of Baicalein, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the stems of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and Oroxylum indicum Kurz, which targets a wide range of molecular changes that are involved in cancer development. In other words, this review is primarily driven by the findings from studies of Baicalein therapy in several cancer cell populations based on promising pre-clinical research. The modifications of numerous signal transduction mechanisms and transcriptional agents have been highlighted as the major players for Baicalein’s anti-malignant properties at the micro level. These include AKT serine/threonine protein kinase B (AKT) as well as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, matrix metalloproteinases-2 & 9 (MMP-2 & 9), Wnt/-catenin, Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), NF-κB, Caspase-3/8/9, Smad4, Notch 1/Hes, Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 (Keap 1), Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), Src/Id1, ROS signaling, miR 183/ezrin, and Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling cascades. The promise of Baicalein as an anti-inflammatory to anti-apoptotic/anti-angiogenic/anti-metastatic medicinal element for treating various malignancies and its capability to inhibit malignant stem cells, evidence of synergistic effects, and design of nanomedicine-based drugs are altogether well supported by the data presented in this review study.

Scutellaria baicalensis in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Network Pharmacology Analysis and Experimental Validation

Objective

The aim of the study was to use a network pharmacological method and experimental validation to examine the mechanism of Scutellaria baicalensis (SB) against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

The traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP) and GeneCards were used for screening of targets of SB for the treatment of HCC. Cytoscape (3.7.2) software was used to construct the "drug-compound-intersection target interaction" interaction network. The STING database was used to analyze the interactions of the previous intersecting targets. The results were visualized and processed by performing GO (Gene Ontology) enrichment analysis and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) signaling pathway enrichment analysis at the target sites. The core targets were docked with the active components by AutoDockTools-1.5.6 software. We used cellular experiments to validate the bioinformatics predictions.

Results

A total of 92 chemical components and 3258 disease targets including 53 intersecting targets were discovered. The results showed that wogonin and baicalein, the main chemical components of SB, could inhibit the viability and proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells, promote apoptosis through the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, and effectively act on AKT1, RELA, and JUN targets.

Conclusion

SB has multiple components and targets in the treatment of HCC, providing possible potential targets for the treatment of HCC and providing a basis for further research.

Immunotoxicity and Anti-Inflammatory Characterizations of Prenylated Flavonoids-The Lipophilic 7-O-Terpenylated Wogonin

Wogonin, one of the exceptional bioactive flavonoids found abundant in the roots of Huang-Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi), is a popular health-preserving Chinese medicine. The therapeutic applications can be expanded by improving its bioavailability. The 7-O-terpenylated wogonin consisting one to three prenyl units are chemically synthesized for increasing lipophilic nature for efficient uptake, and also an attempt in mimicry of naturally scarce terpenylated flavonoids found in limited plant families and bee propolis. Wogonin (W) and its lipophilic nature prenyl wogonin (W5), geranyl wogonin (W10), and farnesyl wogonin (W15) were comparatively studied with structure-relationship in immunotoxicity of cell livability on lymphoid, myeloid, and somatic origins cell lines. Anti-inflammatory functions characterized with nitric oxide inhibition and intracellular ROS level of LPS-activated murine macrophage RAW264.7 were assessed. Wogonin and its terpenylated derivatives have selectively influenced livability of lymphoid origin cells but not myeloid and somatic origin cells. The mitotic protein survivin gene expressions analysis further supported the selective suppressions on lymphoid origin YAC-1 cells by wogonin and geranyl wogonin, while oppositely boosted survivin expressions in LPS-activated macrophages. Moreover, wogonin exhibits dose-dependent inhibition on the nitric oxide (NO) production and iNOS gene expressions of LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells. Terpenylated wogonin exhibits profoundly superior control in intracellular ROS level and a sustained action with sound cell integrity than the wogonin. The enhanced cellular uptake with higher lipophilicity to membrane of 7-O-terpenylated wogonin may pose an important biological nature in facilitating better bioavailability and specific immunomodulatory actions of the category of terpenylated flavonoids. The 7-O-terpenylated wogonin having biological merit of fast membrane lipid bilayer integration, lower effective concentration, and better preserving immune cells functions and livability deserved further in-depth investigations and their broadly therapeutic applications.

A network pharmacology study of mechanism and efficacy of Jiawei Huanglian-Wendan decoction in polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive metabolic disorder, normally accompanied by insulin resistance (IR). The specific pathogenesis of this disease remains unclear. To identify the underlying pathogenesis of PCOS with IR and explore the potential efficacy and mechanism of Jiawei Huanglian-Wendan decoction (JHWD) by a network pharmacology approach. The effective components and the potential drug and disease-related targets are retrieved. Drug-disease overlapped targets are being obtained by Venny analysis. The construction of protein-protein interaction network relied on Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins database (STRING), after uploading drug-disease overlapped targets. The drug-component-target-disease interaction network map was displayed , after importing their data into Cytoscape 3.7.2 software. Bioinformatics analyses are being performed by Metascape and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases, respectively. Further, molecular docking analysis was carried out using AutoDock software. Finally, the influence of JHWD is verified by means of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score, the rate of resumption of normal menstrual cycles and regular ovulation, the blood lipid levels, the blood glucose and insulin levels, and the inflammatory cytokines in PCOS with IR patients. Four primary interaction networks of JHWD are constructed. The enrichment analysis of PCOS-IR-related targets demonstrated that the top enriched pathways in the development of PCOS with IR are pathways in cancer, metabolic, phosphoinositide-3-kinase-protein kinase B signaling, lipid and atherosclerosis, and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. Molecular docking analysis revealed strong binding interactions of the key targets with the active components. Further confirmations showed that the active components of JHWD exhibited significant clinical efficacy in improving the clinical syndromes, menstrual cyclicity and ovulatory function, and significantly reducing the blood lipid levels, blood glucose and insulin levels, and inflammatory cytokines in PCOS with IR patients. The combination of the network pharmacological analysis and clinical validation stated that the active compounds in JHWD could regulate glycolipid metabolism, reduce IR, and exert anti-inflammatory effects in the treatment of PCOS with IR, promoting Chinese classical formulations.

Flavones: Six Selected Flavones and Their Related Signaling Pathways That Induce Apoptosis in Cancer

Cancer is a horrific disease that, to date, has no cure. It is caused by various factors and takes many lives. Apoptosis is a programmed cell death mechanism and if it does not function correctly in cancer cells, it can lead to severe disease. There are various signaling pathways for regulating apoptosis in cancer cells. Flavonoids are non-artificial natural bioactive compounds that are gaining attention as being capable of for inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. Among these, in this study, we focus on flavones. Flavones are a subclass of the numerous available flavonoids and possess several bioactive functions. Some of the most reported and well-known critical flavones, namely apigenin, acacetin, baicalein, luteolin, tangeretin, and wogonin, are discussed in depth in this review. Our main aim is to investigate the effects of the selected flavones on apoptosis and cell signaling pathways that contribute to death due to various types of cancers.

Role of Nrf2 Signaling Cascade in Breast Cancer: Strategies and Treatment

Breast cancer is the second leading cancer among all types of cancers. It accounts for 12% of the total cases of cancers. The complex and heterogeneous nature of breast cancer makes it difficult to treat in advanced stages. The expression of various enzymes and proteins is regulated by several molecular pathways. Oxidative stress plays a vital role in cellular events that are generally regulated by nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). The exact mechanism of Nrf2 behind cytoprotective and antioxidative properties is still under investigation. In healthy cells, Nrf2 expression is lower, which maintains antioxidative stress; however, cancerous cells overexpress Nrf2, which is associated with various phenomena, such as the development of drug resistance, angiogenesis, development of cancer stem cells, and metastasis. Aberrant Nrf2 expression diminishes the toxicity and potency of therapeutic anticancer drugs and provides cytoprotection to cancerous cells. In this article, we have discussed the attributes associated with Nrf2 in the development of drug resistance, angiogenesis, cancer stem cell generation, and metastasis in the specific context of breast cancer. We also discussed the therapeutic strategies employed against breast cancer exploiting Nrf2 signaling cascades.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptors [VEGFR] as Target in Breast Cancer Treatment: Current Status in Preclinical and Clinical Studies and Future Directions

Breast cancer [BC] is one of the most common cancers among women, one of the leading causes of a considerable number of cancer-related death globally. Among all procedures leading to the formation of breast tumors, angiogenesis has an important role in cancer progression and outcomes. Therefore, various anti-angiogenic strategies have developed so far to enhance treatment's efficacy in different types of BC. Vascular endothelial growth factors [VEGFs] and their receptors are regarded as the most well-known regulators of neovascularization. VEGF binding to vascular endothelial growth factor receptors [VEGFRs] provides cell proliferation and vascular tissue formation by the subsequent tyrosine kinase pathway. VEGF/VEGFR axis displays an attractive target for anti-angiogenesis and anti-cancer drug design. This review aims to describe the existing literature regarding VEGFR inhibitors, focusing on BC treatment reported in the last two decades.

Protective role of wogonin following traumatic brain injury by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis via the PI3K/Nrf2/HO‑1 pathway

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is usually caused by accidental injuries and traffic accidents, with a very high mortality rate. Treatment and management following TBI are essential to reduce patient injury and help improve long‑term prognosis. Wogonin is a flavonoid compound with an antioxidant effect extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. However, the function and mechanism of wogonin in protecting brain injury remain to be elucidated. The present study established a TBI model of Sprague‑Dawley rats and treated them with wogonin following trauma. The results showed that wogonin treatment significantly reduced neurobehavioral disorders, brain edema and hippocampal neuron damage caused by TBI. It was found that in TBI rats, administration of wogonin increased the levels of antioxidant factors glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase in the CA1 region of the hippocampus and significantly inhibited the production of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species. western blotting data showed that wogonin exerted antioxidant activity by downregulating the level of NOX² protein. In inhibiting cell apoptosis, wogonin upregulated the expression of Bcl‑2 protein in the hippocampal CA1 region of TBI rats and inhibited caspase‑3 and Bax proteins. Additionally, wogonin inhibited the progression of injury following TBI through the PI3K/Akt/nuclear factor‑erythroid factor 2‑related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase‑1 (HO‑1) signaling pathway. Wogonin increased the expression of phosphorylated Akt, Nrf2 and HO‑1 in the hippocampus of TBI rats. Following the administration of PI3K inhibitor LY294002, the upregulation of these proteins by wogonin was partly reversed. In addition, LY294002 partially reversed the regulation of wogonin on NOX², caspase‑3, Bax and Bcl‑2 proteins. Therefore, wogonin exerts antioxidant and anti‑apoptotic properties to prevent hippocampal damage following TBI, which is accomplished through the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2/HO‑1 pathway.

Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Effect of Iris taochia Plant Extracts on Human Breast Cancer (MCF-7) Cells

Introduction:

Iris taochia is an endemic plant in Turkey. Iris species has many biological effects such as antibacterial, antiinflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer properties. Apoptosis is a programmed cell death and this mechanism regulates the death of cancer cells.

Purpose:

The aim of our work is to investigate how the Iris taochia extracts affect the apoptotic activity in the MCF7 cells.

Methods:

Cytotoxic dose and cell viability is determined by the MTT assay. Bad, Bax, Bcl-2, Bcl- W, Bid, Bim, Caspase 3, Caspase 8, CD40, CD40L, cIAP-2, CytoC, DR6, Fas, FasL, HSP27, HSP60, HSP70, HTRA, IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-3, IGFBP-4, IGFBP-5, IGFBP-6, IGF-1sR, Livin, p21, p27, p53, SMAC, Survivin, sTNF-R1, sTNF-R2, TNF-α, TNF-β, TRAILR-1, TRAILR-2, TRAILR-3, TRAILR-4 and XIAP proteins were measured by the membrane array kit.

Results:

Iris taochia extracts exhibited significant cytotoxic effects on MCF7 cells and IC50 values ranging from 1.56 to 100 μg/mL. Our results indicate that MeOH extract of Iris taochia in MCF7 cells may be a regulator of cell death proteins, cell cycle and growth factors. DCM and EtOH extracts of Iris taochia have a limited effect on MCF7 cells, especially, HSPs, which play a significant role in chemoresistance, downregulating DCM and EtOH extracts of Iris taochia, whereas ligands and receptors of extrinsic apoptotic pathway are upregulated by these extracts.

Conclusion:

This is the first study to investigate the cytotoxic and apoptotic effect of Iris taochia extracts on MCF7 cells. Results also showed that Iris taochia reduced cell viability and induced apoptotic pathways as a potential regulator of cancer cell death.

Redox Activity of Flavonoids: Impact on Human Health, Therapeutics, and Chemical Safety

The cost-effectiveness of presently used therapies is a problem in overall redox-based management, which is posing a significant financial burden on communities across the world. As a result, sophisticated treatment models that provide notions of predictive diagnoses followed by targeted preventive therapies adapted to individual patient profiles are gaining global acclaim as being beneficial to patients, the healthcare sector, and society as a whole. In this context, natural flavonoids were considered due to their multifaceted antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects as well as their low toxicity and ease of availability. The aim of this review is to focus on the capacity of flavonoids to modulate the responsiveness of various diseases and ailments associated with redox toxicity. The review will also focus on the flavonoids' pathway-based redox activity and the advancement of redox-based therapies as well as flavonoids' antioxidant characteristics and their influence on human health, therapeutics, and chemical safety. Research findings indicated that flavonoids significantly exhibit various redox-based therapeutic responses against several diseases such as inflammatory, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and hepatic diseases and various types of cancer by activating the Nrf2/Keap1 transcription system, suppressing the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)/IκB kinase inflammatory pathway, abrogating the function of the Hsp90/Hsf1 complex, inhibiting the PTEN/PI3K/Akt pathway, and preventing mitochondrial dysfunction. Some flavonoids, especially genistein, apigenin, amentoflavone, baicalein, quercetin, licochalcone A, and biochanin A, play a potential role in redox regulation. Conclusions of this review on the antioxidant aspects of flavonoids highlight the medicinal and folk values of these compounds against oxidative stress and various diseases and ailments. In short, treatment with flavonoids could be a novel therapeutic invention in clinical trials, as we hope.

Carnosine suppresses human colorectal cancer cell proliferation by inducing necroptosis and autophagy and reducing angiogenesis

Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is found in beef and fish. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of carnosine on the cell proliferation of human colorectal cancer cells. After human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells were treated carnosine for 72 or 96 h, the cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, angiogenesis and the expression of related regulatory molecules were detected using MTT assays, fluorescence image analysis and RT-qPCR in this study. Treatment of HCT-116 cells with 5, 10 or 15 mM carnosine for 72 or 96 h significantly decreased cell viability (P<0.05). The mRNA expression of β-catenin and transcription factor 4 (Tcf-4) was significantly reduced by 15–23% and 11–80%, respectively (P<0.05). When HCT-116 cells were treated with 15 mM carnosine, the mRNA levels of 1A/1B-light chain 3 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase were significantly increased by 235% and 249%, respectively (P<0.05). The mRNA level of Beclin-1 and autophagy levels were significantly increased by 137–141% in HCT-116 cells treated with 5, 10 or 15 mM carnosine (P<0.05). Carnosine (15 mM) also increased reactive oxygen species levels and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein mRNA expression and depleted ATP levels (P<0.05). The angiogenesis-regulating molecules vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor receptor and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α were all significantly decreased by 10 or 15 mM carnosine treatment. These results showed that carnosine could suppress human colorectal cell proliferation by reducing β-catenin/Tcf-4 signaling, inducing autophagy and necroptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis. It was demonstrated that carnosine is a potential compound from dietary food for the future clinical treatment and/or prevention of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cell Culture in a Microfluidically Controlled Environment with a Static Molecular Gradient of Polyphenol

To study the simultaneous effect of the molecular gradient of polyphenols (curcumin, trans-resveratrol, and wogonin) and biological factors released from tumor cells on apoptosis of adjacent cells, a novel microfluidic system was designed and manufactured. The small height/volume of microfluidic culture chambers and static conditions allowed for establishing the local microenvironment and maintaining undisturbed concentration profiles of naturally secreted from cells biochemical factors. In all trials, we observe that these conditions significantly affect cell viability by stimulating cell apoptosis at lower concentrations of polyphenols than in traditional multiwell cultures. The observed difference varied between 20.4-87.8% for curcumin, 11.0-37.5% for resveratrol, and 21.7-62.2% for wogonin. At low concentrations of polyphenols, the proapoptotic substances released from adjacent cells, like protein degradation products, significantly influence cell viability. The mean increase in cell mortality was 38.3% for microfluidic cultures. Our research has also confirmed that the gradient microsystem is useful in routine laboratory tests in the same way as a multiwell plate and may be treated as its replacement in the future. We elaborated the new repetitive procedures for cell culture and tests in static gradient conditions, which may become a gold standard of new drug investigations in the future.

Fascinating Chemopreventive Story of Wogonin: A Chance to Hit on the Head in Cancer Treatment

Cancer, global havoc, is a group of debilitating diseases that strikes family as well as society. Cancer cases are drastically increasing these days. Despite many therapies and surgical procedures available, cancer is still difficult to control due to limited effective therapies or targeted therapies. Natural products can produce lesser side effects to the normal cells, which are the major demerit of chemotherapies and radiation. Wogonin, a natural product extracted from the plant, Scutellaria baicalensis has been widely studied and found with a high caliber to tackle most of the cancers via several mechanisms that include intrinsic as well as extrinsic apoptosis signaling pathways, carcinogenesis diminution, telomerase activity inhibition, metastasis inhibition in the inflammatory microenvironment, anti-angiogenesis, cell growth inhibition and arrest of the cell cycle, increased generation of H₂O₂ and accumulation of Ca²⁺ and also as an adjuvant along with anticancer drugs. This article discusses the role of wogonin in various cancers, its synergism with various drugs, and the mechanism by which wogonin controls tumor growth.

Fluorescence live cell imaging revealed wogonin targets mitochondria

Scutellaria baicalensis is one of the widely used Chinese traditional medicines, and wogonin is one of major active components in it. However, the mechanism of action of wogonin has largely remained unclear. In this work, we designed a fluorescent probe, namely ATTO565-WGN, by conjugating wogonin with the fluorophore ATTO565 based on Mannich reaction via a flexible chain linker. In vitro assays verified that the ATTO565-WGN conjugate has a similar anti-proliferative activity to wogonin against human A549 and HeLa cancer cell lines. Combining co-localization and competition studies, confocal fluorescence imaging clearly demonstrated that the fluorescent wogonin probe predominantly located in mitochondrial area of living cells, indicating that wogonin acts at mitochondrion to exert its pharmacological functions. Significantly, the conjugated ATTO565 fluorophore conferred the wogonin probe STED (Stimulated Emission Depletion) feature, enabling STED fluorescence living cell imaging with a 55 nm of ultrahigh spatial resolution. This will greatly beneficial for the in situ investigation of interactions between wogonin and biological targets at the finely organized and dynamic mitochondria of living cells. Moreover, this work also provides novel insights into rational design of mitochondrion targeting fluorescence probes for ultrahigh resolution living cell imaging.

Exploring the mechanism of Cremastra Appendiculata (SUANPANQI) against breast cancer by network pharmacology and molecular docking

BACKGROUND

SUANPANQI, the pseudo phosphorous stem of Cremastra appendiculata, is one of the most well-known traditional Chinese medicine, which has been shown to inhibit tumorigenesis in various human cancers. However, the underlying mechanism of SUANPANQI treatment against breast cancer (BRCA) remains unclear. In this study. we aim to investigate the bioactive compounds and mechanisms of SUANPANQI in the treatment of BRCA based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.

METHODS

The compounds were collected from previous research. SwissADME was used to screen bioactive compounds. The targets corresponding to SUANPANQI and BRCA were obtained using MalaCards and SwissTargetPrediction. SUANPANQI-related and BRCA-related targets were found and then overlapped to get intersections, which represented potential anti-BRCA targets of SUANPANQI. The Cytoscape software was used to construct bioactive compounds targeting the BRCA network. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of the targets was extracted from the metascape database, then conducted using the Cluster Profiler package in R software. Protein-Protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING online database and analyzed using Cytoscape software. Pivotal genes were screened using the topological analysis, survival analysis, and pathological stage analysis. Molecular docking analysis was used to verify whether the bioactive compounds had a definite affinity with the pivotal targets.

RESULTS

Sixty-five bioactive compounds of SUANPANQI were involved with 225 predicted BRCA targets. Then, a compound-target network and a PPI network were constructed. The GO analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that SUANPANQI worked against BRCA via PI3K-Akt, Ras, FoxO, Rap1, and ErbB signaling pathways, etc. After topological analysis, survival analysis, and pathological stage analysis of the SUANPANQI potential targets against BRCA, 6 pivotal target genes (AR, HSP90AA1, MMP9, PGR, PTGS2, TNF) that were highly responsible for the therapeutic effects of SUANPANQI against BRCA were obtained. Molecular docking results showed that 6 bioactive compounds of SUANPANQI had strong binding efficiency with the 6 pivotal genes.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study clarifies the mechanism of SUANPANQI against BRCA through multiple targets and pathways, and provides evidence to support its clinical use.

Flavonoids Regulate Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Cancer

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally. Millions of persons die due to cancer each year. In the last two decades, the anticancer effects of natural flavonoids have become a hot topic in many laboratories. Meanwhile, flavonoids, of which over 8000 molecules are known to date, are potential candidates for the discovery of anticancer drugs. The current review summarizes the major flavonoid classes of anticancer efficacy and discusses the potential anti-cancer mechanisms through inflammation and oxidative stress action, which were based on database and clinical studies within the past years. The results showed that flavonoids could regulate the inflammatory response and oxidative stress of tumor through some anti-inflammatory mechanisms such as NF-κB, so as to realize the anti-tumor effect.

The Synthetic Flavonoid Derivative GL-V9 Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma via Suppressing AKT-Regulated HK2 and mTOR Signals

Cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma (cSCC) is one of most common type of non-black skin cancer. The malignancy degree and the death risk of cSCC patients are significantly higher than basal cell carcinoma patients. GL-V9 is a synthesized flavonoid derived from natural active ingredient wogonin and shows potent growth inhibitory effects in liver and breast cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the anti-cSCC effect and the underlying mechanism of GL-V9. The results showed that GL-V9 induced both apoptosis and autophagy in human cSCC cell line A431 cells, and prevented the growth progression of chemical induced primary skin cancer in mice. Metabolomics assay showed that GL-V9 potentially affected mitochondrial function, inhibiting glucose metabolism and Warburg effect. Further mechanism studies demonstrated that AKT played important roles in the anti-cSCC effect of GL-V9. On one hand, GL-V9 suppressed AKT-modulated mitochondrial localization of HK2 and promoted the protein degradation of HK2, resulting in cell apoptosis and glycolytic inhibition. On the other hand, GL-V9 induced autophagy via inhibiting Akt/mTOR pathway. Interestingly, though the autophagy induced by GL-V9 potentially antagonized its effect of apoptosis induction, the anti-cSCC effect of GL-V9 was not diluted. All above, our studies suggest that GL-V9 is a potent candidate for cSCC treatment.

Baicalein Is a Phytohormone that Signals Through the Progesterone and Glucocorticoid Receptors

While flavonoids have been studied extensively for estrogen receptor activity, they have not been well studied for their ability to modify progesterone receptor (PR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling. Three flavonoid compounds, tangeretin, wogonin, and baicalein, were selected for testing for PR and GR activity based on their structural similarity to known phytoprogesterone-like compounds. Each compound was docked in the binding pocket of PR and GR. Of these compounds, baicalein was predicted to be most likely to bind to both receptors. A fluorescence polarization competitive binding assay for PR and GR confirmed that baicalein binds to both the PR and GR with IC₅₀ values of 15.30 μM and 19.26 μM, respectively. In Ishikawa PR-B and T47D cells, baicalein acted as a PR antagonist in a hormone response element (HRE) luciferase (Luc) assay. In OVCAR5 cells, which only express GR, baicalein was a GR agonist via an HRE/Luc assay and induced GR target genes, FKBP5 and GILZ. RU486, a PR and GR antagonist, abrogated baicalein's activity in OVCAR5 cells, confirming baicalein's activity is mediated through the GR. In vivo, baicalein administered intraperitoneally to female mice twice a week for 4 weeks at a dose of 25 mg/kg induced the GR target gene GILZ in the reproductive tract, which was blocked by RU486. In summary, baicalein has PR antagonist and GR agonist activity in vitro and demonstrates GR agonist activity in the uterus in vivo.

Targeting PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway by polyphenols: Implication for cancer therapy

Cancer is one of the biggest challenges facing medicine and its cure is regarded to be the Holy Grail of medicine. Therapy in cancer is consisted as various artificial cytotoxic agents and radiotherapy, and recently immunotherapy. Recently much attention has been directed to the use of natural occurring agents in cancer therapy. One of the main group of agents utilized in this regard is polyphenols which are found abundantly in berries, fruits and vegetables. Polyphenols show to exert direct and indirect effects in progression of cancer, angiogenesis, proliferation and enhancing resistance to treatment. One of the cellular pathways commonly affected by polyphenols is PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, which has far ranging effects on multiple key aspects of cellular growth, metabolism and death. In this review article, evidence regarding the biology of polyphenols in cancer via PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is discussed and their application on cancer pathophysiology in various types of human malignancies is shown.

Ginkgolide B ameliorates myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury in rats via inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress

Purpose

Ginkgolide B (GB) is a terpene lactone component found in Ginkgo biloba, which has a protective role on ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury. This study was aimed at exploring the protective mechanism of GB on the myocardial I/R.

Patients and methods

Myocardial I/R model was established on Sprague Dawley rats. The levels of cardiac troponin I, cardiac troponin T, lactic dehydrogenase, and myoglobin were determined by a 200FR NEO automatic biochemical analyzer. Histological examination was performed through HE and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling staining. The expression levels of p-PERK, p-IRE1α, ATF6, p-AKT, and mTOR were detected by Western blot.

Results

The results exhibited that GB treatment suppressed the high levels of cardiac troponin I, cardiac troponin T, lactic dehydrogenase, and myoglobin and ameliorated the damaged and irregularly arranged myocardial cells induced by I/R injury significantly, indicating that GB could ameliorate myocardial I/R injury. Moreover, the high expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress key proteins caused by I/R injury were suppressed significantly by GB treatment, including p-PERK, p-IRE1α, and ATF6. GB treatment also decreased the number of apoptotic cells compared with I/R group. In addition, activation of ER stress by Tunicamycin treatment could counteract the protective effects of GB on I/R injury, suggesting that GB ameliorated myocardial I/R injury through inhibition of ER stress-induced apoptosis. Finally, the decreased p-AKT and p-mTOR expressions caused by I/R injury were upregulated by GB and inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway by LY294002 abolished the protective effects of GB on I/R injury, indicating that GB activated PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway during I/R injury.

Conclusion

GB protected against myocardial I/R injury through inhibiting ER stress-induced apoptosis via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Baicalein induces apoptosis and autophagy of breast cancer cells via inhibiting PI3K/AKT pathway in vivo and vitro

Purpose

Baicalein, a widely used Chinese herbal medicine, has shown anticancer effects on many types of human cancer cell lines. However, little is known about the underlying mechanism in human breast cancer cells. In this study, we examined the apoptotic and autophagic pathways activated following baicalein treatment in human breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.

Materials and methods

In in vitro study, we used MTT and clone formation assay to confirm the inhibitory role of baicalein on proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Apoptosis was detected employing Hoechst 33258 staining, JC-1 staining, and flow cytometry. Autophagy was monitored by acridine orange staining and transmission electron microscopy observation. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were employed to study the effects of baicalein on PI3K/AKT signaling components of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. In in vivo study, the effect of baicalein was tested with a breast cancer cells transplantation tumor model.

Results

Our study showed that baicalein has the potential to suppress cell proliferation, induce apoptosis and autophagy of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, baicalein significantly downregulated the expression of p-AKT, p-mTOR, NF-κB, and p-IκB while enhancing the expression of IκB in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. It also decreased the p-AKT/AKT and p-mTOR/mTOR ratios.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that baicalein induces apoptosis and autophagy of breast cancer cells via inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in vivo and vitro. Our study revealed that baicalein may be a potential therapeutic agent for breast cancer.

Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen Leaf Water Extract Induces Apoptosis in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HepG2) Cells via ERK1/2/Akt1/JNK1 Signaling Pathways

Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen, called sapodilla, or locally known as ciku, belongs to the family Sapotaceae. We found that Manilkara zapota leaf water extract has cytotoxic effect against human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell line in our earlier study. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the anticancer properties of Manilkara zapota leaf water extract in HepG2 cells. We also aimed to unravel yet undiscovered mechanisms and identified several expressed genes whose functions in cytotoxicity activity of Manilkara zapota leaf water extract in HepG2 cells have not been well-studied. The apoptosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) activities were analyzed using Annexin V-propidium iodide staining and dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, respectively, by NovoCyte Flow Cytometer. Bax and Bcl-2 expression were assessed using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. The associated molecular pathways were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR. Overall analyses revealed that Manilkara zapota leaf water extract can increase percentage of early apoptotic cells, induce the formation of ROS, upregulate c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and reduce Akt1 and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) transcriptional activities. Our data suggest that Manilkara zapota leaf water extract can suppress the growth of HepG2 cells via modulation of ERK1/2/Akt1/JNK1 transcriptional expression.

Selective anti-tumor activity of wogonin targeting the Warburg effect through stablizing p53

Most cancer cells generate energy through aerobic glycolysis to enable their rapid growth and proliferation, which is a phenomenon known as Warburg effect. Inhibition of aerobic glycolysis reduces lactate and ATP generation in cancer cells, and ultimately kills tumor cells. Increasing evidence suggests that wogonin, a flavonoid isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, exhibits potent anti-tumor effects in vivo and in vitro. However, the role of wogonin in the aerobic glycolysis of tumor cells has not yet been elucidated. In this study, the effect of wogonin on glucose uptake, lactate generation and ATP content is assessed in colon, ovarian and hepatocellular cancer cells. The results indicate that wogonin reduces glycolysis and cell proliferation in cancer cells expressing wild-type p53 but not mutated p53. Wogonin increases the expression of p53 and p53-inducible glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR), while decreases glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and some key glycolytic enzymes. Expressing wild-type and mutant-type p53 in HCT116 p53^-/- cells proved that the inhibitory effect of wogonin on glycolysis in cancer cells is dependent on wild type p53. Mechanistically, wogonin induced the phosphorylation and acetylation of p53 and inhibited the expression of MDM2 to enhance the stability of p53. Furthermore, wogonin suppressed the growth and glycolysis of transplanted wild-type p53 expressing A2780 cells on nude mice, but did not affect mutant-type p53 expressing HT-29 cells. In conclusion, these findings explain the broad anti-tumor effect of wogonin, and offer a novel avenue for the therapeutic strategy in cancer.

Wogonin suppresses the LPS‑enhanced invasiveness of MDA‑MB‑231 breast cancer cells by inhibiting the 5‑LO/BLT2 cascade

Wogonin, a naturally occurring bioactive monoflavonoid isolated from Scutellariae radix (roots of Scutellariae baicalensis Georgi), has known anticancer effects. However, the molecular signaling mechanism by which wogonin inhibits invasiveness in breast cancer cells remains unclear. In the present study, it was observed that wogonin exerted an inhibitory effect on the lipopolysaccha-ride (LPS)-enhanced invasiveness of MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, wogonin inhibited the synthesis of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9), which are critical for promoting invasiveness in MDA-MB-231 cells. Wogonin also suppressed the expression of leukot-riene B4 receptor 2 (BLT2) and the synthesis of its ligand, by inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) in LPS-stimulated MDA-MB-231 cells. Notably, wogonin attenuated the production of IL-8 and MMP-9 by inhibiting the BLT2/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-linked cascade. Finally, in vivo, LPS-driven MDA-MB-231 cell metastasis was markedly suppressed by wogonin administration. Overall, the present results suggested that wogonin inhibited the 5-LO/BLT2/ERK/IL-8/MMP-9 signaling cascade and demonstrated that this cascade may be an important target through which wogonin exerts its anticancer effects in breast cancer.

Scutellaria: Debates on the anticancer property

The widespread use of plants as accessible anticancer agents leads to the identification of many natural source chemotherapeutic agents. Scutellaria one of the popular genus of flowering plants has been used for various human illnesses for thousands of years. Scutellaria has anti-metastatic, anti-proliferative, anti-invasion, anti-angiogenic and apoptosis effects in vitro as well as in vivo. Despite numerous reports on the cytotoxic-antitumor activity of the plant, there are still some issues need further consideration. Issues such as unjustified interpretations, lack of attention to the pharmacokinetics profile and weak study design may affect the final decision about the use of plants as anticancer agents and possibly needs reconsideration. In this review, we have summarized the potential health benefits of Scutellaria and its active components also the underlying mechanism of cytotoxicity and antitumor activity. Meanwhile we have discussed concerns may interfere with the precise conclusion.

Wogonin attenuates nasal polyp formation by inducing eosinophil apoptosis through HIF-1α and survivin suppression

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is an inflammatory sinonasal disorder characterized by eosinophilic inflammation and T-helper 2 skewing. Eosinophil accumulation in sinonasal mucosa comprises a major feature of CRSwNP. The study aimed to investigate the effect of the flavone wogonin in nasal polyposis by assessing its ability to induce eosinophil apoptosis in vitro and attenuate eosinophilic CRSwNP in mice. Double immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and immunoblotting were performed to evaluate hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, survivin, and apoptotic markers in the human eosinophilic EoL-1 cell line or sinonasal tissues from patients with CRS with or without NPs. In sinonasal specimens from patients with CRS, HIF-1α and survivin were up-regulated in eosinophils from patients with NPs compared with levels in patients without NPs. Under hypoxia, HIF-1α and survivin expression was up-regulated in EoL-1 cells. Wogonin down-regulated both HIF-1α and survivin in EoL-1 cells. In addition, overexpression of survivin protected EoL-1 cells against apoptosis in response to wogonin. Moreover, wogonin attenuated nasal polyp formation in a murine model. Our findings suggest that wogonin could induce caspase-3 activation by suppressing HIF-1α and survivin expression in EoL-1 cells. Further studies regarding novel therapeutic options for CRSwNP targeting eosinophil apoptosis are needed.

Sustained Cytotoxicity of Wogonin on Breast Cancer Cells by Encapsulation in Solid Lipid Nanoparticles

While wogonin has been known to have cytotoxicity against various cancer cells, its bioavailability and cytotoxicity are low due to its low water solubility. Therefore, wogonin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles were fabricated using a hot-melted evaporation technique. The highest solubility of wogonin was observed in stearic acid. Hence, wogonin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles were composed of stearic acid as the lipid matrix. The physicochemical properties of the wogonin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles were evaluated by dynamic laser scattering and scanning electron microscopy. The wogonin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles exhibited sustained and controlled release up to 72 h. In addition, it was observed that the wogonin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity and inhibited poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Overall, the results indicate that wogonin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles could be an efficient delivery system for the treatment of breast cancer.

Activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and the extrinsic apoptotic pathway in human lung cancer cells by the new synthetic flavonoid, LZ-205

It has been shown that flavonoids have anti-tumor activity. In this study, LZ-205, a newly synthesized flavonoid, was found to be effective in inducing apoptosis in human lung cancer cells in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, LZ-205 triggers reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response, which could be reversed by silencing CHOP, a mediator of the ER stress-associated apoptosis. In addition, LZ-205-induced apoptosis is accompanied by the activation of both the mitochondrial apoptotic and extrinsic pathways, followed by decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and the alteration of the expression of mitochondria-related pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins. LZ-205 exhibits a potential antitumor effect in BALB/c nude mice bearing H460 tumor with low systemic toxicity. In summary, both the ROS-mediated ER stress pathway and the exogenous apoptotic pathway are involved in LZ-205-induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Our data show a therapeutic potential of LZ-205 for the treatment of lung cancer.

Phytochemicals and PI3K Inhibitors in Cancer-An Insight

In today's world of modern medicine and novel therapies, cancer still remains to be one of the prime contributor to the death of people worldwide. The modern therapies improve condition of cancer patients and are effective in early stages of cancer but the advanced metastasized stage of cancer remains untreatable. Also most of the cancer therapies are expensive and are associated with adverse side effects. Thus, considering the current status of cancer treatment there is scope to search for efficient therapies which are cost-effective and are associated with lesser and milder side effects. Phytochemicals have been utilized for many decades to prevent and cure various ailments and current evidences indicate use of phytochemicals as an effective treatment for cancer. Hyperactivation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling cascades is a common phenomenon in most types of cancers. Thus, natural substances targeting PI3K pathway can be of great therapeutic potential in the treatment of cancer patients. This chapter summarizes the updated research on plant-derived substances targeting PI3K pathway and the current status of their preclinical studies and clinical trials.

Therapy Effects of Wogonin on Ovarian Cancer Cells

Background

Wogonin is a plant monoflavonoid and has been reported to induce apoptosis of cancer cells and show inhibitory effect on cancer cell growth. However, the detailed and underlying molecular mechanisms are not elucidated. In this study, we investigated the molecular and biological effects of wogonin in human ovarian A2780 cancer cells.

Materials and Methods

We determined the effects of wogonin on the changes of cell cycling and apoptotic responses of cells. Western blot analysis was used to measure the effects of wogonin on protein expressions.

Results

Our results showed that treatment with wogonin inhibited the cancer cell proliferation, decreased the percentage of G0/G1 subpopulation, and reduced invasiveness of A2780 cells. Exposure to wogonin also resulted in downregulated protein levels of estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α), VEGF, Bcl-2, and Akt and increased expressions of Bax and p53. In addition, exposure to wogonin increased caspase-3 cleavage and induced apoptosis in A2780 cells. Our study further showed that MPP, a specific ER-α inhibitor, significantly enhanced antitumor effects of wogonin in A2780 cells.

Conclusion

Our results suggest a potential clinical impact of wogonin on management of ovarian cancer.

Pikuni-Blackfeet traditional medicine: Neuroprotective activities of medicinal plants used to treat Parkinson's disease-related symptoms

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder affecting 5% of the population over the age of 85 years. Current treatments primarily involve dopamine replacement therapy, which leads to temporary relief of motor symptoms but fails to slow the underlying neurodegeneration. Thus, there is a need for safe PD therapies with neuroprotective activity. In this study, we analyzed contemporary herbal medicinal practices used by members of the Pikuni-Blackfeet tribe from Western Montana to treat PD-related symptoms, in an effort to identify medicinal plants that are affordable to traditional communities and accessible to larger populations.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aims of this study were to (i) identify medicinal plants used by the Pikuni-Blackfeet tribe to treat individuals with symptoms related to PD or other CNS disorders, and (ii) characterize a subset of the identified plants in terms of antioxidant and neuroprotective activities in cellular models of PD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Interviews of healers and local people were carried out on the Blackfeet Indian reservation. Plant samples were collected, and water extracts were produced for subsequent analysis. A subset of botanical extracts was tested for the ability to induce activation of the Nrf2-mediated transcriptional response and to protect against neurotoxicity elicited by the PD-related toxins rotenone and paraquat.

RESULTS

The ethnopharmacological interviews resulted in the documentation of 26 medicinal plants used to treat various ailments and diseases, including symptoms related to PD. Seven botanical extracts (out of a total of 10 extracts tested) showed activation of Nrf2-mediated transcriptional activity in primary cortical astrocytes. Extracts prepared from Allium sativum cloves, Trifolium pratense flowers, and Amelanchier arborea berries exhibited neuroprotective activity against toxicity elicited by rotenone, whereas only the extracts prepared from Allium sativum and Amelanchier arborea alleviated PQ-induced dopaminergic cell death.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the potential clinical utility of plants used for medicinal purposes over generations by the Pikuni-Blackfeet people, and they shed light on mechanisms by which the plant extracts could slow neurodegeneration in PD.

Hesperetin post-treatment prevents rat cardiomyocytes from hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in vitro via activating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

Hesperidin (HES), a citrus fruit extract, has beneficial effects on various ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) models. Here, we investigated the possible positive effect of hesperetin (HPT), an active metabolite of HES, and identified the potential molecular mechanisms involved in cardiomyocytes H/R-induced injury. To construct the cardiomyocyte model of hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury, cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were subjected to 3h of hypoxia followed by 3h of reoxygenation. Cell viability and apoptosis were detected. The levels of Apoptosis-related proteins and PI3K/Akt proteins were detected by western blot. Our results showed that HPT post-treatment significantly inhibited apoptosis by elevating the expression of Bcl-2, decreasing the expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3, and diminished the apoptotic cardiomyocytes ratio. Mechanism studies demonstrated that HPT post-treatment up-regulated the expression levels of p-PI3K, and p-Akt. Co-treatment of the cardiomyocytes with the PI3K/Akt-specific inhibitor LY294002 blocked the HPT-induced cardioprotective effects. Taken together, these data suggested that HPT post-treatment prevented cardiomyocytes from H/R injury in vitro most likely through the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Anti-tumor activity of wogonin, an extract from Scutellaria baicalensis, through regulating different signaling pathways

Wogonin is a plant flavonoid compound extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis (Huang-Qin or Chinese skullcap) and has been studied thoroughly by many researchers till date for its anti-viral, anti-oxidant, anti-cancerous and neuro-protective properties. Numerous experiments conducted in vitro and in vivo have demonstrated wogonin's excellent tumor inhibitory properties. The anti-cancer mechanism of wogonin has been ascribed to modulation of various cell signaling pathways, including serine-threonine kinase Akt (also known as protein kinase B) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways, p53-dependent/independent apoptosis, and inhibition of telomerase activity. Furthermore, wogonin also decreases DNA adduct formation with a carcinogenic compound 2-Aminofluorene and inhibits growth of drug resistant malignant cells and their migration and metastasis, without any side effects. Recently, newly synthesized wogonin derivatives have been developed with impressive anti-tumor activity. This review is the succinct appraisal of the pertinent articles on the mechanisms of anti-tumor properties of wogonin. We also summarize the potential of wogonin and its derivatives used alone or as an adjunct therapy for cancer treatment. Furthermore, pharmacokinetics and side effects of wogonin and its analogues have also been discussed.

Positively Charged Combinatory Drug Delivery Systems against Multi-Drug-Resistant Breast Cancer: Beyond the Drug Combination

The formation and development of cancer is usually accompanied by angiogenesis and is related to multiple pathways. The inhibition of one pathway by monotherapy might result in the occurrence of drug resistance, tumor relapse, or metastasis. Thus, a combinatory therapeutic system that targets several independent pathways simultaneously is preferred for the treatment. To this end, we prepared combinatory drug delivery systems consisting of cytotoxic drug SN38, pro-apoptotic KLAK peptide, and survivin siRNA with high drug loading capacity and reductive responsiveness for the treatment of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) cancer. With the help of positive charge and the synergistic effect of different drug, the combinatory systems inhibited the growth of doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer cells (MCF-7/ADR) efficiently. Interestingly, the systems without siRNA showed more superior in vivo anticancer efficacy than those with siRNA which exhibited enhanced in vitro cytotoxicity and pro-apoptotic ability. This phenomenon could be attributed to the preferential tumor accumulation, strong tumor penetration, and excellent tumor vasculature targeting ability of the combinatory micelles of SN38 and KLAK. As a result, a combinatory multitarget therapeutic system with positive charge induced tumor accumulation and vasculature targeting which can simultaneously inhibit the growth of both tumor cell and tumor vasculature was established. This work also enlightened us to the fact that the design of combinatory drug delivery systems is not just a matter of simple drug combination. Besides the cytotoxicity and pro-apoptotic ability, tumor accumulation, tumor penetration, or vascular targeting may also influence the eventual antitumor effect of the combinatory system.

High-dose wogonin exacerbates DSS-induced colitis by up-regulating effector T cell function and inhibiting Treg cell

Wogonin exerts anti‐tumour activities via multiple mechanisms. We have identified that high‐dose wogonin (50 or 100 mg/kg) could inhibit the growth of transplanted tumours by directly inducing tumour apoptosis and promoting DC, T and NK cell recruitment into tumour tissues to enhance immune surveillance. However, wogonin (20–50 μM) ex vivo prevents inflammation by inhibiting NF‐κB and Erk signalling of macrophages and epithelial cells. It is elusive whether high‐dose wogonin promotes or prevents inflammation. To investigate the effects of high‐dose wogonin on murine colitis induced by dextran sodium sulphate (DSS), mice were co‐treated with DSS and various doses of wogonin. Intraperitoneal administration of wogonin (100 mg/kg) exacerbated DSS‐induced murine colitis. More CD4⁺CD44⁺ and CD8⁺CD44⁺ cells were located in the inflamed colons in the wogonin (100 mg/kg) treatment group than in the other groups. Frequencies of CD4⁺CD25⁺CD127⁻ and CD4⁺CD25⁺ Foxp3⁺ cells in the colons and spleen respectively, were reduced by wogonin treatment. Ex vivo stimulations with high‐dose wogonin (50–100 μg/ml equivalent to 176–352 μM) could synergize with IL‐2 to promote the functions of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ cells. However, regulatory T cell induction was inhibited. Wogonin stimulated the activation of NF‐κB and Erk but down‐regulated STAT3 phosphorylation in the CD4⁺ T cells. Wogonin down‐regulated Erk and STAT3‐Y705 phosphorylation in the regulatory T cells but promoted NF‐κB and STAT3‐S727 activation. Our study demonstrated that high‐dose wogonin treatments would enhance immune activity by stimulating the effector T cells and by down‐regulating regulatory T cells.

Wogonin inhibits the proliferation and invasion, and induces the apoptosis of HepG2 and Bel7402 HCC cells through NF‑κB/Bcl-2, EGFR and EGFR downstream ERK/AKT signaling

The anticancer effects of the natural flavonoid, wogonin, have been reported. However, its molecular mechanisms of action have not yet been fully explored. In the present study, we aimed to examine the molecular mechanisms of action of wogonin and its effects on the biological behavior of the HepG2 and Bel7402 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines. We also examined the effects of wogonin on nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/Bcl-2 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling, as well as on downstream pathways of EGFR, namely extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/AKT signaling. We found that treatment with wogonin inhibited the proliferation and invasion, and induced the apoptosis of the HepG2 and Bel7402 cells. In addition, treatment with wogonin decreased cyclin D1, cyclin E, CDK4/6, Bcl-2 and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) expression, and promoted the cleavage of caspase-3 and caspase-9 in a concentration-dependent manner. Further experiments revealed that wogonin inhibited NF-κB/Bcl-2 signaling by decreasing the IκB and p65 phosphorylation levels. Wogonin also inhibited the activation of the EGFR (Tyr845) signaling pathway, and that of downstream pathways of EGFR, namely ERK/AKT/MMP2 signaling. The depletion of EGFR by siRNA partly abolished the inhibitory effects of wogonin on cyclin D1, MMP2 expression. On the whole, our our findings demonstrate that wogonin effectively suppresses the proliferation, invasion and survival of HCC cells through the modulation of the NF-κB and EGFR signaling pathways.

Advances of wogonin, an extract from Scutellaria baicalensis, for the treatment of multiple tumors

As the major bioactive compound of Scutellaria baicalensis that has been approved to be effective as an anti-inflammatory and antiviral inhibitor in cardiovascular diseases, wogonin (WG) showed potent and promising antitumor effects both in vitro and in vivo. It has been proved that WG has the ability to inhibit the growth of tumor cells, induce apoptosis, and suppress angiogenesis. The molecular mechanisms involve reactive oxygen species, Ca²⁺, NF-κB, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of WG with 5-fluorouracil, etoposide, and adriamycin to enhance chemotherapy and reverse drug resistance has also been confirmed. In this review, we summarize the advances in recent years on the antitumor effect of WG on multiple tumors; in addition, we also present information regarding the synergistic and chemosensitizing effects of WG with other drugs to illustrate its potential use in the clinic.

FV-429 induces apoptosis and inhibits glycolysis by inhibiting Akt-mediated phosphorylation of hexokinase II in MDA-MB-231 cells

In this study, the anticancer effect of a newly synthesized flavonoid FV-429, against human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells, and the underlying mechanisms were investigated. FV-429 triggered the apoptosis and simultaneously inhibited the glycolysis of MDA-MB-231 cells. Both the HK II activity and its level in mitochondria were significantly down regulated by FV-429. Moreover, FV-429 weakened the interaction between HKII and VDAC, stimulated the detachment of HK II from the mitochondria, and resulted in the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pores. Thus FV-429 induced the mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, showing increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and activation of caspase-3 and -9, cytochrome c (Cyt c) release, and apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) transposition. Further research revealed that the phosphorylation of mitochondrial HKII via Akt was responsible for the dissociation of HKII and the decreased HKII activity induced by FV-429. Taken together, FV-429 inhibited the phosphorylation of HKII, down-regulated its activity, and stimulated the release of HKII from the mitochondria, resulting the inhibited glycolysis and mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. The studies provide a molecular basis for the development of flavonoid compounds as novel anticancer agents for breast cancer. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

LW-213 induces G2/M cell cycle arrest through AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway in human breast cancer cells

LW-213 is a derivative of Wogonin and the anticancer activities of Wogonin have been reported. To study whether LW-213 inhibits cancer cells and explore a possible mechanism, we investigate the compound in several cancer cell lines. We found LW-213 arrests G2/M cycle in breast cancer cells by suppression of Akt/Gsk3β/β-catenin signaling pathway. In compound treated cells, cell cycle-related proteins cyclin A, cyclin B1, p-CDK1, p-Cdc25C, and p-Chk2 (Thr68) were upregulated, and β-catenin nuclear translocation was inhibited. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed LW-213 inhibits binding of β-catenin/LEF complex to DNA. GSK3β inhibitor LiCl and siRNA against GSK3β partially reversed G2/M arrest in breast cancer MCF-7 cells. These results suggest LW-213 triggered G2/M cell cycle arrest through suppression of β-catenin signaling. In BALB/c mice, growth of xenotransplanted MCF-7 tumor was also inhibited after treatment of LW-213. Regulation of cyclin A, cyclin B1, and β-catenin by LW-213 in vivo was the same as in vitro study. In conclusion, we found LW-213 exerts its anticancer effect on cell proliferation and cell cycle through repression of Akt/Gsk3β/β-catenin signaling pathway. LW-213 could be a potential candidate for anticancer drug development.

Natural compounds and pharmaceuticals reprogram leukemia cell differentiation pathways

In addition to apoptosis resistance and cell proliferation capacities, the undifferentiated state also characterizes most cancer cells, especially leukemia cells. Cell differentiation is a multifaceted process that depends on complex regulatory networks that involve transcriptional, post-transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of gene expression. The time- and spatially-dependent expression of lineage-specific genes and genes that control cell growth and cell death is implicated in the process of maturation. The induction of cancer cell differentiation is considered an alternative approach to elicit cell death and proliferation arrest. Differentiation therapy has mainly been developed to treat acute myeloid leukemia, notably with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). Numerous molecules from diverse natural or synthetic origins are effective alone or in association with ATRA in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. During the last two decades, pharmaceuticals and natural compounds with various chemical structures, including alkaloids, flavonoids and polyphenols, were identified as potential differentiating agents of hematopoietic pathways and osteogenesis.

Wogonin induces apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress in HL-60 leukemia cells through inhibition of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway

Wogonin is a flavonoid isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis root and has multiple pharmacological effects, including anticancer effects. Recent studies have shown that wogonin induces cell cycle arrest and reverses multi-drug resistance in the human K562 leukemia cell line. However, its pharmacological function in the apoptosis of leukemia cells remains unknown. Therefore, we hypothesized that wogonin can induce apoptosis in the HL-60 leukemia cell line. In the present study, the HL-60 cells were treated with different doses of wogonin (0-150 µM). Wogonin inhibited the viability of HL-60 cells in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. Flow cytometry and analyses of caspase and PARP-1 activation and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, demonstrated that the cytotoxic effect of wogonin on HL-60 cells was mediated by caspase-dependent and mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis. Wogonin also induced the expression of certain members of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathway (CHOP, GRP94 and GRP78) and the activation of multiple branches of ER stress transducers (IRE1α, PERK-eIF2α and ATF6) in the HL-60 cells. In addition, wogonin reduced the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT in the HL-60 cells. Furthermore, constitutive activation of AKT induced by adenoviral vectors inhibited the pro-apoptotic effects and ER stress induced by wogonin in the HL-60 cells. In summary, our results indicated that wogonin induced apoptosis and ER stress in HL-60 cells, which was mediated by the inhibition of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.