Indirubin shows anti-angiogenic activity in an in vivo zebrafish model and an in vitro HUVEC model

Characterization of PANoptosis-related genes and the immune landscape in moyamoya disease

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a cerebrovascular narrowing and occlusive condition characterized by progressive stenosis of the terminal portion of the internal carotid artery and the formation of an abnormal network of dilated, fragile perforators at the base of the brain. However, the role of PANoptosis, an apoptotic mechanism associated with vascular disease, has not been elucidated in MMD. In our study, a total of 40 patients' genetic data were included, and a total of 815 MMD-related differential genes were screened, including 215 upregulated genes and 600 downregulated genes. Among them, DNAJA3, ESR1, H19, KRT18 and STK3 were five key genes. These five key genes were associated with a variety of immune cells and immune factors. Moreover, GSEA (gene set enrichment analysis) and GSVA (gene set variation analysis) showed that the different expression levels of the five key genes affected multiple signaling pathways associated with MMD. In addition, they were associated with the expression of MMD-related genes. Then, based on the five key genes, a transcription factor regulatory network was constructed. In addition, targeted therapeutic drugs against MMD-related genes were obtained by the Cmap drug prediction method: MST-312, bisacodyl, indirubin, and tropanyl-3,5-dimethylbenzoate. These results suggest that the PANoptosis-related genes may contribute to the pathogenesis of MMD through multiple mechanisms.

The Fundamental Role of Oxime and Oxime Ether Moieties in Improving the Physicochemical and Anticancer Properties of Structurally Diverse Scaffolds

The present review explores the critical role of oxime and oxime ether moieties in enhancing the physicochemical and anticancer properties of structurally diverse molecular frameworks. Specific examples are carefully selected to illustrate the distinct contributions of these functional groups to general strategies for molecular design, modulation of biological activities, computational modeling, and structure-activity relationship studies. An extensive literature search was conducted across three databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scifinder, enabling us to create one of the most comprehensive overviews of how oximes and oxime ethers impact antitumor activities within a wide range of structural frameworks. This search focused on various combinations of keywords or their synonyms, related to the anticancer activity of oximes and oxime ethers, structure-activity relationships, mechanism of action, as well as molecular dynamics and docking studies. Each article was evaluated based on its scientific merit and the depth of the study, resulting in 268 cited references and more than 336 illustrative chemical structures carefully selected to support this analysis. As many previous reviews focus on one subclass of this extensive family of compounds, this report represents one of the rare and fully comprehensive assessments of the anticancer potential of this group of molecules across diverse molecular scaffolds.

Topical Application of Baicalin Combined with Echinacoside Ameliorates Psoriatic Skin Lesions by Suppressing the Inflammation-Related TNF Signaling Pathway and the Angiogenesis-Related VEGF Signaling Pathway

Baicalin (BAI), the main active component of Scutellaria baicalensis, has significant anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Echinacoside (ECH), an active component from Echinacea purpurea, has significant antiangiogenesis and antioxidant effects. In previous studies, BAI or ECH has been used for some skin inflammation problems by topical treatment. Psoriasis (PSO) is a common inflammatory skin disease with typical features such as excessive inflammatory response and vascular proliferation in skin lesions. Because of the anti-inflammatory effect of BAI and the antiangiogenic activity of ECH, it is proposed that the combination of BAI and ECH can ameliorate psoriatic skin lesions better than a single component. This study aims to explore the effects and potential mechanisms of BAI combined with ECH on imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriatic skin lesions by topical treatment. Transcriptome analysis first showed that the TNF signaling pathway and the VEGF signaling pathway were significantly enriched in IMQ-induced psoriatic skin lesions. Topical application of BAI combined with ECH could ameliorate IMQ-induced skin lesions in mice, especially the better effects of B2-E1 (BAI/ECH = 2:1). Network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking indicated that BAI-treated PSO on the skin by regulating the TNF signaling pathway, and ECH treated PSO on the skin by regulating the VEGF signaling pathway. Meanwhile, the ELISA test and the qPCR assay showed that BAI combined with ECH could inhibit the expression of key cytokines and genes related to the TNF signaling pathway and the VEGF signaling pathway. Zebrafish experiments demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic effects of BAI combined with ECH and revealed the potential mechanisms associated with regulating the inflammation-related TNF signaling pathway and the angiogenesis-related VEGF signaling pathway. This suggested that BAI combined with ECH may be a promising topical agent to ameliorate psoriatic skin lesions in the future.

Development of Curcumin and Piperine-Loaded Bio-Active Self-Nanoemulsifying Drugs and Investigation of Their Bioactivity in Zebrafish Embryos and Human Hematological Cancer Cell Lines

Purpose

Curcumin (CUR) and piperine (PP) are bioactive compounds with prominent pharmacological activities that have been investigated for the treatment of various diseases. The aim of the present study is to develop Bio-SNEDDS for CUR and PP as a combined delivery system for cancer therapy.

Methods

CUR and PP loaded Bio-SNEDDSs with varying compositions of bioactive lipid oils, surfactants, and cosolvents were prepared at room temperature. Bio-SNEDDSs were characterized using a Zetasizer Nano particle size analyzer and further examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for morphology. The in vivo toxicity of the preparations of Bio-SNEDDS was investigated in wild-type zebrafish embryos and cytotoxicity in THP-1 (human leukemia monocytic cells), Jurkat (human T lymphocyte cells) and HUVEC (non-cancerous normal) cells.

Results

Bio-SNEDDSs were successfully developed with black seed oil, Imwitor 988, Transcutol P and Cremophor RH40 at a ratio of 20/20/10/50 (%w/w). The droplet size, polydispersity index and zeta potential of the optimized Bio-SNEDDS were found to be 42.13 nm, 0.59, and -19.30 mV, respectively. Bio-SNEDDS showed a spherical structure evident by TEM analysis. The results showed that Bio-SNEDDS did not induce toxicity in zebrafish embryos at concentrations between 0.40 and 30.00 μg/mL. In TG (fli1: EGFP) embryos treated with Bio-SNEDDS, there was no change in the blood vessel structure. The O-dianisidine staining of Bio-SNEDDS treated embryos at 48 h post-fertilization also showed a significant reduction in the number of blood cells compared to mock (DMSO 0.1% V/V) treated embryos. Bio-SNEDDS induced significant levels of cytotoxicity in the hematological cell lines THP-1 and Jurkat, while low toxicity in normal HUVEC cell lines was observed with IC50 values of 18.63±0.23 μg/mL, 26.03 ± 1.5 μg/mL and 17.52 ± 0.22 μg/mL, respectively.

Conclusion

Bio-SNEDDS exhibited enhanced anticancer activity and could thus be an important new pharmaceutical formulation to treat leukemia.

Indirubin Inhibits TRAIL-Induced Activation of Death Receptor 5 in Jurkat Cells

Death receptor 5 (DR5) is an apoptosis-inducing membrane receptor that mediates cell death in several life-threatening conditions. There is a crucial need for the discovery of DR5 antagonists for the therapeutic intervention of conditions in which the overactivation of DR5 underlies the pathophysiology. DR5 activation mediates cell death in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and neurodegenerative processes including amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation, spinal cord injury (SCI), and brain ischemia. In the current work, we used fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to monitor the conformational dynamics of DR5 that mediate death signaling. We used a time-resolved FRET screening platform to screen the Selleck library of 2863 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved compounds. The high-throughput screen (HTS) identified 13 compounds that modulated the FRET between DR5 monomers beyond 5 median absolute deviations (MADs) from the DMSO controls. Of these 13 compounds, indirubin was identified to specifically inhibit tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced caspase-8 activity without modulating DR5 surface expression or TRAIL binding. Indirubin inhibited Fas-associated death domain (FADD) oligomerization and increased cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) expression; both are molecular mechanisms involved in inhibiting the DR5 signaling cascade. This study has elucidated previously unknown properties of indirubin that make it a promising candidate for therapeutic investigation of diseases in which overactivation of DR5 underlies pathology.

Vinegar-processed Curcuma phaeocaulis promotes anti-angiogenic activity and reduces toxicity in zebrafish and rat models

CONTEXT

Processing with vinegar could enhance the efficacy and reduce the toxicity of Curcuma phaeocaulis Valeton. (Zingiberaceae), a Chinese herbal medicine with anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the vinegar processing effects by evaluating anti-angiogenic effect and toxicity of C. phaeocaulis through zebrafish and rat models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Zebrafish embryos (AB and FLk-GFP strain) were applied to evaluate toxicity, cardiotoxicity and anti-angiogenic activity of volatile oil, and water decoction of the raw and vinegar-processed C. phaeocaulis. Meanwhile, a blood stasis syndrome rat model was applied to study the toxicity by measuring the ovarian and uterine coefficient.

RESULTS

Curcuma phaeocaulis volatile oil and its vinegar-processed products in zebrafish had an LC₅₀ of 67.315 and 95.755 μg/mL, respectively. Curcuma phaeocaulis water decoction and its vinegar-processed products had an LC₅₀ of 161.440 and 206.239 μg/mL, respectively. The toxicity of vinegar-processed products was significantly lower than the raw, and the development characteristic of zebrafish embryos at different times confirmed these results. The volatile oil of vinegar-processed products could inhibit the growth of intersegmental blood vessels at the dose of 20 μg/mL, while the raw materials did not exhibit such effect at the same concentration. The rat experiment also confirmed that the volatile oil could reduce toxicity of ovarian and uterine.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The study indicated that processing using vinegar could decrease toxicity and increase anti-angiogenic activity of C. phaeocaulis, which could be applied for clinical treatment. Further in-depth study on the synergism and detoxification mechanism of vinegar processing technology is needed.

Anticancer potential of indirubins in medicinal chemistry: Biological activity, structural modification, and structure-activity relationship

Indirubin is the crucial ingredient of Danggui Longhui Wan and Qing-Dai, traditional Chinese medicine herbal formulas used for the therapy of chronic myelocytic leukemia in China for hundreds of years. Although the monomeric indirubin has been used in China for the treatment human chronic myelocytic leukemia. However, due to low water solubility, poor pharmacokinetic properties and low therapeutic effects are the major obstacle, and had significantly limited its clinical application. Consequently, the attractive anticancer profile of indirubin has enthused numerous researchers to discover novel indirubin derivatives with improved pharmacodynamic activity as well as good pharmacokinetic property. In this paper, we comprehensively review the recent progress of anticancer potential of indirubins, structural modification and structure-activity relationship, which may provide useful direction for the further development of novel indirubins with improved pharmacological profiles for the treatment of various types of cancer.

Crocetin and Its Glycoside Crocin, Two Bioactive Constituents From Crocus sativus L. (Saffron), Differentially Inhibit Angiogenesis by Inhibiting Endothelial Cytoskeleton Organization and Cell Migration Through VEGFR2/SRC/FAK and VEGFR2/MEK/ERK Signaling Pathways

Crocetin and crocin are two important carotenoids isolated from saffron (Crocus sativus L.), which have been used as natural biomedicines with beneficial effects for improving the suboptimal health status associated with abnormal angiogenesis. However, the anti-angiogenic effects and underlying mechanisms of the effects of crocetin and crocin have not been investigated and compared. The anti-angiogenic effects of crocetin and crocin were tested on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro, and in zebrafish in vivo. In vivo, crocetin (20 μM) and crocin (50 and 100 μM) significantly inhibited subintestinal vein vessels formation, and a conversion process between them existed in zebrafish, resulting in a difference in their effective concentrations. In the HUVEC model, crocetin (10, 20 and 40 μM) and crocin (100, 200 and 400 μM) inhibited cell migration and tube formation, and inhibited the phosphorylation of VEGFR2 and its downstream pathway molecules. In silico analysis further showed that crocetin had a higher ability to bind with VEGFR2 than crocin. These results suggested that crocetin was more effective than crocin in inhibiting angiogenesis through regulation of the VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling pathway. These compounds, especially crocetin, are potential candidate natural biomedicines for the management of diseases associated with abnormal blood vessel growth, such as age-related macular degeneration.

Preparation and investigation of indirubin-loaded SLN nanoparticles and their anti-cancer effects on human glioblastoma U87MG cells

Indirubin, an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine, is considered as an anti-cancer agent. However, due to its hydrophobic nature, clinical efficiency has been limited. Drug delivery via nanotechnology techniques open new windows toward treatment of cancerous patients. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most severe and common type of brain primary tumors. Of common problems in targeting therapies of glioblastoma is the availability of drug in tumoric tissues. In this study, Indirubin loaded solid lipid nanoparticles were prepared and their therapeutic potentials and antitumoric effects were assessed on GBM cell line (U87MG). The SLNs were prepared with Cetyl palmitate and Polysorbat 80 via high-pressure homogenization (HPH) methods in hot mode. Then, properties of SLNs including size, zeta potential, drug encapsulation efficacy (EE %) and drug loading were characterized. SLNs morphology and size were observed using SEM and TEM. The crystalinity of formulation was determined by different scattering calorimetry (DSC). The amount of drug release and antitumor efficiency were evaluated at both normal brain pH of 7.2 and tumoric pH of 6.8. The prapared SLNs had mean size of 130 nm, zeta potential of -16 mV and EE of 99.73%. The results of DSC showed proper encapsulation of drug into SLNs. Drug release assessment in both pH displayed sustain release property. The result of MTT test exhibited a remarkable increment in antitumor activity of Indirubin loaded SLN in comparison with free form of drug and blank SLN on multiform GB. This study indicated that Indirubin loaded SLNs could act as a useful anticancer drugs.

Simultaneous ultra-high frequency photoacoustic microscopy and photoacoustic radiometry of zebrafish larvae in vivo

With their optically transparent appearance, zebrafish larvae are readily imaged with optical-resolution photoacoustic (PA) microscopy (OR-PAM). Previous OR-PAM studies have mapped endogenous chromophores (e.g. melanin and hemoglobin) within larvae; however, anatomical features cannot be imaged with OR-PAM alone due to insufficient optical absorption. We have previously reported on the photoacoustic radiometry (PAR) technique, which can be used simultaneously with OR-PAM to generate images dependent upon the optical attenuation properties of a sample. Here we demonstrate application of the duplex PAR/PA technique for label-free imaging of the anatomy and vasculature of zebrafish larvae in vivo at 200 and 400 MHz ultrasound detection frequencies. We then use the technique to assess the effects of anti-angiogenic drugs on the development of the larval vasculature. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of simultaneous PAR/PA for acquiring anatomical images of optically transparent samples in vivo, and its potential applications in assessing drug efficacy and embryonic development.

Deciphering Key Pharmacological Pathways of Qingdai Acting on Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Using a Network Pharmacology-Based Strategy

Qingdai, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with good efficacy, has been used in China for decades. However, due to the complexity of traditional Chinese medicinal compounds, the pharmacological mechanism of Qingdai needs further research. In this study, we investigated the pharmacological mechanisms of Qingdai in the treatment of CML using network pharmacology approaches.

First, components in Qingdai that were selected by pharmacokinetic profiles and biological activity predicted putative targets based on a combination of 2D and 3D similarity measures with known ligands. Then, an interaction network of Qingdai putative targets and known therapeutic targets for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia was constructed. By calculating the 4 topological features (degree, betweenness, closeness, and coreness) of each node in the network, we identified the candidate Qingdai targets according to their network topological importance. The composite compounds of Qingdai and the corresponding candidate major targets were further validated by a molecular docking simulation.

Seven components in Qingdai were selected and 32 candidate Qingdai targets were identified; these were more frequently involved in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, cell cycle, p53 signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and immune system-related pathways, which all play important roles in the progression of CML. Finally, the molecular docking simulation showed that 23 pairs of chemical components and candidate Qingdai targets had effective binding.

This network-based pharmacology study suggests that Qingdai acts through the regulation of candidate targets to interfere with CML and thus regulates the occurrence and development of CML.

Pro-angiogenic effects of Ilexsaponin A1 on human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro and zebrafish in vivo

BACKGROUND

Ilexsaponin A1 is the major bioactive ingredient of Ilex pubescens Hook. et Arn. This plant has been conventionally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases including stroke, coronary arterial disease, and peripheral vascular diseases.

PURPOSE

To investigate the pro-angiogenic effect of Ilexsaponin A1 and its mechanism of action.

STUDY DESIGN

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and transgenic zebrafish Tg(fli1:EGFP) were employed as an in vitro and in vivo model respectively.

METHODS

Pro-angiogenic effects of Ilexsaponin A1 were examined by assessing endothelial cell proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation. The mechanism of pro-angiogenic effects was investigated by measuring the expression level of various signalling proteins. Furthermore, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) tyrosine kinase inhibitor II (VRI)-induced vascular insufficient transgenic zebrafish model was used to confirm the results of the HUVECs results in vivo.

RESULTS

Ilexsaponin A1 significantly promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation in HUVECs, and rescued blood vessel loss in VRI-induced vascular insufficient zebrafish. Ilexsaponin A1 upregulated p-Akt, p-mTOR, p-Src, p-FAK, p-MEK, and p-Erk1/2 in HUVECs.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that Ilexsaponin A1 exhibits pro-angiogenic activity in HUVECs and VRI-induced vascular insufficient zebrafish, probably by activating Akt/mTOR, MAPK/ERK and Src- and FAK-dependent signalling pathways. The findings suggest that Ilexsaponin A1 and probably I. pubescens, a major source of Ilexsaponin A1, could be developed as a potential therapeutic agent for preventing or treating cardiovascular diseases and/or other diseases related to vascular insufficiency.

Zebrafish: A promising in vivo model for assessing the delivery of natural products, fluorescence dyes and drugs across the blood-brain barrier

The blood brain barrier (BBB) is the network of capillaries that controls the passage of substances from the blood into the brain and other parts of the central nervous system (CNS). As this barrier is the major obstacle for drug delivery into CNS, a credible BBB model is very necessary to assess the BBB permeability of novel neuroactive compounds including thousands of bioactive compounds which have been extracted from medicinal plants and have the potential for the treatment of CNS diseases. Increasing reports indicated that zebrafish has emerged as a timely, reproducible model for BBB permeability assessment. In this review, the development and functions of the BBB in zebrafish, such as its anatomical morphology, tight junctions, drug transporters and enzyme expression, are compared with those in mammals. The studies outlined in this review describe the utilization of the zebrafish as a BBB model to investigate the permeability and distribution of fluorescent dyes and drugs. Particularly, this review focuses on the use of zebrafish to evaluate the delivery of natural products and nanosized drug delivery systems across the BBB. Due to the highly conserved nature of both the structure and function of the BBB between zebrafish and mammals, zebrafish has the potential to be developed as a model for assessing and predicting the permeability of BBB to novel compounds.

In vivo SAR and STR analyses of alkaloids from Picrasma quassioides identify 1-hydroxymethyl-8-hydroxy-β-carboline as a novel natural angiogenesis inhibitor

Twenty alkaloids were obtained from the anti-angiogenic fraction of Picrasma quassioides and their SAR/STR were studies by a zebrafish model. We had identified 3 as an angiogenesis inhibitor and confirmed in vitro.

Zebrafish models of cardiovascular diseases and their applications in herbal medicine research

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has recently become a powerful animal model for cardiovascular research and drug discovery due to its ease of maintenance, genetic manipulability and ability for high-throughput screening. Recent advances in imaging techniques and generation of transgenic zebrafish have greatly facilitated in vivo analysis of cellular events of cardiovascular development and pathogenesis. More importantly, recent studies have demonstrated the functional similarity of drug metabolism systems between zebrafish and humans, highlighting the clinical relevance of employing zebrafish in identifying lead compounds in Chinese herbal medicine with potential beneficial cardiovascular effects. This paper seeks to summarise the scope of zebrafish models employed in cardiovascular studies and the application of these research models in Chinese herbal medicine to date.

Indirubin and Indirubin Derivatives for Counteracting Proliferative Diseases

Indirubin is the active component of Danggui Longhui Wan, a traditional Chinese medicine formulation. The encouraging clinical results from the 1980s obtained in chronic myelocytic leukemia patients treated with indirubin stimulated numerous studies on this compound. These investigations explored the use of indirubin in different types of cancer and reported the synthesis of novel derivatives with improved chemical and pharmacokinetic properties. In this paper, we review the impressive progress that has been made in elucidating the mechanistic understanding of how indirubin and its derivatives affect physiological and pathophysiological processes, mainly by inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of cell death. Furthermore, we survey the therapeutic use of these compounds in combating proliferative diseases such as cancer, restenosis, and psoriasis.

rAdinbitor, a disintegrin from Agkistrodon halys brevicaudus stejneger, inhibits tumorigenicity of hepatocarcinoma via enhanced anti-angiogenesis and immunocompetence

Adinbitor is a disintegrin previously obtained from Agkistrodon halys brevicaudus stejneger by our group. Here, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activities of recombinant Adinbitor (rAdinbitor). rAdinbitor stimulation can inhibit the in vitro proliferation, migration and invasion capacities of murine hepatocarcinoma H22 and Hca-F cells. The administrations of rAdinbitor either by gavage or intraperitoneal injection suppress the tumor malignancy and prolong the survival rate and time of H22-transplanted mice. The number and size of formed blood vessels decreased dramatically in tumorous tissues in that the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cluster of differentiation 34 (CD34) were significantly decreased in responding to rAdinbitor treatment. The protein levels of IL-18 and IgG increased significantly in the serum of H22-transplanted tumor mice with rAdinbitor treatment. rAdinbitor shows in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor effects as an angiogenesis inhibitor and immunocompetence enhancer.

Anti-inflammatory effect of enzymatic hydrolysates from Styela clava flesh tissue in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and in vivo zebrafish model

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

In this study, potential anti-inflammatory effect of enzymatic hydrolysates from Styela clava flesh tissue was assessed via nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccahride (LPS) induced RAW 264.7 macrophages and in vivo zebrafish model.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We investigated the ability of enzymatic hydrolysates from Styela clava flesh tissue to inhibit LPS-induced expression of pro-inflammatory mediators in RAW 264.7 macrophages, and the molecular mechanism through which this inhibition occurred. In addition, we evaluated anti-inflammatory effect of enzymatic hydrolysates against a LPS-exposed in in vivo zebrafish model.

RESULTS

Among the enzymatic hydrolysates, Protamex-proteolytic hydrolysate exhibited the highest NO inhibitory effect and was fractionated into three ranges of molecular weight by using ultrafiltration (UF) membranes (MWCO 5 kDa and 10 kDa). The above 10 kDa fraction down-regulated LPS-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), thereby reducing production of NO and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The above 10 kDa fraction suppressed LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. In addition, the above 10 kDa fraction inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38. Furthermore, NO production in live zebrafish induced by LPS was reduced by addition of the above 10 kDa fraction from S. clava enzymatic hydrolysate.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggested that hydrolysates derived from S. clava flesh tissue would be new anti-inflammation materials in functional resources.

Effects of PTEN on the longevity of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells: the role of antioxidants

Ageing is a major cause of illness, disease and mortality, mainly due to the shortening of telomeres, resulting in cells undergoing senescence and apoptosis. Increasing autophagy and the levels of antioxidants removes oxidants that cause DNA and telomere damage, thus reducing the rate at which telomeres shorten, resulting in a longer cellular lifespan. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) has been shown to increase the lifespan of organisms by upregulating pathways involved in DNA damage repair, autophagy/antioxidants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the overexpression of PTEN on the longevity of human cell cultures by examining the increase in antioxidant potential. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) cultures were transfected with PTEN plasmids using lipofectamine. An assay was performed to quantify the protein levels of PTEN and the antioxidant potential of the cell cultures. The cell cultures were maintained until senescence occurred in order to determine longevity. The results of each assay were then compared and correlated with each other and with the longevity of the cells. The transfected cultures showed a significant increase in PTEN protein levels, total antioxidant potential and longevity (all P-values <0.001) compared with the non-transfected cell cultures. The correlation coefficient between cell longevity and PTEN levels was 0.8727; and the correlation coefficient between cell longevity and antioxidant potential was 0.6564. The successful transfection of PTEN led to an increase in PTEN levels, antioxidant potential and an increased cellular longevity. This study demonstrates that there is a potential for PTEN to be used to extend human longevity. This can lay the foundation for further studies to be carried out on humans involving PTEN and longevity.

Tumor-targeted in vivo gene silencing via systemic delivery of cRGD-conjugated siRNA

RNAi technology is taking strong position among the key therapeutic modalities, with dozens of siRNA-based programs entering and successfully progressing through clinical stages of drug development. To further explore potentials of RNAi technology as therapeutics, we engineered and tested VEGFR2 siRNA molecules specifically targeted to tumors through covalently conjugated cyclo(Arg-Gly-Asp-d-Phe-Lys[PEG-MAL]) (cRGD) peptide, known to bind αvβ3 integrin receptors. cRGD-siRNAs were demonstrated to specifically enter and silence targeted genes in cultured αvβ3 positive human cells (HUVEC). Microinjection of zebrafish blastocysts with VEGFR2 cRGD-siRNA resulted in specific inhibition of blood vessel growth. In tumor-bearing mice, intravenously injected cRGD-siRNA molecules generated no innate immune response and bio-distributed to tumor tissues. Continuous systemic delivery of two different VEGFR2 cRGD-siRNAs resulted in down-regulation of corresponding mRNA (55 and 45%) and protein (65 and 45%) in tumors, as well as in overall reduction of tumor volume (90 and 70%). These findings demonstrate strong potential of cRGD-siRNA molecules as anti-tumor therapy.

Indole alkaloids from the roots of Isatis indigotica and their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production

Three rare indole-2-S-glycosides, indole-3-acetonitrile-2-S-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), indole-3-acetonitrile-4-methoxy-2-S-β-D-glucopyranoside (2) and N-methoxy-indole-3-acetonitrile-2-S-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), together with 11 known indole alkaloids were isolated from the roots of Isatis indigotica Fort. (Cruciferae). The structures of 1-3 were elucidated on the basis of mass spectrometry and extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. All of the isolated compounds were tested for inhibitory activity against LPS-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophages. A plausible biosynthesis pathway of 1-3 is also proposed.

Model organisms and traditional chinese medicine syndrome models

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an ancient medical system with a unique cultural background. Nowadays, more and more Western countries due to its therapeutic efficacy are accepting it. However, safety and clear pharmacological action mechanisms of TCM are still uncertain. Due to the potential application of TCM in healthcare, it is necessary to construct a scientific evaluation system with TCM characteristics and benchmark the difference from the standard of Western medicine. Model organisms have played an important role in the understanding of basic biological processes. It is easier to be studied in certain research aspects and to obtain the information of other species. Despite the controversy over suitable syndrome animal model under TCM theoretical guide, it is unquestionable that many model organisms should be used in the studies of TCM modernization, which will bring modern scientific standards into mysterious ancient Chinese medicine. In this review, we aim to summarize the utilization of model organisms in the construction of TCM syndrome model and highlight the relevance of modern medicine with TCM syndrome animal model. It will serve as the foundation for further research of model organisms and for its application in TCM syndrome model.

Zebrafish: a nontraditional model of traditional medicine

With a modern rise in the use of traditional medicines has come a need for model organisms that are amenable not only to treatment with these remedies, but also to testing the large number of potential therapeutics this field presents. The high-fecundity and rapid generation time of the zebrafish makes it a natural candidate for this endeavor. Additionally, the zebrafish shares genetic, anatomic and physiologic homology to higher order vertebrates. This review surveys the present state of phytotherapy research utilizing the zebrafish model organism. The studies herein described utilize the zebrafish for investigating plant-based effectors of hypercholesterolemia, angiogenesis, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. In addition to reviewing the present state of research in this area, the philosophical intersection of modern and traditional medical paradigms is discussed and future directions for investigations at this junction are suggested.

Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Evaluation of Cancer Inhibitory Activity of 4-[indol-3-yl-Methylene]-1H-pyrazol-5(4H)-one derivatives

A series of 4-(1 H-indol-3-yl-methylene)-1 H-pyrazol-5(4 H)-one derivatives have been synthesised. The Z structure of 4-[(1-methyl-1 H-indol-3-yl)methylene]-3-phenyl-1 -p-tolyl-1 H-pyrazol-5-one was determined by X-ray crystallography. The antitumour activity was evaluated against five cancer cells by MTT assay. [(1 H-Indol-3-yl)methylene]-1-(2,4-dini-trophenyl)-3-methyl-1 H-pyrazole-5-one and 4-{4-[(1-benzyl-1 H-indol-3-yl)methylene]-3-methyl-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1 H-pyrazol-1-yl}-benzoic acid have similar anticancer activity with 5-UF on the test cancer cells (exception of A375). Almost all the target compounds displayed antitumour activity against A549 and PC-9, and those with benzyl at 1-position of indole had higher activity against PC-9 (IC50 value lower than 30 μM). Those with benzyl at the indole and carboxyl at the phenyl part of of pyrazole were more active against PC-9 and A549 cells, providing a good indication for subsequent optimisation as lung cancer inhibitory agents.

In vitro and in vivo structure and activity relationship analysis of polymethoxylated flavonoids: identifying sinensetin as a novel antiangiogenesis agent

SCOPE

Polymethoxylated flavonoids are present in citrus fruit in a range of chemical structures and abundance. These compounds have potential for anticarcinogenesis, antitumor, and cardiovascular protective activity, but the effect on angiogenesis has not been well studied.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro and zebrafish (Danio rerio) in vivo models were used to screen and identify the antiangiogenesis activity of seven polymethoxylated flavonoids; namely, hesperetin, naringin, neohesperidin, nobiletin, scutellarein, scutellarein tetramethylether, and sinensetin. Five, excluding naringin and neohesperidin, showed different degrees of potency of antiangiogenesis activity. Sinensetin, which had the most potent antiangiogenesis activity and the lowest toxicity, inhibited angiogenesis by inducing cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase in HUVEC culture and downregulating the mRNA expressions of angiogenesis genes flt1, kdrl, and hras in zebrafish.

CONCLUSION

The in vivo structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis indicated that a flavonoid with a methoxylated group at the C3' position offers a stronger antiangiogenesis activity, whereas the absence of a methoxylated group at the C8 position offers lower lethal toxicity in addition to enhancing the antiangiogenesis activity. This study provides new insight into how modification of the chemical structure of polymethoxylated flavonoids affects this newly identified antiangiogenesis activity.

Anti-angiogenic activity of Erxian Decoction, a traditional Chinese herbal formula, in zebrafish

Erxian Decoction (EXD), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, has been used to treat menopausal symptoms and other aging diseases for several decades. Recently, our laboratory found that EXD could inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells. This activity may be mediated by anti-angiogenic action. To investigate the anti-angiogenic activity of EXD, its inhibitory effect on blood vessel formation was evaluated using both wild type and transgenic zebrafish embryos with fluorescent vasculature in vivo. Both semi-quantitative and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were carried out to evaluate the effect of EXD on the expression of several genes closely associated with angiogenesis in zebrafish. EXD was found to inhibit vessel formation in zebrafish embryos in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, it reduced the mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and the protein level of hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in the embryos, suggesting the involvement of HIF-1 mediated VEGF-A signaling pathway in the anti-angiogenic action of EXD. The anti-angiogenic activity of EXD provides new insights to its clinical application and may in the future lead to the development of potential drugs for treating various cancers, especially in menopausal period.

From omics to drug metabolism and high content screen of natural product in zebrafish: a new model for discovery of neuroactive compound

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has recently become a common model in the fields of genetics, environmental science, toxicology, and especially drug screening. Zebrafish has emerged as a biomedically relevant model for in vivo high content drug screening and the simultaneous determination of multiple efficacy parameters, including behaviour, selectivity, and toxicity in the content of the whole organism. A zebrafish behavioural assay has been demonstrated as a novel, rapid, and high-throughput approach to the discovery of neuroactive, psychoactive, and memory-modulating compounds. Recent studies found a functional similarity of drug metabolism systems in zebrafish and mammals, providing a clue with why some compounds are active in zebrafish in vivo but not in vitro, as well as providing grounds for the rationales supporting the use of a zebrafish screen to identify prodrugs. Here, we discuss the advantages of the zebrafish model for evaluating drug metabolism and the mode of pharmacological action with the emerging omics approaches. Why this model is suitable for identifying lead compounds from natural products for therapy of disorders with multifactorial etiopathogenesis and imbalance of angiogenesis, such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, cardiotoxicity, cerebral hemorrhage, dyslipidemia, and hyperlipidemia, is addressed.

Anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic effects of Macrothelypteris viridifrons and its constituents by HPLC-DAD/MS analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Macrothelypteris viridifrons is widely distributed in south of China and has been used as folk medicine to treat cancer, hydropsy, and traumatic bleeding.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the chemical constituents and the anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic effects of Macrothelypteris viridifrons.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An HPLC-DAD/MS technique was used to determine the flavonoid profile of Macrothelypteris viridifrons. The anti-tumor effect of Macrothelypteris viridifrons was evaluated by in vivo mice bearing H22 hepatoma cells transplantation tumor model. And the anti-angiogenic activity was investigated by measuring the effects on the in vitro proliferation, migration, and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, the in vivo zebrafish model was applied to evaluate the anti-angiogenic effect of Macrothelypteris viridifrons.

RESULTS

18 flavonoids were identified from Macrothelypteris viridifrons. Administration of Macrothelypteris viridifrons significantly inhibited the tumor growth and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD34. Meanwhile, Macrothelypteris viridifrons showed significant inhibition on proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs in vitro and the intersegmental vessels formation in zebrafish model.

CONCLUSIONS

Macrothelypteris viridifrons showed significant anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic effects and might be developed as a novel anti-tumor drug.

Zebrafish as a model for the study of human cancer

Zebrafish provide an exciting animal model system for the study of human cancers. During the last few years many zebrafish models of cancer have been generated that recapitulate human hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Concurrent technological advances have significantly improved the genetic tractability and unique advantage of in vivo imaging in zebrafish, providing a means to dissect the molecular pathways underlying tumor initiation, progression and metastasis. Comparisons of cancer-associated gene expression profiles have demonstrated a high degree of similarity in the gene signatures of specific types of tumor cells in fish and humans, indicating that the contributing genetic pathways leading to cancer are evolutionarily conserved. Furthermore, the high fecundity, optical clarity and small embryo size of zebrafish continue to make it particularly amenable to performing whole-organism small molecule screens to identify targets for therapeutic development. This chapter reviews a wide array of these zebrafish cancer models and illustrates the advantages of the zebrafish system for exploring the molecular mechanisms governing cancer-related cellular processes.

Inhibitory effects of Physalis angulata on tumor metastasis and angiogenesis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELAVENCE: Physalis angulata is well-known in traditional Chinese medicine as a ingredient for various herbal formulation; also, it has been shown to exhibit anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, the ability of P. angulata to inhibit tumor metastasis and angiogenesis was investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Anti-proliferative activity of ethyl acetate extracts of P. angulata (PA extracts), was determined against human oral squamous carcinoma (HSC-3) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by trypan blue exclusion method. Wound-healing migration, trans-well invasion, Western blotting and chick chorioallantoic membrane assay were carried out to determine the anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic effects of PA extracts in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that at sub-cytotoxic concentrations of PA extracts (5-15 μg/mL) markedly inhibited the migration and invasion of highly metastatic HSC-3 cells as shown by wound-healing repair assay and trans-well assay. Gelatin zymography assay showed that PA extracts suppressed the activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and -2, and urokinase plasminogen activator (u-PA) in HSC-3 cells. In addition, Western blot analysis confirmed that PA extracts significantly decreased MMP-2 and u-PA protein expression in HSC-3 cells. Notably, PA extracts significantly augmented the expression of their endogenous inhibitors, including tissue inhibitors of MMP (TIMP-1 and -2), and plasminogen activator inhibitors (PAI-1 and -2). Further investigations revealed that non-cytotoxic concentration of PA extracts (5-15 μg/mL) inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced proliferation, and migration/invasion of HUVECs in vitro. PA extracts also suppressed the activity of MMP-9, but not MMP-2, in HUVECs. Further, we observed, PA extracts strongly suppressed neovessel formation in the chorioallantoic membrane of chick embryos in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

These results strongly support an anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic activity of P. angulata that may contribute to the development of better chemopreventive agent for cancer and inflammation.