Anti-angiogenic effect of furanodiene on HUVECs in vitro and on zebrafish in vivo

Isopimpinellin extends antiangiogenic effect through overexpression of miR-15b-5p and downregulating angiogenic stimulators

BACKGROUND

Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels from an existing vasculature through a series of processes such as activation, proliferation, and directed migration of endothelial cells. Angiogenesis is instrumental in the metastatic spread of tumors. Isopimpinellin, a furanocoumarin group of phytochemicals, is an anticarcinogenic agent. However, no studies have proven its antiangiogenic effects. The current study thus aimed to screen the antiangiogenic effect of isopimpinellin.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Human Umblical Vein Endothelial Cell (HUVEC) as an in vitro model and zebrafish embryos as an in vivo model was used in this study. The experimental results showed that isopimpinellin effectively inhibited HUVEC proliferation, invasion, migration, and tube formation, which are the key steps in angiogenesis by markedly suppressing the expression of pro-angiogenic genes VEGF, AKT, and HIF-1α. In addition, isopimpinellin exerts its anti-angiogenic effect through the regulation of miR-15b-5p and miR-542-3p. Furthermore, in zebrafish embryos, isopimpinellin inhibited the development of intersegmental vessels (ISVs) through the significant downregulation of all pro-angiogenic genes vegf, vegfr2, survivin, angpt-1, angpt-2, and tie-2.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these experimental findings offer novel insights into the antiangiogenic nature of isopimpinellin and open new avenues for therapeutic approaches.

Anticancer Potential of Aguerin B, a Sesquiterpene Lactone Isolated from Centaurea behen in Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND

Breast carcinoma is a malignant disease that represents the most common non-skin malignancy and a chief reason of cancer death in women. Large interest is growing in the use of natural products for cancer treatment, especially with goal of suppression angiogenesis, tumor cell growth, motility, as well as invasion and metastasis with low/no toxicity. It is evident from recent patents on the anticancer properties of sesquiterpene lactones such as parthenolide.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, using MDA-MB-231 cells of a human breast adenocarcinoma, the effects of aguerin B, as a natural sesquiterpene lactone, has been evaluated, in terms of the expression of metastatic-related genes (Pak-1, Rac-1 and HIF-1α).

METHODS

Cytotoxicity of aguerin B was tested toward MDA-MB-231 breast tumor cells using MTT. Scratch assay was accomplished to evaluate the tumor cell invasion. To understand the underlying molecular basis, the mRNA expressions were evaluated by real time PCR.

RESULTS

It was found that aguerin B significantly inhibited human breast cancer cell growth in vitro (IC50 = 2μg/mL) and this effect was accompanied with a persuasive suppression on metastasis. Our results showed that aguerin B in IC50 concentration down-regulated Rac-1, Pak-1, Hif-1α and Zeb-1 transcriptional levels.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, this study demonstrated that aguerin B possessed potential anti-metastatic effect, suggesting that it may consider as a potential multi target bio compound for treatment of breast metastatic carcinoma.

Terpenoids from Curcumae Rhizoma: Their anticancer effects and clinical uses on combination and versus drug therapies

Cancer is a fatal disease with high mortality and low survival rate worldwide. At present, there is still no known cure for most cancers. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) represents a noteworthy reservoir for anticancer agents in drug discovery and development. Curcumae Rhizoma (called Ezhu in Chinese) is widely prescribed in TCM for anticancer therapy owing to its broad-spectrum antineoplastic activities. Especially, the terpenoids isolated from the essential oil of Curcumae Rhizoma form an integral part of cancer research and are well established as a potential anticancer agent. For example, β-elemene has been developed into a new drug for the treatment of solid tumors in China, and is currently undergoing clinical trials in the United States. The review aims to systematically summarize the recent advances on the anticancer effects and related molecular mechanisms of Curcumae Rhizoma, and its terpenoids (β-elemene, Furanodiene, Furanodienone, Germacrone, Curcumol, Curdione). In addition, we evaluated and compared the anticancer efficacy and clinical use of the terpenoids with combination therapies and traditional therapies. Therefore, this review provides sufficient evidence for the anticancer therapeutic potential of Curcumae Rhizoma and its terpenoids, and will contribute to the development of potential anticancer drugs.

Maternal Reproductive Toxicity of Some Essential Oils and Their Constituents

Even though several plants can improve the female reproductive function, the use of herbs, herbal preparations, or essential oils during pregnancy is questionable. This review is focused on the effects of some essential oils and their constituents on the female reproductive system during pregnancy and on the development of the fetus. The major concerns include causing abortion, reproductive hormone modulation, maternal toxicity, teratogenicity, and embryo-fetotoxicity. This work summarizes the important studies on the reproductive effects of essential oil constituents anethole, apiole, citral, camphor, thymoquinone, trans-sabinyl acetate, methyl salicylate, thujone, pulegone, β-elemene, β-eudesmol, and costus lactone, among others.

Microneedle-mediated gene delivery for the treatment of ischemic myocardial disease

Cardiovascular disorders are still the primary cause of mortality worldwide. Although intramyocardial injection can effectively deliver agents to the myocardium, this approach is limited because of its restriction to needle-mediated injection and the minor retention of agents in the myocardium. Here, we engineered phase-transition microneedles (MNs) coated with adeno-associated virus (AAV) and achieved homogeneous distribution of AAV delivery. Bioluminescence imaging revealed the successful delivery and transfection of AAV-luciferase. AAV-green fluorescent protein-transfected cardiomyocytes were homogeneously distributed on postoperative day 28. AAV-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-loaded MNs improved heart function by enhancing VEGF expression, promoting functional angiogenesis, and activating the Akt signaling pathway. The results indicated the superiority of MNs over direct muscle injection. Consequently, MNs might emerge as a promising tool with great versatility for delivering various agents to treat ischemic myocardial disease.

Antiangiogenesis effect of timosaponin AIII on HUVECs in vitro and zebrafish embryos in vivo

Timosaponin AIII (Timo AIII) is a natural steroidal saponin isolated from the traditional Chinese herb Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge with proved effectiveness in the treatment of numerous cancers. However, whether Timo AIII suppresses tumor angiogenesis remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the antiangiogenesis effects of Timo AIII and the underlying mechanisms in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro and zebrafish embryos in vivo. We showed that treatment with Timo AIII (0.5-2 µM) partially disrupted the intersegmental vessels (ISVs) and subintestinal vessels (SIVs) growth in transgenic zebrafish Tg(fli-1a: EGFP)y1. Timo AIII (0.5-4 µM) dose-dependently inhibited VEGF-induced proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation of HUVECs, but these inhibitory effects were not due to its cytotoxicity. We further demonstrated that Timo AIII treatment significantly suppressed the expression of VEGF receptor (VEGFR) and the phosphorylation of Akt, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2 in HUVECs. Timo AIII treatment also significantly inhibited VEGF-triggered phosphorylation of VEGFR2, Akt, and ERK1/2 in HUVECs. Moreover, we conducted RNA-Seq and analyzed the transcriptome changes in both HUVECs and zebrafish embryos following Timo AIII treatment. The coexpression network analysis results showed that various biological processes and signaling pathways were enriched including angiogenesis, cell motility, cell adhesion, protein serine/threonine kinase activity, transmembrane signaling receptor activity, growth factor activity, etc., which was consistent with the antiangiogenesis effects of Timo AIII in HUVECs and zebrafish embryos. We conclude that the antiangiogenesis effect of Timo AIII is mediated through VEGF/PI3K/Akt/MAPK signaling cascade; Timo AIII potentially exerts antiangiogenesis effect in cancer treatment.

Cytostatic and Antiproliferative Activities of F5 Fraction of Crinum amabile Leaf Chloroform Extract Showed Its Potential as Cancer Chemotherapeutic Agent

Medicinal plants have been considered as promising sources of drugs in treating various cancers. Crinum amabile (C. amabile), a plant species from the Amaryllidaceae family, is claimed to be a potential source for cancer chemotherapeutic compounds. Here, we aimed to investigate the potential of C. amabile as an anticancer agent. Dried leaves of C. amabile were serially extracted and our findings showed that chloroform extract (CE) was shown to exhibit cytotoxic effect against all cancer cell lines used. This active extract was further fractionated in which F5 fraction was shown to possess the highest cytotoxicity among all fractions. F5 fraction was then tested in-depth through Annexin V/FITC apoptosis and DNA fragmentation assays to determine its apoptotic effect on MCF-7 cells. Results revealed that F5 fraction only showed induction of cell apoptosis starting at 72-hour treatment while DNA fragmentation was not detected at any of the concentrations and treatment periods tested. Meanwhile, cell proliferation assay revealed that F5 fraction was able to inhibit normal cell proliferation as well as VEGF-induced cell proliferation of normal endothelial cell (HUVECs). In conclusion, F5 fraction from C. amabile leaf CE was able to exhibit cytostatic effect through antiproliferation activity rather than induction of cell apoptosis and therefore has the potential to be further investigated as an anticancer agent.

Chiral ruthenium(II) complex Δ-[Ru(bpy)2(o-FMPIP)] (bpy = bipyridine, o-FMPIP = 2-(2'-trifluoromethyphenyl) imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline) as potential apoptosis inducer via DNA damage

Chiral ruthenium(II) complexes have long been considered as potential anticancer agents. Herein, in vivo inhibitory activity of a chiral ruthenium(II) complex coordinated by ligand 2-(2'-trifluoromethyphenyl) imidazo [4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline, Δ-[Ru(bpy)₂(o-FMPIP)] (D0402) on Kunming(KM) mice bearing tumor (H22 hepatic cancer) has been evaluated, and the results showed that the tumor weight of mice treated with 0.22 mg/(kg·day) D0402 via i.v. administration for 7 days decreased about 31.79% compared to the control group, while the body weight, as well as the thymus, spleen, liver, lung, and kidney indices of mice treated with D0402 observed almost no loss compared to the control group. Furthermore, the mechanism studies on anti-angiogenic showed that D0402 could inhibit the formation of angiogenesis in the transgenic Tg(fli1a: EGFP) zebrafish. After treated with D0402, the sub-intestinal vessels(SIVs) of the zebrafish became disordered and chaotic, and was dosage dependent. Moreover, the TUNEL analysis and comet assays revealed that D0402 can induce apoptosis of HepG2 cell through DNA damage, and this was further demonstrated by immunofluorescence analysis with the number of γ-H2AX increased following the increasing amount of D0402. Besides, in vivo toxicity of D0402 has also been investigated on the development of zebrafish embryo, and the results showed that there were no death or development delay occurred for zebrafish embryo treated with D0402 up to concentration of 60 μM. All in together, this study suggested that D0402 can be developed as a potential inhibitor against liver cancer through co-junction of anti-angiogenesis and apoptosis-inducing via DNA damage in the near future.

Sensitization and synergistic anti-cancer effects of Furanodiene identified in zebrafish models

Furanodiene is a natural terpenoid isolated from Rhizoma Curcumae, a well-known Chinese medicinal herb that presents anticancer effects in various types of cancer cell lines. In this study, we have successfully established zebrafish xenografts with 5 various human cancer cell lines; and validated these models with anti-cancer drugs used clinically for treating human cancer patients. We found that Furanodiene was therapeutically effective for human JF 305 pancreatic cancer cells and MCF-7 breast cancer cells xenotranplanted into zebrafish. Furanodiene showed a markedly synergistic anti-cancer effect when used in combination with 5-FU (5-Fluorouracil) for both human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells and human liver cancer BEL-7402 cells xenotransplanted into zebrafish. Unexpectedly, Furanodiene reversed multiple drug resistance in the zebrafish xenotransplanted with cis-Platinum-resistant human non-small cell lung cancer cells and Adriamycin-resistant human breast cancer cells. Furanodiene played its anti-cancer effects through anti-angiogenesis and inducing ROS production, DNA strand breaks and apoptosis. Furanodiene suppresseed efflux transporter Pgp (P-glycoprotein) function and reduced Pgp protein level, but no effect on Pgp related gene (MDR1) expression. These results suggest sensitizition and synergistic anti-cancer effects of Furanodiene that is worthy of a further investigation.

Non-Curcuminoids from Turmeric and Their Potential in Cancer Therapy and Anticancer Drug Delivery Formulations

Over the past decades curcuminoids have been extensively studied for their biological activities such as antiulcer, antifibrotic, antiviral, antibacterial, antiprotozoal, antimutagenic, antifertility, antidiabetic, anticoagulant, antivenom, antioxidant, antihypotensive, antihypocholesteremic, and anticancer activities. With the perception of limited toxicity and cost, these compounds forms an integral part of cancer research and is well established as a potential anticancer agent. However, only few studies have focused on the other bioactive molecules of turmeric, known as non-curcuminoids, which are also equally potent as curcuminoids. This review aims to explore the comprehensive potency including the identification, physicochemical properties, and anticancer mechanism inclusive of molecular docking studies of non-curcuminoids such as turmerones, elemene, furanodiene (FN), bisacurone, germacrone, calebin A (CA), curdione, and cyclocurcumin. An insight into the clinical studies of these curcumin-free compounds are also discussed which provides ample evidence that favors the therapeutic potential of these compounds. Like curcuminoids, limited solubility and bioavailability are the most fragile domain, which circumscribe further applications of these compounds. Thus, this review credits the encapsulation of non-curcuminoid components in diverse drug delivery systems such as co-crystals, solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, microspheres, polar-non-polar sandwich (PNS) technology, which help abolish their shortcomings and flaunt their ostentatious benefits as anticancer activities.

Isofuranodiene synergizes with temozolomide in inducing glioma cells death

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and deadly brain form of tumor. GBM exhibits high resistance to the standard treatment consisting of temozolomide (TMZ) combined with radiotherapy. Isofuranodiene (IFD) is a bioactive sesquiterpene occurring in the essential oils obtained from Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum L., Apiaceae). This compound has shown a broad spectrum of antitumoral activities in different human cancer cell lines both in vitro and in vivo. However, the mechanism of action of IFD on GBM and its potential effects in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs, have not been fully elucidated.

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anticancer effects of IFD itself and in combination with TMZ in GBM.

METHODS

Sulforhodamine B-based proliferation assay, cell cycle analysis and Annexin V/PI staining were carried out to determine the IFD effects on three human GBM cell lines, U87, T98, U251 and in normal human astrocyte. Modulation of protein expression levels was determined by western blot analysis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was evaluated by cytofluorimetry. Moreover, the effects on cell viability of the IFD and TMZ co-administration was evaluated through the calculation of combination index (CI).

RESULTS

IFD exerted cytotoxic effects against the GBM cell lines, but not in normal cells (normal human astrocytes). This compound induced a cell cycle blockage and a necrotic cell death depending on the increase of intracellular ROS levels. Furthermore, the synergism between IFD and TMZ was demonstrated in GBM cell lines.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated the glioma selectivity of IFD and its cytotoxic properties suggesting a new strategy for the treatment of GBM in order to overcome the TMZ resistance and to reduce its side effects.

Utilizing Zebrafish to Identify Anti-(Lymph)Angiogenic Compounds for Cancer Treatment: Promise and Future Challenges

Cancer metastasis which predominantly occurs through blood and lymphatic vessels, is the leading cause of death in cancer patients. Consequently, several anti-angiogenic agents have been approved as therapeutic agents for human cancers such as metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Also, anti-lymphangiogenic drugs such as monoclonal antibodies VGX-100 and IMC-3C5 have undergone phase I clinical trials for advanced and metastatic solid tumors. Although anti-tumor-associated angiogenesis has proven to be a promising therapeutic strategy for human cancers, this approach is fraught with toxicities and development of drug resistance. This emphasizes the need for alternative anti-(lymph)angiogenic drugs. The use of zebrafish has become accepted as an established model for high-throughput screening, vascular biology, and cancer research. Importantly, various zebrafish transgenic lines have now been generated that can readily discriminate different vascular compartments. This now enables detailed in vivo studies that are relevant to both human physiological and tumor (lymph)angiogenesis to be conducted in zebrafish. This review highlights recent advancements in the zebrafish anti-vascular screening platform and showcases promising new anti-(lymph)angiogenic compounds that have been derived from this model. In addition, this review discusses the promises and challenges of the zebrafish model in the context of anti-(lymph)angiogenic compound discovery for cancer treatment.

Furanodiene Induces Extrinsic and Intrinsic Apoptosis in Doxorubicin-Resistant MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells via NF-κB-Independent Mechanism

Chemotherapy is used as a primary approach in cancer treatment after routine surgery. However, chemo-resistance tends to occur when chemotherapy is used clinically, resulting in poor prognosis and recurrence. Currently, Chinese medicine may provide insight into the design of new therapies to overcome chemo-resistance. Furanodiene, as a heat-sensitive sesquiterpene, is isolated from the essential oil of Rhizoma Curcumae. Even though mounting evidence claiming that furanodiene possesses anti-cancer activities in various types of cancers, the underlying mechanisms against chemo-resistant cancer are not fully clear. Our study found that furanodiene could display anti-cancer effects by inhibiting cell viability, inducing cell cytotoxicity, and suppressing cell proliferation in doxorubicin-resistant MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Furthermore, furanodiene preferentially causes apoptosis by interfering with intrinsic/extrinsic-dependent and NF-κB-independent pathways in doxorubicin-resistant MCF-7 cells. These observations also prompt that furanodiene may be developed as a promising natural product for multidrug-resistant cancer therapy in the future.

Volatile secondary metabolites as aposematic olfactory signals and defensive weapons in aquatic environments

Olfaction is considered a distance sense; hence, aquatic olfaction is thought to be mediated only by molecules dissolved in water. Here, we challenge this view by showing that shrimp and fish can recognize the presence of hydrophobic olfactory cues by a "tactile" form of chemoreception. We found that odiferous furanosesquiterpenes protect both the Mediterranean octocoral Maasella edwardsi and its specialist predator, the nudibranch gastropod Tritonia striata, from potential predators. Food treated with the terpenes elicited avoidance responses in the cooccurring shrimp Palaemon elegans Rejection was also induced in the shrimp by the memory recall of postingestive aversive effects (vomiting), evoked by repeatedly touching the food with chemosensory mouthparts. Consistent with their emetic properties once ingested, the compounds were highly toxic to brine shrimp. Further experiments on the zebrafish showed that this vertebrate aquatic model also avoids food treated with one of the terpenes, after having experienced gastrointestinal malaise. The fish refused the food after repeatedly touching it with their mouths. The compounds studied thus act simultaneously as (i) toxins, (ii) avoidance-learning inducers, and (iii) aposematic odorant cues. Although they produce a characteristic smell when exposed to air, the compounds are detected by direct contact with the emitter in aquatic environments and are perceived at high doses that are not compatible with their transport in water. The mouthparts of both the shrimp and the fish have thus been shown to act as "aquatic noses," supporting a substantial revision of the current definition of the chemical senses based upon spatial criteria.

Chemical constituents and biological research on plants in the genus Curcuma

Curcuma, a valuable genus in the family Zingiberaceae, includes approximately 110 species. These plants are native to Southeast Asia and are extensively cultivated in India, China, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Peru, Australia, and the West Indies. The plants have long been used in folk medicine to treat stomach ailments, stimulate digestion, and protect the digestive organs, including the intestines, stomach, and liver. In recent years, substantial progress has been achieved in investigations regarding the chemical and pharmacological properties, as well as in clinical trials of certain Curcuma species. This review comprehensively summarizes the current knowledge on the chemistry and briefly discusses the biological activities of Curcuma species. A total of 720 compounds, including 102 diphenylalkanoids, 19 phenylpropene derivatives, 529 terpenoids, 15 flavonoids, 7 steroids, 3 alkaloids, and 44 compounds of other types isolated or identified from 32 species, have been phytochemically investigated. The biological activities of plant extracts and pure compounds are classified into 15 groups in detail, with emphasis on anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities.

Combined effects of furanodiene and doxorubicin on the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in vitro

Furanodiene is one of the major bioactive components isolated from the natural product of the plant, Curcuma wenyujin Y.H. Chen et C. Ling. Furanodiene has been found to exert anticancer effects in various types of cancer cell lines, as well as exhibit antimetastatic activities. However, the antimetastatic capacity of furanodiene in combination with the common chemotherapy drug doxorubicin has not been investigated. We found that doxorubicin at a non-toxic concentration induced cell migration and cell invasion in highly metastatic breast cancer cells. Combinational treatments with furanodiene and doxorubicin blocked the invasion and migration of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in vitro. We also clarified the effects of the combination on the signaling pathways involved in migration, invasion, and cytoskeletal organization. When combined with doxorubicin, furanodiene downregulated the expression of integrin αV and β-catenin and inhibited the phosphorylation of paxillin, Src, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), p85, and Akt. Moreover, combinational treatments also resulted in a decrease in matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Further study demonstrated that the co-treatments with furanodiene did not significantly alter the effects of doxorubicin on the tubulin cytoskeleton, represented by no influence on the expression levels of RhoA, Cdc42, N-WASP, and α/β tubulin. These observations indicate that furanodiene is a potential agent that may be utilized to improve the anticancer efficacy of doxorubicin and overcome the risk of chemotherapy in highly metastatic breast cancer.

Stabilization of the cyclodecadiene derivative isofuranodiene by silver (I) coordination. Mechanistic and biological aspects

The industrial extraction and further applications of isofuranodiene are limited because at room temperature it spontaneously converts to curzerene, a structurally less active isomer. This work definitively identified the structure of isofuranodiene in the solid state, showing the two methyl groups in syn position. In addition, two bioactive metal cations, namely, silver(I) and copper(II) ions, were used in the attempt to obtain the chemical stability of isofuranodiene: in the case of silver(I), a labile adduct was formed, while in the case of copper(II), a more stable 1:1 adduct was achieved. In the former, the presence of silver did not significantly affect the biological activities of isofuranodiene, while in the latter, the copper(II) coordination suppressed them. The biological activities of the isofuranodiene adducts were then evaluated as antiproliferative agents against human tumor cell lines (HCT116, MDA-MB 231, and T98G). In addition, for the first time, isofuranodiene was tested as an inhibitor of DHFR (DiHydroFolateReductase) from Escherichia coli. Anticancer activity was observed in the isofuranodiene with the AgCF₃SO₃ adduct, in the tested cell lines, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 4.89μM to 13.06μM, while inhibition assays highlighted a Ki of 6.22μM for isofuranodiene and of 0.17μM for the related silver adduct. Docking studies indicated a binding mode score of -6.83Kcal/mol for isofuranodiene, and an energy value of -11.82Kcal/mol for methotrexate (a classic DHFR inhibitor).

Irisin inhibition of growth hormone secretion in cultured tilapia pituitary cells

Irisin, the product of fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5) gene, is well-documented to be a regulator of energy metabolism. At present, not much is known about its biological function in non-mammalian species. In this study, a full-length tilapia FDNC5 was cloned and its tissue expression pattern has been confirmed. Based on the sequence obtained, we produced and purified recombinant irisin which could induce uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) gene expression in tilapia hepatocytes. Further, the rabbit polyclonal irisin antiserum was produced and its specificity was confirmed by antiserum preabsorption. In tilapia pituitary cells, irisin inhibited growth hormone (GH) gene expression and secretion and triggered rapid phosphorylation of Akt, Erk1/2, and p38 MAPK. Furthermore, irisin-inhibited GH mRNA expression could be prevented by inhibiting PI3K/Akt, MEK1/2, and p38 MAPK, respectively. Apparently, fish irisin can act directly at the pituitary level to inhibit GH transcript expression via multiple signaling pathways.

Preparation of arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-modified biopolymeric nanoparticles containing epigalloccatechin-3-gallate for targeting vascular endothelial cells to inhibit corneal neovascularization

Neovascularization (NV) of the cornea can disrupt visual function, causing ocular diseases, including blindness. Therefore, treatment of corneal NV has a high public health impact. Epigalloccatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), presenting antiangiogenesis effects, was chosen as an inhibitor to treat human vascular endothelial cells for corneal NV treatment. An arginine–glycine–aspartic acid (RGD) peptide–hyaluronic acid (HA)-conjugated complex coating on the gelatin/EGCG self-assembly nanoparticles (GEH-RGD NPs) was synthesized for targeting the α_vβ₃ integrin on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in this study, and a corneal NV mouse model was used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of this nanomedicine used as eyedrops. HA-RGD conjugation via COOH and amine groups was confirmed by ¹H-nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The average diameter of GEH-RGD NPs was 168.87±22.5 nm with positive charge (19.7±2 mV), with an EGCG-loading efficiency up to 95%. Images of GEH-RGD NPs acquired from transmission electron microscopy showed a spherical shape and shell structure of about 200 nm. A slow-release pattern was observed in the nanoformulation at about 30% after 30 hours. Surface plasmon resonance confirmed that GEH-RGD NPs specifically bound to the integrin α_vβ₃. In vitro cell-viability assay showed that GEH-RGD efficiently inhibited HUVEC proliferation at low EGCG concentrations (20 μg/mL) when compared with EGCG or non-RGD-modified NPs. Furthermore, GEH-RGD NPs significantly inhibited HUVEC migration down to 58%, lasting for 24 hours. In the corneal NV mouse model, fewer and thinner vessels were observed in the alkali-burned cornea after treatment with GEH-RGD NP eyedrops. Overall, this study indicates that GEH-RGD NPs were successfully developed and synthesized as an inhibitor of vascular endothelial cells with specific targeting capacity. Moreover, they can be used in eyedrops to inhibit angiogenesis in corneal NV mice.

Recent highlights of experimental research for inhibiting tumor growth by using Chinese medicine

To give an overview of contemporary experimental research using Chinese medicine (CM) for the treatment of cancer. As an integral part of mainstream medicine in the People's Republic of China, CM emphasizes improvements in holistic physical condition instead of merely killing tumor cells, which is consistent with the current medical model that advocates patient-oriented treatment. Great progress has been made in experimental research, and the principle aspects include anti-tumor angiogenesis, inducing apoptosis and differentiation, reversing multidrug resistance, and improving immune function. As a current hot topic in cancer research, tumor microenvironment (TME) highlights the mutual and interdependent interaction between tumor cells and their surrounding tissues, and the CM treatment concept bears a striking resemblance to it. To date, primary points of TME include extracellular matrix remodeling, inflammation, hypoxia, and angiogenesis, but trials using CM with a focus on TME are rare. Despite considerable recent development, experimental research on CM for solving cancer issues appears insufficient. Greater efforts in this field are urgently needed.

Biological screening of novel derivatives of valproic acid for anticancer and antiangiogenic properties

BACKGROUND

Valproic acid (VPA) is a potent anticancer and antiangiogenic agent. However, design and synthesis of chemical derivatives with improved antiangiogenic and anticancer activities are still necessary. In this study a library of novel derivatives of VPA was synthesized and tested.

METHODS

A human liver cancer cell line (HepG2) and a human normal embryonic kidney cell line (HEK 293) were exposed to various concentrations of VPA derivatives for 24 hours and cell viability was checked by MTT colorimetric assay. Anti-angiogenic properties were evaluated in transgenic zebrafish embryos.

RESULTS

N-valproylglycine derivatives suppressed survival almost 70% (p value 0.001) in HepG2 cells but only 10-12% in HEK 293 cells (p value 0.133). They also suppressed angiogenic blood vessel formation by 80% when used between 2-20 μM in zebrafish embryos. Valproic acid hydrazides showed moderate level of anticancer activity by affecting 30-50% (p value 0.001) of cell viability in HepG2 cells and 8-10% in HEK293 cells (p value 0.034).

CONCLUSION

The majority of compounds in this study showed potent and stronger antiangiogenic and anticancer activity than VPA. They proved selectively toxic to cancer cells and safer for normal cells. Moreover, these compounds inhibited developmental angiogenesis in zebrafish embryos. Based on the fact that liver is a highly vascularized organ, in case of liver carcinoma these compounds have the potential to target the pathological angiogenesis and could be an effective strategy to treat hepatocellular carcinoma.

Review of tumor dormancy therapy using traditional oriental herbal medicine

OBJECTIVE

Standard cancer therapy prolongs survival, but can be detrimental to the quality of life, compromise the immune system, and leave residual disease that can cause recurrence years or decades in the future. Tumor dormancy therapy is a novel therapeutic approach that may improve these shortcomings, promote quality of life, and prolong survival. The aim of this study was to analyze studies on dormancy therapy, especially studies using traditional Oriental herbal medicine, so as to evaluate the efficacy of dormancy therapy with traditional oriental herbal medicine.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature review using Scientific and Technical Information Integration Services (NDSL), PubMed, and RISS. We searched for clinical reports, papers, and books related to tumor metastasis, recurrence, immunotherapy, tumor dormancy, and traditional oriental herbal medicine with anticancer effects. Seventy-nine (79) experimental and clinical articles in both Korean and English were reviewed. This study was conducted from March 1, 2012 to May 31, 2012.

RESULTS

This approach, Tumor dormancy therapy, rather than seeking to remove the tumor, includes combination of low-dose chemotherapy, immunotherapy, immunosurveillance, and other methods to stabilize tumor growth and to enhance the host is immunity against disseminated tumor cells and thus to manage cancer as a chronic disease while maintaining quality of life. In particular, integrative use of Oriental herbal medicine has been shown to induce or maintain tumor dormancy, increase the effectiveness of conventional chemotherapy, improve quality of life, and prolong survival.

CONCLUSION

Tumor dormancy therapy is a promising novel therapeutic approach that may be especially effective with Oriental herbal medicine. Further research is needed to determine its potential mechanisms and therapeutic applications.

Effects of Feijining Decoction on vascular endothelial growth factor protein expression and changes of T cell subsets in Lewis lung carcinoma-bearing mice

Angiogenesis is crucial for cancer growth and metastasis. T cells are also key members of the adaptive immunity against tumorigenesis. The aim of the present study was to observe the effects of Feijining Decoction (FJND) on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein expression and T cell subsets [cluster of differentiation 4⁺(CD4⁺) and CD8⁺ T lymphocyte] in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC)-bearing mice. C57BL/6J mice were subcutaneously implanted with LLC cells. Forty carcinoma-bearing mice were randomly assigned to four groups (10 animals/group). The control group (CG) were the untreated group, the cisplatinum (DDP) group (DG) mice were treated with DDP, the FJND group (FG) were treated with FJND and the FJND + DDP group (FDG) were treated with FJND and DDP. Western blot and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the VEGF protein expression of tumor tissue and T cell subsets of the spleen. Spontaneous activity in 5 min was observed by the photoelectric counting method. DDP + FJND (FDG group) markedly inhibited tumor growth compared to the DG mice. The protein expression of VEGF was significantly downregulated in the carcinoma of FG mice compared to CG mice. VEGF protein expression was significantly reduced in FDG compared to DG mice. In the FG mice, the splenic CD4⁺ and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ cells were significantly increased compared to the CG mice, and the splenic CD4⁺ cells in the FDG mice were significantly increased compared to the DG group. In conclusion, FJND can inhibit tumor growth by downregulating VEGF protein expression and improving the immune function.

Designing compartmentalized hydrogel microparticles for cell encapsulation and scalable 3D cell culture

Compartmentalized hydrogel microparticles with high production rate, uniform size and shape, and tunable ECM support were developed for various scalable 3D cell culture applications.

Sensing marine biomolecules: smell, taste, and the evolutionary transition from aquatic to terrestrial life

The usual definition of smell and taste as distance and contact forms of chemoreception, respectively, has resulted in the belief that, during the shift from aquatic to terrestrial life, odorant receptors (ORs) were selected mainly to recognize airborne hydrophobic ligands, instead of the hydrophilic molecules involved in marine remote-sensing. This post-adaptive evolutionary scenario, however, neglects the fact that marine organisms 1) produce and detect a wide range of small hydrophobic and volatile molecules, especially terpenoids, and 2) contain genes coding for ORs that are able to bind those compounds. These apparent anomalies can be resolved by adopting an alternative, pre-adaptive scenario. Before becoming airborne on land, small molecules, almost insoluble in water, already played a key role in aquatic communication, but acting in "contact" forms of olfaction that did not require major molecular innovations to become effective at a distance in air. Rather, when air was "invaded" by volatile marine terpenoids, an expansion of the spatial range of olfaction was an incidental consequence rather than an adaptation.

Effects of furanodiene on 95-D lung cancer cells: apoptosis, autophagy and G1 phase cell cycle arrest

Furanodiene (FUR) is a natural terpenoid isolated from Rhizoma curcumae, a well-known Chinese medicinal herb that presents anti-proliferative activities in several cancer cell lines. Herein, we systematically investigated the effects of FUR on the significant processes of tumor progression with the relatively low concentrations in 95-D lung cancer cells. FUR concentration-dependently inhibited cell proliferation and blocked the cell cycle progressions in G1 phase by down-regulating the protein levels of cyclin D1 and CDK6, and up-regulating those of p21 and p27 in 95-D cells. FUR also affected the signaling molecules that regulate apoptosis in 95-D cells revealed by the down-regulation of the protein levels of full PARP, pro-caspase-7, survivin, and Bcl-2, and the up-regulation of cleaved PARP. Further studies showed that FUR enhanced the expression of light chain 3-II (LC3-II) in the protein level, indicating that autophagy is involved in this process. Besides, the adhesion ability of 95-D cells to matrigel and fibronectin was slightly inhibited after FUR treatment for 1 h in our experimental condition. FUR also slightly suppressed cell migration and invasion in 95-D cells according to the data from wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively. Taken together, FUR activated the signal molecules regulating G1 cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and autophagy, while slightly affecting the key steps of cell metastasis in 95-D lung cancer cells in the relatively low concentrations.

Use of rodents as models of human diseases

Advances in molecular biology have significantly increased the understanding of the biology of different diseases. However, these discoveries have not yet been fully translated into improved treatments for patients with diseases such as cancers. One of the factors limiting the translation of knowledge from preclinical studies to the clinic has been the limitations of in vivo diseases models. In this brief review, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of rodent models that have been developed to simulate human pathologies, focusing in models that employ xenografts and genetic modification. Within the framework of genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models, we will review some of the current genetic strategies for modeling diseases in the mouse and the preclinical studies that have already been undertaken. We will also discuss how recent improvements in imaging technologies may increase the information derived from using these GEMs during early assessments of potential therapeutic pathways. Furthermore, it is interesting to note that one of the values of using a mouse model is the very rapid turnover rate of the animal, going through the process of birth to death in a very short timeframe relative to that of larger mammalian species.

Zederone, a Sesquiterpene from Curcuma elata Roxb, is Hepatotoxic in Mice

The present study aimed to investigate the hepatotoxicity of zederone isolated from Curcuma elata in mice. Adult male mice were intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of zederone (50-300 mg/kg body weight [BW]). Twenty-four hours after the injection, zederone induced liver enlargement with scattered white foci over the organ. The medium lethal dose (LD50) value at 24 hours of zederone was approximately 223 mg/kg BW. Hepatic centrilobular necrosis with marked increases in plasma alanine transaminase activity and total bilirubin levels was observed. Zederone at a dose of 200 mg/kg BW markedly decreased the activity of superoxide dismutase and the hepatic glutathione content, whereas the activity of catalase was not altered. The compound at this dose also increased the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of Cyp2b10 and Cyp3a11, which are the main drug-metabolizing enzymes in the liver. The mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α was increased. The nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 protein, which is the transcription factor regulating the antioxidant gene expression, was decreased. The histopathology of massive hepatic centrilobular necrosis with an increase in the expression of cytochrome P450 (Cyp) suggests that the possible potentiation of zederone-induced hepatotoxicity implicated the induction of Cyps, which leads to the formation of biological reactive metabolites and that cause the oxidative stress and liver cell injuries.

Curcumin-free turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities: Identification of novel components of turmeric

Turmeric, a dried powder derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, has been used for centuries in certain parts of the world and has been linked to numerous biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antigrowth, anti-arthritic, anti-atherosclerotic, antidepressant, anti-aging, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, wound healing, and memory-enhancing activities. One component of turmeric is curcumin, which has been extensively studied, as indicated by more than 5600 citations, most of which have appeared within the past decade. Recent research has identified numerous chemical entities from turmeric other than curcumin. It is unclear whether all of the activities ascribed to turmeric are due to curcumin or whether other compounds in turmeric can manifest these activities uniquely, additively, or synergistically with curcumin. However, studies have indicated that turmeric oil, present in turmeric, can enhance the bioavailability of curcumin. Studies over the past decade have indicated that curcumin-free turmeric (CFT) components possess numerous biological activities including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antidiabetic activities. Elemene derived from turmeric is approved in China for the treatment of cancer. The current review focuses on the anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities exhibited by CFT and by some individual components of turmeric, including turmerin, turmerone, elemene, furanodiene, curdione, bisacurone, cyclocurcumin, calebin A, and germacrone.

Furanodiene presents synergistic anti-proliferative activity with paclitaxel via altering cell cycle and integrin signaling in 95-D lung cancer cells

Furanodiene (FUR) is a natural terpenoid isolated from Rhizoma Curcumae, a well-known Chinese medicinal herb that presents anti-proliferative activities in several cancer cell lines. Recently, we found that the combined treatment of FUR with paclitaxel (TAX) showed synergetic anti-proliferative activities in 95-D lung cancer cells. Herein, we showed that FUR reduced the cell numbers distributed in mitosis phase induced by TAX while increased those in G1 phase. The protein levels of cyclin D1, cyclin B1, CDK6 and c-Myc were all down-regulated in the group of combined treatment. The dramatically down-regulated expression of integrin β4, focal adhesion kinase and paxillin might partially contribute to the synergic effect. Though FUR alone obviously induced endoplasmic reticulum stress, this signaling pathway may not contribute to the synergetic anti-proliferative effect as the protein expression of CHOP and BIP was similar in FUR alone and combined treatment group.

Oridonin Induces Apoptosis, Inhibits Migration and Invasion on Highly-Metastatic Human Breast Cancer Cells

Oridonin, a natural tetracycline diterpenoid isolated from Chinese herb Rabdosia rubescens, has been reported to be a potent cytotoxic agent against a wide variety of tumors. However, its effect on highly metastatic breast cancer cells has not been addressed. In this study, we investigated the effects of oridonin on growth, migration and invasion of highly-metastatic human breast cancer cells. Our results showed that oridonin induced potent growth inhibition on human breast cancer cells MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. According to the flow cytometric analysis, oridonin suppressed MCF-7 cell growth by cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and caused accumulation of MDA-MB-231 cells in the Sub-G1 phase. The induced apoptotic effect of oridonin was further confirmed by a morphologic characteristics assay and TUNEL assay. Oridonin triggered the reduction of Bcl-2/Bax ratio, caspase-8, NF-κB (p65), IKKα, IKKβ, phospho-mTOR, and increased expression level of cleaved PARP, Fas and PPARγ in a time-dependent manner. Immunofluorescent analysis showed that γH2AX-containing nuclear foci were significant in oridonin-treated MDA-MB-231 cells. Meanwhile, oridonin significantly suppressed MDA-MB-231 cell migration and invasion, decreased MMP-2/MMP-9 activation and inhibited the expression of Integrin β1 and FAK. In conclusion, oridonin inhibited the growth and induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells, which might be related to DNA damage and activation of intrinsic or extrinsic apoptotic pathways. Moreover, oridonin also inhibited tumor invasion and metastasis in vitro possibly via decreasing the expression of MMPs and regulating the Integrin β1/FAK pathway in MDA-MB-231 cells.

Signal transduction mechanisms for autocrine/paracrine regulation of somatolactin-α secretion and synthesis in carp pituitary cells by somatolactin-α and -β

Pituitary hormones can act locally via autocrine/paracrine mechanisms to modulate pituitary functions, which represents an interesting aspect of pituitary regulation other than the traditional hypothalamic input and feedback signals from the periphery. Somatolactin, a member of the growth hormone (GH)/prolactin (PL) family, is a pleiotropic hormone with diverse functions, but its pituitary actions are still unknown. Recently, two SL isoforms, SLα and SLβ, have been cloned in grass carp. Based on the sequences obtained, recombinant proteins of carp SLα and SLβ with similar bioactivity in inducing pigment aggregation in carp melanophores were produced. In carp pituitary cells, SLα secretion and cell content were elevated by static incubation with recombinant carp SLα and SLβ, respectively. These stimulatory actions occurred with a parallel rise in SLα mRNA level with no changes in SLβ secretion, cell content, and gene expression. In contrast, SLα mRNA expression could be reduced by removing endogenous SLα and SLβ with immunoneutralization. At the pituitary cell level, SLα release, cell content, and mRNA expression induced by carp SLα and SLβ could be blocked by inhibiting JAK2/STAT5, PI3K/Akt, MEK1/2, and p38 MAPK, respectively. Furthermore, SLα and SLβ induction also triggered rapid phosphorylation of STAT5, Akt, MEK1/2, ERK1/2, MKK3/6, and p38 MAPK. These results suggest that 1) SLα and SLβ produced locally in the carp pituitary can serve as novel autocrine/paracrine stimulators for SLα secretion and synthesis and 2) SLα production induced by local release of SLα and SLβ probably are mediated by the JAK2/STAT5, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK signaling pathways.

Anti-cancer properties of terpenoids isolated from Rhizoma Curcumae--a review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rhizoma Curcumae is a popular type of traditional Chinese medicine whose essential oils are widely used in the treatment of cancer in China. This review aims to systematically summarize and analyze the anti-cancer properties of terpenoids, the main components of essential oils in Rhizoma Curcumae, and thus enable the development of new anti-cancer drugs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information on the recent progress of anti-cancer studies on terpenoids isolated from Rhizoma Curcumae, including β-elemene, δ-elemene, furanodiene, furanodienone, curcumol, and germacrone, was gathered and analyzed.

RESULTS

Among these terpenoids, β-elemene is the most widely studied, whereas δ-elemene, furanodiene, furanodienone, curcumol, and germacrone have just recently attracted the attention of researchers. The anti-cancer effects of these terpenoids are related to the retardation of cell cycle arrest, the induction of apoptosis, and the inhibition of metastasis or tissue invasion, among others.

CONCLUSIONS

Most studies have focused on the in vitro data, and in vivo data is urgently needed. Further insight into the anti-cancer activity and the molecular basis of these compounds, combined with efforts in pharmaceutical chemistry and/or pharmaceutics, will potentially enable the development of new anti-cancer agents.