1
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Liu Y, Wang Y, Wang H. Effects of ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin on initial colonization of intestinal microbiota in Bufo gargarizans at embryonic stages. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 361:142587. [PMID: 38871193 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Ciprofloxacin (CIP) and levofloxacin (LEV) are broad-spectrum antibiotics with potent antibacterial activity. Although many studies have shown that antibiotics can lead to gut microbiota disruption, the effects of CIP and LEV on gut microbial colonization at the embryonic stage remain poorly characterized. Here, we evaluated the response of Bufo gargarizans embryos in terms of gut microbiota colonization, growth and developmental stages to CIP and LEV exposure. Embryos treated with 100 μg/L CIP and LEV exhibited significantly reduced diversity and richness of the gut microbiota, as well as altered community structure. Both CIP and LEV treatments resulted in an increase in the pathogenic bacteria Bosea and Aeromonas, and they appeared to be more resistant to CIP than LEV. Additionally, CIP exposure caused reduced total length and delayed the development in B. gargarizans embryos, while LEV increased the total length and promoted embryonic development. The present study revealed the adverse effects of CIP and LEV exposure on host gut microbiota, growth and development during the embryonic stage, and contributed new perspectives to the evaluation of early aquatic ecological risk under CIP and LEV exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710119, China.
| | - Yaxi Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710119, China
| | - Hongyuan Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710119, China.
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2
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Zhang H, Xu T, Jiao M, Li X, Storey KB, Niu Y. Preparation for oxidative stress in Chinese toads (Bufo gargarizans) living under natural conditions along an altitudinal gradient. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38924686 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Preparation for oxidative stress (POS) has been widely reported in animals under controlled laboratory conditions, but whether this phenomenon is visible in animals under natural conditions remains to be explored. Altitudinal gradients provide a good opportunity to address this question, since environmental conditions become more hostile with increasing altitude. Here, we investigated the levels of oxidative stress, oxidative damage, and antioxidant defenses in Chinese toads (Bufo gargarizans) along an altitudinal gradient (50 m, 1200 m, 2300 m, 3400 m above sea level). The results show that changing altitude led to a significantly lower ratio of oxidized to reduced glutathione in liver, with a higher value at 50 m. This ratio in muscle tissues did not differ significantly between altitudes of 50 m, 2300 m, and 3400 m. However, reduced glutathione content increased significantly along the altitude, with higher values in liver at 2300 m and higher values in skeletal muscle at 3400 m. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content in liver did not change significantly with increasing altitude. Brain and muscle tissues showed a higher MDA content at 50 m than the other three altitudes. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase, as well as total antioxidant capacity, also displayed tissue-specific upregulation in heart, skeletal muscle, and brain, but all of these antioxidant enzymes except for glutathione-S-transferase were significantly reduced in liver along the altitudinal gradient. In summary, environmental factors at higher altitude did not lead to higher levels of oxidative stress and oxidative damage in B. gargarizans, mainly due to stronger antioxidant defenses. This study corroborates the occurrence of POS in high-altitude toads living under field conditions and contributes to revealing the biochemical adaptations to extreme environments at higher altitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiying Zhang
- Department of Life Sciences, Dezhou University, Dezhou, China
| | - Tisen Xu
- Department of Life Sciences, Dezhou University, Dezhou, China
| | - Mingxue Jiao
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
| | - Xiangyong Li
- Department of Life Sciences, Dezhou University, Dezhou, China
| | - Kenneth B Storey
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yonggang Niu
- Department of Life Sciences, Dezhou University, Dezhou, China
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
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3
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Lei X, Wang X, Xiong W, Xiao H, Wu Y, Huang T, Liang R, Li Y, Lin S. Cytochrome P450 Mining for Bufadienolide Diversification. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:1169-1179. [PMID: 38624108 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.4c00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Bufadienolides are a class of steroids with a distinctive α-pyrone ring at C17, mostly produced by toads and consisting of over 100 orthologues. They exhibit potent cardiotonic and antitumor activities and are active ingredients of the traditional Chinese medicine Chansu and Cinobufacini. Direct extraction from toads is costly, and chemical synthesis is difficult, limiting the accessibility of active bufadienolides with diverse modifications and trace content. In this work, based on the transcriptome and genome analyses, using a yeast-based screening platform, we obtained eight cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes from toads, which catalyze the hydroxylation of bufalin and resibufogenin at different sites. Moreover, a reported fungal CYP enzyme Sth10 was found functioning in the modification of bufalin and resibufogenin at multiple sites. A total of 15 bufadienolides were produced and structurally identified, of which six were first discovered. All of the compounds were effective in inhibiting the proliferation of tumor cells, especially 19-hydroxy-bufalin (2) and 1β-hydroxy-bufalin (3), which were generated from bufalin hydroxylation catalyzed by CYP46A35. The catalytic efficiency of CYP46A35 was improved about six times and its substrate diversity was expanded to progesterone and testosterone, the common precursors for steroid drugs, achieving their efficient and site-specific hydroxylation. These findings elucidate the key modification process in the synthesis of bufadienolides by toads and provide an effective way for the synthesis of unavailable bufadienolides with site-specific modification and active potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolai Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaozheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Weiliang Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Han Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yingchun Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Tingting Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Rubing Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yiming Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shuangjun Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
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Liao Y, Wei F, He Z, He J, Ai Y, Guo C, Zhou L, Luo D, Li C, Wen Y, Zeng J, Ma X. Animal-derived natural products for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy: current evidence and future perspectives. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1399882. [PMID: 38803433 PMCID: PMC11129636 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1399882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high morbidity and mortality rate, and the survival rate of HCC patients remains low. Animal medicines have been used as potential therapeutic tools throughout the long history due to their different structures of biologically active substances with high affinity to the human body. Here, we focus on the effects and the mechanism of action of animal-derived natural products against HCC, which were searched in databases encompassing Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Science Direct, Springer Link, and EBSCO. A total of 24 natural products from 12 animals were summarized. Our study found that these natural products have potent anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects. The mechanism of action involving apoptosis induction, autophagy induction, anti-proliferation, anti-migration, and anti-drug resistance via phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Ras/extracellular signal regulated kinases (ERK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Wnt/β-catenin, and Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathways. Huachansu injection and sodium cantharidate have been used in clinical applications with good efficacy. We review the potential of animal-derived natural products and their derivatives in the treatment of HCC to date and summarize their application prospect and toxic side effects, hoping to provide a reference for drug development for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichao Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Feng Wei
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhelin He
- Endoscopy Center, Guang’an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guang’an, China
| | - Jingxue He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanlin Ai
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Cui Guo
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Zhou
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Dan Luo
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chengen Li
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yueqiang Wen
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinhao Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Zuo Q, Xu DQ, Yue SJ, Fu RJ, Tang YP. Chemical Composition, Pharmacological Effects and Clinical Applications of Cinobufacini. Chin J Integr Med 2024; 30:366-378. [PMID: 38212503 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-024-3708-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Chinese medicine cinobufacini is an extract from the dried skin of Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor, with active ingredients of bufadienolides and indole alkaloids. With further research and clinical applications, it is found that cinobufacini alone or in combination with other therapeutic methods can play an anti-tumor role by controlling proliferation of tumor cells, promoting apoptosis, inhibiting formation of tumor neovascularization, reversing multidrug resistance, and regulating immune response; it also has the functions of relieving cancer pain and regulating immune function. In this paper, the chemical composition, pharmacological effects, clinical applications, and adverse reactions of cinobufacini are summarized. However, the extraction of monomer components of cinobufacini, the relationship between different mechanisms, and the causes of adverse reactions need to be further studied. Also, high-quality clinical studies should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Ding-Qiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Shi-Jun Yue
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Rui-Jia Fu
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Yu-Ping Tang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China.
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6
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Tichvon C, Zviagin E, Surma Z, Nagorny P. Synthesis of Bufadienolide Cinobufagin via Late-Stage Singlet Oxygen Oxidation/Rearrangement Approach. Org Lett 2024; 26:2445-2450. [PMID: 38488174 PMCID: PMC10980571 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.4c00625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
This manuscript describes a concise synthesis of cinobufagin, a natural steroid of the bufadienolide family, from readily available dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), as well as its α5-epimer derived from 3-epi-andosterone. This synthesis features expedient installation of the 17β-pyrone moiety with the 14β,15β-epoxide and the 16β-acetoxy group using a photochemical regioselective singlet oxygen [4 + 2] cycloaddition followed by CoTPP-promoted in situ endoperoxide rearrangement to provide a 14β,16β-bis-epoxide in 64% yield with a 1.6:1 d.r. This β,β-bis-epoxide intermediate was subsequently subjected to a regioselective scandium(III) trifluoromethanesulfonate catalyzed House-Meinwald rearrangement to establish the 17β-configuration. The synthesis of cinobufagin is achieved in 12 steps (LLS) and 7.6% overall yield, and we demonstrate that it could be used as a platform for the subsequent medicinal chemistry exploration of cinobufagin analogs such as cinobufagin 5α-epimer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Tichvon
- Chemistry Department, University of Michigan, 930 N. University Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Eugene Zviagin
- Chemistry Department, University of Michigan, 930 N. University Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Zoey Surma
- Chemistry Department, University of Michigan, 930 N. University Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Pavel Nagorny
- Chemistry Department, University of Michigan, 930 N. University Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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Xue T, Yu H, Feng W, Wang Y, Wu S, Wang L, Zhu P, Guan J, Sun Q. Efficacy and Safety of Hepatic Arterial Infusion Therapy with Cinobufacini in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Macrovascular Invasion: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Cancer Manag Res 2024; 16:163-175. [PMID: 38505102 PMCID: PMC10948332 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s440017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The presence of macrovascular invasion (MVI) is associated with poor prognosis in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Cinobufacini therapy via hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) in advanced HCC patients with MVI. Methods The clinical records of 130 consecutive patients with unresectable advanced HCC and MVI who had received Cinobufacini or cisplatin plus 5-fluorouracil (CF) treatment via HAI were retrospectively analyzed. The therapeutic efficacy, overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse events were compared between the two treatment groups. Results The Cinobufacini group demonstrated significant curative effects on treatment via HAI compared with the CF group, including the objective response rate (44.9% vs 27.9%, P=0.048), the median OS (14.8 months vs 11.1 months, P=0.010), and the median PFS (10.3 months vs 6.0 months, P=0.006). Result in subgroup analysis of portal vein invasion grade supported the efficacy in Cinobufacini treatment, especially in the median OS of Vp1-2 (18.3 months vs 14.3 months, P=0.043) and Vp3 (15.0 months vs 11.4 months, P=0.046), as well as the median PFS of Vp1-2 (14.8 months vs 10.2 months, P=0.028) and Vp3 (10.8 months vs 6.6 months, P=0.033) compared with CF treatment. Cox proportional hazards model and forest plot analysis of factors confirmed the survival benefit from HAI with Cinobufacini over CF (hazard ratio [HR], 0.61; 95% CI: 0.40-0.91; P=0.010). Multivariable analysis identified portal vein invasion grade (Vp4; HR, 1.78; 95% CI: 1.03-2.16; P=0.032) and AFP (>1000; HR, 1.61; 95% CI: 1.08-1.91; P=0.039) as the independent factors for prognosis. Moreover, the total incidence of adverse events in the Cinobufacini group was significantly lower than in the CF group (60.9% vs 82.0%, P=0.009). Conclusion Cinobufacini therapy via HAI is a viable strategy for curing advanced HCC with MVI, due to prolonged survival and a superior safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Xue
- Clinical Research Center, First People’s Hospital Affiliated to Huzhou University, Huzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongbin Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First People’s Hospital Affiliated to Huzhou University, Huzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenming Feng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First People’s Hospital Affiliated to Huzhou University, Huzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First People’s Hospital Affiliated to Huzhou University, Huzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shiyong Wu
- Department of Radiology, First People’s Hospital Affiliated to Huzhou University, Huzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lili Wang
- Department of Nursing, Physical Examination Center of Aishan, Huzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Peiqin Zhu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Huzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Huzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianming Guan
- Department of Ultrasound, First People’s Hospital Affiliated to Huzhou University, Huzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Ultrasound, Mingzhou Hospital, Huzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Quan Sun
- Laboratory of Blood Transfusion Research, Huzhou Center Blood Station, Huzhou, People’s Republic of China
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Ruan LJ, Song ZJ, Jiang RW. 3α-Hydroxybufadienolides in Bufo gallbladders: structural insights and biotransformation. NATURAL PRODUCTS AND BIOPROSPECTING 2024; 14:19. [PMID: 38436763 PMCID: PMC10912398 DOI: 10.1007/s13659-024-00442-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Bufadienolides, naturally occurring steroids primarily found in toads, have garnered attention for their pharmacological properties and ecological significance. In this study, we isolated and identified 21 bufadienolides from the gallbladders of Bufo gargarizans, comprising four new compounds and 17 known ones. Notably, the predominance of 15 bufadienolides with a 3α-OH configuration in toad bile differs significantly from the 3β-OH bufadienolides found in venom secreted by toad glands. Moreover, our investigation into the biotransformation of 3β-OH and 3α-OH bufadienolides in the liver and kidney tissues of toads revealed an irreversible conversion from 3β-OH to 3α-OH bufadienolides, suggesting a crucial role in toad self-detoxification. These findings provide valuable insights into the structural diversity of bufadienolides and advance our understanding of their medical and ecological significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jun Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Draggability Assessment, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Southwest Endangered Medicinal Materials Resources Development, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, 530023, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Song
- National Engineering Research Center for Southwest Endangered Medicinal Materials Resources Development, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, 530023, China
| | - Ren-Wang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Draggability Assessment, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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Chen C, Wu H, Fu X, Li R, Cheng H, Wang M, Zhou A, Zhang M, Li Q. A UPLC-QTOF/MS-based hepatic tissue metabolomics approach deciphers the mechanism of Huachansu tablets-based intervention against hepatocellular carcinoma. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 239:115875. [PMID: 38061172 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Huachansu (HCS) tablets, classified as well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation, have been proved to be effective in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in clinical studies. However, the underlying mechanism of HCS tablets against HCC has not been comprehensively elucidated. In this study, a rat model of HCC was established with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) inducer. The efficacy of HCS tablets against HCC was assessed through liver histopathological examination and evaluation of biochemical indicators. A metabolomics method based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS combined with multivariate data analysis was established to identify differential metabolites related to the inhibition effect of HCS tablets on HCC, and then the relevant metabolic pathway analysis was performed to investigate the anti-HCC mechanisms of HCS tablets. The results showed that compared to the control group, the HCC model group showed a significant increase in the values of HCC-related biochemical indicators and the number of tumor nodules, indicating the successful establishment of the HCC rat model. Upon treatment with HCS tablets, the values of HCC-related biochemical indicators decreased, liver fibrosis and nuclear deformation were also significantly alleviated. A total of 15 differential metabolites associated with the anti-tumor effect of HCS tablets on HCC were screened and annotated through hepatic tissue metabolomics studies. Analysis of metabolic pathways revealed that the therapeutic effects of HCS tablets on HCC mainly involved the pentose and glucuronate interconversions and arachidonic acid metabolism. Further western blotting corroborated that the alteration in arachidonic acid (AA) level after the intervention of HCS tablets was related to the inhibition of cPLA2α expression in rat liver tissues. In conclusion, HCS tablets exhibit a certain anti-tumor effect on HCC, and the metabolomics method based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS combined with further verification at the biochemical level is a promising way to reveal its underlying mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei 230012, China.
| | - Xiaojie Fu
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China
| | - Ruijuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China
| | - Hui Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China
| | - An Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China
| | - Mei Zhang
- Oncology Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Qinglin Li
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China.
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10
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Cao K, Hu S, Wang D, Qiao C, Wang Z, Wang J, Hou W. Clinical efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal injections in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 140 randomized controlled trials. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1307836. [PMID: 38371619 PMCID: PMC10869539 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1307836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Chinese herbal injection (CHI) is a widely used preparation for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment to alleviate the adverse drug reactions and enhance the clinical efficacy of chemotherapy. However, its efficacy and safety in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy (PBC) remain poorly understood owing to the lack of high-level evidence in the face of a wide variety of CHIs. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of CHIs in combination with PBC regimens in the treatment of mid- and advanced NSCLC. Methods Systematic evaluation and meta-analysis were conducted as per the Preferred Reporting Project for Systematic Evaluation and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). Seven databases were comprehensively searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) through August 1, 2022. The quality of each study was evaluated based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Statistical analysis was performed using Revman 5.3, with dichotomies expressed as risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were selected as the primary outcomes, with quality of life (QoL) and toxic side effects as secondary outcomes. Results A total of 140 RCTs were included in this study. The results of the meta-analysis suggested that, compared with PBC alone, PBC combined with CHIs significantly improved the ORR (RR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.30-1.41, P<0.001), DCR (RR=1.15, 95% CI: 1.13-1.18, P<0.001) and QoL (RR=1.29, 95% CI: 1.24-1.33, P<0.001). Moreover, the combination treatment reduced chemotherapy-induced leukopenia (RR=0.69, 95% CI: 0.64-0.75, P<0.001), anemia (RR=0.70, 95% CI: 0.62-0.79, P<0.001), thrombocytopenia (RR=0.68, 95% CI: 0.62-0.75, P<0.001), nausea and vomiting (RR=0.69, 95% CI: 0.63-0.76, P<0.001), diarrhea (RR=0.59, 95% CI: 0.48-0.73, P<0.001), and constipation (RR=0.68, 95% CI: 0.54-0.86, P=0.001). Conclusion According to the available evidence, CHIs in combination with PBC can improve clinical efficacy and reduce the toxic side effects in the treatment of advanced NSCLC. However, considering the study's limitations, more rigorous and high-quality studies are needed to further confirm the results. Systematic review registration https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2022-1-0104/, identifier INPLASY202210104.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangdi Cao
- Department of Oncology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shuaihang Hu
- Department of Oncology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- Department of Oncology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chenxi Qiao
- Department of Oncology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- Department of Oncology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jinkun Wang
- Department of Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Hou
- Department of Oncology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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11
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Cavalcanti BC, Soares BM, Barreto FS, Magalhães HIF, Ferreira JRDO, Almeida ATAD, Araújo Beserra Filho JI, Silva J, Dos Santos HS, Marinho ES, Furtado CLM, Moraes Filho MOD, Pessoa C, Ferreira PMP. Hellebrigenin triggers death of promyelocytic leukemia cells by non-genotoxic ways. Toxicon 2024; 238:107591. [PMID: 38160738 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Bufadienolides are digitalis-like aglycones mainly found in skin secretions of toads. Among their biological properties, the mechanisms of antiproliferative action on tumor cells remain unclear for many compounds, including against leukemia cells. Herein, it was evaluated the mechanisms involved in the antiproliferative and genotoxic actions of hellebrigenin on tumor cell lines and in silico capacity to inhibit the human topoisomerase IIa enzyme. Firstly, its cytotoxic action was investigated by colorimetric assays in human tumor and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Next, biochemical and morphological studies were detailed by light microscopy (trypan blue dye exclusion), immunocytochemistry (BrdU uptake), flow cytometry and DNA/chromosomal damages (Cometa and aberrations). Finally, computational modelling was used to search for topoisomerase inhibition. Hellebrigenin reduced proliferation, BrdU incorporation, viability, and membrane integrity of HL-60 leukemia cells. Additionally, it increased G2/M arrest, internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial depolarization, and phosphatidylserine externalization in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast to doxorubicin, hellebrigenin did not cause DNA strand breaks in HL-60 cell line and lymphocytes, and it interacts with ATPase domain residues of human topoisomerase IIa, generating a complex of hydrophobic and van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonds. So, hellebrigenin presented potent anti-leukemic activity at concentrations as low as 0.06 μM, a value comparable to the clinical anticancer agent doxorubicin, and caused biochemical changes suggestive of apoptosis without genotoxic/clastogenic-related action, but it probably triggers catalytic inhibition of topoisomerase II. These findings also emphasize toad steroid toxins as promising lead antineoplasic compounds with relatively low cytotoxic action on human normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Coêlho Cavalcanti
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology (LOE), Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Bruno Marques Soares
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology (LOE), Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Francisco Stefânio Barreto
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology (LOE), Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ana Tárcila Alves de Almeida
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancerology (LabCancer), Department of Biophysics and Physiology, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
| | - José Ivo Araújo Beserra Filho
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancerology (LabCancer), Department of Biophysics and Physiology, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
| | - Jacilene Silva
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, Brazil
| | | | - Emmanuel Silva Marinho
- Group of Theoretical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, State University of Ceará, Limoeiro do Norte, Brazil
| | - Cristiana Libardi Miranda Furtado
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology (LOE), Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil; Experimental Biology Center, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Manoel Odorico de Moraes Filho
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology (LOE), Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Pessoa
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology (LOE), Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil.
| | - Paulo Michel Pinheiro Ferreira
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancerology (LabCancer), Department of Biophysics and Physiology, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil.
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12
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Meng L, Kong Q, Xie J, Pan F, Lu K, Li S, Li Y, Zhang D, Liu Y. Bufogarlides A-C, three new bufadienolides with Δ14,15 double bond from the skins of Bufo bufo gargarizans. Nat Prod Res 2024; 38:470-476. [PMID: 36165716 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2022.2127709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Three new bufadienolides with a Δ14,15 double bond, named bufogarlides A-C (1-3), together with three known analogs (4-6), were isolated from the skins of Bufo bufo gargarizans. Their structures were identified by analyses of spectroscopic data (1 D and 2 D NMR, HR-ESIMS), and comparison with the literature data. All the isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against ovarian carcinoma cell lines A2780 and SKOV3. Among them, compound 5 showed the highest potential for the growth inhibition of cancerous cells A2780 and SKOV3 with the IC50 values of 21.09 and 67.08 nM, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingjie Meng
- Guizhou Provincial College-based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment with Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- College of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Qinghong Kong
- Guizhou Provincial College-based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment with Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- College of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Jianxun Xie
- Guizhou Provincial College-based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment with Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Feng Pan
- Guizhou Provincial College-based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment with Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- College of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Keyu Lu
- Guizhou Provincial College-based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment with Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- College of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Sanhua Li
- Guizhou Provincial College-based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment with Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- College of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yiling Li
- Guizhou Provincial College-based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment with Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- College of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Guizhou Provincial College-based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment with Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- College of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Guizhou Provincial College-based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment with Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- College of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- School of Forensic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
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13
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Li S, Shen D, Zuo Q, Wang S, Meng L, Yu J, Liu Y, Li W, Chen C, Yin P, Chen T, Wang J. Efficacy and safety of Huachansu combined with adjuvant chemotherapy in resected colorectal cancer patients: a prospective, open-label, randomized phase II study. Med Oncol 2023; 40:358. [PMID: 37966546 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02217-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Although some studies in China have suggested Huachansu (HCS) combined with chemotherapy is effective in the treatment of various cancers, there are few studies on colorectal cancer (CRC), especially in postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that HCS combined with adjuvant chemotherapy would improve survival probability in resected CRC patients. This was a prospective, open-label, randomized phase II study. Patients with stage III or high-risk stage II resected CRC were randomly assigned to the chemotherapy and HCS + chemotherapy groups. The Chemotherapy group was treated with the FOLFOX regimen for ≥ 6 cycles or the CAPEOX regimen for ≥ 4 cycles. The HCS + chemotherapy group was treated with HCS on the basis of the chemotherapy group. The primary endpoint was 3-year disease-free survival (DFS), and the secondary endpoints were 3-year overall survival (OS) and toxicity. A total of 250 patients were included in this study (126 chemotherapy, 124 HCS + chemotherapy). There were significant differences in 3-year DFS between the two groups (median 28.7 vs. 31.6 months, respectively; P = 0.027), but no significant differences in 3-year OS between the two groups (median 32.7 vs. 34 months, respectively; P = 0.146). No patients experienced grade four adverse events, and the rates of leukopenia, neutropenia, and diarrhea in the HCS + chemotherapy group were lower than that those in the chemotherapy group. HCS combined with adjuvant chemotherapy after radical resection for patients with stage III or high-risk stage II CRC was demonstrated to be an effective and feasible treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shichao Li
- Anorectal Department, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- General Surgery Department, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongxiao Shen
- General Surgery Department, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingsong Zuo
- General Surgery Department, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengzi Wang
- General Surgery Department, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingjia Meng
- General Surgery Department, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaojiao Yu
- General Surgery Department, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Liu
- General Surgery Department, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wusheng Li
- Anorectal Department, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Chao Chen
- General Surgery Department, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Putuo Central School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peihao Yin
- General Surgery Department, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Putuo Central School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Teng Chen
- General Surgery Department, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Putuo Central School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jie Wang
- General Surgery Department, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Putuo Central School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Shanghai, China.
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14
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Park SJ, Jung HJ. Bufotalin Suppresses Proliferation and Metastasis of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells by Promoting Apoptosis and Inhibiting the STAT3/EMT Axis. Molecules 2023; 28:6783. [PMID: 37836626 PMCID: PMC10574664 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28196783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive type of breast cancer and has a poor prognosis. As standardized TNBC treatment regimens cause drug resistance and tumor recurrence, the development of new TNBC treatment strategies is urgently required. Bufotalin is a bufadienolide isolated from the skin and parotid venom glands of the toad Bufo gargarizan, and has several pharmacological properties, including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. However, the anticancer effect and underlying molecular mechanisms of action of bufotalin in TNBC have not been fully studied. In the current study, we investigated the effects of bufotalin on the growth and metastasis of MDA-MB-231 and HCC1937 TNBC cells. Bufotalin potently inhibited the proliferation of both TNBC cell lines by promoting cell cycle arrest and caspase-mediated apoptosis. Furthermore, bufotalin effectively suppressed the migration and invasion of both TNBC cell lines by regulating the expression of key epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and integrin α6. Notably, the anticancer effect of bufotalin in TNBC cells was associated with the downregulation of the signal transducer and activator of the transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. Collectively, our results suggest that the natural compound bufotalin may exert antiproliferative and antimetastatic activities in TNBC cells by modulating the apoptotic pathway and the STAT3/EMT axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Jin Park
- Department of Life Science and Biochemical Engineering, Graduate School, Sun Moon University, Asan 31460, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hye Jin Jung
- Department of Life Science and Biochemical Engineering, Graduate School, Sun Moon University, Asan 31460, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Biotechnology, Sun Moon University, Asan 31460, Republic of Korea
- Genome-Based BioIT Convergence Institute, Sun Moon University, Asan 31460, Republic of Korea
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15
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Wang Y, Liu Y, Peng J, Wang H. Regulation mechanisms underlying tail resorption in Bufo gargarizans metamorphosis. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2023; 47:101113. [PMID: 37517282 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2023.101113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Anurans have been excellent organisms for studying amphibian metamorphosis. Tail resorption is a remarkable event that occurs during amphibian metamorphosis. Although tail resorption has been previously studied in other anurans like Xenopus laevis and Rana chensinensis, there is no report on Bufo gargarizans. This paper thus explored the mechanism of tail resorption during metamorphosis in Bufo gargarizans tadpoles through some biological research methods. Histological results showed that the tail tissues of tadpoles gradually degraded as metamorphosis progressed. RNA sequencing analysis was performed to examine the expression level and functional enrichment of differentially expressed genes in the tail. In addition, we analyzed the mRNA expression levels of genes related to tail resorption by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. We also speculated on three pathways that participate in the regulation of tail resorption based on the above results. The present study might provide a theoretical basis and novel insights for further research of complex molecular mechanisms of tail resorption in amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxi Wang
- College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Liu
- College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, People's Republic of China
| | - Jufang Peng
- Basic Experimental Teaching Center, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyuan Wang
- College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Pan L, Wang Y, Yue L, Wang N, Xu W, Liao X, Wang H, Xiu Y. Review on Processing Methods of Toxic Chinese Materia Medica and the Related Mechanisms of Action. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2023; 51:1385-1412. [PMID: 37545180 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x23500635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Toxic Chinese materia medica (CMM) has both pharmacological activities and toxic effects. Based on thousands of years of experience in the application of CMMs, people have explored many practical processing methods of CMMs, also known as "Pao Zhi", to reduce/control toxicity and preserve/enhance efficacy. Toxic CMMs have been used throughout China's hospitals. Yet, the production and use of toxic CMM should be carried out in accordance with the Chinese pharmacopoeia (ChP) and the processing regulations formulated by the health administrative departments of provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the Central Government. This paper summarizes the current understanding and awareness of toxicity and 45 toxic CMMs, the commonly used processing methods of toxic CMMs recorded in the 2020 edition of ChP, and the changes in the chemical component, toxicity, or efficacy profiles after processing. This review may provide useful information for the processing methods of toxic CMMs worldwide. We believe that with an in-depth study and understanding of toxic CMMs combined with a standardized application, the toxicity of CMMs will be predictable and controllable in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyun Pan
- Experiment Center for Science and Technology, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Yingshu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Lixia Yue
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Nan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Wen Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Xue Liao
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Haiying Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Yanfeng Xiu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
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17
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Kowalski K, Marciniak P, Rychlik L. Proteins from toad's parotoid macroglands: do they play a role in gland functioning and chemical defence? Front Zool 2023; 20:21. [PMID: 37328749 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-023-00499-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parotoid gland secretion of bufonid toads is a rich source of toxic molecules that are used against predators, parasites and pathogens. Bufadienolides and biogenic amines are the principal compounds responsible for toxicity of parotoid secretion. Many toxicological and pharmacological analyses of parotoid secretions have been performed, but little is known about the processes related to poison production and secretion. Therefore, our aim was to investigate protein content in parotoids of the common toad, Bufo bufo, to understand the processes that regulate synthesis and excretion of toxins as well as functioning of parotoid macroglands. RESULTS Applying a proteomic approach we identified 162 proteins in the extract from toad's parotoids that were classified into 11 categories of biological functions. One-third (34.6%) of the identified molecules, including acyl-CoA-binding protein, actin, catalase, calmodulin, and enolases, were involved in cell metabolism. We found many proteins related to cell division and cell cycle regulation (12.0%; e.g. histone and tubulin), cell structure maintenance (8.4%; e.g. thymosin beta-4, tubulin), intra- and extracellular transport (8.4%), cell aging and apoptosis (7.3%; e.g. catalase and pyruvate kinase) as well as immune (7.0%; e.g. interleukin-24 and UV excision repair protein) and stress (6.3%; including heat shock proteins, peroxiredoxin-6 and superoxide dismutase) response. We also identified two proteins, phosphomevalonate kinase and isopentenyl-diphosphate delta-isomerase 1, that are involved in synthesis of cholesterol which is a precursor for bufadienolides biosynthesis. STRING protein-protein interaction network predicted for identified proteins showed that most proteins are related to metabolic processes, particularly glycolysis, stress response and DNA repair and replication. The results of GO enrichment and KEGG analyses are also consistent with these findings. CONCLUSION This finding indicates that cholesterol may be synthesized in parotoids, and not only in the liver from which is then transferred through the bloodstream to the parotoid macroglands. Presence of proteins that regulate cell cycle, cell division, aging and apoptosis may indicate a high epithelial cell turnover in parotoids. Proteins protecting skin cells from DNA damage may help to minimize the harmful effects of UV radiation. Thus, our work extends our knowledge with new and important functions of parotoids, major glands involved in the bufonid chemical defence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Kowalski
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology and Ecology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Institute of Biology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100, Toruń, Poland.
| | - Paweł Marciniak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - Leszek Rychlik
- Department of Systematic Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
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18
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Yang M, Huan W, Zhang G, Li J, Xia F, Durrani R, Zhao W, Lu J, Peng X, Gao F. Identification of Protein Quality Markers in Toad Venom from Bufo gargarizans. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28083628. [PMID: 37110862 PMCID: PMC10141085 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Toad venom is a traditional Chinese medicine with high medicinal value. The existing quality evaluation standards of toad venom have obvious limitations because of the lack of research on proteins. Thus, it is necessary to screen suitable quality markers and establish appropriate quality evaluation methods for toad venom proteins to guarantee their safety and efficacy in clinical applications. SDS-PAGE, HPLC, and cytotoxicity assays were used to analyze differences in protein components of toad venom from different areas. Functional proteins were screened as potential quality markers by proteomic and bioinformatic analyses. The protein components and small molecular components of toad venom were not correlated in content. Additionally, the protein component had strong cytotoxicity. Proteomics analysis showed that 13 antimicrobial proteins, four anti-inflammatory and analgesic proteins, and 20 antitumor proteins were differentially expressed extracellular proteins. A candidate list of functional proteins was coded as potential quality markers. Moreover, Lysozyme C-1, which has antimicrobial activity, and Neuropeptide B (NPB), which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity, were identified as potential quality markers for toad venom proteins. Quality markers can be used as the basis of quality studies of toad venom proteins and help to construct and improve safe, scientific, and comprehensive quality evaluation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyun Yang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Weiwei Huan
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Utilization of Forestry Biomass, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Guobing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Province People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jie Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Utilization of Forestry Biomass, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Fengyan Xia
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 313000, China
| | - Rabia Durrani
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Jidong Lu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Xinmeng Peng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
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19
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Bufalin reverses ABCB1-mediated resistance to docetaxel in breast cancer. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13840. [PMID: 36879978 PMCID: PMC9984844 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Docetaxel (DCT) is widely used in clinical practice, but the drug resistance of breast cancer patients has become an important reason to limit its clinical efficacy. Chan'su is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of breast cancer. Bufalin (BUF) is a bioactive polyhydroxy steroid extracted from chan'su and has strong antitumor activity, but there are few studies on reversing drug resistance in breast cancer. The aim of this study is to determine whether BUF can reverse the drug resistance to DCT and restore efficacy in breast cancer. Methodology The reversal index of BUF was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays. The effects of BUF on enhancing the apoptosis of DCT were detected by flow cytometry and Western Blot (WB), and the main differential expression levels of sensitive and resistant strains were detected by high-throughput sequencing. Rhodamine 123 assay, WB and ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily B Member 1 (ABCB1) ATPase activity experiments were used to detect the effect of BUF on ABCB1. The nude mouse orthotopic model was constructed to investigate the reversal effect of BUF on DCT resistance in vivo. Results With BUF intervention, the sensitivity of drug-resistant cell lines to DCT was increased. BUF can inhibit the expression of ABCB1 protein, increase the drug accumulation of DCT in drug-resistant strains, and reduce the ATPase activity of ABCB1. Animal experiments show that BUF can inhibit the growth of drug-resistant tumors in an orthotopic model of breast cancer and decrease the expression of ABCB1. Conclusion BUF can reverse ABCB1-mediated docetaxel resistance in breast cancer.
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20
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Dong Q, Turdu G, Dongmulati N, Maimaitijang A, Aisa HA, Yili A. Bufadienolides from the Bufo viridis toad venom exert cytotoxic effects on cancer cells by inducing cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Toxicol In Vitro 2023; 89:105566. [PMID: 36738868 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2023.105566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A series of bufadienolides were isolated from the Bufo viridis toad venom, and their cytotoxic activities against three human cancer cell lines (HeLa, HT-29, MCF7) and a non-cancer cell line (L-O2) were explored using the MTT assay in vitro. All of nine compounds exhibited cytotoxic activities against the three cancer cell lines, with compound D4 exhibiting potent cytotoxic activity against HeLa cells and was better than positive control. Herein, we further evaluated the effect of compound D4 on HeLa cells. The results revealed that compound D4 has excellent cytotoxic effect on HeLa cells by inhibiting cell colony formation and migration, promoting cell apoptosis, increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and arresting of HeLa cells in S and G2/M phases. These findings encourage further work on the chemistry and bioactivity of the Bufo viridis toad venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Dong
- State Key Laboratory Basis of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization, and the Key Laboratory of Chemistry of Plant Resources in Arid Regions Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, South Beijing Road 40-1, Urumqi 830011, People's Republic of China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19(A) Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Gulmira Turdu
- State Key Laboratory Basis of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization, and the Key Laboratory of Chemistry of Plant Resources in Arid Regions Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, South Beijing Road 40-1, Urumqi 830011, People's Republic of China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19(A) Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Naziermu Dongmulati
- State Key Laboratory Basis of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization, and the Key Laboratory of Chemistry of Plant Resources in Arid Regions Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, South Beijing Road 40-1, Urumqi 830011, People's Republic of China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19(A) Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Ayitila Maimaitijang
- State Key Laboratory Basis of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization, and the Key Laboratory of Chemistry of Plant Resources in Arid Regions Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, South Beijing Road 40-1, Urumqi 830011, People's Republic of China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19(A) Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Haji Akber Aisa
- State Key Laboratory Basis of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization, and the Key Laboratory of Chemistry of Plant Resources in Arid Regions Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, South Beijing Road 40-1, Urumqi 830011, People's Republic of China
| | - Abulimiti Yili
- State Key Laboratory Basis of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization, and the Key Laboratory of Chemistry of Plant Resources in Arid Regions Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, South Beijing Road 40-1, Urumqi 830011, People's Republic of China.
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21
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Zou D, Wang Q, Chen T, Sang D, Yang T, Wang Y, Gao M, He F, Li Y, He L, Longzhu D. Bufadienolides originated from toad source and their anti-inflammatory activity. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1044027. [PMID: 36339575 PMCID: PMC9627299 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1044027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Bufadienolide, an essential member of the C-24 steroid family, is characterized by an α-pyrone positioned at C-17. As the predominantly active constituent in traditional Chinese medicine of Chansu, bufadienolide has been prescribed in the treatment of numerous ailments. It is a specifically potent inhibitor of Na+/K+ ATPase with excellent anti-inflammatory activity. However, the severe side effects triggered by unbiased inhibition of the whole-body cells distributed α1-subtype of Na+/K+ ATPase, restrict its future applicability. Thus, researchers have paved the road for the structural alteration of desirable bufadienolide derivatives with minimal adverse effects via biotransformation. In this review, we give priority to the present evidence for structural diversity, MS fragmentation principles, anti-inflammatory efficacy, and structure modification of bufadienolides derived from toads to offer a scientific foundation for future in-depth investigations and views.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denglang Zou
- School of Life Science, Qinghai Normal University, Xining, China
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, China
| | - Qiqi Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, China
| | - Duocheng Sang
- School of Life Science, Qinghai Normal University, Xining, China
| | - Tingqin Yang
- School of Life Science, Qinghai Normal University, Xining, China
| | - Yuhan Wang
- School of Life Science, Qinghai Normal University, Xining, China
| | - Mengze Gao
- School of Life Science, Qinghai Normal University, Xining, China
| | - Fangfang He
- School of Life Science, Qinghai Normal University, Xining, China
| | - Yulin Li
- Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, China
| | - Liangliang He
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Duojie Longzhu
- School of Life Science, Qinghai Normal University, Xining, China
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22
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Jia J, Li J, Zheng Q, Li D. A research update on the antitumor effects of active components of Chinese medicine ChanSu. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1014637. [PMID: 36237327 PMCID: PMC9552564 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1014637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical data show that the incidence and mortality rates of cancer are rising continuously, and cancer has become an ongoing public health challenge worldwide. Excitingly, the extensive clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine may suggest a new direction to combat cancer, and the therapeutic effects of active ingredients from Chinese herbal medicine on cancer are now being widely studied in the medical community. As a traditional anticancer Chinese medicine, ChanSu has been clinically applied since the 1980s and has achieved excellent antitumor efficacy. Meanwhile, the ChanSu active components (e.g., telocinobufagin, bufotalin, bufalin, cinobufotalin, and cinobufagin) exert great antitumor activity in many cancers, such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Many pharmaceutical scientists have investigated the anticancer mechanisms of ChanSu or the ChanSu active components and obtained certain research progress. This article reviews the research progress and antitumor mechanisms of ChanSu active components and proposes that multiple active components of ChanSu may be potential anticancer drugs.
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Adil S, Altaf M, Hussain T, Umair M, Ni J, Abbasi AM, Bussmann RW, Ashraf S. Cultural and Medicinal Use of Amphibians and Reptiles by Indigenous People in Punjab, Pakistan with Comments on Conservation Implications for Herpetofauna. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162062. [PMID: 36009651 PMCID: PMC9405124 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Humans have interacted with reptile and amphibian species for millennia. The current study was designed to collect knowledge about the use of amphibian and reptile species by the native peoples residing along the Jhelum and Chenab rivers in Punjab, Pakistan. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first quantitative assessment of the cultural uses of amphibian and reptile species in the study area. However, hunting, trade, and cultural use are the greatest threats to the diversity of the amphibians and reptiles in the studied area. These threats can potentially lead to their extinction. It is important to protect the highly endangered and vulnerable species employed in therapeutic medications, more specifically in terms of their conservation. Abstract Amphibians and reptiles have interacted with humans for millennia. However, humans interact with amphibian and reptile species in different manners, which depend on their culture and traditions. This study was designed to better understand the interactions between amphibian and reptile species and their usage among the native peoples in the vicinity of the Jhelum and Chenab rivers, Pakistan. Information was collected through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires, and was analyzed by using different indices, including the frequency of citation, corrected fidelity level, fidelity level, relative importance level, and informant major ailment. Two amphibians and twenty-six reptile species were used in therapeutic medicine in the study area. Based on the cultural analysis, we found that Naja naja (black cobra) was highly cited across all cultural groups. A 100% Fidelity Level was calculated for the following species: Naja naja (eye infection), Varanus bengalensis (joint pain), Eurylepis taeniolatus (cataract), and Acanthodactylus cantoris (cancer). We found five endangered species in the study area, i.e., Aspideretes gangeticus, A. hurum, Chitra indica, Varanus flavescens, and Geoclemys hamiltonii, that were used to cure joint pain, muscle stretching and pain, backbone pain, paralysis, and psoriasis, respectively. Likewise, Lissemys punctata andersoni, a vulnerable species as labelled by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, was extensively used for the treatment of joint pain, body pain, paralysis, and arthritis in the study area. In terms of conservation, it is critical to protect the highly vulnerable and endangered species that are being used in therapeutic medicines. Our findings may be helpful for the conservation of amphibian and reptile species by helping to make an effective plan to prevent their extinction. The main threats to the diversity of amphibian and reptile species in the area are hunting, trading, and cultural use. These threats could potentially lead to the extinction of these species. Therefore, with the involvement of concerned authorities, e.g., local stakeholders, the Ministry of Climate Change, provincial wildlife departments, academia, and conservation managers, immediate conservation measures should be taken for the protection and sustainable utilization of medicinal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Adil
- College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
- Department of Zoology, Sargodha Campus, University of Lahore, Sargodha 40100, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Altaf
- Department of Forestry, Range and Wildlife Management, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
| | - Tanveer Hussain
- Department of Forestry, Range and Wildlife Management, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Umair
- College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Jian Ni
- College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Arshad Mehmood Abbasi
- Department of Environment Sciences, Abbottabad Campus, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad 22060, Pakistan
| | - Rainer W. Bussmann
- Department of Ethnobotany, Institute of Botany and Bakuriani Alpine Botanical Garden, Ilia State University, Tbilisi 0105, Georgia
| | - Sana Ashraf
- Department of Zoology, Sargodha Campus, University of Lahore, Sargodha 40100, Pakistan
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24
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Histological Study of Glandular Variability in the Skin of the Natterjack Toad—Epidalea calamita (Laurenti, 1768)—Used in Spanish Historical Ethnoveterinary Medicine and Ethnomedicine. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9080423. [PMID: 36006338 PMCID: PMC9414601 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9080423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Common toads, including the natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita), have been used since ancient times for remedies, and thus constitute excellent biological material for pharmacological and natural product research. After a previous analysis of the historical-folk therapeutic use of amphibians in Spain, a histological study was carried out to provide a complementary ethnopharmacological view through the analysis of the integumentary heterogeneity of the serous (venom) and mucous glands from two adult specimens. Plastic-embedded semi-thin sections showed that serous/venom glands are cytologically homogeneous in spite of their genetic and biochemical complexity, leading to a cocktail that remains stored until extrusion. On the contrary, mucous glands, working continuously, show a more complex cytological variation and regional heterogeneity, which suggests an adaptive variability, leading to an invisible topographic map of skin toxicity. Natterjack toad-based folk remedies are usually extracted from the whole animal as a therapeutic unit in ethnoveterinary practice. However, a new ethnopharmacological vision could emerge from the study of tegumentary regional variation. Abstract Common toads have been used since ancient times for remedies and thus constitute excellent biological material for pharmacological and natural product research. According to the results of a previous analysis of the therapeutic use of amphibians in Spain, we decided to carry out a histological study that provides a complementary view of their ethnopharmacology, through the natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita). This species possesses a characteristic integument, where the parotoid glands stand out, and it has been used in different ethnoveterinary and ethnomedical practices. This histological study of their glandular variability allow us to understand the stages through which the animal synthesises and stores a heterogeneous glandular content according to the areas of the body and the functional moment of the glands. To study tegumentary cytology, a high-resolution, plastic embedding, semi-thin (1 micron) section method was applied. Up to 20 skin patches sampled from the dorsal and ventral sides were processed from the two adult specimens collected, which were roadkill. Serous/venom glands display a genetic and biochemical complexity, leading to a cocktail that remains stored (and perhaps changes over time) until extrusion, but mucous glands, working continuously to produce a surface protection layer, also produce a set of active protein (and other) substances that dissolve into mucous material, making a biologically active covering. This study provides a better understanding of the use of traditional remedies in ethnoveterinary medicine.
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Zhao Y, Zhang B, Sun ZQ, Zhang H, Wang W, Wang ZR, Guo ZK, Yu S, Tan RX, Ge HM. Biocatalytic C14-Hydroxylation on Androstenedione Enabled Modular Synthesis of Cardiotonic Steroids. ACS Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.2c02185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Functional Biomolecules, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Functional Biomolecules, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zi Qian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Functional Biomolecules, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Functional Biomolecules, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zi Ru Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Functional Biomolecules, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhi Kai Guo
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Bio-technology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China
| | - Shouyun Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ren Xiang Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Functional Biomolecules, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hui Ming Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Functional Biomolecules, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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Li M, Zhu H, Liu Y, Lu Y, Sun M, Zhang Y, Shi J, Shi N, Li L, Yang K, Sun X, Liu J, Ge L, Huang L. Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Severe or Critical COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials and Observational Studies. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:926189. [PMID: 35910363 PMCID: PMC9336221 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.926189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to spread globally. Due to the higher risk of mortality, the treatment of severe or critical patients is a top priority. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment has played an extremely important role in the fight against COVID-19 in China; a timely evidence summary on TCM in managing COVID-19 is crucial to update the knowledge of healthcare for better clinical management of COVID-19. This study aimed to assess the effects and safety of TCM treatments for severe/critical COVID-19 patients by systematically collecting and synthesizing evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies (e.g., cohort).Methods: We searched nine databases up to 19th March 2022 and the reference lists of relevant publications. Pairs of reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data of interest, and assessed risk of bias. We performed qualitative systematic analysis with visual presentation of results and compared the direction and distribution of effect estimates for each patient’s important outcome. We performed sensitivity analyses to observe the robustness of results by restricting analysis to studies with low risk of bias.Results: The search yielded 217,761 records, and 21 studies (6 RCTs and 15 observational studies) proved eligible. A total of 21 studies enrolled 12,981 severe/critical COVID-19 patients with a mean age of 57.21 years and a mean proportion of men of 47.91%. Compared with usual supportive treatments, the effect estimates of TCM treatments were consistent in direction, illustrating that TCM treatments could reduce the risk of mortality, rate of conversion to critical cases, and mechanical ventilation, and showed significant advantages in shortening the length of hospital stay, time to viral clearance, and symptom resolution. The results were similar when we restricted analyses to low-risk-bias studies. No serious adverse events were reported with TCM treatments, and no significant differences were observed between groups.Conclusion: Encouraging evidence suggests that TCM presents substantial advantages in treating severe/critical COVID-19 patients. TCM has a safety profile that is comparable to that of conventional treatment alone. TCMs have played an important role in China’s prevention and treatment of COVID-19, which sets an example of using traditional medicine in preventing and treating COVID-19 worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Li
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Evidence Based Social Science Research Centre, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongfei Zhu
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Evidence Based Social Science Research Centre, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yafei Liu
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Evidence Based Social Science Research Centre, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yao Lu
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Evidence Based Social Science Research Centre, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Minyao Sun
- Evidence Based Nursing Centre, School of Nursing, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- CEBIM (Center for Evidence Based Integrative Medicine)-Clarity Collaboration, Guang’ Anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Nottingham Ningbo GRADE Center, The University of Nottingham Ningbo, Ningbo, China
| | - Jiaheng Shi
- China Center for Evidence Based Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Emergency, Guang’ Anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nannan Shi
- China Center for Evidence Based Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Li
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kehu Yang
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- WHO Collaborating Center for Guideline Implementation and Knowledge Translation, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xin Sun
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Xin Sun, ; Jie Liu, ; Long Ge, ; Luqi Huang,
| | - Jie Liu
- China Center for Evidence Based Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Oncology, Guang’ Anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xin Sun, ; Jie Liu, ; Long Ge, ; Luqi Huang,
| | - Long Ge
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Evidence Based Social Science Research Centre, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- WHO Collaborating Center for Guideline Implementation and Knowledge Translation, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xin Sun, ; Jie Liu, ; Long Ge, ; Luqi Huang,
| | - Luqi Huang
- China Center for Evidence Based Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xin Sun, ; Jie Liu, ; Long Ge, ; Luqi Huang,
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An integrated strategy to delineate the chemical and dynamic metabolic profile of Huachansu tablets in rat plasma based on UPLC-ESI-QTOF/MSE. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2022; 218:114866. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2022.114866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Cinobufagin inhibits proliferation of acute myeloid leukaemia cells by repressing c-Myc pathway-associated genes. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 360:109936. [PMID: 35447139 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.109936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cinobufagin is a cardiotoxic bufanolide steroid secreted by the Asiatic toad, Bufo gargarizans. Bufanolides inhibit Na+/K+ ATPase and have similar effects as cardiac glycosides, such as digitoxin or ouabain derived from toxic herbs. Recently, the anti-cancer effects of bufanolides have gained attention, however the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Selecting cinobufagin as a candidate anti-leukaemia agent, we here conducted transcriptomic analyses on the effect of cinobufagin on human acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cell lines, HL60 and Kasumi-1. Flow cytometry analysis showed that cinobufagin induced apoptosis in both cell lines. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) of the two cell lines treated with cinobufagin revealed commonly downregulated genes with enrichment in the term "Myc active pathway" according to Gene Ontology (GO) analysis. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) of genes downregulated by cinobufagin also showed "MYC_TARGETS_V2" with the highest normalised enrichment score (NES) in both cell lines. In contrast, hallmarks such as "TNFA_SIGNALING_VIA_NFKB", "APOPTOSIS", and "TGF_BETA_SIGNALING" were significantly enriched as upregulated gene sets. Epigenetic analysis using chromatin immunoprecipitation and sequencing (ChIP-seq) confirmed that genes encoding cell death-related signalling molecules were upregulated by gain of H3K27ac, whereas downregulation of c-Myc-related genes was not accompanied by H3K27ac alteration. Cinobufagin is an anti-proliferative natural compound with c-Myc-inhibiting and epigenetic-modulating activity in acute myeloid leukaemia.
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Use of cellular metabolomics and lipidomics to decipher the mechanism of Huachansu injection-based intervention against human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2022; 212:114654. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2022.114654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Pearson KC, Tarvin RD. A review of chemical defense in harlequin toads (Bufonidae: Atelopus). Toxicon X 2022; 13:100092. [PMID: 35146414 PMCID: PMC8801762 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2022.100092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Toads of the genus Atelopus are chemically defended by a unique combination of endogenously synthesized cardiotoxins (bufadienolides) and neurotoxins which may be sequestered (guanidinium alkaloids). Investigation into Atelopus small-molecule chemical defenses has been primarily concerned with identifying and characterizing various forms of these toxins while largely overlooking their ecological roles and evolutionary implications. In addition to describing the extent of knowledge about Atelopus toxin structures, pharmacology, and biological sources, we review the detection, identification, and quantification methods used in studies of Atelopus toxins to date and conclude that many known toxin profiles are unlikely to be comprehensive because of methodological and sampling limitations. Patterns in existing data suggest that both environmental (toxin availability) and genetic (capacity to synthesize or sequester toxins) factors influence toxin profiles. From an ecological and evolutionary perspective, we summarize the possible selective pressures acting on Atelopus toxicity and toxin profiles, including predation, intraspecies communication, disease, and reproductive status. Ultimately, we intend to provide a basis for future ecological, evolutionary, and biochemical research on Atelopus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kannon C. Pearson
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Rebecca D. Tarvin
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
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31
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Lan Y, He L, Dong X, Tang R, Li W, Wang J, Wang L, Yue B, Price M, Guo T, Fan Z. Comparative transcriptomes of three different skin sites for the Asiatic toad ( Bufo gargarizans). PeerJ 2022; 10:e12993. [PMID: 35223212 PMCID: PMC8877344 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Toads release toxic dry secretions from glands in their skin. Toxin possesses a wide range of biological effects, but little is known about its specific gene expression pattern and regulatory mechanisms. The Asiatic toad (Bufo gargarizans) is widely used to produce toxin. Here, we explored the gene expression of 30 tissue samples from three different skin sites (parotoid gland, dorsal skin, and abdomen skin) of B. gargarizans. After de novo assembly, 783,130 unigenes with an average length of 489 bp (N50 = 556 bp) were obtained. A total of 9,248 significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected. There were 8,819 DEGs between the parotoid gland and abdomen skin and 1,299 DEGs between the dorsal skin and abdomen skin, while only 1,283 DEGs were obtained between the parotoid gland and dorsal skin. Through enrichment analysis, it was found that the detected differential gene expressions corresponded to the different functions of different skin sites. Our key findings were the genetic expression of toxin secretion, the protection function of skin, and the related genes such as HSD3B, Cyp2c, and CAT, LGALS9. In conclusion, we provide useful transcript resources to study the gene expression and gene function of B. gargarizans and other amphibians. The detected DEGs between different sites of the skin provided better insights into the genetic mechanisms of toxin secretion and the protection function of skin for amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Lan
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Eco-Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lewei He
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Eco-Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xue Dong
- Department of Ambulatory surgery, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ruixiang Tang
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wanyu Li
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Eco-Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Eco-Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Eco-Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China,Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Medicinal Animals, Xichang, Sichuan, China
| | - Bisong Yue
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Eco-Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China,Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Medicinal Animals, Xichang, Sichuan, China
| | - Megan Price
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Eco-Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, kChengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhenxin Fan
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Eco-Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Othman SN, Litvinchuk SN, Maslova I, Dahn H, Messenger KR, Andersen D, Jowers MJ, Kojima Y, Skorinov DV, Yasumiba K, Chuang MF, Chen YH, Bae Y, Hoti J, Jang Y, Borzee A. From Gondwana to the Yellow Sea, evolutionary diversifications of true toads Bufo sp. in the Eastern Palearctic and a revisit of species boundaries for Asian lineages. eLife 2022; 11:e70494. [PMID: 35089130 PMCID: PMC8920510 DOI: 10.7554/elife.70494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Taxa with vast distribution ranges often display unresolved phylogeographic structures and unclear taxonomic boundaries resulting in hidden diversity. This hypothesis-driven study reveals the evolutionary history of Bufonidae, covering the phylogeographic patterns found in Holarctic bufonids from the West Gondwana to the phylogenetic taxonomy of Asiatic true toads in the Eastern Palearctic. We used an integrative approach relying on fossilized birth-death calibrations, population dynamics, gene-flow, species distribution, and species delimitation modeling to resolve the biogeography of the clade and highlight cryptic lineages. We verified the near-simultaneous Miocene radiations within Western and Eastern Palearctic Bufo, c. 14.49-10.00 Mya, temporally matching with the maximum dust outflows in Central Asian deserts. Contrary to earlier studies, we demonstrated that the combined impacts of long dispersal and ice-age refugia equally contributed to the current genetic structure of Bufo in East Asia. Our findings reveal a climate-driven adaptation in septentrional Eastern Asian Bufo, explaining its range shifts toward northern latitudes. We resolve species boundaries within the Eastern Palearctic Bufo, and redefine the taxonomic and conservation units of the northeastern species: B. sachalinensis and its subspecies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti N Othman
- Laboratory of Animal Behaviour and Conservation, College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry UniversityNanjingChina
- Department of Life Sciences and Division of EcoScience, Ewha Womans UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Spartak N Litvinchuk
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of SciencesSt. PetersburgRussian Federation
| | - Irina Maslova
- Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity Far Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of SciencesVladivostokRussian Federation
| | - Hollis Dahn
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Kevin R Messenger
- Herpetology and Applied Conservation Laboratory, College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Desiree Andersen
- Department of Life Sciences and Division of EcoScience, Ewha Womans UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Michael J Jowers
- CIBIO/InBIO (Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos), Universidade do PortoVairãoPortugal
| | - Yosuke Kojima
- Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Dmitry V Skorinov
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of SciencesSt. PetersburgRussian Federation
| | | | - Ming-Feng Chuang
- Department of Life Sciences and Research Center for Global Change Biology, National Chung Hsing UniversityTaichungTaiwan
| | - Yi-Huey Chen
- Department of Life Science, Chinese Culture UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Yoonhyuk Bae
- Department of Life Sciences and Division of EcoScience, Ewha Womans UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Jennifer Hoti
- Department of Life Sciences and Division of EcoScience, Ewha Womans UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Yikweon Jang
- Department of Life Sciences and Division of EcoScience, Ewha Womans UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Amael Borzee
- Laboratory of Animal Behaviour and Conservation, College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry UniversityNanjingChina
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Zheng Y, Deng L, Cao H, Xu N, Zhang D, Tian H, Li B, Lu Z, Ye W, Yu L, Fan C, Liu J. Screening of Bufadienolides from Toad Venom Identifies Gammabufotalin as a Potential Anti-inflammatory Agent. PLANTA MEDICA 2022; 88:43-52. [PMID: 33049786 DOI: 10.1055/a-1248-2626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Toad venom (Chansu) is used in the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases in China and East/Southeast Asian countries. However, the anti-inflammatory components of toad venom have not yet been systematically evaluated and clearly defined. To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of toad venom and identify new anti-inflammatory ingredients, we used zebrafish, an alternative drug screening model, to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of 14 bufadienolides previously isolated from toad venom. Most of the bufadienolides were found to exert significant anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide-, CuSO4-, or tail transection-induced zebrafish inflammatory models. Moreover, gammabufotalin ( 6: ) inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation by suppressing the myeloid differentiation primary response 88/nuclear factor-kappa B and STAT3 signal pathways. This study confirms the potential of zebrafish in drug screening, clarifies the anti-inflammatory effects of bufadienolides from toad venom, and indicates that gammabufotalin may be developed as a novel therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanru Zheng
- Third Level Research Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Lijuan Deng
- Formula-pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Huihui Cao
- Third Level Research Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Nishan Xu
- Third Level Research Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Haiyan Tian
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Baojing Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, P. R. China
| | - Zibin Lu
- Third Level Research Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Wencai Ye
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Linzhong Yu
- Third Level Research Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Chunlin Fan
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Junshan Liu
- Third Level Research Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, Guangzhou, P. R. China
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Wu Q, Wang SP, Sun XX, Tao YF, Yuan XQ, Chen QM, Dai L, Li CL, Zhang JY, Yang AL. HuaChanSu suppresses tumor growth and interferes with glucose metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by restraining Hexokinase-2. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 142:106123. [PMID: 34826616 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2021.106123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has become the sixth highly diagnosed cancer and the fourth main reason of cancer deaths worldwide. HuaChanSu, an extract from dried toad skin, exhibits good anticancer effects and has been widely used in the treatment of liver cancer. The reprogramming of glucose metabolism is one remarkable feature of hepatocellular carcinoma, and the effects of HuaChanSu on the abnormal glucose metabolism of cancer cells have not been elucidated. In our study, we investigate the effects of HuaChanSu on glucose metabolism of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and tumor growth in vivo. The results show that HuaChanSu inhibits the tumor growth of hepatoma H22-bearing mice and prolongs the survival time of tumor-bearing mice, additionally, HuaChanSu has no obvious adverse effects in these mice. In vitro, HuaChanSu restrains the proliferation, induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of human hepatoma cells. HuaChanSu also promotes ROS production and causes mitochondrial damage. Furthermore, HuaChanSu inhibits glucose uptake and lactate release in human hepatoma cells. Mechanistically, we find that HuaChanSu downregulates Hexokinase-2 (HK2) expression, and using RNA interference, we confirm that HuaChanSu suppresses the growth of HepG2 cells by interfering with glucose metabolism through downregulation of Hexokinase-2. However, knockdown of Hexokinase-2 has no obvious effect on the proliferation of SK-HEP-1 cells, although glucose uptake and lactate release are reduced in siHK2-transfected SK-HEP-1 cells, subsequently, we illustrate that two human hepatoma cell lines exhibit glucose metabolism heterogeneity, which causes the different cell proliferation responses to the inhibition of Hexokinase-2. Taken together, our study indicates that HuaChanSu could inhibit tumor growth and interfere with glucose metabolism via suppression of Hexokinase-2, and these findings provide a new insight into the anti-hepatoma mechanisms of HuaChanSu and lay a theoretical foundation for the further clinical application of HuaChanSu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Shao-Ping Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Xiao-Xue Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Yu-Fan Tao
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Qi-Mei Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Long Dai
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Chun-Lei Li
- Biotechnological Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Jia-Yu Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China.
| | - Ai-Lin Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China.
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Material Basis and Mechanism of Chansu Injection for COVID-19 Treatment Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Technology. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:7697785. [PMID: 34671410 PMCID: PMC8523246 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7697785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The clinical efficacy of Chansu injection for COVID-19 treatment has been confirmed. Its mechanism of action remains unclear. We used network pharmacology and molecular docking technology to explore the potential material basis and mechanism of action of Chansu injection for COVID-19. Methods The main components of Chansu injection were determined using HPLC. The PharmMapper, SwissTargetPrediction, SEA, and TCMID databases were used to screen for the active ingredients and therapeutic targets of Chansu injection, while the OMIM and GeneCards Suite databases were used to search for COVID-19-related targets. The STRING database was used for protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction and topological analysis, while DAVID was used for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses of the core targets. The main active compounds of Chansu injection were docked with 3CL protease, ACE2, RdRp, and spike protein. Results The three Chansu injection compounds were identified using HPLC. A total of 236 drug-related targets and 16,611 disease-related targets were identified, and 77 common targets were determined through mapping. The PPI mapping results revealed that 16 core targets were obtained through topological analysis and screening. Furthermore, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the PI3K and JAK-STAT signaling pathways are the major pathways. The molecular docking results suggest that the three Chansu injection components have high binding energies to the S protein. Conclusions The potential mechanism of Chansu injection for COVID-19 involves multiple targets and pathways, thereby providing a scientific basis for its clinical application and further research.
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Qin Y, Long Y, Zhou T, Luo R, Tong C, Xie Q, Wang W, Liu B. A rGO-DNAzyme assisted fluorescence method for sensitive RNase A activity assay and natural compound screening. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2021; 13:4298-4306. [PMID: 34473139 DOI: 10.1039/d1ay01053k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
As a key regulator of human physiology and metabolic processes, ribonuclease (RNase) A can be used as an important biomarker for predicting human disease occurrence. Hence, establishing sensitive methods for tracking RNase A activity in vitro and in living cells is of great importance. Herein, we present a convenient fluorescence method assisted by reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and DNAzyme mediated fluorescence signal release for RNase A assay. The fluorescence change of the new method showed a positive linear relation with RNase A concentration in the range from 0.5 pg μL-1 to 1 ng μL-1 with a detection limit of 0.089 pg μL-1. By using this method to screen the effector of RNase A from natural compounds, the natural compound of B6 was found to stimulate RNase A activity in vitro and in vivo, the result of which was supported by the real-time imaging of RNase A in living cells. In summary, this fluorescence method with high sensitivity and specificity provides an alternative for RNase A activity assay and effector screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Qin
- College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China.
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, Innovative Material Medical Research Institute, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, P. R. China.
| | - Ying Long
- College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China.
| | - Ting Zhou
- College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China.
| | - Ruxin Luo
- College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China.
| | - Chunyi Tong
- College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China.
| | - Qian Xie
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, Innovative Material Medical Research Institute, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, P. R. China.
| | - Wei Wang
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, Innovative Material Medical Research Institute, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, P. R. China.
| | - Bin Liu
- College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China.
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Mussarat S, Ali R, Ali S, Mothana RA, Ullah R, Adnan M. Medicinal Animals and Plants as Alternative and Complementary Medicine in Southern Regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:649046. [PMID: 34504421 PMCID: PMC8422074 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.649046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Local communities use animals and plants as common traditional therapies for various diseases. The study aimed to document animals and animal-plant mixture recipes that are used as alternative and complementary medicine in southern regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods: The data were collected (2017–2018) in three remote areas (Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat) through questionnaires and face-to-face interviews with local inhabitants. Data on ethnomedicinal uses and cultural values of animal products or parts and their mixture with plants were analyzed using various indices such as frequency of citation (FC), informant consensus (FIC), and fidelity level (FL) to find the highly preferred species in the area. Results: A total of 185 informants (117 females and 68 males) were interviewed. The study documented 32 animal species, vertebrates (n = 24) and invertebrates (n = 8), for curing 37 types of diseases. Mammals (n = 13) were among the most commonly utilized species followed by birds (n = 8), arthropods (n = 7), reptiles (n = 2), and fishes and annelids (n = 1 each). Among the reported animals, Herpestes edwardsi (mongoose), Macaca mulatta (monkey), Labeo rohita (rohu), Oryctolagus cuniculus (rabbit), and Streptopelia decaocto (dove) were the newly reported species used as alternative medicine. The meat of Capra hircus (goat), monkey, and rabbit was used to treat chronic diseases such as hepatitis C, cancer, epilepsy, and asthma. A total of 17 plants belonging to 15 botanical families were used in combination with animal parts/products. The commonly used families were Piperaceae (31%) followed by Apiaceae (27%). The notable plant species in combination with animal products were Curcuma longa, Piper nigrum, Coriandrum sativum, Brassica rapa, and Phoenix dactylifera. Seeds were the highest used part in animal-plant mixture recipes. Gallus gallus (chicken) and Columba livia (pigeon) secured the highest (FC = 28) and (FL = 80%), respectively. FIC results had shown the highest degree of consensus for general body weakness (FIC = 0.88) and pyrexia (FIC = 0.86). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that local communities in the southern regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have substantial knowledge about the formulation of ethnomedicines from both flora and fauna that need urgent documentation to avoid eroding and for conservational purposes. The newly reported phytozootherapeutic recipes and animal species can potentially be a source of pharmacologically active constituents and should be checked experimentally for further confirmation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakina Mussarat
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Rehman Ali
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Shandana Ali
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Ramzi A Mothana
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Riaz Ullah
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Adnan
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
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Zhou SW, Quan JY, Li ZW, Ye G, Shang Z, Chen ZP, Wang L, Li XY, Zhang XQ, Li J, Liu JS, Tian HY. Bufadienolides from the Eggs of the Toad Bufo bufo gargarizans and Their Antimelanoma Activities. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2021; 84:1425-1433. [PMID: 33882233 PMCID: PMC9042390 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c00840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Toads produce potent toxins, named bufadienolides, to defend against their predators. Pharmacological research has revealed that bufadienolides are potential anticancer drugs. In this research, we reported nine bufadienolides from the eggs of the toad Bufo bufo gargarizans, including two new compounds (1 and 3). The chemical structures of 1 and 3, as well as of one previously reported semisynthesized compound (2), were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic data interpretation, chemical methods, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 is an unusual 19-norbufadienolide with rearranged A/B rings. A biological test revealed that compounds 2 and 4-8 showed potent cytotoxic activities toward human melanoma cell line SK-MEL-1 with IC50 values less than 1.0 μM. A preliminary mechanism investigation revealed that the most potent compound, 8, could induce apoptosis via PARP cleavage, while 5 and 6 significantly suppressed angiogenesis in zebrafish. Furthermore, an in vivo biological study showed that 5, 6, and 8 inhibit SK-MEL-1 cell growth significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Wen Zhou
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR 999077, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Yu Quan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi-Wei Li
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Ge Ye
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuo Shang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Ze-Ping Chen
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Yuan Li
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Qi Zhang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Jun-Shan Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Yan Tian
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
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Kong WS, Shen FX, Xie RF, Zhou G, Feng YM, Zhou X. Bufothionine induces autophagy in H22 hepatoma-bearing mice by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 pathway, a possible anti-cancer mechanism of cinobufacini. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 270:113848. [PMID: 33485977 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.113848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Cinobufacini is extracted from the skins and parotid venom glands of the toad for treating symptoms like swelling and pain in ancient times. Nowadays, cinobifucini injection has also achieved satisfactory therapeutic effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in China. AIM OF THE STUDY Our previous work found that bufothionine, an alkaloid abundant in cinobufacini injection, induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. In this work, the underlying effects of bufothionine on autophagy in HCC and its possible dependent pathway were investigated. METHODS CCK-8 and Hoechst staining assays were performed to verify effects of drugs on proliferation and apoptosis of SMMC7721 cell. H22-tumor-bearing mice model was established by inoculating ascites fluid. HE staining was used to observe pathological changes in liver and tumor tissues. ELISA and Western blot experiments were conducted to investigate IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. The effects of drugs on expressions of autophagic relative proteins were investigated by Western blot in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS In vitro, CCK-8 and Hoechst staining assays showed that bufothionine inhibited SMMC7721 cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis at 100 μM. In vivo, bufothionine relieved symptoms of H22-tumor-bearing mice and exerted anti-inflammation activity. ELISA and Western blot demonstrated that bufothionine significantly reduced serum IL-6 concentration, suppressed p-Stat3tyr705, p-Stat3ser727 and Jak2 expressions in tumor tissues and upregulated Atg5, Atg7 and LC3Ⅱ expressions in SMMC7721 cell and H22 tumor. CONCLUSION This is the first report showing that bufothionine might induce autophagy in HCC by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 pathway, presenting a possible anti-cancer mechanism of bufothionine in cinobufacini injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Song Kong
- Department of Pharmacy, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fang-Xue Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Rui-Fang Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Gui Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yi-Ming Feng
- Department of Pharmacy, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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40
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Li FJ, Hu JH, Ren X, Zhou CM, Liu Q, Zhang YQ. Toad venom: A comprehensive review of chemical constituents, anticancer activities, and mechanisms. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2021; 354:e2100060. [PMID: 33887066 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202100060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Toad venom, a traditional natural medicine, has been used for hundreds of years in China for treating different diseases. Many studies have been performed to elucidate the cardiotonic and analgesic activities of toad venom. Until the last decade, an increasing number of studies have documented that toad venom is a source of lead compound(s) for the development of potential cancer treatment drugs. Research has shown that toad venom contains 96 types of bufadienolide monomers and 23 types of indole alkaloids, such as bufalin, cinobufagin, arenobufagin, and resibufogenin, which exhibit a wide range of anticancer activities in vitro and, in particular, in vivo for a range of cancers. The main antitumor mechanisms are likely to be apoptosis or/and autophagy induction, cell cycle arrest, cell metastasis suppression, reversal of drug resistance, or growth inhibition of cancer cells. This review summarizes the chemical constituents of toad venom, analyzing their anticancer activities and molecular mechanisms for cancer treatments. We also outline the importance of further studies regarding the material basis and anticancer mechanisms of toad venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Jie Li
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jing-Hong Hu
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Quality Control and Construction of the Whole Industrial Chain of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xin Ren
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Cheng-Mei Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Qian Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Quality Control and Construction of the Whole Industrial Chain of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yong-Qing Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Quality Control and Construction of the Whole Industrial Chain of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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Xu Y, Tang L, Chen P, Chen M, Zheng M, Shi F, Wang Y. Tumor-Targeted Delivery of Bufalin-Loaded Modified Albumin-Polymer Hybrid for Enhanced Antitumor Therapy and Attenuated Hemolysis Toxicity and Cardiotoxicity. AAPS PharmSciTech 2021; 22:137. [PMID: 33880681 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-021-02000-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel albumin polymer hybrid with a core-shell structure was designed to target delivery of bufalin, which is an antineoplastic monomer with serious cardiotoxicity. The sheath layer was composed of ursodeoxycholic acid (UA)-modified bovine serum albumin (UA-BSA), while the stable core consisted of poly n-butyl cyanoacrylate (PBCA) nanoparticles. The UA-BSA was synthetized, and the substitution degree was characterized. The physical properties of bufalin-loaded UA-modified protein-PBCA nanocomplexes (BF-uPPNCs), such as morphology, particle size, and encapsulation efficiency, were evaluated. FTIR and DSC revealed the bufalin to be in an amorphous state. Furthermore, the in vitro release study indicated a sustained release profile of BF-uPPNCs. The MTT and cellular uptake study demonstrated that BF-uPPNCs significantly improved the inhibitory effect of the bufalin accompanied with an enhanced cell uptake capacity on HepG2 cells. In addition, in vivo research demonstrated that BF-uPPNCs had a better antitumor effect coupled with improved therapeutic effect, and reduced hemolysis, vascular irritation, and cardiotoxicity. This work therefore presented a novel albumin polymer hybrid with favorable stability, efficient tumor-targeted delivery potential, and side effect reduction ability, which can be a potential vehicle for an anticancer drug.
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Xiang JY, Chi YY, Han JX, Xiang H, Xie Q. The Toxicity and Attenuation Methods of Toxic Chinese Materia Medica for its Reasonable Application: A Review. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2021; 49:41-67. [PMID: 33416023 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x21500038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Over a millennia, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used to treat various diseases in China. In recent years, more and more Chinese materia medica (CMM) have been studied in scientific research projects, applied in clinical practice, and their extracts have even appeared in some health products. However, the toxicity of some CMM is often overlooked, including hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, etc. In this review, the toxic components and their toxicological mechanisms of some toxic CMM were listed according to the chemical structure classification of toxic components. Afterwards, the traditional methods (processing and compatibility) and modern methods (structural modification, biotransformation, etc.) of attenuation of CMM were discussed. Since ancient times, it has been said that "fight fire with fire, fight poison with poison," and toxic CMM are of great significance in the treatment of difficult and severe diseases. The rational application of toxic CMM and their components in clinical practice was also exemplified in this review. While the pharmacological effects of TCMs have been emphasized, the scientific attenuation and rational application of toxic components should be concerned. We hope this review can provide a reference for future related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Yan Xiang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, P. R. China
| | - Yan-Yu Chi
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Xin Han
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, P. R. China
| | - Hongyu Xiang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, People's Republic of China.,National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, P. R. China.,School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, P. R. China
| | - Qiuhong Xie
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, People's Republic of China.,National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, P. R. China.,School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, P. R. China
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Acetyl-bufalin shows potent efficacy against non-small-cell lung cancer by targeting the CDK9/STAT3 signalling pathway. Br J Cancer 2020; 124:645-657. [PMID: 33122847 PMCID: PMC7851395 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01135-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) is a promising prognostic marker and therapeutic target in cancers. Bufalin is an effective anti-tumour agent; however, the clinical application of bufalin is limited due to its high toxicity. Acetyl-bufalin, the bufalin prodrug, was designed and synthesised with higher efficiency and lower toxicity. METHODS Three non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines, a xenograft model and a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model were used to examine the effects of acetyl-bufalin. CDK9/STAT3 involvement was investigated by knockdown with siRNA, proteome microarray assay, western blot analysis and co-immunoprecipitation experiments. Acute toxicity test and pharmacokinetics (PK) study were conducted to assess the safety and PK. The human NSCLC tissues were analysed to verify high CDK9 expression. RESULTS We showed that CDK9 induced NSCLC cell proliferation and that this effect was associated with STAT3 activation, specifically an increase in STAT3 phosphorylation and transcription factor activity. Acetyl-bufalin is an effective and safety inhibitor of the CDK9/STAT3 pathway, leading to the impediment of various oncogenic processes in NSCLC. Molecular docking and high-throughput proteomics platform analysis uncovered acetyl-bufalin directly binds to CDK9. Consequently, acetyl-bufalin impaired the complex formation of CDK9 and STAT3, decreased the expressions of P-STAT3, and transcribed target genes such as cyclin B1, CDC2, MCL-1, Survivin, VEGF, BCL2, and it upregulated the expression levels of BAX and caspase-3 activity. Acetyl-bufalin inhibited tumour growth in NSCLC xenograft and PDX models. CONCLUSIONS Acetyl-bufalin is a novel blocker of the CDK9/STAT3 pathway thus may have potential in therapy of NSCLC and other cancers.
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The Parotoid Gland Secretion from Peruvian Toad Rhinella horribilis (Wiegmann, 1833): Chemical Composition and Effect on the Proliferation and Migration of Lung Cancer Cells. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12090608. [PMID: 32971938 PMCID: PMC7551750 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12090608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Since Rhinella sp. toads produce bioactive substances, some species have been used in traditional medicine and magical practices by ancient cultures in Peru. During several decades, the Rhinella horribilis toad was confused with the invasive toad Rhinella marina, a species documented with extensive toxinological studies. In contrast, the chemical composition and biological effects of the parotoid gland secretions (PGS) remain still unknown for R. horribilis. In this work, we determine for the first time 55 compounds from the PGS of R. horribilis, which were identified using HPLC-MS/MS. The crude extract inhibited the proliferation of A549 cancer cells with IC50 values of 0.031 ± 0.007 and 0.015 ± 0.001 µg/mL at 24 and 48 h of exposure, respectively. Moreover, it inhibited the clonogenic capacity, increased ROS levels, and prevented the etoposide-induced apoptosis, suggesting that the effect of R. horribilis poison secretion was by cell cycle blocking before of G2/M-phase checkpoint. Fraction B was the most active and strongly inhibited cancer cell migration. Our results indicate that the PGS of R. horribilis are composed of alkaloids, bufadienolides, and argininyl diacids derivatives, inhibiting the proliferation and migration of A549 cells.
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Wu JH, Cao YT, Pan HY, Wang LH. Identification of Antitumor Constituents in Toad Venom by Spectrum-Effect Relationship Analysis and Investigation on Its Pharmacologic Mechanism. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25184269. [PMID: 32961837 PMCID: PMC7571126 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Toad venom (Bufonis Venenum, known as ‘Chansu’ in Chinese), the secretion of the ear-side gland and skin gland of Bufo gargarizans cantor or Duttaphrynus melanostictus Schneider, has been utilized to treat several diseases in China for thousands of years. However, due to the chemical variability of the components, systematic chemical composition and the key pharmacophores in toad venom have not yet fully understood. Besides, it contains a variety of effective compounds with different physiological activity and chemotypes, mainly including alkaloids, bufogenins, bufotoxins, and so on. The recent pharmacological researches have demonstrated that several bufogenins have remarkable pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic effects, and anti-tumor effects. Aim of the study: To identify the bioactive compounds and pharmacophores originating from toad venom based on analyzing spectrum-effect relationship by chemometrics and to explore the anti-cancer mechanism primarily. (2) Materials and methods: Fingerprint of the 21 batches of samples was established using HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography). The anti-tumor activity of extracts were determined by in-vitro assays. Chemometric analysis was used to establish the spectrum-effect model and screen for active ingredients. Pharmacodynamic tests for the screened active compound monomers were conducted with in-vitro assays. Further anti-tumor mechanisms were investigated using western blot and flow cytometry. (3) Results: The established spectrum-effect model has satisfactory fitting effect and predicting accuracy. The inhibitory effect of major screened compounds on lung carcinoma cells A549 were validated in vitro, demonstrating that arenobufagin, telocinobufogenin, and cinobufotalin had significant anti-tumor effects. Through further investigation of the mechanism by western blotting and flow cytometry, we elucidated that arenobufagin induces apoptosis in A549 cells with the enhanced expression of cleaved PARP (poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase). These results may provide valuable information for further structural modification of bufadienolides to treat lung cancer and a method for discovery of anti-tumor active compounds. Conclusions: Our research offers a more scientific method for screening the principal ingredients dominating the pharmacodynamic function. These screened compounds (arenobufagin, etc.) were proven to induce apoptosis by overactivation of the PARP-pathway, which may be utilized to make BRCA (breast cancer susceptibility gene) mutant cancer cells more vulnerable to DNA damaging agents and kill them.
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Deng LJ, Li Y, Qi M, Liu JS, Wang S, Hu LJ, Lei YH, Jiang RW, Chen WM, Qi Q, Tian HY, Han WL, Wu BJ, Chen JX, Ye WC, Zhang DM. Molecular mechanisms of bufadienolides and their novel strategies for cancer treatment. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 887:173379. [PMID: 32758567 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Bufadienolides are cardioactive C24 steroids with an α-pyrone ring at position C17. In the last ten years, accumulating studies have revealed the anticancer activities of bufadienolides and their underlying mechanisms, such as induction of autophagy and apoptosis, cell cycle disruption, inhibition of angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness, and multidrug resistance reversal. As Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitors, bufadienolides have inevitable cardiotoxicity. Short half-lives, poor stability, low plasma concentration and oral bioavailability in vivo are obstacles for their applications as drugs. To improve the drug potency of bufadienolides and reduce their side effects, prodrug strategies and drug delivery systems such as liposomes and nanoparticles have been applied. Therefore, systematic and recapitulated information about the antitumor activity of bufadienolides, with special emphasis on the molecular or cellular mechanisms, prodrug strategies and drug delivery systems, is of high interest. Here, we systematically review the anticancer effects of bufadienolides and the molecular or cellular mechanisms of action. Research advancements regarding bufadienolide prodrugs and their tumor-targeting delivery strategies are critically summarized. This work highlights recent scientific advances regarding bufadienolides as effective anticancer agents from 2011 to 2019, which will help researchers to understand the molecular pathways involving bufadienolides, resulting in a selective and safe new lead compound or therapeutic strategy with improved therapeutic applications of bufadienolides for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Juan Deng
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yong Li
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Ming Qi
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jun-Shan Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Li-Jun Hu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yu-He Lei
- Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518034, China
| | - Ren-Wang Jiang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Wei-Min Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Qi Qi
- Clinical Translational Center for Targeted Drug, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Hai-Yan Tian
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Wei-Li Han
- School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Bao-Jian Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jia-Xu Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Wen-Cai Ye
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Dong-Mei Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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Kowalski K, Marciniak P, Rychlik L. Individual variation in cardiotoxicity of parotoid secretion of the common toad, Bufo bufo, depends on body size - first results. ZOOLOGY 2020; 142:125822. [PMID: 32862084 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2020.125822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Anurans secrete a wide diversity of toxins from skin glands to defend themselves against predators and pathogens. Bufonids produce potent poison in parotoid macroglands located in the postorbital region. Parotoid secretion is a rich source of bioactive compounds with cardiotoxic, cytotoxic and hemolytic activity. Poison content and toxicity may vary between species, populations, and among conspecifics inhabiting the same area. In the present paper, we pre-analyzed the individual variation in cardiotoxicity of parotoid extract of common toads (Bufo bufo Linnaeus, 1758) and impact of body mass (BM), snout to vent length (SVL), and body condition (BC) of toad on the poison toxicity. We hypothesized that large toads produce poison with higher cardiotoxicity than smaller ones. Parotoid extract was fractionated by reverse phase chromatography, and then in vitro physiological bioassays were carried out on the semi-isolated hearts of the mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus, 1758) to determine cardiotoxicity of the whole poison and separated fractions. Generalized linear mixed models were used to determine effects of BM, SVL, and BC on the poison toxicity. We recorded significant changes in the insect heart contractility after treatment with the whole poison and separated fractions. We found an individual variation in cardiotoxicity of the parotoid extract which was explained by the body size of toad. Poison of smaller toads displayed a negative, whereas poison of larger toads positive, chronotropic effect on the heart contractility. Thus, we conclude that the effectiveness of parotoid secretion in repelling predators may vary depending on the toad individual size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Kowalski
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology and Ecology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Lwowska 1, Toruń, 87-100, Poland; Department of Systematic Zoology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, Poznań, 61-614, Poland.
| | - Paweł Marciniak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, Poznań, 61-614, Poland.
| | - Leszek Rychlik
- Department of Systematic Zoology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, Poznań, 61-614, Poland.
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Li M, Wang X, Qiu Y, Zhang Y, Pan X, Tang N, Chen T, Ruan B, Shao S, He L, Li H, Ma J. Safety reassessment of cinobufotalin injection: new findings into cardiotoxicity. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2020; 9:390-398. [PMID: 32905219 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfaa035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cinobufotalin injection, a traditional Chinese medicine preparation, successfully used for several years, might induce cardiotoxicity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the cardiotoxicity of cinobufotalin injection and the cardiotoxicity-preventive effect of sodium phenytoin in vivo. According to the 4 × 4 Latin square design, four Beagle dogs were allocated into four dose levels of 0, 0.3, 1, and 3 g/kg in treatment phases I-IV (cinobufotalin injection) and 3 g/kg in treatment phase V (cardiotoxicity antidote). The following parameters and endpoints were assessed: clinical observations, body weight, indicators of myocardial injury, and electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters. The cinobufotalin injection-related changes were observed in clinical observations (rapid breathing pattern), indicators of myocardial injury (increased cardiac troponin I, creatine kinase isoenzymes, and aspartate aminotransferase), and ECG graphics (arrhythmia) at 3 g/kg concentration in treatment phases I-IV. The cardiotoxicity of cinobufotalin injection was attenuated by sodium phenytoin in treatment phase V. The results confirmed the cardiotoxicity of cinobufotalin injection, and they might bring information about the appropriate monitoring time points and cardiotoxicity parameters in clinical practices and shed light on the treatment of cardiovascular adverse reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- China State Institutes of Pharmaceutical Industry National Shanghai Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai InnoStar Bio-Tech Co., Ltd., 199 Guoshoujing Road, Pilot FreeTrade Zone, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xijie Wang
- China State Institutes of Pharmaceutical Industry National Shanghai Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai InnoStar Bio-Tech Co., Ltd., 199 Guoshoujing Road, Pilot FreeTrade Zone, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yunliang Qiu
- China State Institutes of Pharmaceutical Industry National Shanghai Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai InnoStar Bio-Tech Co., Ltd., 199 Guoshoujing Road, Pilot FreeTrade Zone, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yizhe Zhang
- China State Institutes of Pharmaceutical Industry National Shanghai Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai InnoStar Bio-Tech Co., Ltd., 199 Guoshoujing Road, Pilot FreeTrade Zone, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xueying Pan
- China State Institutes of Pharmaceutical Industry National Shanghai Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai InnoStar Bio-Tech Co., Ltd., 199 Guoshoujing Road, Pilot FreeTrade Zone, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Naping Tang
- China State Institutes of Pharmaceutical Industry National Shanghai Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai InnoStar Bio-Tech Co., Ltd., 199 Guoshoujing Road, Pilot FreeTrade Zone, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Tao Chen
- China State Institutes of Pharmaceutical Industry National Shanghai Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai InnoStar Bio-Tech Co., Ltd., 199 Guoshoujing Road, Pilot FreeTrade Zone, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Bing Ruan
- China State Institutes of Pharmaceutical Industry National Shanghai Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai InnoStar Bio-Tech Co., Ltd., 199 Guoshoujing Road, Pilot FreeTrade Zone, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shuming Shao
- China State Institutes of Pharmaceutical Industry National Shanghai Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai InnoStar Bio-Tech Co., Ltd., 199 Guoshoujing Road, Pilot FreeTrade Zone, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Liang He
- China State Institutes of Pharmaceutical Industry National Shanghai Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai InnoStar Bio-Tech Co., Ltd., 199 Guoshoujing Road, Pilot FreeTrade Zone, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hua Li
- China State Institutes of Pharmaceutical Industry National Shanghai Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai InnoStar Bio-Tech Co., Ltd., 199 Guoshoujing Road, Pilot FreeTrade Zone, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jing Ma
- China State Institutes of Pharmaceutical Industry National Shanghai Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai InnoStar Bio-Tech Co., Ltd., 199 Guoshoujing Road, Pilot FreeTrade Zone, Shanghai 201203, China
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Yang B, Zhang Z, Yang Z, Ruan J, Luo L, Long F, Tang D. Chanling Gao Attenuates Bone Cancer Pain in Rats by the IKKβ/NF-κB Signaling Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:525. [PMID: 32431607 PMCID: PMC7214814 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer pain is one of the most common and serious symptoms of cancer patients. At present, the agents used for the prevention or treatment of cancer pain do not act with optimal safety and efficacy. The nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and its downstream inflammatory factors interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) play an important regulatory role in the developmental process of cancer pain. IKKβ is a key molecule of the IκB (IKK) kinase that propagates cellular responses to inflammation. Previous studies have shown that phosphorylation and degradation of the IκBα protein promotes the activation of NF-κB and the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, participating in the formation and development of cancer pain. Chanling Gao (CLG) is a compound preparation of traditional Chinese medicine. It contains specific functions, namely nourishing Yin, activating blood circulation and relieving pain and dysfunction syndrome. It is used in the treatment of a variety of pain disorders including cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP), which has a certain relief effect. However, its mechanism of action still remains unclear. In the present study, a rat model of tibia CIBP was successfully established using the Walker 256 breast cancer cell line. The IKKβ/NF-κB signaling pathway and its related factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were used as the entry points to explore the effect of CLG on CIBP and their possible mechanisms of action. The results indicated that CLG improved the body mass of the CIBP rat model and increased the pain threshold in rats. CLG significantly inhibited the degradation of IκBα and the levels of p-IκBα, p-IKKβ, and p-p65 NF-κB proteins in the spinal cord of CIBP rats, inhibiting the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Therefore, we conclude that the analgesic effect of CLG in this rat model of CIBP may be related to the inhibition of the IKKβ/NF-κB signaling pathway and the reduction of synthesis and release of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Yang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Oncology Team, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhu Yang
- Party Committee Office, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Jinghua Ruan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Li Luo
- Department of Oncology, Guihang Guiyang Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Fengxi Long
- Graduate School, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Dongxin Tang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
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50
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Huang J, Chen F, Zhong Z, Tan HY, Wang N, Liu Y, Fang X, Yang T, Feng Y. Interpreting the Pharmacological Mechanisms of Huachansu Capsules on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through Combining Network Pharmacology and Experimental Evaluation. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:414. [PMID: 32308626 PMCID: PMC7145978 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most fatal cancers across the world. Chinese medicine has been used as adjunctive or complementary therapy for the management of HCC. Huachansu belongs to a class of toxic steroids isolated from toad venom that has important anti-cancer property. This study was aimed to identify the bioactive constituents and molecular targets of Huachansu capsules (HCSCs) for treating HCC using network pharmacology analysis and experimental assays. The major bioactive components of HCSCs were determined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). A series of network pharmacology methods including target prediction, pathway identification, and network establishment were applied to identify the modes of action of HCSCs against HCC. Furthermore, a series of experiments, including MTT, clonogenic assay, 3-D transwell, wound healing assay, as well as flow cytometry, were conducted to verify the inhibitory ability of HCSCs on HCC in vitro. The results showed that 11 chemical components were identified from HCSCs. The network pharmacological analysis showed that there were 82 related anti-HCC targets and 14 potential pathways for these 11 components. Moreover, experimental assays confirmed the inhibitory effects of HCSCs against HCC in vitro. Taken together, our study revealed the synergistic effects of HCSCs on a systematic level, and suggested that HCSCs exhibited anti-HCC effects in a multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihan Huang
- Center for Drug Clinical Research, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Feiyu Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hor Yue Tan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ning Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yuting Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyuan Fang
- Marine College, Shandong University (Weihai), Weihai, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Center for Drug Clinical Research, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yibin Feng
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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