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Feng Y, An Q, Zhao Z, Wu M, Yang C, Liang W, Xu X, Jiang T, Zhang G. Beta-elemene: A phytochemical with promise as a drug candidate for tumor therapy and adjuvant tumor therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 172:116266. [PMID: 38350368 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116266] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND β-Elemene (IUPAC name: (1 S,2 S,4 R)-1-ethenyl-1-methyl-2,4-bis(prop-1-en-2-yl) cyclohexane), is a natural compound found in turmeric root. Studies have demonstrated its diverse biological functions, including its anti-tumor properties, which have been extensively investigated. However, these have not yet been reviewed. The aim of this review was to provide a comprehensive summary of β-elemene research, with respect to disease treatment. METHODS β-Elemene-related articles were found in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases to systematically summarize its structure, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and pharmacological activity. We also searched the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology database for therapeutic targets of β-elemene. We further combined these targets with the relevant literature for KEGG and GO analyses. RESULTS Studies on the molecular mechanisms underlying β-elemene activity indicate that it regulates multiple pathways, including STAT3, MAPKs, Cyclin-dependent kinase 1/cyclin B, Notch, PI3K/AKT, reactive oxygen species, METTL3, PTEN, p53, FAK, MMP, TGF-β/Smad signaling. Through these molecular pathways, β-elemene has been implicated in tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion and improving the immune microenvironment. Additionally, β-elemene increases chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity and reverses resistance by inhibiting DNA damage repair and regulating pathways including CTR1, pak1, ERK1/2, ABC transporter protein, Prx-1 and ERCC-1. Nonetheless, owing to its lipophilicity and low bioavailability, additional structural modifications could improve the efficacy of this drug. CONCLUSION β-Elemene exhibits low toxicity with good safety, inhibiting various tumor types via diverse mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. When combined with chemotherapeutic drugs, it enhances efficacy, reduces toxicity, and improves tumor killing. Thus, β-elemene has vast potential for research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yewen Feng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Qingwen An
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Zhengqi Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Mengting Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Chuqi Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - WeiYu Liang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Xuefei Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China.
| | - Guangji Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China.
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Li J, Sun Y, Li G, Cheng C, Sui X, Wu Q. The Extraction, Determination, and Bioactivity of Curcumenol: A Comprehensive Review. Molecules 2024; 29:656. [PMID: 38338400 PMCID: PMC10856406 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29030656] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Curcuma wenyujin is a member of the Curcuma zedoaria (zedoary, Zingiberaceae) family, which has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) due to its abundant biologically active constituents. Curcumenol, a component of Curcuma wenyujin, has several biological activities. At present, despite different pharmacological activities being reported, the clinical usage of curcumenol remains under investigation. To further determine the characteristics of curcumenol, the extraction, determination, and bioactivity of the compound are summarized in this review. Existing research has reported that curcumenol exerts different pharmacological effects in regard to a variety of diseases, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-bactericidal, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer activity, and also ameliorates osteoporosis. This review of curcumenol provides a theoretical basis for further research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China; (J.L.)
- College of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Zhaoqing University, Zhaoqing 526061, China
| | - Yitian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China; (J.L.)
- College of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Guohua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China; (J.L.)
- College of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Chunsong Cheng
- Lushan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiujiang 332900, China
| | - Xinbing Sui
- College of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Qibiao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China; (J.L.)
- Zhuhai M.U.S.T. Science and Technology Research Institute, Zhuhai 519031, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangzhou 510006, China
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Safe S. Specificity Proteins (Sp) and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5164. [PMID: 36982239 PMCID: PMC10048989 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The specificity protein (Sp) transcription factors (TFs) Sp1, Sp2, Sp3 and Sp4 exhibit structural and functional similarities in cancer cells and extensive studies of Sp1 show that it is a negative prognostic factor for patients with multiple tumor types. In this review, the role of Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 in the development of cancer and their regulation of pro-oncogenic factors and pathways is reviewed. In addition, interactions with non-coding RNAs and the development of agents that target Sp transcription factors are also discussed. Studies on normal cell transformation into cancer cell lines show that this transformation process is accompanied by increased levels of Sp1 in most cell models, and in the transformation of muscle cells into rhabdomyosarcoma, both Sp1 and Sp3, but not Sp4, are increased. The pro-oncogenic functions of Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 in cancer cell lines were studied in knockdown studies where silencing of each individual Sp TF decreased cancer growth, invasion and induced apoptosis. Silencing of an individual Sp TF was not compensated for by the other two and it was concluded that Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 are examples of non-oncogene addicted genes. This conclusion was strengthened by the results of Sp TF interactions with non-coding microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs where Sp1 contributed to pro-oncogenic functions of Sp/non-coding RNAs. There are now many examples of anticancer agents and pharmaceuticals that induce downregulation/degradation of Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4, yet clinical applications of drugs specifically targeting Sp TFs are not being used. The application of agents targeting Sp TFs in combination therapies should be considered for their potential to enhance treatment efficacy and decrease toxic side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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Deng H, Chen G, Zhang J. β-Elemene regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transformation and inhibits invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2022:jcim-2022-0295. [PMID: 36480470 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2022-0295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To study the inhibitory effect of β-elemene on invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells and its possible mechanism. METHODS Human colon cancer HCT116 cells were treated with different concentrations of β-elemene. The proliferation inhibition rate of the cells was detected by MTT assay, cell migration rate was detected by scratched assay, and cell invasion rate was evaluated by Transwell cell invasion assay. The expressions of Vimentin, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and β-catenin were detected by Western blotting. The mRNA expressions of Vimentin, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and β-catenin were detected by real-time PCR. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the expressions of migration rate, invasion rate, scratch healing rate, N-cadherin, and Vimentin protein of HCT116 cells were decreased after β-elemene treatment, while the expression of E-cadherin protein was increased, and the inhibition rate of cell proliferation was increased (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS β-Elemene may inhibit cell proliferation and invasion and metastasis by inhibiting EMT signaling pathway in human colon cancer cell line HCT116.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Deng
- Department of Proctology, Second Hospital Affiliated Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Guo Chen
- Graduate Department, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Chinese Medicine Teaching and Research Section, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
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Huang X, Zeng Z, Chen Z, Tong X, Jiang J, He C, Xiang T. Deciphering the potential of a plant growth promoting endophyte Rhizobium sp. WYJ-E13, and functional annotation of the genes involved in the metabolic pathway. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1035167. [PMID: 36406393 PMCID: PMC9671153 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1035167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are well-acknowledged root endophytic bacteria used for plant growth promotion. However, which metabolites produced by PGPR could promote plant growth remains unclear. Additionally, which genes are responsible for plant growth-promoting traits is also not elucidated. Thus, as comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of endophyte in growth promotion is limited, this study aimed to determine the metabolites and genes involved in plant growth-promotion. We isolated an endophytic Rhizobium sp. WYJ-E13 strain from the roots of Curcuma wenyujin Y.H. Chen et C. Ling, a perennial herb and medicinal plant. The tissue culture experiment showed its plant growth-promoting ability. The bacterium colonization in the root was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and paraffin sectioning. Furthermore, it was noted that the WYJ-E13 strain produced cytokinin, anthranilic acid, and L-phenylalanine by metabolome analysis. Whole-genome analysis of the strain showed that it consists of a circular chromosome of 4,350,227 bp with an overall GC content of 60.34%, of a 2,149,667 bp plasmid1 with 59.86% GC, and of a 406,180 bp plasmid2 with 58.05% GC. Genome annotation identified 4,349 putative protein-coding genes, 51 tRNAs, and 9 rRNAs. The CDSs number allocated to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, Gene Ontology, and Clusters of Orthologous Genes databases were 2027, 3,175 and 3,849, respectively. Comparative genome analysis displayed that Rhizobium sp. WYJ-E13 possesses the collinear region among three species: Rhizobium acidisoli FH23, Rhizobium gallicum R602 and Rhizobium phaseoli R650. We recognized a total set of genes that are possibly related to plant growth promotion, including genes involved in nitrogen metabolism (nifU, gltA, gltB, gltD, glnA, glnD), hormone production (trp ABCDEFS), sulfur metabolism (cysD, cysE, cysK, cysN), phosphate metabolism (pstA, pstC, phoB, phoH, phoU), and root colonization. Collectively, these findings revealed the roles of WYJ-E13 strain in plant growth-promotion. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study using whole-genome sequencing for Rhizobium sp. WYJ-E13 associated with C. wenyujin. WYJ-E13 strain has a high potential to be used as Curcuma biofertilizer for sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Huang
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhanghui Zeng
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhehao Chen
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaxiu Tong
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Jiang
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenjing He
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Taihe Xiang
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement and Quality Control of Medicinal Plants, Hangzhou, China
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Ni B, Song X, Shi B, Wang J, Sun Q, Wang X, Xu M, Cao L, Zhu G, Li J. Research progress of ginseng in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1036498. [PMID: 36313365 PMCID: PMC9603756 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1036498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer has become one of the major causes of human death. Several anticancer drugs are available; howeve their use and efficacy are limited by the toxic side effects and drug resistance caused by their continuous application. Many natural products have antitumor effects with low toxicity and fewer adverse effects. Moreover, they play an important role in enhancing the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents, reducing toxic side effects, and reversing chemoresistance. Consequently, natural drugs are being applied as potential therapeutic options in the field of antitumor treatment. As natural medicinal plants, some components of ginseng have been shown to have excellent efficacy and a good safety profile for cancer treatment. The pharmacological activities and possible mechanisms of action of ginseng have been identified. Its broad range of pharmacological activities includes antitumor, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-stress, anti-fibrotic, central nervous system modulating, cardioprotective, and immune-enhancing effects. Numerous studies have also shown that throuth multiple pathways, ginseng and its active ingredients exert antitumor effects on gastrointestinal (GI) tract tumors, such as esophageal, gastric, colorectal, liver, and pancreatic cancers. Herein, we introduced the main components of ginseng, including ginsenosides, polysaccharides, and sterols, etc., and reviewed the mechanism of action and research progress of ginseng in the treatment of various GI tumors. Futhermore, the pathways of action of the main components of ginseng are discussed in depth to promote the clinical development and application of ginseng in the field of anti-GI tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyi Ni
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaotong Song
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bolun Shi
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Hongqi Hospital of Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Qianhui Sun
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinmiao Wang
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Manman Xu
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Luchang Cao
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Jie Li
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jie Li,
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