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Chen M, Wu Z, Zou Y, Peng C, Hao Y, Zhu Z, Shi X, Su B, Ou L, Lai Y, Jia J, Xun M, Li H, Zhu W, Feng Z, Yao M. Phellodendron chinense C.K.Schneid: An in vitro study on its anti-Helicobacter pylori effect. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 333:118396. [PMID: 38823658 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118396] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Phellodendron chinense C.K.Schneid(P. chinense Schneid) is known in TCM as Huang Bo, is traditionally used to support gastrointestinal function and alleviate stomach-related ailments, including gastric ulcer bleeding and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is classified by the WHO as a Group 1 carcinogen. However, the specific activity and mechanism of action of P. chinense Schneid against H. pylori infection remain unclear. It has been noted that Huangjiu processing may alter the bitter and cold properties of P. chinense Schneid, but its effect on antimicrobial activity requires further investigation. Additionally, it remains uncertain whether berberine is the sole antimicrobial active component of P. chinense Schneid. AIM OF STUDY This study aims to elucidate the anti-H. pylori infection activity of P. chinense Schneid, along with its mechanism of action and key antimicrobial active components. MATERIALS AND METHODS Phytochemical analysis was carried out by UPLC-MS/MS. HPLC was employed to quantify the berberine content of the extracts. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the micro broth dilution method. Morphology was observed using SEM. The impact on urease activity was analyzed through in vitro urease enzyme kinetics. RT-qPCR was employed to detect the expression of virulence genes, including adhesin, flagellum, urease, and cytotoxin-related genes. The adhesion effect was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining and agar culture. RESULTS P. chinense Schneid exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against both antibiotic-sensitive and resistant H. pylori strains, with MIC ranging from 40 to 160 μg/mL. Combination with amoxicillin, metronidazole, levofloxacin, and clarithromycin did not result in antagonistic effects. P. chinense Schneid induced alterations in bacterial morphology and structure, downregulated the expression of various virulence genes, and inhibited urease enzyme activity. In co-infection systems, P. chinense Schneid significantly attenuated H. pylori adhesion and urease relative content, thereby mitigating cellular damage caused by infection. Huangjiu processing enhanced the anti-H. pylori activity of P. chinense Schneid. Besides berberine, P. chinense Schneid contained seven other components with anti-H. pylori activity, with palmatine exhibiting the strongest activity, followed by jatrorrhizine. CONCLUSIONS This study sheds light on the potential therapeutic mechanisms of P. chinense Schneid against H. pylori infection, demonstrating its capacity to disrupt bacterial structure, inhibit urease activity, suppress virulence gene transcription, inhibit adhesion, and protect host cells. The anti-H. pylori activity of P. chinense Schneid was potentiated by Huangjiu processing, and additional components beyond berberine were identified as possessing strong anti-H. pylori activity. Notably, jatrorrhizine, a core component of P. chinense Schneid, exhibited significant anti-H. pylori activity, marking a groundbreaking discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyun Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Ziyao Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Yuanjing Zou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Chang Peng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Yajie Hao
- Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, Linyi, 276000, Shandong, China.
| | - Zhixiang Zhu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy (Qingdao), Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Shi
- Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, Linyi, 276000, Shandong, China.
| | - Bingmei Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Ling Ou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Yuqian Lai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Junwei Jia
- Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, Linyi, 276000, Shandong, China.
| | - Mingjin Xun
- Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, Linyi, 276000, Shandong, China.
| | - Hui Li
- Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, Linyi, 276000, Shandong, China.
| | - Weixing Zhu
- Qingyuan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingyuan, 511500, China.
| | - Zhong Feng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China; International Pharmaceutical Engineering Lab of Shandong Province, Feixian, 273400, China; Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, Linyi, 276000, Shandong, China.
| | - Meicun Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
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Huang H, Xie J, Wang F, Jiao S, Li X, Wang L, Liu D, Wang C, Wei X, Tan P, Tu P, Li J, Hu Z. Commiphora myrrha n-hexane extract suppressed breast cancer progression through induction of G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptotic cell death by inhibiting the Cyclin D1/CDK4-Rb signaling pathway. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1425157. [PMID: 39161904 PMCID: PMC11330881 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1425157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most frequently observed malignancies globally, yet drug development for BC has been encountering escalating challenges. Commiphora myrrha is derived from the dried resin of C. myrrha (T. Nees) Engl., and is widely adopted in China for treating BC. However, the anti-BC effect and underlying mechanism of C. myrrha remain largely unclear. Methods MTT assay, EdU assay, and colony formation were used to determine the effect of C. myrrha n-hexane extract (CMHE) on the proliferation of human BC cells. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were assessed via flow cytometry analysis. Moreover, metastatic potential was evaluated using wound-scratch assay and matrigel invasion assay. The 4T1 breast cancer-bearing mouse model was established to evaluate the anti-BC efficacy of CMHE in vivo. RNA-sequencing analysis, quantitative real-time PCR, immunoblotting, immunohistochemical analysis, RNA interference assay, and database analysis were conducted to uncover the underlying mechanism of the anti-BC effect of CMHE. Results We demonstrated the significant inhibition in the proliferative capability of BC cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 by CMHE. Moreover, CMHE-induced G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis of the above two BC cell lines were also observed. CMHE dramatically repressed the metastatic potential of these two cells in vitro. Additionally, the administration of CMHE remarkably suppressed tumor growth in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. No obvious toxic or side effects of CMHE administration in mice were noted. Furthermore, immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis demonstrated that CMHE treatment inhibited the proliferative and metastatic abilities of cancer cells, while also promoting apoptosis in the tumor tissues of mice. Based on RNA sequencing analysis, quantitative real-time PCR, immunoblotting, and IHC assay, the administration of CMHE downregulated Cyclin D1/CDK4-Rb signaling pathway in BC. Furthermore, RNA interference assay and database analysis showed that downregulated Cyclin D1/CDK4 signaling cascade participated in the anti-BC activity of CMHE. Conclusion CMHE treatment resulted in the suppression of BC cell growth through the stimulation of cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase and the induction of apoptotic cell death via the inhibition of the Cyclin D1/CDK4-Rb pathway, thereby enhancing the anti-BC effect of CMHE. CMHE has potential anti-BC effects, particularly in those harboring aberrant activation of Cyclin D1/CDK4-Rb signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiming Huang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jinxin Xie
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shungang Jiao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xingxing Li
- Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Longyan Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Dongxiao Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chaochao Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xuejiao Wei
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Tan
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Pengfei Tu
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Li
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongdong Hu
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Tao W, Xufeng Y, Xianmei C, Mengrou Q, Jieqiong W, Mingqi Q. Exploring the Mechanism of Myrrh in the Treatment of Breast Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology and Cell Experiments. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 104:e14604. [PMID: 39147995 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14604] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of action of myrrh in breast cancer (BC) treatment and identify its effective constituents. Data on the compounds and targets of myrrh were collected from the TCMSP, PubChem, and Swiss Target Prediction databases. BC-related targets were obtained from the Genecard database. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, gene ontology (GO) enrichment, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were conducted on the intersecting targets of the disease and drug. The key targets of myrrh in BC treatment were identified based on the PPI network. The active constituents of myrrh were determined through reverse-screening using the top 20 KEGG pathways. Macromolecular docking studies, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations, and cell assays were utilized to validate the active constituents and critical targets. Network pharmacology indicated that VEGFA, TP53, ESR1, EGFR, and AKT1 are key targets of myrrh. Pelargonidin chloride, Quercetin, and Naringenin were identified as the active constituents of myrrh. Macromolecular docking showed that Quercetin and Naringenin have strong docking capabilities with ESR1. The results of MD simulation experiments align with those of molecular docking experiments. Cell and western blot assays demonstrated that Quercetin and Naringenin could inhibit MCF-7 cells and significantly reduce the expression of ESR1 protein. The findings reveal the active constituents, key targets, and molecular mechanisms of myrrh in BC treatment, providing scientific evidence that supports the role of myrrh in BC therapy. Furthermore, the results suggest that network pharmacology predictions require experimental validation for reliability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu Tao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Research and Innovation Team of Emotional Diseases and Syndrome Research, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Emotional Disease Syndrome Innovative Chinese Medicine Research Young Scientific Research and Innovation Team, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yu Xufeng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Research and Innovation Team of Emotional Diseases and Syndrome Research, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Chen Xianmei
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Research and Innovation Team of Emotional Diseases and Syndrome Research, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Emotional Disease Syndrome Innovative Chinese Medicine Research Young Scientific Research and Innovation Team, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Qu Mengrou
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Research and Innovation Team of Emotional Diseases and Syndrome Research, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Wang Jieqiong
- Emotional Disease Syndrome Innovative Chinese Medicine Research Young Scientific Research and Innovation Team, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Qiao Mingqi
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Research and Innovation Team of Emotional Diseases and Syndrome Research, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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Wang S, Zheng C, Zhao L, Jiang H, Zheng X. Benefits of adjuvant treatment with the Pingxiao capsule in patients with early breast cancer: A single‑center retrospective cohort study. Oncol Lett 2024; 28:366. [PMID: 38933812 PMCID: PMC11200151 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Early breast cancer (EBC) is cancer that has not spread beyond the breast or the axillary lymph nodes. The present retrospective cohort study investigated the efficacy and safety of the Pingxiao capsule (PXC), which contains a formula of traditional Chinese herbs, as adjuvant therapy in patients with EBC in a single Chinese academic medical center. Patients with EBC who had received surgery and chemotherapy were analyzed and divided into the PXC and non-PXC groups. Disease-free survival (DFS) time, overall survival (OS) time, demographic characteristics and adverse events were examined. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to compare the differences in DFS and OS. A total of 371 participants with a median age of 54 years were included in this study. The median DFS time of all patients was 101 months. The overall DFS rate was 72.1% in the PXC group compared with 63.6% in the non-PXC group. For women with hormone receptor-negative tumors, the DFS rate in the PXC group was significantly higher than that in the non-PXC group, irrespective of node status. Adjuvant treatment with PXC for ≥3 months was associated with significantly longer median DFS time compared with that in the non-PXC group. In addition, the incidence of neutropenia rated to be grade 2 or higher was significantly lower in the PXC group compared with that in the control group, and a markedly, but non-significantly, lower prevalence of nausea was observed in PXC group (0 vs. 4.1%). In conclusion, PXC as an adjuvant therapy along with chemotherapy is associated with prolonged DFS times in patients with EBC when compared with chemotherapy alone. The therapeutic value of combined PXC and systemic chemotherapy should be further elucidated by rigorous prospective clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
| | - Caiwei Zheng
- Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Lei Zhao
- Science Experiment Center, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, P.R. China
| | - Haiyang Jiang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
| | - Xinyu Zheng
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
- Lab 1, Cancer Institute, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
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Lin F, Long Y, Li M, Cai C, Wu Y, You X, Tian X, Zhou Q. Xihuang pills targeting the Warburg effect through inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in prostate cancer. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32914. [PMID: 38994113 PMCID: PMC11237975 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Prostate cancer, marked by a high incidence and mortality rate, presents a significant challenge, especially in the context of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) with limited treatment options due to drug resistance. This study aims to explore the anti-tumor effects of Xihuang Pills (XHP) on CRPC, focusing on metabolic reprogramming and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Methods In vitro and in vivo biofunctional assays were employed to assess the efficacy and mechanisms of XHP. Subcutaneous xenografts of PC3 in mice served as an in vivo model to evaluate XHP's anti-tumor activity. Tumor volume, weight, proliferation, and apoptosis were monitored. Various assays, including CCK8, TUNEL assay, QRT-PCR, and Western Blotting, were conducted to measure metabolic reprogramming, proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle in prostate cancer cells. RNA-seq analysis predicted XHP's impact on prostate cancer, validating the expression of Wnt/β-catenin-related proteins and mRNA. Additionally, 58 compounds in XHP were identified via LC-MS/MS, and molecular docking analysis connected these compounds to key genes. Results In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that XHP significantly inhibited CRPC cell viability, induced apoptosis, and suppressed invasion and migration. mRNA sequencing revealed differentially expressed genes, with functional enrichment analysis indicating modulation of key biological processes. XHP treatment downregulated Wnt signaling pathway-related genes, including CCND2, PRKCG, and CCN4. Moreover, XHP effectively inhibited glucose uptake and lactate production, leading to reduced HIF-1α and glycolytic enzymes (GLUT1, HK2, PKM2), suggesting its potential in attenuating the Warburg effect. Molecular docking analysis suggested a plausible interaction between XHP's active compounds and Wnt1 protein, indicating a mechanism through which XHP modulates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Conclusion XHP demonstrated remarkable efficacy in suppressing the growth, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasiveness of prostate tumors. The interaction between XHP's active constituents and Wnt1 was evident, leading to the inhibition of Wnt1 and downstream anti-carcinogenic factors, thereby influencing the β-catenin/HIF-1α-mediated glycolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengxia Lin
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410007, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Cardiovascular, Shenzhen Bao'an Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong Province, China
- Graduate School of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yan Long
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410007, Hunan Province, China
- Graduate School of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Mingyue Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Bao'an Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Changlong Cai
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen Bao'an Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yongrong Wu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xujun You
- Department of Andrology, Shenzhen Bao'an Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xuefei Tian
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410007, Hunan Province, China
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Wang KH, Shen HS, Chu SC, Wang TF, Lin CW, Huang WH, Wu YF, Ho CC, Pang CY, Li CC. Effectiveness of Chinese Herbal Medicine as a Complementary Treatment for Neutropenia Prevention and Immunity Modulation During Chemotherapy in Patients With Breast Cancer: Protocol for a Real-World Pragmatic Clinical Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e55662. [PMID: 38466979 DOI: 10.2196/55662] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, advancements in cancer treatment have enabled cancer cell inhibition, leading to improved patient outcomes. However, the side effects of chemotherapy, especially leukopenia, impact patients' ability to tolerate their treatments and affect their quality of life. Traditional Chinese medicine is thought to provide complementary cancer treatment to improve the quality of life and prolong survival time among patients with cancer. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) as a complementary treatment for neutropenia prevention and immunity modulation during chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer. METHODS We will conduct a real-world pragmatic clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of CHM as a supplementary therapy to prevent neutropenia in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Patients will be classified into CHM or non-CHM groups based on whether they received CHM during chemotherapy. Using generalized estimating equations or repeated measures ANOVA, we will assess differences in white blood cell counts, absolute neutrophil counts, immune cells, and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) expression levels between the 2 groups. RESULTS This study was approved by the research ethics committee of Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital (IRB 110-168-A). The enrollment process began in September 2021 and will stop in December 2024. A total of 140 patients will be recruited. Data cleaning and analysis are expected to finish in the middle of 2025. CONCLUSIONS Traditional Chinese medicine is the most commonly used complementary medicine, and it has been reported to significantly alleviate chemotherapy-related side effects. This study's findings may contribute to developing effective interventions targeting chemotherapy-related neutropenia among patients with breast cancer in clinical practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry ITMCTR2023000054; https://tinyurl.com/yc353hes. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/55662.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Hung Wang
- Department of Medical Research, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Shu Shen
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- Sports Medicine Center, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Chao Chu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Tso-Fu Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Wei Lin
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Han Huang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Feng Wu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chun Ho
- Department of Surgery, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yoong Pang
- Department of Medical Research, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Cheng Li
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- Center of Stem Cell and Precision Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
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Tang N, Zhu Y, Yu J. Xihuang pill facilitates glioma cell pyroptosis via the POU4F1/STAT3 axis. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:334. [PMID: 37962640 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01263-1] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Glioma is the most common malignancy in the central nervous system. This study aims to disclose the impacts of Xihuang pill (XHP), a traditional Chinese formula, on glioma cell pyroptosis and relevant molecular mechanism. U251 and SHG-44 cells were treated with XHP alone or together with oe-POU4F1 and sh-STAT3. CCK8 assay detected the viability, flow cytometry evaluated pyroptosis, and microscopy observed cell morphology. LDH release was determined by the LDH kit and the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 were detected by ELISA. Immunofluorescence showed NLRP3 expression in glioma cells and western blotting measured the levels of POU4F1, STAT3, NLRP3, ASC, cleaved caspase-1, and IL-1β. The binding of POU4F1 to STAT3 was verified. Primary glioma model was established to observe tumor change by in vivo imaging, determine the levels of Ki67 and NLRP3 by immunochemistry, and detect relevant protein levels by western blotting. XHP treatment alone downregulated POU4F1 and STAT3 levels, aroused pyroptotic appearance in glioma cells such as ballooning swelling, reduced cell viability and number of pyroptotic cells, increased LDH release and IL-1β and IL-18 levels, formed NLRP3 sports in cells, and elevated the levels of pyroptosis-related proteins. However, POU4F1 overexpression or STAT3 silencing suppressed XHP-promoted pyroptosis. Mechanistically, POU4F1 acted as a transcription factor of STAT3 and regulated its transcription. In primary glioma models, XHP enhanced glioma cell pyroptosis and blocked glioma growth. XHP facilitates glioma cell pyroptosis via the POU4F1/STAT3 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, No. 95 Shaoshan Middle Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410007, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, No. 95 Shaoshan Middle Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410007, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianbai Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, No. 95 Shaoshan Middle Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410007, People's Republic of China.
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Wang X, Hou L, Cui M, Liu J, Wang M, Xie J. The traditional Chinese medicine and non-small cell lung cancer: from a gut microbiome perspective. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1151557. [PMID: 37180438 PMCID: PMC10167031 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1151557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most serious diseases affecting human health today, and current research is focusing on gut flora. There is a correlation between intestinal flora imbalance and lung cancer, but the specific mechanism is not clear. Based on the "lung and large intestine being interior-exteriorly related" and the "lung-intestinal axis" theory. Here, based on the theoretical comparisons of Chinese and western medicine, we summarized the regulation of intestinal flora in NSCLC by active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine and Chinese herbal compounds and their intervention effects, which is conducive to providing new strategies and ideas for clinical prevention and treatment of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelin Wang
- School of Food Science and Engineering (School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences), Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi an, China
| | - Liming Hou
- Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi an, China
| | - Meng Cui
- School of Food Science and Engineering (School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences), Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi an, China
| | - Junnan Liu
- School of Food Science and Engineering (School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences), Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi an, China
| | - Mengzhou Wang
- School of Food Science and Engineering (School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences), Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi an, China
| | - Jianwu Xie
- School of Food Science and Engineering (School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences), Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi an, China
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Chen Z, Li Z, Yang S, Wei Y, An J. The prospect of Xihuang pill in the treatment of cancers. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15490. [PMID: 37128341 PMCID: PMC10148104 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Xihuang pill, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) prescription and a representative of Huoxuehuayu therapy (one of the TCM therapies to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis), has been widely used in breast cancer treatments. Although some evidence suggests the efficacy and safety of the Xihuang pill in treating certain cancer, the overall efficacy of the Xihuang pill in other cancer treatment is uncertain. Objective This study aimed to summarize the current clinical literature and provided evidence support for addressing the research question of whether the Xihuang pill is safe and effective in the treatment of various cancers as Huoxuehuayu therapy, and possibly identify the clinical dosage range and therapeutic effect of Xihuang pills. Method Seven Chinese and English databases such as PubMed, CNKI, and Google Scholar were searched to collect the publications on Xihuang pill and cancer. Then the researchers extracted data from the articles that met the inclusion criteria and used SAS statistical program version 9.4 (by SAS Institute, Cary, North Carolina, USA) for statistical statistics. Results Our search identified 78 studies, including 69 RCTs (randomized control trials), 6 NRCCs (non-randomized concurrent control trials), and 3 BAS (before-after study), evaluating 3151 patients in total. The daily doses of Xihuang pills/capsule were between 2 g and 60 g, and duration between 2 weeks and 5 years, mostly used in the middle or late stage of cancer. The therapeutic effect of the Xihuang pill was mainly reflected in improving Complete Response (CR, a term from The Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors) or Partial Response (PR, a term from The Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors), reducing adverse reactions, promoting quality of life (QoL), regulating immunity, alleviating pain, prolonging survival, reducing metastasis and recurrence, reducing inflammation, regulating estrogen levels, decreasing hypercoagulative status, and reducing tumor markers. Conclusion Xihuang pill representing Huoxuehuayu therapy has a good prospect in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehui Chen
- Institute of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Zhiming Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Institute of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Yue Wei
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jing An
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
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