Novel effect and the mechanistic insights of fruiting body extract of medicinal fungus Antrodia cinnamomea against T47D breast cancer

Sulfated polysaccharide from Antrodia cinnamomea mycelium cultured with zinc sulfate stimulates M1 polarization of macrophages through AKT/mTOR pathways

Antrodia cinnamomea-derived sulfated polysaccharides (Ac-SPSs) have health benefits, but their yield is low. This study explores a strategy to increase Ac-SPS yield and elucidates the biofunctions of Ac-SPS. For this, A. cinnamomea mycelia were treated with zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) administered at 1, 10, and 100 μM. Firstly, functional assay indicated that ZnSO4 increases the Ac-SPS yield by 20 %-30 % compared with the control treatment. ZnSO4 engenders a population of middle-molecular-weight (~200 kDa) Ac-SPSs. Ac-SPS (ASZ-10) from A. cinnamomea treated with 10 μM ZnSO4 exhibits the best anti-proliferation ability against lung cancer A549 cells. Co-treatment of ASZ-10 does not inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation but does induce M1-related markers of macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Secondly, immunomodulatory properties showed that ASZ-10 increases the expression of CD80+ and CD86+ in M-CSF-stimulated bone-marrow-derived macrophages. ASZ-10 induces M1 polarization through up-regulation of the AKT/mTOR pathway as confirmed by AKT and mTOR inhibitors eliminating ASZ-10-induced M1-like markers of macrophages. Through systemic chemical and functional analysis, this study shows that trace amounts (10 μM) of ZnSO4 increase Ac-SPS yield and it reveals that ASZ-10 exhibits anti-cancer activity and acts as a stimulator for M1 macrophages by stimulation of AKT and mTOR.

Chemical modifications of ergostane-type triterpenoids from Antrodia camphorata and their cytotoxic activities

In order to discover potential antitumor agents from natural products, chemical modifications of ergostane-type triterpenoids from Antrodia camphorata yielded ten new compounds. They include nine C-26 amide derivatives of antcin G (1) and a methyl antcin B (4) derivative with hydroxyamino groups at C-3 and C-7. Chemical structures of the new compounds were elucidated by NMR and MS analyses. Furthermore, cytotoxicities of the triterpenoid derivatives were evaluated using four human cancer cell lines (HL60, U251, SW480, and MCF-7). As a result, 1a, 1g, and 4a exhibited potent cytotoxic activities against HL60, U251, and SW480 with IC₅₀ values of 0.7 ± 0.9, 2.9 ± 1.3, and 2.2 ± 0.6 μM, respectively. Molecular docking indicates that 1a, 1g, and 4a have strong binding affinity with DNA topoisomerase IIα (-9.3, -7.9, and -7.4 kcal/mol, respectively), and that they could be potent topoisomerase IIα inhibitors.

Proteomic analysis of Antrodia Cinnamomea-induced ER stress in liver cancer cells

Antrodia Cinnamomea is a fungus species widely used as a herb medicine for hypertension, cancer and handover. Nevertheless, the biological roles of Antrodia Cinnamomea on the molecular mechanism of liver cancer are not entirely understood. To determine whether Antrodia Cinnamomea is able to be used for the treatment of liver cancer and its molecular mechanism, we examined the effect of Antrodia Cinnamomea on the differential proteomic patterns in liver cancer cell lines HepG2 and C3A as well as in Chang's liver cell, a normal liver cell, using quantitative proteomic approach. The proteomic analysis demonstrated that abundance of 82, 125 and 125 proteins was significantly altered in Chang's liver cells, C3A and HepG2, respectively. The experimental outcomes also demonstrated that Antrodia Cinnamomea-induced cytotoxicity in liver cancer cells mostly involved dysregulation of protein folding, cytoskeleton regulation, redox-regulation, glycolysis pathway as well as transcription regulation. Further analysis also revealed that Antrodia Cinnamomea promoted misfolding of intracellular proteins and dysregulate of cellular redox-balance resulting in ER-stress. To sum up our studies demonstrated that the proteomic strategy used in this study offered a tool to investigate the molecular mechanisms of Antrodia Cinnamomea-induced liver cancer cytotoxicity. The proteomic results might be further evaluated as prospective targets in liver cancer treatment.

Terpenoids from the medicinal mushroom Antrodia camphorata: chemistry and medicinal potential

Covering: up to February 2020Antrodia camphorata is a medicinal mushroom endemic to Taiwan for the treatment of intoxication, liver injury, cancer, and inflammation. Owing to its rare occurrence and potent pharmacological activities, efforts have been devoted to identify its bioactive constituents, especially terpenoids. Since 1995, a total of 162 terpenoids including triterpenoids, meroterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids, and steroids have been characterized. The ergostane-type triterpenoids (antcins) and meroterpenoids (antroquinonols) are characteristic constituents of A. camphorata. The terpenoids show anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and neuroprotective activities. This review summarizes the research progress on terpenoids in A. camphorata during 1995-2020, including structural diversity, resources, biosynthesis, pharmacological activities, metabolism, and toxicity. The medicinal potential of the terpenoids is also discussed.

Antrodia cinnamomea is a potentially effective complementary medicine for adjuvant therapy against breast cancer with bone metastasis: A case report

RATIONALE

Palbociclib (PAL) is a first-in-class selective inhibitor of the cyclin-dependent kinases 4 (CDK4) and CDK6 and is indicated for the treatment of hormone receptor (HR)-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in combination with fulvestrant (FUL) in postmenopausal women. Antrodia cinnamomea (AC), a well-known Chinese folk medicine in Taiwan, possesses numerous biological capabilities, most notably an anti-tumor effect. However, the clinical use of AC as complementary medicine combined with adjuvant therapy is unexplored. In this case report, we evaluated AC combined with PAL plus FUL to reduce the tumor burden in an MBC patient.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A Slovenian woman diagnosed with relapsed bone metastases of breast cancer (BC) was unable to undergo surgery and refused radiation therapy due to fear of side effects; she also feared the side effects of adjuvants. However, she was eager to live with a high quality of life.

DIAGNOSIS

Stage IV, HR-positive/HER2-negative BC with relapse of bone metastases.

INTERVENTIONS

After diagnosis of relapse of bone metastases, she received adjuvant with PAL plus FUL. Additionally, she chose to take AC orally (10 g/d).

OUTCOMES

The pain was mostly relieved, and the side effects of adjuvant therapy reduced. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed reduction of tumor size at the fifth month of adjuvant therapy plus AC. After 14 months of adjuvant therapy plus AC, the tumors at the thoracic vertebrae T1 and T3 were found to have shrunk from 35.2 and 12.0 mm to 28.1 and 9.9 mm, respectively. Remarkably, no further metastases were observed.

LESSONS

According to the circulating tumor cells (CTCs) test data, AC had better anti-tumor efficacy on active tumor cells than PAL plus FUL. Thus, AC could be an effective complementary medicine for adjuvant therapy in patients with HR-positive/HER2-negative MBC. Interestingly, continued elevation of carcinoma antigen 15-3 and lactate dehydrogenase levels but decreasing levels of alkaline phosphatase were observed, which may be indicative of the potent efficacy of treatment resulting in massive tumor cell death. The CTCs test may be a sensitive approach to monitor the progression of BC and subsequently evaluate the efficiency of therapy.

Antrodia cinnamomea-An updated minireview of its bioactive components and biological activity

Antrodia cinnamomea or Antrodia camphorata is a distinctive mushroom of Taiwan, which is being used as a traditional medicine to treat various health-related conditions. More than 78 compounds have been identified in A. cinnamomea. Large numbers of phytochemical studies have been carried out in A. cinnamomea due to the high amount of terpenoids. Besides that, the extracts and active components of A. cinnamomea were reported to have various biological activities including hepatoprotective, antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and immunomodulatory activities. In this review article, we have summarized the recent findings of A. cinnamomea and its molecular mechanisms of action in various disease models. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: A. cinnamomea, medicinal fungus used in traditional medicine in Taiwan also possess high market value. Aim of the present review is to highlight the compounds present in A. cinnamomea and their different pharmacological activities in preventing/cure various diseases/disorders. A. cinnamomea can be potentially developed into health foods or drugs.

Root bark extract of Calliandra portoricensis (Jacq.) Benth. chemoprevents N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced mammary gland toxicity in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Calliandra portoricensis (CP) is a herb widely used in Nigeria for the treatment of breast engorgement. However, the scientific evidence of this use and its mechanisms of action is not clearly understood.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We assessed the chemopreventive effects of methanol extract of CP on N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (NMU)-induced mammary gland toxicity in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fingerprinting of methanol extract of CP by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was done. Female Wistar rats were assigned into eight groups: Group 1 (control), group 2 received NMU only, groups 3, 4 and 5 received NMU and treated with CP at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg, respectively. Group 6 received CP (300 mg/kg), group 7 received NMU and vincristine, while group 8 received vincristine.

RESULTS

The weight-gain by rats decreased in all groups that received NMU. Administration of NMU significantly increased organo-somatic weight of mammary gland by 52%. The NMU increased serum nitric oxide, total bilirubin, mammary myeloperoxidase and lipid peroxidation by 76%, 87%, 130% and 21%, respectively, as well as activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase. Also, NMU-treated rats had decreased total sulphydryl, reduced glutathione and catalase. Immunohistochemistry revealed strong expression of estrogen, progesterone and EGFR-2 proteins in NMU-treated rats. Treatment with CP (200 and 300 mg/kg) attenuated NMU-induced inflammation and oxidative stress.

CONCLUSION

CP ameliorated NMU-induced toxicity by modulating different cellular targets.

Antrodia cinnamomea, a Treasured Medicinal Mushroom, Induces Growth Arrest in Breast Cancer Cells, T47D Cells: New Mechanisms Emerge

Reported cases of breast cancer have skyrocketed in the last decades with recent advances in examination techniques. Brest cancer has become the second leading cause of mortality among women worldwide, urging the scientific community to develop or find new drugs from natural sources with potent activity and a reasonable safety profile to tackle this ailment. Antrodia cinnamomea (AC) is a treasured medicinal fungus which has attracted attention due to its potent hepatoprotective and cytotoxic activities. We evaluated the antiproliferative activity of the ethanol extract of artificially cultured AC (EEAC) on breast cancer cells (T47D cells) in vivo and in vitro. Ethanol extract of artificially cultured AC inhibited T47D cells' proliferation mediated by cell cycle arrest at G1 phase as well induced autophagy. Immunoblotting assay confirmed that EEAC not only decreased the expression of the cell-cycle-related proteins but also increased the expression of transcription factor FOXO1, autophagic marker LC3 II, and p62. Ethanol extract of artificially cultured AC mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress by promoting the expression of IRE1 (inositol-requiring enzyme 1α), GRP78/Bip (glucose regulating protein 78), and CHOP (C/EBP homologous protein). Apart from previous studies, HDACs (histone deacetylases) activity was inhibited as demonstrated by a cell-free system, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence assays following EEAC treatment. The in vivo studies demonstrated that EEAC decreased tumor volume and inhibited tumor growth without any significant side effects. High performance liquid chromatography profile demonstrated similar triterpenoids compared to the profile of wild AC ethanol extract. The multiple targets of EEAC on breast cancer cells suggested that this extract may be developed as a potential dietary supplement targeting this debilitating disease.

Antrocin, a bioactive component from Antrodia cinnamomea, suppresses breast carcinogenesis and stemness via downregulation of β-catenin/Notch1/Akt signaling

BACKGROUND

We identified increased β-catenin and Atk expression was associated with drug resistance and poor prognosis in breast cancer patients using public databases. Antrocin treatment suppressed breast tumorigenesis and stemness properties.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

We aimed to provide preclinical evidence for antrocin, an active component of Antrodia cinnamomea, as a potential small-molecule drug for treating drug-resistant breast cancer.

METHODS

Various in vitro assays including SRB, Boyden chamber, colony formation, drug combination index and tumor sphere generation were used to determine the anti-cancer and stemness effects of antrocin. Mouse xenograft models were used to evaluate antrocin's effect in vivo.

RESULTS

Antrocin treatment suppressed the viability, migration colony formation and mammosphere generation. Antrocin-mediated anti-cancer effects were associated with the decreased expression of oncogenic and stemness markers such as β-catenin, Akt and Notch1. A sequential regimen of antrocin and paclitaxel synergistically inhibit breast cancer viability in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Our preclinical evidence supports antrocin's ability of inhibiting tumorigenic and stemness properties in breast cancer cells. Further develop of antrocin should be encouraged; the combined use of antrocin and paclitaxel may also be considered for future clinical trials.

Antrodia cinnamomea extract inhibits the proliferation of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells through apoptosis and skp2/microRNAs pathway

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and affects 1.38 million women worldwide per year. Antiestrogens such as tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor (ER) modulator, are widely used in clinics to treat ER-positive breast tumors. However, remissions of breast cancer are often followed by resistance to tamoxifen and disease relapse. Despite the increasing understanding of the resistance mechanisms, effective regimens for treating tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer are limited. Antrodia cinnamomea is a traditional medicinal mushroom native only to Taiwan. In this study, we aimed to examine in vitro effect of antrodia cinnamomea in the tamoxifen-resistant cancer.

METHODS

Antrodia cinnamomea was studied for its biological activity against proliferation of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer by XTT assay. Next, the underlying mechanism was studied by flow cytometry, qPCR and Western's blotting assay.

RESULTS

Our results revealed that the ethanol extract of antrodia cinnamomea (AC) can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells, including MCF-7 cell and tamoxifen-resistant MCF-7 cell lines. Combination treatment with AC and 10- 6 M tamoxifen have the better inhibitory effect on the proliferation of tamoxifen-resistant MCF-7 cells than only AC did. AC can induce apoptosis in these breast cancer cells. Moreover, it can suppress the mRNA expression of skp2 (S-phase kinase-associated protein 2) by increasing the expressions of miR-21-5p, miR-26-5p, and miR-30-5p in MCF-7 and tamoxifen-resistant MCF-7 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the ethanol extract of antrodia cinnamomea could be a novel anticancer agent in the armamentarium of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer management. Moreover, we hope to identify additional pure compounds that could serve as promising anti-breast cancer candidates for further clinical trials.

Suppression of Cell Growth, Migration and Drug Resistance by Ethanolic Extract of Antrodia cinnamomea in Human Lung Cancer A549 Cells and C57BL/6J Allograft Tumor Model

The purpose of this study was to investigate the inhibitory activities of ethanolic extracts from Antrodia cinnamomea (EEAC) on lung cancer. Cell proliferation and cell cycle distribution were analyzed using (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT) assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Wound-healing assay, Western blotting, and a murine tumor model were separately used to examine cell migration, protein expression, and tumor repression. Our results showed that EEAC induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase resulting decreased cell viability in A549 cells. Moreover, EEAC up-regulated the growth-suppressing proteins, adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), p21 and p27, but down-regulated the growth-promoting proteins, protein kinase B (Akt), mammalian tarfet of rapamycin (mTOR), extracellular signal-regulating kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), retinoblastoma protein (Rb), cyclin E, and cyclin D1. EEAC also inhibited A549 cell migration and reduced expression of gelatinases. In addition, our data showed that tumor growth was suppressed after treatment with EEAC in a murine allograft tumor model. Some bioactive compounds from EEAC, such as cordycepin and zhankuic acid A, were demonstrated to reduce the protein expressions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and cyclin D1 in A549 cells. Furthermore, EEAC enhanced chemosensitivity of A549 to paclitaxel by reducing the protein levels of caveolin-1. Our data suggests that EEAC has the potential to be an adjuvant medicine for the treatment of lung cancer.

Antrodia cinnamomea sensitizes radio-/chemo-therapy of cancer stem-like cells by modulating microRNA expression

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The discovery of many tissue-specific cancer stem cells (CSCs) continues to attract scientific attention. These CSCs are considered to be associated with chemo- and radio-resistance, and consequently, failure of conventional anticancer therapies. The recent demonstration of several microRNAs as enhancers of tumorigenicity via modulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stemness, makes them putative novel therapeutic target in oncology. Antrodia cinnamomea is a Chinese traditional medicine with several biological functions including anti-inflammation, antioxidant, and cancer prevention. However, the anti-CSC capability of A. Cinnamomea is not clear yet.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the inhibitory effect of A. cinnamomea mycelium and extract on CSCs derived from various human cancer cell lines using our in-house therapeutics and human genome-wide miRNA screening panels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A broad range of human cancer cell lines, including the acute monocytic leukemia (THP-1), glioblastoma multiforme (GBM 8401), lung carcinoma (A549), breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231), hepatoblastoma (HepG2), colorectal adenocarcinoma (SW620), and foreskin fibroblast (HS68), were exposed to A. cinnamomea in this study. CD133⁺ CSCs generated from the cell lines were characterized and isolated by flow cytometry, effect of chemo- and radiotherapy was assessed using the MTT assay, while the RT-PCR and human genome wide qRT-PCR determined the differential gene expression patterns. A comparative analysis of the anticancer effect of A. cinnamomea and Cisplatin, Taxol, or irradiation was also performed.

RESULTS

Our results indicated that A. cinnamomea mycelium and its ethyl acetate extracts showed anti-proliferation effects against all types of CSCs, especially the lung, breast, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma CSCs. Furthermore, CSCs treatment with A. cinnamomea combined with irradiation or chemotherapeutics demonstrated significant anti-cancer effect. We also established an association between the CSC-inhibitory effect of A. cinnamomea and significant downregulation of several microRNAs and cancer stemness expression levels in brain and breast CSCs. More importantly, higher CD133 expression is associated with poor prognosis in glioblastoma and breast cancer patients.

CONCLUSION

Herein, we demonstrate the putative role of A. cinnamomea as an effective ethnopharmacologic therapeutic agent for cancer treatment.