Gastrodin stimulates anticancer immune response and represses transplanted H22 hepatic ascitic tumor cell growth: Involvement of NF-κB signaling activation in CD4+ T cells

Combating anoikis resistance: bioactive compounds transforming prostate cancer therapy

The study aims to discuss the challenges associated with treating prostate cancer (PCa), which is known for its complexity and drug resistance. It attempts to find differentially expressed genes (DEGs), such as those linked to anoikis resistance and circulating tumor cells, in PCa samples. This study involves analyzing the functional roles of these DEGs using gene enrichment analysis, and then screening of 102 bioactive compounds to identify a combination that can control the expression of the identified DEGs. In this study, 53 DEGs were identified from PCa samples including anoikis-resistant PCa cells and circulating tumor cells in PCa. Gene enrichment analysis with regards to functional enrichment of DEGs was performed. An inclusive screening process was carried out among 102 bioactive compounds to identify a combination capable of affecting and regulating the expression of selected DEGs. Eventually, gastrodin, nitidine chloride, chenodeoxycholic acid, and bilobalide were selected, as their combination demonstrated ability to modulate expression of 50 out of the 53 genes targeted. The subsequent analysis focused on investigating the biological pathways and processes influenced by this combination. The findings revealed a multifaceted and multidimensional approach to tumor regression. The combination of bioactive compounds exhibited effects on various genes including those related to production of inflammatory cytokines, cell proliferation, autophagy, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The current study has made a valuable contribution to the development of a combination of bioactive natural compounds that can significantly impede the development of treatment resistance in prostate tumor while countering the tumors' evasion of the immune system. The implications of this study are highly significant as it suggests the creation of an enhanced immunotherapeutic, natural therapeutic concoction with combinatorial potential.

Chemistry, Biological Activities, and Pharmacological Properties of Gastrodin: Mechanism Insights

Gastrodin, a bioactive compound derived from the rhizome of the orchid Gastrodia elata, exhibits a diverse range of biological activities. With documented neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-tumor effects, gastrodin stands out as a multifaceted therapeutic agent. Notably, it has demonstrated efficacy in protecting against neuronal damage and enhancing cognitive function in animal models of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and cerebral ischemia. Additionally, gastrodin showcases immunomodulatory effects by mitigating inflammation and suppressing the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Its cytotoxic activity involves the inhibition of angiogenesis, suppression of tumor growth, and induction of apoptosis. This comprehensive review seeks to elucidate the myriad potential effects of Gastrodin, delving into the intricate molecular mechanisms underpinning its pharmacological properties. The findings underscore the therapeutic potential of gastrodin in addressing various conditions linked to neuroinflammation and cancer.

Gastrodin: a comprehensive pharmacological review

Tianma is the dried tuber of Gastrodia elata Blume (G. elata), which is frequently utilized in clinical practice as a traditional Chinese medicine. Gastrodin (GAS) is the main active ingredient of Tianma, which has good pharmacological activity. Therefore, for the first time, this review focused on the extraction, synthesis, pharmacological effects, and derivatives of GAS and to investigate additional development options for GAS. The use of microorganisms to create GAS is a promising method. GAS has good efficacy in the treatment of neurological diseases, cardiovascular diseases, endocrine diseases, and liver diseases. GAS has significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, vascular protective, blood sugar lowering, lipid-regulating, analgesic, anticancer, and antiviral effects. The mechanism involves various signaling pathways such as Nrf2, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, and AMPK. In addition, the derivatives of GAS and biomaterials synthesized by GAS and PU suggested a broader application of GAS. The research on GAS is thoroughly summarized in this paper, which has useful applications for tackling a variety of disorders and exhibits good development value.

Gastrodin alleviates cisplatin nephrotoxicity by inhibiting ferroptosis via the SIRT1/FOXO3A/GPX4 signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cisplatin (CP) results in acute kidney injury (AKI) and negatively affects patients' therapy and survival. The dried rhizome of Gastrodia elata Blume has been used to treat clinical kidney diseases. Gastrodin (GAS) is an active ingredient of the G. elata tuber. It is unknown whether GAS can alleviate CP-induced AKI.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate whether GAS, an active ingredient of G. elata Blume, can alleviate CP-induced AKI and to explore its underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experiments were conducted with a CP-induced AKI mouse model and an immortalized human renal tubular epithelial cell line (HK-2). Serum creatinine, Periodic acid-Schiff staining, tissue iron, glutathione, malondialdehyde, and 4-Hydroxynonenal were detected in serum and kidney samples to observe whether GAS inhibits CP-induced tubule ferroptosis. The drug target was verified by detecting the effects of GAS on sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) activity in vitro. Transcriptional regulation of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) by forkhead box O3A (FOXO3A) was verified by siRNA knockdown, overexpression, and chromatin immunoprecipitation. The effects of FOXO3A, SIRT1, and GAS on CP-induced ferroptosis were measured with propidium iodide, dihydroethidium, monobromobimane, and dipyrromethene boron difluoride staining in HK-2 cells. The relationship between GAS and the SIRT1/FOXO3A/GPX4 pathway was studied using Western blotting.

RESULTS

GAS treatment inhibited CP-induced reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and tubule death in the cell and animal models. GAS activated SIRT1 in vitro. The SIRT1 inhibitor blocked the protective role of GAS in reducing lipid peroxidation in HK-2 cells. FOXO3A transcriptionally regulated GPX4 expression and inhibited CP-induced cell ferroptosis. Compared to CP-damaged mouse kidneys, GAS-treated mice demonstrated significantly increased SIRT1 and GPX4 expression levels, decreased CP-induced acetylation of FOXO3A, and inhibited lipid peroxidation and cell death.

CONCLUSIONS

GAS alleviated CP-induced AKI by inhibiting ferroptosis via the SIRT1/FOXO3A/GPX4 signaling pathway. The results offer new insights into the development of new anti-AKI drugs from traditional Chinese medicine.

Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, applications, and quality control of Gastrodia elata Blume: A comprehensive review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gastrodia elata Blume (G. elata) has a long historical application in Asian countries and its tubers, seeds, and stalks are capable of being utilized for medicine, food, or health care products.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This study aimed to offer a systematic and up-to-date analysis of the current review of the G. elata research advances in traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, applications, and quality control, as well as a scientific reference for the development and utilization of this plant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, and CNKI were used for the collection of publications on G. elata. The following keywords of G. elata were used truncated with other relevant topic terms, such as phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, glycosides, neuroprotection, learning and memory improvement effects, cardioprotection, applications, and quality control.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 134 chemical components mainly categorizing as phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, glycosides, organic acids, and sterols were reported from this plant. Moreover, preclinical studies indicated that G. elata performs several functions, including neuroprotection, learning and memory improvement effects, cardioprotection, vaso-modulatory effect, anti-depression, anti-cancer, and other effects. Currently, G. elata has been widely applied to clinics and foods. The available literature shows that the quality of G. elata might be affected by factors such as origin, fungus, and harvest time, which will have an impact on the drug efficacy. According to past research, G. elata is a potential medicinal and edible plant with several active components and pharmacological activity that has a high application value in medicine and the food business. Nevertheless, few studies have concentrated on characterization of polysaccharides structure and study of non-medicinal parts, implying that further comprehensive research on its polysaccharides structure and non-medicinal parts is critical for full utilization of resources of G. elata.

Gastrodin inhibits prostate cancer proliferation by targeting canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Prostate cancer is an epithelial malignant tumor occurring in the prostate and is the most common malignant tumor in the male genitourinary system. In recent years, the incidence of prostate cancer in China has shown a trend of sudden increase. The search for new and effective drugs to treat prostate cancer is therefore extremely important.The canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has been shown to be involved in the regulation of tumor proliferation, migration and differentiation. Activation of the canonical Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway in the prostate has oncogenic effects. Drugs targeting the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway have great potential in the treatment of prostate cancer. In this study, we found that Gastrodin could significantly inhibit the proliferation of prostate cancer cell line PC3 and DU145. Oral administration Gastrodin could significantly inhibit the tumor growth of PC3 cells subcutaneously injected. Gastrodin has an inhibitory effect on canonical Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway in Prostate cancer, and this inhibitory effect can be abolished by Wnt/β-Catenin agonist LiCl. These findings raise the possibility that Gastrodin can be used in the treatment of Prostate cancer by targeting canonical Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway.

Gastrodin Induces Ferroptosis of Glioma Cells via Upregulation of Homeobox D10

Gastrodin, the primary bioactive compound found in Gastrodia elata, has been shown to exhibit neuroprotective properties in a range of neurological disorders. However, the precise mechanisms through which gastrodin influences glioma cells remain unclear, and there is a scarcity of data regarding its specific effects. To ascertain the viability of glioma cell lines LN229, U251, and T98, the CCK-8 assay, a colony formation assay, and a 3D culture model were employed, utilizing varying concentrations of gastrodin (0, 5, 10, and 20 μM). Gastrodin exhibited a notable inhibitory effect on the growth of glioma cells, as evidenced by its ability to suppress colony formation and spheroid formation. Additionally, gastrodin induced ferroptosis in glioma cells, as it can increase the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and peroxidized lipids, and reduced the levels of glutathione. Using a subcutaneous tumor model, gastrodin was found to significantly inhibit the growth of the T98 glioma cell line in vivo. Using high-throughput sequencing, PPI analysis, and RT-qPCR, we successfully identified Homeobox D10 (HOXD10) as the principal target of gastrodin. Gastrodin administration significantly enhanced the expression of HOXD10 in glioma cells. Furthermore, treatment with gastrodin facilitated the transcription of ACSL4 via HOXD10. Notably, the inhibition of HOXD10 expression impeded ferroptosis in the cells, which was subsequently restored upon rescue with gastrodin treatment. Overall, our findings suggest that gastrodin acts as an anti-cancer agent by inducing ferroptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation in HOXD10/ACSL4-dependent pathways. As a prospective treatment for gliomas, gastrodin will hopefully be effective.

Review on pharmacological effects of gastrodin

Gastrodia elata Blume is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine that is mainly used to treat diseases related to the nervous system, such as stroke, epilepsy, and headache. Gastrodin is the main bioactive component of Gastrodia elata Blume, and studies have shown that it has extensive pharmacological activity. This narrative review aims to systematically review relevant studies on the pharmacological effects of gastrodin to provide researchers with the latest and most useful information. Studies have shown that gastrodin has prominent neuroprotective effects and can treat or improve epilepsy, Tourette syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, emotional disorders, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, cognitive impairment, and neuropathic pain. Gastrodin can also improve myocardial hypertrophy, hypertension, and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. In addition, gastrodin can mitigate liver, kidney, and bone tissue damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. In short, gastrodin is expected to treat many diseases, and it is worth investing more effort in research on this compound.

Based on network pharmacology, gastrodin attenuates hypertension-induced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and PI3K/AKT pathway activation

The effects and underlying mechanisms of gastrodin treatment on hypertensive vascular dysfunction and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were determined in vitro and in vivo. Using a pharmacological target network interaction analysis, 151 common targets and a PPI network were identified containing the top 10 hub genes. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis identified the PI3K/AKT pathway as a significantly enriched pathway. Both spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Wistar Kyoto rats were used to assess the therapeutic effects of gastrodin on hypertension. Gastrodin treatment of the SHRs resulted in a marked attenuation of elevated blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, and pathological changes in the abdominal aorta. Moreover, gastrodin treatment significantly inhibited cell growth and downregulated the expression of PCNA as well as the p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT levels in angiotensin II-stimulated VSMCs. Taken together, gastrodin treatment attenuates blood pressure elevation, vascular dysfunction, and proliferation of VSMCs and inhibits the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Insights into the nutritional properties and molecular basis of biosynthesis of amino acids and vitamins of Gastrodia elata offered by metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis

Gastrodia elata Blume (GE), a traditional and precious Chinese medicinal material, has been approved as a functional food. However, understanding GE's nutritional properties and its molecular basis remains limited. Here, metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses were performed on young and mature tubers of G. elata.f.elata (GEEy and GEEm) and G. elata.f.glauca (GEGy and GEGm). A total of 345 metabolites were detected, including 76 different amino acids and their derivatives containing all human essential amino acids (e.g., l-(+)-lysine, l-leucine), 13 vitamins (e.g., nicotinamide, thiamine), and 34 alkaloids (e.g., spermine, choline). GEGm has higher amino acid accumulation than GEEy, GEEm and GEGy, and vitamin contents were also slightly different in all four samples. Implying that GE, especially GEGm, is a kind of excellent complementary food as amino acid nutrition provider. From assembled 21,513 transcripts (genes) based on the transcriptome, we identified many genes that encode enzymes (e.g., pfkA, bglX, tyrAa, lysA, his B, aroA), which are responsible for the biosynthesis of amino acids and enzymes (e.g., nadA, URH1, NAPRT1, punA, rsgA) that related to vitamins metabolism. A total of 16 pairs of the differentially expressed genes (DEG) and differentially accumulated metabolites (DAM) (e.g., gene-tia006709 coding GAPDH and l-(+)-arginine, and gene-tia010180 coding tyrA and l-(+)-arginine) and three DEG-DAM pairs (e.g., gene-tia015379 coding NadA and nicotinate d-ribonucleoside) show significant similar positive or negative correlation based on three, and two comparisons of GEEy vs. GEGy, GEGy vs. GEGm, GEEy vs. GEGy and GEEm vs. GEGm, which involved into amino acid biosynthesis, and nicotinate nicotinamide metabolism, respectively. These results prove that the enzyme coded by these DEG promotes (positive correlation) or inhibits (negative correlation) the biosynthesis of parallel DAM in GE. Overall, the data and corresponding analysis in this study provide new insights into the nutritional properties of GE and the related molecular basis.

The processing methods, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Gastrodia elata Bl.: A comprehensive review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gastrodia elata Bl. (GE) is one of the rare Chinese medicinal materials with a long history of medicine and cooking. It consists of a variety of chemical components, including aromatic compounds, organic acids and esters, steroids, saccharides and their glycosides, etc., which has medicinal and edible value, and is widely used in various diseases, such as infantile convulsions, epilepsy, tetanus, headache, dizziness, limb numbness, rheumatism and arthralgia. It is also commonly used in health care products and cosmetics. Thus, its chemical composition and pharmacological activity have attracted more and more attention from the scientific community.

AIM

In this review, the processing methods, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of GE were comprehensively and systematically summarized, which provides a valuable reference for researchers the rational of GE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive search of published literature and classic books from 1958 to 2023 was conducted using online bibliographic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, ACS, Science Direct Database, CNKI and others to identify original research related to GE, its processing methods, active ingredients and pharmacological activities.

RESULTS

GE is traditionally used to treat infantile convulsion, epilepsy, tetanus, headache, dizziness, limb numbness, rheumatism and arthralgia. To date, more than 435 chemical constituents were identified from GE including 276 chemical constituents, 72 volatile components and 87 synthetic compounds, which are the primary bioactive compounds. In addition, there are other biological components, such as organic acids and esters, steroids and adenosines. These extracts have nervous system and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular system activities such as sedative-hypnotic, anticonvulsant, antiepileptic, neuron protection and regeneration, analgesia, antidepressant, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antiplatelet aggregation, anti-inflammatory, etc. CONCLUSION: This review summarizes the processing methods, chemical composition, pharmacological activities, and molecular mechanism of GE over the last 66 years, which provides a valuable reference for researchers to understand its research status and applications.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents in chronic liver diseases: Molecular mechanisms and therapy

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a continuous process that causes a reduction of liver function lasting more than six months. CLD includes alcoholic liver disease (ALD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), chronic viral infection, and autoimmune hepatitis, which can lead to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and cancer. Liver inflammation and oxidative stress are commonly associated with the development and progression of CLD. Molecular signaling pathways such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), C-Jun N-terminal kinase, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of CLD. Therefore, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents from natural products are new potent therapies for ALD, NAFLD, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this review, we summarize some powerful products that can be potential applied in all the stages of CLD, from ALD/NAFLD to HCC. The selected agents such as β-sitosterol, curcumin, genistein, and silymarin can regulate the activation of several important molecules, including AMPK, Farnesoid X receptor, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2, PPARs, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, and lysyl oxidase-like proteins. In addition, clinical trials are undergoing to evaluate their efficacy and safety.

Potential of Compounds Originating from the Nature to Act in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapy by Targeting the Tumor Immunosuppressive Microenvironment: A Review

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent subtype of liver cancer, is the second main reason for cancer-related deaths worldwide. In recent decades, sufficient evidence supported that immunotherapy was a safe and effective treatment option for HCC. However, tolerance and frequent recurrence and metastasis occurred in patients after immunotherapy due to the complicated crosstalk in the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment (TIME) in HCC. Therefore, elucidating the TIME in HCC and finding novel modulators to target TIME for attenuating immune suppression is critical to optimize immunotherapy. Recently, studies have shown the potentially immunoregulatory activities of natural compounds, characterized by multiple targets and pathways and low toxicity. In this review, we concluded the unique role of TIME in HCC. Moreover, we summarized evidence that supports the hypothesis of natural compounds to target TIME to improve immunotherapy. Furthermore, we discussed the comprehensive mechanisms of these natural compounds in the immunotherapy of HCC. Accordingly, we present a well-grounded review of the naturally occurring compounds in cancer immunotherapy, expecting to shed new light on discovering novel anti-HCC immunomodulatory drugs from natural sources.

Rhizoma Gastrodiae Water Extract Modulates the Gut Microbiota and Pathological Changes of P-TauThr231 to Protect Against Cognitive Impairment in Mice

Gastrodiae Rhizoma and its active constituents are known to exhibit neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the effect of Rhizoma Gastrodiae water extract (WERG) on AD and the detailed mechanism of action remain unclear. In this study, the mechanism of action of WERG was investigated by the microbiome–gut–brain axis using a D-galactose (D-gal)/AlCl₃-induced AD mouse model. WERG improved the cognitive impairment of D-gal/AlCl₃-induced mice. The expression level of p-Tau^thr231 in the WERG-H treatment group was decreased, and p-Tau^thr231 was found negative in hippocampal DG, CA1, and CA3 regions. Here, the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota were analyzed by 16sRNA sequencing. WERG-H treatment had a positive correlation with Firmicutes, Bacilli, Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus murinus, and Lactobacillus reuteri. Interestingly, the Rikenellaceae-RC9 gut group in the gut increased in D-gal/AlCl₃-induced mice, but the increased L. johnsonii, L. murinus, and L. reuteri reversed this process. This may be a potential mechanistic link between gut microbiota dysbiosis and P-Tau^Thr231 levels in AD progression. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that WERG improved the cognitive impairment of the AD mouse model by enriching gut probiotics and reducing P-Tau^Thr231 levels.

The Dynamic Role of NK Cells in Liver Cancers: Role in HCC and HBV Associated HCC and Its Therapeutic Implications

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains an important complication of chronic liver disease, especially when cirrhosis occurs. Existing treatment strategies include surgery, loco-regional techniques, and chemotherapy. Natural killer cells are distinctive cytotoxic lymphocytes that play a vital role in fighting tumors and infections. As an important constituent of the innate immune system against cancer, phenotypic and functional deviations of NK cells have been demonstrated in HCC patients who also exhibit perturbation of the NK-activating receptor/ligand axis. The rate of recurrence of tumor-infiltrating and circulating NK cells are positively associated with survival benefits in HCC and have prognostic significance, suggesting that NK cell dysfunction is closely related to HCC progression. NK cells are the first-line effector cells of viral hepatitis and play a significant role by directly clearing virus-infected cells or by activating antigen-specific T cells by producing IFN-γ. In addition, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineered NK cells suggest an exclusive opportunity to produce CAR-NKs with several specificities with fewer side effects. In the present review, we comprehensively discuss the innate immune landscape of the liver, particularly NK cells, and the impact of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) on the function of NK cells and the biological function of HCC. Furthermore, the role of NK cells in HCC and HBV-induced HCC has also been comprehensively elaborated. We also elaborate on available NK cell-based immunotherapeutic approaches in HCC treatment and summarize current advancements in the treatment of HCC. This review will facilitate researchers to understand the importance of the innate immune landscape of NK cells and lead to devising innovative immunotherapeutic strategies for the systematic treatment of HCC.

Gastrodia elata blume ameliorates circadian rhythm disorder-induced mice memory impairment

Circadian rhythm disorder (CRD) in space flight can lead to memory impairment, performance decrements and adverse health outcomes, the main manifestations of which are circadian desynchronization, sleep loss and insomnia. Sleep deprivation (SD) provide the means to evaluate these effects and the risks associated with CRD on ground. Gastrodia elata Blume (GEB) has beneficial effects on the treatment of sleep disturbances and memory loss. Fresh GEB (FG), an unprocessed raw tuber of GEB, has been used as functional health food in Asian countries for a long time. However, the research report of FG to ameliorate memory impairment caused by insomnia or lack of sleep is meager. In this study, ICR male mice were sleep-deprived continuously and water extract of FG (WFG) was orally administrated (3 and 9 g/kg/d, i.g) during the SD process lasted for 25 days, except control and model groups gavage administration with water, positive control group with modafinil (MOD, 0.1 g/kg/d, i.g). We studied the effect of WFG on CRD-induced learning and memory impairment using a set of behavioral analyses including the object location recognition test (OLRT), novel object recognition test (NORT), and the passive avoidance test (PAT). In addition, oxidative stress parameters were assessed by measuring the malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) reactivity in serum and hippocampus. Our results revealed that SD decreased discrimination index (DI) in OLRT and NORT, with shorter latency into the dark chamber in PAT. Both WFG and MOD treatment can reverse these changes (P < 0.05). We concluded that WFG treatment improve CRD-induced learning and memory impairment and oxidative stress damage which makes FG a promising candidate as herbal health product of memory decline in CRD.

Insight into Medicinal Chemistry Behind Traditional Chinese Medicines: p-Hydroxybenzyl Alcohol-Derived Dimers and Trimers from Gastrodia elata

From an aqueous extract of "tian ma" (the steamed and dried rhizomes of Gastrodia elata), ten new compounds gastrodibenzins A-D (1-4) and gastrotribenzins A-F (5-10), along with known analogues (11-20), having structure features coupling between two and three p-hydroxybenzyl-derived units via carbon- and/or ether-bonds, were isolated and characterized by spectroscopic data analysis. Meanwhile, the new compounds 5a, 6a, 8a, 22, and 23, as well as the known derivatives 13a, 14a, 15, 17-21, 24, 25, and p-hydroxybenzyl aldehyde were isolated and identified from a refluxed aqueous solution of p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol. Methylation of 5a and 6a in methanol and ethylation of 6a, 8a, 13a, and 14a in ethanol produced 5 and 6 and 7, 8, 13, and 14, respectively. using ultra-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRESIMS) analysis of the refluxed solutions of p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol and the refluxed extracts of the fresh G. elata rhizome and "tian ma" extracts indicated consistent production and variation of the dimeric and trimeric derivatives of p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol upon extracting solvents and refluxing time. In various assays, the dimeric and trimeric derivatives showed more potent activities than p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol itself and gastrodin, which are the main known active constituents of "tian ma". These results revealed for the first time that the more effective dimers and trimers can be produced through condensation of the co-occurring p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol during processing and decocting of the G. elata rhizomes, demonstrating insights into medicinal chemistry behind application protocols of traditional Chinese medicines.

Traditional Chinese medicine as supportive care for the management of liver cancer: Past, present, and future

Liver cancer is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Western medicine and therapies are the primary treatment strategies of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the general prognosis for HCC patients is still dismal. Under these circumstances, HCC prevention is particularly important. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) encompasses a wealth of documented therapeutic resources, and "preventative treatment" is the principle of TCM. In China, TCM has been used for HCC prevention for thousands of years, and has also been demonstrated to be effective for the treatment of HCC in modern China. However, the TCM theory for prevention and treatment of HCC is more widely accepted in China than abroad. In this review, we first summarize the herbs and ancient formulas with therapeutic effects on HCC. We also review the research status of TCM in modern medicine as well as the current obstacles in its development. Finally, we discuss the future of TCM in the context of precision and integrated medicine. After reviewing the literature, we believe that TCM, through ancient development, is an advanced method of cancer treatment with positive curative effects, despite its surrounding controversy. Furthermore, precise analyses and systematic research methods provides novel approaches to modernize TCM for the future.

Osteolytic metastasis in breast cancer: effective prevention strategies

INTRODUCTION

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women throughout the world. Patients who are diagnosed early generally have better prognosis and survivability. Indeed, advanced stage breast cancer often develops osteolytic metastases, leading to bone destruction. Although there are select drugs available to treat bone metastatic disease, these drugs have shown limited success.

AREA COVERED

This paper emphasizes updated mechanisms of bone remodeling and osteolytic bone metastases of breast cancer. This article also aims to explore the potential of novel natural and synthetic therapeutics in the effective prevention of breast cancer-induced osteolysis and osteolytic metastases of breast cancer.

EXPERT OPINION

Targeting TGFβ and BMP signaling pathways, along with osteoclast activity, appears to be a promising therapeutic strategy in the prevention of breast cancer-induced osteolytic bone destruction and metastatic growth at bone metastatic niches. Pilot studies in animal models suggest various natural and synthetic compounds and monoclonal antibodies as putative therapeutics in the prevention of breast cancer stimulated osteolytic activity. However, comprehensive pre-clinical studies demonstrating the PK/PD and in-depth understanding of molecular mechanism(s) by which these potential molecules exhibit anti-tumor growth and anti-osteolytic activity are still required to develop effective therapies against breast cancer-induced osteolytic bone disease.

Using Traditional Chinese Medicine to Treat Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Targeting Tumor Immunity

As the leading cause of cancer-related death, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) threatens human health and limited treatments are available to cure the disease efficiently and effectively. The particularly immunotolerant environment of the liver lowers the efficacy of current therapies in patients with advanced HCC. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is gathering increasing interest due to the immunoregulatory properties of certain compounds. In advanced HCC, TCM can restore immunosurveillance to promote antitumor effects in several ways, including the upregulation of immunostimulatory factors and the downregulation of immunosuppressive factors. The characteristic multitarget regulation of TCM compounds may provide new insights regarding effective HCC immunotherapies. Here, we review the immunoregulatory potency of TCMs for treating HCC and explain how individual TCM drugs and complex formulas remodel the immune environment in various cell- and cytokine-dependent manners.

Gastrodin Ameliorates Acute Rejection via IRE1α/TRAF2/NF-κB in Rats Receiving Liver Allografts

Background

Liver transplantation (LT) is currently an effective treatment for end-stage liver disease, but the occurrence of acute rejection (AR) is still the main problem to be solved. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of gastrodin (GAS) on LT.

Methods

Rat transplant models were established and divided into SHAM, LT, GAS-L (50 mg/kg GAS), and GAS-H (100 mg/kg GAS) groups. The liver function, inflammatory factors, liver histopathology, survival of rats, number of M2-type macrophages, liver cell apoptosis, and pathway proteins were assayed at 7 days and 14 days after the operations.

Results

With increasing GAS concentrations, liver function, expression of proinflammatory factors in the liver, and expression of M2-type molecules in macrophages were significantly improved, and the survival time of rats was significantly prolonged (P < 0.05). All rats treated with low or high doses of GAS were judged to have nondeterministic acute rejection. Flow cytometry showed that liver cell apoptosis was decreased significantly in the GAS-L and GAS-H groups after GAS administration compared with apoptosis and differentiation in the LT group (P < 0.05). Expression levels of Caspase-3, Bad, and Bax proteins were decreased, and the expression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 was increased in the GAS-L and GAS-H groups (P < 0.05). Mechanistically, the ERS-related IRE1α/TRAF2/NF-κB pathway was suppressed by GAS, and GAS acted mainly on intrahepatic macrophages to affect AR and reduce ROS production (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

GAS ameliorated AR by inhibiting the IRE1α/TRAF2/NF-κB pathway in LT.

Metabolite profiling and quantification of phytochemicals of Tianma-Gouteng granule in human and rat urine using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry

Tianma-Gouteng granule has been used for the treatment of hypertension, headache, and stroke in China. However, the metabolism of Tianma-Gouteng granule has not been clear. In the present study, an ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry method has been developed for rapid identification of 35 prototypes and 43 metabolites in human and rat urine after single oral administration of Tianma-Gouteng granule. The results showed that glucuronidation and sulfation were the main metabolic pathways for flavonoids, alkaloids, iridoidic glycosides, anthraquinones, phenols, and stilbenes that were found in Tianma-Gouteng granule. Moreover, a validated ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry method was applied for the quantification of 14 compounds in rat urine after an oral administration of Tianma-Gouteng granule (2.5 g/kg). During 0-48 h after dosing, the cumulative excretion rates of nine prototype components were 53% for gastrodin, 0.07∼1.6% for geniposide, baicalin and baicalein, wogonoside, rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline, leonurine, and emodin, indicating that urinary excretion is the major way for gastrodin to eliminate from the body. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of metabolism and excretive kinetics of Tianma-Gouteng granule in human and/or rat, and helpful information for screening of its active components in vivo and clinical application.

The role of natural killer cells in hepatocellular carcinoma development and treatment: A narrative review

A major obstacle for treatment of HCC is the inadequate efficacy and limitation of the available therapeutic options. Despite the recent advances in developing novel treatment options, HCC still remains one of the major causes of cancer morbidity and mortality around the world. Achieving effective treatment and eradication of HCC is a challenging task, however recent studies have shown that targeting Natural Killer cells, as major regulators of immune system, can help with the complete treatment of HCC, restoration of normal liver function and subsequently higher survival rate of HCC patients. Studies have shown that decrease in the frequency of NK cells, their dysfunction due to several factors such as dysregulation of receptors and their ligands, and imbalance of different types of inhibitory and stimulating microRNA expression is associated with higher rate of HCC progression and development, and poor survival outcome. Here in our review, we mainly focused on the importance of NK cells in HCC development and treatment.

Prolonged DADLE exposure epigenetically promotes Bcl-2 expression and elicits neuroprotection in primary rat cortical neurons via the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway

Both in vivo and in vitro studies have shown the beneficial effects of the delta-opioid receptor (DOR) on neurodegeneration in hypoxia/ischemia. We previously reported that DOR stimulation with [(D-Ala2, D-Leu5) enkephalin] (DADLE), a potent DOR agonist, for both a short (minutes) and long (days) time has notable protective effects against sodium azide (NaN₃)-induced cell injury in primary cultured rat cortical neurons. We further demonstrated that short-term DADLE stimulation increased neuronal survival through the PKC-mitochondrial ERK pathway. However, the mechanisms underlying long-term neuroprotection by DADLE remain unclear. Here, we showed that DOR stimulation with DADLE (0.1 μmol/L) for 2 d selectively activates the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway in NaN3-treated neurons; this activation increased Bcl-2 expression, attenuated Cyto c release and promoted neuronal survival. Further investigation revealed that sustained DADLE stimulation increased Bcl-2 expression by enhancing NF-κB binding to the Bcl-2 promoter and upregulating the histone acetylation levels of the Bcl-2 promoter. Our results demonstrate that prolonged DADLE exposure epigenetically promotes Bcl-2 expression and elicits neuroprotective effects in the NaN₃ model via the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway.

Antitumor effects of melanin from Lachnum YM226 and its derivative in H22 tumor-bearing mice

In the present study, we investigated the anti-tumor activities of the intracellular homogeneous melanin (LM) of Lachnum YM226 and its derivative (ALM) on liver cancer using murine H22 hepatocarcinoma model. The results showed that LM and ALM (50 and 200 mg kg-1) could effectively inhibit tumor growth of H22 tumour-bearing mice. The body weight, liver, spleen and thymus indices also improved in the LM and ALM treated groups. Moreover, the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine (CRE), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and uric acid (UA) were lowered. Serum cytokines of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were increased on LM and ALM administration, while LM and ALM significantly decreased the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) levels. The H&E staining indicated that LM and ALM exhibited antitumor activity in vivo by promoting apoptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis. The anti-tumor effect of ALM was more significant than that of LM for the same dose. In summary, the findings demonstrated that LM and ALM might be promising candidates for the prevention and treatment of HCC.

Novel Strategies Using Total Gastrodin and Gastrodigenin, or Total Gastrodigenin for Quality Control of Gastrodia elata

Gastrodia elata Blume (G. elata), a traditional Chinese medicine, is widely used for treatment of various neuro dysfunctions. However, its quality control is still limited to the determination of gastrodin. In the present study, two novel strategies based on quantitative evaluation of total gastrodin and gastrodigenin with base hydrolysis and total gastrodigenin with base-enzymatic hydrolysis followed by HPLC-FLD were put forward and successfully applied to evaluate the quality of 47 batches of G. elata from eight localities. Meanwhile, a systematic comparison of the novel strategy with the multiple markers and the Pharmacopeia method was performed. The results showed that the parishins category could be completely hydrolyzed to gastrodin by sodium hydroxide solution, and gastrodin could further utterly hydrolyze to gastrodigenin with β-d-glucosidase buffer solution. The contents of total gastrodin and gastrodigenin ranged from 1.311% to 2.034%, and total gastrodigenin from 0.748% to 1.120% at the eight localities. From the comparison, we can conclude that the two novel strategies can comprehensively reveal the characteristics of overall active ingredients in G. elata for quality control. The present study provides a feasible and credible strategy for the quality control of G. elata, suggesting a revision of the latest Chinese Pharmacopoeia or European Pharmacopoeia methods for the modernization of G. elata use.

Tetrahydrocurcumin is more effective than curcumin in inducing the apoptosis of H22 cells via regulation of a mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in ascites tumor-bearing mice

Curcumin (CUR), a widely used food additive, is derived mainly from Curcuma species that has been applied traditionally for the treatment of various diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its poor systemic bioavailability hampers its clinical application, which may be related to its wide metabolism. Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) is a major metabolite of CUR and has been reported to have multiple biologic activities. We investigated, for the first time, the efficacy and associated mechanism of action of THC and CUR in a H22 ascites tumor-bearing model in mice. THC evoked a significant dose-dependent promotion of survival and was significantly more effective than CUR in inhibiting tumor growth, including increased body weight, abdominal circumference, ascites volume, and the viability of cancer cells. Experiments on essential immune organs indicated that THC had a more favorable margin of safety than the reference drug cyclophosphamide. THC induced the apoptosis of H22 cells obviously by increasing the level of p53 and decreasing the level of murine double minute 2. THC also decreased the expression of Bcl-2 significantly and increased the expression of Bcl2-associated X, resulting in the release of cytochrome C. THC significantly activated and induced cleavage of caspase-3 and caspase-9 to induce the apoptosis of H22 cells. Taken together, these results indicate that THC was more effective than CUR in inhibiting the apoptosis of H22-induced ascites tumor cells and achieved it via regulation of a mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. THC might be a bioactive anti-tumor form of CUR and represented a potentially effective agent for HCC treatment.

Isoliensinine induces dephosphorylation of NF-kB p65 subunit at Ser536 via a PP2A-dependent mechanism in hepatocellular carcinoma cells: roles of impairing PP2A/I2PP2A interaction

Our previous study discovered that isoliensinine (isolie) triggers hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell apoptosis via inducing p65 dephosphorylation at Ser536 and inhibition of NF-κB. Here, we showed that isolie promoted p65/PP2A interaction in vitro and in vivo. Repression of PP2A activity or knockdown of the expression of PP2A-C (the catalytic subunit of PP2A) abrogated isolie-provoked p65 dephosphorylation. I2PP2A is an endogenous PP2A inhibitor. Isolie directly impaired PP2A/I2PP2A interaction. Knockdown of I2PP2A boosted p65/PP2A association and p65 dephosphorylation. Overexpression of I2PP2A restrained isolie-induced p65 dephosphorylation. Untransformed hepatocytes were insensitive to isolie-induced NF-κB inhibition and cell apoptosis. In these cells, basal levels of I2PP2A and p65 phosphorylation at Ser536 were lower than in HCC cells. These findings collectively indicated that isolie suppresses NF-κB in HCC cells through impairing PP2A/I2PP2A interaction and stimulating PP2A-dependent p65 dephosphorylation at Ser536.

Antitumor immunostimulatory activity of polysaccharides from Panax japonicus C. A. Mey: Roles of their effects on CD4+ T cells and tumor associated macrophages

In this study, chemical properties of polysaccharides from rhizomes of Panax japonicus C. A. Mey (PSPJ) were investigated and the antitumor immunostimulatory activity of PSPJ was assessed in mice bearing H22 hepatoma cells. Chemical properties of PSPJ were determined by GC, FT-IR, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR analysis. Furthermore, we showed that PSPJ repressed H22 tumor growth in vivo with undetectable toxic effects on tumor-bearing mice. PSPJ upregulated host thymus/spleen indexes and ConA/LPS-induced splenocyte proliferation. Cytotoxic activities of natural killer and CD8+ T cells against H22 hepatoma cells were also elevated. Tumor transplantation led to substantial apoptosis of CD4+ T cells and dysregulation of the cytokine profile secreted by CD4+ T cells. These abnormalities were alleviated by PSPJ in a dose-dependent manner. In tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), PSPJ reduced the production of immunosuppressive factors such as TGF-β, IL-10 and PEG2. In addition, M2-like polarization of TAMs was also considerably declined in response to PSPJ. Our findings clearly demonstrated the antitumor immunostimulatory activity of PSPJ and supported considering PSPJ as an adjuvant reagent in clinical treatment of malignant diseases.

4-Hydroxybenzyl alcohol derivatives and their sedative–hypnotic activities

4-Hydroxybenzyl alcohol (HBA), one of the characteristic active components of Gastrodia elata, exhibits obvious effects on the human central nervous system. In order to acquire compounds with superior bioactivity, 10 derivatives of HBA were synthesized from HBA and carboxylic acids. The sedative effects of the 10 HBA derivatives were evaluated using a spontaneous locomotor activity test (SLT) in mice, and their hypnotic effects were determined to be synergistic with pentobarbital-induced sleep. The results showed that 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol 3-furancarboxylic acid diester (2FHBA, 10 mg kg⁻¹) exhibited the strongest sedative–hypnotic activity among HBA and its derivatives, and 2FHBA could reverse the insomnia caused by p-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA), flumazenil (FLU) and thiosemicarbazide (TSC). Meanwhile, 2FHBA and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) showed a synergistic effect. The results suggested that 2FHBA might be a potential agent against insomnia, which might be mediated by the serotonergic and GABAergic systems.

2FHBA, a derivative of HBA, exerts sedative and hypnotic effects through the serotonergic and GABAergic systems.

Effects of early enteral nutrition supplemented with collagen peptides on post-burn inflammatory responses in a mouse model

The effect of early enteral nutrition (EN) supplemented with Alaska pollock skin-derived collagen peptides (CPs) on post-burn inflammatory responses was investigated in a mouse model. Male blab/c mice were randomly assigned to four groups: a sham burn (SB) group, a control group (burn + EN + glycine, BE), a positive control group (burn + EN + glutamine, BEG) and a treatment group (burn + EN + CPs, BEC). Burn-induced increases of serum endotoxin level, and systemic and intestinal concentration of TNF-α and IL-6 were attenuated in BEG and BEC at post-burn day (PBD) 1, 3 and 7 (p < 0.05 vs. BE). Notably, BEC revealed a prominent decrease of the serum endotoxin level, TNF-α and IL-6 as compared to BEG at PBD 7 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, EN supplemented with CPs diminished the phosphorylation of intestinal NF-κB p65 and simultaneously down-regulated the mRNA expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in small intestine (p < 0.05 vs. BE). Also, it demonstrated a comparable effect with glutamine in ameliorating post-burn inflammatory responses in mice with burns. Therefore, CPs could be considered as a potential immunonutrient supplement in EN to improve post-burn outcomes in burn patients.

Astragalin Reduces Hexokinase 2 through Increasing miR-125b to Inhibit the Proliferation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells in Vitro and in Vivo

Astragalin (ASG) can be found in a variety of food components. ASG exhibits cytotoxic effects on several different types of malignant cells. However, its effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms have remained to be fully elucidated. Here, we revealed that ASG remarkably suppressed the proliferation of HCC cells. In HCC cells, ASG inhibited glucose glycolysis and promoted oxidative phosphorylation, resulting in a surge of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mechanistically, ASG suppressed the expression of hexokinase 2 (HK2). This event was indispensible for ASG-mediated metabolic reprogramming, ROS accumulation, and subsequent growth arrest. Our further investigations unveiled that ASG repressed HK2 expression via increasing miR-125b. In vivo experiments showed that gavage of ASG decreased the proliferation of Huh-7 HCC xenografts in nude mice and inhibited the growth of transplanted H22 HCC cells in Kunming mice. Declined HCC tumor growth in vivo was associated with boosted miR-125b and reduced expression of HK2 in tumor tissues. Collectively, our results demonstrated that ASG is able to suppress the proliferation of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition of HK2 through upregulating miR-125b and subsequent metabolic reprogramming is implicated in the antiproliferative effects of ASG on HCC cells.

Cytotoxic effects of gastrodin extracted from the rhizome of Gastrodia elata Blume in glioblastoma cells, but not in normal astrocytes, via the induction of oxidative stress-associated apoptosis that involved cell cycle arrest and p53 activation

Researches have been conducted to explore the biological effect of gastrodin, a natural compound extracted from the rhizome of Gastrodia elata Blume, in different models. However, the effects of gastrodin on cytotoxicity, cell cycle distribution and oxidative stress in glia cells have not been explored. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic effect of gastrodin and its mechanisms in DBTRG-05MG human glioblastoma cells and CTX TNA2 rat astrocytes. In DBTRG-05MG cells but not in CTX TNA2 cells, gastrodin (20-30 μM) induced cytotoxicity, G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Regarding oxidative stress, gastrodin (20-30 μM) elevated intracellular ROS levels but reduced GSH levels. Treatment with the antioxidant NAC (10 μM) partially reversed gastrodin-altered antioxidant enzymes levels. Furthermore, gastrodin induced mitochondria-associated apoptosis. The apoptotic effects evoked by gastrodin were partially inhibited by the antioxidant NAC and the pancaspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. Together, in DBTRG-05MG cells, but not in CTX TNA2 cells, gastrodin activated ROS-associated mitochondrial apoptotic pathways that involved cell cycle arrest. These data provide insight into the molecular mechanisms governing the ability of gastrodin to induce cytotoxicity in human glioblastoma cells and further suggest that gastrodin is a new potential agent for the treatment of human gliblasoma.

Supercritical-Carbon Dioxide Fluid Extract from Chrysanthemum indicum Enhances Anti-Tumor Effect and Reduces Toxicity of Bleomycin in Tumor-Bearing Mice

Bleomycin (BLM), a family of anti-tumor drugs, was reported to exhibit severe side effects limiting its usage in clinical treatment. Therefore, finding adjuvants that enhance the anti-tumor effect and reduce the detrimental effect of BLM is a prerequisite. Chrysanthemum indicum, an edible flower, possesses abundant bioactivities; the supercritical-carbon dioxide fluid extract from flowers and buds of C. indicum (CI_SCFE) have strong anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and lung protective effects. However, the role of CI_SCFE combined with BLM treatment on tumor-bearing mice remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the potential synergistic effect and the underlying mechanism of CI_SCFE combined with BLM in the treatment of hepatoma 22 (H22) tumor-bearing mice. The results suggested that the oral administration of CI_SCFE combined with BLM could markedly prolong the life span, attenuate the BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis, suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6), tumor necrosis factor-α, activities of myeloperoxidase, and malondiadehyde. Moreover, CI_SCFE combined with BLM promoted the ascites cell apoptosis, the activities of caspases 3 and 8, and up-regulated the protein expression of p53 and down-regulated the transforming growth factor-β1 by activating the gene expression of miR-29b. Taken together, these results indicated that CI_SCFE could enhance the anti-cancer activity of BLM and reduce the BLM-induced pulmonary injury in H22 tumor-bearing mice, rendering it as a potential adjuvant drug with chemotherapy after further investigation in the future.

The rhizome of Gastrodia elata Blume - An ethnopharmacological review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gastrodia elata Blume (Orchidaceae) is commonly called Tian ma in Chinese and mainly distributed in the mountainous areas of eastern Asia, such as China, Korea, Japan and India. It is an extensively used traditional Chinese herbal medicine in the clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, to treat headache, migraine, dizziness, epilepsy, infantile convulsion, tetany and so on. The present paper reviews the advancements in investigation of botany and ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and quality control of Gastrodia elata Blume. Finally, the possible tendency and perspective for future investigation of this plant are also put forward.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The information on Gastrodia elata Blume was collected via piles of resources including classic books about Chinese herbal medicine, and scientific databases including Pubmed, Google Scholar, ACS, Web of science, ScienceDirect databases, CNKI and others. Plant taxonomy was validated by the databases "The Plant List", and "Mansfeld's Encyclopedia".

RESULTS

Over 81 compounds from this plant have been isolated and identified, phenolics and polysaccharides are generally considered as the characteristic and active constituents of Gastrodia elata Blume. Its active compounds possess wide-reaching biological activities, including sedative, hypnotic, antiepileptic, anticonvulsive, antianxietic, antidepressant, neuroprotective, antipsychotic, anti-vertigo, circulatory system modulating, anti-inflammationary, analgesic, antioxidative, memory-improving and antiaging, antivirus and antitumor effects.

CONCLUSION

Despite the publication of various papers on Gastrodia elata Blume, there is still, however, the need for definitive research and clarification of other bioactive compounds using bioactivity-guided isolation strategies, and the possible mechanism of action as well as potential synergistic or antagonistic effects of multi-component mixtures derived from Gastrodia elata Blume need to be evaluated. It is also necessary and important to do more quality control and toxicological study on human subjects in order to maintain its efficacy stable in the body and validate its safety in clinical uses. In addition, more investigations on other parts of this plant beyond the tubers are needed. Further studies on Gastrodia elata Blume will lead to the development of new drugs and therapeutics for various diseases, and how to utilize it better should be paid more attention to.

Radix Astragali and Tanshinone Help Carboplatin Inhibit B16 Tumor Cell Growth

Background:

Excessive UV radiation causes increased melanoma incidence. Postoperation chemotherapy will destroy lymphocytes and compromise immune response. Immunodepression is also detected in patients with cancers. Previous studies suggested that polysaccharide–protein complexes manifested immunomodulatory and antitumor activities. Radix Astragali (RA) extract is a product of polysaccharide–protein complexes, which has been used in the treatment of a variety of diseases because of its low toxicity to the host. Tanshinone (TA) is a derivative of phenanthrenequinone isolated from Danshen, which is suggested to inhibit tumor growth by inducing apoptosis in tumor cells. Carboplatin (CA) is a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug in melanoma treatment. Therefore, we hypothesized that the combination of RA and TA will help CA better inhibit the B16 cell growth.

Purpose:

The study will test that the efficacy of growth inhibition of tumor cell produced by CA + RA + TA is better than CA + RA or CA + TA.

Methods:

The B16 tumor cells were injected to Swiss-Hauschka (ICR) mice subcutaneously. Twenty-four hours later, mice received CA intraperitoneally, CA + RA (RA were administered gastrically at the dosage of 10 g/kg body weight), CA + TA (TA were administered gastrically at the dosage of 0.5 g/kg body weight), or no treatment (model group). Tumor weight, volume, latency, incidence, the percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ in spleen, and natural killer (NK), and cytotoxic lymphocyte (CTL) activities were measured and compared among different groups.

Results:

Compared with mice treated with CA + RA, CA + TA, or CA alone, the mice treated with CA + RA + TA showed (1) significantly smaller tumor weight and tumor volume; (2) significantly longer tumor latency; (3) significantly lower tumor incidence; and (4) significantly increased percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ in spleen and increased activities of NK and CTL.

Conclusion:

Combination of RA and TA can help CA produce more effective inhibition on B16 cell growth.

UHPLC-MS-based metabolomics analysis on mice bearing neoplasm (H22) for hispidulin

Although some physiological and pathological function parameters of hepatitis and liver cancer have been investigated in relation to hispidulin (5,7,4'-trihydroxy-6-methoxyflavone), the changes of small metabolites in biofluids have been reported rarely. Recent research has shown that metabolic profiling with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF/MS) coupled with multivariate statistical analysis provides a good understanding of hispidulin effects on mice vaccinated intraperitoneally with H22 tumor cells. Twenty-five potential biomarkers, up- or down-regulated (P<0.05 or 0.01), were identified, and 17 metabolic pathways were constructed. These potential biomarkers underpin the metabolic pathways, which are disturbed in the mice bearing neoplasm (H22). These pathways include pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis; glycine, serine and threonine metabolism; nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism; steroid hormone biosynthesis; pyrimidine metabolism; and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism. Furthermore, 4-phosphopantothenoylcysteine, glycine, niacinamide, cortisol, uracil and 5-thymidylic acid are potential biomarkers that may explain the link between hispidulin and the metabolism of mice bearing neoplasm (H22). Most of the potential biomarkers related to the function of TCA (tricarboxylic acid cycle). The rise of potential biomarkers in the drug groups promoted the up-regulation of TCA cycle compared with the model group.

Preventive and Therapeutic Effects of Chinese Herbal Compounds against Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Traditional Chinese Medicines, unique biomedical and pharmaceutical resources, have been widely used for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prevention and treatment. Accumulated Chinese herb-derived compounds with significant anti-cancer effects against HCC have been identified. Chinese herbal compounds are effective in preventing carcinogenesis, inhibiting cell proliferation, arresting cell cycle, inducing apoptosis, autophagy, cell senescence and anoikis, inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis and angiogenesis, regulating immune function, reversing drug resistance and enhancing the effects of chemotherapy in HCC. This paper comprehensively reviews these compounds and their effects on HCC. Finally, the perspectives and rational application of herbal compounds for HCC management are discussed.

Isoliensinine, a Bioactive Alkaloid Derived from Embryos of Nelumbo nucifera, Induces Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Apoptosis through Suppression of NF-κB Signaling

Isoliensinine (isolie) is an alkaloid produced by the edible plant Nelumbo nucifera. Here, we unveiled that isolie was able to provoke HepG2, Huh-7, and H22 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell apoptosis. Isolie decreased NF-κB activity and constitutive phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 subunit at Ser536 in HCC cells. Overexpression of p65 Ser536 phosphorylation mimics abrogated isolie-mediated HCC cell apoptosis. Furthermore, intraperitoneal injection of isolie inhibited the growth of Huh-7 xenografts in nude mice. Additionally, isolie given by both intraperitoneal injection and gavage diminished the proliferation of transplanted H22 cells in Kunming mice. Reduced tumor growth in vivo was associated with inhibited p65 phosphorylation at Ser536 and declined NF-κB activity in tumor tissues. Finally, we revealed that isolie was bioavailable in the blood of mice and exhibited no detectable toxic effects on tumor-bearing mice. Our data provided strong evidence for the anti-HCC effect of isolie.

Antitumor immunostimulatory activity of polysaccharides from Salvia chinensis Benth

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Salvia chinensis Benth (S. chinensis) is a traditional herb applied in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Polysaccharides abundantly exist in this plant. However, it remains poorly understood if polysaccharides from S. chinensis (PSSC) contribute to its anti-HCC activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The in vivo anti-HCC activity of PSSC was evaluated in Kunming mice bearing H22 ascitic hepatoma cells. An array of physiological indexes was measured to evaluate toxicological effects on host animals. Subgroups of immune cells were purified by a magnetic-activated cell sorting system and analyzed by flow cytometry. Reverse transcription real-time PCR and immunoblotting were recruited to determine the effects of PSSC on the cellular signaling of different subgroup of immune cells.

RESULTS

PSSC suppressed in vivo proliferation of H22 cells with undetectable toxic effects on tumor-bearing mice. PSSC alleviated tumor transplantation-induced CD4+ T cell apoptosis and dysregulation of serum cytokine profiles, which elevated cytotoxic activities of natural killer and CD8+ T cells. PSSC reduced serum levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Injection of exogenous PGE2 completely abrogated the antitumor immunostimulatory activity of PSSC. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is the second messager of PGE2. In CD4+ T cells, PSSC substantially declined intracellular cAMP. This event elevated protein levels of JAK3, enhancing STAT5 phosphorylation and STAT5-dependent expression of anti-apoptotic genes. Cyclooxygenase-2 is the key enzyme mediating biosynthesis of PGE2. PSSC suppressed the transcription and translation of cyclooxygenase-2 in tumor associated macrophages.

CONCLUSION

Our data clearly showed antitumor immunostimulatory activity of PSSC against transplanted H22 HCC cells. Suppressing tumor transplantation-induced PGE2 production was implicated in the anti-tumor immunostimulatory activity of PSSC. These works provides novel insights into the traditional application of S. chinensis against HCC and supported considering PSSC as an adjuvant reagent in clinical HCC treatment.

Simvastatin reduces burn injury-induced splenic apoptosis via downregulation of the TNF-α/NF-κB pathway

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies have suggested that epidermal burn injuries are associated with inflammation and immune dysfunction. Simvastatin has been shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, we hypothesized that simvastatin protects against burn-induced apoptosis in the spleen via its anti-inflammatory activity.

METHODS

Wild-type, tumor necrosis factor alpha knockout (TNF-α KO) and NF-κB KO mice were subjected to full-thickness burn injury or sham treatment. The mice then were treated with or without simvastatin, and the spleen was harvested to measure the extent of apoptosis. Expression levels of TNF-α and NF-κB were also determined in spleen tissue and serum.

RESULTS

Burn injury induced significant splenic apoptosis and systemic cytokine production. Simvastatin protected the spleen from apoptosis, reduced cytokine production in the serum, and increased the survival rate. Simvastatin decreased burn-induced TNF-α and NF-κB expression in the spleen and serum. TNF-α and NF-κB KO mice demonstrated lower levels of apoptosis in spleen in response to burn injury. Simvastatin did not further decrease burn-caused apoptosis and mortality in either strain of KO mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Simvastatin reduces burn-induced splenic apoptosis via downregulation of the TNF-α/NF-κB pathway.

4-Hydroxybenzyl-substituted glutathione derivatives from Gastrodia elata

Seven new 4-hydroxybenzyl-substituted glutathione derivatives (2-8), together with a known analogue (1), were isolated from the aqueous extract of Gastrodia elata Blume rhizomes. Their structures were determined by using spectroscopic and chemical methods. The absolute configurations of 1-8 were assigned by using Marfey's method, combined with comparing the NMR and CD spectroscopic data of sulfoxide moieties in 3-6 with those of S-(4-hydroxybenzyl)cysteine sulfoxide stereoisomers (9-12) synthesized as authentic samples. The configurations of 9-12 were confirmed by electronic CD calculations based on the quantum-mechanical time-dependent density functional theory. Furthermore, the structures of 1, 3, 5, 7, and 8 were verified by synthesis. Compound 3 was active against serum deprivation-induced PC12 cell damage and synthetic 9-14 exhibited activity against Fe(2+)-cysteine induced rat liver microsomal lipid peroxidation.

Chemical composition of total flavonoids from Polygonum amplexicaule and their pro-apoptotic effect on hepatocellular carcinoma cells: Potential roles of suppressing STAT3 signaling

Polygonum amplexicaule D. Don var. sinense Forb (P. amplexicaule) is a medical plant traditionally used in the treatment of malignant diseases including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the scientific basis underlying its anti-HCC activity remains poorly understood. Here, we explored the chemical profile of total flavonoids from P. amplexicaule (TFPA). Nine compounds that constituted the major components of TFPA were separated and identified. Further investigations revealed that TFPA dose-dependently induced HepG2, Huh-7 and H22 HCC cell apoptosis. In HCC cells, TFPA dramatically inhibited the transcriptional activity of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). In addition, TFPA increased the expression of SHP-1, a protein tyrosine phosphatase catalyzing STAT3 dephosphorylation, in HCC cells. Animal studies showed that TFPA considerably provoked transplanted H22 cell apoptosis with undetectable toxicological effects on tumor-bearing mice. Consistently, TFPA dose-dependently inhibited transcriptional activity of STAT3 in transplanted tumor tissues. This study collectively demonstrated that TFPA has the capacity of inducing HCC cell apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo with low toxic effects on normal hepatocytes and vital organs of tumor-bearing mice. Suppressing STAT3 signaling is implicated in TFPA-mediated HCC cell apoptosis.