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Pan Y, Li Y, Fan H, Cui H, Chen Z, Wang Y, Jiang M, Wang G. Roles of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:117089. [PMID: 38972148 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) holds a prominent position among global cancer types. Classically, HCC manifests in individuals with a genetic predisposition when they encounter risk elements, particularly in the context of liver cirrhosis. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), which are transcription factors activated by fatty acids, belong to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily and play a pivotal role in the regulation of energy homeostasis. At present, three distinct subtypes of PPARs have been recognized: PPARα, PPARγ, and PPARβ/δ. They regulate the transcription of genes responsible for cellular development, energy metabolism, inflammation, and differentiation. In recent years, with the rising incidence of HCC, there has been an increasing focus on the mechanisms and roles of PPARs in HCC. PPARα primarily mediates the occurrence and development of HCC by regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammatory responses, and oxidative stress. PPARβ/δ is closely related to the self-renewal ability of liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) and the formation of the tumor microenvironment. PPARγ not only influences tumor growth by regulating the glucose and lipid metabolism of HCC, but its agonists also have significant clinical significance for the treatment of HCC. Therefore, this review offers an exhaustive examination of the role of the three PPAR subtypes in HCC progression, focusing on their mediation of critical cellular processes such as glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and other pivotal signaling pathways. At the end of the review, we discuss the merits and drawbacks of existing PPAR-targeted therapeutic strategies and suggest a few alternative combinatorial therapeutic approaches that diverge from conventional methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Pan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yunkuo Li
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Hongyu Fan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 246 Baojian Road, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Huijuan Cui
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Zhiyue Chen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yunzhu Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Mengyu Jiang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Guixia Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China.
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Cheng A, Lei S, Zhu J, Lu J, Paine MF, Xie W, Ma X. Chemical basis of pregnane X receptor activators in the herbal supplement Gancao (licorice)☆. LIVER RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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Zhou X, Chi Y, Dong Z, Tao T, Zhang X, Pan W, Wang Y. A nomogram combining PPARγ expression profiles and clinical factors predicts survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2021; 21:319. [PMID: 33692851 PMCID: PMC7933753 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer with poor prognosis. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is involved in the development of various tumor types. However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Multiple databases including The Cancer Genome Atlas, Gene Expression Omnibus and Kaplan-Meier plotter were used for bioinformatics analysis of the PPARγ gene or protein. Immunohistochemical labeling of tumor and adjacent normal tissues obtained from 125 patients with HCC was performed to analyze the relationship between PPARγ expression and overall survival (OS) rate. PPARγ was evaluated using functional enrichment analyses and Lasso regression was used to conduct a dimensionality reduction analysis of 43 clinical factors for HCC. An OS prognostic nomogram was then established using seven independent risk factors screened via Lasso regression. PPARγ expression in HCC tumor tissues was higher compared with that in normal liver tissues, and its high expression was associated with poor prognosis, as indicated by bioinformatics analysis. However, opposite results were obtained using the clinical specimens. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that PPARγ was enriched in the 'fatty acid metabolism' pathway. Lasso regression identified seven clinical factors associated with prognosis, including Tumor-Node-Metastasis stage, grade, vascular invasion, α fetoprotein, carbohydrate antigen 199, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and the PPARγ protein. These seven clinical factors were to construct an OS prognostic nomogram. Overall, PPARγ was highly expressed in the livers of patients with HCC and can be included in an OS prognostic nomogram. However, the factors underlying the differential association of PPARγ expression with HCC prognosis in different datasets should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolu Zhou
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, P.R. China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Yajing Chi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 271016, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyuan Dong
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, P.R. China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Tao Tao
- Hithink Flush Information Network Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Wensheng Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Yemeng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhuji People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Zhuji, Zhejiang 311800, P.R. China
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Wu SY, Wang WJ, Dou JH, Gong LK. Research progress on the protective effects of licorice-derived 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid against liver injury. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2021; 42:18-26. [PMID: 32144337 PMCID: PMC7921636 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-0383-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The first description of the medical use of licorice appeared in "Shennong Bencao Jing", one of the well-known Chinese herbal medicine classic books dated back to 220-280 AD. As one of the most commonly prescribed Chinese herbal medicine, licorice is known as "Guo Lao", meaning "a national treasure" in China. Modern pharmacological investigations have confirmed that licorice possesses a number of biological activities, such as antioxidation, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, immune regulation, and liver protection. 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid is one of the most extensively studied active integrants of licorice. Here, we provide an overview of the protective effects of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid against various acute and chronic liver diseases observed in experimental models, and summarize its pharmacological effects and potential toxic/side effects at higher doses. We also make additional comments on the important areas that may warrant further research to support appropriate clinical applications of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid and avoid potential risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shou-Yan Wu
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wen-Jie Wang
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jin-Hui Dou
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Oxford, MS, 38677, USA
| | - Li-Kun Gong
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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Zhou L, Tang H, Wang F, Ou S, Wu T, Fang Y, Xu J, Guo K. Cyclovirobuxine D inhibits cell proliferation and migration and induces apoptosis in human glioblastoma multiforme and low‑grade glioma. Oncol Rep 2020; 43:807-816. [PMID: 32020219 PMCID: PMC7041125 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are the most common neoplasm of the human central nervous system. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most serious types of gliomas. Although considerable progress has been made in the development of cancer therapeutic agents, several antineoplastic drugs fail to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB), resulting in a low survival rate of glioma patients. Recent studies have revealed that the traditional Chinese medicine Buxus microphylla contains the main active component Cyclovirobuxine D (CVB-D), which can cross the BBB with a novel delivery system. However, it remains unclear whether CVB-D exerts anticancer effects against GBM and low-grade glioma (LGG). The aim of the present study was to explore the feasibility of CVB-D as a new effective agent in the treatment of GBM and LGG. The ability of CVB-D to inhibit GBM and LGG cell proliferation was detected by CCK8 assay. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle progression and apoptosis induction by Annexin V-FITC/PI assay. The expression levels of the apoptosis-associated proteins, namely cleaved caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2, were detected by western blot analysis. The mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was detected by Rh123 dyed fluorescence micrograph. Hoechst staining was used to observe the morphological characteristics of the apoptotic cells. The scratch test was used to evaluate the migration of GBM and LGG cells. The results indicated that CVB-D reduced cell viability of T98G and Hs683 cells. Flow cytometry demonstrated that CVB-D-treated cells were arrested at the S phase of their cell cycle. The expression levels of the apoptosis-associated proteins were increased in CVB-D-treated cells. Rh123 and Hoechst staining indicated morphological changes and mitochondrial membrane potential changes of the cells undergoing apoptosis. The data confirmed that CVB-D inhibited cell proliferation by arresting the cell cycle of GBM and LLG cells and that it promoted the induction of cell apoptosis by altering the mitochondrial membrane potential. The findings of the present study indicate the potential value of CVB-D in the treatment of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingqi Zhou
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat‑sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Hai Tang
- Guangdong Jiangmen Chinese Medical College, Jiangmen, Guangdong 529000, P.R. China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Sun Yat‑sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Shanshan Ou
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat‑sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat‑sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Yinchao Fang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat‑sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Jie Xu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat‑sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Kaihua Guo
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat‑sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
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Natural products in licorice for the therapy of liver diseases: Progress and future opportunities. Pharmacol Res 2019; 144:210-226. [PMID: 31022523 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Liver diseases related complications represent a significant source of morbidity and mortality worldwide, creating a substantial economic burden. Oxidative stress, excessive inflammation, and dysregulated energy metabolism significantly contributed to liver diseases. Therefore, discovery of novel therapeutic drugs for the treatment of liver diseases are urgently required. Licorice is one of the most commonly used herbal drugs in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of liver diseases and drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Various bioactive components have been isolated and identified from the licorice, including glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid, liquiritigenin, Isoliquiritigenin, licochalcone A, and glycycoumarin. Emerging evidence suggested that these natural products relieved liver diseases and prevented DILI through multi-targeting therapeutic mechanisms, including anti-steatosis, anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammation, immunoregulation, anti-fibrosis, anti-cancer, and drug-drug interactions. In the current review, we summarized the recent progress in the research of hepatoprotective and toxic effects of different licorice-derived bioactive ingredients and also highlighted the potency of these compounds as promising therapeutic options for the treatment of liver diseases and DILI. We also outlined the networks of underlying molecular signaling pathways. Further pharmacology and toxicology research will contribute to the development of natural products in licorice and their derivatives as medicines with alluring prospect in the clinical application.
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Jiang H, Li ZP, Tian GX, Pan RY, Xu CM, Zhang B, Wu JL. Liver-targeted liposomes for codelivery of curcumin and combretastatin A4 phosphate: preparation, characterization, and antitumor effects. Int J Nanomedicine 2019; 14:1789-1804. [PMID: 30880980 PMCID: PMC6413741 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s188971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent efforts have been focused on combining two or more therapeutic approaches with different mechanisms to enhance antitumor therapy. Moreover, nanosize drug-delivery systems for codelivering two drugs with proapoptotic and antiangiogenic activities have exhibited great potential in efficient treatment of cancers. Methods Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA)–modified liposomes (GA LPs) for liver-targeted codelivery of curcumin (Cur) and combretastatin A4 phosphate (CA4P) were prepared and characterized. In vitro cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, cell migration, in vivo biodistribution, antitumor activity, and histopathological studies were performed. Results Compared with unmodified LPs (Cur-CA4P LPs), Cur-CA4P/GA LPs were taken up effectively by human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (BEL-7402) and showed higher cytotoxicity than free drugs. In vivo real-time near-infrared fluorescence–imaging results indicated that GA-targeted LPs increased accumulation in the tumor region. Moreover, Cur-CA4P/GA LPs showed stronger inhibition of tumor proliferation than Cur, Cur + CA4P, and Cur-CA4P LPs in vivo antitumor studies, which was also verified by H&E staining. Conclusion GA-modified LPs can serve as a promising nanocarrier for liver-targeted co-delivery of antitumor drugs against hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Jiang
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China,
| | - Zhi-Peng Li
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China,
| | - Gui-Xiang Tian
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China,
| | - Rui-Yan Pan
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China,
| | - Chong-Mei Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China,
| | - Bo Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China,
| | - Jing-Liang Wu
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China,
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Han M, Gao H, Ju P, Gao MQ, Yuan YP, Chen XH, Liu KL, Han YT, Han ZW. Hispidulin inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth and metastasis through AMPK and ERK signaling mediated activation of PPARγ. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 103:272-283. [PMID: 29656183 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hispidulin, a phenolic flavonoid, exerts potent cytotoxicity towards a variety of human cancers. However, the effects of hispidulin on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and underlying molecular mechanisms of its action remain elusive. The present study investigated the effect of hispidulin on HCC in experimental models, including tumor cell lines and mouse tumor xenograft. Results demonstrated that hispidulin was cytotoxic and anti-proliferative to HCC cell lines (SMMC7721 and Bel7402). Hispidulin activated caspase-3 and triggered apoptosis in HCC cells. Moreover, hispidulin inhibited cell migration and invasion by inhibiting the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) and by inducing tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3) expression. Hispidulin activated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) signaling which mainly contributed to its cytotoxicity in HCC cells. Remarkably, GW9662 (a PPARγ inhibitor) or PPARγ targeting siRNA significantly abrogated the anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-metastatic effects of hispidulin in HCC cells. Furthermore, hispidulin induced activation of PPARγ which was associated with increased phosphorylation of AMPK, ERK, JNK in HCC cells. Compound C (an AMPK inhibitor) or PD98059 (a MEK inhibitor) partly reversed the effects of hispidulin on PPARγ signaling in HCC cells. In contrast, no significant changes in PPARγ signaling were observed in HCC cells pretreated with SP600125 (a JNK inhibitor), while SP6000125 significantly inhibited the anti-cancer effects of hispidulin in HCC cells. Hispidulin administration effectively suppressed Bel7402 xenograft tumor growth and lung metastasis in vivo. Our findings indicate that PPARγ activation by hispidulin effectively suppressed HCC cell growth and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Han
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Hui Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China.
| | - Ping Ju
- Qingdao Fifth People's Hospital (Shandong Qingdao Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine), Qingdao, 266002, China
| | - Ming-Quan Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Yin-Ping Yuan
- Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250117, China; Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250001, China
| | - Xue-Hong Chen
- Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Kai-Li Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Yan-Tao Han
- Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Zhi-Wu Han
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
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