Antiproliferative effects of alkaloids from Sedum sarmentosum on murine and human hepatoma cell lines

Sarmentol H derived from Sedum sarmentosum Bunge directly targets FXR to mitigate cholestasis by recruiting SRC-1

BACKGROUND

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a vital receptor for bile acids and plays an important role in the treatment of cholestatic liver disease. In addition to traditional bile acid-based steroidal agonists, synthetic alkaloids are the most commonly reported non-steroidal FXR agonists. Sarmentol H is a nor-sesquiterpenoid obtained from Sedum sarmentosum Bunge, and in vitro screening experiments have shown that it might be related to the regulation of the FXR pathway in a previous study.

PURPOSE

To investigate the therapeutic effects of sarmentol H on cholestasis and to determine whether sarmentol H directly targets FXR to mitigate cholestasis. Furthermore, this study aimed to explore the key amino acid residues involved in the binding of sarmentol H to FXR through site-directed mutagenesis.

METHODS

An intrahepatic cholestasis mouse model was established to investigate the therapeutic effects of sarmentol H on cholestasis. In vitro experiments, including Co-Ip and FXR-EcRE-Luc assays, were performed to assess whether sarmentol H activates FXR by recruiting the receptor coactivator SRC1. CETSA, SIP, DARTS, and ITC were used to determine the binding of sarmentol H to FXR protein. The key amino acid residues for sarmentol H binding to FXR were analyzed by molecular docking and site-directed mutagenesis. Finally, we conducted in vivo experiments on wild-type and Fxr-/- mice to further validate the anticholestatic target of sarmentol H.

RESULTS

Sarmentol H had significant ameliorative effects on the pathological conditions of cholestatic mice induced with ANIT. In vitro experiments suggested that it is capable of activating FXR and regulating downstream signaling pathways by recruiting SRC1. The target validation experiments showed that sarmentol H had the ability to bind to FXR as a ligand (KD = 2.55 μmol/L) and enhance the stability of its spatial structure. Moreover, site-directed mutagenesis revealed that THR292 and TYR365 were key binding sites for sarmentol H and FXR. Furthermore, knockout of the Fxr gene resulted in a significantly higher degree of ANIT-induced cholestatic liver injury than that in wild-type cholestatic mice, and the amelioration of cholestasis or regulatory effects on FXR downstream genes by sarmentol H also disappeared in Fxr-/- cholestatic mice.

CONCLUSION

Sarmentol H is an FXR agonist. This is the first study to show that it exerts a significant therapeutic effect on cholestatic mice, and can directly bind to FXR and activate it by recruiting the coactivator SRC1.

Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activity of Sedum dendroideum on Pterygium Fibroblasts

Background

Sedum dendroideum has antioxidant effects that are beneficial for different diseases. We aimed to analyze the antiproliferative activity of S. dendroideum in human pterygium fibroblasts (HPFs).

Methods

HPFs were treated for 24 h with 0–1000 μg/mL of S. dendroideum lyophilized to analyze its effect on cell viability using the CellTiter assay. RNA from HPF treated with 250 μg/mL of S. dendroideum lyophilized was isolated, and the expression of VEGF and CTGF genes was evaluated by qPCR. A dermal fibroblast cell line (HDFa) was used as a healthy control. The total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and chemical profile of S. dendroideum lyophilized were determined.

Results

Viability of HPF decreased after 24 h treatment of S. dendroideum in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of VEGF and CTGF significantly decreased (P < 0.01) in HPF treated with 250 μg/mL of S. dendroideum when compared with untreated HPF. The total phenolic concentration in the S. dendroideum lyophilized was 33.67 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g. Antioxidant activity was 384.49 mM Trolox equivalents/mL. The main phenolic compounds identified by HPLC analysis were the kaempferol-3-O-glycoside, kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside, kaempferol-3-O-neohesperidoside-7-O-α-rhamnopyranoside, and kaempferol-3-O-glycoside-7-O-rhamnoside.

Conclusions

S. dendroideum decreases the proliferation of HPF and the expression of VEGF and CTGF. The phenolic compound concentration, antioxidant activity, and phytochemical profile may play a role in these effects.

Structure elucidation of arabinogalactoglucan isolated from Sedum sarmentosum Bunge and its inhibition on hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro

Sedum sarmentosum Bunge (SS) is clinically used as Chinese medicine for hepatitis related diseases treatment. The purpose of this study was to explore the chemical structures of polysaccharides from this plant. A neutral polysaccharide (SSWP) was isolated and purified by ion-exchange chromatography and Superdex-75 column. The obtained SSWP was a homogenous one with a molecular weight of 21.5 kDa according to the high-performance gel permeation chromatography. The major monosaccharide composition of SSWP was arabinose, glucose and galactose in a molar ratio of 2.4:1:1.8. The methylation analysis showed that SSWP consists mainly of Araf-(1→, →5)-Araf-(1→, →3,5)-Araf-(1→, →4)-Galp-(1→, →4)-Glcp-(1→. The NMR result and enzymatic digestion data comprehensively indicated that SSWP was a novel arabinogalactoglucan-type structure. The anticancer assay in vitro exhibited that SSWP could effectively inhibit 48.9% of Huh-7 cells growth at 50 μg/mL and arrest cells at S-phase, and induce tumor cells apoptosis. Together, polysaccharide from S. sarmentosum Bunge could be a potential natural antitumor agent.

Sedum sarmentosum Bunge extract ameliorates lipopolysaccharide- and D-galactosamine-induced acute liver injury by attenuating the hedgehog signaling pathway via regulation of miR-124 expression

Background

Sedum sarmentosum is traditionally used to treat various inflammatory diseases in China. It has protective effects against acute liver injury, but the exact mechanism of such effects remains unclear. This study investigated the protective effects of S. sarmentosum extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/D-galactosamine (D-GalN)-induced acute liver injury in mice and the mechanism of such effects.

Methods

Mice were randomly divided into control, treatment, model, and model treatment groups. Acute liver injury was induced in model mice via intraperitoneal injection of LPS and D-GalN with doses of 10 μg/kg of LPS and 500 mg/kg, respectively. The mRNA expression levels of miR-124, Hedgehog, Patched (Ptch), Smoothened (Smo), and glioma-associated oncogene homolog (Gli) in liver tissues were determined through RT-PCR, and the protein levels of Hedgehog, Ptch, Smo, Gli, P13k, Akt, HMGB1, TLR4, IkB-α, p-IkB-α, and NF-kB65 were evaluated via Western blot analysis. The serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, CRP, IL-12, and ICAM-1 were determined via ELISA. TLR4 and NF-κBp65 activity and the levels of DNA-bound NF-KB65 and TLR4 in LPS/D-GalN-induced liver tissues were also determined. We recorded the time of death, plotted the survival curve, and calculated the liver index. We then observed the pathological changes in liver tissue and detected the levels of liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate transaminase [AST]) in the serum and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and plasma inflammatory factors in the liver homogenate. Afterward, we evaluated the protective effects of S. sarmentosum extracts on acute liver injury in mice.

Results

Results showed that after S. sarmentosum extract was administered, the expression level of miR-124 increased in liver tissues. However, the protein expression levels of Hedgehog, Ptch, Smo, Gli, P13k, p-Akt, HMGB1, TLR4, p-IκB-α, and NF-κB65 and the mRNA expression levels of Hedgehog, Ptch, Smo, and Gli decreased. The MPO level in the liver, the IL-6, TNF-α, CRP, IL-12, and MMP-9 levels in the plasma, and the serum ALT and AST levels also decreased, thereby reducing LPS/D-GalN-induced liver injury and improving the survival rate of liver-damaged animals within 24 h.

Conclusions

S. sarmentosum extract can alleviate LPS/D-GalN-induced acute liver injury in mice and improve the survival rate of mice. The mechanism may be related to the increase in miR-124 expression, decrease in Hedgehog and HMGB1 signaling pathway activities, and reduction in inflammatory responses in the liver. Hedgehog is a regulatory target for miR-124.

Liver Cancer: Current and Future Trends Using Biomaterials

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common type of cancer diagnosed and the second leading cause of death worldwide. Despite advancement in current treatments for HCC, the prognosis for this cancer is still unfavorable. This comprehensive review article focuses on all the current technology that applies biomaterials to treat and study liver cancer, thus showing the versatility of biomaterials to be used as smart tools in this complex pathologic scenario. Specifically, after introducing the liver anatomy and pathology by focusing on the available treatments for HCC, this review summarizes the current biomaterial-based approaches for systemic delivery and implantable tools for locally administrating bioactive factors and provides a comprehensive discussion of the specific therapies and targeting agents to efficiently deliver those factors. This review also highlights the novel application of biomaterials to study HCC, which includes hydrogels and scaffolds to tissue engineer 3D in vitro models representative of the tumor environment. Such models will serve to better understand the tumor biology and investigate new therapies for HCC. Special focus is given to innovative approaches, e.g., combined delivery therapies, and to alternative approaches-e.g., cell capture-as promising future trends in the application of biomaterials to treat HCC.

Sedum sarmentosum Bunge extract alleviates inflammation and kidney injury via inhibition of M1-macrophage polarization

BACKGROUND

Sedum sarmentosum Bunge extract (SSBE) has been used traditionally to treat liver inflammatory diseases in the Asian area.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of SSBE on renal injury.

METHODS

We investigated whether SSBE has an anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing M1-macrophage polarization in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and in cultured macrophages. In addition, the effect of SSBE on the activities of interferon regulatory factor-5 (IRF5) and NF-κB p65 were further examined.

RESULTS

Oral administration of SSBE (100 mg kg^-1) markedly inhibited the infiltration of CD68-positive macrophages and reduced tubulointerstitial damage in kidney tissues following injury. In addition, SSBE reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokine (MIF), chemokine (MCP-1), interleukin (IL-6), IFN-γ, and TNF-α, which are involved in the infiltration and activation of macrophages. Moreover, SSBE treatment also decreased the synthesis and release of MCP-1 and MIF in tubular epithelial cells after injury. Further study revealed that SSBE downregulated the levels of IL-12 and iNOS, indicating a crucial role of SSBE on the inhibition of M1 macrophage polarization in kidney injury. In cultured macrophages, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced the polarization of macrophage towards M1 phenotype, but was inhibited by SSBE treatment. Notably, SSBE reduced the activities of interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) and NF-κB p65 in injured kidneys and in LPS-treated macrophages, which was independent of TLR4/MyD88. As a result, SSBE reduced the expression of HIF-1α and the induction of GLUT1, and thereby inhibited anaerobic glycolysis in macrophages.

CONCLUSION

SSBE exerts a marked anti-inflammatory effect and alleviates kidney injury, at least in part, by suppressing M1-macrophage polarization.

Tanshinol inhibits the growth, migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via regulating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway

Background

Tanshinol is an active constituent of Salvia miltiorrhiza and possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial activity. Herein, we explored the role of tanshinol on the growth and aggressiveness of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells in vitro and in vivo.

Materials and methods

The proliferation of a panel of HCC cell lines was measured using MTT assay. The expressions of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (AKT) were detected by immunofluorescence staining and immunohistochemical assay. The levels of Bcl-2 and Bax were determined using immunoblotting assay. The secretions of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 were detected by ELISA. The migration and invasion abilities of HepG2 cell were determined using wound healing and Transwell invasion assays. The apoptosis of HepG2 cell induced by tanshinol was analyzed by Annexin V/propidium iodide staining. A xenograft model was constructed to investigate the inhibitory effect of tanshinol on HepG2 cell growth in vivo. To further investigate the role of tanshinol on the metastasis of HepG2 cell in vivo, an experimental metastasis assay was performed.

Results

Tanshinol inhibited the growth and colony formation of HCC cell in vitro. Tanshinol also induced the apoptosis of HepG2 cell and inhibited the migration and invasion of HepG2 cell. In in vivo experiments, tanshinol suppressed the tumor growth and metastasis of HepG2 cell. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT was decreased by tanshinol in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

Tanshinol exerts its anti-cancer effects via regulating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in HCC.

Proliferation and In Vitro Wound Healing Effects of the Microniosomes Containing Narcissus tazetta L. Bulb Extract on Primary Human Fibroblasts (HDFs)

PURPOSE

In Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM), different natural treatments have been suggested for skin damages such as Narcissus tazetta L. bulb application. New drug delivery systems such as niosomes have shown considerable increase transdermal drug delivery through stratum corneum, the main barrier against substances transport into skin. The aim of this study is preparation of niosomal formulations from N. tazetta bulb extract and evaluation of its in vitro wound healing effect.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Non-ionic surfactant vesicles (NSVs or niosomes) were prepared by film hydration method from percolated extract of N. tazetta bulb. A number of 12 niosomal formulations (F1-F12) were prepared using different proportions of Span 60/Tween 60/cholesterol and 80% methanol-dissolved/aqueous PEN (percolation extract of N. tazetta) (30 and 50 mg/ml). Their morphology, particle size, physical and chemical stability and encapsulation efficiency was studied. In vitro wound healing effect of various concentrations of the best PEN niosomal formulation (F9) was evaluated in comparison to PEN on human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs).

RESULTS

Increasing the aqueous/methanolic PEN concentration from 3 to 5% resulted size reduction of NSVs with statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). F9 showed the most physicochemical stability and was chosen for in vitro wound healing effect. This formulation exhibited significantly effects (p < 0.05) on cell proliferation in HDF cells at 1.562 and 3.125 μg/ml compared with the untreated cells using neutral red assay.

CONCLUSION

Formulation of PEN in niosome carrier significantly decreased the gap width on human dermal fibroblasts. Graphical abstract Schematic processes of proliferation effect of narcisus tazetta bulb on fibroblast cells.

Ameliorative effect of Sedum sarmentosum Bunge extract on Tilapia fatty liver via the PPAR and P53 signaling pathway

Fatty liver disease is a growing problem in fish aquaculture and there is an urgent need to identify causes and possible remedies. In the present study, the effects of treating fatty liver disease in the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758) with an extract derived from a herb, Sedum sarmentosum Bunge (SSB), was investigated. We found that the SSB extract could restore the changes to feed coefficient, immune capacity, and pathological index caused by fatty liver disease, and also prevent apoptosis in hepatocytes. An RNA-seq analysis showed that treatment with SSB extract altered expression of genes in the lipid metabolic process, metabolic process, and oxidation-reduction process. Our results suggest that disorders of the PPAR and p53 signaling pathways may be involved in steatohepatitis development and in the therapeutic mechanism of the SSB extract treatment; these observations shed new light on possible treatment of steatohepatitis.

Involvement of the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in the Attenuation of Severe Acute Pancreatitis-Associated Acute Lung Injury by Sedum sarmentosum Bunge Extract

Sedum sarmentosum Bunge possesses excellent anti-inflammatory properties and was used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficiency of Sedum sarmentosum Bunge extract (SSBE) on severe acute pancreatitis-associated (SAP-associated) acute lung injury (ALI) in rats and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Here, we used a sodium taurocholate-induced SAP rat model to determine the role of SSBE in ALI. During the course of pancreatitis, the expressions of phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 in the lungs were upregulated. Meanwhile, a parallel increase in the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the lungs was observed after the induction of SAP. Treatment with SSBE significantly reduced the expression of p-Akt and p-p65 in the lungs and attenuated the severity of SAP-associated ALI compared to the SAP group at 12 h and 24 h. In summary, this study showed that SSBE has beneficial effects on SAP-associated ALI, probably through the PI3-K/Akt signaling pathways by suppressing the NF-κB activities.

A Phytochemical Approach to Promotion of Self-renewal in Murine Spermatogonial Stem Cell by Using Sedum Sarmentosum Extract

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the basis of spermatogenesis, which is dependent on the ability to self-renew and differentiation. Controlling self-renewal and differentiation of SSCs could apply to treatment of disease such as male infertility. Recently, in the field of stem cell research, it was demonstrated that effective increase in stem cell activity can be achieved by using growth factors derived from plant extracts. In this study, our aim is to investigate components from natural plant to improve the self-renewal of SSCs. To find the components, germ cells were cultured with comprehensive natural plant extracts, and then the more pure fraction, and finally single compound at different concentrations. As a result, we found 5H-purin-6-amine at 1 µg/mL, originated from Sedum sarmentosum, was a very effective compound induced SSCs proliferation. Our data showed that germ cells cultured with 5H-purin-6-amine could maintain their stable characteristics. Furthermore, transplantation results demonstrated that 5H-purin-6-amine at 1 µg/mL increased the activity of SSCs, indicating the compound could increase true SSC concentration within germ cells to 1.96-fold. These findings would be contributed to improve further reproductive research and treat male infertility by using natural plant extracts.

Tropane and Granatane Alkaloid Biosynthesis: A Systematic Analysis

The tropane and granatane alkaloids belong to the larger pyrroline and piperidine classes of plant alkaloids, respectively. Their core structures share common moieties and their scattered distribution among angiosperms suggest that their biosynthesis may share common ancestry in some orders, while they may be independently derived in others. Tropane and granatane alkaloid diversity arises from the myriad modifications occurring to their core ring structures. Throughout much of human history, humans have cultivated tropane- and granatane-producing plants for their medicinal properties. This manuscript will discuss the diversity of their biological and ecological roles as well as what is known about the structural genes and enzymes responsible for their biosynthesis. In addition, modern approaches to producing some pharmaceutically important tropanes via metabolic engineering endeavors are discussed.

Comparison of Antioxidant Capability after Isopropanol Salting-Out Pretreatment and n-Butanol Partition Extraction, and Identification and Evaluation of Antioxidants of Sedum formosanum N.E.Br

Crude extracts of Sedum formosanum N.E.Br. obtained from n-butanol partition (BP) and isopropanol salting-out pretreatment (ISP) were analyzed using antioxidation assays. The results indicated that the extract from ISP contained more potent antioxidants and thus exhibited more antioxidant activity in all the assays. The superoxide radical-scavenging activity and inhibition of nitric oxide radicals achieved after ISP were 3.65 and 2.18 times higher than those achieved through BP, respectively. Eight bioactive natural products were isolated and identified according to an analysis of antioxidation activity in different fractions of the ISP crude extract, namely three cyanophoric glycosides 1-3, three flavonoids 4-6 and two phenolic compounds (7 and a new compound 8). Among them, compounds 5 and 6 exhibit the highest antioxidation capability, and the ISP is suitable for obtaining compounds 5 and 6 using HPLC chromatograms. Therefore, ISP is an excellent extraction technology that can be used to extract antioxidant compounds in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

Chemotaxonomic Approach to the Central Balkan Sedum Species Based on Distribution of Triterpenoids in Their Epicuticular Waxes

Triterpenoid distribution in epicuticular waxes of 20 central Balkan Sedum L. species and four out-groups of genera: Hylotelephium H. Ohba, Crassula L., Echeveria DC., and Kalanchoe Adans. were investigated for chemotaxonomic purposes. Identification and quantification of wax triterpenoids were performed by GC/MS and GC-FID analyses. Distribution of identified triterpenoids (oleanane, lupane, and taraxerane series), as a pattern in statistical analysis, indicated very good agreement with phylogeny and systematics, except members of series Rupestria Berger, in which case the distribution of triterpenoids did not support known classification in a satisfactory manner. According to the obtained clustering, Kalanchoe is shown as similar to Sedum samples, while the other out-groups were clearly separated.

Development and Characterization of Polymorphic Microsatellite Markers for Sedum sarmentosum (Crassulaceae) and Their Cross-Species Transferability

Sedum sarmentosum is an important Chinese medicinal herb that exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and anti-nociceptive properties. However, little is known about its genetic background. The first set of 14 microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized for S. sarmentosum using an SSR-enriched library. Fourteen polymorphic microsatellite markers were acquired with satisfactory amplifications and a polymorphic pattern in 48 S. sarmentosum individuals. The number of alleles ranged from 3 to 15. The observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0.0833 to 0.8750 and 0.2168 to 0.9063, respectively. Two loci showed significant departure from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Cross-species amplification was carried out in other Sedum species. High rates of cross-species amplification were observed. The transferability value ranged from 85.7% in S. lineare to 64.3% in S. ellacombianum. These markers will be valuable for studying the genetic variation, population structure and germplasm characterization of S. sarmentosum and related Sedum species.

Distribution and variability of n-alkanes in epicuticular waxes of sedum species from the central Balkan Peninsula: chemotaxonomic importance

For the first time, the n-alkane distribution and variability of the epicuticular waxes within 22 Sedum taxa was reported with focus on the chemotaxonomy of native Sedum representatives from the central Balkan Peninsula, compared to their relations with four other species of the Crassulaceae family. By GC/MS and GC-FID identification and quantification, it was established that n-alkanes C27 , C29 , C31 , C33 , and C35 were the dominant constituents of the examined epicuticular wax samples. Applying multivariate statistical analyses including agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) and principal component analysis (PCA), the relation according to the n-alkane composition between the examined samples was established. It was shown that the n-alkane variability of the central Balkan Sedum species was considerable and that n-alkanes might not be very reliable taxonomic markers for these species.

Compounds from Sedum caeruleum with antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and antibacterial activities

CONTEXT

This is the first study on the phytochemistry, antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and antibacterial activities of Sedum caeruleum L. (Crassulaceae).

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to isolate the secondary metabolites and determine the antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and antibacterial activities of S. caeruleum.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six compounds (1-6) were isolated from the extracts of S. caeruleum and elucidated using UV, 1D-, 2D-NMR, and MS techniques. Antioxidant activity was investigated using DPPH(•), CUPRAC, and ferrous-ions chelating assays. Anticholinesterase activity was determined against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes using the Ellman method. Antibacterial activity was performed according to disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods.

RESULTS

Isolated compounds were elucidated as ursolic acid (1), daucosterol (2), β-sitosterol-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (3), apigenin (4), apigetrin (5), and apiin (6). The butanol extract exhibited highest antioxidant activity in all tests (IC50 value: 28.35 ± 1.22 µg/mL in DPPH assay, IC50 value: 40.83 ± 2.24 µg/L in metal chelating activity, and IC50 value: 23.52 ± 0.44 µg/L in CUPRAC), and the highest BChE inhibitory activity (IC50 value: 36.89 ± 0.15 µg/L). Moreover, the chloroform extract mildly inhibited (MIC value: 80 µg/mL) the growth of all the tested bacterial strains.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Ursolic acid (1), daucosterol (2), β-sitosterol-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (3), apigenin (4), apigetrin (5), and apiin (6) were isolated from Sedum caeruleum for the first time. In addition, a correlation was observed between antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities of bioactive ingredients of this plant.

In vitro and in vivo anticancer activity of surface modified paclitaxel attached hydroxyapatite and titanium dioxide nanoparticles

Targeted drug delivery using nanocrystalline materials delivers the drug at the diseased site. This increases the efficacy of the drug in killing the cancer cells. Surface modifications were done to target the drug to a particular receptor on the cell surface. This paper reports synthesis of hydroxyapatite and titanium dioxide nanoparticles and modification of their surface with polyethylene glycol (PEG) followed by folic acid (FA). Paclitaxel, an anticancer drug, is attached to functionalized hydroxyapatite and titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The pure and functionalised nanoparticles are characterised with XRD, TEM and UV spectroscopy. Anticancer analysis was carried out in DEN induced hepatocarcinoma animals. Biochemical, hematological and histopathological analysis show that the surface modified paclitaxel attached nanoparticles have an higher anticancer activity than the pure paclitaxel and surface modified nanoparticles without paclitaxel. This is due to the targeting of the drug to the folate receptor in the cancer cells.

Antitumor activity of the aqueous extract from Sedum sarmentosum Bunge in vitro

OBJECTIVE

Sedum sarmentosum Bunge, a Chinese herb, is mainly used for the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis in China, The aim of this work was to examine the cytotoxic activity of S. sarmentosum (aqueous extract, AE) against a human hepatoma cell line (HepG2) in culture.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cell-proliferation ability was determined by the MTT method. Cell-cycle changes and earlier period apoptotic rate of HepG2 cells were detected by flow cytometry. Apoptosis of cultured HepG2 cells induced by AE were observed with a classic laddering pattern on agarose gel electrophoresis. The mRNA levels of Bcl-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were determined by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The protein expressions of Bcl-2, VEGF, and p-STAT3 were valued by immunocytochemistry.

RESULTS

The application of AE to the HepG2 cell culture caused a significant, dose-dependent inhibition of cancer cell growth. It was found that the AE treatment induced apoptosis of the cancer cells, although no changes were found after AE treatment for 48 hours in the HepG2 cell cycle. The mRNA and protein expressions of Bcl-2 and VEGF and the protein level of p-STAT3 were significantly decreased after the AE treatment for 48 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that AE of S. sarmentosum has potential in preventing and inhibiting effects on hepatocellular carcinoma, which is associated with apoptosis of the cancer cells.

Hepatoprotective effects of Sedum sarmentosum on D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-induced murine fulminant hepatic failure

The hepatoprotective effects of sarmentosin-containing extracts of Sedum sarmentosum (SS) in D-galactosamine (D-GalN) / lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced fulminant hepatic failure mouse model. Pretreatment with SS markedly protected mice from lethal liver injury, which has known to be associated with an abrupt elevation of serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α level. Indeed, SS significantly blocked the elevation of TNF-α and alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase as well. SS also remarkably reduced number of apoptotic hepatocytes and DNA fragmentation in the liver, which correlated with blockade of caspase-3 activation. In addition, SS suppressed the increased expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). The activation of c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and p38 induced by D-GalN/LPS was also significantly suppressed by SS treatment. Furthermore, SS significantly inhibited the activation of nuclear factor-κB. In RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with LPS, TNF-α release and TLR4 expression was suppressed by SS pretreatment, which was in line with in vivo results. These findings suggested that SS prevents D-GalN/LPS-induced fulminant hepatic failure, and this protection is likely associated with its anti-apoptotic activity and the down-regulation of mitogen activated protein kinase activity associated at least in part with suppressing the transcription of LPS receptors.

Water dropwort (Ostericum sieboldii) and Sedum (Sedum sarmentosum) delay H(2)O(2)-induced senescence in human diploid fibroblasts

It is known that a close relationship exists among oxidative damage, senescence, and aging. Water dropwort (Ostericum sieboldii Miq. Nakai) and Sedum (Sedum sarmentosum Bunge) are popular green vegetables in Korea and are reported to have strong antioxidative activity. We investigated whether dropwort and Sedum have the potential to prevent aging using H(2)O(2)-induced prematurely senescent human diploid fibroblasts (HDFs). Dropwort and Sedum had similarly high contents of polyphenols, but dropwort had a flavonoid content about twofold higher than that of Sedum. Exposure of young HDFs to H(2)O(2) induced G2/M cell cycle arrest, positive senescence-associated (SA) beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) staining, and elevated p53, p21, and p16 protein levels. However, cotreatment with dropwort or Sedum ethanol extract significantly lowered p53, p21, and p16 levels and intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and attenuated the cell cycle arrest compared with H(2)O(2)-alone treatment. Interestingly, the increase in p16 level was prevented more quickly and clearly by dropwort treatment than Sedum treatment. The number of SA beta-gal-positive cells at 7 days after treatment was significantly reduced in dropwort-treated cells compared to H(2)O(2) alone-treated cells, whereas it was slightly reduced in Sedum-treated cells with no significance. In conclusion, dropwort showed a potential anti-senescence activity in H(2)O(2)-treated HDFs, which might be mediated by reducing p16, p21, and p53 levels and oxidative stress.

Hydroxynitrile glucosides

beta- and gamma-Hydroxynitrile glucosides are structurally related to cyanogenic glucosides (alpha-hydroxynitrile glucosides) but do not give rise to hydrogen cyanide release upon hydrolysis. Structural similarities and frequent co-occurrence suggest that the biosynthetic pathways for these compounds share common features. Based on available literature data we propose that oximes produced by CYP79 orthologs are common intermediates and that their conversion into beta- and gamma-hydroxynitrile glucosides is mediated by evolutionary diversified multifunctional orthologs to CYP71E1. We designate these as CYP71(betagamma) and CYP71(alphabetagamma); in combination with the classical CYP71(alpha) (CYP71E1 and orthologs) these are able to hydroxylate any of the carbon atoms present in the amino acid and oxime derived nitriles. Subsequent dehydration reactions and hydroxylations and a final glycosylation step afford the unsaturated beta- and gamma-hydroxynitrile glucosides. This scheme would explain the distribution patterns of alpha-, beta- and gamma-hydroxynitrile glucosides found in plants. The possible biological functions of these hydroxynitriles are discussed.

Anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and anti-nociceptive activities of Sedum sarmentosum extract

This study aimed to assess some novel pharmacological activities of Sedum sarmentosum Bunge, a perennial herb widely distributed on the mountain slopes in Oriental countries and traditionally used for the treatment of certain inflammatory diseases. Sedum sarmentosum was extracted with absolute methanol to generate the methanol extract (SS). SS exhibited a significant inhibitory activity in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) angiogenesis in a dose-dependent manner (IC(50)=2.29 microg/egg). The anti-nociceptive activity of SS was demonstrated using acetic acid-induced writhing model in mice. SS reduced the levels of anti-inflammatory markers, such as volume of exudates, number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and nitrite content, in the air pouch model. It dose-dependently exhibited an inhibitory activity in the acetic acid-induced vascular permeability in mice. It suppressed production of nitric oxide in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW264.7 macrophages. Additionally, it suppressed induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the activated macrophages. In brief, the results provide some pharmacological basis for the therapeutic use of Sedum sarmentosum.

Growth inhibitory and apoptosis inducing effect of Perilla frutescens extract on human hepatoma HepG2 cells

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. (Lamiaceae) has traditionally been used to treat diseases, including tumors, but the antitumorigenesis mechanism is unclear. We evaluated the effects of Perilla frutescens leaf extract (PLE) on proliferation and apoptosis inducing in human hepatoma HepG2 cells using a cell proliferation assay, flow cytometry, and cDNA microarrays. Gene expression and apoptosis were also assessed in HepG2 cells treated with a major constituent of PLE, rosmarinic acid (RosA). In the PLE-treated HepG2 cells, antiproliferative activity (105 microg/mL) were observed, flow cytometry revealed significant apoptosis, and microarray data indicated that the expression of a lot apoptosis-related genes were regulated in a time-dependent manner. Compared with PLE, RosA (10 microg/mL; a dose equivalent to 105 microg/mL of PLE) was less effective in increasing the expression of apoptosis-related genes and apoptosis inducing in HepG2 cells. Thus, additional PLE constituents may influence apoptosis in HepG2 cells. The results of our study suggest that the PLE should be further investigated as a promising to treat hepatocellular carcinoma.

Paclitaxel-loaded poly(gamma-glutamic acid)-poly(lactide) nanoparticles as a targeted drug delivery system for the treatment of liver cancer

The study was to develop paclitaxel-loaded formulations using a novel type of self-assembled nanoparticles (P/NPs) composed of block copolymers synthesized by poly(gamma-glutamic acid) and poly(lactide). For the potential of targeting liver cancer cells, galactosamine was conjugated on the prepared nanoparticles (Gal-P/NPs). In the in vitro studies, it was found that both the P/NPs and the Gal-P/NPs had a similar release profile of paclitaxel. The activity in inhibiting the growth of HepG2 cells by the Gal-P/NPs was comparable to that of a clinically available paclitaxel formulation (Phyxol), while the P/NPs displayed a significantly less activity (p<0.05). The biodistribution and anti-tumor efficacy of the prepared nanoparticles were studied in hepatoma-tumor-bearing nude mice. It was found that the groups injected with Phyxol, the P/NPs or the Gal-P/NPs significantly delayed the tumor growth as compared to the control group injected with PBS (p<0.05). Among all studied groups, the group injected with the Gal-P/NPs appeared to have the most significant efficacy in the reduction of the size of the tumor. This is because a large number of the Gal-P/NPs were observed at the tumor site, and subsequently released their encapsulated paclitaxel to inhibit the growth of the tumor. The aforementioned results indicated that the Gal-P/NPs prepared in the study had a specific interaction with the hepatoma tumor induced in nude mice via ligand-receptor recognition. Therefore, the prepared Gal-P/NPs may be used as a potential drug delivery system for the targeted delivery to liver cancers.

Reactive oxygen species mediation of baizhu-induced apoptosis in human leukemia cells

Baizhu (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz) has traditionally been used as an important ingredient of several Chinese herbal medicines, which have been used for abdominal pain and gastroenterology diseases for thousands of years. Despite its popularity in herbal therapies, little is known about the anticancer effect of Baizhu. In this study, the anticancer potential of Baizhu on human hepatoma and leukemia cell lines was evaluated. Baizhu methanol extract induced apoptosis in human lymphoma Jurkat T cells, leukemia U937, and HL-60 cells. This was confirmed by several methods, including hypodiploid cells detection using flow cytometry, the examination of apoptotic bodies containing cells using confocal laser scanning microscopy, and hypodiploid cell population inhibition using the broad spectrum caspase inhibitor z-VAD. Finally, the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and superoxide anion (O(2)(-)), were found to be elevated after treatment of these cells with Baizhu extracts. Antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) pretreatment almost completely inhibited Baizhu-induced apoptosis, suggesting that ROS are the key mediators for Baizhu-induced apoptosis. All these data indicate that Baizhu is a possible anti-tumor agent that induces apoptosis of human leukemia cells through ROS generation.

Stable paclitaxel formulations in oily contrast medium

Stable paclitaxel/Lipiodol solutions as well as emulsions were developed for the treatment of solid tumors including hepatocellular carcinoma. Paclitaxel could be dissolved in Lipiodol, an oily contrast medium, but precipitated out and formed aggregates with time. Paclitaxel precipitation was due to the inter- and intra-molecular hydrogen bonding of paclitaxel molecules. Time-dependent paclitaxel aggregation was completely prevented by adding small amounts of additional solvents, which are miscible with Lipiodol. It was also notable that paclitaxel helped in stabilizing the water-in-oil (w/o) type emulsion of Lipiodol and Iopamiro. The stability, physical properties and in vitro drug release profiles of the stable paclitaxel solutions and emulsions were characterized. When the stable oily paclitaxel solution was used for the treatment of B16F10 melanoma in C57BL/6 mice, the malignant cells were eradicated completely in 2 weeks, whereas the solid tumor grew rapidly and metastasized to the thigh and to other organs in the control group. Also, the mice survived for more than 1 year after the paclitaxel treatment, whereas all of those in the control group died in 40 days.

Anti-inflammatory activity of Sedum kamtschaticum

Sedum kamtschaticum Fischer (Crassulaceae) has been used as a folk medicine in North-East Asia for treating inflammatory disorders. The present investigation was carried out to establish in vivo anti-inflammatory activity and cyclooxygenase-2 modulating activity of this plant material. The methanol extract of Sedum kamtschaticum significantly inhibited mouse croton oil-induced ear edema (24-47% inhibition at 50-400 mg/kg) and rat paw edema (24-30% inhibition at 400-800 mg/kg) by oral administration. Prednisolone (10 mg/kg) showed 54 and 36% inhibition in the same animal models, respectively. Sedum kamtschaticum also showed significant inhibitory activity against mouse ear edema induced by multiple treatment of phorbol ester for 3 days. In addition, Sedum kamtschaticum exhibited potent analgesic activity against mouse acetic acid-induced writhing (IC50=125 mg/kg), while aspirin (200 mg/kg) showed 57% inhibition. Using lipopolysaccharide-treated RAW 264.7 cells, down-regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 expression was found to be one of the cellular action mechanisms of anti-inflammation by Sedum kamtschaticum.

Isolation of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitory Flavonoids from Sedum sarmentosum

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the EtOAc-soluble extract of Sedum sarmentosum afforded a new flavonoid, quercetin-3-O-alpha-(6'''-caffeoylglucosyl-beta-1,2-rhamnoside) (1), along with four known flavonoids, quercetin 3-O-alpha-(6'''-p-coumaroylglucosyl-beta-1,2-rhamnoside) (2), isorhamnetin-3-beta-glucopyranoside (3), quercetin-3-beta-glucopyranoside (4), and kaempferol-3-alpha-arabinopyranoside (5). Purification of these compounds was conducted with the application of various chromatographic methods. Compounds 1-5 inhibited angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Compounds 1-5 had 50% inhibitory concentration values of 158.9+/-11.1 microgM, 351.6+/-3.9 microgM, 408.9+/-4.6 microgM, 708.8+/-23.1 microgM, and 392.8+/-13.4 microgM.

Cytotoxic effect of Argentine medicinal plant extracts on human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line

Methanolic extracts from Achyrocline satureioides (Dc.) Lam, Aristolochia macroura Gomez, Lithraea molleoides (Vell.) Engl., Schinus molle L., unlike those from Celtis spinosa Spreng, Chenopodium ambrosioides L., Petiveria alliacea L., and Plantago major L. showed cytotoxic activity against a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, Hep G2. Schinus molle L. was the most active (IC50=50+/-7 microg/ml). These results call for further studies of these extracts.