2α-Hydroxyursolic Acid Inhibited Cell Proliferation and Induced Apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 Human Breast Cancer Cells through the p38/MAPK Signal Transduction Pathway

The genus Actinidia Lindl. (Actinidiaceae): A comprehensive review on its ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Actinidia Lindl. belongs to the family Actinidiaceae. Plants of this genus are popularly known as kiwifruits and are traditionally used to treat a wide range of ailments associated with digestive disorders, rheumatism, kidney problems, cardiovascular system, cancers, dyspepsia, hemorrhoids, and diabetes among others.

AIM

This review discusses the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical profile, and known pharmacological properties of Actinidia plants, to understand their connotations and provide the scientific basis for future studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The data were obtained by surveying journal articles, books, and dissertations using various search engines such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Springer Link, and Web of Science. The online databases; World Flora Online, Plants of the World Online, International Plant Names Index, and Global Biodiversity Information Facility were used to confirm the distribution and validate scientific names of Actinidia plants. The isolated metabolites from these species were illustrated using ChemBio Draw ultra-version 14.0 software.

RESULTS

Ten (10) species of Actinidia genus have been reported as significant sources of traditional medicines utilized to remedy diverse illnesses. Our findings revealed that a total of 873 secondary metabolites belonging to different classes such as terpenoids, phenolic compounds, alcohols, ketones, organic acids, esters, hydrocarbons, and steroids have been isolated from different species of Actinidia. These compounds were mainly related to the exhibited antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiproliferative, anti-angiogenic, anticinoceptive, anti-tumor, and anticancer activities.

CONCLUSION

This study assessed the information related to the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical compounds, and pharmacological properties of Actinidia species, which indicate that they possess diverse bioactive metabolites with interesting bioactivities. Actinidia plants have great potential for applications in folklore medicines and pharmaceuticals due to their wide ethnomedicinal uses and biological activities. Traditional uses of several Actinidia species are supported by scientific evidences, qualifying them as possible modern remedies for various ailments. Nonetheless, the currently available data has several gaps in understanding the herbal utilization of most Actinidia species. Thus, further research into their toxicity, mechanisms of actions of the isolated bioactive metabolites, as well as scientific connotations between the traditional medicinal uses and pharmacological properties is required to unravel their efficacy in therapeutic potential for safe clinical application.

The inhibitory effect and mechanism of Resina Draconis on the proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells: a network pharmacology-based analysis

Resina Draconis (RD) is known as the "holy medicine for promoting blood circulation" and possesses antitumor properties against various types of cancer, including breast cancer (BC); however, the underlying mechanism is not well understood. To explore the potential mechanism of RD against BC using network pharmacology and experimental validation, data on bioactive compounds, potential targets of RD, and related genes of BC were obtained from multiple public databases. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analyses were performed via the DAVID database. Protein interactions were downloaded from the STRING database. The mRNA and protein expression levels and survival analysis of the hub targets were analyzed using the UALCAN, HPA, Kaplan‒Meier mapper, and cBioPortal databases. Subsequently, molecular docking was used to verify the selected key ingredients and hub targets. Finally, the predicted results of network pharmacology methods were verified by cell experiments. In total, 160 active ingredients were obtained, and 148 RD target genes for the treatment of BC were identified. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that RD exerted its therapeutic effects on BC by regulating multiple pathways. Of these, the PI3K-AKT pathway was indicated to play an important role. In addition, RD treatment of BC seemed to involve the regulation of hub targets that were identified based on PPI interaction network analysis. Validation in different databases showed that AKT1, ESR1, HSP90AA1, CASP3, SRC and MDM2 may be involved in the carcinogenesis and progression of BC and that ESR1, IGF1 and HSP90AA1 were correlated with worse overall survival (OS) in BC patients. Molecular docking results showed that 103 active compounds have good binding activity with the hub targets, among which flavonoid compounds were the most important active components. Therefore, the sanguis draconis flavones (SDF) were selected for subsequent cell experiments. The experimental results showed that SDF significantly inhibited the cell cycle and cell proliferation of MCF-7 cells through the PI3K/AKT pathway and induced MCF-7 cell apoptosis. This study has preliminarily reported on the active ingredients, potential targets, and molecular mechanism of RD against BC, and RD was shown to exert its therapeutic effects on BC by regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway and related gene targets. Importantly, our work could provide a theoretical basis for further study of the complex anti-BC mechanism of RD.

Protective Effects of Dipterocarpus tuberculatus in Blue Light-Induced Macular Degeneration in A2E-Laden ARPE19 Cells and Retina of Balb/c Mice

Natural products with significant antioxidant activity have been receiving attention as one of the treatment strategies to prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) including oxo-N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (oxo-A2E) and singlet oxygen-induced damage, are believed to be one of the major causes of the development of AMD. To investigate the therapeutic effects of methanol extracts of Dipterocarpus tuberculatus Roxb. (MED) against blue light (BL)-caused macular degeneration, alterations in the antioxidant activity, apoptosis pathway, neovascularization, inflammatory response, and retinal degeneration were analyzed in A2E-laden ARPE19 cells and Balb/c mice after exposure of BL. Seven bioactive components, including 2α-hydroxyursolic acid, ε-viniferin, asiatic acid, bergenin, ellagic acid, gallic acid and oleanolic acid, were detected in MED. MED exhibited high DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity. BL-induced increases in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and nitric oxide (NO) concentration were suppressed by MED treatment. A significant recovery of antioxidant capacity by an increase in superoxide dismutase enzyme (SOD) activity, SOD expression levels, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) expression were detected as results of MED treatment effects. The activation of the apoptosis pathway, the expression of neovascular proteins, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mediated pathway, inflammasome activation, and expression of inflammatory cytokines was remarkably inhibited in the MED treated group compared to the Vehicle-treated group in the AMD cell model. Furthermore, MED displayed protective effects in BL-induced retinal degeneration through improvement in the thickness of the whole retina, outer nuclear layer (ONL), inner nuclear layer (INL), and photoreceptor layer (PL) in Balb/c mice. Taken together, these results indicate that MED exhibits protective effects in BL-induced retinal degeneration and has the potential in the future to be developed as a treatment option for dry AMD with atrophy of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells.

Analysis of the pharmacodynamic difference between Xiaojin Pills taken with Chinese Baijiu and water based on serum pharmacochemistry and pharmacokinetics

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Xiaojin Pills (XJPs), which has the function of dissipating knots and dispersing swelling, removing blood stasis, and relieving pain, is a classic prescription for the treatment of mammary glands hyperplasia. It is also the first choice of Chinese patent medicine for the clinical treatment of mammary glands hyperplasia in contemporary traditional Chinese medicine clinics. Previous studies have shown that the efficacy of XJPs "taken orally after soaked with Chinese Baijiu" in tradition was significantly better than that of taking it orally with water in modern in terms of activating the blood, anti-inflammation, analgesia, anti-mammary gland hyperplasia, anti-breast cancer and its metastasis in vitro and in vivo, especially under low-dose conditions. However, the material basis for the difference in efficacy between XJP&B and XJP&W is still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To analyze the material basis of the significant difference in efficacy between XJP&B and XJP&W from the perspective of serum pharmacochemistry and pharmacokinetics, and clarified the scientific connotation of XJPs "taken orally after soaked with Chinese Baijiu".

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with a multivariate statistical analysis method were used to screen the differential components in the Chinese Baijiu extract and the water extract of XJPs and the corresponding residues, so as to clarify the differential components between XJP&B and XJP&W in vitro. The migrating components in the blood after XJP&B and XJP&W were characterized by serum pharmacochemical methods, in order to clarify the differential components in rats. The pharmacokinetic parameters of the representative components absorbed into the blood were compared between XJP&B and XJP&W by the pharmacokinetics study method, in order to determine the dynamic changes of the representative components in rats.

RESULTS

The identification results of different components in vitro showed that there were 34 and 12 different compounds between the Chinese Baijiu extract and water extract of XJPs, and the residues after Chinese Baijiu extraction and water extraction, respectively. The content of different components such as arachidonic acid, ursolic acid, 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid, 2α-hydroxyursolic acid, and oleanolic acid was higher in the Chinese Baijiu extract, which was more than twice the content in the water extract. The results of the serum pharmacochemistry study indicated that 42 prototype components were identified in the serum of rats after XJP&B and XJP&W, including organic acids, alkaloids, steroids, and terpenoids. And XJP&B increased the absorption of the prototype components of organic acids in XJPs into the blood. The pharmacokinetic study results of representative components demonstrated that the mean plasma concentration-time profile and pharmacokinetic parameters of muscone, aconitine, and 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid were significantly different between XJP&B and XJP&W. Compared with XJP&W, the C_max and AUC_0-t of muscone and aconitine in XJP&B were higher, and the T_1/2 and MRT_0-t of 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid in XJP&B were relatively longer.

CONCLUSION

This research proved that "taking XJPs orally after being soaked with Chinese Baijiu" can increase the dissolution and absorption of active ingredients in XJPs, increase the plasma concentration and content of representative ingredients, and prolong its action time, thus enhancing the biological activity of XJPs in vitro and in vivo. To a certain extent, this study revealed the material basis of the significantly better efficacy of XJP&B than XJP&W and clarified the scientific connotation of XJPs "taken orally after soaked with Chinese Baijiu", which can provide a theoretical basis for the optimization of XJPs' clinical administration method.

Ursolic Acid Decreases the Proliferation of MCF-7 Cell-Derived Breast Cancer Stem-Like Cells by Modulating the ERK and PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathways

Cancer stem cells are strong drivers of metastasis and cancer relapse, which makes them important therapeutic targets. Ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid, has anticancer effects in various types of cancer; however, little is known about its effect on the growth of MCF-7 cell-derived breast cancer stem (BCS)-like cells in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. In this study, the anticancer activity of UA in MCF-7 cell-derived BCS-like cells and its mechanism of action were evaluated. Furthermore, its inhibitory effects on the proliferation of MCF-7 cell-derived BCS-like cells were compared with that on MCF-7 cells. In MCF-7 cells, UA increased p53 and p21 expression but decreased cyclin D, cyclin E, CDK4, and CDK2 expression to induce cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase. Moreover, UA significantly suppressed migration, invasion, and colony formation in MCF-7 cells, and suppressed mammosphere formation in a concentration- dependent manner. In MCF-7 cell-derived BCS-like cells, UA significantly decreased migration, suppressed p-PI3K, p-AKT, and p-ERK expression, and enhanced p-FoxO1/FoxO3a expression. Accordingly, in MCF-7 cell-derived BCS-like cells, UA suppressed proliferation in part by downregulating ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. These findings provide the first evidence for the selective effects of UA in BCSs.

Advances in Research on Chemical Constituents and Their Biological Activities of the Genus Actinidia

Kiwi, a fruit from plants of the genus Actinidia, is one of the famous fruits with thousand years of edible history. In the past twenty years, a great deal of research has been done on the chemical constituents of the Actinidia species. A large number of secondary metabolites including triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenols, etc. have been identified from differents parts of Actinidia plants, which exhibited significant in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-oxidative, anti-bacterial, and anti-diabetic activities. In order to fully understand the chemical components and biological activities of Actinidia plants, and to improve their further research, development and utilization, this review summarizes the compounds extracted from different parts of Actinidia plants since 1959 to 2020, classifies the types of constituents, reports on the pharmacological activities of relative compounds and medicinal potentials.

Differential effects of phenolic extracts from red-fleshed apple peels and flesh induced G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells

Red-fleshedapples are preferredbecause of their high content of phenolics and antioxidants in peel and pulp. Herein, we evaluated the mechanisms of apple peel polyphenolic extracts (APP) and apple flesh polyphenolic extracts (AFP) from the new red-fleshed apple in inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis on human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. The antiproliferative activities were determined by the CCK8 assay. The expression of proteins was determined using Western blot. We found that the content of polyphenols and flavonoids in APP was significantly higher than that in AFP, and 14 main phenolic compounds in APP and AFP were quantified using UPLC-MS/MS techniques. Besides, the significant inhibition effects of APP and AFP were achieved through Akt pathway by inducing apoptosis (significantly upregulating reactive oxygen species [ROS] levels, and downregulating expression of pAkt, pBad, Bcl-2, promoting Cytochrome c release, activating Cle-Caspase 9, and inducing expressions of Cle-Caspase 3 and Cle-PARP), and inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest (increased expressions of p-p53 and p21 and decreased expressions of PCNA and Cyclin D1). And the inhibition effect of APP was stronger than that of AFP. These results suggest that AFP and APP may be excellent sources of natural chemicals for treating triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The effects of antiproliferation of phenolic extracts from red-fleshed apple peels and flesh on human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells were evaluated. The data may clarify the functional parts of red-fleshed apple and provide some basis for scientific researchers and consumers to recognize and exploit red-fleshed apple.

Effect of Soy Protein Isolate on Textural Properties, Cooking Properties and Flavor of Whole-Grain Flat Rice Noodles

To investigate the effect of soy protein isolate on the quality of whole-grain flat rice noodles, the texture as well as the cooking properties and flavor of flat rice noodles, whole-grain flat rice noodles and whole-grain flat rice noodles with soy protein isolate were investigated. Among the three tested rice noodles, whole-grain flat rice noodles with soy protein isolate showed the highest cohesiveness, adhesiveness, resilience, and springiness. Compared to the flat rice noodles and whole-grain flat rice noodles, whole-grain flat rice noodles with soy protein isolate increased their moisture content and water absorption, whereas the opposite trend was observed for their cooking loss. The electronic nose analysis showed stronger response values at W5S, W1W, and W2W. Solid phase micro extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry results showed that aldehydes are the main volatile compounds in whole-grain flat rice noodles and whole-grain flat rice noodles with soy protein isolate. Moreover, seven more volatile compounds were detected in whole-grain flat rice noodles with soy protein isolate compared to flat rice noodles and whole-grain flat rice noodles. The whole-grain flat noodles with the addition of SPI are more sensory acceptable. Thus, soy protein isolate, as a natural and safe additive, could be used to improve the quality and enrich the flavor of whole-grain flat rice noodles.

3,3'-diindolylmethane exerts antiproliferation and apoptosis induction by TRAF2-p38 axis in gastric cancer

3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM), an active phytochemical derivative extracted from cruciferous vegetables, possesses anticancer effects. However, the underlying anticancer mechanism of DIM in gastric cancer remains unknown. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), one of the signal transduction proteins, plays critical role in proliferation and apoptosis of human gastric cancer cells, but there are still lack of practical pharmacological modulators for potential clinical application. Here, we further explored the role of TRAF2 in inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis by DIM in human gastric cancer BGC-823 and SGC-7901 cells. After treating BGC-823 and SGC-7901 cells with DIM for 24 h, cell proliferation, apoptosis and TRAF2-related protein were measured. Our findings showed that DIM inhibited the expressions of TRAF2, activated p-p38 and its downstream protein p-p53, which were paralleled with DIM-triggered cells proliferation, inhibition and apoptosis induction. These effects of DIM were reversed by TRAF2 overexpression or p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-specific inhibitor (SB203580). Taken together, our data suggest that regulating TRAF2/p38 MAPK signaling pathway is essential for inhibiting gastric cancer proliferation and inducing apoptosis by DIM. These findings broaden the understanding of the pharmacological mechanism of DIM's action as a new modulator of TRAF2, and provide a new therapeutic target for human gastric cancer.

Natural Extracts from White Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Inhibit 3T3-L1 Adipocytes Differentiation

Background: Recent studies have shown that the consumption of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) foods plays an essential role in the prevention and treatment of obesity. Methods: In this study, different natural extracts that include common bean polyphenol-rich extract (CBP), α-amylase inhibitor-rich extract (α-AIE), and non-starch polysaccharides-rich extract (NSP) were isolated. Their effects on 3T3-L1 adipocytes differentiation were evaluated, respectively. Results: The results showed that CPB reduced the lipid content in the mature adipocytes to 79.29% (150 μg/mL) and 35.13% (300 μg/mL), and α-AIE reduced it to 90.20% (2 mg/mL) and 68.28% (4 mg/mL), while NSP exhibited an auxo-action, suggesting that both CBP and a-AIE inhibited 3T3-L1 adipocytes differentiation. Additionally, CBP significantly suppressed (p < 0.05) the mRNA expression level and the protein expression level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα), sterol-regulatory element binding proteins 1 c (SREBP-1c), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and fatty acid binding protein (ap2). Meanwhile, α-AIE only showed significant suppression effects on PPARγ, C/EBPα, and ap2 at the high dose of 4 mg/mL (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings indicate that CBP, from white common bean, might be the major component responsible for the inhibitory effects on adipocyte differentiation.

Highland Barley Whole Grain (Hordeum vulgare L.) Ameliorates Hyperlipidemia by Modulating Cecal Microbiota, miRNAs, and AMPK Pathways in Leptin Receptor-Deficient db/db Mice

The mechanisms of highland barley whole grain (BWG) with rich phenolics on obese db/db mice were investigated in this study. Oral consumption of BWG reduced food intake, body weight, organ/body weight indexes of liver and fat, levels of serum and hepatic lipids, liver injury, and oxidative stress. Furthermore, BWG recovered the disorder of cecal microbiota by augmenting the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio and Alistipes abundance and decreasing the abundances of Bacteroides and Desulfovibrionaceae to modulate lipid metabolism-related genes. BWG inhibited fatty acid biosynthesis via upregulating the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase α, while downregulating sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c, fatty acid synthase (FAS), and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 levels. BWG also significantly downregulated miRNA-122, miRNA-33, miRNA-34a, and miRNA-206 levels. Accordingly, BWG exhibited hypolipidemic potential through modulating cecal microbiota, AMPK/SREBP-1c/FAS pathway, and related miRNAs, triggering the alleviation of dyslipidemia. These findings suggested BWG as an effective candidate to ameliorate the symptoms of hyperlipidemia.

The Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum-12 Crude Exopolysaccharides on the Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis of Human Colon Cancer (HT-29) Cells

The exopolysaccharide (EPS) of some Lactobacillus strains has been reported to exert anti-cancer activities. In this study, the effects of crude EPSs produced by four Lactobacillus plantarum strains (Lactobacillus plantarum-12, L. plantarum-14, L. plantarum-32, and L. plantarum-37) on HT-29 cell proliferation and apoptosis were studied. The results showed that the inhibition rate of the crude EPS produced by L. plantarum-12 on HT-29 cell proliferation was significantly higher than that of the EPS produced by the other three strains. L. plantarum-12 crude EPS (50, 100, 250, 500 μg/ml) exerted inhibitory effects on the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in HT-29 cells in a positive dose-dependent manner. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and apoptosis rate were also increased in HT-29 cells treated with different concentrations of L. plantarum-12 crude EPS compared with control cells. Further studies found that the expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, Cyt C, caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 was upregulated and that the expression of the anti-apoptosis protein Bcl-2 was decreased in HT-29 cells treated with L. plantarum-12 crude EPS compared with control cells. The results suggested that the EPS produced by L. plantarum-12 could inhibit the proliferation of the human colon cancer cell line HT-29 through the mitochondrial pathway.

Antiproliferative Activity of Ursolic Acid in MDA-MB-231 Human Breast Cancer Cells through Nrf2 Pathway Regulation

The potential mechanisms of action of ursolic acid (UA) in regulating cell proliferation in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells through Nrf2 pathway were investigated. UA significantly inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells at a dose ≥10 μM in a dose-dependent manner, and no cytotoxicity was observed at concentrations below 29.87 ± 2.60 μM. The expressions of Nrf2 and p-Nrf2, in whole cell and nucleus, and NQO1 were inhibited by UA treatment, whereas the Keap1 expression was upregulated. No significant difference was observed in the Nrf2 mRNA levels, indicating that UA reduced Nrf2 expression not through mRNA but through a post-translational mechanism. Additionally, EGF-induced p-Nrf2 and its downstream NQO1 and SOD1 enzymes were abolished by UA. However, EGF or p-EGFR had no effect on the expressions of Keap1. These results suggested that the proliferative inhibitory effect of UA might be partially through downregulating Nrf2 via the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway and EGFR/Nrf2 pathway in MDA-MB-231 cells.

IRS-1/PI3K/Akt pathway and miRNAs are involved in whole grain highland barley (Hordeum vulgareL.) ameliorating hyperglycemia of db/db mice

The present investigation further unravels the underlying molecular mechanism of WGH on T2DM: IRS-1/PI3K/Akt pathway and related miRNA expression.

Whole Grain Brown Rice Extrudate Ameliorates the Symptoms of Diabetes by Activating the IRS1/PI3K/AKT Insulin Pathway in db/db Mice

The therapeutic benefits of whole grains on diabetes mellitus have been continuously confirmed by in-depth research. To date, limited studies have investigated the effect of extruded products of whole grains on the insulin signaling pathway in vivo. This study investigated the effects of oral consumption of whole grain extrudate, including 97% brown rice and 3% defatted rice bran (w/w, BRD), on glucose metabolism and the hepatic insulin signaling pathway in C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice. BRD treatment induced a remarkable reduction in blood glucose. Moreover, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance were ameliorated in the BRD-treated group compared with those in the db/db control group. BRD also increased the hepatic glycogen content by reducing the expression and increasing the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β). The activities of glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and their respective mRNA expression levels in the liver were simultaneously decreased in the BRD-treated group. BRD also significantly upregulated the expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and increased the phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and protein kinase B (AKT). These results indicate that BRD exhibits antidiabetic potential by activating the IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, further regulating the expression of the FOXO1 gene and p-GSK3β protein, thus inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis, increasing hepatic glycogen storage, and improving insulin resistance. Therefore, BRD could be used as a functional ingredient to alleviate the symptoms of hyperglycemia.

Fecal medicines used in traditional medical system of China: a systematic review of their names, original species, traditional uses, and modern investigations

In China, the medical use of fecal matter (fresh fecal suspension or dry feces) can be dated back to the fourth century, approximately 1700 years ago. In long-term clinical practice, Chinese doctors have accumulated unique and invaluable medical experience in the use of fecal materials. In view of their good curative effect and medicinal potential, fecal medicines should be paid much attention. This study aimed to provide the first comprehensive data compilation of fecal medicines used in various Chinese traditional medical systems by bibliographic investigation of 31 medicine monographs and standards. A total of 54 fecal medicines were found to be used in 14 traditional Chinese medical systems. Their names, original species, medicinal forms, and traditional uses were described in detail. These fecal medicines were commonly used to treat gastrointestinal, nervous system, skin, and gynecological diseases. Commonly used fecal medicines include Wu-Ling-Zhi, Jiu-Fen and Hei-Bing-Pian. The information summarized in this study can provide a good reference for the development and utilization of fecal medicines. Further studies are necessary to prove their medicinal value, identify their active ingredients, and elucidate their mechanisms of action so that more people can accept these special medicines.

Anti-Remodeling Effects of Xanthohumol-Fortified Beer in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Mediated by ERK and AKT Inhibition

Polyphenols present in some alcoholic beverages have been linked to beneficial effects in preventing cardiovascular diseases. Polyphenols found in beer with anti-proliferative and anti-cancer properties are appealing in the context of the quasi-malignant phenotype of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Our purpose was to evaluate if the chronic ingestion of a xanthohumol-fortified beer (FB) would be able to modulate the pathophysiology of experimental PAH. Male Wistar rats with monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH (60 mg/kg) were allowed to drink either xanthohumol-fortified beer (MCT + FB) or 5.2% ethanol (MCT + SHAM) for a period 4 weeks. At the end of the protocol, cardiopulmonary exercise testing and hemodynamic recordings were performed, followed by sample collection for further analysis. FB intake resulted in a significant attenuation of the pulmonary vascular remodeling in MCT + FB animals. This improvement was paralleled with the downregulation in expression of proteins responsible for proliferation (ERK1/2), cell viability (AKT), and apoptosis (BCL-XL). Moreover, MCT + FB animals presented improved right ventricle (RV) function and remodeling accompanied by VEGFR-2 pathway downregulation. The present study demonstrates that a regular consumption of xanthohumol through FB modulates major remodeling pathways activated in experimental PAH.

Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Modified Polysaccharides Originally Isolated from Morchella Angusticepes Peck

Polysaccharides extracted from Morchella angusticepes Peck (PMEP) were chemically modified to obtain sulfated, carboxymethylated, and acetyled derivatives. Results showed that the acetyled derivatives with the degree of substitution (0.40 ± 0.07) exerted higher antioxidant ability than native polysaccharides, demonstrating inhibitory effects on growth of human hepatoma cells (EC₅₀  = 0.710 ± 0.002 mg/mL) and human colon cancer cells (EC₅₀  =  1.229 ± 0.008 mg/mL). It indicated that the acetylation was a favorable way to enhance the bioactivities of PMEP. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Polysaccharides extracted from Morchella angusticepes Peck (PMEP) have many health-promoting properties. Chemical modifications could improve the bioactivities of polysaccharides. We demonstrated that acetylation enhanced the cellular antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of PMEP. The results support further research that explores clinical utility, and may justify ex vivo and in vivo designs toward that end.

Antiproliferative Activity of Combined Biochanin A and Ginsenoside Rh₂ on MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. The antiproliferative activities of biochanin A (BA) and ginsenoside Rh₂ were determined by evaluating their inhibitory effect on MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell proliferation. The combination of BA with Rh₂ was also assessed. In MDA cells, combination treatment led to a decrease in the EC₅₀ values of BA and Rh₂ to 25.20 μM and 22.75 μM, respectively. In MCF-7 cells, the EC₅₀ values of combined BA and Rh₂ decreased to 27.68 μM and 25.41 μM, respectively. BA combined with Rh₂ also improved the inhibition of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell migration and invasion compared to the individual compounds. Western blot analysis demonstrated upregulation in p-p53, p-p38, and p-ASK1 proteins while levels of TRAF2 were downregulated. These results suggest that BA combined with Rh₂ exhibits synergistic effects against MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell proliferation.

Alantolactone induces apoptosis and suppresses migration in MCF‑7 human breast cancer cells via the p38 MAPK, NF‑κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways

Human breast cancer is a malignant type of cancer with high prevalence. In the present study, the anticancer effects of alantolactone, a sesquiterpene lactone, on the human breast cancer cell line MCF‑7 were investigated in vitro. The MCF‑7 cell morphology changed from diamond to round subsequent to treatment with alantolactone, and the cell viability reduced significantly compared with that of the control cells. Alantolactone induced apoptosis of MCF‑7 cells by regulating the protein expression levels of B‑cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2), Bcl‑2‑associated X protein, p53, caspase‑3 and caspase‑12, which are associated with the apoptotic pathway, and suppressed colony formation and migration by regulating the protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‑2, MMP‑7 and MMP‑9. Cell signaling pathway analysis confirmed that alantolactone increased the phosphorylation of p38, and decreased the nuclear expression levels of p65 and nuclear factor erythroid 2‑related factor 2 (Nrf2), suggesting that the apoptosis‑promoting and migration‑suppressing effect of alantolactone may partially depend on regulating the p38 MAPK, NF‑κB and Nrf2 pathways. These results also suggested that alantolactone may become a potential therapeutic strategy for treating breast cancer.

Ursolic acid, a potential anticancer compound for breast cancer therapy

There are growing interests in the health benefits associated with consumption of fruits and vegetables, especially for the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular, or other chronic diseases. Epidemiological studies and clinical trials suggest that these health benefits are strongly associated with phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables. Ursolic acid is a naturally synthesized pentacyclic triterpenoid, widely distributed in different fruits and vegetables. Current research suggested that ursolic acid and its derivatives exhibited anticancer activity, anti-inflammatory effects, and induction of apoptosis in several human cancer cells. In particular, ursolic acid inhibited breast cancer proliferation by inducing cell G1/G2 arrest and regulating the expression of key proteins in signal transduction pathways. In addition, ursolic acid induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells through intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. Ursolic acid was also determined to scavenge free radicals and have potent anti-inflammation activity. The purpose of this paper is to review recent literature on anticancer activity of ursolic acid and focus on its mechanisms of action.

Interference of Notch 1 inhibits the proliferation and invasion of breast cancer cells: Involvement of the β‑catenin signaling pathway

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of carcinoma in humans. The aim of the present study was to identify the role of Notch 1 in the proliferation and invasion of human breast cancer cells. Firstly, the levels of Notch 1 were determined by western blot analysis in breast cancer cell lines, and the results revealed that the expression levels of Notch 1 were markedly higher in MDA‑MB‑231 and MCF‑7 cells, and lower in MCF‑10A cells, compared with human mammary epithelial cells. An MTT assay was used to determine the viability of breast cancer cells. The optical density (OD)490 values were significantly decreased in Notch 1 short hairpin (sh)RNA‑transfected MCF‑7 and MDA‑MB‑231 cells, compared with the OD490 values in the negative control shRNA‑transfected cells. The MCF‑7 cells and MDA‑MB‑231 cells were also treated with increasing concentrations of MRK003, a Notch 1 inhibitor, for 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. The inhibition rate was gradually increased in the MRK003‑treated cells in a time‑ and dose‑dependent manner. The invasive ability of the cells was determined using a Transwell migration assay. The migration ability was significantly decreased in the Notch 1‑transfected MCF‑7 cells and MDA‑MB‑231 cells. The molecular mechanism was examined, and the knockdown of Notch 1 significantly decreased the expression levels of β‑catenin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‑2 and MMP‑9, and was also correlated with the downregulation of β‑catenin in the nucleus. In conclusion, Notch 1 was key in the progression of breast cancer, and knocking down the expression of Notch 1 significantly suppressed the proliferation and invasion of breast cancer cells. This provides novel clues for cancer therapy in human breast cancer.

Dietary Natural Products for Prevention and Treatment of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among females worldwide. Several epidemiological studies suggested the inverse correlation between the intake of vegetables and fruits and the incidence of breast cancer. Substantial experimental studies indicated that many dietary natural products could affect the development and progression of breast cancer, such as soy, pomegranate, mangosteen, citrus fruits, apple, grape, mango, cruciferous vegetables, ginger, garlic, black cumin, edible macro-fungi, and cereals. Their anti-breast cancer effects involve various mechanisms of action, such as downregulating ER-α expression and activity, inhibiting proliferation, migration, metastasis and angiogenesis of breast tumor cells, inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, and sensitizing breast tumor cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This review summarizes the potential role of dietary natural products and their major bioactive components in prevention and treatment of breast cancer, and special attention was paid to the mechanisms of action.

GLUL Promotes Cell Proliferation in Breast Cancer

Glutamate-ammonia ligase (GLUL) belongs to the glutamine synthetase family. It catalyzes the synthesis of glutamine from glutamate and ammonia in an ATP-dependent reaction. Here, we found higher expression of GLUL in the breast cancer patients was associated with larger tumor size and higher level of HER2 expression. In addition, GLUL was heterogeneously expressed in various breast cancer cells. The mRNA and protein expression levels of GLUL in SK-BR-3 cells were obviously higher than that in the other types of breast cancer cells. Results showed GLUL knockdown in SK-BR-3 cells could significantly decrease the proliferation ability. Furthermore, GLUL knockdown markedly inhibited the p38 MAPK and ERK1/ERK2 signaling pathways in SK-BR-3 cells. Thus, GLUL may represent a novel target for selectively inhibiting p38 MAPK and ERK1/ERK2 signaling pathways and the proliferation potential of breast cancer cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 2018-2025, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activity of processed brown rice products

The phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activity of free, soluble-conjugated, and bound fractions of brown rice and its processed products (textured rice, cooked rice and rice noodle) were studied. Nineteen phenolic acids were identified. Trans-ferulic acid was the most abundant monomeric phenolic acid with trans-trans-8-O-4' diferulic acid being most abundant diferulic acid. Processing increased the content of free phenolic acids, but decreased the content of soluble-conjugated phenolic acids. The content of bound phenolic acids was increased by improved extrusion cooking technology and cooking, but not affected by rice noodle extrusion. The total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of free and soluble-conjugated fractions were decreased after processing, whereas those of bound fraction were increased by improved extrusion cooking technology and cooking, but not affected by rice noodle extrusion. Results indicated that whole foods designed for reducing chronic disease risk need to consider the effects of processing on phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activity of whole grains.

A Novel Polysaccharide Conjugate from Bullacta exarata Induces G1-Phase Arrest and Apoptosis in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG2 Cells

Bullacta exarata has been consumed in Asia, not only as a part of the normal diet, but also as a traditional Chinese medicine with liver- and kidney-benefitting functions. Several scientific investigations involving extraction of biomolecules from this mollusk and pharmacological studies on their biological activities have been carried out. However, little is known regarding the antitumor properties of polysaccharides from B. exarata, hence the polysaccharides from B. exarata have been investigated here. One polysaccharide conjugate BEPS-IA was isolated and purified from B. exarata. It mainly consisted of mannose and glucose in a molar ratio of 1:2, with an average molecular weight of 127 kDa. Thirteen general amino acids were identified to be components of the protein-bound polysaccharide. Methylation and NMR studies revealed that BEPS-IA is a heteropolysaccharide consisting of 1,4-linked-α-d-Glc, 1,6-linked-α-d-Man, 1,3,6-linked-α-d-Man, and 1-linked-α-d-Man residue, in a molar ratio of 6:1:1:1. In order to test the antitumor activity of BEPS-IA, we investigated its effect against the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells HepG2 in vitro. The result showed that BEPS-IA dose-dependently exhibited an effective HepG2 cells growth inhibition with an IC₅₀ of 112.4 μg/mL. Flow cytometry analysis showed that BEPS-IA increased the populations of both apoptotic sub-G1 and G1 phase. The result obtained from TUNEL assay corroborated apoptosis which was shown in flow cytometry. Western blot analysis suggested that BEPS-IA induced apoptosis and growth inhibition were associated with up-regulation of p53, p21 and Bax, down-regulation of Bcl-2. These findings suggest that BEPS-IA may serve as a potential novel dietary agent for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Comparative suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activation with LPS-induced inflammation by blueberry extracts (Vaccinium spp.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammation effects of blueberry extracts through NLRP3 inflammasome.

Phenolic content, antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of six varieties of white sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum L.)

This article investigates the total phenolics, antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of six varieties of white sesame seed.

Averrhoa carambolafree phenolic extract ameliorates nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis by modulating mircoRNA-34a, mircoRNA-33 and AMPK pathways in leptin receptor-deficient db/db mice

Averrhoa carambolafree phenolic extract ameliorates hepatic steatosis by modulating mircoRNA-34a, mircoRNA-33 and AMPK signaling.

Major triterpenoids in Chinese hawthorn "Crataegus pinnatifida" and their effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis induction in MDA-MB-231 cancer cells

The cytotoxicity and antiproliferative effect of phytochemicals presenting in the fruits of Chinese hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida) were evaluated. Shanlihong (Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. var. major N.E.Br.) variety possessed significant levels of flavonoids and triterpenoids, and showed potent antiproliferative effect against HepG₂, MCF-7 and MDA-MB- 231 human cancer cells lines. Triterpenoids-enriched fraction (S9) prepared by Semi-preparative HPLC, and its predominant ingredient ursolic acid (UA) demonstrated remarkably antiproliferative activities for all the tested cancer cell lines. DNA flow cytometric analysis showed that S9 fraction and UA significantly induced G1 arrest in MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Western blotting analysis revealed that S9 fraction and UA significantly induced PCNA, CDK4, and Cyclin D1 downregulation in MDA-MB-231 cells, followed by p21^Waf1/Cip1 up-regulation. Additionally, flow cytometer and DNA ladder assays indicated that S9 fraction and UA significantly induced MDA-MB-231 cells apoptosis. Mitochondrial death pathway was involved in this apoptosis as significantly induced caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation. These results suggested that triterpenoids-enriched fraction and UA exhibited antiproliferative activity through the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction, and was majorly responsible for the potent anticancer activity of Chinese hawthorn.