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Kang Y, Li H, Liu Y, Li Z. Regulation of VEGF-A expression and VEGF-A-targeted therapy in malignant tumors. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:221. [PMID: 38687357 PMCID: PMC11061008 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05714-5] [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: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), a highly conserved dimeric glycoprotein, is a key regulatory gene and a marker molecule of angiogenesis. The upregulation of VEGF-A facilitates the process of tumor vascularization, thereby fostering the initiation and progression of malignant neoplasms. Many genes can adjust the angiogenesis of tumors by changing the expression of VEGF-A. In addition, VEGF-A also exhibits immune regulatory properties, which directly or indirectly suppresses the antitumor activity of immune cells. The emergence of VEGF-A-targeted therapy alone or in rational combinations has revolutionized the treatment of various cancers. This review discusses how diverse mechanisms in various tumors regulate VEGF-A expression to promote tumor angiogenesis and the role of VEGF-A in tumor immune microenvironment. The application of drugs targeting VEGF-A in tumor therapy is also summarized including antibody molecule drugs and traditional Chinese medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Kang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huiting Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yiping Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zheng Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Chinese Ministry of Health, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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2
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Zhang Y, Xie J. Induction of ferroptosis by natural phenols: A promising strategy for cancer therapy. Phytother Res 2024; 38:2041-2076. [PMID: 38391022 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, heightened interest surrounds the exploration of natural phenols as potential agents for cancer therapy, specifically by inducing ferroptosis, a unique form of regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. This review delves into the roles of key natural phenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, curcumin, and stilbenes, in modulating ferroptosis and their underlying mechanisms. Emphasizing the significance of amino acid, lipid, and iron metabolism, the study elucidates the diverse pathways through which these phenols regulate ferroptosis. Notably, curcumin, a well-known polyphenol, exhibits multifaceted interactions with cellular components involved in ferroptosis regulation, providing a distinctive therapeutic avenue. Stilbenes, another phenolic class, demonstrate promising potential in influencing lipid metabolism and iron-dependent processes, contributing to ferroptotic cell death. Understanding the intricate interplay between these natural phenols and ferroptosis not only illuminates complex cellular regulatory networks but also unveils potential avenues for novel cancer therapies. Exploring these compounds as inducers of ferroptosis presents a promising strategy for targeted cancer treatment, capitalizing on the delicate balance between cellular metabolism and regulated cell death mechanisms. This article synthesizes current knowledge, aiming to stimulate further research into the therapeutic potential of natural phenols in the context of ferroptosis-mediated cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiping Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Wanchuanhui (Shanghai) Medical Technology Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Xie
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Wanchuanhui (Shanghai) Medical Technology Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
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Biswas S, Mita MA, Afrose S, Hasan MR, Shimu MSS, Zaman S, Saleh MA. An in silico approach to develop potential therapies against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Heliyon 2024; 10:e25837. [PMID: 38379969 PMCID: PMC10877303 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
A deadly respiratory disease Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is caused by a perilous virus known as MERS-CoV, which has a severe impact on human health. Currently, there is no approved vaccine, prophylaxis, or antiviral therapeutics for preventing MERS-CoV infection. Due to its inexorable and integral role in the maturation and replication of the MERS-CoV virus, the 3C-like protease is unavoidly a viable therapeutic target. In this study, 2369 phytoconstituents were enlisted from Japanese medicinal plants, and these compounds were screened against 3C-like protease to identify feasible inhibitors. The best three compounds were identified as Kihadanin B, Robustaflavone, and 3-beta-O- (trans-p-Coumaroyl) maslinic acid, with binding energies of -9.8, -9.4, and -9.2 kcal/mol, respectively. The top three potential candidates interacted with several active site residues in the targeted protein, including Cys145, Met168, Glu169, Ala171, and Gln192. The best three compounds were assessed by in silico technique to determine their drug-likeness properties, and they exhibited the least harmful features and the greatest drug-like qualities. Various descriptors, such as solvent-accessible surface area, root-mean-square fluctuation, root-mean-square deviation, hydrogen bond, and radius of gyration, validated the stability and firmness of the protein-ligand complexes throughout the 100ns molecular dynamics simulation. Moreover, the top three compounds exhibited better binding energy along with better stability and firmness than the inhibitor (Nafamostat), which was further confirmed by the binding free energy calculation. Therefore, this computational investigation could aid in the development of efficient therapeutics for life-threatening MERS-CoV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvro Biswas
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Mohasana Akter Mita
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Shamima Afrose
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Robiul Hasan
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | | | - Shahriar Zaman
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Abu Saleh
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
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Han NR, Park HJ, Ko SG, Moon PD. Maltol has anti-cancer effects via modulating PD-L1 signaling pathway in B16F10 cells. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1255586. [PMID: 37731735 PMCID: PMC10508342 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1255586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Among skin cancers, melanoma has a high mortality rate. Recent advances in immunotherapy, particularly through immune checkpoint modulation, have improved the clinical treatment of melanoma. Maltol has various bioactivities, including anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but the anti-melanoma property of maltol remains underexplored. The aim of this work is to explore the anti-melanoma potential of maltol through regulating immune checkpoints. Methods: The immune checkpoint PD-L1 was analyzed using qPCR, immunoblots, and immunofluorescence. Melanoma sensitivity towards T cells was investigated via cytotoxicity, cell viability, and IL-2 assays employing CTLL-2 cells. Results: Maltol was found to reduce melanin contents, tyrosinase activity, and expression levels of tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein 1. Additionally, maltol suppressed the proliferative capacity of B16F10 and induced cell cycle arrest. Maltol increased apoptotic rates by elevating cleaved caspase-3 and PARP. The co-treatment with maltol and cisplatin revealed a synergistic effect on inhibiting growth and promoting apoptosis. Maltol suppressed IFN-γ-induced PD-L1 and cisplatin-upregulated PD-L1 by attenuating STAT1 phosphorylation, thereby enhancing cisplatin's cytotoxicity against B16F10. Maltol augmented sensitivity to CTLL-2 cell-regulated melanoma destruction, leading to an increase in IL-2 production. Discussion: These findings demonstrate that maltol restricts melanoma growth through the downregulation of PD-L1 and elicits T cell-mediated anti-cancer responses, overcoming PD-L1-mediated immunotherapy resistance of cisplatin. Therefore, maltol can be considered as an effective therapeutic agent against melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na-Ra Han
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Korean Medicine-Based Drug Repositioning Cancer Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hi-Joon Park
- Department of Anatomy and Information Sciences, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Gyu Ko
- Korean Medicine-Based Drug Repositioning Cancer Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Phil-Dong Moon
- Center for Converging Humanities, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Ren M, Li S, Gao Q, Qiao L, Cao Q, Yang Z, Chen C, Jiang Y, Wang G, Fu S. Advances in the Anti-Tumor Activity of Biflavonoids in Selaginella. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097731. [PMID: 37175435 PMCID: PMC10178260 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the many strategies employed to slow the spread of cancer, the development of new anti-tumor drugs and the minimization of side effects have been major research hotspots in the anti-tumor field. Natural drugs are a huge treasure trove of drug development, and they have been widely used in the clinic as anti-tumor drugs. Selaginella species in the family Selaginellaceae are widely distributed worldwide, and they have been well-documented in clinical practice for the prevention and treatment of cancer. Biflavonoids are the main active ingredients in Selaginella, and they have good biological and anti-tumor activities, which warrant extensive research. The promise of biflavonoids from Selaginella (SFB) in the field of cancer therapy is being realized thanks to new research that offers insights into the multi-targeting therapeutic mechanisms and key signaling pathways. The pharmacological effects of SFB against various cancers in vitro and in vivo are reviewed in this review. In addition, the types and characteristics of biflavonoid structures are described in detail; we also provide a brief summary of the efforts to develop drug delivery systems or combinations to enhance the bioavailability of SFB monomers. In conclusion, SFB species have great potential to be developed as adjuvant or even primary therapeutic agents for cancer, with promising applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdie Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563003, China
| | - Sihui Li
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563003, China
| | - Qiong Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563003, China
| | - Lei Qiao
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563003, China
| | - Qianping Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Ze Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Chaoqiang Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Yongmei Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Gang Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563003, China
| | - Shaobin Fu
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563003, China
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Efficient, green extraction of two biflavonoids from Selaginella uncinata with deep eutectic solvents. Microchem J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2022.108085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Goossens JF, Goossens L, Bailly C. Hinokiflavone and Related C-O-C-Type Biflavonoids as Anti-cancer Compounds: Properties and Mechanism of Action. NATURAL PRODUCTS AND BIOPROSPECTING 2021; 11:365-377. [PMID: 33534099 PMCID: PMC7856339 DOI: 10.1007/s13659-021-00298-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Biflavonoids are divided in two classes: C-C type compounds represented by the dimeric compound amentoflavone and C-O-C-type compounds typified by hinokiflavone (HNK) with an ether linkage between the two connected apigenin units. This later sub-group of bisflavonyl ethers includes HNK, ochnaflavone, delicaflavone and a few other dimeric compounds, found in a variety of plants, notably Selaginella species. A comprehensive review of the anticancer properties and mechanism of action of HNK is provided, to highlight the anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic activities of HNK and derivatives, and HNK-containing plant extracts. The anticancer effects rely on the capacity of HNK to interfere with the ERK1-2/p38/NFκB signaling pathway and the regulation of the expression of the matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 (with a potential direct binding to MMP-9). In addition, HNK was found to function as a potent modulator of pre-mRNA splicing, inhibiting the SUMO-specific protease SENP1. As such, HNK represents a rare SENP1 inhibitor of natural origin and a scaffold to design synthetic compounds. Oral formulations of HNK have been elaborated to enhance its solubility, to facilitate the compound delivery and to enhance its anticancer efficacy. The review shed light on the anticancer potential of C-O-C-type biflavonoids and specifically on the pharmacological profile of HNK. This compound deserves further attention as a regulator of pre-mRNA splicing, useful to treat cancers (in particular hepatocellular carcinoma) and other human pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Goossens
- Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, EA 7365 - GRITA - Groupe de Recherche sur les Formes Injectables et les Technologies Associées, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Laurence Goossens
- Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, EA 7365 - GRITA - Groupe de Recherche sur les Formes Injectables et les Technologies Associées, 59000, Lille, France
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Wang W, Zheng H. Myocardial Infarction: The Protective Role of MiRNAs in Myocardium Pathology. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:631817. [PMID: 33748196 PMCID: PMC7973051 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.631817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases have been regarded as the leading cause of death around the world, with myocardial infarction (MI) being the most severe form. MI leads to myocardial apoptosis, cardiomyocyte fibrosis, and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, ultimately leading to heart failure, and death. Micro RNAs (miRNAs) participate in the genesis and progression of myocardial pathology after MI by playing an important regulatory role. This review aims to summarize all available knowledge on the role of miRNAs in the myocardial pathological process after MI to uncover potential major target pathways. In addition, the main therapeutic methods and their latest progress are also reviewed. miRNAs can regulate the main signaling pathways as well as pathological processes. Thus, they have the potential to induce therapeutic effects. Hence, the combination of miRNAs with recently developed exosome nanocomplexes may represent the future direction of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Graduate School of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Hao Zheng
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
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