Anti-proliferative activity and cell cycle arrest induced by evodiamine on paclitaxel-sensitive and -resistant human ovarian cancer cells

Exploring the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects of Xianglian Pill: Integrating network pharmacology and RNA sequencing via in silico and in vitro studies

BACKGROUND

Liver cancer represents a most common and fatal cancer worldwide. Xianglian Pill (XLP) is an herbal formula holding great promise in clearing heat for treating diseases in an integrative and holistic way. However, due to the complex constituents and multiple targets, the exact molecular mechanisms of action of XLP are still unclear.

PURPOSE

This study is focused on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer. The aim of this study is to develop a fast and efficient model to investigate the anti-HCC effects of XLP, and its underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HepG2, Hep3B, Mahlavu, HuH-7, or Li-7 cells were employed in the studies. The ingredients were analyzed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS). RNA sequencing combined with network pharmacology was used to elucidate the therapeutic mechanism of XLP in HCC via in silico and in vitro studies. An approach was constructed to improve the accuracy of prediction in network pharmacology by combining big data and omics.

RESULTS

First, we identified 13 potential ingredients in the serum of XLP-administered rats using LC-MS. Then the network pharmacology was performed to predict that XLP demonstrates anti-HCC effects via targeting 94 genes involving in 13 components. Modifying the database thresholds might impact the accuracy of network pharmacology analysis based on RNA sequencing data. For instance, when the matching rate peak is 0.43, the correctness rate peak is 0.85. Moreover, 9 components of XLP and 6 relevant genes have been verified with CCK-8 and RT-qPCR assay, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Based on the crossing studies of RNA sequencing and network pharmacology, XLP was found to improve HCC through multiple targets and pathways. Additionally, the study provides a way to optimize network pharmacology analysis in herbal medicine research.

Evodiamine potentiates cisplatin-induced cell death and overcomes cisplatin resistance in non-small-cell lung cancer by targeting SOX9-β-catenin axis

BACKGROUND

In recent decades, phytotherapy has remained as a key therapeutic option for the treatment of various cancers. Evodiamine, an excellent phytocompound from Evodia fructus, exerts anticancer activity in several cancers by modulating drug resistance. However, the role of evodiamine in cisplatin-resistant NSCLC cells is not clear till now. Therefore, we have used evodiamine as a chemosensitizer to overcome cisplatin resistance in NSCLC.

METHODS

Here, we looked into SOX9 expression and how it affects the cisplatin sensitivity of cisplatin-resistant NSCLC cells. MTT and clonogenic assays were performed to check the cell proliferation. AO/EtBr and DAPI staining, ROS measurement assay, transfection, Western blot analysis, RT-PCR, Scratch & invasion, and comet assay were done to check the role of evodiamine in cisplatin-resistant NSCLC cells.

RESULTS

SOX9 levels were observed to be higher in cisplatin-resistant A549 (A549CR) and NCI-H522 (NCI-H522CR) compared to parental A549 and NCI-H522. It was found that SOX9 promotes cisplatin resistance by regulating β-catenin. Depletion of SOX9 restores cisplatin sensitivity by decreasing cell proliferation and cell migration and inducing apoptosis in A549CR and NCI-H522CR. After evodiamine treatment, it was revealed that evodiamine increases cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in A549CR and NCI-H522CR cells through increasing intracellular ROS generation. The combination of both drugs also significantly inhibited cell migration by inhibiting epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Mechanistic investigation revealed that evodiamine resensitizes cisplatin-resistant cells toward cisplatin by decreasing the expression of SOX9 and β-catenin.

CONCLUSION

The combination of evodiamine and cisplatin may be a novel strategy for combating cisplatin resistance in NSCLC.

Demethoxymurrapanine, an indole-naphthoquinone alkaloid, inhibits the proliferation of oral cancer cells without major side effects on normal cells

Antioral cancer drugs need a greater antiproliferative impact on cancer than on normal cells. Demethoxymurrapanine (DEMU) inhibits proliferation in several cancer cells, but an in-depth investigation was necessary. This study evaluated the proliferation-modulating effects of DEMU, focusing on oral cancer and normal cells. DEMU (0, 2, 3, and 4 μg/mL) at 48 h treatments inhibited the proliferation of oral cancer cells (the cell viability (%) for Ca9-22 cells was 100.0 ± 2.2, 75.4 ± 5.6, 26.0 ± 3.8, and 15.4 ± 1.4, and for CAL 27 cells was 100.0 ± 9.4, 77.2 ± 5.9, 57.4 ± 10.7, and 27.1 ± 1.1) more strongly than that of normal cells (the cell viability (%) for S-G cells was 100.0 ± 6.6, 91.0 ± 4.6, 95.0 ± 2.6, and 95.8 ± 5.5), although this was blocked by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. The presence of oxidative stress was evidenced by the increase of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial superoxide and the downregulation of the cellular antioxidant glutathione in oral cancer cells, but these changes were minor in normal cells. DEMU also caused greater induction of the subG1 phase, extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis (annexin V and caspases 3, 8, and 9), and DNA damage (γH2AX and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine) in oral cancer than in normal cells. N-acetylcysteine attenuated all these DEMU-induced changes. Together, these data demonstrate the preferential antiproliferative function of DEMU in oral cancer cells, with the preferential induction of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and DNA damage in these cancer cells, and low cytotoxicity toward normal cells.

Enhancing apoptosis-mediated anticancer activity of evodiamine through protein-based nanoparticles in breast cancer cells

In the cutting-edge era of developing precision therapeutics, nanoparticles have emerged as a potent drug delivery system. Altering the size of poorly water-soluble drugs to nanoscale could confer change in their physical properties, including enhanced water solubility and bioavailability. Evodiamine (EVO), a natural indolequinone alkaloid extract from Evodia rutaecarpa, has shown several important pharmacological applications, anti-cancer being one of them. Protein-based nano-drug delivery systems have gained the interest of researchers due to their better biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-immunogenicity and non-toxicity. In the present study, EVO encapsulated BSA nanoparticles (ENPs) were synthesized and characterized, which were nanoscale-sized (~ 150 nm), monodispersed, spherical shaped, and showed high entrapment efficiency (~ 86%) and controlled drug release. The in-vitro anti-cancer activity of ENPs on human breast cancer cells was dose- and time-dependent. The apoptotic molecular mechanism investigated using FACS, qRT-PCR, and western blotting analysis, revealed increased expression of p53 and Bax and decreased expression of Bcl-2. Biological studies demonstrated comparatively more efficient and targeted delivery of ENPs than pure EVO. The comprehensive physiochemical characterization and in-vitro validation collectively pinpoint ENPs as a promising avenue for harnessing the therapeutic potential of the natural anti-cancer compound EVO. The findings indicate improved cytotoxicity, positioning ENPs as a propitious strategy for advancing breast cancer treatment.

Evodiamine as an anticancer agent: a comprehensive review on its therapeutic application, pharmacokinetic, toxicity, and metabolism in various cancers

Evodiamine is a major alkaloid component found in the fruit of Evodia rutaecarpa. It shows the anti-proliferative potential against a wide range of cancers by suppressing cell growth, invasion, and metastasis and inducing apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Evodiamine shows its anticancer potential by modulating aberrant signaling pathways. Additionally, the review focuses on several therapeutic implications of evodiamine, such as epigenetic modification, cancer stem cells, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Moreover, combinatory drug therapeutics along with evodiamine enhances the anticancer efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs in various cancers by overcoming the chemo resistance and radio resistance shown by cancer cells. It has been widely used in preclinical trials in animal models, exhibiting very negligible side effects against normal cells and effective against cancer cells. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics-based collaborations of evodiamine are also included. Due to its poor bioavailability, synthetic analogs of evodiamine and its nano capsule have been formulated to enhance its bioavailability and reduce toxicity. In addition, this review summarizes the ongoing research on the mechanisms behind the antitumor potential of evodiamine, which proposes an exciting future for such interests in cancer biology.

Evodiamine inhibits stemness and metastasis by altering the SOX9-β-catenin axis in non-small-cell lung cancer

Evodiamine (EVO), a natural dietary alkaloid extracted from the roots of the Evodia rutaecarpa, has shown anticancer activities. Here, we have investigated EVO's role in inhibiting cell proliferation and migration in A549 and NCI-H522 lung cancer cells. EVO decreased the cell viability in A549 and NCI-H522 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. It also induced apoptosis by downregulating the expression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and upregulating the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and PARP. In addition, the treatment of EVO elevated the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation inside the cells to induce the cell death pathways. In contrast, the pretreatment of ROS scavenger, N-acetyl cysteine, reverses the effect of EVO and attenuates cell death. Moreover, excess ROS generation in response to EVO resulted in the depletion of mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, it induced DNA damage and arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase in A549 and NCI-H522 cells. Our study also investigated that EVO significantly suppressed tumorigenicity by inhibiting colony formation and tumorsphere formation. However, the treatment of EVO downregulated the cancer stem cell markers CD44 and CD133 in non-small-cell lung cancer. The inhibitory effect of EVO on cell invasion was mediated by altering the expression of E-cadherin, ZO-1, N-cadherin, and Vimentin. Additionally, we have revealed that EVO treatment showed downregulation of SOX9, an upstream component of β-catenin. Lastly, we have demonstrated that EVO targets the SOX9-β-catenin axis by reducing SOX9 and β-catenin expression. These findings suggested that EVO could be a promising agent for treating human lung cancer.

Role of Plant-Derived Active Constituents in Cancer Treatment and Their Mechanisms of Action

Despite significant technological advancements in conventional therapies, cancer remains one of the main causes of death worldwide. Although substantial progress has been made in the control and treatment of cancer, several limitations still exist, and there is scope for further advancements. Several adverse effects are associated with modern chemotherapy that hinder cancer treatment and lead to other critical disorders. Since ancient times, plant-based medicines have been employed in clinical practice and have yielded good results with few side effects. The modern research system and advanced screening techniques for plants’ bioactive constituents have enabled phytochemical discovery for the prevention and treatment of challenging diseases such as cancer. Phytochemicals such as vincristine, vinblastine, paclitaxel, curcumin, colchicine, and lycopene have shown promising anticancer effects. Discovery of more plant-derived bioactive compounds should be encouraged via the exploitation of advanced and innovative research techniques, to prevent and treat advanced-stage cancers without causing significant adverse effects. This review highlights numerous plant-derived bioactive molecules that have shown potential as anticancer agents and their probable mechanisms of action and provides an overview of in vitro, in vivo and clinical trial studies on anticancer phytochemicals.

Research progress on evodiamine, a bioactive alkaloid of Evodiae fructus: Focus on its anti-cancer activity and bioavailability (Review)

Evodiae fructus (Wu-Zhu-Yu in Chinese) can be isolated from the dried, unripe fruits of Tetradium ruticarpum and is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine that is applied extensively in China, Japan and Korea. Evodiae fructus has been traditionally used to treat headaches, abdominal pain and menorrhalgia. In addition, it is widely used as a dietary supplement to provide carboxylic acids, essential oils and flavonoids. Evodiamine (EVO) is one of the major bioactive components contained within Evodiae fructus and is considered to be a potential candidate anti-cancer agent. EVO has been reported to exert anti-cancer effects by inhibiting cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis, whilst inducing apoptosis in numerous types of cancer cells. However, EVO is susceptible to metabolism and may inhibit the activities of metabolizing enzymes, such as cytochrome P450. Clinical application of EVO in the treatment of cancers may prove difficult due to poor bioavailability and potential toxicity due to metabolism. Currently, novel drug carriers involving the use of solid dispersion techniques, phospholipids and nanocomplexes to deliver EVO to improve its bioavailability and mitigate side effects have been tested. The present review aims to summarize the reported anti-cancer effects of EVO whilst discussing the pharmacokinetic behaviors, characteristics and effective delivery systems of EVO.

Apatinib Inhibits Angiogenesis in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma by Regulating the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription Factor 3/Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 Subunit Alpha Signaling Axis

INTRODUCTION

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), which is difficult to diagnose and is usually fatal due to its late clinical presentation and a lack of effective treatment, has risen over the past decades but without much improvement in prognosis.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to investigate the role of apatinib that targets vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) in ICC.

METHODS

MTT assays, cell scratch assays, and tube formation assays were used to assess the effect of apatinib on human ICC cell line (HuCCT-1) and RBE cells proliferation, migration, and angiogenic capacity, respectively. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGFR2, signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 3 (STAT3), pSTAT3, and hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF-1α) pathway proteins was assessed using Western blotting and mRNA expression analysis in HuCCT-1 was performed using RT-qPCR assays. The pcDNA 3.1(-)-VEGFR2 and pcDNA 3.1(-)-HIF-1α were transfected into HuCCT-1 and RBE cells using Lipofectamine 2,000 to obtain overexpressed HuCCT-1 and RBE cells.

RESULTS

We found that apatinib-inhibited proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of HuCCT-1 and RBE cells in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. We also proved that apatinib effectively inhibits angiogenesis in tumor cells by blocking the expression of VEGF and VEGFR2 in these cells. In addition, we demonstrated that apatinib regulates the expression of STAT3 phosphorylation by inhibiting VEGFR2. Finally, we showed that apatinib regulates ICC angiogenesis and HIF-1α/VEGF expression via STAT3.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the above findings, we conclude that apatinib inhibits HuCCT-1 and RBE cell proliferation, migration, and tumor angiogenesis by inhibiting the VEGFR2/STAT3/HIF-1α axis signaling pathway. Apatinib can be a promising drug for ICC-targeted molecular therapy.

Identification and validation of a hub gene prognostic index for hepatocellular carcinoma

Aims: We aim to provide new insights into the mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and identify key genes as biomarkers for the prognosis of HCC. Materials & methods: Differentially expressed genes between HCC tissues and normal tissues were identified via the Gene Expression Omnibus tool. The top ten hub genes screened by the degree of the protein nodes in the protein-protein interaction network also showed significant associations with overall survival in HCC patients. Results: A prognostic model containing a five-gene signature was constructed to predict the prognosis of HCC via multivariate Cox regression analysis. Conclusion: This study identified a novel five-gene signature (CDK1, CCNB1, CCNB2, BUB1 and KIF11) as a significant independent prognostic factor.

Evodiamine: A review of its pharmacology, toxicity, pharmacokinetics and preparation researches

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Evodia rutaecarpa, a well-known herb medicine in China, is extensively applied in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The plant has the effects of dispersing cold and relieving pain, arresting vomiting, and helping Yang and stopping diarrhea. Modern research demonstrates that evodiamine, the main component of Evodia rutaecarpa, is the material basis for its efficacy.

AIMS OF THE REVIEW

This paper is primarily addressed to summarize the current studies on evodiamine. The progress in research on the pharmacology, toxicology, pharmacokinetics, preparation researches and clinical application are reviewed. Moreover, outlooks and directions for possible future studies concerning it are also discussed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The information of this systematic review was conducted with resources of multiple literature databases including PubMed, Google scholar, Web of Science and Wiley Online Library and so on, with employing a combination of keywords including "pharmacology", "toxicology", "pharmacokinetics" and "clinical application", etc. RESULTS: As the main component of Evodia rutaecarpa, evodiamine shows considerable pharmacological activities, such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-microbial, heart protection and metabolic disease regulation. However, it is also found that it has significant hepatotoxicity and cardiotoxicity, thereby it should be monitored in clinical. In addition, available data demonstrate that the evodiamine has a needy solubility in aqueous medium. Scientific and reasonable pharmaceutical strategies should be introduced to improve the above defects. Meanwhile, more efforts should be made to develop novel efficient and low toxic derivatives.

CONCLUSIONS

This review summarizes the results from current studies of evodiamine, which is one of the valuable medicinal ingredients from Evodia rutaecarpa. With the assistance of relevant pharmacological investigation, some conventional application and problems in pharmaceutical field have been researched in recent years. In addition, unresolved issues include toxic mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, novel pharmaceutical researches and relationship between residues and intestinal environment, which are still being explored and excavate before achieving integration into clinical practice.

Sesquiterpenes and their derivatives-natural anticancer compounds: An update

Sesquiterpenes belong to the largest group of plant secondary metabolites, which consist of three isoprene building units. These compounds are widely distributed in various angiosperms, a few gymnosperms and bryophytes. Sesquiterpenes and their allied derivatives are bio-synthesized in various plant parts including leaves, fruits and roots. These plant-based metabolites are predominantly identified in the Asteraceae family, wherein up to 5000 complexes have been documented to date. Sesquiterpenes and their derivatives are characteristically associated with plant defence mechanisms owing to their antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral activities. Over the last two decades, these compounds have been reportedly demonstrated health promoting perspectives against a wide range of metabolic syndromes i.e. hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular complications, neural disorders, diabetes, and cancer. The high potential of sesquiterpenes and their derivatives against various cancers like breast, colon, bladder, pancreatic, prostate, cervical, brain, liver, blood, ovarium, bone, endometrial, oral, lung, eye, stomach and kidney are the object of this review. Predominantly, it recapitulates the literature elucidating sesquiterpenes and their derivatives while highlighting the mechanistic approaches associated with their potent anticancer activities such as modulating nuclear factor kappa (NF-kB) activity, inhibitory action against lipid peroxidation and retarding the production of reactive oxygen & nitrogen species (ROS&RNS).

Rutaecarpine derivative Cpd-6c alleviates acute kidney injury by targeting PDE4B, a key enzyme mediating inflammation in cisplatin nephropathy

Acute kidney injury (AKI), characterized by a rapid decline in renal function, is triggered by an acute inflammatory response that leads to kidney damage. An effective treatment for AKI is lacking. Using in vitro and in vivo AKI models, our laboratory has identified a series of anti-inflammatory molecules and their derivatives. In the current study, we identified the protective role of rutaecarpine (Ru) on renal tubules. We obtained a series of 3-aromatic sulphonamide-substituted Ru derivatives exhibiting enhanced renoprotective and anti-inflammatory function. We identified Compound-6c(Cpd-6c) as having the best activity and examined its protective effect against cisplatin nephropathy both in vivo and in vitro in cisplatin-stimulated tubular epithelial cells (TECs). Our results showed that Cpd-6c restored renal function more effectively than Ru, as evidenced by reduced blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels in mice. Cpd-6c alleviated tubular injury, as shown by PAS staining and molecular analysis of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), with both prevention and treatment protocols in cisplatin-treated mice. Moreover, Cpd-6c decreased kidney inflammation, oxidative stress and programmed cell death. These results have also been confirmed in cisplatin-treated TECs. Using web-prediction algorithms, molecular docking, and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), we identified phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) as a Cpd-6c target. In addition, we firstly found that PDE4B was up-regulated significantly in the serum of AKI patients. After identifying the function of PDE4B in cisplatin-treated tubular epithelial cells by siRNA transfection or PDE4 inhibitor rolipram, we showed that Cpd-6c treatment did not protect against cisplatin-induced injury in PDE4B knockdown TECs, thus indicating that Cpd-6c exerts its renoprotective and anti-oxidative effects via the PDE4B-dependent pathway. Collectively, Cpd-6c might serve as a potential therapeutic agent for AKI and PDE4B may be highly involved in the initiation and progression of AKI.

An Indole Alkaloid Extracted from Evodia rutaecarpa Inhibits Colonic Motility of Rats In Vitro

Evodiamine (Evo) is an indole alkaloid extracted from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Evodia rutaecarpa. Evo may regulate gastrointestinal motility, but the evidence is insufficient, and the mechanisms remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Evo on colonic motility of rats and the underlying mechanisms in vitro. Rat colonic muscle was exposed to Evo (10 and 100 μM) followed by immunohistochemistry of cholecystokinin receptor 1 (CCK1R). Muscle contractions were studied in an organ bath system to determine whether CCK1R, nitric oxide (NO), and enteric neurons are involved in the relaxant effect of Evo. Whole-cell patch-clamp was used to detect L-type calcium currents (I_Ca,L) in isolated colonic smooth muscle cells (SMCs). CCK1R was observed in SMCs, intermuscular neurons, and mucosa of rat colon. Evo could inhibit spontaneous muscle contractions; NO synthase, inhibitor L-NAME CCK1R antagonist, could partly block this effect, while the enteric neurons may not play a major role. Evo inhibited the peak I_Ca,L in colonic SMCs at a membrane potential of 0 mV. The current-voltage (I–V) relationship of L-type calcium channels was modified by Evo, while the peak of the I–V curve remained at 0 mV. Furthermore, Evo inhibited the activation of L-type calcium channels and decreased the peak I_Ca,L. The relaxant effect of Evo on colonic muscle is associated with the inhibition of L-type calcium channels. The enteric neurons, NO, and CCK1R may be partly related to the inhibitory effect of Evo on colonic motility. This study provides the first evidence that evodiamine can regulate colonic motility in rats by mediating calcium homeostasis in smooth muscle cells. These data form a theoretical basis for the clinical application of evodiamine for treatment of gastrointestinal motility diseases.

Role of limonin in anticancer effects of Evodia rutaecarpa on ovarian cancer cells

Background

Ovarian cancer therapy generally involves systemic chemotherapy with anticancer drugs; however, chemotherapy with a platinum-based drug has often been shown to cause adverse reactions and drug resistance in ovarian cancer patients. Evodia rutaecarpa (ER) reportedly shows anticancer activity against various types of cancer cells. However, the effects of ER have not yet been fully uncovered in ovarian cancer.

Methods

In the present study, we investigated the anticancer effects of an ER extract and its components against the ovarian cancer cell lines SKOV-33, A2780, RMUG-S and a cisplatin-resistant SKOV-3 cell line (Cis^R SKOV-3). Cell viability and colony formation assays along with subcellular fractionation analysis, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence staining were performed.

Results

ER treatment led to a significant reduction in the viability of SKOV-3 cells. Moreover, limonin, a compound found in ER, reduced the viability of both serous-type (SKOV-3 and A2780) and mucinous-type (RMUG-S) ovarian cancer cells by inducing apoptosis via activation of the p53 signaling pathway. Furthermore, limonin reversed the drug resistance through activation of apoptosis in Cis^R SKOV-3.

Conclusion

Taken together, our findings suggest that limonin contributes to the anti-ovarian cancer effects of ER by inducing apoptosis via activation of the p53 signaling pathway.

Two new quinolone alkaloids from the nearly ripe fruits of Tetradium ruticarpum

Tetradium ruticarpum (Juss.) Benth. belong to the family of Rutaceae. The complete and nearly ripe fruits of T. ruticarpum is used as traditional Chinese medicine and phytochemical investigations have been conducted on extracts of the seeds of T. ruticarpum to provide scientific validation of its properties. In this study, we successfully isolated two new quinolone alkaloids (1-2) from the MeOH extractive of nearly ripe fruits of T. ruticarpum. The structure elucidation of these compounds was determined by one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance, ultraviolet and electrospray ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry. This finding expands the understanding of the natural constituents of the Rutaceae, in particular, the Tetradium genera.

Evodiamine in combination with histone deacetylase inhibitors has synergistic cytotoxicity in thyroid carcinoma cells

PURPOSE

The impact of evodiamine in combination with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors on survival of thyroid carcinoma cells was identified.

METHODS

TPC-1 and SW1736 human thyroid carcinoma cells were used.

RESULTS

After treatment with evodiamine and PXD101, cell viability, the percentage of viable cells and Bcl2 protein levels decreased, whereas cytotoxic activity, the percentage of apoptotic cells, the protein levels of γH2AX, acetyl. histone H3 and cleaved PARP, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production increased. In cells treated with both evodiamine and PXD101, compared with PXD101 alone, decrement of cell viability, the percentage of viable cells, and Bcl2 protein levels as well as increment of cytotoxic activity, the percentage of apoptotic cells, the protein levels of γH2AX and cleaved PARP, and ROS production were significant, causing decrement of Bcl2/Bax ratio. Furthermore, all of the combination index values were <1.0, suggesting synergistic cytotoxicity of two agents. Wortmannin decreased cell viability and the percentage of viable cells, whereas it increased cytotoxic activity and the percentage of apoptotic cells without alteration in ROS production. The changes in cells treated with both evodiamine and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid or trichostatin A were similar to those in cells treated with both evodiamine and PXD101.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that evodiamine synergizes with HDAC inhibitors in inducing cytotoxic activities by involving survival-related proteins and ROS in thyroid carcinoma cells. Moreover, repression of PI3K/Akt signaling synergistically reinforces cytotoxicity of evodiamine combined with HDAC inhibitors in thyroid carcinoma cells.

DNA damage response and repair in ovarian cancer: Potential targets for therapeutic strategies

Ovarian cancer is among the most lethal gynecologic malignancies with a poor survival prognosis. The current therapeutic strategies involve surgery and chemotherapy. Research is now focused on novel agents especially those targeting DNA damage response (DDR) pathways. Understanding the DDR process in ovarian cancer necessitates having a detailed knowledge on a series of signaling mediators at the cellular and molecular levels. The complexity of the DDR process in ovarian cancer and how this process works in metastatic conditions is comprehensively reviewed. For evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic agents targeting DNA damage in ovarian cancer, we will discuss the components of this system including DDR sensors, DDR transducers, DDR mediators, and DDR effectors. The constituent pathways include DNA repair machinery, cell cycle checkpoints, and apoptotic pathways. We also will assess the potential of active mediators involved in the DDR process such as therapeutic and prognostic candidates that may facilitate future studies.

A mitochondria-targeted delivery system of doxorubicin and evodiamine for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer

For mitochondria-targeted nano-drug delivery systems against cancer, effectively targeting and releasing the drug into mitochondria are the keys to improve the therapeutic effect. In this study, mitochondria-targeted and reduction-sensitive micelles were developed to co-deliver doxorubicin (DOX) and evodiamine (EVO) for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. After entering cancer cells, the micelles first targeted mitochondria through triphenylphosphonium cations. Then, the disulfide bonds of the micelles were cleaved by GSH, and both DOX and EVO were released near the mitochondria. The released EVO subsequently destroyed the mitochondrial membrane, resulting in a large amount of DOX entering the mitochondria and improving the anti-tumor effect of DOX. These mitochondria-targeted and reduction-sensitive micelles loaded with doxorubicin and evodiamine showed significant inhibition of the tumor cell growth both in vitro and in vivo.

For mitochondria-targeted nano-drug delivery systems against cancer, effectively targeting and releasing the drug into mitochondria are the keys to improve the therapeutic effect.

Evodiamine Induces Apoptosis in SMMC-7721 and HepG2 Cells by Suppressing NOD1 Signal Pathway

Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is a lethal malignancy with poor prognosis and easy recurrence. There are few agents with minor toxic side effects that can be used for treatment of HCC. Evodiamine (Evo), one of the major bioactive components derived from fructus Evodiae, has long been shown to exert anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity by suppressing activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). In addition, in the Nucleotide-Binding Oligomerization Domain 1 (NOD1) pathway, NOD1 could initiate NF-κB-dependent and MAPK-dependent gene transcription. Recent experimental studies reported that the NOD1 pathway was related to controlling development of various tumors. Here we hypothesize that Evo exerts anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity by inhibiting NOD1 to suppress NF-κB and MAPK activation. Therefore, we proved the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity of Evo on HCC cells and detected the effect of Evo on the NOD1 pathway. We found that Evo significantly induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, upregulated P53 and Bcl-2 associated X proteins (Bax) proteins, and downregulated B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), cyclinB1, and cdc2 proteins in HCC cells. In addition, Evo reduced levels of NOD1, p-P65, p-ERK, p-p38, and p-JNK, where the level of IκBα of HCC cells increased. Furthermore, NOD1 agonist γ-D-Glu-mDAP (IE-DAP) treatment weakened the effect of Evo on suppression of NF-κB and MAPK activation and cellular proliferation of HCC. In an in vivo subcutaneous xenograft model, Evo also exhibited excellent tumor inhibitory effects via the NOD1 signal pathway. Our results demonstrate that Evo could induce apoptosis remarkably and the inhibitory effect of Evo on HCC cells may be through suppressing the NOD1 signal pathway in vitro and in vivo.

Antiproliferative Effects of Alkaloid Evodiamine and Its Derivatives

Alkaloids, a category of natural products with ring structures and nitrogen atoms, include most U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved plant derived anti-cancer agents. Evodiamine is an alkaloid with attractive multitargeting antiproliferative activity. Its high content in the natural source ensures its adequate supply on the market and guarantees further medicinal study. To the best of our knowledge, there is no systematic review about the antiproliferative effects of evodiamine derivatives. Therefore, in this article the review of the antiproliferative activities of evodiamine will be updated. More importantly, the antiproliferative activities of structurally modified new analogues of evodiamine will be summarized for the first time.

Anti-cancer effects of Rhizoma Curcumae against doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer cells

Background

Chemotherapy is a primary approach in cancer treatment after routine surgery. However, chemo-resistance tends to occur with chemotherapy in clinic, resulting in poor prognosis and recurrence. Nowadays, Chinese medicine may shed light on design of new therapeutic modes to overcome chemo-resistance. Although Rhizoma Curcumae possesses anti-cancer activities in various types of cancers, the effects and underlying mechanisms of its bioactive components against chemo-resistance are not clear. Therefore, the present study aims to explore the potential effects of Rhizoma Curcumae on doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer cells.

Methods

The expression and function of ABC transporters in doxorubicin-resistant MCF-7 breast cancer cells were measured by western blotting and flow cytometry. Cell viability was detected using MTT assay. The combination index was analyzed using the CalcuSyn program (Biosoft, Ferguson, MO), based on the Chou–Talalay method.

Results

In our present study, P-gp was overexpressed at protein level in doxorubicin-resistant MCF-7 cell line, but short of MRP1 and BCRP1. Essential oil of Rhizoma Curcumae and the main bioactive components were assessed on doxorubicin-resistant MCF-7 cell line. We found that the essential oil and furanodiene both display powerful inhibitory effects on cell viability, but neither of these is the specific inhibitor of ABC transporters. Moreover, furanodiene fails to enhance the efficacy of doxorubicin to improve multidrug resistance.

Conclusion

Overall, our findings fill the gaps of the researches on chemo-resistance improvement of Rhizoma Curcumae and are also beneficial for Rhizoma Curcumae being developed as a promising natural product for cancer adjuvant therapy in the future.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13020-018-0203-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Evodiamine, a Novel NOTCH3 Methylation Stimulator, Significantly Suppresses Lung Carcinogenesis in Vitro and in Vivo

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. NOTCH3 signaling is mainly expressed in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), and has been proposed as a therapeutic target of NSCLC. While, few agents for preventing or treating NSCLC via targeting NOTCH3 signaling are used in modern clinical practice. Evodiamine (EVO), an alkaloid derived from Euodiae Fructus, possesses low toxicity and has long been shown to exert anti-lung cancer activity. However, the underlying anti-lung cancer mechanisms of EVO are not yet fully understood. In this study, we explored the involvement of NOTCH3 signaling in the anti-lung cancer effects of EVO. Urethane-induced lung cancer mouse model and two NSCLC cell models, A549 and H1299, were used to evaluate the in vivo and in vitro anti-lung cancer action of EVO. A DNA methyltransferase inhibitor was employed to investigate the role of NOTCH3 signaling in the anti-lung cancer effects of EVO. Results showed that EVO potently reduced tumor size and tumor numbers in mice, and inhibited NOTCH3 in the tumors. EVO also dramatically reduced cell viability, induced G2/M cell cycle arrest, inhibited cell migration and reduced stemness in cultured NSCLC cells. Mechanistic studies showed that EVO potently inhibited NOTCH3 signaling by activation of DNMTs-induced NOTCH3 methylation. Importantly, inhibition of NOTCH3 methylation in NSCLC cells diminished EVO's anti-NSCLC effects. Collectively, EVO, a novel NOTCH3 methylation stimulator, exerted potent anti-lung cancer effects partially by inhibiting NOTCH3 signaling. These findings provide new insight into the EVO's anti-NSCLC action, and suggest a potential role of EVO in lung cancer prevention and treatment.

The in vitro estrogenic activity of the crude drugs found in Japanese herbal medicines prescribed for menopausal syndrome was enhanced by combining them

BACKGROUND

Japanese herbal medicines can be used as alternatives to estrogen therapy and are sometimes prescribed for menopausal syndrome because they have fewer side effects and are associated with better compliance than estrogen therapy, but little is known about the pharmacological mechanisms of such treatments. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms responsible for the estrogen-like effects of five widely prescribed Japanese herbal medicines (unkeito, kamishoyosan, nyoshinsan, keishibukuryogan, and tokishakuyakusan).

METHODS

We evaluated the estrogenic activity of these five Japanese herbal medicines and their metabolites using an estrogen receptor (ER)-dependent cell proliferation bioassay and an ER-dependent reporter assay. We also investigated the estrogenic activity of the crude drugs within the medicines and attempted to detect inter-crude drug synergistic effects using the ER-dependent reporter assay.

RESULTS

We found that unkeito, kamishoyosan, and nyoshinsan exhibited estrogenic activity, and they displayed stronger estrogenic activity after being metabolized. Then, we focused on investigating the estrogenic activity of the crude drugs present within unkeito. We found that glycyrrhizae radix, cinnamomi cortex, evodiae fructus, and zingiberis rhizoma demonstrated ERβ-dependent estrogenic activity. The combined use of evodiae fructus and glycyrrhizae radix, or evodiae fructus and cinnamomi cortex produced synergistic ERβ-dependent estrogenic activity.

CONCLUSION

It was suggested that unkeito, kamishoyosan, and nyoshinsan exert estrogenic activity, and hence, might be useful for treating menopausal syndrome. Furthermore, synergistic estrogenic effects were detected between some of the crude drugs present within unkeito.

Anticancer Activity of Natural and Synthetic Capsaicin Analogs

The nutritional compound capsaicin is the major spicy ingredient of chili peppers. Although traditionally associated with analgesic activity, recent studies have shown that capsaicin has profound antineoplastic effects in several types of human cancers. However, the applications of capsaicin as a clinically viable drug are limited by its unpleasant side effects, such as gastric irritation, stomach cramps, and burning sensation. This has led to extensive research focused on the identification and rational design of second-generation capsaicin analogs, which possess greater bioactivity than capsaicin. A majority of these natural capsaicinoids and synthetic capsaicin analogs have been studied for their pain-relieving activity. Only a few of these capsaicin analogs have been investigated for their anticancer activity in cell culture and animal models. The present review summarizes the current knowledge of the growth-inhibitory activity of natural capsaicinoids and synthetic capsaicin analogs. Future studies that examine the anticancer activity of a greater number of capsaicin analogs represent novel strategies in the treatment of human cancers.

Chloroform extract of Hedyotis diffusa Willd inhibits viability of human colorectal cancer cells via suppression of AKT and ERK signaling pathways

Hedyotis diffusa Willd (HDW) is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine in clinical therapy to treat various types of cancer, including colorectal cancer (CRC), but its effective polar fractions and functional mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to determine the most effective extract of HDW and to investigate its effects on the regulation of CRC cell proliferation and apoptosis, as well as to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The results demonstrated that the chloroform extract of HDW (CEHDW) exhibited the most anticancer ability. Furthermore, results of the MTT assay, colony formation, carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester assay and annexin V/propidium iodide staining suggested that CEHDW significantly inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis in the SW620 CRC cell line. Additionally, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis demonstrated that CEHDW treatment downregulated the expression of Survivin, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, Cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and upregulated the expression of Bcl-2-associated X protein at the mRNA and protein levels. CEHDW also decreased the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT) and extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK), which indicated that the suppression of the AKT and ERK signaling pathways may be one of the underlying molecular mechanisms by which CEHDW exhibited its anticancer effect. Thus, CEHDW may be a promising agent for anticancer therapy.

Evodiamine ameliorates liver fibrosis in rats via TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway

Liver fibrosis is considered to be a result of chronic liver pathological changes, and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play an important role during this process. Evodiamine, an indole alkaloid derived from Evodia rutaecarpa, exhibits pharmacological activities. This study focused on the effects of evodiamine on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver fibrosis in rats and HSCs in vitro via the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. A liver fibrosis rat model was established by the intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ (3 ml/kg, 30% in olive oil). Evodiamine (15 and 25 mg/kg) was administered orally for 8 weeks. HSCs were treated with different evodiamine concentrations. The results indicated that evodiamine could improve the histopathological abnormalities in liver tissues and decrease the level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), hydroxyproline, and total bilirubin (TBIL). Concentrations of IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), collagen-I (COL-I), and collagen-III (COL-III) were reduced by evodiamine. Western blotting and real-time PCR showed that protein expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β1), p-Smad 2/3 (phosphorylation of Smad 2/3), and smooth muscle alpha-actin (α-SMA) as well as mRNA expression of TGF-β1 and α-SMA in liver tissues were downregulated by evodiamine. The cell proliferation, production of hydroxyproline, and the protein expression of TGF-β1, p-Smad 2/3, and α-SMA in HSCs were dose-dependently reduced by evodiamine. Collectively, evodiamine had an antifibrosis effect in CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis, and reduced HSCs proliferation and collagen metabolism in vitro. The major mechanism was downregulation of relative expression of TGF-β1, p-Smad 2/3, and α-SMA.

Evodiamine Exerts an Anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma Activity through a WWOX-Dependent Pathway

Evodiamine is one of the main components isolated from Evodia rutaecarpa, and it has been reported to exert inhibitory effects on cancers by anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing activities. Although the anti-cancer activity of evodiamine has been identified, the precise mechanisms of this action remain obscure. While previous studies indicated that evodiamine exerts anti-tumor effects through inhibiting β-catenin activity, and WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) regulates β-catenin accumulation in cytoplasm, the effects of evodiamine on the expression of WWOX are still unknown. In this study, we provide evidence that evodiamine dose- and time-dependently inhibits both Mus musculus and Homo sapiens hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, as well as Hepa1-6 and HepG2 cell proliferation. We further tested the therapeutic effects of evodiamine in Hepa1-6 hepatoma-bearing mice, and we found that treatment of evodiamine by oral gavage significantly decreased the tumor size of the mice. Moreover, the expressions of WWOX were dose-dependently increased in HCC cell lines as well as in Hepa1-6 hepatoma-bearing mice after the treatment with evodiamine. Knockdown of WWOX in HepG2 and Hepa1-6 cells diminished the effects of evodiamine on the inhibitory effect of cancer cell growth, indicating that evodiamine induced anti-cancer activity through a WWOX-dependent pathway. As such, evodiamine activated WWOX to exert an anti-HCC activity, and might be a potential therapeutic or preventive candidate for HCC treatment.

Preclinical studies for the combination of paclitaxel and curcumin in cancer therapy (Review)

Cancer is one of the most common causes of death and remains the first in China and the second in the US. The common treatments for cancer include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy, while chemotherapy remains one of the most important treatments. However, the efficacy of chemotherapy is limited due to drug induced-toxicities and resistance, particularly multiple drug resistance (MDR). Therefore, discovery and development of novel therapeutic drugs and/or combination therapy are urgently needed to reduce toxicity and improve efficacy. Paclitaxel has been widely used to treat various cancers including cervical, breast, ovarian, brain, bladder, prostate, liver and lung cancers. However, its therapeutic efficacy is limited and MDR is a major obstacle. Recently, numerous preclinical studies have shown that the combination of paclitaxel and curcumin may be an ideal strategy to reverse MDR and synergistically improve their therapeutic efficacy in cancer therapy. This review mainly focuses on the current development and progress of the combination of paclitaxel and curcumin in cancer therapy preclinically.

M30/M65 ratio predicts the outcome of paclitaxel chemotherapy for NSCLC

PURPOSE

Paclitaxel is an effective treatment for some of the non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. However, prediction of the outcome of paclitaxel treatment at the early stage of the chemotherapy is difficult. M30 and M65 are circulating fragments of cytokeratin 18 released during apoptosis or necrosis, respectively, and have been used as markers to evaluate chemotherapy in some cancers. Here, we aimed to examine M30 and M65 values for predicting the therapeutic outcome of paclitaxel treatment of NSCLC.

METHODS

The serum levels of M30 and M65 before and after paclitaxel treatment in advance-stage NSCLC patients were analyzed, and compared to those in healthy controls. The importance of the M30 and M65 levels to the outcome of chemotherapy was analyzed.

RESULT

We found that the serum M30 and M65 levels were higher in patients with NSCLC (n = 44) than in control healthy subjects (n = 56) (p < 0.001). Two days after paclitaxel treatment, the serum levels of both M30 and M65 significantly increased in NSCLC patients (p < 0.001). Neither marker alone significantly correlated with overall patient survival, but the ratio of M30 vs M65 appeared to be an important prognostic factor for the overall survival of the patients (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the serum M30/M65 ratio may be a prognostic factor for the outcome of paclitaxel treatment in NSCLC.

Antiproliferative activity and apoptosis inducing effects of nitric oxide donating derivatives of evodiamine

The first series of nitric oxide donating derivatives of evodiamine were designed and prepared. NO releasing ability of all target derivatives was evaluated in BGC-823, Bel-7402 and L-02 cells. The cytotoxicity was evaluated against three human tumor cell lines (Bel-7402, A549 and BGC-823) and normal human liver cells L-02. The nitrate derivatives 11a and 11b only exhibited moderate activity and furoxan-based derivatives 13a-c, 14a and 14b showed promising activity. 13c showed good cytotoxic selectivity between tumor and normal liver cells and was further investigated for its apoptotic properties on human hepatocarcinoma Bel-7402 cells. The molecular mode of action revealed that 13c caused cell-cycle arrest at S phase and induced apoptosis in Bel-7402 cells through mitochondria-related caspase-dependent pathways.

Evodiamine and Its Role in Chronic Diseases

Evodiamine (EVO) is a major alkaloid compound extracted from the dry unripened fruit Evodiae fructus (Evodia rutaecarpa Benth., Rutaceae). EVO has a variety of pharmacological activities, such as anti-obesity, anti-allergenic, analgesic, anti-tumor, anti-ulcerogenic, and neuroprotective activities. EVO has varying efficacies in animal models and humans. Here, the physicochemical properties of EVO are presented, and the EVO's functions and mechanisms of action in various chronic diseases are reviewed. EVO is worth exploring in more depth in the future for its potential use in various chronic diseases.