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Ursolic Acid Analogs as Potential Therapeutics for Cancer. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27248981. [PMID: 36558113 PMCID: PMC9785537 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a pentacyclic triterpene isolated from a large variety of vegetables, fruits and many traditional medicinal plants. It is a structural isomer of Oleanolic Acid. The medicinal application of UA has been explored extensively over the last two decades. The diverse pharmacological properties of UA include anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-proliferative, etc. Especially, UA holds a promising position, potentially, as a cancer preventive and therapeutic agent due to its relatively non-toxic properties against normal cells but its antioxidant and antiproliferative activities against cancer cells. Cell culture studies have shown interference of UA with multiple pharmacological and molecular targets that play a critical role in many cells signaling pathways. Although UA is considered a privileged natural product, its clinical applications are limited due to its low absorption through the gastro-intestinal track and rapid elimination. The low bioavailability of UA limits its use as a therapeutic drug. To overcome these drawbacks and utilize the importance of the scaffold, many researchers have been engaged in designing and developing synthetic analogs of UA via structural modifications. This present review summarizes the synthetic UA analogs and their cytotoxic antiproliferative properties reported in the last two decades.
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Ahmed S, Hasan MM, Aschner M, Mirzaei H, Alam W, Mukarram Shah SM, Khan H. Therapeutic potential of marine peptides in glioblastoma: Mechanistic insights. Cell Signal 2021; 87:110142. [PMID: 34487816 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in humans. It is characterized by excessive cell growth and accelerated intrusion of normal brain tissue along with a poor prognosis. The current standard of treatment, including surgical removal, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, is largely ineffective, with high mortality and recurrence rates. As a result, traditional approaches have evolved to include new alternative remedies, such as natural compounds. Aquatic species provide a rich supply of possible drugs. The physiological effects of marine peptides in glioblastoma are mediated by a range of pathways, including apoptosis, microtubule balance disturbances, suppression of angiogenesis, cell migration/invasion, and cell viability; autophagy and metabolic enzymes downregulation. Herein, we address the efficacy of marine peptides as putative safe therapeutic agents for glioblastoma coupled with detail molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salman Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Mohtasheemul Hasan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan.
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10463, USA.
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Waqas Alam
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Swabi, Pakistan
| | | | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan 23200, Pakistan.
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Ngwakum BB, Payne RP, Teske PR, Janson L, Kerwath SE, Samaai T. Hundreds of new DNA barcodes for South African sponges. SYST BIODIVERS 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2021.1915896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Benedicta B. Ngwakum
- Centre for Ecological Genomics and Wildlife Conservation, Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa
| | - Robyn P. Payne
- Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Peter R. Teske
- Centre for Ecological Genomics and Wildlife Conservation, Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa
| | - Liesl Janson
- Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Oceans & Coasts Branch, Oceans & Coasts Research, Private Bag X4390, Cape Town, 8001, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Sven E. Kerwath
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X 3, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7701, South Africa
- Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Fisheries Branch, Fisheries Research, Private Bag X2, Roggebaai, Cape Town, 8012, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Toufiek Samaai
- Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Oceans & Coasts Branch, Oceans & Coasts Research, Private Bag X4390, Cape Town, 8001, Western Cape, South Africa
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X 3, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7701, South Africa
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Khwaza V, Oyedeji OO, Aderibigbe BA. Ursolic Acid-Based Derivatives as Potential Anti-Cancer Agents: An Update. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5920. [PMID: 32824664 PMCID: PMC7460570 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid is a pharmacologically active pentacyclic triterpenoid derived from medicinal plants, fruit, and vegetables. The pharmacological activities of ursolic acid have been extensively studied over the past few years and various reports have revealed that ursolic acid has multiple biological activities, which include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, etc. In terms of cancer treatment, ursolic acid interacts with a number of molecular targets that play an essential role in many cell signaling pathways. It suppresses transformation, inhibits proliferation, and induces apoptosis of tumor cells. Although ursolic acid has many benefits, its therapeutic applications in clinical medicine are limited by its poor bioavailability and absorption. To overcome such disadvantages, researchers around the globe have designed and developed synthetic ursolic acid derivatives with enhanced therapeutic effects by structurally modifying the parent skeleton of ursolic acid. These structurally modified compounds display enhanced therapeutic effects when compared to ursolic acid. This present review summarizes various synthesized derivatives of ursolic acid with anti-cancer activity which were reported from 2015 to date.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Blessing A. Aderibigbe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, Alice 5700, Eastern Cape, South Africa; (V.K.); (O.O.O.)
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Natural products as promising targets in glioblastoma multiforme: a focus on NF-κB signaling pathway. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 72:285-295. [DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00081-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Franco YEM, de Lima CA, Rosa MN, Silva VAO, Reis RM, Priolli DG, Carvalho PO, do Nascimento JR, da Rocha CQ, Longato GB. Investigation of U-251 cell death triggered by flavonoid luteolin: towards a better understanding on its anticancer property against glioblastomas. Nat Prod Res 2020; 35:4807-4813. [DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2020.1727470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yollanda E. M. Franco
- Research Laboratory in Molecular Pharmacology of Bioactive Compounds, São Francisco University - Bragança Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolina A. de Lima
- Research Laboratory in Molecular Pharmacology of Bioactive Compounds, São Francisco University - Bragança Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcela N. Rosa
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Viviane A. O. Silva
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rui M. Reis
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Denise G. Priolli
- Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory, São Francisco University - Bragança Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patricia O. Carvalho
- Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory, São Francisco University - Bragança Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jessyane R. do Nascimento
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Natural Products, Federal University of Maranhão-São Luis, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Q. da Rocha
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Natural Products, Federal University of Maranhão-São Luis, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Giovanna B. Longato
- Research Laboratory in Molecular Pharmacology of Bioactive Compounds, São Francisco University - Bragança Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
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Ye Q, Hai K, Liu W, Wang Y, Zhou X, Ye Z, Liu X. Investigation of the protective effect of heparin pre-treatment on cerebral ischaemia in gerbils. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2019; 57:519-528. [PMID: 31401926 PMCID: PMC6713203 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2019.1648524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Context: The interruption of cerebral blood circulation may cause stroke characterized by high neurological deficits (NDs) as a result of neuronal dysfunction or destruction. Heparin may exert a neuroprotective effect against cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion injury. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanism underlying the effects of heparin pre-treatment on cerebral injury in the gerbil. Materials and methods: A total of 80 healthy Mongolian gerbils were randomly divided into four groups to establish cerebral ischaemia model by bilateral carotid artery occlusion: control (no anaesthesia and surgery), sham (no occlusion), non-anticoagulation (occlusion), and anti-coagulation treatment groups (50 IU/100 g heparin pre-treated, occlusion). Gerbils were anesthetized with 40 mg/kg pentobarbital sodium through intraperitoneal injection before operation except for the control group. Then, the ND and histopathological damage (HD) scores were determined. The percentage of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α- and interleukin (IL)-1β-positive cells were calculated based on immunohistochemical results. The mRNA and protein levels of caspase-9, caspase-8, FasL, and calpain were evaluated with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting, respectively. Results: Compared with non-anticoagulation group, heparin pre-treatment (50 IU/100 g) delayed the onset of dyspnoea (p < 0.05), and showed a significant decrease in ND (p < 0.01), mortality rate (p < 0.05), HD (p < 0.01) and percentage of positive cells for TNF-α, IL-1β (p < 0.01) in cerebral ischaemia gerbils. Besides, the expression levels of caspase-9, caspase-8, FasL, and calpain were reduced after pre-treatment with 50 IU/100 g heparin. Discussion and conclusions: The damage caused to gerbil brain was reduced upon pre-treatment with heparin, possibly through the amelioration of neuronal cell apoptosis and expression of TNF-α and IL-1β. These findings are expected to provide a new breakthrough in the study and treatment of cerebral ischaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- QingShan Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest Minzu University (People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region), Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - KeRong Hai
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest Minzu University (People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region), Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - WenXun Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest Minzu University (People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region), Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest Minzu University (People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region), Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - XiaoHong Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest Minzu University (People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region), Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - ZhenHai Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest Minzu University (People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region), Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest Minzu University (People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region), Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
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Pejin B, Simonovic M, Talevska A, Glumac M, Jakimov D, Kojic V. A neglected natural source for targeting glioblastoma. Nat Prod Res 2019; 35:1856-1860. [PMID: 31282745 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2019.1638386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The cytotoxicity of the methanol extract of the freshwater sponge Ochridaspongia rotunda (Arndt, 1937) (Malawispongiidae) was evaluated by MTT assay at in vitro conditions against three brain tumour cell lines (Neuro-2A, U-251 MG and U-87 MG). The extract was actually found to be most effective against the malignant glioma U-251 MG cells reaching a promising IC50 value of 1.87 ± 0.09 μg/mL at 96 h. However, it exhibited only a bit of cytotoxicity (IC50 321.14 ± 11.29 μg/mL, 96 h) towards the normal cells. Also, this sponge extract was 5-fold more selective for U-251 MG versus U-87 MG cells. Finally, monitoring genotoxicity at chromosomal level using the micronucleus test practically revealed lack of any significant toxicity of O. rotunda extract, compared to doxorubicin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Pejin
- Institute for Multidisciplinary Research - IMSI, Department of Life Sciences, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | | | - Miodrag Glumac
- School of Food Science and Biotechnology - SFSB, Food Oral Processing Laboratory, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Dimitar Jakimov
- Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, University of Novi Sad, Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Vesna Kojic
- Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, University of Novi Sad, Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
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Pejin B, Glumac M. New cytotoxic natural products from the mangrove biome: covering the period 2007–2015. Nat Prod Res 2018; 33:1624-1628. [DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2018.1425854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Boris Pejin
- Department of Life Sciences, Institute for Multidisciplinary Research – IMSI, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Miodrag Glumac
- Food Oral Processing Laboratory, School of Food Science and Biotechnology – SFSB, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
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Pejin B, Tommonaro G, Glumac M, Jakimov D, Kojic V. The redox couple avarol/avarone in the fight with malignant gliomas: the case study of U-251 MG cells. Nat Prod Res 2017; 32:616-620. [DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2017.1327959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Boris Pejin
- Department of Life Sciences, Institute for Multidisciplinary Research – IMSI, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR – ICB, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Tommonaro
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR – ICB, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Miodrag Glumac
- School of Food Science and Biotechnology – SFSB, Food Oral Processing Laboratory, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dimitar Jakimov
- Medical Faculty, Oncology Institute Vojvodina, University of Novi Sad, Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Vesna Kojic
- Medical Faculty, Oncology Institute Vojvodina, University of Novi Sad, Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
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Pejin B, Karaman M. Antitumor Natural Products of Marine-Derived Fungi. REFERENCE SERIES IN PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-19456-1_25-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
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