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Bartoszewska E, Molik K, Woźniak M, Choromańska A. Telomerase Inhibition in the Treatment of Leukemia: A Comprehensive Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:427. [PMID: 38671875 PMCID: PMC11047729 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13040427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Leukemia, characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation and differentiation blockage of myeloid or lymphoid precursor cells, presents significant therapeutic challenges despite current treatment modalities like chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation. Pursuing novel therapeutic strategies that selectively target leukemic cells is critical for improving patient outcomes. Natural products offer a promising avenue for developing effective chemotherapy and preventive measures against leukemia, providing a rich source of biologically active compounds. Telomerase, a key enzyme involved in chromosome stabilization and mainly active in cancer cells, presents an attractive target for intervention. In this review article, we focus on the anti-leukemic potential of natural substances, emphasizing vitamins (such as A, D, and E) and polyphenols (including curcumin and indole-3-carbinol), which, in combination with telomerase inhibition, demonstrate reduced cytotoxicity compared to conventional chemotherapies. We discuss the role of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), particularly its mRNA expression, as a potential therapeutic target, highlighting the promise of natural compounds in leukemia treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Bartoszewska
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Mikulicza-Radeckiego 5, 50-345 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.B.); (K.M.)
| | - Klaudia Molik
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Mikulicza-Radeckiego 5, 50-345 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.B.); (K.M.)
| | - Marta Woźniak
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Division of General and Experimental Pathology, Wroclaw Medical University, Marcinkowskiego 1, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Anna Choromańska
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
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Jung EJ, Kim HJ, Shin SC, Kim GS, Jung JM, Hong SC, Kim CW, Lee WS. Artemisia annua L. Polyphenols Enhance the Anticancer Effect of β-Lapachone in Oxaliplatin-Resistant HCT116 Colorectal Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17505. [PMID: 38139333 PMCID: PMC10743427 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417505] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that the anticancer activity of β-lapachone (β-Lap) could be improved by different types of bioactive phytochemicals. The aim of this study was to elucidate how the anticancer effect of β-Lap is regulated by polyphenols extracted from Korean Artemisia annua L. (pKAL) in parental HCT116 and oxaliplatin-resistant (OxPt-R) HCT116 colorectal cancer cells. Here, we show that the anticancer effect of β-Lap is more enhanced by pKAL in HCT116-OxPt-R cells than in HCT116 cells via a CCK-8 assay, Western blot, and phase-contrast microscopy analysis of hematoxylin-stained cells. This phenomenon was associated with the suppression of OxPt-R-related upregulated proteins including p53 and β-catenin, the downregulation of cell survival proteins including TERT, CD44, and EGFR, and the upregulation of cleaved HSP90, γ-H2AX, and LC3B-I/II. A bioinformatics analysis of 21 proteins regulated by combined treatment of pKAL and β-Lap in HCT116-OxPt-R cells showed that the enhanced anticancer effect of β-Lap by pKAL was related to the inhibition of negative regulation of apoptotic process and the induction of DNA damage through TERT, CD44, and EGFR-mediated multiple signaling networks. Our results suggest that the combination of pKAL and β-Lap could be used as a new therapy with low toxicity to overcome the OxPt-R that occurred in various OxPt-containing cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Joo Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, 15 Jinju-daero 816 Beon-gil, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hye Jung Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Chul Shin
- Department of Chemistry, Research Institute of Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea;
| | - Gon Sup Kim
- Research Institute of Life Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jin-Myung Jung
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea;
| | - Soon Chan Hong
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea;
| | - Choong Won Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea;
| | - Won Sup Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, 15 Jinju-daero 816 Beon-gil, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea;
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3
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Santos VLDA, Gonsalves ADA, Guimarães DG, Simplicio SS, Oliveira HPD, Ramos LPS, Costa MPD, Oliveira FDCED, Pessoa C, Araújo CRM. Naphth[1,2-d]imidazoles Bioactive from β-Lapachone: Fluorescent Probes and Cytotoxic Agents to Cancer Cells. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28073008. [PMID: 37049771 PMCID: PMC10096064 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Theranostics combines therapeutic and imaging diagnostic techniques that are extremely dependent on the action of imaging agent, transporter of therapeutic molecules, and specific target ligand, in which fluorescent probes can act as diagnostic agents. In particular, naphthoimidazoles are potential bioactive heterocycle compounds to be used in several biomedical applications. With this aim, a group of seven naphth[1,2-d]imidazole compounds were synthesized from β-lapachone. Their optical properties and their cytotoxic activity against cancer cells and their compounds were evaluated and confirmed promising values for molar absorptivity coefficients (on the order of 103 to 104), intense fluorescence emissions in the blue region, and large Stokes shifts (20–103 nm). Furthermore, the probes were also selective for analyzed cancer cells (leukemic cells (HL-60). The naphth[1,2-d]imidazoles showed IC50 between 8.71 and 29.92 μM against HL-60 cells. For HCT-116 cells, values for IC50 between 21.12 and 62.11 μM were observed. The selective cytotoxicity towards cancer cells and the fluorescence of the synthesized naphth[1,2-d]imidazoles are promising responses that make possible the application of these components in antitumor theranostic systems.
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4
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Gong Q, Hu J, Wang P, Li X, Zhang X. A comprehensive review on β-lapachone: Mechanisms, structural modifications, and therapeutic potentials. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 210:112962. [PMID: 33158575 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
β-Lapachone (β-lap, 1), an ortho-naphthoquinone natural product isolated from the lapacho tree (Tabebuia avellanedae) in many regions of South America, has received extensive attention due to various pharmacological activities, such as antitumor, anti-Trypanosoma cruzi, anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis, antibacterial, and antimalarial activities. Related mechanisms of β-lap have been widely investigated for a full understanding of its therapeutic potentials. Numerous derivatives of β-lap have been reported with aims to generate new chemical entities, improve the corresponding biological potency, and overcome disadvantages of its physical and chemical properties and safety profiles. This review will give insight into the pharmacological mechanisms of β-lap and provide a comprehensive understanding of its structural modifications with regard to different therapeutic potentials. The available clinical trials related to β-lap and its derivatives are also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijie Gong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, And Department of Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Jiabao Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, And Department of Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Pengfei Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
| | - Xiaojin Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, And Department of Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
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Foulkes MJ, Tolliday FH, Henry KM, Renshaw SA, Jones S. Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effects of synthesised tanshinone I and isotanshinone I analogues in zebrafish. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240231. [PMID: 33022012 PMCID: PMC7537861 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
During inflammation, dysregulated neutrophil behaviour can play a major role in a range of chronic inflammatory diseases, for many of which current treatments are generally ineffective. Recently, specific naturally occurring tanshinones have shown promising anti-inflammatory effects by targeting neutrophils in vivo, yet such tanshinones, and moreover, their isomeric isotanshinone counterparts, are still a largely underexplored class of compounds, both in terms of synthesis and biological effects. To explore the anti-inflammatory effects of isotanshinones, and the tanshinones more generally, a series of substituted tanshinone and isotanshinone analogues was synthesised, alongside other structurally similar molecules. Evaluation of these using a transgenic zebrafish model of neutrophilic inflammation revealed differential anti-inflammatory profiles in vivo, with a number of compounds exhibiting promising effects. Several compounds reduce initial neutrophil recruitment and/or promote resolution of neutrophilic inflammation, of which two also result in increased apoptosis of human neutrophils. In particular, the methoxy-substituted tanshinone 39 specifically accelerates resolution of inflammation without affecting the recruitment of neutrophils to inflammatory sites, making this a particularly attractive candidate for potential pro-resolution therapeutics, as well as a possible lead for future development of functionalised tanshinones as molecular tools and/or chemical probes. The structurally related β-lapachones promote neutrophil recruitment but do not affect resolution. We also observed notable differences in toxicity profiles between compound classes. Overall, we provide new insights into the in vivo anti-inflammatory activities of several novel tanshinones, isotanshinones, and structurally related compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Foulkes
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- The Bateson Centre, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Department of Infection, Immunity & Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Faith H. Tolliday
- The Bateson Centre, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Department of Infection, Immunity & Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine M. Henry
- The Bateson Centre, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Department of Infection, Immunity & Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen A. Renshaw
- The Bateson Centre, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Department of Infection, Immunity & Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Jones
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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6
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Berei J, Eckburg A, Miliavski E, Anderson AD, Miller RJ, Dein J, Giuffre AM, Tang D, Deb S, Racherla KS, Patel M, Vela MS, Puri N. Potential Telomere-Related Pharmacological Targets. Curr Top Med Chem 2020; 20:458-484. [DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200109114339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Telomeres function as protective caps at the terminal portion of chromosomes, containing
non-coding nucleotide sequence repeats. As part of their protective function, telomeres preserve genomic
integrity and minimize chromosomal exposure, thus limiting DNA damage responses. With
continued mitotic divisions in normal cells, telomeres progressively shorten until they reach a threshold
at a point where they activate senescence or cell death pathways. However, the presence of the enzyme
telomerase can provide functional immortality to the cells that have reached or progressed past
senescence. In senescent cells that amass several oncogenic mutations, cancer formation can occur due
to genomic instability and the induction of telomerase activity. Telomerase has been found to be expressed
in over 85% of human tumors and is labeled as a near-universal marker for cancer. Due to this
feature being present in a majority of tumors but absent in most somatic cells, telomerase and telomeres
have become promising targets for the development of new and effective anticancer therapeutics.
In this review, we evaluate novel anticancer targets in development which aim to alter telomerase
or telomere function. Additionally, we analyze the progress that has been made, including preclinical
studies and clinical trials, with therapeutics directed at telomere-related targets. Furthermore, we review
the potential telomere-related therapeutics that are used in combination therapy with more traditional
cancer treatments. Throughout the review, topics related to medicinal chemistry are discussed,
including drug bioavailability and delivery, chemical structure-activity relationships of select therapies,
and the development of a unique telomere assay to analyze compounds affecting telomere elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Berei
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, United States
| | - Adam Eckburg
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, United States
| | - Edward Miliavski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, United States
| | - Austin D. Anderson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, United States
| | - Rachel J. Miller
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, United States
| | - Joshua Dein
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, United States
| | - Allison M. Giuffre
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, United States
| | - Diana Tang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, United States
| | - Shreya Deb
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, United States
| | - Kavya Sri Racherla
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, United States
| | - Meet Patel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, United States
| | - Monica Saravana Vela
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, United States
| | - Neelu Puri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford, IL 61107, United States
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7
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Barbosa-Jobim GS, Costa-Lira É, Ralph ACL, Gregório L, Lemos TL, Burbano RR, Calcagno DQ, Smith MA, Montenegro RC, Vasconcellos MC. Biflorin inhibits the proliferation of gastric cancer cells by decreasing MYC expression. Toxicol In Vitro 2020; 63:104735. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2019.104735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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8
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Boriollo MFG, Silva TA, Rodrigues-Netto MF, Silva JJ, Marques MB, Dias CTS, Höfling JF, Resck MCC, Oliveira NMS. Reduction of doxorubicin-induced genotoxicity by Handroanthus impetiginosus in mouse bone marrow revealed by micronucleus assay. BRAZ J BIOL 2017; 78:1-12. [PMID: 28699970 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.18515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Handroanthus impetiginosus has long been used in traditional medicine and various studies have determined the presence of bioactive chemical compounds and potential phytotherapeutics. In this study, the genotoxicity of the lyophilized tincture of H. impetiginosus bark (THI) was evaluated in mouse bone marrow using micronucleus assays. The interaction between THI and genotoxic effects induced by the chemotherapeutic agent, doxorubicin (DXR), was also analyzed. Experimental groups were evaluated 24 to 48 h after treatment with N-nitroso-N-ethylurea (NEU; 50 mg/kg), DXR (5 mg/kg), sodium chloride (NaCl; 150 mM), and THI (0.5-2 g/kg). Antigenotoxic assays were carried out using THI (0.5 g/kg) in combination with NEU or DXR. Analysis of the micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) indicated no significant differences between treatment doses of THI (0.5-2 g/kg) and NaCl. Polychromatic erythrocyte (PCE) to normochromatic erythrocyte (NCE) ratios did not indicate any statistical differences between DXR and THI or NaCl, but there were differences between THI and NaCl. A significant reduction in MNPCEs and PCE/NCE ratios was observed when THI was administered in combination with DXR. This study suggested the absence of THI genotoxicity that was dose-, time-, and gender-independent and the presence of moderate systemic toxicity that was dose-independent, but time- and gender-dependent. The combination of THI and DXR also suggested antigenotoxic effects, indicating that THI reduced genotoxic effects induced by chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F G Boriollo
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade José do Rosário Vellano, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - T A Silva
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade José do Rosário Vellano, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - M F Rodrigues-Netto
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade José do Rosário Vellano, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - J J Silva
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade José do Rosário Vellano, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - M B Marques
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade José do Rosário Vellano, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - C T S Dias
- Escola de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - J F Höfling
- Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - M C C Resck
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade José do Rosário Vellano, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - N M S Oliveira
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade José do Rosário Vellano, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
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Bang W, Jeon YJ, Cho JH, Lee RH, Park SM, Shin JC, Choi NJ, Choi YH, Cho JJ, Seo JM, Lee SY, Shim JH, Chae JI. β-lapachone suppresses the proliferation of human malignant melanoma cells by targeting specificity protein 1. Oncol Rep 2016; 35:1109-16. [PMID: 26718788 DOI: 10.3892/or.2015.4439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
β-lapachone (β-lap), a novel natural quinone derived from the bark of the Pink trumpet tree (Tabebuia avellanedae) has been demonstrated to have anticancer activity. In this study, we investigated whether β-lap exhibits anti-proliferative effects on two human malignant melanoma (HMM) cell lines, G361 and SK-MEL-28. The effects of β-lap on the HMM cell lines were investigated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)‑5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)‑2-(4-sulfophenyl-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, Annexin V and Dead cell assay, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) assay and western blot analysis. We demonstrated that β-lap significantly induced apoptosis and suppressed cell viability in the HMM cells. Intriguingly, the transcription factor specificity protein 1 (Sp1) was significantly downregulated by β-lap in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, β-lap modulated the protein expression level of the Sp1 regulatory genes including cell cycle regulatory proteins and apoptosis-associated proteins. Taken together, our findings indicated that β-lap modulates Sp1 transactivation and induces apoptotic cell death through the regulation of cell cycle- and apoptosis-associated proteins. Thus, β-lap may be used as a promising anticancer drug for cancer prevention and may improve the clinical outcome of patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woong Bang
- Department of Dental Pharmacology, School of Dentistry and Institute of Oral Bioscience, BK21 Plus, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 561-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Joo Jeon
- Department of Dental Pharmacology, School of Dentistry and Institute of Oral Bioscience, BK21 Plus, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 561-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hyoung Cho
- Department of Dental Pharmacology, School of Dentistry and Institute of Oral Bioscience, BK21 Plus, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 561-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Ra Ham Lee
- Department of Dental Pharmacology, School of Dentistry and Institute of Oral Bioscience, BK21 Plus, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 561-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon-Min Park
- Pohang Center for Evaluation of Biomaterials, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 790‑834, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Cheon Shin
- Pohang Center for Evaluation of Biomaterials, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 790‑834, Republic of Korea
| | - Nag-Jin Choi
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural and Life Science, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 561‑756, Republic of Korea
| | - Yung Hyun Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, Dongeui University College of Oriental Medicine, Busan 614-052, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Jae Cho
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Natural Medicine Research Institute, Mokpo National University, Jeonnam 534-729, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Min Seo
- Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry and Institute of Oral Bio-Science and Research Institute of Clinical Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 561-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Yeop Lee
- Cluster for Craniofacial Development and Regeneration Research, Institute of Oral Biosciences and School of Dentistry, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 561-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hyun Shim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Natural Medicine Research Institute, Mokpo National University, Jeonnam 534-729, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Il Chae
- Department of Dental Pharmacology, School of Dentistry and Institute of Oral Bioscience, BK21 Plus, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 561-756, Republic of Korea
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10
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Jeon YJ, Bang W, Shin JC, Park SM, Cho JJ, Choi YH, Seo KS, Choi NJ, Shim JH, Chae JI. Downregulation of Sp1 is involved in β-lapachone-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Int J Oncol 2015; 46:2606-12. [PMID: 25891355 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2015.2972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
β-lapachone (β-lap) is a naturally occurring quinone obtained from the bark of lapacho tree (Tabebuia avellanedae) with anti-proliferative properties against various cancers. The present study investigated the cell proliferation and apoptosis effect of β-lap on two oral squamous cell carcinoma lines (OSCCs). We carried out a series of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assays, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, cell cycle analysis, and western blot analysis to characterize β-lap and its underlying signaling pathway. We demonstrated that β-lap-treated cells significantly reduced cell proliferation but increased DNA condensation and increased sub-G1 population in OSCCs. Particularly, β-lap suppresses activation of transcription factor specificity protein 1 (Sp1) followed by apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner in OSCCs. Furthermore, β-lap modulated protein expression levels of cell cycle regulatory proteins and apoptosis-related proteins that are known as Sp1 target genes, resulting in apoptosis. Our results collectively indicated that β-lap was able to modulate Sp1 transactivation and induce apoptosis through the regulation of cell cycle and apoptosis-related proteins. Therefore, β-lap may be used in cancer prevention and therapies to improve clinical outcome as an anticancer drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Joo Jeon
- Department of Oral Pharmacology, School of Dentistry and Institute of Oral Bioscience, BK21 plus, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 561-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Woong Bang
- Department of Oral Pharmacology, School of Dentistry and Institute of Oral Bioscience, BK21 plus, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 561-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Cheon Shin
- Pohang Center for Evaluation of Biomaterials, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 790‑834, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon-Min Park
- Pohang Center for Evaluation of Biomaterials, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 790‑834, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Jae Cho
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Natural Medicine Research Institute, Mokpo National University, Jeonnam 534-729, Republic of Korea
| | - Yung Hyun Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, Dongeui University College of Oriental Medicine, Busan 614-052, Republic of Korea
| | - Kang Seok Seo
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Nag-Jin Choi
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural and Life Science, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 651-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hyun Shim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Natural Medicine Research Institute, Mokpo National University, Jeonnam 534-729, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Il Chae
- Department of Oral Pharmacology, School of Dentistry and Institute of Oral Bioscience, BK21 plus, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 561-756, Republic of Korea
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11
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Jeon YJ, Bang W, Choi YH, Shim JH, Chae JI. Beta-Lapachone Suppresses Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Proliferation through the Regulation of Specificity Protein 1. Biol Pharm Bull 2015; 38:1302-8. [PMID: 26328485 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b15-00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common pathological type with a reported frequency of about 85% of all cases. Despite recent advances in therapeutic agents and targeted therapies, the prognosis for NSCLC remains poor, and therefore it is important to identify the biological targets of this complex disease since a blockade of such targets would affect multiple downstream signaling cascades. β-Lapachone (β-Lap) is an antiproliferative agent that selectively induces apoptosis-related cell death in a variety of human cancer cells. However, the mechanisms of its action require further investigation. In this study, we show that treatment with β-lap triggers apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest in two NSCLC cell lines: H1299 and NCI-H358. The transcription factor specificity protein 1 (Sp1) was markedly inhibited by β-lap in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, β-lap modulated the protein expression levels of the Sp1 regulatory genes, including cell-cycle regulatory proteins and antiapoptotic proteins, resulting in apoptosis. Taken together, our results indicate that β-lap may be a potential antiproliferative agent candidate by inducing apoptotic cell death in NSCLC tissue through downregulation of Sp1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Joo Jeon
- Department of Dental Pharmacology, School of Dentistry and Institute of Oral Bioscience, BK21 plus, Chonbuk National University
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Yu HY, Kim SO, Jin CY, Kim GY, Kim WJ, Yoo YH, Choi YH. β-lapachone-Induced Apoptosis of Human Gastric Carcinoma AGS Cells Is Caspase-Dependent and Regulated by the PI3K/Akt Pathway. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2014; 22:184-92. [PMID: 25009698 PMCID: PMC4060078 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2014.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Revised: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
β-lapachone is a naturally occurring quinone that selectively induces apoptotic cell death in a variety of human cancer cells in vitro and in vivo; however, its mechanism of action needs to be further elaborated. In this study, we investigated the effects of β-lapachone on the induction of apoptosis in human gastric carcinoma AGS cells. β-lapachone significantly inhibited cellular proliferation, and some typical apoptotic characteristics such as chromatin condensation and an increase in the population of sub-G1 hypodiploid cells were observed in β-lapachone-treated AGS cells. Treatment with β-lapachone caused mitochondrial transmembrane potential dissipation, stimulated the mitochondria-mediated intrinsic apoptotic pathway, as indicated by caspase-9 activation, cytochrome c release, Bcl-2 downregulation and Bax upregulation, as well as death receptor-mediated extrinsic apoptotic pathway, as indicated by activation of caspase-8 and truncation of Bid. This process was accompanied by activation of caspase-3 and concomitant with cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. The general caspase inhibitor, z-VAD-fmk, significantly abolished β-lapachone-induced cell death and inhibited growth. Further analysis demonstrated that the induction of apoptosis by β-lapachone was accompanied by inactivation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway. The PI3K inhibitor LY29004 significantly increased β-lapachone-induced apoptosis and growth inhibition. Taken together, these findings indicate that the apoptotic activity of β-lapachone is probably regulated by a caspase-dependent cascade through activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic signaling pathways, and that inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling may contribute to β-lapachone-mediated AGS cell growth inhibition and apoptosis induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Yang Yu
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 604-714
| | - Sung Ok Kim
- Team for Scientification of Korean Medical Intervention (BK21 Plus) & Department of Herbal Pharmacology, College of Oriental Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu 706-828
| | - Cheng-Yun Jin
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhengzhou University, Henan 450001, China
| | - Gi-Young Kim
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Department of Marine Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju 690-756
| | - Wun-Jae Kim
- Department of Urology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju 361-804
| | - Young Hyun Yoo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Dong-A University College of Medicine and Mitochondria Hub Regulation Center, Busan 602-714
| | - Yung Hyun Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, Dongeui University College of Oriental Medicine, Busan 614-052 ; Anti-Aging Research Center & Blue-Bio Industry RIC, Dongeui University, Busan 614-714, Republic of Korea
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Aires ADL, Ximenes ECPA, Barbosa VX, Góes AJDS, Souza VMO, Albuquerque MCPDA. β-Lapachone: a naphthoquinone with promising antischistosomal properties in mice. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2014; 21:261-267. [PMID: 24090700 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2013.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Revised: 06/28/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The activity of β-lapachone (3,4-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-2H-naphthol[1,2-b]pyran-5,6-dione, β-lap) against different stages of Schistosoma mansoni was investigated in mice. Mice infected with 50 cercariae (BH strain) were intraperitoneally treated at a dose of 50 mg/kg for 5 consecutive days, starting on the 1st, 14th, 28th and 45th days after infection, to evaluate the effect of β-lap on skin schistosomula, lung schistosomula, young worms (before oviposition) and adult worms (after oviposition), respectively. All animals were euthanized 60 days after infection. β-Lap significantly reduced (p<0.001) the number of worms in 29.78%, 37.2%, 24.2% and 40.22% when administered during the phases of skin schistosomula, lung schistosomula, young worms and adult worms, respectively. Significant reduction was also achieved in terms of female burden. In all groups, there was significant reduction in the number of eggs and granulomas in the hepatic tissue. When the intervention was performed during the phase of adult worms, β-lap reduced the size of hepatic granulomas and changed the oogram pattern, lowering the percentage of immature eggs and increasing the percentage of mature and dead eggs. Our data indicate that β-lap has moderate antischistosomal properties. Its molecule may also be used as a prototype for synthesis of new naphthoquinone derivatives with potential schistosomicidal properties. Further studies with different formulations containing β-lap are needed to clearly establish the best dose and route of administration and its mechanism of action against schistosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- André de Lima Aires
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami (LIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil; Centro de Ciências da Saúde - Departamento de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | - Vanessa Xavier Barbosa
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas - Departamento de Antibióticos, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Alexandre José da Silva Góes
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas - Departamento de Antibióticos, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | - Mônica Camelo Pessôa de Azevedo Albuquerque
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami (LIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil; Centro de Ciências da Saúde - Departamento de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
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Sitônio MM, Carvalho Júnior CHRD, Campos IDA, Silva JBNF, Lima MDCAD, Góes AJS, Maia MBS, Rolim Neto PJ, Silva TG. Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities of 3,4-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-2H-naphthol[1,2-b]pyran-5,6-dione (β-lapachone). Inflamm Res 2012; 62:107-13. [PMID: 23052183 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-012-0557-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2012] [Revised: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 09/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities of 3,4-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-2H-naphthol[1,2-b]pyran-5,6-dione (β-lapachone; β-lap) and to elucidate its probable mode of action. METHODS Carrageenan-induced paw edema, cell migration evaluation and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and nitric oxide were used for this study. Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA)-induced arthritis was used as a model of chronic inflammation. β-Lap was tested in doses of 40 and 60 mg/kg, orally. RESULTS In the paw edema test, the dose of 60 mg/kg gave a higher percentage inhibition of edema (49.3 %) than control. β-Lap inhibited neutrophil migration and reduced concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6 and NO in peritoneal exudates of animals with peritonitis. In the arthritis test, β-lap inhibited edema and NO production in the serum of treated animals. CONCLUSION Significant anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities were observed in animals treated with β-lap. The effects of β-lap can be attributed in part to immunomodulation with reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and NO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marília Maria Sitônio
- Department of Antibiotics, Federal University of Pernambuco, Rua Prof. Artur Sá, Cidade Universitária, Recife/PE, Brazil
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Jayasooriya RGPT, Kang SH, Kang CH, Choi YH, Moon DO, Hyun JW, Chang WY, Kim GY. Apigenin decreases cell viability and telomerase activity in human leukemia cell lines. Food Chem Toxicol 2012; 50:2605-11. [PMID: 22617349 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2012.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2011] [Revised: 04/21/2012] [Accepted: 05/11/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that apigenin (4',5,7-trihydroxyflavone inhibits human malignant cancer cell growth through cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. However, the underlying relationship between apoptosis and telomerase activity in response to apigenin exposure is not well understood. In this study, we found that apigenin significantly induces direct cytotoxicity in human leukemia cells (U937, THP-1 and HL60) through activation of the caspase pathway. As we presumed, treatment with apigenin was found to increase the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), whereas pretreatment with antioxidants, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) or glutathione (GSH), completely attenuated ROS generation. Surprisingly, these antioxidants did not promote recuperation from apigenin-induced cell death. We further showed that apigenin downregulates telomerase activity in caspase-dependent apoptosis and observed that apigenin dosing results in downregulation of telomerase activity by suppression of c-Myc-mediated telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression. In addition, treatment of apigenin-dosed cells with the two antioxidants did not restore telomerase activity. Taken together, this data suggests that ROS is not essential for suppression of apigenin-mediated apoptosis associated with the activation of caspases and regulation of telomerase activity via suppression of hTERT. We conclude that apigenin has a direct cytotoxic effect and the loss of telomerase activity in leukemia cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- R G P T Jayasooriya
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Department of Marine Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju 690-756, Republic of Korea
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