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Hu J, Wen X, Song J. Hypericin-mediated photodynamic therapy inhibits metastasis and EMT of colorectal cancer cells by regulating RhoA-ROCK1 signaling pathway. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2024; 23:1361-1372. [PMID: 38865066 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-024-00601-x] [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: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is significantly contributed to global cancer mortality rates. Treating CRC is particularly challenging due to metastasis and drug resistance. There is a pressing need for new treatment strategies against metastatic CRC. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers a well-established, minimally invasive treatment option for cancer with limited side effects. Hypericin (HYP), a potent photosensitizer for PDT, has been documented to induce cytotoxicity and apoptosis in various types of cancers. However, there are few reports on the inhibitory effects of HYP-mediated PDT on the metastatic ability of CRC cells. Here, we evaluate the inhibitory effects of HYP-mediated PDT against metastatic CRC cells and define its underlying mechanisms. Wound-healing and Transwell assays show that HYP-mediated PDT suppresses migration and invasion of CRC cells. F-actin visualization assays indicate HYP-mediated PDT decreases F-actin formation in CRC cells. TEM assays reveal HYP-mediated PDT disrupts pseudopodia formation of CRC cells. Mechanistically, immunofluorescence and western blotting results show that HYP-mediated PDT upregulates E-cadherin and downregulates N-cadherin and Vimentin. HYP-mediated PDT also suppresses key EMT regulators, including Snail, MMP9, ZEB1 and α-SMA. Additionally, the expressions of RhoA and ROCK1 are downregulated by HYP-mediated PDT. Together, these findings suggest that HYP-mediated PDT inhibits the migration and invasion of HCT116 and SW620 cells by modulating EMT and RhoA-ROCK1 signaling pathway. Thus, HYP-mediated PDT presents a potential therapeutic option for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhang Hu
- Co-construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine Resources Industrialization by Shaanxi & Education Ministry, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wen
- Co-construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine Resources Industrialization by Shaanxi & Education Ministry, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangluqi Song
- School of Physics, Xidian University, Xi'an, 710071, People's Republic of China.
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Sun T, Zhao H, Hu L, Shao X, Lu Z, Wang Y, Ling P, Li Y, Zeng K, Chen Q. Enhanced optical imaging and fluorescent labeling for visualizing drug molecules within living organisms. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:2428-2446. [PMID: 38828150 PMCID: PMC11143489 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The visualization of drugs in living systems has become key techniques in modern therapeutics. Recent advancements in optical imaging technologies and molecular design strategies have revolutionized drug visualization. At the subcellular level, super-resolution microscopy has allowed exploration of the molecular landscape within individual cells and the cellular response to drugs. Moving beyond subcellular imaging, researchers have integrated multiple modes, like optical near-infrared II imaging, to study the complex spatiotemporal interactions between drugs and their surroundings. By combining these visualization approaches, researchers gain supplementary information on physiological parameters, metabolic activity, and tissue composition, leading to a comprehensive understanding of drug behavior. This review focuses on cutting-edge technologies in drug visualization, particularly fluorescence imaging, and the main types of fluorescent molecules used. Additionally, we discuss current challenges and prospects in targeted drug research, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary cooperation in advancing drug visualization. With the integration of advanced imaging technology and molecular design, drug visualization has the potential to redefine our understanding of pharmacology, enabling the analysis of drug micro-dynamics in subcellular environments from new perspectives and deepening pharmacological research to the levels of the cell and organelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery System, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250062, China
- Institute of Biochemical and Biotechnological Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Huanxin Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery System, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250062, China
| | - Luyao Hu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Xintian Shao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery System, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250062, China
- School of Life Sciences, Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250062, China
| | - Zhiyuan Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery System, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250062, China
| | - Yuli Wang
- Tianjin Pharmaceutical DA REN TANG Group Corporation Limited Traditional Chinese Pharmacy Research Institute, Tianjin 300457, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemistry Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Peixue Ling
- Institute of Biochemical and Biotechnological Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceuticals, Postdoctoral Scientific Research Workstation, Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Science, Jinan 250098, China
| | - Yubo Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Kewu Zeng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery System, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250062, China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Qixin Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery System, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250062, China
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore
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Peng Z, Lu J, Liu K, Xie L, Wang Y, Cai C, Yang D, Xi J, Yan C, Li X, Shi M. Hypericin as a promising natural bioactive naphthodianthrone: A review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and safety. Phytother Res 2023; 37:5639-5656. [PMID: 37690821 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8011] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Hypericin can be derived from St. John's wort, which is widely spread around the world. As a natural product, it has been put into clinical practice such as wound healing and depression for a long time. In this article, we review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and safety of hypericin, aiming to introduce the research advances and provide a full evaluation of it. Turns out hypericin, as a natural photosensitizer, exhibits an excellent capacity for anticancer, neuroprotection, and elimination of microorganisms, especially when activated by light, potent anticancer and antimicrobial effects are obtained after photodynamic therapy. The mechanisms of its therapeutic effects involve the induction of cell death, inhibition of cell cycle progression, inhibition of the reuptake of amines, and inhibition of virus replication. The pharmacokinetics properties indicate that hypericin has poor water solubility and bioavailability. The distribution and excretion are fast, and it is metabolized in bile. The toxicity of hypericin is rarely reported and the conventional use of it rarely causes adverse effects except for photosensitization. Therefore, we may conclude that hypericin can be used safely and effectively against a variety of diseases. We hope to provide researchers with detailed guidance and enlighten the development of it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaolei Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Kai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Long Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yulin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunyan Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Dejun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jingjing Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunmei Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingyi Shi
- School of Intelligent Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Woźniak M, Nowak-Perlak M. Hypericin-Based Photodynamic Therapy Displays Higher Selectivity and Phototoxicity towards Melanoma and Squamous Cell Cancer Compared to Normal Keratinocytes In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16897. [PMID: 38069219 PMCID: PMC10707231 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the potential of hypericin, a naturally occurring photosensi-tizer, for photodynamic therapy (PDT) in skin cancer, investigating its phototoxic effects and mechanisms of action in cancer cells compared to normal skin keratinocytes, squamous cell cancer (SCC-25) cells and melanoma (MUG-Mel2) cells. Hypericin was applied at concentrations ranging from 0.1-40 μM to HaCaT, SCC-25, and MUG-Mel2 cells. After 24 h of incubation, the cells were exposed to orange light at 3.6 J/cm2 or 7.2 J/cm2. Phototoxicity was assessed using MTT and SRB tests. Cellular uptake was measured by flow cytometry. Apoptosis-positive cells were estimated through TUNEL for apoptotic bodies' visualization. Hypericin exhibited a higher phototoxic reaction in cancer cells compared to normal keratinocytes after irradiation. Cancer cells demonstrated increased and selective uptake of hypericin. Apoptosis was observed in SCC-25 and MUG-Mel2 cells following PDT. Our findings suggest that hypericin-based PDT is a promising and less invasive approach for treating skin cancer. The higher phototoxic reaction, selective uptake by cancer cells, and observed proapoptotic properties support the promising role of hypericin-based PDT in skin cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Woźniak
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Division of General and Experimental Pathology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland;
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Gielecińska A, Kciuk M, Yahya EB, Ainane T, Mujwar S, Kontek R. Apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis as alternative cell death pathways induced by chemotherapeutic agents? Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:189024. [PMID: 37980943 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
For decades, common chemotherapeutic drugs have been established to trigger apoptosis, the preferred immunologically "silent" form of cell death. The primary objective of this review was to show that various FDA-approved chemotherapeutic drugs, including cisplatin, cyclosporine, doxorubicin, etoposide, 5-fluorouracil, gemcitabine, paclitaxel, or vinblastine can trigger necroptosis and pyroptosis. We aimed to provide the advantages and disadvantages of the induction of the given type of cell death by chemotherapeutical agents. Moreover, we give a short overview of the molecular mechanism of each type of cell death and indicate the existing crosstalks between cell death types. Finally, we provide a comparison of cell death types to facilitate the exploration of cell death types induced by other chemotherapeutical agents. Understanding the cell death pathway induced by a drug can lessen side effects and assist the discovery of new combinations with synergistic effects and low systemic toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gielecińska
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, Banacha St. 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland; University of Lodz, Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Banacha Street 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland.
| | - M Kciuk
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, Banacha St. 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - E-B Yahya
- Bioprocess Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, University Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | - T Ainane
- Superior School of Technology of Khenifra, University of Sultan Moulay Slimane, P.O. Box 170, Khenifra 54000, Morocco
| | - S Mujwar
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India
| | - R Kontek
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, Banacha St. 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
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