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Pan W, Gu F, Yan X, Huang J, Liao H, Niu F. Biomacromolecular carriers based hydrophobic natural products for potential cancer therapy. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 269:132274. [PMID: 38734357 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132274] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. It was estimated that 90 % of cancer-related deaths were attributable to the development of multi-drug resistance (MDR) during chemotherapy, which results in ineffective chemotherapy. Hydrophobic natural products plays a pivotal role in the field of cancer therapy, with the potential to reverse MDR in tumor cells, thereby enhancing the efficacy of tumor therapy. However, their targeted delivery is considered a major hurdle in their application. The advent of numerous approaches for encapsulating bioactive ingredients in the nanodelivery systems has improved the stability and targeted delivery of these biomolecules. The manuscript comprehensively analyses the nanodelivery systems of bioactive compounds with potential cancer therapy applications, including liposomes, emulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles (NPs), and polymeric NPs. Then, the advantages and disadvantages of various nanoagents in the treatment of various cancer types are critically discussed. Further, the application of multiple-compbine delivery methods to overcome the limitations of single-delivery have need critically analyzed, which thus could help in the designing nanodrug delivery systems for bioactive compounds in clinical settings. Therefore, the review is timely and important for development of efficient nanodelivery systems involving hydrophobic natural products to improve pharmacokinetic properties for effective cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weichun Pan
- Food Safety Key Lab of Zhejiang Province, School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Feina Gu
- Food Safety Key Lab of Zhejiang Province, School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Xinyu Yan
- College of Materials and Metallurgy, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Jianghui Huang
- Food Safety Key Lab of Zhejiang Province, School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Huabin Liao
- Food Safety Key Lab of Zhejiang Province, School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Fuge Niu
- Food Safety Key Lab of Zhejiang Province, School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
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Wang X, Sun W, Fang S, Dong B, Li J, Lv Z, Li W, Chen W. AaWRKY6 contributes to artemisinin accumulation during growth in Artemisia annua. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 335:111789. [PMID: 37421981 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2023.111789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinin, which is extracted from the plant Artemisia annua L., is a crucial drug for curing malaria and has potential applications for treating cancer, diabetes, pulmonary tuberculosis, and other conditions. Demand for artemisinin is therefore high, and enhancing its yield is important. Artemisinin dynamics change during the growth cycle of A. annua; however, the regulatory networks underlying these changes are poorly understood. Here, we collected A. annua leaves at different growth stages and identified target genes from transcriptome data. We determined that WRKY6 binds to the promoters of the artemisinin biosynthesis gene artemisinic aldehyde Δ11(13) reductase (DBR2). In agreement, overexpression of WRKY6 in A. annua resulted in higher expression levels of genes in the artemisinin biosynthesis pathway and greater artemisinin contents than in the wild type. When expression of WRKY6 was down-regulated, artemisinin biosynthesis pathway genes were also down-regulated and the content of artemisinin was lower. WRKY6 mediates the transcriptional activation of artemisinin biosynthesis by binding to the promoter of DBR2, making it a key regulator for modulating the dynamics of artemisinin changes during the A. annua growth cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Wang
- Research and Development Center of Chinese Medicine Resources and Biotechnology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wenjing Sun
- Research and Development Center of Chinese Medicine Resources and Biotechnology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shiyuan Fang
- Research and Development Center of Chinese Medicine Resources and Biotechnology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Boran Dong
- Research and Development Center of Chinese Medicine Resources and Biotechnology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - JinXing Li
- Research and Development Center of Chinese Medicine Resources and Biotechnology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zongyou Lv
- Research and Development Center of Chinese Medicine Resources and Biotechnology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Wankui Li
- Research and Development Center of Chinese Medicine Resources and Biotechnology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Wansheng Chen
- Research and Development Center of Chinese Medicine Resources and Biotechnology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Department of Pharmacy, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China.
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Afshari H, Noori S, Zarghi A. Curcumin potentiates the anti-inflammatory effects of Tehranolide by modulating the STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway in breast and ovarian cancer cell lines. Inflammopharmacology 2023; 31:2541-2555. [PMID: 37452228 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01281-2] [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: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have demonstrated that natural products, such as curcumin and artemisinin, possess anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial for cancer treatment. Tehranolide, as a novel natural product, has a wide range of biological activities, including anti-cancer effects. However, many properties of Tehranolide, like its anti-inflammatory activity and its combination with curcumin, have not been investigated yet. This investigation examined the anti-inflammatory activity of Tehranolide, either alone or in combination with curcumin, via modulating the NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) and STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) signaling pathways in MDA-MB-231 and SKOV3, breast and ovarian cancer cell lines. METHODS ELISA-based methods were employed to measure the pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and the NF-κB activity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cells. The real-time PCR experiment and Griess test were performed to evaluate inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression and nitrite levels, respectively. The STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways were investigated by Western blotting analysis. Tehranolide's anti-cancer activity was also assessed in a mouse model of breast cancer using the TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase nick-end labeling) assay. RESULTS Tehranolide diminished levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in cancer cells. Additionally, it suppressed NF-κB DNA binding and STAT3 phosphorylation, reducing iNOS gene expression and nitrite production. Moreover, Western blotting showed that Tehranolide enhanced the inhibitory κB (IκBα) and Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2)-associated X (BAX) expression, and downregulated the expression of Bcl-2 proteins. Furthermore, the TUNEL assay demonstrated that Tehranolide induced apoptosis in a breast cancer mouse model. Curcumin potentiated all the anti-inflammatory effects of Tehranolide. CONCLUSION This investigation indicated for the first time that Tehranolide, either alone or in combination with curcumin, exerted its anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing NF-κB and STAT3 signaling pathways in SKOV3 and MDA-MB-231 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Havva Afshari
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shokoofe Noori
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Afshin Zarghi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Yuan-Ce L, Qi Z, Hong-Yang Z, Yan-Wen W, Yu-Mei S, Bi-Juan Y, Jun-Lin Y. Artesunate, as an Hsp90 inhibitor, inhibits the proliferation of Burkitt's lymphoma cells by inhibiting AKT and ERK. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1218467. [PMID: 37719860 PMCID: PMC10501146 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1218467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Artesunate, a derivative of artemisinin, has anti-malarial effects, and in recent years has also been reported to have anti-tumor activity. However, its anti-tumor mechanisms are not well understood. Methods: In this study, we focused on the targeting of Hsp90 by artesunate to inhibit tumor cell proliferation, which we examined using immunoprecipitation, a proliferation assay, flow cytometry, western blotting, a tumor xenograft animal model, and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, to examine the tumor-suppressive effects of artesunatein nude mice, we used artesunate-loaded PLGA-PEG nanoparticles. Results: The binding of artesunate to Hsp90 was found to reduce the expression of its client proteins AKT, ERK, p-AKT, p-ERK, and EGFR, thereby blocking the cell cycle at the G0/G1 → S stage in lymphoma cells and inducing apoptosis. In addition, the results of tumor xenograft experiments revealed that artesunate reduced the expression of AKT and ERK proteins in tumor tissues, inhibited tumor proliferation, and reduced tumor size and weight. Furthermore, nanoparticle encapsulation was demonstrated to enhance the anti-cancer activity of artesunate. Discussion: We thus established that artesunate inhibits the proliferation of lymphoma cells by targeting the Hsp90 protein, and we accordingly believe that this compound has potential for development as a novelanti-tumor drug.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yang Bi-Juan
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources, State Ethnic Affairs Commission and Ministry of Education, School of Ethnic Medicine, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, China
| | - Yin Jun-Lin
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources, State Ethnic Affairs Commission and Ministry of Education, School of Ethnic Medicine, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, China
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Posadino AM, Giordo R, Pintus G, Mohammed SA, Orhan IE, Fokou PVT, Sharopov F, Adetunji CO, Gulsunoglu-Konuskan Z, Ydyrys A, Armstrong L, Sytar O, Martorell M, Razis AFA, Modu B, Calina D, Habtemariam S, Sharifi-Rad J, Cho WC. Medicinal and mechanistic overview of artemisinin in the treatment of human diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 163:114866. [PMID: 37182516 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin (ART) is a bioactive compound isolated from the plant Artemisia annua and has been traditionally used to treat conditions such as malaria, cancer, viral infections, bacterial infections, and some cardiovascular diseases, especially in Asia, North America, Europe and other parts of the world. This comprehensive review aims to update the biomedical potential of ART and its derivatives for treating human diseases highlighting its pharmacokinetic and pharmacological properties based on the results of experimental pharmacological studies in vitro and in vivo. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of action, tested doses and toxic effects of artemisinin were also described. The analysis of data based on an up-to-date literature search showed that ART and its derivatives display anticancer effects along with a wide range of pharmacological activities such as antibacterial, antiviral, antimalarial, antioxidant and cardioprotective effects. These compounds have great potential for discovering new drugs used as adjunctive therapies in cancer and various other diseases. Detailed translational and experimental studies are however needed to fully understand the pharmacological effects of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Posadino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Roberta Giordo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Pintus
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, 07100 Sassari, Italy; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, and Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, University City Rd, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Soheb Anwar Mohammed
- Center for Ultrasound Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Ilkay Erdogan Orhan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, 06330 Ankara, Turkey; Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA), Vedat Dalokay Cad., No. 112, 06670 Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Farukh Sharopov
- V.I. Nikitin Chemistry Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Ayni 299/2, 734063 Dushanbe, Tajikistan
| | - Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji
- Applied Microbiology, Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Edo State University Uzairue, Iyamho, PMB 04 Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria
| | - Zehra Gulsunoglu-Konuskan
- Faculty of Health Science, Nutrition and Dietetics Department, Istanbul Aydin University, Istanbul 34295, Turkey
| | - Alibek Ydyrys
- Biomedical Research Centre, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Al-Farabi ave. 71, 050040 Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Lorene Armstrong
- State University of Ponta Grossa, Departament of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 84030900 Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil; Federal University of Paraná, Department of Pharmacy, 80210170 Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Oksana Sytar
- Institute of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Slovak Agricultural University in Nitra, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Miquel Martorell
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Centre for Healthy Living, University of Concepción, 4070386 Concepción, Chile; Universidad de Concepción, Unidad de Desarrollo Tecnológico, UDT, 4070386 Concepción, Chile.
| | - Ahmad Faizal Abdull Razis
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Babagana Modu
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Maiduguri, 1069 Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania.
| | - Solomon Habtemariam
- Pharmacognosy Research & Herbal Analysis Services UK, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham-Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK
| | | | - William C Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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Han X, Chai Y, Lv C, Chen Q, Liu J, Wang Y, Chou G. Sesquiterpenes from Artemisia annua and Their Cytotoxic Activities. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27165079. [PMID: 36014318 PMCID: PMC9414659 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisia annua is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine. Due to its highest antimalarial efficacy, China has a long history of cultivating A. annua, and it is used for “clearing heat and detoxicating”. Several, studies have shown that the A. annua extract exerts cytotoxicity. In order to clarify the basis of the cytotoxic effect of A. annua, 18 sesquiterpenes were isolated from the herb, including 2 new sesquiterpenes and 16 known analogues. The structures of new compounds were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, including HR-ESI-MS, NMR experiments, single-crystal X-ray, and DP4+ and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Cytotoxic activity screening revealed three compounds that exhibited cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. Additional exploration showed that compound 5 significantly inhibited the proliferation of CT26 and HCT116 cells and induced apoptosis of HCT116 cells after 24 h. These chemical constituents contributed to elucidating the mechanism of action of the cytotoxic activity of A. annua.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Han
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Medicines and SATCM Key Laboratory of New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica (ICMM), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM), Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yao Chai
- Shanghai University(SHU), Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Cheng Lv
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Medicines and SATCM Key Laboratory of New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica (ICMM), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM), Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qianqian Chen
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Medicines and SATCM Key Laboratory of New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica (ICMM), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM), Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jinling Liu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Medicines and SATCM Key Laboratory of New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica (ICMM), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM), Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yongli Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Medicines and SATCM Key Laboratory of New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica (ICMM), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM), Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai R & D Center for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai 201203, China
- Correspondence: (Y.W.); (G.C.)
| | - Guixin Chou
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Medicines and SATCM Key Laboratory of New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica (ICMM), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM), Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai R & D Center for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai 201203, China
- Correspondence: (Y.W.); (G.C.)
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Lv Z, Li J, Qiu S, Qi F, Su H, Bu Q, Jiang R, Tang K, Zhang L, Chen W. The transcription factors TLR1 and TLR2 negatively regulate trichome density and artemisinin levels in Artemisia annua. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 64:1212-1228. [PMID: 35355415 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The important antimalarial drug artemisinin is biosynthesized and stored in Artemisia annua glandular trichomes and the artemisinin content correlates with trichome density; however, the factors affecting trichome development are largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the A. annua R2R3 MYB transcription factor TrichomeLess Regulator 1 (TLR1) negatively regulates trichome development. In A. annua, TLR1 overexpression lines had 44.7%-64.0% lower trichome density and 11.5%-49.4% lower artemisinin contents and TLR1-RNAi lines had 33%-93.3% higher trichome density and 32.2%-84.0% higher artemisinin contents compared with non-transgenic controls. TLR1 also negatively regulates the expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway genes in A. annua. When heterologously expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana, TLR1 interacts with GLABROUS3a, positive regulator of trichome development, and represses trichome development. Yeast two-hybrid and pull-down assays indicated that TLR1 interacts with the WUSCHEL homeobox (WOX) protein AaWOX1, which interacts with the LEAFY-like transcription factor TLR2. TLR2 overexpression in Arabidopsis and A. annua showed that TLR2 reduces trichome development by reducing gibberellin levels. Furthermore, artemisinin contents were 19%-43% lower in TLR2-overexpressing A. annua plants compared to controls. These data indicate that TLR1 and TLR2 negatively regulate trichome density by lowering gibberellin levels and may enable approaches to enhance artemisinin yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongyou Lv
- Research and Development Center of Chinese Medicine Resources and Biotechnology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - JinXing Li
- Research and Development Center of Chinese Medicine Resources and Biotechnology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Shi Qiu
- Research and Development Center of Chinese Medicine Resources and Biotechnology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Fei Qi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Hang Su
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Qitao Bu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Rui Jiang
- Research and Development Center of Chinese Medicine Resources and Biotechnology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Kexuan Tang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (South) Ministry of Agriculture, Plant Biotechnology Research Center, Fudan-SJTU-Nottingham Plant Biotechnology R&D Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Wansheng Chen
- Research and Development Center of Chinese Medicine Resources and Biotechnology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
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Ji H, Jin H, Li G, Jin L, Ren X, Lv Y, Wang Y. Artemisinin protects against cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury via inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. Open Med (Wars) 2022; 17:871-881. [PMID: 35950034 PMCID: PMC9096231 DOI: 10.1515/med-2022-0435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
This study investigated whether artemisinin (ART) exerts a neuroprotective effect against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Hypoxia-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R) of SH-SY5Y cells were used as the I/R injury model in vitro. Cell viability was determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was measured. Cell apoptosis and apoptosis-associated protein expression were determined via flow cytometry and western blotting, respectively. The levels of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and malondialdehyde were determined. The secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β was measured using ELISA. The activation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway was also determined. The indicated ART concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 μM) had no significant effect on SH-SY5Y cell viability and LDH activity. ART promoted cell viability, reduced cell apoptosis, repressed cellular inflammation, and inhibited cellular oxidative stress and NF-κB signaling pathway in OGD/R-induced SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, all the protective effects of ART on OGD/R-induced SH-SY5Y cell injury were significantly reversed by an NF-κB agonist. In conclusion, ART protects neurons from OGD/R-induced damage in vitro by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. These results suggest that ART may be a potential agent for the treatment of cerebral I/R injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ji
- Department of Basic Medicine, Qiqihar Medical University , Qiqihar , Heilongjiang 161006 , China
| | - Haifeng Jin
- Department of Basic Medicine, Qiqihar Medical University , Qiqihar , Heilongjiang 161006 , China
| | - Guangwei Li
- Department of Basic Medicine, Qiqihar Medical University , Qiqihar , Heilongjiang 161006 , China
| | - Li Jin
- Department of Basic Medicine, Qiqihar Medical University , Qiqihar , Heilongjiang 161006 , China
| | - Xiaoxu Ren
- Department of Basic Medicine, Qiqihar Medical University , Qiqihar , Heilongjiang 161006 , China
| | - Ying Lv
- Department of Basic Medicine, Qiqihar Medical University , Qiqihar , Heilongjiang 161006 , China
| | - Yuchun Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University , Qiqihar , Heilongjiang 161006 , China
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Dong Y, Liu L, Han J, Zhang L, Wang Y, Li J, Li Y, Liu H, Zhou K, Li L, Wang X, Shen X, Zhang M, Zhang B, Hu X. Worldwide Research Trends on Artemisinin: A Bibliometric Analysis From 2000 to 2021. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:868087. [PMID: 35602470 PMCID: PMC9121127 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.868087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveArtemisinin is an organic compound that comes from Artemisia annua. Artemisinin treatment is the most important and effective method for treating malaria. Bibliometric analysis was carried out to identify the global research trends, hot spots, scientific frontiers, and output characteristics of artemisinin from 2000 to 2021.MethodsPublications and their recorded information from 2000 to 2021 were retrieved through the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Using VOSviewer and Citespace, the hotspots and trends of studies on artemisinin were visualized.ResultsA total of 8,466 publications were retrieved, and for the past 22 years, the annual number of publications associated with artemisinin kept increasing. The United States published most papers. The H-index and number of citations of the United States ranked first. The University of Oxford and MALARIA JOURNAL were the most productive affiliation and journal, respectively. A paper written by E.A. Ashley in 2011 achieved the highest global citation score. Keywords, such as “malaria,” “artesunate,” “plasmodium-falciparum,” “in-vitro,” “artemisinin resistance,” “plasmodium falciparum,” “resistance,” and “artemether-lumefantrine,” appeared most frequently. The research on artemisinin includes clinical research and animal and cell experiments.ConclusionThe biosynthesis, drug resistance mechanism, and combination of artemisinin have become more popular than before. Studies on artemisinin treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been carried out, and good research results have been obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yankai Dong
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lina Liu
- General Medical Department, Nankai Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Han
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lianqing Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yi Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Juan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuexiang Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - He Liu
- Department of Radiology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Kun Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Luyao Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xin Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xue Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Meiling Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory, Ankang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ankang, China
- *Correspondence: Bo Zhang
| | - Xiaofei Hu
- Department of Radiology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Xiaofei Hu
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10
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Banz-Jansen C, Helweg LP, Kaltschmidt B. Endometrial Cancer Stem Cells: Where Do We Stand and Where Should We Go? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063412. [PMID: 35328833 PMCID: PMC8955970 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is one of the most common malignant diseases in women worldwide, with an incidence of 5.9%. Thus, it is the most frequent cancer of the female genital tract, with more than 34,000 women dying, in Europe and North America alone. Endometrial Cancer Stem Cells (CSC) might be drivers of carcinogenesis as well as metastatic and recurrent disease. Therefore, targeting CSCs is of high interest to improve prognosis of patients suffering of advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer. This review describes the current evidence of molecular mechanisms in endometrial CSCs with special emphasis on MYC and NF-κB signaling as well as mitochondrial metabolism. Furthermore, the current status of immunotherapy targeting PD-1 and PD-L1 in endometrial cancer cells and CSCs is elucidated. The outlined findings encourage novel therapies that target signaling pathways in endometrial CSCs as well as immunotherapy as a promising therapeutic approach in the treatment of endometrial cancer to impede cancer progression and prevent recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constanze Banz-Jansen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, and Perinatal Center, Protestant Hospital of Bethel Foundation, University Medical School OWL at Bielefeld, Bielefeld University, Campus Bielefeld-Bethel, Burgsteig 13, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany;
- Forschungsverbund BioMedizin Bielefeld, OWL (FBMB e.V.), Maraweg 21, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany;
| | - Laureen P. Helweg
- Forschungsverbund BioMedizin Bielefeld, OWL (FBMB e.V.), Maraweg 21, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany;
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Bielefeld, Universitätsstrasse 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Barbara Kaltschmidt
- Forschungsverbund BioMedizin Bielefeld, OWL (FBMB e.V.), Maraweg 21, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany;
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Bielefeld, Universitätsstrasse 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
- Molecular Neurobiology, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstrasse 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
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11
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Singla RK, Behzad S, Khan J, Tsagkaris C, Gautam RK, Goyal R, Chopra H, Shen B. Natural Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment and Management of Endometrial/Uterine Cancer: Preclinical to Clinical Studies. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:801733. [PMID: 35264951 PMCID: PMC8899191 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.801733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the sixth most prevalent type of cancer among women. Kinases, enzymes mediating the transfer of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in several signaling pathways, play a significant role in carcinogenesis and cancer cells’ survival and proliferation. Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are involved in EC pathogenesis; therefore, CDK inhibitors (CDKin) have a noteworthy therapeutic potential in this type of cancer, particularly in EC type 1. Natural compounds have been used for decades in the treatment of cancer serving as a source of anticancer bioactive molecules. Many phenolic and non-phenolic natural compounds covering flavonoids, stilbenoids, coumarins, biphenyl compounds, alkaloids, glycosides, terpenes, and terpenoids have shown moderate to high effectiveness against CDKin-mediated carcinogenic signaling pathways (PI3K, ERK1/2, Akt, ATM, mTOR, TP53). Pharmaceutical regimens based on two natural compounds, trabectedin and ixabepilone, have been investigated in humans showing short and midterm efficacy as second-line treatments in phase II clinical trials. The purpose of this review is twofold: the authors first provide an overview of the involvement of kinases and kinase inhibitors in the pathogenesis and treatment of EC and then discuss the existing evidence about natural products’ derived kinase inhibitors in the management of the disease and outline relevant future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev K Singla
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,IGlobal Research and Publishing Foundation, New Delhi, India
| | - Sahar Behzad
- Evidence-based Phytotherapy and Complementary Medicine Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.,Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Johra Khan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Saudi Arabia.,Health and Basic Sciences Research Center, Majmaah University, Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Rupesh K Gautam
- Department of Pharmacology, MM School of Pharmacy, MM University, Ambala, India
| | - Rajat Goyal
- Department of Pharmacology, MM School of Pharmacy, MM University, Ambala, India
| | | | - Bairong Shen
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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12
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Shu G, Tang Y, Yuan M, Wei N, Zhang F, Yang C, Lan X, Chen M, Tang K, Xiang L, Liao Z. Molecular insights into AabZIP1-mediated regulation on artemisinin biosynthesis and drought tolerance in Artemisia annua. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:1500-1513. [PMID: 35530156 PMCID: PMC9069397 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisia annua is the main natural source of artemisinin production. In A. annua, extended drought stress severely reduces its biomass and artemisinin production while short-term water-withholding or abscisic acid (ABA) treatment can increase artemisinin biosynthesis. ABA-responsive transcription factor AabZIP1 and JA signaling AaMYC2 have been shown in separate studies to promote artemisinin production by targeting several artemisinin biosynthesis genes. Here, we found AabZIP1 promote the expression of multiple artemisinin biosynthesis genes including AaDBR2 and AaALDH1, which AabZIP1 does not directly activate. Subsequently, it was found that AabZIP1 up-regulates AaMYC2 expression through direct binding to its promoter, and that AaMYC2 binds to the promoter of AaALDH1 to activate its transcription. In addition, AabZIP1 directly transactivates wax biosynthesis genes AaCER1 and AaCYP86A1. The biosynthesis of artemisinin and cuticular wax and the tolerance of drought stress were significantly increased by AabZIP1 overexpression, whereas they were significantly decreased in RNAi-AabZIP1 plants. Collectively, we have uncovered the AabZIP1-AaMYC2 transcriptional module as a point of cross-talk between ABA and JA signaling in artemisinin biosynthesis, which may have general implications. We have also identified AabZIP1 as a promising candidate gene for the development of A. annua plants with high artemisinin content and drought tolerance in metabolic engineering breeding.
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13
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Vakhrusheva O, Erb HHH, Bräunig V, Markowitsch SD, Schupp P, Baer PC, Slade KS, Thomas A, Tsaur I, Puhr M, Culig Z, Cinatl J, Michaelis M, Efferth T, Haferkamp A, Juengel E. Artesunate Inhibits the Growth Behavior of Docetaxel-Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells. Front Oncol 2022; 12:789284. [PMID: 35198441 PMCID: PMC8859178 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.789284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed for advanced metastatic prostate cancer (PCa). Phytochemicals used in Traditional Chinese Medicine seem to exhibit tumor suppressive properties. Therefore, the therapeutic potential of artesunate (ART) on the progressive growth of therapy-sensitive (parental) and docetaxel (DX)-resistant PCa cells was investigated. Parental and DX-resistant PCa cell lines DU145, PC3, and LNCaP were incubated with artesunate (ART) [1-100 µM]. ART-untreated and 'non-cancerous' cells served as controls. Cell growth, proliferation, cell cycle progression, cell death and the expression of involved proteins were evaluated. ART, dose- and time-dependently, significantly restricted cell growth and proliferation of parental and DX-resistant PCa cells, but not of 'normal, non-cancerous' cells. ART-induced growth and proliferation inhibition was accompanied by G0/G1 phase arrest and down-regulation of cell cycle activating proteins in all DX-resistant PCa cells and parental LNCaP. In the parental and DX-resistant PC3 and LNCaP cell lines, ART also promoted apoptotic cell death. Ferroptosis was exclusively induced by ART in parental and DX-resistant DU145 cells by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS). The anti-cancer activity displayed by ART took effect in all three PCa cell lines, but through different mechanisms of action. Thus, in advanced PCa, ART may hold promise as a complementary treatment together with conventional therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olesya Vakhrusheva
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Holger H. H. Erb
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Department of Urology, University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Vitus Bräunig
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sascha D. Markowitsch
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Patricia Schupp
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Patrick C. Baer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Nephrology, University Hospital, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Kimberly Sue Slade
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Anita Thomas
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Igor Tsaur
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Martin Puhr
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Zoran Culig
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jindrich Cinatl
- Institute of Medical Virology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Martin Michaelis
- Industrial Biotechnology Centre and School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Axel Haferkamp
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Eva Juengel
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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14
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Ma Z, Woon CYN, Liu CG, Cheng JT, You M, Sethi G, Wong ALA, Ho PCL, Zhang D, Ong P, Wang L, Goh BC. Repurposing Artemisinin and its Derivatives as Anticancer Drugs: A Chance or Challenge? Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:828856. [PMID: 35035355 PMCID: PMC8758560 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.828856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer has become a global health problem, accounting for one out of six deaths. Despite the recent advances in cancer therapy, there is still an ever-growing need for readily accessible new therapies. The process of drug discovery and development is arduous and takes many years, and while it is ongoing, the time for the current lead compounds to reach clinical trial phase is very long. Drug repurposing has recently gained significant attention as it expedites the process of discovering new entities for anticancer therapy. One such potential candidate is the antimalarial drug, artemisinin that has shown anticancer activities in vitro and in vivo. In this review, major molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effect of artemisinin and its derivatives are summarised. Furthermore, major mechanisms of action and some key signaling pathways of this group of compounds have been reviewed to explore potential targets that contribute to the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells. Despite its established profile in malaria treatment, pharmacokinetic properties, anticancer potency, and current formulations that hinder the clinical translation of artemisinin as an anticancer agent, have been discussed. Finally, potential solutions or new strategies are identified to overcome the bottlenecks in repurposing artemisinin-type compounds as anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaowu Ma
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Clariis Yi-Ning Woon
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chen-Guang Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Jun-Ting Cheng
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Mingliang You
- Hangzhou Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.,Affiliated Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andrea Li-Ann Wong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Paul Chi-Lui Ho
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Daping Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Peishi Ong
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Boon-Cher Goh
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
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15
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Farmanpour-Kalalagh K, Beyraghdar Kashkooli A, Babaei A, Rezaei A, van der Krol AR. Artemisinins in Combating Viral Infections Like SARS-CoV-2, Inflammation and Cancers and Options to Meet Increased Global Demand. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:780257. [PMID: 35197994 PMCID: PMC8859114 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.780257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinin is a natural bioactive sesquiterpene lactone containing an unusual endoperoxide 1, 2, 4-trioxane ring. It is derived from the herbal medicinal plant Artemisia annua and is best known for its use in treatment of malaria. However, recent studies also indicate the potential for artemisinin and related compounds, commonly referred to as artemisinins, in combating viral infections, inflammation and certain cancers. Moreover, the different potential modes of action of artemisinins make these compounds also potentially relevant to the challenges the world faces in the COVID-19 pandemic. Initial studies indicate positive effects of artemisinin or Artemisia spp. extracts to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 related symptoms and WHO-supervised clinical studies on the potential of artemisinins to combat COVID-19 are now in progress. However, implementing multiple potential new uses of artemisinins will require effective solutions to boost production, either by enhancing synthesis in A. annua itself or through biotechnological engineering in alternative biosynthesis platforms. Because of this renewed interest in artemisinin and its derivatives, here we review its modes of action, its potential application in different diseases including COVID-19, its biosynthesis and future options to boost production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Farmanpour-Kalalagh
- Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arman Beyraghdar Kashkooli
- Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Arman Beyraghdar Kashkooli,
| | - Alireza Babaei
- Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Rezaei
- Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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16
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Yao S, Gao M, Wang Z, Wang W, Zhan L, Wei B. Upregulation of MicroRNA-34a Sensitizes Ovarian Cancer Cells to Resveratrol by Targeting Bcl-2. Yonsei Med J 2021; 62:691-701. [PMID: 34296546 PMCID: PMC8298871 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2021.62.8.691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Resveratrol (REV), a natural compound found in red wine, exhibits antitumor activity in various cancers, including ovarian cancer (OC). However, its potential anti-tumor mechanisms in OC are not well characterized. Here, we tried to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of REV in OC cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS The anti-proliferative effects of REV against OC cells were measured using CCK-8 assay. Apoptosis was measured using an Annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis detection kit. The anti-metastasis effects of REV were evaluated by invasion assay and wound healing assay. The miRNA profiles in REV-treated cells were determined by microarray assay. RESULTS Our results showed that REV treatment suppresses the proliferation, induces the apoptosis, and inhibits the invasion and migration of OV-90 and SKOV-3 cells. miR-34a was selected for further study due to its tumor suppressive roles in various human cancers. We found miR-34a overexpression enhanced the inhibitory effects of REV on OC cells, whereas miR-34a inhibition had the opposite effect in OC cells. In addition, we verified that BCL2, an anti-apoptotic gene, was found directly targeted by miR-34a. We also found that REV reduced the expression of Bcl-2 in OC cells. Further investigations revealed that overexpression of Bcl-2 significantly abolished the anti-tumor effects of REV on OC cells. CONCLUSION Overall, these results demonstrated that REV exerts anti-cancer effects on OC cells through an miR-34a/Bcl-2 axis, highlighting the therapeutic potential of REV for treatment of OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangli Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ming Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zujun Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lu'an Civily Hospital, Lu'an, China
| | - Wenyan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lei Zhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Bing Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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17
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Kamarya Y, Lijie X, Jinyao L. Chemical Constituents and their Anti-Tumor Mechanism of Plants from Artemisia. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 22:1838-1844. [PMID: 34238198 DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666210708125230] [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: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND At present, chemotherapy is still the main treatment method for cancer, but its side effects and multidrug resistance limit the therapeutic effect seriously. Now the screening of anti-tumor drugs with higher efficiency and lower toxicity from natural products is one of the important research directions for oncotherapy. Artemisia has a variety of anti-tumor constituents, which can exert its anti-tumor effect by inducing tumor cell apoptosis, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, arresting cell cycle, accelerating iron ion-mediated oxidative damage, etc. Objective: This paper will provide a focused, up-to-date and comprehensive overview of the anti-tumor active constituents and their mechanisms of plants in Artemisia. METHOD The relevant information about Artemisia and its bioactive components comes from scientific databases (such as PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct). RESULTS Here we have discussed the present situation and mechanism of bioactive components of Artemisia in anti-tumor. The application prospect of active components of Artemisia in cancer prevention and treatment was investigated. CONCLUSION The information summarized in this review may provide new ideas for the follow-up treatment of cancer and contribute to the development of new, effective, multi-side effects and fewer side effects of antineoplastic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasin Kamarya
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xia Lijie
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| | - Li Jinyao
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
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18
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Meng Y, Ma N, Lyu H, Wong YK, Zhang X, Zhu Y, Gao P, Sun P, Song Y, Lin L, Wang J. Recent pharmacological advances in the repurposing of artemisinin drugs. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:3156-3181. [PMID: 34148245 DOI: 10.1002/med.21837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinins are a family of sesquiterpene lactones originally derived from the sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua). Beyond their well-characterized role as frontline antimalarial drugs, artemisinins have also received increased attention for other potential pharmaceutical effects, which include antiviral, antiparsitic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. With concerted efforts in further preclinical and clinical studies, artemisinin-based drugs have the potential to be viable treatments for a great variety of human diseases. Here, we provide a comprehensive update on recent reports of pharmacological actions and applications of artemisinins outside of their better-known antimalarial role and highlight their potential therapeutic viability for various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Meng
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Ma
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haining Lyu
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yin Kwan Wong
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xing Zhang
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongping Zhu
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yali Song
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Dongguan Maternal And Child Health Care Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Lizhu Lin
- Oncology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jigang Wang
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Oncology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
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19
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Lee SE, Sivtseva S, Lim C, Okhlopkova Z, Cho S. Artemisia kruhsiana leaf extract induces autophagic cell death in human prostate cancer cells. Chin J Nat Med 2021; 19:134-142. [PMID: 33641784 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(21)60014-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Some species of Artemisia have been reported to induce apoptosis and autophagy, but little is known of the apoptotic and autophagic effects of the stems and leaves of Artemisia kruhsiana Bess. (AkB). This study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant and anti-autophagic effects of the methanol extracts of the stems (EAkBs) and leaves (EAkBl) of AkB on human prostate cancer PC-3 cells. The antioxidant effects of EAkBs and EAkBl were measured using in vitro total flavonoid and total phenolic assays and a free radical scavenging assay. The effects of EAkBl on cell viability, apoptosis, autophagy, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and protein expression levels were also investigated. EAkBl was found to induce apoptosis, autophagy, and intracellular ROS generation in PC-3 cells. In terms of protein levels, EAkBl reduced phospho (p)-protein kinase B (AKT)/AKT, p-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/mTOR, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) ratios, and the activations of beclin 1/β-actin and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3) II/LC3 I ratios in PC-3 cells. The results of this study indicate EAkBl has antioxidant and anticancer effects on prostate cancer cells, and that these effects are associated with suppressions of p-AKT, p-mTOR, Bcl-2, and Bax, and the activations of beclin 1 and LC3. Our results indicate EAkBl has potential as a treatment for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-Eun Lee
- School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan-si 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Sardana Sivtseva
- Department of Biology, North-Eastern Federal University, Yakutsk 677-027, Russia
| | - Chiyeon Lim
- College of Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeonggi-do 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Zhanna Okhlopkova
- Department of Biology, North-Eastern Federal University, Yakutsk 677-027, Russia.
| | - Suin Cho
- School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan-si 50612, Republic of Korea.
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20
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Hu SA, Cheng J, Zhao WH, Zhao HY. Quercetin induces apoptosis in meningioma cells through the miR-197/IGFBP5 cascade. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 80:103439. [PMID: 32585423 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2020.103439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the effects of quercetin on cell viability and apoptosis in meningioma cells and to determine the underlying molecular mechanism. HBL-52 meningioma cells were treated with quercetin at doses of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 40 ng/mL for 24, 36 and 48 h, and cell viability was assessed using the Cell Counting kit-8 (CCK-8) test. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. Bax, Bcl-2, and IGFBP5 protein expression was assessed by western blot, and IGFBP5 and miR-197 mRNA levels were measured using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). The interaction between miR-197 and IGFBP5 was verified by dual luciferase assay. Quercetin reduces viability and proliferation and increases apoptosis in HBL-52 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Quercetin treatment also decreases Bcl-2 and increases Bax protein expression, and increases miR-197 mRNA while reducing IGFBP5 mRNA expression. A dual luciferase assay showed that miR-197 interacts directly with binding sites in the 3'untranslated region of IGFBP5, and that miR-197 overexpression reduced IGFBP5 expression. Quercetin may reduce meningioma cell proliferation and increase apoptosis by activating the miR-197/IGFBP5 cascade and regulating Bcl-2/Bax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun-An Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 4430022, China
| | - Jin Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, 441021, China
| | - Wo-Hua Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 4430022, China
| | - Hong-Yang Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 4430022, China.
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21
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Markowitsch SD, Schupp P, Lauckner J, Vakhrusheva O, Slade KS, Mager R, Efferth T, Haferkamp A, Juengel E. Artesunate Inhibits Growth of Sunitinib-Resistant Renal Cell Carcinoma Cells through Cell Cycle Arrest and Induction of Ferroptosis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113150. [PMID: 33121039 PMCID: PMC7692972 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common kidney malignancy. Due to development of therapy resistance, efficacy of conventional drugs such as sunitinib is limited. Artesunate (ART), a drug originating from Traditional Chinese Medicine, has exhibited anti-tumor effects in several non-urologic tumors. ART inhibited growth, reduced metastatic properties, and curtailed metabolism in sunitinib-sensitive and sunitinib–resistant RCC cells. In three of four tested cell lines, ART’s growth inhibitory effects were accompanied by cell cycle arrest and modulation of cell cycle regulating proteins. In a fourth cell line, KTCTL-26, ART evoked ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death, and exhibited stronger anti-tumor effects than in the other cell lines. The regulatory protein, p53, was only detectable in the KTCTL-26 cells, possibly making p53 a predictive marker of cancer that may respond better to ART. ART, therefore, may hold promise as an additive therapy option for selected patients with advanced or therapy-resistant RCC. Abstract Although innovative therapeutic concepts have led to better treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), efficacy is still limited due to the tumor developing resistance to applied drugs. Artesunate (ART) has demonstrated anti-tumor effects in different tumor entities. This study was designed to investigate the impact of ART (1–100 µM) on the sunitinib-resistant RCC cell lines, Caki-1, 786-O, KTCTL26, and A-498. Therapy-sensitive (parental) and untreated cells served as controls. ART’s impact on tumor cell growth, proliferation, clonogenic growth, apoptosis, necrosis, ferroptosis, and metabolic activity was evaluated. Cell cycle distribution, the expression of cell cycle regulating proteins, p53, and the occurrence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were investigated. ART significantly increased cytotoxicity and inhibited proliferation and clonogenic growth in both parental and sunitinib-resistant RCC cells. In Caki-1, 786-O, and A-498 cell lines growth inhibition was associated with G0/G1 phase arrest and distinct modulation of cell cycle regulating proteins. KTCTL-26 cells were mainly affected by ART through ROS generation, ferroptosis, and decreased metabolism. p53 exclusively appeared in the KTCTL-26 cells, indicating that p53 might be predictive for ART-dependent ferroptosis. Thus, ART may hold promise for treating selected patients with advanced and even therapy-resistant RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha D. Markowitsch
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.D.M.); (P.S.); (J.L.); (O.V.); (K.S.S.); (R.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Patricia Schupp
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.D.M.); (P.S.); (J.L.); (O.V.); (K.S.S.); (R.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Julia Lauckner
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.D.M.); (P.S.); (J.L.); (O.V.); (K.S.S.); (R.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Olesya Vakhrusheva
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.D.M.); (P.S.); (J.L.); (O.V.); (K.S.S.); (R.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Kimberly S. Slade
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.D.M.); (P.S.); (J.L.); (O.V.); (K.S.S.); (R.M.); (A.H.)
| | - René Mager
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.D.M.); (P.S.); (J.L.); (O.V.); (K.S.S.); (R.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Axel Haferkamp
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.D.M.); (P.S.); (J.L.); (O.V.); (K.S.S.); (R.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Eva Juengel
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.D.M.); (P.S.); (J.L.); (O.V.); (K.S.S.); (R.M.); (A.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-631-175-433; Fax: +49-6131-174-410
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22
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Abu-Izneid T, Rauf A, Shariati MA, Khalil AA, Imran M, Rebezov M, Uddin MS, Mahomoodally MF, Rengasamy KRR. Sesquiterpenes and their derivatives-natural anticancer compounds: An update. Pharmacol Res 2020; 161:105165. [PMID: 32835868 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
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).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tareq Abu-Izneid
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdur Rauf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Mohammad Ali Shariati
- K.G. Razumovsky Moscow State University of Technologies and Management (the First Cossack University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Anees Ahmed Khalil
- University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran
- University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Maksim Rebezov
- V. M. Gorbatov Federal Research Center for Food Systems of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Md Sahab Uddin
- Pharmakon Neuroscience Research Network, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohamad Fawzi Mahomoodally
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Viet Nam; Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Mauritius
| | - Kannan R R Rengasamy
- Bionanotechnology Research Group, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
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23
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Yin S, Yang H, Zhao X, Wei S, Tao Y, Liu M, Bo R, Li J. Antimalarial agent artesunate induces G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via increasing intracellular ROS levels in normal liver cells. Hum Exp Toxicol 2020; 39:1681-1689. [PMID: 32633561 DOI: 10.1177/0960327120937331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Artesunate (ARS) has been shown to be highly effective against chloroquine-resistant malaria. In vitro studies reported that ARS has anticancer effects; however, its detrimental action on cancer cells may also play a role in its toxicity toward normal cells and its potential toxicity has not been sufficiently researched. In this study, we investigated the possible cytotoxic effects using normal BRL-3A and AML12 liver cells. The results showed that ARS dose-dependently inhibited cell proliferation and arrested the G0/G1 phase cell cycle in both BRL-3A and AML12 liver cells. Western blotting demonstrated that ARS induced a significant downregulation of cyclin-dependent kinase-2 (CDK2), CDK4, cyclin D1, and cyclin E1 in various levels and then caused apoptosis when the Bcl-2/Bax ratio decreased. Conversely, the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were increased. The ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine can significantly inhibit cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induced by ARS. Thus, the data confirmed that ARS exposure impairs normal liver cell proliferation by inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and this detrimental action may be associated with intracellular ROS accumulation. Collectively, the possible side effects of ARS on healthy normal cells cannot be neglected when developing therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Yin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, 38043Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - H Yang
- Jiangsu Agri-animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - X Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, 38043Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - S Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, 38043Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Y Tao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, 38043Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - M Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, 38043Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - R Bo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, 38043Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - J Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, 38043Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China
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24
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NF-κB signaling promotes castration-resistant prostate cancer initiation and progression. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 211:107538. [PMID: 32201312 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Prostate Cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men. Adenocarcinoma of the prostate is primarily composed of Androgen Receptor-positive (AR+) luminal cells that require AR transcriptional activity for survival and proliferation. As a consequence, androgen deprivation and anti-androgens are used to treat PCa patients whose disease progresses following attempted surgical or radiation interventions. Unfortunately, patients with advanced PCa can develop incurable castration-resistant PCa (CRPCa) due to mutated, variant, or overexpressed AR. Conversely, low or no AR accumulation or activity can also underlie castration resistance. Whether CRPCa is due to aberrant AR activity or AR independence, NF-κB signaling is also implicated in the initiation and maintenance of CRPCa and, thus, the NF-κB pathway may be a promising alternative therapeutic target. In this review, we present evidence that NF-κB signaling promotes CRPCa initiation and progression, describe the dichotomic role of NF-κB in the regulation of AR expression and activity and outline studies that explore NF-κB inhibitors as PCa therapies.
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25
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Hu SA, Wei W, Yuan J, Cheng J. Resveratrol Inhibits Proliferation in HBL-52 Meningioma Cells. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 12:11579-11586. [PMID: 31920345 PMCID: PMC6941613 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s228513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the effects of resveratrol on apoptosis and proliferation in meningioma cells and characterize the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods HBL-52 meningioma cells were treated with resveratrol at doses of 10, 50, 100, 200, and 400 μM for 24, 36, and 48 hrs. Inhibition of proliferation was measured by CCK8 assay, and apoptosis was determined by annexin V staining and flow cytometry. Expression of apoptosis-associated proteins (cleaved-caspase-3, pro-caspase-3) and Bcl-2 were measured by Western blot. Levels of miR-34a-3p and Bcl-2 mRNA were analyzed by reverse transcriptase PCR. A dual luciferase assay was used to determine whether miR-34a-3p binds to the 3ʹUTR of Bcl-2. Results Resveratrol reduces proliferation and increases apoptosis in HBL-52 cells. These effects increase with increasing resveratrol concentration and exposure time. Resveratrol increases levels of cleaved-caspase 3 protein as well as decreases levels of pro-caspase 3 protein and Bcl-2 mRNA. The 3ʹUTR of Bcl-2 contains putative binding sites for miR-34a-3p, and these binding sites can regulate the expression of a luciferase reporter. Overexpression of miR-34a-3p reduces Bcl-2 protein levels in HBL-52 cells. Conclusion Resveratrol suppresses proliferation and induces apoptosis in meningioma cells by upregulating miR-34a-3p, which in turn downregulates Bcl-2. Resveratrol may be a useful drug for treating meningiomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun-An Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei 441021, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Oncology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei 441021, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei 441021, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei 441021, People's Republic of China
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26
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Luo H, Vong CT, Chen H, Gao Y, Lyu P, Qiu L, Zhao M, Liu Q, Cheng Z, Zou J, Yao P, Gao C, Wei J, Ung COL, Wang S, Zhong Z, Wang Y. Naturally occurring anti-cancer compounds: shining from Chinese herbal medicine. Chin Med 2019; 14:48. [PMID: 31719837 PMCID: PMC6836491 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-019-0270-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 268] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous natural products originated from Chinese herbal medicine exhibit anti-cancer activities, including anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic, anti-angiogenic effects, as well as regulate autophagy, reverse multidrug resistance, balance immunity, and enhance chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. To provide new insights into the critical path ahead, we systemically reviewed the most recent advances (reported since 2011) on the key compounds with anti-cancer effects derived from Chinese herbal medicine (curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, berberine, artemisinin, ginsenoside Rg3, ursolic acid, silibinin, emodin, triptolide, cucurbitacin B, tanshinone I, oridonin, shikonin, gambogic acid, artesunate, wogonin, β-elemene, and cepharanthine) in scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, and Clinical Trials). With a broader perspective, we focused on their recently discovered and/or investigated pharmacological effects, novel mechanism of action, relevant clinical studies, and their innovative applications in combined therapy and immunomodulation. In addition, the present review has extended to describe other promising compounds including dihydroartemisinin, ginsenoside Rh2, compound K, cucurbitacins D, E, I, tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone in view of their potentials in cancer therapy. Up to now, the evidence about the immunomodulatory effects and clinical trials of natural anti-cancer compounds from Chinese herbal medicine is very limited, and further research is needed to monitor their immunoregulatory effects and explore their mechanisms of action as modulators of immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Luo
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Chi Teng Vong
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Hanbin Chen
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Peng Lyu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Ling Qiu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Mingming Zhao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Qiao Liu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Zehua Cheng
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jian Zou
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Peifen Yao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Caifang Gao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jinchao Wei
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Carolina Oi Lam Ung
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Shengpeng Wang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yitao Wang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
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27
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Synthesis of novel S-linked dihydroartemisinin derivatives and evaluation of their anticancer activity. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 178:552-570. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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28
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Gotsbacher MP, Cho SM, Kim NH, Liu F, Kwon HJ, Karuso P. Reverse Chemical Proteomics Identifies an Unanticipated Human Target of the Antimalarial Artesunate. ACS Chem Biol 2019; 14:636-643. [PMID: 30840434 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.8b01004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinins are the most potent and safe antimalarials available. Despite their clinical potential, no human target for the artemisinins is known. The unbiased interrogation of several human cDNA libraries, displayed on bacteriophage T7, revealed a single human target of artesunate; the intrinsically disordered Bcl-2 antagonist of cell death promoter (BAD). We show that artesunate inhibits the phosphorylation of BAD, thereby promoting the formation of the proapoptotic BAD/Bcl-xL complex and the subsequent intrinsic apoptotic cascade involving cytochrome c release, PARP cleavage, caspase activation, and ultimately cell death. This unanticipated role of BAD as a possible drug target of artesunate points to direct clinical exploitation of artemisinins in the Bcl-xL life/death switch and that artesunate's anticancer activity is, at least in part, independent of reactive oxygen species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sung Min Cho
- Chemical Genomics Global Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-749, South Korea
| | - Nam Hee Kim
- Chemical Genomics Global Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-749, South Korea
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Ho Jeong Kwon
- Chemical Genomics Global Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-749, South Korea
| | - Peter Karuso
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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RIZKI FADHIL PRATAMA MOHAMMAD, HADI TJAHJONO DARYONO, GUSDINAR TUTUS. The Antifungal Activity of Artesunate toward Candida albicans: Two Opposite Activities. MICROBIOLOGY INDONESIA 2019. [DOI: 10.5454/mi.13.3.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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30
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Anti-hypoxic effect of dihydroartemisinin on pulmonary artery endothelial cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 506:840-846. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.10.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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31
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Wu X, Xu Y, Zhu B, Liu Q, Yao Q, Zhao G. Resveratrol induces apoptosis in SGC-7901 gastric cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2018; 16:2949-2956. [PMID: 30127883 PMCID: PMC6096135 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.9045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of resveratrol on apoptosis in SGC-7901 gastric cancer cells and its molecular mechanisms of action. Following resveratrol treatment, the inhibition rate of SGC-7901 cells was determined using an MTT assay. The morphological changes in apoptosis were observed by fluorescence microscopy based on acridine orange/ethidium bromide double staining. Furthermore, cell cycle and apoptosis were detected using flow cytometry, and the expression levels of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) as well as apoptosis-associated proteins [B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-8] were analyzed by western blotting. The results of the present study indicated that resveratrol was able to significantly inhibit the viability of SGC-7901 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. When treated with 200 µM resveratrol, the inhibition rate of SGC-7901 cells reached ~50%. In the presence of resveratrol, the proportion of apoptotic cells was also increased in a dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry revealed that resveratrol induced S-phase arrest of SGC-7901 cells. When treated with 50, 200 and 400 µM resveratrol, the proportions of SGC-7901 cells in the S-phase were respectively increased to 33.8±2.42, 60.01±2.43 and 56.05±2.67%, compared with 25.62±3.29% for the control group cells in S-phase. Additionally, the levels of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-8 were upregulated in a dose-dependent manner, whereas the level of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was downregulated dose-dependently. Importantly, the activation of NF-κB (p65) was evidently decreased following treatment with resveratrol compared with in the control group. In conclusion, the results of the present study revealed that resveratrol was able to inhibit viability and induce apoptosis in SGC-7901 cells by suppressing NF-κB activation. Therefore, resveratrol may be considered as a potential drug candidate for the treatment of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Wu
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, P.R. China.,Department of Medical Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, P.R. China
| | - Yundan Xu
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, P.R. China
| | - Biran Zhu
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, P.R. China
| | - Qunfeng Yao
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, P.R. China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, P.R. China
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Chen G, Gong R, Shi X, Yang D, Zhang G, Lu A, Yue J, Bian Z. Halofuginone and artemisinin synergistically arrest cancer cells at the G1/G0 phase by upregulating p21Cip1 and p27Kip1. Oncotarget 2018; 7:50302-50314. [PMID: 27385212 PMCID: PMC5226584 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Combinational drug therapy is one of the most promising strategies in modern anticancer research. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas represent a wealth of complex combinations proven successful over centuries of clinical application. One such formula used to treat a variety of diseases, including cancer, contains two herbs, whose main active components are Halofuginone (HF) and Artemisinin (ATS). Here we studied the anticancer synergism of HF and ATS in various cancer cell lines and in a xenograft nude mice model. We found that the HF-ATS combination arrested more cells at the G1/G0 phase than either one alone, with the concomitant increased levels of CDK2 inhibitors, p21Cip1 and p27Kip1. By knocking down p21Cip1 and p27Kip1 separately or simultaneously in HCT116 cells and MCF-7 cells, we found that p21Cip1 was required for HF induced G1/G0 arrest, whereas p21Cip1 and p27Kip1 were both required for ATS or HF-ATS combination-mediated cell cycle arrest. Moreover, HF-ATS combination synergistically inhibited tumor growth in xenograft nude mice, and this was associated with the increased levels of p21Cip1 and p27Kip1. Collectively, these data indicate that the upregulation of p21Cip1 and p27Kip1 contributes to the synergistic anticancer effect of the HF-ATS combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqing Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.,Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
| | - Ruihong Gong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xianli Shi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dajian Yang
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, China
| | - Ge Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Aiping Lu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianbo Yue
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhaoxiang Bian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
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Leem DG, Shin JS, Kim KT, Choi SY, Lee MH, Lee KT. Dammarane-type triterpene ginsenoside-Rg18 inhibits human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cell proliferation via G 1 phase arrest. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:6043-6049. [PMID: 29556318 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A previous study reported that a novel dammarane-type triterpene saponin, ginsenoside-Rg18, derived from the root of Panax ginseng, displayed hydroxyl radical scavenging, anti-bacterial and cytotoxic activities. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of its anti-proliferative effect on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cells remains unclear. In the present study, it was determined that Rg18 inhibited the proliferation of A549 cells with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 150 µM. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that cell cycle progression was blocked by Rg18 at G1 phase in A549 cells, which was accompanied by downregulation of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), CDK4, CDK6, cyclin D1, cyclin D2, cyclin E and phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein expression at the protein level. In addition, the CDK inhibitors (CDKNs), CDKN1A and CDKN1B, were upregulated following Rg18 treatment. Furthermore, Rg18 treatment resulted in the intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and a dose-dependent inhibition of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/p65 phosphorylation. Taken together, Rg18-mediated G1 phase arrest was closely associated with the generation of intracellular ROS, and p38, JNK and NF-κB/p65 inhibition in A549 human NSCLC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Gyu Leem
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.,Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Sun Shin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Tack Kim
- Traditional Food Research Center, Korea Food Research Institute, Seongnam 13539, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Yoon Choi
- Traditional Food Research Center, Korea Food Research Institute, Seongnam 13539, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Hee Lee
- Traditional Food Research Center, Korea Food Research Institute, Seongnam 13539, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Tae Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.,Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
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From ancient herb to modern drug: Artemisia annua and artemisinin for cancer therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 46:65-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 341] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Sun C, Zhou B. The antimalarial drug artemisinin induces an additional, Sod1-supressible anti-mitochondrial action in yeast. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2017; 1864:1285-1294. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2017.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Nunes JJ, Pandey SK, Yadav A, Goel S, Ateeq B. Targeting NF-kappa B Signaling by Artesunate Restores Sensitivity of Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells to Antiandrogens. Neoplasia 2017; 19:333-345. [PMID: 28319807 PMCID: PMC5358938 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the most preferred treatment for men with metastatic prostate cancer (PCa). However, the disease eventually progresses and develops resistance to ADT in majority of the patients, leading to the emergence of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Here, we assessed artesunate (AS), an artemisinin derivative, for its anticancer properties and ability to alleviate resistance to androgen receptor (AR) antagonists. We have shown AS in combination with bicalutamide (Bic) attenuates the oncogenic properties of the castrate-resistant (PC3, 22RV1) and androgen-responsive (LNCaP) PCa cells. Mechanistically, AS and Bic combination inhibits nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling and decreases AR and/or AR-variant 7 expression via ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation. The combination induces oxidative stress and apoptosis via survivin downregulation and caspase-3 activation, resulting in poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage. Moreover, preclinical castrate-resistant PC3 xenograft studies in NOD/SCID mice (n =28, seven per group) show remarkable tumor regression and significant reduction in lungs and bone metastases upon administering AS (50 mg/kg per day in two divided doses) and Bic (50 mg/kg per day) via oral gavage. Taken together, we for the first time provide a compelling preclinical rationale that AS could disrupt AR antagonist-mediated resistance observed in mCRPC. The current study also indicates that the therapeutic combination of Food and Drug Administration-approved AS or NF-κB inhibitors and AR antagonists may enhance the clinical efficacy in the treatment of mCRPC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J Nunes
- Molecular Oncology Lab, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur-208016, U.P., India
| | - Swaroop K Pandey
- Molecular Oncology Lab, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur-208016, U.P., India
| | - Anjali Yadav
- Molecular Oncology Lab, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur-208016, U.P., India
| | - Sakshi Goel
- Molecular Oncology Lab, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur-208016, U.P., India
| | - Bushra Ateeq
- Molecular Oncology Lab, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur-208016, U.P., India.
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Artemisinin and its derivatives in cancer therapy: status of progress, mechanism of action, and future perspectives. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2017; 79:451-466. [DOI: 10.1007/s00280-017-3251-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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38
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Velaei K, Samadi N, Soltani S, Barazvan B, Soleimani Rad J. NFκBP65 transcription factor modulates resistance to doxorubicin through ABC transporters in breast cancer. Breast Cancer 2016; 24:552-561. [DOI: 10.1007/s12282-016-0738-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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39
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JIA JIANGUANG, QIN YIYU, ZHANG LIGONG, GUO CHENXU, WANG YAGUO, YUE XICHENG, QIAN JUN. Artemisinin inhibits gallbladder cancer cell lines through triggering cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Mol Med Rep 2016; 13:4461-8. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Lv Z, Zhang F, Pan Q, Fu X, Jiang W, Shen Q, Yan T, Shi P, Lu X, Sun X, Tang K. Branch Pathway Blocking in Artemisia annua is a Useful Method for Obtaining High Yield Artemisinin. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 57:588-602. [PMID: 26858285 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcw014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
There are many biosynthetic pathways competing for the metabolic flux with the artemisinin biosynthetic pathway in Artemisia annua L. To study the relationship between genes encoding enzymes at branching points and the artemisinin biosynthetic pathway, β-caryophyllene, β-farnesene and squalene were sprayed on young seedlings of A. annua. Transient expression assays indicated that the transcription levels of β-caryophyllene synthase (CPS), β-farnesene synthase (BFS) and squalene synthase (SQS) were inhibited by β-caryophyllene, β-farnesene and squalene, respectively, while expression of some artemisinin biosynthetic pathway genes increased. Thus, inhibition of these genes encoding enzymes at branching points may be helpful to improve the artemisinin content. For further study, the expression levels of four branch pathway genes CPS, BFS, germacrene A synthase (GAS) and SQS were down-regulated by the antisense method in A. annua. In anti-CPS transgenic plants, mRNA levels of BFS and ADS were increased, and the contents of β-farnesene, artemisinin and dihydroartemisinic acid (DHAA) were increased by 212, 77 and 132%, respectively. The expression levels of CPS, SQS, GAS, amorpha-4,11-diene synthase (ADS), amorphadiene 12-hydroxylase (CYP71AV1) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) were increased in anti-BFS transgenic plants and, at the same time, the contents of artemisinin and DHAA were increased by 77% and 54%, respectively, and the content of squalene was increased by 235%. In anti-GAS transgenic plants, mRNA levels of CPS, BFS, ADS and ALDH1 were increased. The contents of artemisinin and DHAA were enhanced by 103% and 130%, respectively. In anti-SQS transgenic plants, the transcription levels of BFS, GAS, CPS, ADS, CYP71AV1 and ALDH1 were all increased. Contents of artemisinin and DHAA were enhanced by 71% and 223%, respectively, while β-farnesene was raised to 123%. The mRNA level of artemisinic aldehyde Δ11(13) reductase (DBR2) had changed little in almost all transgenic plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongyou Lv
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (South) Ministry of Agriculture, Plant Biotechnology Research Center, Fudan-SJTU-Nottingham Plant Biotechnology R&D Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Fangyuan Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (South) Ministry of Agriculture, Plant Biotechnology Research Center, Fudan-SJTU-Nottingham Plant Biotechnology R&D Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qifang Pan
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (South) Ministry of Agriculture, Plant Biotechnology Research Center, Fudan-SJTU-Nottingham Plant Biotechnology R&D Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xueqing Fu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (South) Ministry of Agriculture, Plant Biotechnology Research Center, Fudan-SJTU-Nottingham Plant Biotechnology R&D Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Weimin Jiang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (South) Ministry of Agriculture, Plant Biotechnology Research Center, Fudan-SJTU-Nottingham Plant Biotechnology R&D Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qian Shen
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (South) Ministry of Agriculture, Plant Biotechnology Research Center, Fudan-SJTU-Nottingham Plant Biotechnology R&D Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Tingxiang Yan
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (South) Ministry of Agriculture, Plant Biotechnology Research Center, Fudan-SJTU-Nottingham Plant Biotechnology R&D Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Pu Shi
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (South) Ministry of Agriculture, Plant Biotechnology Research Center, Fudan-SJTU-Nottingham Plant Biotechnology R&D Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xu Lu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (South) Ministry of Agriculture, Plant Biotechnology Research Center, Fudan-SJTU-Nottingham Plant Biotechnology R&D Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaofen Sun
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (South) Ministry of Agriculture, Plant Biotechnology Research Center, Fudan-SJTU-Nottingham Plant Biotechnology R&D Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Kexuan Tang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Key Laboratory of Urban Agriculture (South) Ministry of Agriculture, Plant Biotechnology Research Center, Fudan-SJTU-Nottingham Plant Biotechnology R&D Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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He K, Tong D, Zhang S, Cai D, Wang L, Yang Y, Gao L, Chang S, Guo B, Song T, Li A, Huang C. miRNA-99b-3p functions as a potential tumor suppressor by targeting glycogen synthase kinase-3β in oral squamous cell carcinoma Tca-8113 cells. Int J Oncol 2015; 47:1528-36. [PMID: 26315788 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2015.3135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been associated with carcinogenesis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In the present study, we investigated the expression and function of miR-99b-3p in human OSCC. We found that the expression levels of miR-99b-3p decreased in 21 clinical OSCC samples (84%). Furthermore, ectopic expression of miR-99b-3p inhibited OSCC cell proliferation by downregulating glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β), an miR-99b-3p' target gene, at the mRNA and protein levels, both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the silencing of GSK3β recapitulated the cellular and molecular effects in a similar manner to the overexpression of miR-99b-3p, which included inhibition of OSCC cell proliferation and suppression of p65 (RelA) and G1 regulators (cyclin D1, CDK4 and CDK6) in vitro. Our data suggest that miR-99b-3p functions as a tumor suppressor in OSCC via GSK3β downregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang He
- Department of Periodontology, Stomatology Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Dongdong Tong
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Si Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710077, P.R. China
| | - Donghui Cai
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Lumin Wang
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Ling Gao
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Stomatology Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Su'e Chang
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Bo Guo
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Tusheng Song
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Periodontology, Stomatology Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
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Hargraves KG, He L, Firestone GL. Phytochemical regulation of the tumor suppressive microRNA, miR-34a, by p53-dependent and independent responses in human breast cancer cells. Mol Carcinog 2015; 55:486-98. [PMID: 25789847 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Revised: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The tumor suppressive microRNA miR-34a is transcriptionally regulated by p53 and shown to inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation as well as being a marker of increased disease free survival. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) derived from cruciferous vegetables, artemisinin, extracted from the sweet wormwood plant, and artesunate, a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin, are phytochemicals with anti-tumorigenic properties however, little is known about the role of microRNAs in their mechanism of action. Human breast cancer cells expressing wild-type (MCF-7) or mutant p53 (T47D) were treated with a concentration range and time course of each phytochemical under conditions of cell cycle arrest as detected by flow cytometry to examine the potential connection between miR-34a expression and their anti-proliferative responses. Real-time PCR and western blot analysis of extracted RNA and total protein revealed artemsinin and artesunate increased miR-34a expression in a dose-dependent manner correlating with down-regulation of the miR-34a target gene, CDK4. I3C stimulation of miR-34a expression required functional p53, whereas, both artemisinin and artesunate up-regulated miR-34a expression regardless of p53 mutational status or in the presence of dominant negative p53. Phytochemical treatments inhibited the luciferase activity of a construct containing the wild-type 3'UTR of CDK4, but not those with a mutated miR-34a binding site, whereas, transfection of miR-34a inhibitors ablated the phytochemical mediated down-regulation of CDK4 and induction of cell cycle arrest. Our results suggest that miR-34a is an essential component of the anti-proliferative activities of I3C, artemisinin, and artesunate and demonstrate that both wild-type p53 dependent and independent pathways are responsible for miR-34a induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris G Hargraves
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, The Cancer Research Laboratory, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Lin He
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, The Cancer Research Laboratory, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Gary L Firestone
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, The Cancer Research Laboratory, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California
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Th1-biased immunomodulation and therapeutic potential of Artemisia annua in murine visceral leishmaniasis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e3321. [PMID: 25568967 PMCID: PMC4287499 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the absence of vaccines and limitations of currently available chemotherapy, development of safe and efficacious drugs is urgently needed for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) that is fatal, if left untreated. Earlier we reported in vitro apoptotic antileishmanial activity of n-hexane fractions of Artemisia annua leaves (AAL) and seeds (AAS) against Leishmania donovani. In the present study, we investigated the immunostimulatory and therapeutic efficacy of AAL and AAS. Methodology/Principal Findings Ten-weeks post infection, BALB/c mice were orally administered AAL and AAS for ten consecutive days. Significant reduction in hepatic (86.67% and 89.12%) and splenic (95.45% and 95.84%) parasite burden with decrease in spleen weight was observed. AAL and AAS treated mice induced the strongest DTH response, as well as three-fold decrease in IgG1 and two-fold increase in IgG2a levels, as compared to infected controls. Cytometric bead array further affirmed the elicitation of Th1 immune response as indicated by increased levels of IFN-γ, and low levels of Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) in serum as well as in culture supernatant of lymphocytes from treated mice. Lymphoproliferative response, IFN-γ producing CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and nitrite levels were significantly enhanced upon antigen recall in vitro. The co-expression of CD80 and CD86 on macrophages was significantly augmented. CD8+ T cells exhibited CD62Llow and CD44hi phenotype, signifying induction of immunological memory in AAL and AAS treated groups. Serum enzyme markers were in the normal range indicating inertness against nephro- and hepato-toxicity. Conclusions/Significance Our results establish the two-prong antileishmanial efficacy of AAL and AAS for cure against L. donovani that is dependent on both the direct leishmanicidal action as well as switching-on of Th1-biased protective cell-mediated immunity with generation of memory. AAL and AAS could represent adjunct therapies for the treatment of leishmaniasis, either alone or in combination with other antileishmanial agents. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a fatal, vector-borne tropical disease that affects the poorest sections of the society. The currently available drugs are toxic, expensive and have severe side effects. The problem is further compounded by emergence of VL-HIV co-infection and occurence of PKDL after apparent cure. Thus, alternate therapeutic interventions are needed in the absence of vaccines and mounting drug resistance. VL is also characterized by severe depression of cell-mediated immunity that complicates the efficiency of chemotherapeutic drugs. Restoration of the dampened immune system coupled with antileishmanial effect would be a rational approach in the quest for antileishmanial drugs. Plant derived secondary metabolites have been recommended for the containment of antiparasitic disease including leishmaniasis that synergistically aid in lifting the immune suppression. We previously reported in vitro antileishmanial activity of n-hexane fractions of Artemisia annua leaves (AAL) and seeds (AAS) that was mediated by apoptosis. In this study, we found significant reduction in liver and spleen parasite burden of Leishmania donovani infected BALB/c mice upon oral administration of AAL and AAS with concomitant immunostimulation and induction of immunological memory. The immunotherapeutic potentiation by AAL and AAS with no adverse toxic effects validates their use for treatment of this debilitating disease.
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Artesunate induces necrotic cell death in schwannoma cells. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1466. [PMID: 25321473 PMCID: PMC4649524 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2014.434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Revised: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Established as a potent anti-malaria medicine, artemisinin-based drugs have been suggested to have anti-tumour activity in some cancers. Although the mechanism is poorly understood, it has been suggested that artemisinin induces apoptotic cell death. Here, we show that the artemisinin analogue artesunate (ART) effectively induces cell death in RT4 schwannoma cells and human primary schwannoma cells. Interestingly, our data indicate for first time that the cell death induced by ART is largely dependent on necroptosis. ART appears to inhibit autophagy, which may also contribute to the cell death. Our data in human schwannoma cells show that ART can be combined with the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) to potentiate the cell death. Thus, this study suggests that artemisinin-based drugs may be used in certain tumours where cells are necroptosis competent, and the drugs may act in synergy with apoptosis inducers or autophagy inhibitors to enhance their anti-tumour activity.
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