1
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Han Z, Huang Q, Lv M, Ma M, Zhang W, Feng W, Hu R, Sun X, Li J, Zhong X, Zhou X. Qizhu Anti-Cancer Recipe promotes anoikis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by activating the c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22089. [PMID: 38053871 PMCID: PMC10694164 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Qizhu Anti-Cancer Recipe (QACR) is a traditional Chinese medicine widely used in treating several liver diseases. However, its function and the relevant mechanism underlying its effect in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of QACR in HCC, which are expected to be a potential therapeutic scheme for HCC. Materials and methods The chemical compositions of QACR were determined by liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-fight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS). The anoikis-resistant HCC cell proliferation and angiopoiesis were detected using the cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) assay, trypan blue, calcein AM/EthD-1, flow cytometer, Western blot, and tube formation assays. An orthotopic xenograft mouse model was established to evaluate the in vivo effects of the QACR. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Bcl-2, CD31, caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, PARP-1, DFF40, phospho-c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (p-JNK), and JNK was assessed using Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis. Results QACR reduced the growth and tube formation of anoikis-resistant HCC cells and enhanced cell apoptosis in vitro. In the orthotopic xenograft mouse models, QACR suppressed the tumorigenesis of HCC in vivo. Mechanistically, QACR modulated the JNK pathway. The JNK inhibitor (SP600125) reverses the inhibitory effects of QACR on anoikis-resistant HCC cell proliferation and angiopoiesis. Conclusion Our study suggests that QACR suppresses the proliferation and angiopoiesis of anoikis-resistant HCC cells by activating the JNK pathway. Therefore, QACR is a promising new therapeutic strategy for treating hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyi Han
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Liver Disease, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Qi Huang
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Minling Lv
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Mengqing Ma
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Liver Disease, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Wenxing Feng
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Liver Disease, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Rui Hu
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Liver Disease, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Xinfeng Sun
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Liver Disease, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Xin Zhong
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Liver Disease, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Xiaozhou Zhou
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Liver Disease, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
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2
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Agnoletto C, Volinia S. Mitochondria dysfunction in circulating tumor cells. Front Oncol 2022; 12:947479. [PMID: 35992829 PMCID: PMC9386562 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.947479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) represent a subset of heterogeneous cells, which, once released from a tumor site, have the potential to give rise to metastasis in secondary sites. Recent research focused on the attempt to detect and characterize these rare cells in the circulation, and advancements in defining their molecular profile have been reported in diverse tumor species, with potential implications for clinical applications. Of note, metabolic alterations, involving mitochondria, have been implicated in the metastatic process, as key determinants in the transition of tumor cells to a mesenchymal or stemness-like phenotype, in drug resistance, and in induction of apoptosis. This review aimed to briefly analyse the most recent knowledge relative to mitochondria dysfunction in CTCs, and to envision implications of altered mitochondria in CTCs for a potential utility in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Agnoletto
- Rete Oncologica Veneta (ROV), Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Stefano Volinia
- Laboratorio per le Tecnologie delle Terapie Avanzate (LTTA), Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Biological and Chemical Research Centre (CNBCh UW), University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Center of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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3
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Zhang S, Yang Y, Hua Y, Hu C, Zhong Y. NCTD elicits proapoptotic and antiglycolytic effects on colorectal cancer cells via modulation of Fam46c expression and inhibition of ERK1/2 signaling. Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:774-782. [PMID: 32468032 PMCID: PMC7339822 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is a digestive tract malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer‑related mortality worldwide. Norcantharidin (NCTD), the demethylated form of cantharidin, has been reported to possess anticancer properties. Family‑with‑sequence‑similarity‑46c (Fam46c), a non‑canonical poly(A) polymerase, has been reported to be critical in NCTD‑mediated effects in numerous types of cancer, including hepatoma. In the current study, it was found that Fam46c expression was reduced in colorectal cancer tissues and cells. Treatment with NCTD was observed to significantly enhance apoptosis and inhibit glycolysis in colorectal cancer cells. In addition, Fam46c and cleaved caspase 3 expression levels were found to be increased in response to NCTD treatment, in contrast to tumor‑specific pyruvate kinase M2 and phosphorylated ERK expression, which was reduced. Importantly, overexpression of Fam46c exerted similar effects as NCTD treatment on the apoptosis and glycolysis of colorectal cancer cells, whereas Fam46c knockdown strongly attenuated the effect of NCTD. Moreover, epidermal growth factor, which acts as an agonist of ERK1/2 signaling, weakened the effects of NCTD on colorectal cancer cells. Taken together, the results indicated that NCTD promotes apoptosis and suppresses glycolysis in colorectal cancer cells by possibly targeting Fam46c and inhibiting ERK1/2 signaling, hence suggesting that Fam46c may act as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer. Thus, the present study identified a novel therapeutic target of NCTD in the clinical treatment of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqiang Zhang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
| | - Yun Yang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
| | - Yunwei Hua
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
| | - Chen Hu
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
| | - Yi Zhong
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
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4
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Zheng K, Chen R, Sun Y, Tan Z, Liu Y, Cheng X, Leng J, Guo Z, Xu P. Cantharidin-loaded functional mesoporous titanium peroxide nanoparticles for non-small cell lung cancer targeted chemotherapy combined with high effective photodynamic therapy. Thorac Cancer 2020; 11:1476-1486. [PMID: 32246815 PMCID: PMC7262929 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.13414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a potential alternative to conventional chemotherapy, the low reactive oxygen species (ROS) yield of the photosensitizer such as TiO2 nanoparticles has limited its application. In addition, it is difficult to achieve effective tumor treatment with a single tumor therapy. METHODS We used TiOx nanocomposite (YSA-PEG-TiOX ) instead of TiO2 as a photosensitizer to solve the problem of insufficient ROS generation in PDT. Benefiting from the desired mesoporous structure of TiOx, Cantharidin (CTD), one of the active components of mylabris, is loaded into TiOx for targeted combination of chemotherapy and PDT. The cellular uptake in human non-small cell lung carcinoma cell line (A549) and human normal breast cell line (MCF 10A) was evaluated by confocal microscopy. in vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The ROS was detected via a chemical probe DCFH-DA and the photodynamic treatment effect of YSA-PEG-TiOx was further evaluated by a living-dead staining. The cell apoptosis was detected by the flow cytometry. RESULTS Our findings showed that the modification of YSA peptide improved the cytotoxicity of YSA-PEG-TiOX /CTD to EphA2 overexpressing A549 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) than non-YSA modified counterparts. In addition, TiOx generated adequate ROS under X-ray irradiation to further kill cancer cells. Flow analysis results also proved the superiority of this combined treatment. CONCLUSIONS YSA-PEG-TiOX nanoparticles could significantly increase ROS production under X-ray exposure and provide a new drug delivery nanocarrier for CTD in combination with PDT to achieve effective NSCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Zheng
- School of Life Science and MedicineDalian University of TechnologyPanjinChina
| | - Runze Chen
- School of Life Science and MedicineDalian University of TechnologyPanjinChina
| | - Yanxue Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of PharmacyInner Mongolia Medical UniversityHohhotChina
| | - Zhenquan Tan
- School of Petroleum and Chemical EngineeringDalian University of TechnologyPanjinChina
| | - Ye Liu
- School of Life Science and MedicineDalian University of TechnologyPanjinChina
| | - Xiao Cheng
- School of Life Science and MedicineDalian University of TechnologyPanjinChina
| | - Junke Leng
- School of Life Science and MedicineDalian University of TechnologyPanjinChina
| | - Zhaoming Guo
- School of Life Science and MedicineDalian University of TechnologyPanjinChina
| | - Pengcheng Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of PharmacyInner Mongolia Medical UniversityHohhotChina
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5
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Pan MS, Cao J, Fan YZ. Insight into norcantharidin, a small-molecule synthetic compound with potential multi-target anticancer activities. Chin Med 2020; 15:55. [PMID: 32514288 PMCID: PMC7260769 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-020-00338-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD) is a demethylated derivative of cantharidin, which is an anticancer active ingredient of traditional Chinese medicine, and is currently used clinically as a routine anti-cancer drug in China. Clarifying the anticancer effect and molecular mechanism of NCTD is critical for its clinical application. Here, we summarized the physiological, chemical, pharmacokinetic characteristics and clinical applications of NCTD. Besides, we mainly focus on its potential multi-target anticancer activities and underlying mechanisms, and discuss the problems existing in clinical application and scientific research of NCTD, so as to provide a potential anticancer therapeutic agent for human malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Su Pan
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jin Cao
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue-Zu Fan
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065 People’s Republic of China
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6
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Chi J, Jiang Z, Qiao J, Peng Y, Liu W, Han B. Synthesis and anti-metastasis activities of norcantharidin-conjugated carboxymethyl chitosan as a novel drug delivery system. Carbohydr Polym 2019; 214:80-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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7
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Salaritabar A, Berindan-Neagoe I, Darvish B, Hadjiakhoondi F, Manayi A, Devi KP, Barreca D, Orhan IE, Süntar I, Farooqi AA, Gulei D, Nabavi SF, Sureda A, Daglia M, Dehpour AR, Nabavi SM, Shirooie S. Targeting Hedgehog signaling pathway: Paving the road for cancer therapy. Pharmacol Res 2019; 141:466-480. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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8
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Li S, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Jiang X, Jiang Y, Qin X, Yang H, Wu C, Liu Y. Shear stress promotes anoikis resistance of cancer cells via caveolin-1-dependent extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:3730-3743. [PMID: 30171601 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) need to acquire resistance to anoikis to survive after they experience fluid shear stress in the circulatory and lymphatic systems. However, the mechanism by which tumor cells resist anoikis under shear stress conditions remains unknown. Here, we found that the application of low shear stress (LSS; 2 dyn/cm2 ) to human breast carcinoma cells (MDA-MB-231) resulted in increased anoikis resistance when tumor cells were grown under anchorage-independent conditions. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1), the major component of plasma membrane caveolae, was overexpressed in LSS-treated cells and prevented tumor cells from anoikis, while depletion of Cav-1 restored sensitivity to anoikis. LSS-induced dissociation of Cav-1-Fas inhibited formation of the death-inducing signaling complex, caspase-8 activation, and rendered tumor cells resistant to anoikis. Likewise, LSS blocked the mitochondrial pathway through promotion of integrin β1-focal adhesion kinase-mediated multicellular aggregation and suppression of truncated BID translocation mediated crosstalk between the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. Our findings provide insights into the mechanisms by which LSS induces anoikis resistance in breast carcinoma cells through inhibition of Cav-1-dependent extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways, and serves as a potential therapeutic target for CTCs and metastatic breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Li
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Center for Information in Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuehui Zhang
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaomin Jiang
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Center for Information in Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Qin
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Center for Information in Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Center for Information in Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunhui Wu
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Center for Information in Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiyao Liu
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,The Institute of Cancer Research, School of Clinical Medicine/The Affiliated Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,Center for Information in Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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9
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Wang D, Yang C, Wang Z, Yang Y, Li D, Ding X, Xu W, Zheng Q. Norcantharidin combined with Coix seed oil synergistically induces apoptosis and inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth by downregulating regulatory T cells accumulation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9373. [PMID: 28839202 PMCID: PMC5571147 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09668-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays a critical role in exerts effects in the growth and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which needs interacting approaches for effective therapy. In this study, we have found that the Norcantharidin (NCTD) + Coix lacryma-jobi seed oil (CLSO) combination exhibited more potent antitumor effects in an terms of cytotoxicity and apoptotic induction in human HepG2 and HepG2/ADM cells than NCTD or CLSO alone. In vivo, administration of NCTD+CLSO combinations significantly suppressed the formation of tumor in Hepal-1 hepatoma-bearing mice. Furthermore, we found that the in vitro co-cultures of HepG2 or HepG2/ADM cells with PBMCs from healthy donors led to an increase in the number of CD4 + CD25 + T cells. This increase was down-regulated by the combination effectively. Down-regulation of FoxP3 mRNA and protein expression occurred during the combination in the co-cultures. The amount of Tregs of Hepal-1 hepatoma-bearing mice was significantly decreased in the combination treated group. The combination down-regulated the expression of FoxP3, CTLA-4 and Tregs related cytokine (TGF-β and IL-10) in the serum of tumor bearing mice. Taken together, these results suggest that the most valuable aspect of the NCTD+CLSO combined use improves the anti-tumor activity and regulates tumor infiltrating Tregs.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Biomarkers
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/pharmacology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Cell Cycle Checkpoints/drug effects
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cell Survival/drug effects
- Coix/chemistry
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Synergism
- Humans
- Immunophenotyping
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/immunology
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Mice
- Plant Oils/pharmacology
- Seeds/chemistry
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Chendong Yang
- Yantai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Zhuien Wang
- Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Defang Li
- Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Xiaojie Ding
- Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Wenjuan Xu
- Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China.
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10
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Gao Y, Li W, Liu R, Guo Q, Li J, Bao Y, Zheng H, Jiang S, Hua B. Norcantharidin inhibits IL-6-induced epithelial‑mesenchymal transition via the JAK2/STAT3/TWIST signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Oncol Rep 2017; 38:1224-1232. [PMID: 28677802 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), plays a vital role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development and metastasis. Norcantharidin (NCTD; 7-oxabicyclo (2.2.1) heptane-2,3-dicarboxylic anhydride) plays anticancer roles in the regulation of tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration. However, the molecular mechanism of HCC EMT and the effects of NCTD in the HCC EMT process have been either poorly elucidated or not studied. In this study, HCC EMT was induced by the treatment of IL-6 and various concentrations of NCTD (0, 30, 60 and 120 µM) were treated with HCC cell lines, HCCLM3 and SMMC-7721. We investigated the effect of NCTD on the invasion of HCC cells by using Transwell assay. Immunofluorescence staining, western blot analysis and quantitative RT-PCR were performed to evaluate the protein and mRNA expression levels of HCC cells. Here, using cell line models, our data demonstrated that interleukin 6 (IL-6) induced EMT through the JAK/STAT3/TWIST pathway in HCC. Moreover, our studies revealed that NCTD markedly inhibited IL-6-induced EMT and cell invasiveness. Signaling studies revealed that NCTD sufficiently suppressed JAK/STAT3/TWIST signaling to reverse the IL-6-promoting effects. Collectively, these data provide evidence for the use of NCTD as a potential anticancer drug in HCC metastatic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yebo Gao
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, P.R. China
| | - Weidong Li
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, P.R. China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, P.R. China
| | - Qiujun Guo
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, P.R. China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Oncology, Jining First People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong 272111, P.R. China
| | - Yanju Bao
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, P.R. China
| | - Honggang Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, P.R. China
| | - Shulong Jiang
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, P.R. China
| | - Baojin Hua
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, P.R. China
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11
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Zhang J, Shen D, Jia M, Zhao H, Tang Y. The targeting effect of Hm2E8b-NCTD-liposomes on B-lineage leukaemia stem cells is associated with the HLF-SLUG axis. J Drug Target 2017. [PMID: 28627280 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2017.1339193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
To identify an agent with specific activity against B-lineage leukaemia stem cells (B-LSCs), we generated norcantharidin (NCTD)-encapsulated liposomes modified with a novel humanised anti-human CD19 monoclonal antibody, Hm2E8b (Hm2E8b-NCTD-liposomes). These liposomes were specially designed to recognise and kill B-LSCs in vitro, and to decrease non-specific cytotoxicity to untargeted cells. Hm2E8b-NCTD-liposomes selectively ablated B-LSCs through targeting hepatic leukaemia factor (HLF), which is implicated in haematopoietic stem cell regulation and is overexpressed in LSCs. Hm2E8b-NCTD-liposomes decreased HLF protein levels and induced apoptosis in the HAL-01 cell line harbouring the oncoprotein E2A-HLF. This resulted in modulation of the expression of several molecules that govern survival pathways, including HLF, SLUG, NFIL3 and C-Myc, thereby causing the induction of p53 and the mitochondrial caspase cascade. Therefore, the potent in vitro effect of Hm2E8b-NCTD-liposomes on B-LSC activity and survival pathways have the potential to be exploited clinically with appropriate drug combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingying Zhang
- a Division of Haematology-Oncology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Neonatal Diseases, Children's Hospital , Zhejiang University School of Medicine , Hangzhou , PR China
| | - Diying Shen
- a Division of Haematology-Oncology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Neonatal Diseases, Children's Hospital , Zhejiang University School of Medicine , Hangzhou , PR China
| | - Min Jia
- a Division of Haematology-Oncology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Neonatal Diseases, Children's Hospital , Zhejiang University School of Medicine , Hangzhou , PR China
| | - Haizhao Zhao
- a Division of Haematology-Oncology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Neonatal Diseases, Children's Hospital , Zhejiang University School of Medicine , Hangzhou , PR China
| | - Yongmin Tang
- a Division of Haematology-Oncology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Neonatal Diseases, Children's Hospital , Zhejiang University School of Medicine , Hangzhou , PR China
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12
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Zhang QY, Yue XQ, Jiang YP, Han T, Xin HL. FAM46C is critical for the anti-proliferation and pro-apoptotic effects of norcantharidin in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:396. [PMID: 28341836 PMCID: PMC5428258 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00313-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD), a demethylated analog of cantharidin derived from Chinese traditional medicine blister beetle, has been currently used as an anticancer drug for various cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, for a more comprehensive understanding of the targets of NCTD in HCC, next-generation RNA-Seq was utilized. We revealed that the expression of FAM46C, which has been reported as a tumor suppressor for multiple myeloma, was enhanced after NCTD treatment. Re-analysis of TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) LIHC (liver hepatocellular carcinoma) dataset demonstrated that FAM46C expression was significantly lower in HCC tissues than in normal liver tissues. NCTD injection or FAM46C overexpression could mitigate diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-initiated HCC in mice. Ectopic expression of FAM46C in two HCC cell lines, SMCC-7721 and SK-Hep-1, significantly repressed cell proliferation, and increased cells population in G2/M phase and cell apoptotic rate. We also found that FAM46C overexpression caused a notable decrease in Ras expression, MEK1/2 phosphorylation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. More importantly, FAM46C knockdown significantly weakened the biological effects of NCTD on HCC cells, which suggested NCTD exerted the anticancer functions partially through up-regulating FAM46C. In conclusion, FAM46C, a tumor suppressor for HCC, is important for the anti-proliferation and proapoptotic effects of NCTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao-Yan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Qiang Yue
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Yi-Ping Jiang
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Ting Han
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Hai-Liang Xin
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China.
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Han Z, Li B, Wang J, Zhang X, Li Z, Dai L, Cao M, Jiang J. Norcantharidin Inhibits SK-N-SH Neuroblastoma Cell Growth by Induction of Autophagy and Apoptosis. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2017; 16:33-44. [PMID: 26755751 PMCID: PMC5616112 DOI: 10.1177/1533034615624583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2015] [Revised: 11/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin, a low-toxic analog of the active anticancer compound cantharidin in Mylabris, can inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of multiple types of cancer cells. However, the anticancer activities of norcantharidin with respect to neuroblastoma, and its underlying mechanisms, have not been investigated. Therefore, our study was designed to determine the efficacy of norcantharidin on SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cell death and to elucidate detailed mechanisms of activity. In the present study, norcantharidin suppressed the proliferation and cloning ability of SK-N-SH cells in a dose-dependent manner, apparently by reducing the mitochondrial membrane potential and arresting SK-N-SH cells at the G2/M stage, accompanied by elevated expressions of p21 and decreased expressions of cyclin B1 and cell division control 2. Treatment by norcantharidin induced significant mitophagy and autophagy, as demonstrated by a decrease in Translocase Of Outer Mitochondrial Membrane 20 (TOM20), increased beclin1 and LC3-II protein expression, reduced protein SQSTM1/p62 expression, and accumulation of punctate LC3 in the cytoplasm of SK-N-SH cells. In addition, norcantharidin induced apoptosis through regulating the expression of B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein/B-cell lymphoma 2 and B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein/myeloid cell leukemia 1 and activating caspase-3 and caspase-9-dependent endogenous mitochondrial pathways. We also observed an increase in phosphor-AMP-activated protein kinase accompanied with a decrease in phosphor-protein kinase B and mammalian target of rapamycin expression after treatment with norcantharidin. Subsequent studies indicated that norcantharidin participates in cellular autophagy and apoptosis via activation of the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinases/c-Jun pathway. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that norcantharidin can reduce the mitochondrial membrane potential, induce mitophagy, and subsequently arouse cellular autophagy and apoptosis; the AMP-activated protein kinase, protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin, and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinases/c-Jun signaling pathways are widely involved in these processes. Thus, the traditional Chinese medicine norcantharidin could be a novel therapeutic strategy for treating neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeping Han
- Department of Laboratory, Central Hospital of Panyu, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baoxia Li
- State Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juanjuan Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangqiang Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenhua Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liting Dai
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingrong Cao
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianwei Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Chang MC, Wu JY, Liao HF, Chen YJ, Kuo CD. Comparative assessment of therapeutic safety of norcantharidin, N-farnesyloxy-norcantharimide, and N-farnesyl-norcantharimide against Jurkat T cells relative to human normal lymphoblast: A quantitative pilot study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e4467. [PMID: 27495082 PMCID: PMC4979836 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000004467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic safety of an anticancer drug is one of the most important concerns of the physician treating the cancer patient. Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and hillslope are usually used to represent the strength and sensitivity of an anticancer drug on cancer cells. The therapeutic safety of the anticancer drug can be assessed by comparing the IC50 and hillslope of anticancer drugs on cancer cells relative to normal cells. Since there are situations where "more anticancer activity" implies "more toxicity," the safety of an anticancer drug in these situations is hard to evaluate by using IC50 and hillslope alone. In a previous study, the "net effect" index was devised to represent the net therapeutic effects of one anticancer drug relative to the other. However, the therapeutic safety of one specific anticancer drug alone was not defined in the "net effect" index. This study introduced the "safety index (SI)" to quantify the degree of safety of an anticancer drug by using 4-parameter logistic model on cancer cells relative to normal cells. The therapeutic safety of norcantharidin (NCTD), N-farnesyloxy-norcantharimide (NOC15), and N-farnesyl-norcantharimide (NC15) in the treatment of Jurkat T cells relative to human normal lymphoblast was compared using the newly defined SI. We found that the SI of NOC15 and NC15 was significantly higher than that of NCTD, suggesting that both NOC15 and NC15 can damage more cancer cells and less normal cells than NCTD. We conclude that both NOC15 and NC15 are safer anticancer drugs than NCTD in the treatment of Jurkat T cells relative to human normal lymphoblast. The SI can be further applied to the screening, developments, and applications of anticancer drugs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Che Chang
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei
| | - Jin-Yi Wu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biopharmaceutics, College of Life Sciences
| | - Hui-Fen Liao
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, National Chiayi University, Chiayi
| | - Yu-Jen Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei
| | - Cheng-Deng Kuo
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei
- Chest Medicine and Physiological Signals Research Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
- Correspondence: Cheng-Deng Kuo, Chest Medicine and Physiological Signals Research Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan (e-mail: )
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15
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Synthesis, crystal structure, spectroscopic properties and potential anti-cancerous activities of four unsaturated bis-norcantharimides. J Mol Struct 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2016.02.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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16
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PP2A inhibitors arrest G2/M transition through JNK/Sp1- dependent down-regulation of CDK1 and autophagy-dependent up-regulation of p21. Oncotarget 2016; 6:18469-83. [PMID: 26053095 PMCID: PMC4621904 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) plays an important role in the control of the cell cycle. We previously reported that the PP2A inhibitors, cantharidin and okadaic acid (OA), efficiently repressed the growth of cancer cells. In the present study, we found that PP2A inhibitors arrested the cell cycle at the G2 phase through a mechanism that was dependent on the JNK pathway. Microarrays further showed that PP2A inhibitors induced expression changes in multiple genes that participate in cell cycle transition. To verify whether these expression changes were executed in a PP2A-dependent manner, we targeted the PP2A catalytic subunit (PP2Ac) using siRNA and evaluated gene expression with a microarray. After the cross comparison of these microarray data, we identified that CDK1 was potentially the same target when treated with either PP2A inhibitors or PP2Ac siRNA. In addition, we found that the down-regulation of CDK1 occurred in a JNK-dependent manner. Luciferase reporter gene assays demonstrated that repression of the transcription of CDK1 was executed through the JNK-dependent activation of the Sp1 transcription factor. By constructing deletion mutants of the CDK1 promoter and by using ChIP assays, we identified an element in the CDK1 promoter that responded to the JNK/Sp1 pathway after stimulation with PP2A inhibitors. Cantharidin and OA also up-regulated the expression of p21, an inhibitor of CDK1, via autophagy rather than PP2A/JNK pathway. Thus, this present study found that the PP2A/JNK/Sp1/CDK1 pathway and the autophagy/p21 pathway participated in G2/M cell cycle arrest triggered by PP2A inhibitors.
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Yang PY, Hu DN, Kao YH, Lin IC, Chou CY, Wu YC. Norcantharidin induces apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Pharmacol Rep 2016; 68:874-80. [PMID: 27351942 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2016.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Norcantharidin, a modified pure compound from blister beetles, was previously demonstrated to induce apoptosis of cancer cells. This study investigated its anti-cancer activity in prostate cancer cells and the mechanisms involved. METHODS Two human prostate cancer cell lines, 22Rv1 and Du145, were treated with norcantharidin at concentrations ranging from 3 to 30μg/ml. Cytotoxic effect of norcantharidin was determined by use of the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-yl)-diphenyl tetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assay. The effects of apoptosis were evaluated by cell death assay, Caspase-3, -8, -9 activity and cytochrome c release. The apoptotic related protein expressions (Bcl-2 family and inhibitor of apoptosis proteins) were determined using western blotting. RESULTS An MTT assay revealed that norcantharidin induced cytotoxicity against both prostate cancer cells in dose- and time-dependent manners. Treatment with norcantharidin at 3μg/ml or higher significantly increased oligonucleosomal formation with concomitant appearance of PARP cleavage, implicating the induction of apoptosis. Norcantharidin intrinsically elevated cytosolic cytochrome c levels and activated caspase-3, -8, and -9. Extrinsically, it upregulated the expression of not only the death receptors Fas and DR5 in 22Rv1 cells, but also of RIP and TRADD adaptor proteins in Du145 cells. Mechanistically, norcantharidin increased ratios of pro-/anti-apoptotic proteins and decreased expression of IAP family member proteins, including cIAP1 and survivin, regardless of the distinct status of androgen receptor expression in both cells. CONCLUSIONS Norcantharidin exhibited cytotoxicity against 22Rv1 and Du145 prostate cancer cells by inducing both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways and could thus potentially be a remedy for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Yu Yang
- Department of Medical Research, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Dan-Ning Hu
- Tissue Culture Center, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Ying-Hsien Kao
- Department of Medical Research, E-DA Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - I-Ching Lin
- Department of Family Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, ROC; School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC; School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Chih-Yuan Chou
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Show-Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Yang-Chang Wu
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.
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18
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N-Farnesyloxy-norcantharimide inhibits progression of human leukemic Jurkat T cells through regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and interleukin-2 production. Anticancer Drugs 2015; 26:1034-42. [PMID: 26288134 PMCID: PMC4588604 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the anticancer effects of N-farnesyloxy-norcantharimide (NOC15), a newly synthesized norcantharidin (NCTD) analogue, on human leukemic Jurkat T cells and the signaling pathway underlying its effects. We found that the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of NOC15 on Jurkat T cells is 1.4 μmol/l, which is 11.14-fold (=15.6÷1.4) smaller than the 15.6 μmol/l of NCTD on Jurkat T cells, whereas the IC50 of NOC15 on human normal lymphoblast (HNL) is 207.9 μmol/l, which is 8.17-fold (=1698.0÷207.8) smaller than the 1698.0 μmol/l of NCTD on HNL cells. These results indicated that NOC15 exerts a higher anticancer effect on Jurkat T cells and has higher toxicity toward HNL cells than NCTD. Thus, NOC15 is 1.36-fold (=11.14÷8.17) beneficial as an anticancer agent toward Jurkat T cells compared with NCTD. Moreover, NOC15 can increase the percentage of cells in the sub-G1 phase and reduce the cell viability of Jurkat T cells, stimulate p38 and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathway, and inhibit calcineurin expression and interleukin-2 (IL-2) production. However, NOC15 exerted no effects on the Jun-N-terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2) signaling pathway, the production of IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α. We conclude that the anticancer activity of the newly synthesized NOC15 is 1.36-fold beneficial than NCTD as an anticancer agent and that NOC15 can increase the percentage of cells in the sub-G1 phase through the stimulation of p38 and ERK1/2 of the MAPK signaling pathway and the inhibition of calcineurin expression and IL-2 production. The NOC15 may have the potential of being developed into an anticancer agent in the future.
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Pachuta-Stec A, Szuster-Ciesielska A. New Norcantharidin Analogs: Synthesis and Anticancer Activity. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2015; 348:897-907. [PMID: 26548647 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.201500255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The reaction of direct condensation between S-ethyl-N-(7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]heptane-2,3-dicarbonyl)isothiosemicarbazide (1) and primary amines was used for synthesizing new N-substituted amides of 3-(3-ethylthio-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)-7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]heptane-2-carboxylic acid (2-12) as norcantharadin analogs. Moreover, the anticancer activity of the obtained compounds was studied. Among all compounds, the N-3-methylbutyl amide of 3-(3-ethylthio-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)-7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]heptane-2-carboxylic acid (4) presented selective in vitro toxic and antiproliferative effects against the human hepatoma cell line Hep3B, without affecting normal human liver stellate cells (LX-2 cell line).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pachuta-Stec
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Szuster-Ciesielska
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
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20
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N-Farnesyloxy-norcantharimide and N-farnesyl-norcantharimide inhibit the progression of leukemia and increase survival days in a syngeneic mouse leukemia model. Anticancer Drugs 2015; 26:508-17. [PMID: 25588161 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the anticancer effects of two newly synthesized norcantharidin analogs, N-farnesyloxy-norcantharimide (NOC15) and N-farnesyl-norcantharimide (NC15), in L1210 cells and in a syngeneic mouse leukemia model (L1210 cell line plus DBA/2 mice). We found that the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of NOC15 and NC15 on L1210 cells is 1.56 and 2.62 μmol/l, respectively, and that the IC50 of NOC15 and NC15 on human normal lymphoblast is 207.9 and 2569 μmol/l, respectively. In cell cycle analysis, NOC15 could increase the sub-G1 phase, whereas NC15 could induce G2/M arrest. Annexin-V apoptosis assay indicated that both NOC15 and NC15 could induce cell apoptosis. In the syngeneic mouse leukemia model, both NOC15 and NC15 could increase the survival days of mice and decrease the tumor weight. Moreover, both NOC15 and NC15 could retard the increase in peripheral blood leukocyte count due to L1210 cells. In the subcutaneous (s.c.) group, the treatment with NOC15 could retard the decrease in the weight of the liver and the spleen caused by L1210 cells, whereas the treatment with NC15 could retard the decrease in the weight of the spleen caused by L1210 cells. We conclude that the new compounds NOC15 and NC15 have strong anticancer activity and low toxicity both in vitro and in vivo. NOC15 and NC15 may have the potential to be developed into anticancer agents in the future.
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Xie X, Wu MY, Shou LM, Chen LP, Gong FR, Chen K, Li DM, Duan WM, Xie YF, Mao YX, Li W, Tao M. Tamoxifen enhances the anticancer effect of cantharidin and norcantharidin in pancreatic cancer cell lines through inhibition of the protein kinase C signaling pathway. Oncol Lett 2014; 9:837-844. [PMID: 25624908 PMCID: PMC4301527 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2014.2711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cantharidin is an active constituent of mylabris, a traditional Chinese therapeutic agent. Cantharidin is a potent and selective inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Cantharidin has been previously reported to efficiently repress the growth of pancreatic cancer cells. However, excessively activated protein kinase C (PKC) has been shown to improve cell survival following the adminstration of cantharidin. Tamoxifen is widely used in the treatment of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. In addition, an increasing number of studies have found that tamoxifen selectively inhibits PKC and represses growth in estrogen receptor-negative cancer cells. Administration of a combination of PKC inhibitor and PP2A inhibitors has been demonstrated to exert a synergistic anticancer effect. The proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells was analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethyltiazol-2-yl]2, 5-diphenyltetrazo-lium bromide assay. The expression levels of ERα and ERβ in various pancreatic cancer cell lines were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the protein levels of PKCα and phosphorylated PKCα in pancreatic cell lines were analyzed by western blot analysis. In the present study, tamoxifen was found to exert a cytotoxic effect against pancreatic cancer cells independent of the hormone receptor status. Tamoxifen repressed the phosphorylation of PKC, and amplified the anticancer effect induced by cantharidin and norcantharidin. The findings reveal a novel potential strategy against pancreatic cancer using co-treatment with tamoxifen plus cantharidin or cantharidin derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xie
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China ; Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221006, P.R. China
| | - Meng-Yao Wu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Liu-Mei Shou
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Long-Pei Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Fei-Ran Gong
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China ; Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China ; Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis of Ministry of Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Dao-Ming Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Ming Duan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Feng Xie
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Xiang Mao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Min Tao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China ; Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
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Zhang W, Ma YZ, Song L, Wang CH, Qi TG, Shao GR. Effect of Cantharidins in Chemotherapy for Hepatoma: A Retrospective Cohort Study. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2014; 42:561-7. [PMID: 24871651 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x14500360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cantharidins, a traditional Chinese medicine, in chemotherapy for the treatment of hepatoma. From August 2011 to December 2012, 96 patients with hepatoma, who were eligible for transcatheter hepatic arterial chemoembolization and received cantharidins, were selected for comparison with the control group of 95 patients without cantharidins. The treatment effect, clinical symptoms and adverse effects were analyzed. The results of the study showed that the cantharidins group had a higher overall efficient rate than the control group (p < 0.001). The improvement rate of the Karnofsky score in the cantharidins group was significantly higher than that of the control group (p = 0.014). In the cantharidins group, there was a decrease in white blood cell (WBC) count and gastrointestinal response rates were lower than those of the control group (p < 0.05). Therefore, the traditional Chinese medicine cantharidins showed effects of easing the progress of liver cancer, relieving side effects of chemotherapy and improving the quality of life in the treatment of hepatoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Second Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong 250033, China
| | - Yu-Zhen Ma
- Department of Orthopaedics, Second Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong 250033, China
| | - Lei Song
- Department of Radiology, Second Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong 250033, China
| | - Chen-Hua Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Second Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong 250033, China
| | - Tong-Gang Qi
- Department of Laboratory, Second Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong 250033, China
| | - Guang-Rui Shao
- Department of Radiology, Second Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong 250033, China
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Pongrakhananon V, Stueckle TA, Wang HYL, O'Doherty GA, Dinu CZ, Chanvorachote P, Rojanasakul Y. Monosaccharide digitoxin derivative sensitize human non-small cell lung cancer cells to anoikis through Mcl-1 proteasomal degradation. Biochem Pharmacol 2013; 88:23-35. [PMID: 24231508 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Revised: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Advanced stage cancers acquire anoikis resistance which provides metastatic potential to invade and form tumors at distant sites. Suppression of anoikis resistance by novel molecular therapies would greatly benefit treatment strategies for metastatic cancers. Recently, digitoxin and several of its novel synthetic derivatives, such as α-l-rhamnose monosaccharide derivative (D6-MA), have been synthesized and studied for their profound anticancer activity in various cancer cell lines. In this study, we investigated the anoikis sensitizing effect of D6-MA compared with digitoxin to identify their anti-metastatic mechanism of action. D6-MA sensitized NSCLC H460 cells to detachment-induced apoptosis with significantly greater cytotoxicity (IC50=11.9 nM) than digitoxin (IC50=90.7 nM) by activating caspase-9. Screening of the Bcl-2 protein family revealed that degradation of anti-apoptotic Mcl-1 protein is a favorable target. Mcl-1 over-expression and knockdown studies in D6-MA and digitoxin exposed cells resulted in rescue and enhancement, respectively, indicating a facilitative role for decreased Mcl-1 expression in NSCLC anoikis. Transfection with mutant Mcl-1S159 attenuated detachment-induced cell death and correlated with a remaining of Mcl-1 level. Furthermore, D6-MA suppressed Mcl-1 expression via ubiquitin proteasomal degradation that is dependent on activation of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β signaling. In addition, D6-MA also targeted Mcl-1 degradation causing an increased anoikis in A549 lung cancer cells. Anoikis sensitizing effect on normal small airway epithelial cells was not observed indicating the specificity of D6-MA and digitoxin for NSCLC. These results identify a novel cardiac glycoside (CG) sensitizing anoikis mechanism and provide a promising anti-metastatic target for lung cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varisa Pongrakhananon
- Cell-Based Drug and Health Product Development Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.,Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States
| | - Todd A Stueckle
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States.,Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, United States
| | - Hua-Yu Leo Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - George A O'Doherty
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Cerasela Zoica Dinu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States
| | - Pithi Chanvorachote
- Cell-Based Drug and Health Product Development Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Yon Rojanasakul
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States.,Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States
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Synthesis and in vitro cellular evaluation of novel anti-tumor norcantharidin-conjugated chitosan derivatives. Int J Biol Macromol 2013; 62:418-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2013.09.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Revised: 09/22/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Chen S, Qu X, Wan P, Li QW, Wang Z, Guo F, Bai L, Hu Z, Tan W, Li J. Norcantharidin inhibits pre-replicative complexes assembly of HepG2 cells. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2013; 41:665-82. [PMID: 23711148 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x13500468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD) is currently used for anticancer therapy but the exact mechanism of action remains unknown. Pre-replicative complexes (pre-RCs) are essential for cell DNA replication and highly related to malignant proliferation. Here, we examined the inhibitory effect of NCTD on pre-RC components in HepG2 cells. We showed that NCTD induced degradation of Cdc6 and Mcm2 in a dose-dependent manner. Under 100 μM NCTD concentration, about 70% of Cdc6 and 50% of Mcm2 were degraded. In addition, the nuclear translocation of Mcm6 was inhibited by NCTD. Further studies aiming at G1 synchronous cells showed that, NCTD reduced the chromatin-bound Cdc6, Mcm2 and Mcm6. Moreover, the cells were blocked from entering the S phase and accumulated at the G1 phase when released synchronously into the cell cycle. Consistently, the DNA replication was inhibited by NCTD. Finally, the combination NCTD with Cdc6 depletion lead to more severe cytotoxicity (88%) than NCTD (52%) and Cdc6 depletion (39%) alone. A synergic cytotoxicity was observed between Cdc6 depletion and NCTD. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that NCTD inhibits pre-RC assembly; subsequently blocks the G1 to S transition; and inhibits DNA replication in HepG2 cells. Pre-RCs are an intriguing target for cancer therapy, which merits further investigations for anticancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sansan Chen
- Institute of Biotherapy, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Norcantharidin, derivative of cantharidin, for cancer stem cells. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:838651. [PMID: 24073010 PMCID: PMC3773992 DOI: 10.1155/2013/838651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2013] [Revised: 07/28/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) existing in human cancers have been demonstrated to be a major cause of cancer treatment resistance, invasion, metastasis, and relapse. Self-renewal pathways, Wnt/β-catenin, Sonic hedgehog (Shh), and the Notch signaling pathway play critical roles in developing CSCs and lead to angiogenesis, migration, invasion, and metastasis. Multidrug resistance (MDR) is an unfavorable factor causing the failure of treatments against cancer cells. The most important and thoroughly studied mechanism involved in MDR is the active efflux of chemotherapeutic agents through membrane drug transporters. There is growing evidence that Norcantharidin (NCTD), a water-soluble synthetic small molecule derivative of naturally occurring cantharidin from the medicinal insect blister beetle (Mylabris phalerata Pallas), is capable of chemoprevention and tumor inhibition. We summarize investigations into the modulation of self-renewal pathways and MDR in CSCs by NCTD. This review may aid in further investigation of using NCTD to develop more effective strategies for cancer treatment to reduce resistance and recurrence.
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Xu X, Li Y, Wang F, Lv L, Liu J, Li M, Guo A, Jiang J, Shen Y, Guo S. Synthesis, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of new norcantharidin-conjugated hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan derivatives as polymer therapeutics. Int J Pharm 2013; 453:610-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2013.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2013] [Revised: 05/04/2013] [Accepted: 05/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Puerto Galvis CE, Vargas Méndez LY, Kouznetsov VV. Cantharidin-Based Small Molecules as Potential Therapeutic Agents. Chem Biol Drug Des 2013; 82:477-99. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos E. Puerto Galvis
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica y Biomolecular; Escuela de Química; Universidad Industrial de Santander; A.A. 678; Bucaramanga; Colombia
| | - Leonor Y. Vargas Méndez
- Grupo de Investigaciones Ambientales; Facultad de Química Ambiental; Universidad Santo Tomás; A. A. 1076; Bucaramanga; Colombia
| | - Vladimir V. Kouznetsov
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica y Biomolecular; Escuela de Química; Universidad Industrial de Santander; A.A. 678; Bucaramanga; Colombia
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The Synthetic Compound Norcantharidin Induced Apoptosis in Mantle Cell Lymphoma In Vivo and In Vitro through the PI3K-Akt-NF- κ B Signaling Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:461487. [PMID: 23935664 PMCID: PMC3722980 DOI: 10.1155/2013/461487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2013] [Revised: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to elucidate the antitumor activity of norcantharidin (NCTD) against human mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined by MTS and flow cytometry. Caspase-3, -8, and -9 activities were detected with a colorimetric caspase protease assay. Apoptotic proteins—including PARP, cyclin D1, Bcl-2 family proteins, XIAP, and cIAP I—were studied by western blot. The phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 was used to investigate the involvement of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In vivo studies were performed using Z138 cell xenografts in nude mice. NCTD inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of Z138 and Mino cells, both in vitro and in vivo. PI3Kp110α and p-Akt expressions were downregulated by NCTD treatment. NCTD downregulated NF-κB activity by preventing NF-κB phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. This effect was correlated with the suppression of NF-κB-regulated gene products, such as cyclin D1, BAX, survivin, Bcl-2, XIAP, and cIAP. This phenomenon was blocked by the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Our results demonstrated that NCTD can induce growth arrest and apoptosis in MCL cells and that the mechanism may involve the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. NCTD may have therapeutic and/or adjuvant therapeutic applications in the treatment of MCL.
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Targeting sonic hedgehog signaling by compounds and derivatives from natural products. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:748587. [PMID: 23762158 PMCID: PMC3671665 DOI: 10.1155/2013/748587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a major cause of cancer treatment failure, relapse, and drug resistance and are known to be responsible for cancer cell invasion and metastasis. The Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway is crucial to embryonic development. Intriguingly, the aberrant activation of the Shh pathway plays critical roles in developing CSCs and leads to angiogenesis, migration, invasion, and metastasis. Natural compounds and chemical structure modified derivatives from complementary and alternative medicine have received increasing attention as cancer chemopreventives, and their antitumor effects have been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. However, reports for their bioactivity against CSCs and specifically targeting Shh signaling remain limited. In this review, we summarize investigations of the compounds cyclopamine, curcumin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, genistein, resveratrol, zerumbone, norcantharidin, and arsenic trioxide, with a focus on Shh signaling blockade. Given that Shh signaling antagonism has been clinically proven as effective strategy against CSCs, this review may be exploitable for development of novel anticancer agents from complementary and alternative medicine.
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31
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Fundamental immunology of skin transplantation and key strategies for tolerance induction. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2013; 61:397-405. [PMID: 23685832 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-013-0233-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Transplantation of allogeneic or xenogeneic skin grafts can evoke strong immune responses that lead to acute rejection of the graft tissues. In this process, donor-derived dendritic cells play crucial roles in the triggering of such immune responses. Both the innate and acquired host immune systems participate in graft rejection. At present, the rejection of skin grafts cannot be well-controlled by ordinary systemic immunosuppression therapy. Although several strategies for the long-term survival of allogeneic or xenogeneic skin grafts have been demonstrated in animal models, the induction of long-term tolerance to skin grafts is still a great challenge in clinical settings. In this article, we review the progress in the understanding of immune responses to skin grafts and discuss the possible methods that can decrease the immunogenicity of graft tissues and improve the survival of skin grafts, especially those included in preoperative pre-treatments.
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Yu T, Hou F, Liu M, Zhou L, Li D, Liu J, Fan Z, Li Q. Norcantharidin anti-angiogenesis activity possibly through an endothelial cell pathway in human colorectal cancer. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2012; 13:499-503. [PMID: 22524814 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2012.13.2.499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was based on the unexpected discovery that norcantharidin exerted anti-angiogenesis activity when effects on growth of human colon cancer were studied. The aim was to further verify this finding and explore possible mechanisms using a tumor xenograft model in nude mice. We confirmed that norcantharidin (5 or 15 mg/kg) could inhibit angiogenesis of human colon cancer in vivo. In vitro, crossing river assay, cell adhesion assay and tube formation assay indicated that NCTD could reduce the migration, adhesion and vascular network tube formation ability of HUVECs. At the same time, the expression levels of VEGF and VEGFR-2 proteins which play important roles in angiogenesis were reduced as examined by western blotting analysis. Taken together, the results firstly showed NCTD could inhibit angiogenesis of human colon cancer in vivo, probably associated with effects on migration, adhesion and vascular network tube formation of HUVECs and expression levels of VEGF and VEGFR-2 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Chinese Medical Hospital, Shanghai, China.
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Du HF, Yu LJ, Meng YF, Lv HY, Meng J, Song XN, Zhang JQ. Norcantharidin enhances bortezomib-antimyeloma activity in multiple myeloma cells in vitro and in nude mouse xenografts. Leuk Lymphoma 2012; 54:607-18. [PMID: 22889356 DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2012.720371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD), the demethylated analog of the Chinese medicine cantharidin, exhibits anti-myeloma activity by inactivating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), which is implicated in multiple myeloma (MM) cell survival and resistance to bortezomib (BTZ). We investigated whether NCTD could potentiate the anti-tumor activity of BTZ in MM. NCTD inhibited the proliferation of MM cells and potentiated the anti-myeloma effects of BTZ by down-regulating IKKα and p-IκBα, which induced the accumulation of IκBα and inhibited the constitutive activation of NF-κB. This effect was correlated with the suppression of NF-κB-regulated gene products. Furthermore, a chemotherapy-potentiating effect of NCTD on BTZ was also observed in vivo. Our study demonstrated that NCTD and BTZ exhibit significant therapeutic effects on MM through the NF-κB signal pathway in vitro and in vivo. Future studies will investigate the combined effects of NCTD and BTZ in patients with MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng-Fei Du
- Department of Hematology, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Liu ZY, Qiu HO, Yuan XJ, Ni YY, Sun JJ, Jing W, Fan YZ. Suppression of lymphangiogenesis in human lymphatic endothelial cells by simultaneously blocking VEGF-C and VEGF-D/VEGFR-3 with norcantharidin. Int J Oncol 2012; 41:1762-72. [PMID: 22922710 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2012.1603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2012] [Accepted: 07/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymph node metastasis of tumors is a crucial early step in the metastatic process. Tumor lymphangiogenesis plays an important role in promoting tumor metastasis to regional lymph nodes. Norcantharidin (NCTD) has been reported to possess potent anti-angiogenesis and antitumor properties in several cell lines and xenograft tumor models. However, its role in tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effect of NCTD on proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and the lymphatic tube formation, lymphangiogenesis, of human lymphatic endothelial cells (HLECs) in vitro by MTT, proliferation assay, Hoechst staining and flow cytometry, scraping line method, Matrigel invasion assay, inverted or fluorescence microscope and transmission electron microscope. Moreover, the underlying mechanisms, such as VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGFR-3 at protein and mRNA levels in lymphangiogenesis using 3-dimensional (3-D) culture of HLECs were measured by immunohistochemistry, western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). It was shown that NCTD inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion and lymphatic tube formation (forming-lymphatic and/or formed-lymphatic) of HLECs, induced HLEC apoptosis (all P<0.01) significantly, in a dose- and time-dependent manner (IC50 6.8 µg/ml); and downregulated the expression of VEGF-C, VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 at protein or/and mRNA levels (P<0.01) in HLEC lymphatic tube formation. Thus, we identified for the first time that NCTD inhibited HLEC lymphangiogenesis by simultaneously blocking VEGF-C and VEGF-D/VEGFR-3 in vitro. The present findings may be of importance to explore the therapeutical target or strategy of NCTD for tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Yan Liu
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
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Liu D, Shi P, Yin X, Chen Z, Zhang X. Effect of norcantharidin on the human breast cancer Bcap-37 cells. Connect Tissue Res 2012; 53:508-12. [PMID: 22606958 DOI: 10.3109/03008207.2012.694928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD), a chemically modified form of cantharidin, is a potential anticancer drug. In this study, the effects of NCTD on the cellular viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and DNA damage in the human breast cancer cell line Bcap-37 were investigated with confocal and fluorescence microscopy. The cell cycle was further analyzed using the CellQuest software of a Becton-Dickinson FACS flow cytometer. The results indicated that the cellular viability was decreased with the growing concentrations of NCTD and time exposure. Moreover, the fluorescence intensity of ROS was increased, whereas the MMP was decreased in Bcap-37 cells with the growing concentrations of NCTD. NCTD induced a dose-dependent DNA damage and reduced the G1 peak in Bcap-37 cells. The G2/M peak of Bcap-37 was also decreased by the higher concentration of NCTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongwu Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
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Zhang S, Li G, Ma X, Wang Y, Liu G, Feng L, Zhao Y, Zhang G, Wu Y, Ye X, Qin B, Lu J. Norcantharidin enhances ABT-737-induced apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by transcriptional repression of Mcl-1. Cell Signal 2012; 24:1803-9. [PMID: 22609455 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2012.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2012] [Revised: 05/10/2012] [Accepted: 05/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Small-molecule cell-permeable Bcl-2/Bcl-xL antagonist ABT-737 has recently emerged as a novel cancer therapeutic agent because it potently induces apoptosis in certain cancer cells. However, since ABT-737 binds to Mcl-1 with low affinity, ABT-737-mediated apoptosis signaling is inhibited in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and other solid cancer cells due to the elevated expression of Mcl-1. Accordingly, strategies that target Mcl-1 are explored for overcoming ABT-737-resistance. In this study, we reported that Norcantharidin (NCTD), a small-molecule anticancer drug derived from Chinese traditional medicine blister beetle (Mylabris), induced transcriptional repression of Mcl-1 and considerably enhanced ABT-737-triggered cell viability inhibition and apoptosis in multiple HCC cell lines. Moreover, we observed that the enhancement of ABT-737-mediated apoptosis by NCTD was associated with activation of mitochondrial apoptosis signaling pathway, which involved cytosolic release of cytochrome c, cleavage of caspase-9 and caspase-3. Additionally, knockdown of Bax/Bak, the key effectors permeabilizing mitochondrial outer membrane significantly attenuated the enhancement, indicating mitochondrial apoptosis pathway played an essential role in the execution of the apoptosis. Finally, knockdown of Mcl-1 substantially potentiated ABT-737-mediated apoptotic cell death, confirming the potency of Mcl-1 repression by NCTD in enhancing ABT-737-induced apoptosis. These results therefore suggest that combination treatment with NCTD can overcome ABT-737 resistance and enhance ABT-737 therapeutic efficacy in treating human HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuijun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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Chen YJ, Kuo CD, Chen SH, Chen WJ, Huang WC, Chao KSC, Liao HF. Small-molecule synthetic compound norcantharidin reverses multi-drug resistance by regulating Sonic hedgehog signaling in human breast cancer cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37006. [PMID: 22615870 PMCID: PMC3352857 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 04/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Multi-drug resistance (MDR), an unfavorable factor compromising treatment efficacy of anticancer drugs, involves upregulated ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters and activated Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling. By preparing human breast cancer MCF-7 cells resistant to doxorubicin (DOX), we examined the effect and mechanism of norcantharidin (NCTD), a small-molecule synthetic compound, on reversing multidrug resistance. The DOX-prepared MCF-7R cells also possessed resistance to vinorelbine, characteristic of MDR. At suboptimal concentration, NCTD significantly inhibited the viability of DOX-sensitive (MCF-7S) and DOX-resistant (MCF-7R) cells and reversed the resistance to DOX and vinorelbine. NCTD increased the intracellular accumulation of DOX in MCF-7R cells and suppressed the upregulated the mdr-1 mRNA, P-gp and BCRP protein expression, but not the MRP-1. The role of P-gp was strengthened by partial reversal of the DOX and vinorelbine resistance by cyclosporine A. NCTD treatment suppressed the upregulation of Shh expression and nuclear translocation of Gli-1, a hallmark of Shh signaling activation in the resistant clone. Furthermore, the Shh ligand upregulated the expression of P-gp and attenuated the growth inhibitory effect of NCTD. The knockdown of mdr-1 mRNA had not altered the expression of Shh and Smoothened in both MCF-7S and MCF-7R cells. This indicates that the role of Shh signaling in MDR might be upstream to mdr-1/P-gp, and similar effect was shown in breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and BT-474 cells. This study demonstrated that NCTD may overcome multidrug resistance through inhibiting Shh signaling and expression of its downstream mdr-1/P-gp expression in human breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jen Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Deng Kuo
- Department of Medical Research and Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Han Chen
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Jen Chen
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Huang
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - K. S. Clifford Chao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Hui-Fen Liao
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research and Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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Liao HF, Lu MC, Chang HC, Wei CC, Kao CH, Chen ZH, Huang CC, Li C. Effects of Herbal Medicinal Formulas on Suppressing Viral Replication and Modulating Immune Responses. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2012; 38:173-90. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x10007749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Chinese medicinal herbs Radix Isatidis and Viola yedoensis Makino have been suggested to possess antiviral activity. This study tests whether these and other Chinese and Western herbal medicinal formulas can modulate the immune functions involving virus-suppression in BALB/c mouse. We first confirmed the extract from Viola yedoensis Makino, but not from Radix Isatidis, the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula Chui-Uren-Chien (CUC), or a Western homeopathic medicinal drink Método Canova, could inhibit the replications of herpes simplex virus-1 and enterovirus 71 in the human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cell line. Subsequently, the same herbal extracts and drink underwent toxicity and immunomodulatory tests on mice of 5–7 weeks old. After 8 weeks of feeding different herbal medicinal formulas, no hepatic or renal toxicity was noted in any tested animal; whereas among the immune function evaluations, only the mice treated with CUC extract were found to be associated with significant increases (p < 0.05) in both the level of plasma IgG and the percentage of monocyte in blood mononuclear cells as well as the activation of macrophage Raw264.7 cells for nitric oxide production, suggesting its role in modulating the non-specific immune response. Analyses using protein arrays showed CUC was the most potent herbal medicinal formula eliciting fluctuations in plasma cytokine and chemokine concentrations. Taking all experimental data together, we conclude Chui-Uren-Chien possesses immunomodulatory capability in mouse, but none of the herbal medicinal formulas tested here are involved in strengthening antiviral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Fen Liao
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi University, 600 Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Min-Chi Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, 402 Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hon-Chou Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, 402 Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chung Wei
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, 402 Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsiung Kao
- Diagnostic Laboratory, St. Martin De Porres Hospital, 600 Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Zong-Huei Chen
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi University, 600 Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Chin Huang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Chiayi University, 600 Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Ching Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Chiayi University, 600 Chiayi, Taiwan
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Yeh CB, Hsieh MJ, Hsieh YH, Chien MH, Chiou HL, Yang SF. Antimetastatic effects of norcantharidin on hepatocellular carcinoma by transcriptional inhibition of MMP-9 through modulation of NF-kB activity. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31055. [PMID: 22363545 PMCID: PMC3280344 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 12/31/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rate of morbidity and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Taiwan has not lessened because of difficulty in treating tumor metastasis. Norcantharidin (NCTD) is currently used as an anticancer drug for hepatoma, breast cancer, and colorectal adenocarcinoma. NCTD possesses various biological anticancer activities, including apoptosis. However, detailed effects and molecular mechanisms of NCTD on metastasis are unclear. Thus, HCC cells were subjected to treatment with NCTD and then analyzed to determine the effects of NCTD on cell metastasis. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Modified Boyden chamber assays revealed that NCTD treatment inhibited cell migration and invasion capacities of HCC cells substantially. Results of zymography and western blotting showed that activities and protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and urokinase plasminogen activator (u-PA) were inhibited by NCTD. Western blot analysis showed that NCTD inhibits phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Testing of mRNA level, quantitative real-time PCR, and promoter assays evaluated the inhibitory effects of NCTD on MMP-9 and u-PA expression in HCC cells. The chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay for analyzing the genomic DNA sequences bound to these proteins was reactive to the transcription protein nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB, which was inhibited by NCTD. The expression of NF-kappa B was measured by western blot analysis, which revealed decreased nuclear-factor DNA-binding activity after NCTD treatment. CONCLUSIONS NCTD inhibited MMP-9 and u-PA expression through the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and NF-kappaB signaling pathway which serves as a powerful chemopreventive agent in HCC cell metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Bin Yeh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Ju Hsieh
- School of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsien Hsieh
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hsien Chien
- Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ling Chiou
- School of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (HLC); (SFY)
| | - Shun-Fa Yang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (HLC); (SFY)
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Luanpitpong S, Iyer AKV, Azad N, Wang L, Rojanasakul Y. Nitrosothiol Signaling in Anoikis Resistance and Cancer Metastasis. FORUM ON IMMUNOPATHOLOGICAL DISEASES AND THERAPEUTICS 2012; 3:141-154. [PMID: 23486647 PMCID: PMC3593302 DOI: 10.1615/forumimmundisther.2012006115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) has been widely recognized as an important cell-signaling molecule that regulates various physiological and pathological processes. S-nitrosylation, or covalent attachment of NO to protein sulfhydryl groups, is a key mechanism by which NO regulates protein functions and cellular processes. In this article we discuss the various roles of NO and protein nitrosylation in cancer development, with a focus on cell invasion and anoikis resistance, both of which are key determinants of cancer metastasis. We specially address some of the mechanisms by which NO-mediated S-nitrosylation modulates substrates that have putative effects on key steps of metastasis. We propose that nitrosothiol signaling is a key regulatory mechanism common to several pathways involved in cancer progression and metastasis, and identifying such a mechanism will improve our understanding of the disease process and aid in the development of novel anticancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudjit Luanpitpong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia
| | - Anand Krishnan V. Iyer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia
| | - Neelam Azad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia
| | - Liying Wang
- Pathology and Physiology Research Branch, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Yon Rojanasakul
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia
- Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
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Norcantharidin modulates development of dendritic cells and prolongs skin allograft survival. Transplantation 2011; 92:848-57. [PMID: 21876479 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0b013e31822d8708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To examine the effects of norcantharidin (NCTD) on development of human myeloid dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro and in skin allograft transplantation in vivo. METHODS Human CD14(+) monocytes were isolated and triggered differentiation and maturation toward myeloid DCs with and without NCTD. The cell morphology, viability, cell death, expression of surface markers and co-stimulatory molecules, allostimulatory activity, and cytokine production were examined for characterization of DCs. The rejection of mice skin allograft model was used to translate the in vitro effect of cantharidin (CTD) and NCTD on DCs. RESULTS DCs developed in the presence of NCTD showed decreased viability, cell death with necrosis, and lower expression of CD1a and CD83. DCs triggered in the presence of NCTD possessed a greater allostimulatory activity in naive CD4(+)CD45RA(+) T cells. NCTD modulated DCs through calcineurin phosphatase but not through mammalian target of rapamycin or downstream molecule p70S6 kinase. In vivo, NCTD caused accumulation and co-localization of antigen-presenting cells and regulatory T cells in the interfollicular area of the recipients' spleens. CTD and NCTD prolonged skin allograft survival along with less severe histopathological inflammatory reactions. CTD, but not NCTD, treatment caused elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase and evident mortality of the recipients. CONCLUSION NCTD modulated the differentiation and maturation of human myeloid DCs and caused deviation of standard DC differentiation toward a tolerogenic phenotype through calcineurin phosphatase inhibition. In vivo, both drugs effectively prolonged skin allograft survival. NCTD was less toxic than CTD, and thus, has potential for development as an immunosuppressant for transplant rejection.
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Li W, Chen Z, Gong FR, Zong Y, Chen K, Li DM, Yin H, Duan WM, Miao Y, Tao M, Han X, Xu ZK. Growth of the pancreatic cancer cell line PANC-1 is inhibited by protein phosphatase 2A inhibitors through overactivation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway. Eur J Cancer 2011; 47:2654-64. [PMID: 21958460 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2011.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2011] [Revised: 06/22/2011] [Accepted: 08/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a multimeric serine/threonine phosphatase that can dephosphorylate multiple kinases. It is generally considered to be a cancer suppressor as its inhibition can induce phosphorylation and activation of substrate kinases that mainly accelerate growth. We previously reported that cantharidin, an active constituent of a traditional Chinese medicine, potently and selectively inhibited PP2A, yet efficiently repressed the growth of pancreatic cancer cells through activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. This suggested that activation of kinase pathways might also be a potential strategy for cancer therapy. In this study, we have confirmed that the basal activity of the phospatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/JNK/activator protein 1 (AP-1) pathway promoted pancreatic cancer cell growth when stimulated by growth factors. Interestingly, although treatment with the PP2A inhibitors, cantharidin or okadaic acid (OA), amplified the PI3K-dependent activation of JNK, cell growth was repressed. We therefore hypothesised that a specific level of activity of the JNK pathway might be required to maintain the promitogenic function, as both repression and overactivation of JNK could inhibit cell proliferation. It was found that the JNK-dependent growth inhibition was independent of the activation of AP-1, but dependent on the repression of Akt. Although the PP2A inhibitors triggered overactivation of JNK and inhibited cell growth, excessively activated protein kinase C (PKC) improved cell survival. Combined treatment with a PP2A inhibitor and a PKC inhibitor produced a synergistic effect, which indicates a potentially promising therapeutic approach to pancreatic cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Yang PY, Chen MF, Kao YH, Hu DN, Chang FR, Wu YC. Norcantharidin induces apoptosis of breast cancer cells: Involvement of activities of mitogen activated protein kinases and signal transducers and activators of transcription. Toxicol In Vitro 2011; 25:699-707. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2011.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2010] [Revised: 12/09/2010] [Accepted: 01/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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PP2A inhibitors induce apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cell line PANC-1 through persistent phosphorylation of IKKα and sustained activation of the NF-κB pathway. Cancer Lett 2011; 304:117-27. [PMID: 21376459 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2011.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2010] [Revised: 09/21/2010] [Accepted: 02/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), is thought to be a cancer suppresser, as inhibition of PP2A can induce phosphorylation and activation of substrate kinases, most of which can accelerate growth. Interestingly, cantharidin potently inhibits PP2A but efficiently represses various cancer cells. In the present study, we found that PP2A inhibitors, cantharidin or Okadaic acid, inhibited cell viability and triggered apoptosis in PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cell line dependent on PP2A/IKKα/IκBα/p65 NF-κB pathway. The activation of NF-κB pathway up-regulated downstream pro-apoptotic genes, TNF-α, TRAILR1 and TRAILR2, and triggered apoptosis through the extrinsic pathway, indicating that PP2A is a potential target for pancreatic cancer treatment.
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Chen RS, Lu MC, Wang SD, Ke HS, Teng RH, Kao YL, Kuo CC, Kao ST, Lin YW, Shieh B, Li C, Liao HF. Two Chinese Herbal Regimens Safe for the Elderly on Inhibiting Liver and Bladder Tumor Cell Growth and Regulating Gene Expression. INT J GERONTOL 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijge.2011.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Norcantharidin induces cell cycle arrest and inhibits progression of human leukemic Jurkat T cells through mitogen-activated protein kinase-mediated regulation of interleukin-2 production. Toxicol In Vitro 2011; 25:206-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2010.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2010] [Revised: 10/06/2010] [Accepted: 11/03/2010] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Yang SH, Van HTM, Le TN, Khadka DB, Cho SH, Lee KT, Chung HJ, Lee SK, Ahn CH, Lee YB, Cho WJ. Synthesis, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of 3-arylisoquinolinamines as potent antitumor agents. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2010; 20:5277-81. [PMID: 20667733 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2010.06.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2010] [Revised: 06/23/2010] [Accepted: 06/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In the search for potent water-soluble 3-arylisoquinolines, several 3-arylisoquinolinamines were designed and synthesized. Various substituted 3-arylisoquinolinamines exhibited strong cytotoxic activity against eight different human cancer cell lines. In particular, C-6 or C-7 dimethylamino-substituted 3-arylisoquinolinamines displayed stronger potency than the lead compound 7a. Interestingly, compounds 7b and 7c showed more effective activity against paclitaxel-resistant HCT-15 human colorectal cancer cell lines when compared to the original cytotoxic cancer drug, paclitaxel. We analyzed the cell cycle dynamics by flow cytometry and found that treatment of human HCT-15 cells with 3-arylisoquinolinamine 7b blocked or delayed the progression of cells from G0/G1 phase into S phase, and induced cell death. Treatment with compound 7b also significantly inhibited the growth of tumors and enhanced tumor regression in a paclitaxel-resistant HCT-15 xenograft model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Hui Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju , Republic of Korea
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Involvement of caspase and MAPK activities in norcantharidin-induced colorectal cancer cell apoptosis. Toxicol In Vitro 2010; 24:766-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2009.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2009] [Revised: 12/17/2009] [Accepted: 12/21/2009] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Curcumin sensitizes non-small cell lung cancer cell anoikis through reactive oxygen species-mediated Bcl-2 downregulation. Apoptosis 2010; 15:574-85. [DOI: 10.1007/s10495-010-0461-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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50
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Peng C, Liu X, Liu E, Xu K, Niu W, Chen R, Wang J, Zhang Z, Lin P, Wang J, Agrez M, Niu J. Norcantharidin induces HT-29 colon cancer cell apoptosis through the alphavbeta6-extracellular signal-related kinase signaling pathway. Cancer Sci 2009; 100:2302-8. [PMID: 19744110 PMCID: PMC11159502 DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2009.01320.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin has been used as an efficacious anticancer drug in China for many years, but its true mechanism remains poorly understood. Intriguingly, in an in vitro series study of anticancer drugs, we found that norcantharidin can effectively inhibit epithelial tumor cells from expressing integrin alphavbeta6. Our previous studies have confirmed that integrin alphavbeta6 is closely relevant to malignant epithelial cell tumor biology behavior, and it can promote cancer cells to invade and metastasize through a special alphavbeta6-extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) direct signaling pathway. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the norcantharidin anticancer mechanism and integrin alphavbeta6. After HT-29 colon cancer cells were treated with norcantharidin, cell apoptosis increased remarkably. The expression of alphavbeta6 and the amount of p-ERK decreased substantially; simultaneously, the linkage between alphavbeta6 and ERK was barely detectable. However, the expression of other integrins and the levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase hardly changed. On these grounds, we presumed that norcantharidin induced HT-29 colon cancer cell apoptosis through the alphavbeta6-ERK signaling pathway. This finding elicited a novel strategy for targeting the whole alphavbeta6-ERK signal pathway, rather than simply blocking the combining site of alphavbeta6-ERK in colon cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Peng
- Department of General Surgery, QiLu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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