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Zhu Z, Wang H, Qian X, Xue M, Sun A, Yin Y, Tang J, Zhang J. Inhibitory Impact Of Cinobufagin In Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Metastasis: Involvements Of Macrophage Reprogramming Through Upregulated MME and Inactivated FAK/STAT3 Signaling. Clin Breast Cancer 2024; 24:e244-e257.e1. [PMID: 38378361 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2024.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cinobufagin (CBG), a key bioactive component in cinobufacini, exhibits antitumor properties. This study explores CBG's impact on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) metastasis and elucidates the underpinning mechanism. METHODS Murine xenograft and orthotopic metastatic TNBC models were generated and treated with CBG. The burden of metastatic tumor in the mouse lung, the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, and macrophage polarization markers within the tumors were examined. The phenotype of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and mobility of TNBCs in vitro in a macrophage-TNBC cell coculture system were analyzed. Physiological targets of CBG were identified by bioinformatics analyses. RESULTS CBG treatment significantly alleviated lung tumor burden and EMT activity. It triggered an M2-to-M1 shift in TAMs, resulting in decreased TNBC cell migration, invasion, and EMT in vitro. CBG upregulated membrane metalloendopeptidase (MME) expression, suppressing FAK and STAT3 phosphorylation. Silencing of MME, either in mice or TAMs, counteracted CBG effects, reinstating M2 TAM predominance and enhancing TNBC cell metastasis. Cotreatment with Defactinib, a FAK antagonist, reversed M2 TAM polarization and TNBC cell metastasis. Notably, MME silencing in TNBC cells had no impact on CBG-suppressed malignant properties, indicating MME's indirect involvement in TNBC cell behavior through TAM mediation. CONCLUSION This study unveils CBG's ability to enhance MME expression, deactivate FAK/STAT3 signaling, and inhibit TNBC metastasis by suppressing M2-skewed macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Zhu
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, PR China; Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an 223001, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Hanlu Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Fifth People's Hospital of Huai'an, Huai'an 223300, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Xu Qian
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an 223001, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Meiling Xue
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an 223001, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Aijun Sun
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an 223001, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yifei Yin
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an 223001, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Jinhai Tang
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, PR China; Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, PR China.
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Bo Z, Zhu J, Li X, Zhang C, Guo M, Cao Y, Zhang X, Wu Y. Identification of Na +/K +-ATPase Inhibitor Bufalin as a Novel Pseudorabies Virus Infection Inhibitor In Vitro and In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14479. [PMID: 37833925 PMCID: PMC10572507 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudorabies virus (PRV), an alpha herpesvirus, induces significant economic losses to the swine industry and infects multiple kinds of animals. Therefore, it is of great importance to explore anti-PRV compounds. In this study, to explore the anti-PRV compounds, a library of natural compounds was screened through a cell-based ELISA assay, and it was discovered that bufalin, a Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitor, had a robust inhibitory effect on PRV replication. A time-of-addition experiment and temperature-shift assay showed that bufalin significantly inhibited the entry stage of PRV. NaCl- or KCl-treatment showed that NaCl could enhance the inhibitory effect of bufalin on PRV replication, whereas there was no significant effect under the treatment of KCl. Meanwhile, it was also found that bufalin possessed antiviral activity against other alpha herpesviruses, including human herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and chicken Marek's disease virus (MDV). Finally, it was found that bufalin could decrease the viral load in multiple tissues, and reduce the morbidity and mortality in PRV-challenged BALB/c mice. Overall, our findings demonstrated that bufalin has the potential to be developed as an anti-PRV compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongyi Bo
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (Z.B.)
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jinjin Zhu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (Z.B.)
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xiaojuan Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (Z.B.)
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Chengcheng Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Mengjiao Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yongzhong Cao
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (Z.B.)
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xiaorong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yantao Wu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (Z.B.)
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
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3
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Salarpour Garnaie H, Shahabi A, Geranmayeh MH, Barzegar A, Yari Khosroushahi A. Designing Potent Anticancer Peptides by Aurein 1.2 Key Residues Mutation and Catenate Cell-Penetrating Peptide. Adv Pharm Bull 2023; 13:583-591. [PMID: 37646048 PMCID: PMC10460806 DOI: 10.34172/apb.2023.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Aurein 1.2 (Aur) peptide is known for possessing anticancer characteristics devoid of conventional therapeutics side effects. For improving Aur peptide anticancer functionality, different anticancer peptides were constructed based on Aur peptide through targeting two separate strategies, including (1) sequence-based mutations and (2) adding a cell-penetrating peptide linker. Methods The study was approached by designing three different analogs of Aur, including (a) Aur mutant (Aurm), (b) Aur with N-terminal polyarginine linker (R5-Aur), and (c) Aurm with R5 (R5-Aurm). Computational molecular dynamics simulations clearly showed higher structural stability of R5-Aur and R5-Aurm compared to Aur, solely. The α-helical properties of R5-Aur and R5-Aurm were protected during 500 ns simulations in water solution while no such structural conservation was seen for Aur in silico. Results The results of the current study highlight response to one of the main challenges of cancer therapy through selective invasion of Aur to cancer cells without significant involvement of normal cells. This issue was confirmed by different assays, including: MTT assay, flow cytometry, qPCR, and nuclei morphological observations. Furthermore, this study intensifies exploiting in silico approaches for adjusting drug delivery. The results of different assessments on designed peptides reveal an anticancer activity pattern rising from Aur toward Aurm, and R5- Aur, consecutively. Conclusion The designed structure of Aur shows improved anticancer activity through molecular changes which makes it suggestable for anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamta Salarpour Garnaie
- Department of Biophysics, Research Institute for Fundamental Sciences (RIFS), University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Arman Shahabi
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Comprehensive Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Abolfazel Barzegar
- Department of Biophysics, Research Institute for Fundamental Sciences (RIFS), University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Yari Khosroushahi
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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4
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Ashraf GM, Rehan M, Alsayed AO, Somvanshi P, Haque S. Drug repurposing against galectin-3 using simulation-based studies. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022:1-8. [PMID: 36184598 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2120538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2022]
Abstract
The protein galectin, which binds to carbohydrates and is involved in a number of therapeutic processes including cell proliferation, inflammatory responses, apoptosis, etc., has been discovered as a potential therapeutic target. Galectin-3 is a stable biomarker that exhibits both increased and decreased expression in a variety of illnesses and infections, regardless of sex, age, or body mass index. The goal of the current study is to apply bioinformatics techniques to examine the possibility of cardiovascular medications to inhibit Galectin-3-related biological activities. Unsupervised clustering techniques, molecular docking, and guided molecular dynamics (MD) simulation were used to create a computational pipeline that was used to screen potential chemical compounds from a library of chemical compounds with related molecular fingerprints. Utilizing input factors such as gene expression, mode of action, and chemical descriptors, clustering enables prioritization of medicinal molecules. Twenty-four compounds were screened and repurposed against Galectin-3 utilizing molecular docking as part of the cluster-facilitated virtual screening technique. The polar interactions that Arg144, Glu184, Arg162, His158, and Asn174 have with Bufalin, Cymarin, and Ouabalin have the highest binding affinities, according to docking studies. Studies using MD simulations confirm the tested compounds' ability to inhibit Galectin-3. Galactin-3 targeted experimental and in vivo animal model-based validation studies using Bufalin, Cymarin, and Ouabalin are also necessary.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghulam Md Ashraf
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Rehan
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alhuseen O Alsayed
- Deanship of Scientific Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pallavi Somvanshi
- School of Computational & Integrative Sciences (SC&IS), Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.,Special Centre of Systems Medicine (SCSM), Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing & Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
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5
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Li J, Lv X, Li B, Liu L, Yu C, Cheng H, Zhou J, Zhu Y, Ma H. Identification of peptides of cinobufacini by gel filter chromatography and peptidomics. J Sep Sci 2022; 45:2845-2854. [PMID: 35675540 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.202200133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Aqueous extract of toad skin (named as Cinobufacini or Huachansu) provides plentiful sources of bioactive peptides that remain undetected and unidentified. High-resolution mass spectrometry-based peptidomics platforms have developed into a major approach to the discovery of natural peptides, with data-dependent acquisition modes providing a wealth of peptide profiling information. In this study, we used a gel- and HLB (a solid phase extraction cartridge)-based two-dimensional separation and purification system and nano-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based peptidomic studies with homology matching for the identification of peptides from Cinobufacini. We evaluated 232 multi-charged peptides and found several specific peptides, some of which were validated by target parallel reaction monitoring mode. These peptides are the first to be identified in Cinobufacini and are completely different from ones identified in toad venom. So, this mapping provides key peptide information for the quality control of Bufo bufo gargarizans skin and its preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxian Li
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Xiang Lv
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Bingxv Li
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Lina Liu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Chengli Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substances of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Haibo Cheng
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Jiangsu Province of Cancer Prevention and Treatment of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Yuyu Zhu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Hongyue Ma
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P. R. China
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6
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Kong L, Liu X, Yu B, Yuan Y, Zhao Q, Chen Y, Qu B, Du X, Tian X, Shao R, Wang Y. Cinobufacini Injection Inhibits the Proliferation of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Through the Pin1-TAZ Signaling Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:797873. [PMID: 35450041 PMCID: PMC9016199 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.797873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer (BC), which is characterized by the total absence of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), progesterone receptor (PR), and estrogen receptor (ER) expression. Cinobufacini injection (CI) is the aqueous extract from the dry skin of Bufo gargarizans, which is broadly used for the treatment of malignant tumors. However, the potential mechanism of CI against TNBC has not been fully revealed. In this study, we found that CI inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. RNA-seq data showed that downregulated and upregulated genes were mainly enriched in biological processes related to tumor cell proliferation, including cell cycle arrest and regulation of apoptosis signaling pathways. Indeed, after CI treatment, the protein level of CDK1 and Bcl-2/Bax decreased, indicating that CI induced the cell cycle of MDA-MB-231 arrest in the G2/M phase and increased the rate of apoptosis. Meanwhile, CI significantly inhibited the growth of tumor in vivo, and RNA-seq data showed that the TAZ signaling pathway played a vital role after CI treatment. Both immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis confirmed the downregulation of Pin1 and TAZ, caused by CI treatment. Furthermore, the bioinformatics analysis indicated that Pin1 and TAZ were indeed elevated in TNBC patients, with poor staging, classification, and patient survival rate. In conclusion, CI effectively inhibited the proliferation of TNBC in vitro and in vivo and induced their apoptosis and cycle arrest through the Pin1–TAZ pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Kong
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Laboratory of Pharmacology of TCM Formulae Co-Constructed by the Province-Ministry, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xu Liu
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Laboratory of Pharmacology of TCM Formulae Co-Constructed by the Province-Ministry, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Bing Yu
- Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynecology Obstetrics, Tianjin, China
| | - Ye Yuan
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Laboratory of Pharmacology of TCM Formulae Co-Constructed by the Province-Ministry, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Qianru Zhao
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Laboratory of Pharmacology of TCM Formulae Co-Constructed by the Province-Ministry, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuru Chen
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Laboratory of Pharmacology of TCM Formulae Co-Constructed by the Province-Ministry, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Bin Qu
- Biophysics, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), School of Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.,INM-Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Xue Du
- Tianjin Union Medical Centre, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Rui Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Wang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Laboratory of Pharmacology of TCM Formulae Co-Constructed by the Province-Ministry, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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7
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Reptiles as Promising Sources of Medicinal Natural Products for Cancer Therapeutic Drugs. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14040874. [PMID: 35456708 PMCID: PMC9025323 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14040874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural products have historically played an important role as a source of therapeutic drugs for various diseases, and the development of medicinal natural products is still a field with high potential. Although diverse drugs have been developed for incurable diseases for several decades, discovering safe and efficient anticancer drugs remains a formidable challenge. Reptiles, as one source of Asian traditional medicines, are known to possess anticancer properties and have been used for a long time without a clarified scientific background. Recently, it has been reported that extracts, crude peptides, sera, and venom isolated from reptiles could effectively inhibit the survival and proliferation of various cancer cells. In this article, we summarize recent studies applying ingredients derived from reptiles in cancer therapy and discuss the difficulties and prospective development of natural product research.
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8
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de Sousa NA, Marani MM, Lopes ALF, Silva EM, Barbosa EA, Vasconcelos AG, Kuzniewski FTB, Lustosa SS, Gomes KP, Colugnati DB, Rocha JA, Santos LH, Benquerer MP, Quelemes P, Véras L, Moreira DC, Gadelha KKL, Magalhães PJC, Plácido A, Eaton P, Nicolau L, Medeiros JVR, Leite JRSA. BR-bombesin: a novel bombesin-related peptide from the skin secretion of the Chaco tree frog (Boana raniceps) with physiological gastric effects. Amino Acids 2022; 54:733-747. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-03114-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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9
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Soopramanien M, Khan NA, Abdalla SAO, Sagathevan K, Siddiqui R. Scorpion and Frog Organ Lysates are Potential Source of Antitumour Activity. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2020; 21:3011-3018. [PMID: 33112561 PMCID: PMC7798147 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2020.21.10.3011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES It is noteworthy that several animal species are known to withstand high levels of radiation, and are exposed to heavy metals but rarely been reported to develop cancer. For example, the scorpion has been used as folk medicine in ancient civilizations of Iran and China, while amphibian skin is known to possess medicinal properties. Here, we elucidated the anti-tumour activity of the scorpion (Uropygi) and frog (Lithobates catesbeianus). MATERIALS AND METHODS Animals were procured and their organ lysates and sera were prepared and tested against Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 breast cancer (MCF-7), prostate cancer (PC3), Henrietta Lacks cervical cancer (HeLa), and normal human keratinocyte cells. Exoskeleton, appendages and hepatopancreas were dissected from the scorpion, whereas liver, lungs, heart, oviduct, gastrointestinal tract, gall bladder, kidneys, eggs and sera were collected from frog and organ lysates/sera were prepared. Growth inhibition assays and cytotoxicity assays were performed. RESULTS Appendages, exoskeleton lysates, and hepatopancreas from scorpion exhibited potent growth inhibition, and cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, lungs, liver, gastrointestinal tract, heart, oviduct, kidneys, eggs, and sera from frog displayed growth inhibition and cytotoxic effects. CONCLUSION Organ lysates, sera of scorpion, and amphibians possess anti-tumour activities. This is a worthy area of research as the molecular identity of the active molecule(s) together with their mechanism of action will lead to the rational development of novel anticancer agent(s).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | | | - K Sagathevan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia.
| | - Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
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10
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Suleiman S, Di Fiore R, Cassar A, Formosa MM, Schembri-Wismayer P, Calleja-Agius J. Axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum extract induces cell cycle arrest and differentiation in human acute myeloid leukemia HL-60 cells. Tumour Biol 2020; 42:1010428320954735. [PMID: 32873193 DOI: 10.1177/1010428320954735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia is the most common form of acute leukemia in adults, constituting about 80% of cases. Although remarkable progress has been made in the therapeutic scenario for patients with acute myeloid leukemia, research and development of new and effective anticancer agents to improve patient outcome and minimize toxicity is needed. In this study, the antitumor activity of axolotl (AXO) Ambystoma mexicanum crude extract was assessed in vitro on the human acute myeloid leukemia HL-60 cell line. The anticancer activity was evaluated in terms of ability to influence proliferative activity, cell viability, cell cycle arrest, and differentiation. Moreover, gene expression analysis was performed to evaluate the genes involved in the regulation of these processes. The AXO crude extract exhibited antiproliferative but not cytotoxic activities on HL-60 cells, with cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase. Furthermore, the AXO-treated HL-60 cells showed an increase in both the percentage of nitroblue tetrazolium positive cells and the expression of CD11b, whereas the proportion of CD14-positive cells did not change, suggesting that extract is able to induce differentiation toward the granulocytic lineage. Finally, the treatment with AXO extract caused upregulation of CEBPA, CEBPB, CEBPE, SPI1, CDKN1A, and CDKN2C, and downregulation of c-MYC. Our data clearly show the potential anticancer activity of Ambystoma mexicanum on HL-60 cells and suggest that it could help develop promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherif Suleiman
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Riccardo Di Fiore
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.,Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Analisse Cassar
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Melissa Marie Formosa
- Department of Applied Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | | | - Jean Calleja-Agius
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
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11
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Bioinformatic Analysis of 1000 Amphibian Antimicrobial Peptides Uncovers Multiple Length-Dependent Correlations for Peptide Design and Prediction. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9080491. [PMID: 32784626 PMCID: PMC7459754 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9080491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphibians are widely distributed on different continents, except for the polar regions. They are important sources for the isolation, purification and characterization of natural compounds, including peptides with various functions. Innate immune antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) play a critical role in warding off invading pathogens, such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. They may also have other biological functions such as endotoxin neutralization, chemotaxis, anti-inflammation, and wound healing. This article documents a bioinformatic analysis of over 1000 amphibian antimicrobial peptides registered in the Antimicrobial Peptide Database (APD) in the past 18 years. These anuran peptides were discovered in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and America from 1985 to 2019. Genomic and peptidomic studies accelerated the discovery pace and underscored the necessity in establishing criteria for peptide entry into the APD. A total of 99.9% of the anuran antimicrobial peptides are less than 50 amino acids with an average length of 24 and a net charge of +2.5. Interestingly, the various amphibian peptide families (e.g., temporins, brevinins, esculentins) can be connected through multiple length-dependent relationships. With an increase in length, peptide net charge increases, while the hydrophobic content decreases. In addition, glycine, leucine, lysine, and proline all show linear correlations with peptide length. These correlations improve our understanding of amphibian peptides and may be useful for prediction and design of new linear peptides with potential applications in treating infectious diseases, cancer and diabetes.
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Sialic acid and biology of life: An introduction. SIALIC ACIDS AND SIALOGLYCOCONJUGATES IN THE BIOLOGY OF LIFE, HEALTH AND DISEASE 2020. [PMCID: PMC7153325 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-816126-5.00001-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Sialic acids are important molecule with high structural diversity. They are known to occur in higher animals such as Echinoderms, Hemichordata, Cephalochorda, and Vertebrata and also in other animals such as Platyhelminthes, Cephalopoda, and Crustaceae. Plants are known to lack sialic acid. But they are reported to occur in viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. Deaminated neuraminic acid although occurs in vertebrates and bacteria, is reported to occur in abundance in the lower vertebrates. Sialic acids are mostly located in terminal ends of glycoproteins and glycolipids, capsular and tissue polysialic acids, bacterial lipooligosaccharides/polysaccharides, and in different forms that dictate their role in biology. Sialic acid play important roles in human physiology of cell-cell interaction, communication, cell-cell signaling, carbohydrate-protein interactions, cellular aggregation, development processes, immune reactions, reproduction, and in neurobiology and human diseases in enabling the infection process by bacteria and virus, tumor growth and metastasis, microbiome biology, and pathology. It enables molecular mimicry in pathogens that allows them to escape host immune responses. Recently sialic acid has found role in therapeutics. In this chapter we have highlighted the (i) diversity of sialic acid, (ii) their occurrence in the diverse life forms, (iii) sialylation and disease, and (iv) sialic acid and therapeutics.
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Antitumor Potential of Marine and Freshwater Lectins. Mar Drugs 2019; 18:md18010011. [PMID: 31877692 PMCID: PMC7024344 DOI: 10.3390/md18010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Often, even the most effective antineoplastic drugs currently used in clinic do not efficiently allow complete healing due to the related toxicity. The reason for the toxicity lies in the lack of selectivity for cancer cells of the vast majority of anticancer agents. Thus, the need for new potent anticancer compounds characterized by a better toxicological profile is compelling. Lectins belong to a particular class of non-immunogenic glycoproteins and have the characteristics to selectively bind specific sugar sequences on the surface of cells. This property is exploited to exclusively bind cancer cells and exert antitumor activity through the induction of different forms of regulated cell death and the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. Thanks to the extraordinary biodiversity, marine environments represent a unique source of active natural compounds with anticancer potential. Several marine and freshwater organisms, ranging from the simplest alga to the most complex vertebrate, are amazingly enriched in these proteins. Remarkably, all studies gathered in this review show the impressive anticancer effect of each studied marine lectin combined with irrelevant toxicity in vitro and in vivo and pave the way to design clinical trials to assess the real antineoplastic potential of these promising proteins. It provides a concise and precise description of the experimental results, their interpretation as well as the experimental conclusions that can be drawn.
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Degradation of MCL-1 by bufalin reverses acquired resistance to osimertinib in EGFR-mutant lung cancer. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2019; 379:114662. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2019.114662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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15
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Lan YL, Lou JC, Jiang XW, Wang X, Xing JS, Li S, Zhang B. A research update on the anticancer effects of bufalin and its derivatives. Oncol Lett 2019; 17:3635-3640. [PMID: 30915168 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bufalin (BF) is a cardiotonic steroid that has recently been found to have substantial anticancer activity; however, more efforts should be directed toward clarifying the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying this activity. BF could exert its anticancer effect by inducing apoptosis in various human cancer cells and thus triggering autophagic cancer cell death. The anti-inflammatory activities of BF are potentially important for its anticancer functions. Notably, some promising synthetic BF derivatives, including poly (ethylene glycol)-based polymeric prodrug of BF and BF211, have shown potent anticancer activity. Additionally, clinical trials regarding the use of BF-related agents in patients have supported the positive effect of BF as an anticancer treatment. Currently, large-scale randomized, double-blind, placebo or positive drug parallel controlled studies are required to confirm the anticancer potential of BF in various cancer types in the clinical setting. The present review will evaluate the potential mechanisms mediated by BF in intracellular signaling events in cancer cells and various promising BF derivatives that may have greater anticancer activity, thereby clarifying BF-mediated anticancer effects. The experimental and clinical results reviewed strongly emphasize the importance of this topic in future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Long Lan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, P.R. China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518020, P.R. China.,Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebral Diseases, Department of Physiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Cheng Lou
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, P.R. China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518020, P.R. China
| | - Xue-Wen Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, P.R. China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518020, P.R. China
| | - Xun Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, P.R. China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518020, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Shan Xing
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, P.R. China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518020, P.R. China
| | - Shao Li
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebral Diseases, Department of Physiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, P.R. China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, P.R. China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518020, P.R. China
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16
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Chen Q, Liu J. Transferrin and folic acid co-modified bufalin-loaded nanoliposomes: preparation, characterization, and application in anticancer activity. Int J Nanomedicine 2018; 13:6009-6018. [PMID: 30323588 PMCID: PMC6179727 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s176012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim The aim of this study was to prepare transferrin (Tf) and folic acid (FA) co-modified bufalin (BF) liposomes for lung cancer treatment. Method In this study, (FA+Tf) BF-LPs were prepared using the high-pressure homogenization method. Results The EE% and DL% of prepared LPs were 82.3% and 10.7%, respectively, and the mean diameter was 120.4 nm from three batches. In vitro release showed that the release of BF from (FA+Tf) BF-LPs was slow with burst effects at an early stage. In vitro cytotoxicity assay showed that (FA+Tf) BF-LPs had a superior antiproliferative effect on A549 cells. An in vivo imaging study indicated that (FA+Tf) BF-LPs had obvious targeting characteristics on subcutaneous tumor, with the potential to actively deliver drugs to tumor tissues. In terms of the in vivo antitumor activity, (FA+Tf) BF-LPs treated mice showed a significantly suppressed tumor growth and no systemic toxicity in the body. Conclusion Through this study, it was found that the Tf and FA co-modified BF could be a very promising lung target preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiankun Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji Liu
- Department of Anesthesia, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,
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Lüddecke T, Schulz S, Steinfartz S, Vences M. A salamander’s toxic arsenal: review of skin poison diversity and function in true salamanders, genus Salamandra. Naturwissenschaften 2018; 105:56. [DOI: 10.1007/s00114-018-1579-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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18
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Dai XY, Zhou BF, Xie YY, Lou J, Li KQ. Bufalin and 5-fluorouracil synergistically induce apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:8019-8026. [PMID: 29849804 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has been used in the treatment of colorectal cancer for >50 years. However, drug resistance remains an obstacle in the application of 5-FU-based chemotherapy. Bufalin, a type of steroid with anti-tumor activity, may be purified from the skin and parotid venom glands of toads. In order to improve the anti-tumor effect of 5-FU, the present study examined the combined effects of bufalin with 5-FU on human colorectal cancer HCT116 cells. Following treatment, cell proliferation was quantified using MTT assay and apoptotic cell percentage was assessed by flow cytometry. The apoptosis-associated protein expression was evaluated by western blotting. It was observed that bufalin enhanced the cytotoxicity of 5-FU in HCT116 cells via the induction of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Additionally, bufalin combined with 5-FU reduced the expression levels of anti-apoptotic proteins, such as Mcl-1, XIAP and Bcl-2 and upregulated the levels of the pro-apoptotic proteins, Bax and Bad. To verify the role of Bax, RNA interference was used to knock-down Bax. It was determined that the synergistic effect between 5-FU and bufalin was diminished following the silencing of Bax. In summary, bufalin in combination with 5-FU may induce a higher level of apoptosis compared with monotherapy, and the combination mat be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yu Dai
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Clinical Research Center, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, P.R. China
| | - Bao-Feng Zhou
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Clinical Research Center, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, P.R. China
| | - Yang-Yang Xie
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Clinical Research Center, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, P.R. China
| | - Jie Lou
- Department of Digestion, Clinical Research Center, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, P.R. China
| | - Ke-Qiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Clinical Research Center, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, P.R. China
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19
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Bufalin suppresses hepatocarcinogenesis by targeting β-catenin/TCF signaling via cell cycle-related kinase. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3891. [PMID: 29497076 PMCID: PMC5832857 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22113-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most aggressive malignant tumors, of which treatment options are limited especially in advanced stage. Bufalin, the major digoxin-like component of the traditional Chinese medicine Chansu, exhibits significant antitumor activities in hepatoma cells, but the potential mechanism is obscure. Cell cycle-related kinase (CCRK) is recently identified to be a crucial oncogenic master regulator to drive hepatocarcinogenesis. Here we investigated the molecular function of bufalin on CCRK-regulated signaling pathway, and expounded the underlying mechanism in HCC suppression. In vitro with PLC5 HCC cells and human immortal LO2 cells, proliferation, malignant transformation and cell cycle progression assays were performed to evaluate the antitumor effect of bufalin. In vivo with xenograft and orthotopic mice models, tumor growths with weight and volume change were assessed with or without bufalin treatment. Western blot, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were conducted to examine the expression level of CCRK and β-catenin/TCF signaling cascade. We revealed that bufalin suppresses PLC5 HCC cell proliferation, transformation and cell cycle progression rather than LO2 cells, which is correlated with CCRK-mediated β-catenin/TCF signaling. It was also confirmed in mice model. Thus, bufalin is a potential anti-HCC therapeutic candidate through the inhibition of CCRK-driven β-catenin/TCF oncogenic signaling pathway.
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20
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Pantic JM, Jovanovic IP, Radosavljevic GD, Arsenijevic NN, Conlon JM, Lukic ML. The Potential of Frog Skin-Derived Peptides for Development into Therapeutically-Valuable Immunomodulatory Agents. Molecules 2017; 22:E2071. [PMID: 29236056 PMCID: PMC6150033 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22122071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this article is to review the immunoregulatory actions of frog skin-derived peptides in order to assess their potential as candidates for immunomodulatory or anti-inflammatory therapy. Frog skin peptides with demonstrable immunomodulatory properties have been isolated from skin secretions of a range of species belonging to the families Alytidae, Ascaphidae, Discoglossidae, Leptodactylidae, Pipidae and Ranidae. Their effects upon production of inflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokines by target cells have been evaluated ex vivo and effects upon cytokine expression and immune cell activity have been studied in vivo by flow cytometry after injection into mice. The naturally-occurring peptides and/or their synthetic analogues show complex and variable actions on the production of proinflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-12, IL-23, IL-8, IFN-γ and IL-17), pleiotropic (IL-4 and IL-6) and immunosuppressive (IL-10 and TGF-β) cytokines by peripheral and spleen cells, peritoneal cells and/or isolated macrophages. The effects of frenatin 2.1S include enhancement of the activation state and homing capacity of Th1-type lymphocytes and NK cells in the mouse peritoneal cavity, as well as the promotion of their tumoricidal capacities. Overall, the diverse effects of frog skin-derived peptides on the immune system indicate their potential for development into therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena M Pantic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia.
| | - Ivan P Jovanovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia.
| | - Gordana D Radosavljevic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia.
| | - Nebojsa N Arsenijevic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia.
| | - J Michael Conlon
- SAAD Centre for Pharmacy and Diabetes, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, UK.
| | - Miodrag L Lukic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia.
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21
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Alexeeva LA, Patutina OA, Sen’kova AV, Zenkova MA, Mironova NL. Inhibition of invasive properties of murine melanoma by bovine pancreatic DNase I in vitro and in vivo. Mol Biol 2017. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893317040021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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22
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Zhang H, Huang N, Yang G, Lin Q, Su Y. Bufalin-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles demonstrated improved anti-tumor activity against hepatocellular carcinoma: preparation, characterization, pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution. Oncotarget 2017; 8:63311-63323. [PMID: 28968991 PMCID: PMC5609923 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To prepare and evaluate the liver-targeted drug delivery system of Bufalin with higher liver uptake and stronger antitumor activity against hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods Bufalin-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticle was prepared by desolvation method, to investigate the in vitro release performance and to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution. The antitumor activity against hepatocellular carcinoma was evaluated in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Results The Bufalin-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticle with an average particle size of 125.1 nm exhibited a sustained release behavior in vitro. The half-life, blood plasma area under the curve and apparent volume of distribution of Bufalin-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticle were significantly higher than that of Bufalin, whereas the clearance rate was lower than Bufalin group. The uptake of liver for Bufalin-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticle was 352.045 ± 35.665 ng/g while for Bufalin was 164.465 ± 48.080 ng/g (P < 0.01) at 5 min. The uptake of tumor for Bufalin-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticle was significantly higher than that of Bufalin both at 5 min (50.169 ± 11.708 ng/g, 93.415±13.828 ng/g, P < 0.01) and 15 min (43.683 ± 11.499 ng/g, 64.219 ± 17.684 ng/g, P > 0.05). Bufalin-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticle and Bufalin have similar antitumor activity in vitro. The tumor inhibition effect of Bufalin-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticle was stronger than that of Bufalin alone in vivo. Conclusion Bufalin-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticle is a promising liver-targeted drug delivery system with higher liver uptake and stronger antitumor activity against hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqing Zhang
- Changhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Nian Huang
- Changhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Geliang Yang
- Changhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Qing Lin
- Changhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yonghua Su
- Changhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
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23
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Wu SH, Bau DT, Hsiao YT, Lu KW, Hsia TC, Lien JC, Ko YC, Hsu WH, Yang ST, Huang YP, Chung JG. Bufalin induces apoptosis in vitro and has Antitumor activity against human lung cancer xenografts in vivo. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2017; 32:1305-1317. [PMID: 27444971 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Bufalin has been shown to be effective against a variety of cancer cells, but its role in lung cancer has never been studied in an animal model. In this study, we evaluated bufalin effects in a human lung cancer cell line NCI-H460 both in vitro and in vivo. Bufalin caused significant cytotoxicity in NCI-H460 cells at a concentration as low as 1 μM. DNA condensation was observed in bufalin-treated cells in a dose-dependent manner. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm ) was reduced and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were increased in bufalin-treated NCI-H460 cells. Levels of several proapoptotic proteins such as Fas, Fas-ligand, cytochrome c, apoptosis protease activating factor-1, endonuclease G, caspase-3 and caspase-9 were increased after bufalin treatment. At the same time, anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 protein levels were reduced. Bufalin decreased glucose regulated protein-78 gene expression but increased growth arrest- and DNA damage-inducible 153 gene expression. Bufalin injected intraperitoneally in a dose-dependent manner reduced tumor size in BALB/C nu/nu mice implanted with NCI-H460 cells. Bufalin injection did not produce significant drug-related toxicity in experimental animals except at a high dose (0.4 mg kg-1 ). In conclusion, low concentrations of bufalin can induce apoptosis in the human lung cancer cell line NCI-H460 in vitro. Bufalin also reduced tumor size in mice injected with NCI-H460 cells without significant drug-related toxicity. These results indicate that bufalin may have potential to be developed as an agent for treating human non-small cell lung cancer. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1305-1317, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Hwar Wu
- Institute of Clinical Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, 500, Taiwan
| | - Da-Tian Bau
- Terry Fox Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Ting Hsiao
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Kung-Wen Lu
- College of Chinese Medicine, School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Te-Chun Hsia
- Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Cherng Lien
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Ching Ko
- Institute of Clinical Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Wu-Huei Hsu
- Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Su-Tso Yang
- Department of Radiology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Huang
- Department of Physiology, China Medical University, Taichun, 404, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Gung Chung
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
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Lv J, Lin S, Peng P, Cai C, Deng J, Wang M, Li X, Lin R, Lin Y, Fang A, Li Q. Arenobufagin activates p53 to trigger esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Onco Targets Ther 2017; 10:1261-1267. [PMID: 28280360 PMCID: PMC5338965 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s104767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is often diagnosed at late incurable stage and lacks effective treatment strategy. Bufadienolides are cardiotonic steroids isolated from the skin and parotid venom glands of the toad Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor with novel anticancer activity. However, there is little information about the effects and action mechanisms of bufadienolides on ESCC cells. In this study, the in vitro and in vivo anti-ESCC activities of bufadienolides, including bufalin (Bu) and arenobufagin (ArBu), were examined and the underlying molecular mechanisms were elucidated. The results showed that ArBu exhibited higher anticancer efficacy than Bu against a panel of five ESCC cells, with IC50 values ranging from 0.8 μM to 3.6 μM. However, ArBu showed lower toxicity toward Het-1A human normal esophageal squamous cells, indicating its great selectivity between cancer and normal cells. Moreover, ArBu effectively induced ESCC cell apoptosis mainly by triggering caspase activation through intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Treatment of ESCC cells also significantly activated p53 signaling by enhancing its phosphorylation. Interestingly, transfection of cells with p53 small interfering RNA significantly inhibited the ArBu-induced p53 phosphorylation and the overall apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, ArBu also demonstrated novel in vivo anticancer efficacy by inhibiting the tumor growth through activation of p53 pathway. Taken together, these results demonstrate the p53-targeting therapeutic potential of bufadienolides against ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Panli Peng
- Oncology No 2 Department, Guangdong No 2 Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou
| | - Changqing Cai
- Oncology No 2 Department, Guangdong No 2 Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou
| | | | | | | | - Rongsheng Lin
- Department of Oncology, Shunde Longjiang Hospital, Foshan
| | - Yu Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Puning Overseas Chinese Hospital
| | - Ailing Fang
- Galactophore Department, Puning Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Puning, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiling Li
- Galactophore Department, Puning Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Puning, People's Republic of China
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Peng P, Lv J, Cai C, Lin S, Zhuo E, Wang S. Cinobufagin, a bufadienolide, activates ROS-mediated pathways to trigger human lung cancer cell apoptosis in vivo. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra01085k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer, as the most common malignancy worldwide, is one of the most threatening diseases for human beings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panli Peng
- Department of Oncology
- Zhujiang Hospital
- Southern Medical University
- Guangzhou
- China
| | - Junhong Lv
- Thoracic Surgeons Department
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital
- Guangzhou 510317
- China
| | - Changqing Cai
- Oncology No. 2 Department
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital
- Guangzhou 510317
- China
| | - Shaohuan Lin
- Thoracic Surgeons Department
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital
- Guangzhou 510317
- China
| | - Enqing Zhuo
- Oncology No. 2 Department
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital
- Guangzhou 510317
- China
| | - Senming Wang
- Department of Oncology
- Zhujiang Hospital
- Southern Medical University
- Guangzhou
- China
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Xia J, Inagaki Y, Gao J, Qi F, Song P, Han G, Sawakami T, Gao B, Luo C, Kokudo N, Hasegawa K, Sakamoto Y, Tang W. Combination of Cinobufacini and Doxorubicin Increases Apoptosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells through the Fas- and Mitochondria-Mediated Pathways. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2017; 45:1537-1556. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x17500835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
Cinobufacini, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used widely for cancer treatment, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), sarcoma, and leukemia. Previous studies done by our lab indicated that cinobufacini could suppress HCC cells through mitochondria-mediated and Fas-mediated apoptotic pathways. Here, we use a combination of cinobufacini and doxorubicin to inhibit the growth of HCC cells. The combination group induced more significant apoptosis by affecting proteins and RNA of apoptosis-related elements, such as Bcl-2, Bax, Bid, and cytochrome c. Furthermore, cinobufacini, as a mixture of a number of components, had stronger apoptosis-inducing activity than particular individual components or a simple mixture of a few components. Overall, these results suggested that the combination of cinobufacini and doxorubicin may provide a new strategy for inhibiting the proliferation of HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jufeng Xia
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Inagaki
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jianjun Gao
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Fanghua Qi
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Ji’nan, China
| | - Peipei Song
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Guohua Han
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Sawakami
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Bo Gao
- Anhui Jinchan Biochemistry Company, Huaibei, Anhui, China
| | - Chuan Luo
- Anhui Jinchan Biochemistry Company, Huaibei, Anhui, China
| | - Norihiro Kokudo
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Hasegawa
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Sakamoto
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wei Tang
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Xie S, Spelmink L, Codemo M, Subramanian K, Pütsep K, Henriques-Normark B, Olliver M. Cinobufagin Modulates Human Innate Immune Responses and Triggers Antibacterial Activity. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160734. [PMID: 27529866 PMCID: PMC4986986 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The traditional Chinese medicine Chan-Su is widely used for treatment of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, but also as a remedy for infections such as furunculosis, tonsillitis and acute pharyngitis. The clinical use of Chan-Su suggests that it has anti-infective effects, however, the mechanism of action is incompletely understood. In particular, the effect on the human immune system is poorly defined. Here, we describe previously unrecognized immunomodulatory activities of cinobufagin (CBG), a major bioactive component of Chan-Su. Using human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs), we show that LPS-induced maturation and production of a number of cytokines was potently inhibited by CBG, which also had a pro-apoptotic effect, associated with activation of caspase-3. Interestingly, CBG triggered caspase-1 activation and significantly enhanced IL-1β production in LPS-stimulated cells. Finally, we demonstrate that CBG upregulates gene expression of the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) hBD-2 and hBD-3 in DCs, and induces secretion of HNP1-3 and hCAP-18/LL-37 from neutrophils, potentiating neutrophil antibacterial activity. Taken together, our data indicate that CBG modulates the inflammatory phenotype of DCs in response to LPS, and triggers an antibacterial innate immune response, thus proposing possible mechanisms for the clinical effects of Chan-Su in anti-infective therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Xie
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Laura Spelmink
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mario Codemo
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karthik Subramanian
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katrin Pütsep
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Birgitta Henriques-Normark
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie Olliver
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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Polymeric prodrug of bufalin for increasing solubility and stability: Synthesis and anticancer study in vitro and in vivo. Int J Pharm 2016; 506:382-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2016.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Nalbantsoy A, Karış M, Yalcin HT, Göçmen B. Biological activities of skin and parotoid gland secretions of bufonid toads (Bufo bufo, Bufo verrucosissimus and Bufotes variabilis) from Turkey. Biomed Pharmacother 2016; 80:298-303. [PMID: 27133069 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Revised: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Toad glandular secretions and skin extractions contain numerous natural agents which may provide unique resources for novel drug development. Especially the skin-parotoid gland secretions of toads from genus Bufo contain as many as 86 different types of active compounds, each with the potential of becoming a potent drug. In the present study, crude skin-parotoid gland secretions from Bufo bufo, Bufo verrucosissimus and Bufotes variabilis from Turkey were screened against various cancer cells together with normal cells using MTT assay. Furthermore, the antimicrobial properties of skin secretions were tested on selected bacterial and fungal species for assessing the possible medical applications. Antimicrobial activity of skin secretions was studied by determining minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) in broth dilution method. Hemolytic activity of each skin-secretion was also estimated for evaluating pharmaceutical potential. Both skin-parotoid gland secretions showed high cytotoxic effect on all cancerous and non-cancerous cell lines with IC50 values varying between <0.1μg/ml and 6.02μg/ml. MIC results of antimicrobial activity tests were found to be between 3.9μg/ml and 250μg/ml. No hemolytic activities on rabbit red blood cells at concentrations between 0.5μg/ml and 50μg/ml were observed. In conclusion, skin-parotoid secretions of bufonid toads might be remarkable candidates for anti-cancer and antimicrobial agents without hemolytic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Nalbantsoy
- Ege University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, 35100 Bornova, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Mert Karış
- Ege University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Zoology Section, 35100 Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Husniye Tansel Yalcin
- Ege University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Basic and Industrial Microbiology Section, 35100 Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Bayram Göçmen
- Ege University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Zoology Section, 35100 Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
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Pan G, Bao YJ, Xu J, Liu T, Liu C, Qiu YY, Shi XJ, Yu H, Jia TT, Yuan X, Yuan ZT, Yin PH, Cao YJ. Esterase-responsive polymeric prodrug-based tumor targeting nanoparticles for improved anti-tumor performance against colon cancer. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra05236c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We report on the fabrication of a multifunctional polymeric prodrug covalently linked with an anticancer drug (bufalin, BUF) and tumor-targeting peptide (RGD) and investigate its anticancer performance against colon cancer in mice.
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Bufalin Inhibits HCT116 Colon Cancer Cells and Its Orthotopic Xenograft Tumor in Mice Model through Genes Related to Apoptotic and PTEN/AKT Pathways. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2015; 2015:457193. [PMID: 26770191 PMCID: PMC4685085 DOI: 10.1155/2015/457193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Revised: 05/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims. To investigate the anticolorectal cancer (CRC) effects of Bufalin, a bioactive polyhydroxysteroid from Venenum Bufonis, using HCT116 human CRC cell and an established orthotopic xenograft model in mice, and to explore the mechanisms of action. Material and Methods. Cultured HCT116 cells or BALB/c mice with orthotopic tumor were treated by Bufalin (positive control: 5-FU). Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cycling were determined by MTT, Annexin V/PI staining, and flow cytometry, respectively. In mice, tumor inhibition rate and animal survival were calculated. The expressions of PTEN/phosphate-PTEN, AKT/phosphate-AKT, Bad, Bcl-xl, Bax, or Caspase-3 in cells and/or tumors were determined by Western blot or immunohistochemical staining. Results. Bufalin significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis and cycle arrest in a dose/time-dependent manner. In the animal model, Bufalin treatment resulted in significant inhibition of tumor growth and prolonged survival. In the Bufalin-treated cultured cells and/or xenograft tumors, the expressions of PTEN, Bad, Bax, and Caspase-3 were significantly increased, while p-AKT and Bcl-xL significantly decreased. Conclusions. Our results indicate that Bufalin inhibit cell proliferation and orthotopic tumor growth by inducing cell apoptosis through the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, which is of pivotal significance in the identification of an anticancer drug that may synergize with Bufalin.
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Ye L, Jia Y, Ji KE, Sanders AJ, Xue K, Ji J, Mason MD, Jiang WG. Traditional Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of cancer and cancer metastasis. Oncol Lett 2015; 10:1240-1250. [PMID: 26622657 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2015.3459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been a major part of healthcare in China, and has extensively affected medicine and healthcare in surrounding countries over a long period of time. In the fight against cancer, certain anticancer remedies using herbs or herbal formulas derived from TCM have been developed for the management of malignancies. Furthermore, there are clinical trials registered for the use of herbal remedies in cancer management. Herbal medicine has been used as part of combined therapies to reduce the side-effects of chemotherapy, including bone marrow suppression, nausea and vomiting. Herbal remedies have also been used as chemopreventive therapies to treat precancerous conditions in order to reduce the incidence of cancer in high-risk populations. Emerging evidence has revealed that herbal remedies can regulate the proliferation, apoptosis, adhesion and migration of cancer cells. In addition to this direct effect upon cancer cells, a number of herbal remedies have been identified to suppress angiogenesis and therefore reduce tumour growth. The inhibition of tumour growth may also be due to modifications of the host immune system by the herbal treatment. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of herbal remedies remain poorly understood and are yet to be fully elucidated. The present study aims to summarize the current literature and clinical trial results of herbal remedies for cancer treatment, with a particular focus on the recent findings and development of the Yangzheng Xiaoji capsule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Ye
- Cardiff University-Peking University Cancer Institute, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK ; Metastasis and Angiogenesis Research Group, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK ; Institute of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Yongning Jia
- Cardiff University-Peking University Cancer Institute, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK ; Metastasis and Angiogenesis Research Group, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK ; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Haidian, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
| | - K E Ji
- Cardiff University-Peking University Cancer Institute, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK ; Metastasis and Angiogenesis Research Group, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK ; Institute of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Andrew J Sanders
- Cardiff University-Peking University Cancer Institute, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK ; Metastasis and Angiogenesis Research Group, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK ; Institute of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Kan Xue
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Haidian, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
| | - Jiafu Ji
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Haidian, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
| | - Malcolm D Mason
- Institute of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Wen G Jiang
- Cardiff University-Peking University Cancer Institute, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK ; Metastasis and Angiogenesis Research Group, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK ; Institute of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
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Vallejo JR, González JA. [Amphibians in Spanish popular medicine and the pharmacopoeia of Pliny and Dioscorides]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 22:1283-319. [PMID: 25831480 DOI: 10.1590/s0104-59702015005000010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2012] [Accepted: 06/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This article presents a list of medical remedies based on the use of amphibians in Spanish popular medicine and in the classical world. It provides an overview of bibliography relative to folklore studies, ethnographic work and research on social or medical anthropology. It documents a total of 113 remedies and the use of nine species of amphibians, two from the family of caudates (urodeles) and seven anurans. Most of these remedies are based on the popular "preconception" about the influence of amphibians and healing by transmitting an illness to a living creature. The traditional use of certain threatened species is emphasized, an issue to bear in mind in decision-making in the field of conservation biology and environmental education.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Ramón Vallejo
- Departamento de Terapéutica Médico-Quirúrgica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, España,
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34
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Nakata M, Mori S, Kamoshida Y, Kawaguchi S, Fujita-Yamaguchi Y, Gao B, Tang W. Toad skin extract cinobufatini inhibits migration of human breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells into a model stromal tissue. Biosci Trends 2015; 9:266-9. [DOI: 10.5582/bst.2015.01109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shuya Mori
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokai University
| | - Yo Kamoshida
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokai University
| | | | - Yoko Fujita-Yamaguchi
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokai University
- Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope
| | - Bo Gao
- Anhui Jinchan Biochemical Co., Ltd
| | - Wei Tang
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
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Nakata M, Kawaguchi S, Oikawa A, Inamura A, Nomoto S, Miyai H, Nonaka T, Ichimi S, Fujita-Yamaguchi Y, Luo C, Gao B, Tang W. An aqueous extract from toad skin prevents gelatinase activities derived from fetal serum albumin and serum-free culture medium of human breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells. Drug Discov Ther 2015; 9:417-21. [DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2015.01060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ayami Oikawa
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokai University
| | - Akito Inamura
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokai University
| | - Shunki Nomoto
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokai University
| | | | - Tomomi Nonaka
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokai University
| | - Saeko Ichimi
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokai University
| | - Yoko Fujita-Yamaguchi
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokai University
- Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope
| | | | - Bo Gao
- Anhui Jinchan Biochemical Co., Ltd
| | - Wei Tang
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo
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36
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Wang CY, Bai XY, Wang CH. Traditional Chinese medicine: a treasured natural resource of anticancer drug research and development. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2014; 42:543-59. [PMID: 24871650 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x14500359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
To discover and develop novel natural compounds, active ingredients, single herbs and combination formulas or prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with therapeutic selectivity that can preferentially kill cancer cells and inhibit the amplification of cancer without significant toxicity is an important area in cancer therapy. A lot of valuable TCMs were applied as alternative or complementary medicines in the United States and Europe. But these TCMs, as one of the main natural resources, were widely used to research and develop new drugs in Asia. In TCMs, some specific herbs, animals, minerals and combination formulas were recorded and exploited due to their active ingredients and specific natural compounds with antitumor activities. The article focused on the antitumor properties of natural compounds and combination formulas or prescriptions in TCMs, described its influence on tumor progression, angiogenesis, metastasis, and revealed its mechanisms of antitumor and inhibitory action. Among the nature compounds, triptolide, berberine, matrine, oxymatrine, kurarinone and deoxypodophyllotoxin (DPT) with specific molecular structures have been separated, purified, and evaluated their antitumor properties in vitro and in vivo. Cancer is a multifactorial and multistep disease, so the treatment effect of combination formulas and prescriptions in TCMs involving multi-targets and multi-signal pathways on tumor may be superior than that of agents targeting a single molecular target alone. Shi Quan Da Bu Tang and Yanshu injection, as well known combination formulas and prescriptions in TCMs, have shown an excellent therapeutic effect on cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Yun Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P. R. China
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Mechkarska M, Attoub S, Sulaiman S, Pantic J, Lukic ML, Conlon JM. Anti-cancer, immunoregulatory, and antimicrobial activities of the frog skin host-defense peptides pseudhymenochirin-1Pb and pseudhymenochirin-2Pa. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 194-195:69-76. [PMID: 25447194 DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2014.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Pseudhymenochirin-1Pb (Ps-1Pb) and pseudhymenochirin-2Pa (Ps-2Pa) are host-defense peptides, first isolated from skin secretions of the frog Pseudhymenochirus merlini (Pipidae). Ps-1Pb and Ps-2Pa are highly cytotoxic (LC50<12 μM) against non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells, breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells, and colorectal adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells but are also hemolytic against human erythrocytes (LC50=28±2 μM for Ps-1Pb and LC50=6±1 μM for Ps-2Pa). Ps-2Pa shows selective cytotoxicity for tumor cells (LC50 against non-neoplastic human umbilical vein (HUVEC) cells=68±2 μM). Ps-1Pb and Ps-2Pa (5 μg/mL) significantly inhibit production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and the multifunctional cytokine IL-6 from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated peritoneal macrophages from C57BL/6 mice and enhance the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-23 from both unstimulated and LPS-stimulated macrophages. Ps-1Pb potently (MIC≤10 μM) inhibits growth of multidrug-resistant clinical isolates of the Gram-positive bacteria methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, and the Gram-negative bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Ps-2Pa shows the same high potency (MIC≤10 μM) against the Gram-positive bacteria but is 2-4 fold less potent against the Gram-negative isolates. Ps-1Pb at 4×MIC kills 99.9% of Escherichia coli within 30 min and 99.9% of S. aureus within 180 min. In conclusion, cytotoxicity against tumor cells, cytokine-mediated immunomodulatory properties, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity suggest that the Ps-1Pb and Ps-2Pa represent templates for design of non-hemolytic analogs for tumor therapy and for treatment of infections in cancer patients produced by multidrug-resistant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Mechkarska
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Samir Attoub
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shahrazad Sulaiman
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jelena Pantic
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Miodrag L Lukic
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - J Michael Conlon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates; SAAD Centre for Pharmacy and Diabetes, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK.
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Liu C, Cao W, Chen Y, Qu D, Zhou J. Comparison of toad skins Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor from different regions for their active constituents content and cytotoxic activity on lung carcinoma cell lines. Pharmacogn Mag 2014; 10:207-12. [PMID: 25210305 PMCID: PMC4159911 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1296.137358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Revised: 01/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The skin of Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor, rich in bufadienolides, peptides, and alkaloids, has approved pharmacological activity for preliminary anti-liver and lung tumor treatment. However, few studies have systematically focused on the influence of the producing regions on the content and antitumor activity of the active constituents in toad skins. Objective: This study aims to compare toad skins obtained from six different regions in China (Jiangsu, Anhui, Henan, Hebei, Jiangxi, and Shandong province) for their bufadienolide and alkaloid content, and their cytotoxic activity on two lung carcinoma cell lines (SPC-A-1 cells and A549 cells). Materials and Methods: High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantificationally determine four bufadienolides, which included bufotalin, bufalin, cinobufagin, and resibufogenin in toad skins, from six different regions, respectively. In addition, an ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometer was also employed to identify the content of the total alkaloids using 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) as the reference substance. An MTT assay was performed to compare the antiproliferative effects of the toad skins’ ethanolic extracts from the different regions against SPC-A-1 and A549 cells. Results: In this study, the toad skins from Jiangsu province had the highest amount of bufadienolides (472.6 μg/g crude drug) and alkaloids (1.51 mg/g crude drug). Meanwhile, according to the extract, it exhibited the strongest cytotoxic effect against the lung carcinoma cell line (SPC-A-1 cells and A549 cells) with IC50 values of 24.82 ± 0.76 and 23.77 ± 0.63 μg crude drug/mL, respectively. Conclusion: The toad skins that originated from the Jiangsu province, have comparatively greater advantages over samples from other regions as far as active constituent content and potential anti-lung cancer activity is concerned, suggesting that it can be a promising chemotherapeutic agent in lung cancer therapy, in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congyan Liu
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Delivery System of Chinese Meteria Medica, Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Chinese Medicine, 210028, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Wei Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Jiangsu University, 212013, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Yan Chen
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Delivery System of Chinese Meteria Medica, Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Chinese Medicine, 210028, Nanjing, P. R. China ; Department of Pharmaceutics, Jiangsu University, 212013, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Ding Qu
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Delivery System of Chinese Meteria Medica, Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Chinese Medicine, 210028, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Delivery System of Chinese Meteria Medica, Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Chinese Medicine, 210028, Nanjing, P. R. China
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Hu Q, Liang B, Sun Y, Guo XL, Bao YJ, Xie DH, Zhou M, Duan YR, Yin PH, Peng ZH. Preparation of bufalin-loaded pluronic polyetherimide nanoparticles, cellular uptake, distribution, and effect on colorectal cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2014; 9:4035-41. [PMID: 25187707 PMCID: PMC4149445 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s64708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A large number of studies have shown that bufalin can have a significant antitumor effect in a variety of tumors. However, because of toxicity, insolubility in water, fast metabolism, short half-life, and other shortcomings, its application is limited in cancer therapy. In this study, we explored the anti-metastatic role of bufalin-loaded pluronic polyetherimide nanoparticles on HCT116 colon cancer-bearing mice. Nanoparticle size, shape, drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro drug release were studied. Also, cellular uptake of nanoparticles, in vivo tumor targeting, and tumor metastasis were studied. The nanoparticles had a particle size of about 60 nm and an encapsulation efficiency of 75.71%, by weight. The in vitro release data showed that free bufalin was released faster than bufalin-loaded pluronic polyetherimide nanoparticles, and almost 80% of free bufalin was released after 32 hours. Nanoparticles had an even size distribution, were stable, and had a slow release and a tumor-targeting effect. Bufalin-loaded pluronic polyetherimide nanoparticles can significantly inhibit the growth and metastasis of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China ; Department of General Surgery, Dahua Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Liang
- Department of General Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Ling Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Jie Bao
- Department of General Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong-Hao Xie
- Department of General Surgery, Dahua Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Dahua Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - You-Rong Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Pei-Hao Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Hai Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
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Conlon JM, Mechkarska M, Lukic ML, Flatt PR. Potential therapeutic applications of multifunctional host-defense peptides from frog skin as anti-cancer, anti-viral, immunomodulatory, and anti-diabetic agents. Peptides 2014; 57:67-77. [PMID: 24793775 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2014.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Revised: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Frog skin constitutes a rich source of peptides with a wide range of biological properties. These include host-defense peptides with cytotoxic activities against bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses, and mammalian cells. Several hundred such peptides from diverse species have been described. Although attention has been focused mainly on antimicrobial activity, the therapeutic potential of frog skin peptides as anti-infective agents remains to be realized and no compound based upon their structures has yet been adopted in clinical practice. Consequently, alternative applications are being explored. Certain naturally occurring frog skin peptides, and analogs with improved therapeutic properties, show selective cytotoxicity against tumor cells and viruses and so have potential for development into anti-cancer and anti-viral agents. Some peptides display complex cytokine-mediated immunomodulatory properties. Effects on the production of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines by peritoneal macrophages and peripheral blood mononuclear cells have been observed so that clinical applications as anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and immunostimulatory agents are possible. Several frog skin peptides, first identified on the basis of antimicrobial activity, have been shown to stimulate insulin release both in vitro and in vivo and so show potential as incretin-based therapies for treatment of patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. This review assesses the therapeutic possibilities of peptides from frogs belonging to the Ascaphidae, Alytidae, Pipidae, Dicroglossidae, Leptodactylidae, Hylidae, and Ranidae families that complement their potential role as anti-infectives for use against multidrug-resistant microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Conlon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, 17666 Al Ain, United Arab Emirates; School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, UK.
| | - Milena Mechkarska
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, 17666 Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Miodrag L Lukic
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Peter R Flatt
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, UK
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Yang X, Wu L, Duan X, Cui L, Luo J, Li G. Adenovirus carrying gene encoding Haliotis discus discus sialic acid binding lectin induces cancer cell apoptosis. Mar Drugs 2014; 12:3994-4004. [PMID: 24983642 PMCID: PMC4113811 DOI: 10.3390/md12073994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2013] [Revised: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Lectins exist widely in marine bioresources such as bacteria, algae, invertebrate animals and fishes. Some purified marine lectins have been found to elicit cytotoxicity to cancer cells. However, there are few reports describing the cytotoxic effect of marine lectins on cancer cells through virus-mediated gene delivery. We show here that a replication-deficient adenovirus-carrying gene encoding Haliotis discus discus sialic acid binding lectin (Ad.FLAG-HddSBL) suppressed cancer cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis, as compared to the control virus Ad.FLAG. A down-regulated level of anti-apoptosis factor Bcl-2 was suggested to be responsible for the apoptosis induced by Ad.FLAG-HddSBL infection. Further subcellular localization studies revealed that HddSBL distributed in cell membrane, ER, and the nucleus, but not in mitochondria and Golgi apparatus. In contrast, a previously reported mannose-binding lectin Pinellia pedatisecta agglutinin entered the nucleus as well, but did not distribute in inner membrane systems, suggesting differed intracellular sialylation and mannosylation, which may provide different targets for lectin binding. Further cancer-specific controlling of HddSBL expression and animal studies may help to provide insights into a novel way of anti-cancer marine lectin gene therapy. Lectins may provide a reservoir of anti-cancer genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Liqin Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xuemei Duan
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Lianzhen Cui
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jingjing Luo
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Gongchu Li
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China.
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Srinivasan D, Ojo OO, Abdel-Wahab YHA, Flatt PR, Guilhaudis L, Conlon JM. Insulin-releasing and cytotoxic properties of the frog skin peptide, tigerinin-1R: a structure-activity study. Peptides 2014; 55:23-31. [PMID: 24530698 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2014.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Revised: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The frog skin host-defense peptide tigerinin-1R (RVCSAIPLPICH.NH2) is insulinotropic both in vitro and in vivo. This study investigates the effects on insulin release and cytotoxicity of changes in cationicity and hydrophobicity produced by selected substitutions of amino acids by l-arginine, l-lysine and l-tryptophan. The [A5W], [L8W] and [I10W] analogs produced a significant (P<0.01) increase in the rate of insulin release from BRIN-BD11 rat clonal β cells at concentration of 0.01 nM compared with 0.1 nM for tigerinin-1R. The increase in the rate of insulin release produced by a 3 μM concentration of the [S4R], [H12K], and [I10W] analogs from both BRIN-BD11 cells and mouse islets was significantly greater (P<0.05) than that produced by tigerinin-1R. No peptide stimulated the release of lactate dehydrogenase at concentrations up to 3 μM indicating that plasma membrane integrity had been preserved. [A5W] tigerinin-1R was the only analog tested that showed cytotoxic activity against human erythrocytes (LC50=265 ± 16 μM) and inhibited growth of Escherichia coli (MIC=500 μM) and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC=250 μM). The circular dichroism spectra of tigerinin-1R and [A5W] tigerinin-1R indicate that the peptides adopt a mixture of β-sheet, random coil and reverse β-turn conformations in 50% trifluoroethanol/water and methanol/water. Administration of [S4R] tigerinin-1R (75 nmol/kg body weight) to high-fat fed mice with insulin resistance significantly (P<0.05) enhanced insulin release and improved glucose tolerance over a 60 min period following an intraperitoneal glucose load. The study supports the claim that tigerinin-1R shows potential for development into novel therapeutic agents for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Srinivasan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Opeolu O Ojo
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Yasser H A Abdel-Wahab
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Peter R Flatt
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Laure Guilhaudis
- Normandie Université, COBRA, UMR 6014, IRIB et FR 3038; Université de Rouen; INSA de Rouen; CNRS, IRCOF, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan Cedex, France
| | - J Michael Conlon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, 17666 Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.
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Lee S, Lee Y, Choi YJ, Han KS, Chung HW. Cyto-/genotoxic effects of the ethanol extract of Chan Su, a traditional Chinese medicine, in human cancer cell lines. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2014; 152:372-376. [PMID: 24491644 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Revised: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Chan Su, an ethanolic extract from skin and parotid venom glands of the Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor, is widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine for cancer therapy. Although the anti-cancer properties of Chan Su have been investigated, no information exists regarding whether Chan Su has genotoxic effects in cancer cells. The aim of the present study was to examine the cyto-/genotoxic effect of Chan Su in human breast carcinoma (MCF-7 cells), human lung carcinoma (A-549 cells), human T cell leukemia (Jurkat T cells), and normal human lymphocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Effects on the viability of MCF-7, A-549, Jurkat T cells, and normal lymphocytes were evaluated by Trypan blue exclusion assays. The DNA content in the sub-G1 region was detected by propidium iodide (PI) staining and flow cytometry. The genotoxicity of Chan Su was assessed by single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay) and the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (CBMN assay). RESULTS Chan Su significantly inhibited the viability of MCF-7, A-549, and Jurkat T cells dose dependently, but had no effect on normal human lymphocytes. Apoptotic death of the cancer cells was evident after treatment. Chan Su also induced genotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner, as indicated by the comet and cytokinesis-block micronucleus assays. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that Chan Su can induce apoptotic death of, and exert genotoxic effects on, MCF-7, A-549, and Jurkat T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunyeong Lee
- School of Public Health and Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Younghyun Lee
- School of Public Health and Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Joo Choi
- School of Public Health and Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Suk Han
- Biochem c.a.l.s., Ltd., Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Hai Won Chung
- School of Public Health and Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea.
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Haslam IS, Roubos EW, Mangoni ML, Yoshizato K, Vaudry H, Kloepper JE, Pattwell DM, Maderson PFA, Paus R. From frog integument to human skin: dermatological perspectives from frog skin biology. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2013; 89:618-55. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Revised: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Iain S. Haslam
- The Dermatology Centre, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Institute of Inflammation and Repair; University of Manchester; Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PT U.K
| | - Eric W. Roubos
- Department of Anatomy; Radboud University Medical Centre; Geert Grooteplein Noord 2, 6525 EZ, Nijmegen P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti; La Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5-00185; Rome Italy
| | - Katsutoshi Yoshizato
- Academic Advisors Office, Synthetic Biology Research Center; Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine; Osaka Japan
- Phoenixbio Co. Ltd; 3-4-1, Kagamiyama; Higashihiroshima Hiroshima 739-0046 Japan
| | - Hubert Vaudry
- European Institute for Peptide Research; University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan Place Emile Blondel 76821 France
- INSERM U-982, CNRS; University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan Place Emile Blondel 76821 France
| | - Jennifer E. Kloepper
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Allergologie und Venerologie; Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160; 23538 Lübeck Germany
| | - David M. Pattwell
- Leahurst Campus, Institute of Learning & Teaching; School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool; Neston CH64 7TE U.K
| | | | - Ralf Paus
- The Dermatology Centre, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Institute of Inflammation and Repair; University of Manchester; Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PT U.K
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Allergologie und Venerologie; Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160; 23538 Lübeck Germany
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Attoub S, Arafat H, Mechkarska M, Conlon JM. Anti-tumor activities of the host-defense peptide hymenochirin-1B. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 187:51-6. [PMID: 24185042 DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2013.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Revised: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The hymenochirins are a family of cationic, amphipathic, α-helical host-defense peptides, first isolated from skin secretions of the Congo clawed frog Hymenochirus boettgeri (Pipidae). Of the four hymenochirins tested, hymenochirin-1B (IKLSPETKDNLKKVLKGAIKGAIVAKMV.NH2) shows the greatest cytotoxic potency against non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells (LC50=2.5±0.2 μM), breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells (LC50=9.0±0.3 μM), colorectal adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells (LC50=9.7±0.2 μM), and hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells (LC50=22.5±1.4 μM) with appreciably less hemolytic activity against human erythrocytes (LC50=213±18μM). Structure-activity relationships were investigated by synthesizing analogs of hymenochirin-1B in which Pro(5), Glu(6) and Asp(9)on the hydrophilic face of the helix were replaced by one or more L-lysine or D-lysine residues. The [D9K] analog displays the greatest increase in potency against all four cell lines (up to 6 fold) but hemolytic activity also increases (LC50=174±12 μM). The [D9k] and [E6k,D9k] analogs retain relatively high cytotoxic potency against the tumor cells (LC50 in the range 2.1-21 μM) but show reduced hemolytic activity (LC50>300 μM). The data suggest that hymenochirin-1B has therapeutic potential as a template to generate potent, non-toxic anti-cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Attoub
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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46
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Xie X, Huang X, Li J, Lv X, Huang J, Tang S, Sun Y. Efficacy and safety of Huachansu combined with chemotherapy in advanced gastric cancer: A meta-analysis. Med Hypotheses 2013; 81:243-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2013.04.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Revised: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Ojo OO, Abdel-Wahab YHA, Flatt PR, Conlon JM. Insulinotropic Actions of the Frog Skin Host-Defense Peptide Alyteserin-2a: A Structure-Activity Study. Chem Biol Drug Des 2013; 82:196-204. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Revised: 03/24/2013] [Accepted: 04/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Opeolu O. Ojo
- School of Biomedical Sciences; University of Ulster; Cromore Road; Coleraine; BT52 1SA; UK
| | | | - Peter R. Flatt
- School of Biomedical Sciences; University of Ulster; Cromore Road; Coleraine; BT52 1SA; UK
| | - J. Michael Conlon
- Department of Biochemistry; College of Medicine and Health Sciences; United Arab Emirates University; 17666; Al-Ain; United Arab Emirates
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Characteristics of hemolytic activity induced by skin secretions of the frog Kaloula pulchra hainana. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2013; 19:9. [PMID: 24499077 PMCID: PMC3710140 DOI: 10.1186/1678-9199-19-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2013] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The hemolytic activity of skin secretions obtained by stimulating the frog Kaloula pulchra hainana with diethyl ether was tested using human, cattle, rabbit, and chicken erythrocytes. The skin secretions had a significant concentration-dependent hemolytic effect on erythrocytes. The hemolytic activity of the skin secretions was studied in the presence of osmotic protectants (polyethylene glycols and carbohydrates), cations (Mg2+, Ca2+, Ba2+, Cu2+, and K+), or antioxidants (ascorbic acid, reduced glutathione, and cysteine). Results Depending on their molecular mass, osmotic protectants effectively inhibited hemolysis. The inhibition of skin hemolysis was observed after treatment with polyethylene glycols (1000, 3400, and 6000 Da). Among divalent cations, only 1 mM Cu2+ markedly inhibited hemolytic activity. Antioxidant compounds slightly reduced the hemolytic activity. Conclusions The results suggested that skin secretions of K. pulchra hainana induce a pore-forming mechanism to form pores with a diameter of 1.36-2.0 nm rather than causing oxidative damage to the erythrocyte membrane.
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Bufalin Reverses HGF-Induced Resistance to EGFR-TKIs in EGFR Mutant Lung Cancer Cells via Blockage of Met/PI3k/Akt Pathway and Induction of Apoptosis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:243859. [PMID: 23533466 PMCID: PMC3603503 DOI: 10.1155/2013/243859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs), such as gefitinib and erlotinib, have shown promising therapeutic efficacy in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harboring epidermal growth factor receptor- (EGFR-) activating mutation. However, the inevitable recurrence resulting from acquired resistance has limited the clinical improvement in therapy outcomes. Many studies demonstrate that hepatocyte growth factor- (HGF-) Met axis plays an important role in tumor progression and drug sensitivity. HGF may induce resistance to EGFR-TKIs in EGFR mutant lung cancer cells by Met/PI3K/Akt signaling. The purpose of this study was to determine whether bufalin, a major bioactive component of Venenum Bufonis, could reverse HGF-induced resistance to reversible and irreversible EGFR-TKIs in mutant lung cancer cells PC-9, HCC827, and H1975. Our studies showed that bufalin could reverse resistance to reversible and irreversible EGFR-TKIs induced by exogenous HGF in EGFR mutant lung cancer cells by inhibiting the Met/PI3K/Akt pathway and inducing death signaling. These results suggested that bufalin might have a potential to overcome HGF-induced resistance to molecular-targeted drugs for lung cancer.
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Attoub S, Mechkarska M, Sonnevend A, Radosavljevic G, Jovanovic I, Lukic ML, Conlon JM. Esculentin-2CHa: a host-defense peptide with differential cytotoxicity against bacteria, erythrocytes and tumor cells. Peptides 2013; 39:95-102. [PMID: 23159562 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2012.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2012] [Revised: 11/06/2012] [Accepted: 11/06/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The host-defense peptide, esculentin-2CHa (GFSSIFRGVA(10)KFASKGLGK D(20)LAKLGVDLVA(30) CKISKQC) shows potent (MIC≤6 μM) growth inhibitory activity against clinical isolates of multidrug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and differential cytotoxic activity against human erythrocytes (LC(50)=150 μM) and human non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells (LC(50)=10 μM). Esculentin-2CHa significantly (P<0.01) stimulates the release of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 by mouse lymphoid cells and elevates its production after stimulation with concanavalin A and significantly (P<0.05) stimulates TNF-α production by peritoneal macrophages. Effects on IL-6 and IL-1β production were not significant. Removal of the hydrophobic N-terminal hexapeptide (GFSSIF) from esculentin-2CHa results in abolition of growth inhibitory activity against S. aureus and cytotoxic activity against erythrocytes and A549 cells as well as a marked (≥16-fold) reduction in potency against A. baumannii and S. maltophilia. The primary structure of esculentin-2 has been poorly conserved between frog species but evolutionary pressure has acted to maintain the hydrophobic character of this N-terminal hexapeptide sequence. Removal of the cyclic C-terminal domain (CKISKQC) and replacement of the Cys(31) and Cys(37) residues by serine resulted in appreciable decreases in cytotoxicity against all microorganisms and against mammalian cells. The more cationic [D20K, D27K] analog showed a modest increase in potency against all microorganisms (up to 4-fold) but a marked increase in cytotoxicity against erythrocytes (LC(50)=11 μM) and A549 cells (LC(50)=3 μM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Attoub
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, 17666 Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
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