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Yang Z, Guo R, Bi Y, Xu W, Hao M, Liang Y, Li Y, Wang H, Zhang J, Xie J, Wan C, Sun J. Peimenine unleashes therapeutic promise in urothelial bladder cancer: inhibition of proliferation, induction of cell death and modulation of key pathways. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 103:e14528. [PMID: 38811358 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14528] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Peimenine (PEI) is a steroid alkaloid substance isolated from Fritillaria thunbergii bulbs. It has various pharmacological activities, such as relief from coughs and asthma, expectorant properties, antibacterial effects, sedative qualities, and anti-inflammatory properties. Notably, PEI can effectively inhibit the proliferation and tumor formation of liver cancer and osteosarcoma cells by inducing autophagic cell death. However, the precise effect and mechanisms of PEI on urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) cells remain uncertain. Thus, this study aims to investigate the impact of PEI on UBC cells both in vivo and in vitro. The IC50 values of BIU-87 and EJ-1 cells after 48 h were 710.3 and 651.1 μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, PEI blocked the cell cycle in BIU-87 and EJ-1 cells during the G1 phase. Furthermore, it hindered the migration of BIU-87 and EJ-1 cells substantially. PEI significantly inhibited the tumor development of EJ-1 cells within the xenograft tumor model in vivo. Mechanically, PEI augmented the protein and mRNA expression of BIM, BAK1, and Cytochrome C (CYCS) in UBC cells. Taken together, PEI suppressed the proliferation of UBC cells both in vitro and in vivo by inducing cell death and cell cycle arrest, suggesting that PEI could be applied in the treatment of UBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Yang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnostics, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Biological Resources in Tarim Basin of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang, China
| | - Rui Guo
- College of Life Science and Technology, Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnostics, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Biological Resources in Tarim Basin of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang, China
| | - Ying Bi
- College of Life Science and Technology, Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnostics, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Wenkai Xu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Mingxuan Hao
- College of Life Science and Technology, Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnostics, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Youfeng Liang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnostics, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yongchao Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnostics, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Biological Resources in Tarim Basin of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang, China
| | - Haifeng Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jianxin Xie
- School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Chuanxing Wan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Biological Resources in Tarim Basin of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jirui Sun
- Department of Pathology, Baoding No.1 Central Hospital, Baoding, Hebei, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology and Early Diagnosis of Tumor in Hebei Province, Baoding, Hebei, China
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Liu K, Chen H, Li Y, Wang B, Li Q, Zhang L, Liu X, Wang C, Ertas YN, Shi H. Autophagy flux in bladder cancer: Cell death crosstalk, drug and nanotherapeutics. Cancer Lett 2024; 591:216867. [PMID: 38593919 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Autophagy, a self-digestion mechanism, has emerged as a promising target in the realm of cancer therapy, particularly in bladder cancer (BCa), a urological malignancy characterized by dysregulated biological processes contributing to its progression. This highly conserved catabolic mechanism exhibits aberrant activation in pathological events, prominently featured in human cancers. The nuanced role of autophagy in cancer has been unveiled as a double-edged sword, capable of functioning as both a pro-survival and pro-death mechanism in a context-dependent manner. In BCa, dysregulation of autophagy intertwines with cell death mechanisms, wherein pro-survival autophagy impedes apoptosis and ferroptosis, while pro-death autophagy diminishes tumor cell survival. The impact of autophagy on BCa progression is multifaceted, influencing metastasis rates and engaging with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) mechanism. Pharmacological modulation of autophagy emerges as a viable strategy to impede BCa progression and augment cell death. Notably, the introduction of nanoparticles for targeted autophagy regulation holds promise as an innovative approach in BCa suppression. This review underscores the intricate interplay of autophagy with cell death pathways and its therapeutic implications in the nuanced landscape of bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071000, PR China
| | - Huijing Chen
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071000, PR China
| | - Yanhong Li
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071000, PR China
| | - Bei Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071000, PR China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071000, PR China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071000, PR China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071000, PR China.
| | - Ce Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071000, PR China.
| | - Yavuz Nuri Ertas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Erciyes University, Kayseri, 38039, Turkey; ERNAM-Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri, 38039, Turkey; UNAM-National Nanotechnology Research Center, Bilkent University, Ankara, 06800, Turkey.
| | - Hongyun Shi
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071000, PR China.
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Zhang L, Shi X, Zhang L, Mi Y, Zuo L, Gao S. A first-in-class TIMM44 blocker inhibits bladder cancer cell growth. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:204. [PMID: 38467612 PMCID: PMC10928220 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06585-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondria play a multifaceted role in supporting bladder cancer progression. Translocase of inner mitochondrial membrane 44 (TIMM44) is essential for maintaining function and integrity of mitochondria. We here tested the potential effect of MB-10 (MitoBloCK-10), a first-in-class TIMM44 blocker, against bladder cancer cells. TIMM44 mRNA and protein expression is significantly elevated in both human bladder cancer tissues and cells. In both patient-derived primary bladder cancer cells and immortalized (T24) cell line, MB-10 exerted potent anti-cancer activity and inhibited cell viability, proliferation and motility. The TIMM44 blocker induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in bladder cancer cells, but failed to provoke cytotoxicity in primary bladder epithelial cells. MB-10 disrupted mitochondrial functions in bladder cancer cells, causing mitochondrial depolarization, oxidative stress and ATP reduction. Whereas exogenously-added ATP and the antioxidant N-Acetyl Cysteine mitigated MB-10-induced cytotoxicity of bladder cancer cells. Genetic depletion of TIMM44 through CRISPR-Cas9 method also induced robust anti-bladder cancer cell activity and MB-10 had no effect in TIMM44-depleted cancer cells. Contrarily, ectopic overexpression of TIMM44 using a lentiviral construct augmented proliferation and motility of primary bladder cancer cells. TIMM44 is important for Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation. In primary bladder cancer cells, Akt-S6K1 phosphorylation was decreased by MB-10 treatment or TIMM44 depletion, but enhanced after ectopic TIMM44 overexpression. In vivo, intraperitoneal injection of MB-10 impeded bladder cancer xenograft growth in nude mice. Oxidative stress, ATP reduction, Akt-S6K1 inhibition and apoptosis were detected in MB-10-treated xenograft tissues. Moreover, genetic depletion of TIMM44 also arrested bladder cancer xenograft growth in nude mice, leading to oxidative stress, ATP reduction and Akt-S6K1 inhibition in xenograft tissues. Together, targeting overexpressed TIMM44 by MB-10 significantly inhibits bladder cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifeng Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
- Department of Urology, Changzhou Second People's Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaokai Shi
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Mi
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Li Zuo
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China.
| | - Shenglin Gao
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China.
- Department of Urology, Changzhou Second People's Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
- Department of Urology, Gonghe County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai, Province, China.
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Geng P, Zhao J, Li Q, Wang X, Qin W, Wang T, Shi X, Liu X, Chen J, Qiu H, Xu G. Z-Ligustilide Combined with Cisplatin Reduces PLPP1-Mediated Phospholipid Synthesis to Impair Cisplatin Resistance in Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17046. [PMID: 38069368 PMCID: PMC10706864 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is a malignant tumor with one of the highest morbidity and mortality rates in the world. Approximately 80-85% of lung cancer is diagnosed as non-small lung cancer (NSCLC), and its 5-year survival rate is only 21%. Cisplatin is a commonly used chemotherapy drug for the treatment of NSCLC. Its efficacy is often limited by the development of drug resistance after long-term treatment. Therefore, determining how to overcome cisplatin resistance, enhancing the sensitivity of cancer cells to cisplatin, and developing new therapeutic strategies are urgent clinical problems. Z-ligustilide is the main active ingredient of the Chinese medicine Angelica sinensis, and has anti-tumor activity. In the present study, we investigated the effect of the combination of Z-ligustilide and cisplatin (Z-ligustilide+cisplatin) on the resistance of cisplatin-resistant lung cancer cells and its mechanism of action. We found that Z-ligustilide+cisplatin decreased the cell viability, induced cell cycle arrest, and promoted the cell apoptosis of cisplatin-resistant lung cancer cells. Metabolomics combined with transcriptomics revealed that Z-ligustilide+cisplatin inhibited phospholipid synthesis by upregulating the expression of phospholipid phosphatase 1 (PLPP1). A further study showed that PLPP1 expression was positively correlated with good prognosis, whereas the knockdown of PLPP1 abolished the effects of Z-ligustilide+cisplatin on cell cycle and apoptosis. Specifically, Z-ligustilide+cisplatin inhibited the activation of protein kinase B (AKT) by reducing the levels of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3). Z-ligustilide+cisplatin induced cell cycle arrest and promoted the cell apoptosis of cisplatin-resistant lung cancer cells by inhibiting PLPP1-mediated phospholipid synthesis. Our findings demonstrate that the combination of Z-Ligustilide and cisplatin is a promising approach to the chemotherapy of malignant tumors that are resistant to cisplatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyu Geng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China; (P.G.); (J.Z.); (Q.L.); (X.W.); (W.Q.); (T.W.); (X.S.); (X.L.)
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Metabolomics, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Jinhui Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China; (P.G.); (J.Z.); (Q.L.); (X.W.); (W.Q.); (T.W.); (X.S.); (X.L.)
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Metabolomics, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Qi Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China; (P.G.); (J.Z.); (Q.L.); (X.W.); (W.Q.); (T.W.); (X.S.); (X.L.)
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Metabolomics, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China; (P.G.); (J.Z.); (Q.L.); (X.W.); (W.Q.); (T.W.); (X.S.); (X.L.)
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Metabolomics, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Wangshu Qin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China; (P.G.); (J.Z.); (Q.L.); (X.W.); (W.Q.); (T.W.); (X.S.); (X.L.)
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Metabolomics, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Ting Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China; (P.G.); (J.Z.); (Q.L.); (X.W.); (W.Q.); (T.W.); (X.S.); (X.L.)
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Metabolomics, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xianzhe Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China; (P.G.); (J.Z.); (Q.L.); (X.W.); (W.Q.); (T.W.); (X.S.); (X.L.)
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Metabolomics, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China; (P.G.); (J.Z.); (Q.L.); (X.W.); (W.Q.); (T.W.); (X.S.); (X.L.)
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Metabolomics, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Jia Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Chemistry of Northwestern Plant Resources, Key Laboratory for Natural Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; (J.C.); (H.Q.)
| | - Hongdeng Qiu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Chemistry of Northwestern Plant Resources, Key Laboratory for Natural Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; (J.C.); (H.Q.)
| | - Guowang Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China; (P.G.); (J.Z.); (Q.L.); (X.W.); (W.Q.); (T.W.); (X.S.); (X.L.)
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Metabolomics, Dalian 116023, China
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Ying L, Hao M, Zhang Z, Guo R, Liang Y, Yu C, Yang Z. Medicarpin suppresses proliferation and triggeres apoptosis by upregulation of BID, BAX, CASP3, CASP8, and CYCS in glioblastoma. Chem Biol Drug Des 2023; 102:1097-1109. [PMID: 37515387 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14309] [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: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant brain tumor and incurable. Medicarpin (MED), a flavonoid compound from the legume family, has multiple targets and anticancer properties. However, the role of MED in GBM remains unclear. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of MED on the apoptosis of GBM and to explain the potential molecular mechanisms. We found that the IC50 values of U251 and U-87 MG cells treated with MED for 24 h were 271 μg/mL and 175 μg/mL, and the IC50 values for 48 h were 154 μg/mL and 161 μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the cell cycle of U251 and U-87 MG cells were arrested at the G2/M phase. Furthermore, the apoptosis rate of U251 and U-87 MG cells increased from 6.26% to 18.36% and 12.46% to 31.33% for 48 h, respectively. The migration rate of U251 and U-87 MG decreased from 20% to 5% and 25% to 15% for 12 h and these of U251 and U-87 MG decreased from 50% to 28% and 60% to 25% for 24 h. MED suppressed GBM tumorigenesis, and improved survival rate of tumor-bearing mice. Taken together, MED triggered GBM apoptosis through upregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins (BID, BAX, CASP3, CASP8, and CYCS), showed strong inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and cell migration, and displayed anti-tumor activity in nude mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Ying
- College of Life Science and Technology, Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnostics, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Biological Resources in Tarim Basin of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Tarim University, Xinjiang, China
| | - Mingxuan Hao
- College of Life Science and Technology, Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnostics, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Zichen Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnostics, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Guo
- College of Life Science and Technology, Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnostics, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Youfeng Liang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnostics, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Changyuan Yu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnostics, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhao Yang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnostics, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Biological Resources in Tarim Basin of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Tarim University, Xinjiang, China
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Farooqi AA, Venera R, Kapanova G, Tanbayeva G, Akhmetova G, Kudabayev Y, Turgambayeva A. TRAIL-mediated signaling in bladder cancer: realization of clinical efficacy of TRAIL-based therapeutics in medical oncology. Med Oncol 2023; 40:236. [PMID: 37432489 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02078-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Bladder cancer is a therapeutically challenging disease and wealth of knowledge has enabled researchers to develop a clear understanding of mechanisms which underlie carcinogenesis and metastasis. Excitingly, research over decades has unveiled wide-ranging mechanisms which serve as central engine in progression of bladder cancer. Loss of apoptosis, drug resistance, and pro-survival signaling are some of the highly studied cellular mechanisms. Therefore, restoration of apoptosis in resistant cancers is a valuable and attractive strategy. Discovery of TRAIL-mediated signaling cascade is an intriguing facet of molecular oncology. In this review, we have provided an overview of the translational and foundational advancements in dissecting the genomic and proteomic cartography of TRAIL signaling exclusively in the context of bladder cancer. We have also summarized how different natural products sensitized drug-resistant bladder cancer cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. Interestingly, different death receptors that activate agonistic antibodies have been tested in various phases of clinical trials against different cancers. Certain clues of scientific evidence have provided encouraging results about efficacy of these agonistic antibodies (lexatumumab and mapatumumab) against bladder cancer cell lines. Therefore, multipronged approaches consisting of natural products, chemotherapeutics, and agonistic antibodies will realistically and mechanistically provide proof-of-concept for the translational potential of these combinatorial strategies in well-designed clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammad Ahmad Farooqi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | | | - Gulnara Kapanova
- Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, 71 al-Farabi Ave, 050040, Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Scientific Center of Anti-infectious Drugs, Kazakhstan, 75 a al-Faraby Ave, 050040, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Gulnur Tanbayeva
- Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, 71 al-Farabi Ave, 050040, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Gulshara Akhmetova
- Scientific Center of Anti-infectious Drugs, Kazakhstan, 75 a al-Faraby Ave, 050040, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Assiya Turgambayeva
- Department Public Health and Management, NJSC, Astana Medical University, Astana, Kazakhstan
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Alshehri AF, Khodier AE, Al-Gayyar MM. Antitumor Activity of Ligustilide Against Ehrlich Solid Carcinoma in Rats via Inhibition of Proliferation and Activation of Autophagy. Cureus 2023; 15:e40499. [PMID: 37333043 PMCID: PMC10273303 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide. According to a 2018 WHO report, 9.6 million deaths occurred globally due to cancer. Ehrlich carcinoma is characterized by rapid proliferation and a short survival time. Ligustilide is a phthalide derivative and is one of the main compounds in Danggui essential oil and Rhizoma Chuanxiong. It has many protective effects, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. Aims We conducted this study to investigate the antitumor activity of ligustilide against Ehrlich solid carcinoma (ESC) in rats by affecting beclin 1, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), and 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Materials and methods Twenty rats were intramuscularly implanted in the thigh of the left hind limb with a 200-µL tumor cell suspension in PBS containing 2 × 106 cells. After eight days of inoculation, 10 rats out of the 20 were treated with oral 20 mg/kg ligustilide daily. At the end of the experiment, samples of muscles with ESC were separated. Sections prepared from the muscle samples with ESC were immunohistochemically stained with anti-Ki67 antibodies. Another part of the muscle samples with ESC was used to assess gene expression and protein levels of beclin 1, mTOR, BCL2, and AMPK. Results Treatment of carcinoma rats with ligustilide elevated the mean survival time and reduced tumor volume and weight. Moreover, examination of tumor tissue stained with hematoxylin/eosin showed an infiltrative, highly cell-dense mass supported by a small to moderate amount of fibrovascular stroma and intersected with multifocal myofibril necrosis. Treatment with ligustilide ameliorated all these effects in the carcinoma group without affecting the control group. Finally, treatment with ligustilide significantly decreased the expression of beclin 1, mTOR, and AMPK associated with elevated expression of BCL2. Conclusions Our study aimed to explore the potential chemotherapeutic activity of ligustilide against ESC. We found that ligustilide effectively reduced tumor size and weight, indicating its antineoplastic activity against ESC. We further investigated that ligustilide inhibits cell proliferation by suppressing Ki67 and mTOR and activates autophagy through beclin 1 activation. Moreover, ligustilide inhibits apoptosis by upregulating BCL2. Finally, ligustilide reduced the expression of AMPK, preventing its ability to promote tumor cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmed E Khodier
- Pharmacology, Horus University, Faculty of Pharmacy, New Damietta, EGY
| | - Mohammed M Al-Gayyar
- Biochemistry, Mansoura University Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura, EGY
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Tabuk Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabuk, SAU
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