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Du YH, Zhao JJ, Li X, Huang SC, Ning N, Chen GQ, Yang Y, Nan Y, Yuan L. Mechanism of pachymic acid in the treatment of gastric cancer based on network pharmacology and experimental verification. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:30-50. [PMID: 38292852 PMCID: PMC10824110 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i1.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pachymic acid (PA) is derived from Poria cocos. PA has a variety of pharmacological and inhibitory effects on various tumors. However, the mechanism of action of PA in gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. AIM To investigate the mechanism of PA in treating GC via the combination of network pharmacology and experimental verification. METHODS The GeneCards and OMIM databases were used to derive the GC targets, while the Pharm Mapper database provided the PA targets. Utilizing the STRING database, a protein-protein interaction network was constructed and core targets were screened. The analyses of Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and gene set enrichment analysis were conducted, and molecular docking and clinical correlation analyses were performed on the core targets. Ultimately, the network pharmacology findings were validated through in vitro cell assays, encompassing assessments of cell viability, apoptosis, cell cycle, cloning, and western blot analysis. RESULTS According to network pharmacology analysis, the core targets were screened, and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is likely to be the mechanism by which PA effectively treats GC, according to KEGG enrichment analysis. The experimental findings showed that PA could control PI3K/AKT signaling to prevent GC cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and pause the cell cycle. CONCLUSION Network pharmacology demonstrated that PA could treat GC by controlling a variety of signaling pathways and acting on a variety of targets. This has also been supported by in vitro cell studies, which serve as benchmarks for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hua Du
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jian-Jun Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xia Li
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
- Ningxia Chinese Medicine Research Center, Manufacturing Laboratory, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shi-Cong Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Na Ning
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Guo-Qing Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yi Yang
- College of Foundation, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yi Nan
- Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ling Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
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Zhong J, Zong S, Wang J, Feng M, Wang J, Zhang H, Xiong L. Role of neutrophils on cancer cells and other immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2023; 1870:119493. [PMID: 37201766 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The notion that neutrophils only perform a specific set of single functions in the body has changed with the advancement of research methods. As the most abundant myeloid cells in human blood, neutrophils are currently emerging as important regulators of cancer. Given the duality of neutrophils, neutrophil-based tumor therapy has been clinically carried out in recent years and has made some progress. But due to the complexity of the tumor microenvironment, the therapeutic effect is still not satisfactory. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the direct interaction of neutrophils with the five most common cancer cells and other immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Also, this review covered current limitations, potential future possibilities, and therapeutic approaches targeting neutrophil function in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junpei Zhong
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Siwen Zong
- Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Jiayang Wang
- First Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Mingrui Feng
- Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Functional and Clinical Translational Medicine, Xiamen Medical College, Fujian province university, Xiamen 361023, China
| | - Hongyan Zhang
- Department of Burn, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330066, China.
| | - Lixia Xiong
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; Key Laboratory of Functional and Clinical Translational Medicine, Xiamen Medical College, Fujian province university, Xiamen 361023, China.
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3
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Yang M, Yan Q, Luo Y, Wang B, Deng S, Luo H, Ye B, Wang X. Molecular mechanism of Ganji Fang in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental verification technology. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1016967. [PMID: 36744264 PMCID: PMC9892186 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1016967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor harmful to human health. Ganji Fang (GJF) has good clinical efficacy in the treatment of HCC, but its mechanism is still unclear. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of GJF in the treatment of HCC through network pharmacology, molecular docking and in vitro experiments. Methods: A series of network pharmacology methods were used to identify the potential targets and key pathways of GJF in the treatment of HCC. Then, molecular docking technology was used to explore the binding ability of key active ingredients and targets in GJF. Multiple external databases were used to validate the key targets. In in vitro experiments, we performed MTT assays, wound-healing assays, cell cycle assays, apoptosis assays and RT‒qPCR to verify the inhibitory effect of GJF on the Human hepatoma G2 (HepG2) cells. Result: A total of 162 bioactive components and 826 protein targets of GJF were screened, and 611 potential targets of HCC were identified. Finally, 63 possible targets of GJF acting on HCC were obtained. KEGG enrichment analyses showed that the top five pathways were the cell cycle, cellular senescence, p53 signaling pathway, PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation. Among them, we verified the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. CCNE1, PKN1, CCND2, CDK4, EPHA2, FGFR3, CDK6, CDK2 and HSP90AAI were enriched in the PI3K/Akt pathway. The molecular docking results showed that the docking scores of eight active components of GJF with the two targets were all less than -5.0, indicating that they had certain binding activity. In vitro cell experiments showed that GJF could inhibit the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells, block the cell cycle and induce apoptosis of HepG2 cells, which may be related to the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In summary, EPHA2 may be an important target of GJF in HCC, and pachymic acid may be an important critical active compound of GJF that exerts anticancer activity. Conclusion: In general, we demonstrated, for the first time, that the molecular mechanism of GJF in HCC may involve induction of G0/G1 phase cycle arrest through inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and promote apoptosis of hepatoma cell lines. This study provides a scientific basis for the subsequent clinical application of GJF and the in-depth study of its mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaolun Yang
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Yan
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuehua Luo
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Boqing Wang
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shicong Deng
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huiyan Luo
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baoqian Ye
- The First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiongwen Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Xiongwen Wang,
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4
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Yang T, Tian S, Wang Y, Ji J, Zhao J. Antitumor activity of pachymic acid in cervical cancer through inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and activating the AMPK pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2022; 37:2121-2132. [PMID: 35524978 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Pachymic acid has various pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and antitumor. However, the role of pachymic acid in cervical cancer remains unclear. So, we investigated the effects of pachymic acid in cervical cancer and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. We treated HeLa cells and normal cervical epithelial cells (HUCECs) with pachymic acid (0, 10, 20, 40, 80, or 160 μM) for 72 h, and found the cell activity was decreased in cells treated with 160 μM pachymic acid for 48 h or 80 μM pachymic acid for 72 h, while HUCECs viability without effect. Next, we observed that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) related gene expression, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) changes, ATP depletion, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and apoptosis were increased. Moreover, we observed that cytochrome C (Cytc) expression was increased and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) was decreased in the cytoplasm of pachymic acid-treated HeLa cells. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) of ER stress inhibitor reversed the effects of pachymic acid on HeLa cells. Phosphorylation of AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) of the AMPK pathway key protein was upregulated in pachymic acid-induced HeLa cells. Finally, we subcutaneously implanted HeLa cells into female nude mice and treated them with pachymic acid (50 mg/kg) for 3 weeks (5 days/week), and observed in pachymic acid induced xenograft mice, tumor growth was suppressed, cell apoptosis, ER-related gene expression, and ROS levels in tumor tissues were increased. Therefore, these findings demonstrated that pachymic acid plays an anti-tumor activity in cervical cancer through inducing ER stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and activating the AMPK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Sijuan Tian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yaohui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jing Ji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Juan Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
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Wei C, Wang H, Sun X, Bai Z, Wang J, Bai G, Yao Q, Xu Y, Zhang L. Pharmacological profiles and therapeutic applications of pachymic acid (Review). Exp Ther Med 2022; 24:547. [PMID: 35978941 PMCID: PMC9366251 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Poria cocos is a saprophytic fungus that grows in diverse species of Pinus. Its sclerotium, called fu-ling or hoelen, has been used in various traditional Chinese medicines and health foods for thousands of years, and in several modern proprietary traditional Chinese medicinal products. It has extensive clinical indications, including sedative, diuretic, and tonic effects. Pachymic acid (PA) is the main lanostane-type triterpenoid in Poria cocos. Evidence suggests that PA has various biological properties such as cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, antiviral, antibacterial, sedative-hypnotic, and anti-ischemia/reperfusion activities. Although considerable advancements have been made, some fundamental and intricate issues remain unclear, such as the underlying mechanisms of PA. The present study aimed to summarize the biological properties and therapeutic potential of PA. The biosynthetic, pharmacokinetic, and metabolic pathways of PA, and its underlying mechanisms were also comprehensively summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyong Wei
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Hezhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Xun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Zhixun Bai
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Guohui Bai
- Key Laboratory of Oral Disease Research, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Qizheng Yao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Yingshu Xu
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
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Chen G, Han Y, Zhang H, Tu W, Zhang S. Radiotherapy-Induced Digestive Injury: Diagnosis, Treatment and Mechanisms. Front Oncol 2021; 11:757973. [PMID: 34804953 PMCID: PMC8604098 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.757973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is one of the main therapeutic methods for treating cancer. The digestive system consists of the gastrointestinal tract and the accessory organs of digestion (the tongue, salivary glands, pancreas, liver and gallbladder). The digestive system is easily impaired during radiotherapy, especially in thoracic and abdominal radiotherapy. In this review, we introduce the physical classification, basic pathogenesis, clinical characteristics, predictive/diagnostic factors, and possible treatment targets of radiotherapy-induced digestive injury. Radiotherapy-induced digestive injury complies with the dose-volume effect and has a radiation-based organ correlation. Computed tomography (CT), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), ultrasound (US) and endoscopy can help diagnose and evaluate the radiation-induced lesion level. The latest treatment approaches include improvement in radiotherapy (such as shielding, hydrogel spacers and dose distribution), stem cell transplantation and drug administration. Gut microbiota modulation may become a novel approach to relieving radiogenic gastrointestinal syndrome. Finally, we summarized the possible mechanisms involved in treatment, but they remain varied. Radionuclide-labeled targeting molecules (RLTMs) are promising for more precise radiotherapy. These advances contribute to our understanding of the assessment and treatment of radiation-induced digestive injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangxia Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Xuzhou, Xuzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yi Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Xuzhou, Xuzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Haihan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Xuzhou, Xuzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Wenling Tu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuyu Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China.,West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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7
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Chu ZQ, Zhang KC, Chen L. Neutrophil extracellular traps in gastrointestinal cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:5474-5487. [PMID: 34588746 PMCID: PMC8433615 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i33.5474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is a high-risk malignancy and is characterized by high mortality and morbidity worldwide. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), a weblike structure consisting of chromatin DNA with interspersed cytoplasmic and granule proteins, are extruded by activated neutrophils to entrap and kill bacteria and fungi. However, accumulating evidence shows that NETs are related to the progression and metastasis of cancer. In clinical studies, NETs infiltrate primary GI cancer tissues and are even more abundant in metastatic lesions. The quantity of NETs in peripheral blood is revealed to be associated with ascending clinical tumour stages, indicating the role of NETs as a prognostic markers in GI cancer. Moreover, several inhibitors of NETs or NET-related proteins have been discovered and used to exert anti-tumour effects in vitro or in vivo, suggesting that NETs can be regarded as targets in the treatment of GI cancer. In this review, we will focus on the role of NETs in gastric cancer and colorectal cancer, generalizing their effects on tumour-related thrombosis, invasion and metastasis. Recent reports are also listed to show the latest evidences of how NETs affect GI cancer. Additionally, notwithstanding the scarcity of systematic studies elucidating the underlying mechanisms of the interaction between NETs and cancer cells, we highlight the potential importance of NETs as biomarkers and anti-tumour therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Qiang Chu
- Graduate School, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Ke-Cheng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital First Medical Center, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital First Medical Center, Beijing 100853, China
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Hypoxia-Induced Cancer Cell Responses Driving Radioresistance of Hypoxic Tumors: Approaches to Targeting and Radiosensitizing. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13051102. [PMID: 33806538 PMCID: PMC7961562 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Some regions of aggressive malignancies experience hypoxia due to inadequate blood supply. Cancer cells adapting to hypoxic conditions somehow become more resistant to radiation exposure and this decreases the efficacy of radiotherapy toward hypoxic tumors. The present review article helps clarify two intriguing points: why hypoxia-adapted cancer cells turn out radioresistant and how they can be rendered more radiosensitive. The critical molecular targets associated with intratumoral hypoxia and various approaches are here discussed which may be used for sensitizing hypoxic tumors to radiotherapy. Abstract Within aggressive malignancies, there usually are the “hypoxic zones”—poorly vascularized regions where tumor cells undergo oxygen deficiency through inadequate blood supply. Besides, hypoxia may arise in tumors as a result of antiangiogenic therapy or transarterial embolization. Adapting to hypoxia, tumor cells acquire a hypoxia-resistant phenotype with the characteristic alterations in signaling, gene expression and metabolism. Both the lack of oxygen by itself and the hypoxia-responsive phenotypic modulations render tumor cells more radioresistant, so that hypoxic tumors are a serious challenge for radiotherapy. An understanding of causes of the radioresistance of hypoxic tumors would help to develop novel ways for overcoming this challenge. Molecular targets for and various approaches to radiosensitizing hypoxic tumors are considered in the present review. It is here analyzed how the hypoxia-induced cellular responses involving hypoxia-inducible factor-1, heat shock transcription factor 1, heat shock proteins, glucose-regulated proteins, epigenetic regulators, autophagy, energy metabolism reprogramming, epithelial–mesenchymal transition and exosome generation contribute to the radioresistance of hypoxic tumors or may be inhibited for attenuating this radioresistance. The pretreatments with a multitarget inhibition of the cancer cell adaptation to hypoxia seem to be a promising approach to sensitizing hypoxic carcinomas, gliomas, lymphomas, sarcomas to radiotherapy and, also, liver tumors to radioembolization.
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Zhang Y, Wang Z, Zhang Y, Tong H, Zhang Y, Lu T. Potential Mechanisms for Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Airway Mucus Hypersecretion Associated With Coronavirus Disease 2019. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:577285. [PMID: 33381519 PMCID: PMC7768030 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.577285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The rapid development of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a great threat to global health. Its mortality is associated with inflammation-related airway mucus hypersecretion and dysfunction of expectoration, and the subsequent mucus blockage of the bronchioles at critical stage is attributed to hypoxemia, complications, and even death. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has rich experience in expectorant, including treatment of COVID-19 patients with airway mucus dysfunction, yet little is known about the mechanisms. This study is aiming to explore the potential biological basis of TCM herbal expectorant for treating COVID-19. Objective To get core herbs with high used frequency applications in the actions of expectoration by using association rule algorithm and to investigate the multitarget mechanisms of core herbs in expectorant formulae for COVID-19 therapies. Methods Forty prescriptions for expectorant were retrieved from TCM Formulae. The ingredient compounds and targets of core herbs were collected from the TCMSP database, Gene-Cards, and NCBI. The protein interaction network (PPI) was constructed by SRING, and the network analysis was done by Cytoscape software. Bioconductor was applied for functional enrichment analysis of targets. Results The core herbs of expectorant could regulate core pathways (MAP kinase activity, cytokine receptor binding, G-protein-coupled receptor binding, etc.) via interactions of ingredients (glycyrol, citromitin, etc.) on mucin family to eliminate phlegm. Conclusion TCM herbal expectorant could regulate MAPK and cytokine-related pathways, thereby modulating Mucin-family to affect mucus generation and clearance and eventually retarding the deterioration of COVID-19 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanfeng Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zheyi Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Department of Encephalopathy, Dongzhimen Hospital, Affiliated to BUCM, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hongxuan Tong
- Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yiling Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Nie A, Chao Y, Zhang X, Jia W, Zhou Z, Zhu C. Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities of Wolfiporia cocos (F.A. Wolf) Ryvarden & Gilb. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:505249. [PMID: 33071776 PMCID: PMC7533546 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.505249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Poria cocos is the dried sclerotium of Wolfiporia cocos (F.A. Wolf) Ryvarden & Gilb., which was the current accepted name and was formerly known as Macrohyporia cocos (Schwein.) I. Johans. & Ryvarden, Pachyma cocos (Schwein.) Fr., Poria cocos F.A. Wolf and Sclerotium cocos Schwein. It is one of the most important crude drugs in traditional Chinese medicine, with a wide range of applications in ameliorating phlegm and edema, relieving nephrosis and chronic gastritis and improving uneasiness of minds. Its extensive pharmacological effects have attracted considerable attention in recent years. However, there is no systematic review focusing on the chemical compounds and pharmacological activities of Poria cocos. Therefore, this review aimed to provide the latest information on the chemical compounds and pharmacological effects of Poria cocos, exploring the therapeutic potential of these compounds. We obtained the information of Poria cocos from electronic databases such as SCI finder, PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang DATA and Google Scholar. Up to now, two main active ingredients, triterpenes and polysaccharides of Poria cocos, have been identified from Poria cocos. It has been reported that they have pharmacological effects on anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulation, and liver and kidney protection. The review summarizes the phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Poria cocos, which suggest that researchers should focus on the development of new drugs about Poria cocos to make them exert greater therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anzheng Nie
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanhui Chao
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaochuan Zhang
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenrui Jia
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zheng Zhou
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chunsheng Zhu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Herbal nutraceuticals: safe and potent therapeutics to battle tumor hypoxia. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2019; 146:1-18. [DOI: 10.1007/s00432-019-03068-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Metabolomic Study on Nude Mice Models of Gastric Cancer Treated with Modified Si Jun Zi Tang via HILIC UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS Analysis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:3817879. [PMID: 31341492 PMCID: PMC6612382 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3817879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recently, metabolomic methods have been used to explore the complex pathogenesis of cancer and the mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulae. In this study, first, modified Si Jun Zi Tang (MSJZT) was prepared with strict quality control using the instrument method of ultra performance liquid chromatography and photodiode array detector (UPLC-PDA). Subsequently, in vivo experiments with tumour-bearing nude mice demonstrated that MSJZT exerted good antitumour effects. MSJZT not only significantly increased mouse body weight but also shrank the tumour volume. Then, the HILIC UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS-based metabolomics approach was used for exploring the pathogenesis of gastric cancer and the molecular mechanism of MSJZT. A total of 59 potential biomarkers in plasma were identified, and 6 pathways were found to be disturbed in gastric cancer. In contrast, after 3 weeks of MSJZT intervention, 32 potential biomarkers were identified, and 4 altered pathways were detected. The changes in glycolytic, amino acid, and lipid metabolisms could be partially regulated by MSJZT through decreasing the content of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), glutamine synthetase (GS), phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (PCYT2) mRNA, and protein level. In conclusion, we established a HILIC UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS metabolomic analysis method to demonstrate a complex metabolic profile of gastric cancer. The disordered metabolism could be partially regulated by MSJZT. These findings not only establish a solid foundation for TCM to treat gastric cancer but also provide a basis for further exploration of the precise mechanism of MSJZT activity.
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Yang J, Wang F, Chen X, Qiu S, Cui L, Hu L. β-Pentagalloyl-Glucose Sabotages Pancreatic Cancer Cells and Ameliorates Cachexia in Tumor-Bearing Mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2019; 47:675-689. [PMID: 30966770 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x19500356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer cells overexpress the insulin receptor (IR) and the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R). Activating these receptors, insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 increase the growth and glycolysis of pancreatic cancer cells. The high glycolysis in pancreatic cancer cells increases whole-body energy expenditure and is therefore involved in the pathogenesis of cancer cachexia. The antagonism of IR and IGF1R may sabotage pancreatic cancer cells and attenuate cancer cachexia. Previous studies have shown that the intracellular regulating system of IR/IGF1R may be functionally interrelated to another intracellular system whose master regulator is hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1). In this study, we investigated how the IR/IGF1R and HIF-1 systems are interrelated in pancreatic cancer cells. We also investigated whether a phytochemical, penta-O-galloyl- β -D-glucose ( β -PGG), antagonizes IR/IGF1R, sabotages pancreatic cancer cells and alleviates cancer cachexia. We found in MiaPaCa2 pancreatic cancer cells that IR/IGF1R activation increased both the α -subunit of HIF-1 and caveolin-1. This result suggests that IR/IGF1R, HIF-1 α , and caveolin-1 may constitute a feed-forward loop to mediate the effect of IR/IGF1R activation. β -PGG inhibited IR/IGF1R activity and decreased glycolytic enzymes in MiaPaCa2 and Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cells. When MiaPaCa2 cells were transplanted in athymic mice, their growth was inhibited by β -PGG or by a HIF-1 α inhibitor, rhein. β -PGG and rhein also decreased glycolytic enzymes in the tumor grafts and reduced liver gluconeogenesis, skeletal-muscle proteolysis and fat lipolysis in the tumor carriers. Cancer-induced body-weight loss, however, was prevented by β -PGG but not rhein. In conclusion, β -PGG combats pancreatic cancer cells and cures cancer cachexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- * The Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, P. R. China.,† The Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Nankai Hospital, Tianjin 300100, P. R. China
| | - Feng Wang
- † The Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Nankai Hospital, Tianjin 300100, P. R. China
| | - Xijuan Chen
- * The Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, P. R. China.,† The Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Nankai Hospital, Tianjin 300100, P. R. China
| | - Shuai Qiu
- * The Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, P. R. China.,† The Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Nankai Hospital, Tianjin 300100, P. R. China
| | - Lihua Cui
- † The Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Nankai Hospital, Tianjin 300100, P. R. China
| | - Lijuan Hu
- † The Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Nankai Hospital, Tianjin 300100, P. R. China
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