1
|
Effects of Shikonin on the Functions of Myeloid Dendritic Cells in a Mouse Model of Severe Aplastic Anemia. Mediators Inflamm 2020; 2020:9025705. [PMID: 32148443 PMCID: PMC7053458 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9025705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study is aimed at investigating the effects of shikonin, a pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) inhibitor, on the functions of myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) in a mouse model of severe aplastic anemia (AA) generated by total body irradiation and lymphocyte infusion. Flow cytometry and qPCR were used to determine the proportions of PKM2+ mDCs and other immune indicators in the AA mice. Glucose consumption level, pyruvate generation level, and ATP content were used to determine the level of glycolytic metabolism in the mDCs. The survival rates of AA mice were evaluated after the administration of shikonin or the immunosuppressive agent cyclosporin A. The AA mice displayed pancytopenia, decreased CD4+/CD8+ cell ratio, increased perforin and granzyme levels in CD8+ cells, increased costimulatory CD80 and CD86 expressions, and inadequate regulatory T cell number. In vivo animal experiments showed that the shikonin-mediated inhibition of the PKM2 expression in mice was associated with high survival rates. In addition, the administration of cyclosporin A or shikonin decreased the expression of cytotoxic molecules and costimulatory CD80 and CD86 on CD8+ cells. Taken together, the results of this study indicated that shikonin could inhibit the activation and proliferation of mDCs as well as the activation of downstream cytotoxic T cells by reducing the PKM2 level in mDCs.
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhu Y, Zhong Y, Long X, Zhu Z, Zhou Y, Ye H, Zeng X, Zheng X. Deoxyshikonin isolated from Arnebia euchroma inhibits colorectal cancer by down-regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2019; 57:412-423. [PMID: 31230505 PMCID: PMC6600065 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2019.1626447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Context: Shikonins, a series of natural occurring naphthoquinones extracted from Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Jonst. (Boraginaceae), have antitumor activities and low toxicity. Objective: To illuminate potential activity and mechanism of shikonins against colorectal cancer (CRC). Materials and methods: Five shikonins were isolated from A. euchroma, and elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis. Anti-proliferative activities of shikonins (0-100 μg/mL) on human colorectal cells were evaluated by MTT and CCK-8 for 24 or 48 h. Cell apoptosis and cycle distribution were examined by FCM analysis. The expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway mRNAs and proteins was analysed by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Cell viability, cell apoptosis, cell cycle and protein expression were measured, when co-treated with PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway inhibitors. The in vivo activity of deoxyshikonin was evaluated using xenograft tumour model. Results: Deoxyshikonin and another four shikonins were isolated and identified. Deoxyshikonin exhibited anti-proliferative activity with IC50 of 10.97 μM against HT29 cells. Moreover, the percentage of early apoptotic cells and G0/G1 cells increased from 1 to 29% and 44 to 67% with 0-50 μg/mL deoxyshikonin, respectively. Deoxyshikonin also down-regulated the expression of PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt308 and mTOR proteins in HT29 and DLD-1 cells. Moreover, LY294002, NVP-BEZ235 and MK-2206 can make deoxyshikonin more cell proliferation inhibited, cell cycle arrested at G0/G1 and apoptosis promoted. In vivo study, the weight of tumour tissues at deoxyshikonin groups was significantly reduced compared with the control group, and PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt308 and mTOR expression was decreased. Discussion and conclusions: We can conclude that deoxyshikonin isolated from Arnebia euchroma inhibited CRC through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhen Zhu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Yu Zhong
- Analysis Center of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Xun Long
- The Third People’s Hospital of Bijie, Bijie, China
| | - Zhu Zhu
- Sino-American Cancer Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Hua Ye
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Xiaobin Zeng
- Center Lab of Longhua Branch, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, 2nd Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Infectious disease, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, 2nd Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
- Xiaobin Zeng Center Lab of Longhua Branch, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, 2nd Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province518120, China
| | - Xuebao Zheng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
- Mathematical Engineering Academy of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- CONTACT Xuebao Zheng Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province524023, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zeng Q, Qiu F, Chen Y, Liu C, Liu H, Liang CL, Zhang Q, Dai Z. Shikonin Prolongs Allograft Survival via Induction of CD4 +FoxP3 + Regulatory T Cells. Front Immunol 2019; 10:652. [PMID: 30988670 PMCID: PMC6451963 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
A transplanted organ is usually rejected without any major immunosuppressive treatment because of vigorous alloimmune responsiveness. However, continuous global immunosuppression may cause severe side effects, including nephrotoxicity, tumors, and infections. Therefore, it is necessary to seek novel immunosuppressive agents, especially natural ingredients that may provide sufficient efficacy in immunosuppression with minimal side effects. Shikonin is a bioactive naphthoquinone pigment, an ingredient originally extracted from the root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon. Previous studies have shown that shikonin regulates immunity and exerts anti-inflammatory effects. In particular, it can ameliorate arthritis in animal models. However, it is unclear whether shikonin inhibits alloimmunity or allograft rejection. In this study and for the first time, we demonstrated that shikonin significantly prolonged the survival of skin allografts in wild-type mice. Shikonin increased the frequencies of CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) post-transplantation and induced CD4+Foxp3+ Tregs in vitro as well. Importantly, depleting the Tregs abrogated the extension of skin allograft survival induced by shikonin. It also decreased the frequencies of CD8+CD44highCD62Llow effector T cells and CD11c+CD80+/CD11c+CD86+ mature DCs after transplantation. Moreover, we found that shikonin inhibited the proliferation of T cells in vitro and suppressed their mTOR signaling. It also reduced the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IFNγ, IL-6, TNFα, and IL-17A, while increasing the gene expression of anti-inflammatory mediators IL-10, TGF-β1, and indoleamine-2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) in skin allografts. Further, shikonin downregulated IDO protein expression in skin allografts and DCs in vitro. Taken together, shikonin inhibits allograft rejection via upregulating CD4+Foxp3+ Tregs. Thus, shikonin is a novel immunosuppressant that could be potentially used in clinical transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiaohuang Zeng
- Section of Immunology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, and Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feifei Qiu
- Section of Immunology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, and Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuchao Chen
- Section of Immunology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, and Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cuihua Liu
- Section of Immunology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, and Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huazhen Liu
- Section of Immunology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, and Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chun-Ling Liang
- Section of Immunology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, and Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qunfang Zhang
- Section of Immunology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, and Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenhua Dai
- Section of Immunology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, and Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yan F, Yang F, Wang R, Yao XJ, Bai L, Zeng X, Huang J, Wong VKW, Lam CWK, Zhou H, Su X, Liu J, Li T, Liu L. Isoliquiritigenin suppresses human T Lymphocyte activation via covalently binding cysteine 46 of IκB kinase. Oncotarget 2018; 8:34223-34235. [PMID: 27626700 PMCID: PMC5470962 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The efficacious practice of precision personalized medicine requires a more exact understanding of the molecular mechanisms of drug, hence then it is necessary to identify the binding site of the drugs derived from natural sources. In the study, we investigated the suppressive effect and underlying mechanism of isoliquiritigenin (2′,4′,4-trihydroxychalcone; ILG), a phyto-flavonoid, on human T lymphocyte activation in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that ILG dose-dependently suppressed human T cell activation via suppressing IκBα phosphorylation and degradation, NF-κB nuclear translocation and IKKβ activity. Molecular docking results predicted that cysteine 46 (Cys-46) is probably the binding site of ILG on IKKβ, and this prediction has been validated by competition assay and kinase assay. To further verify the binding site of this compound in vivo, IKKβC46A transgenic (IKKβC46A) mice were generated. We found that ILG had a less potent immune-suppressive effect in homozygous IKKβC46A mice than IKKβ wild type (IKKβ wt) littermates with the delay-type hypersensitivity (DTH), suggesting that ILG cannot significantly suppress the inflammation due to the mutation of Cys-46 in the transgenic mice. Collectively, our findings indicate that the ILG inhibited T cell activation in vivo and in vitro via directly binding to IKKβ Cys46.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fenggen Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Fen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Rui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Xiao Jun Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Liping Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Xing Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - JiaJun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Vincent Kam Wai Wong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Christopher Wai Kei Lam
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Hua Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Xiaohui Su
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Juan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Liang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
The Therapeutic Effects of the Chinese Herbal Medicine, Lang Chuang Fang Granule, on Lupus-Prone MRL/lpr Mice. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 2016:8562528. [PMID: 27034698 PMCID: PMC4789466 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8562528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Revised: 01/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that leads to severe multiorgan damage. Lang Chuang Fang (LCF) is a Chinese herbal medicine that is clinically prescribed for treating SLE. In this study, we examined the therapeutic effects of LCF granule on lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice. Female mice were randomly separated into six groups, and LCF treatment groups received LCF granule at the dosage of 0.97 g/kg/d, 1.95 g/kg/d, and 3.90 g/kg/d, respectively. Here, we found that, compared to the MRL/lpr mice, both the spleen coefficient and thymus coefficient were reduced in the LCF granule-treated mice. There was a marked downregulation in CRP and anti-dsDNA autoantibody and an evident upregulation of CH50 in LCF granule-treated mice. LCF granule treatment also obviously reduced the proteinuria, BUN, and SCr levels in MRL/lpr mice at the dosage of 0.97 g/kg/d, 1.95 g/kg/d, and 3.90 g/kg/d, indicating that LCF granule alleviated the renal injury of MRL/lpr mice. Furthermore, LCF granule decreased p65 NF-κB levels and increased Sirt1 and Nrf2 levels in the kidney tissues of MRL/lpr mice, which might elucidate the beneficial effects of LCF on lupus nephritis. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that LCF granule has therapeutic effects on lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice.
Collapse
|
6
|
The Mechanism Underlying the Antibacterial Activity of Shikonin against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:520578. [PMID: 26265924 PMCID: PMC4523682 DOI: 10.1155/2015/520578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Shikonin (SKN), a highly liposoluble naphthoquinone pigment isolated from the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, is known to exert antibacterial, wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and antitumor effects. The aim of this study was to examine SKN antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The SKN was analyzed in combination with membrane-permeabilizing agents Tris and Triton X-100, ATPase inhibitors sodium azide and N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, and S. aureus-derived peptidoglycan; the effects on MRSA viability were evaluated by the broth microdilution method, time-kill test, and transmission electron microscopy. Addition of membrane-permeabilizing agents or ATPase inhibitors together with a low dose of SKN potentiated SKN anti-MRSA activity, as evidenced by the reduction of MRSA cell density by 75% compared to that observed when SKN was used alone; in contrast, addition of peptidoglycan blocked the antibacterial activity of SKN. The results indicate that the anti-MRSA effect of SKN is associated with its affinity to peptidoglycan, the permeability of the cytoplasmic membrane, and the activity of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. This study revealed the potential of SKN as an effective natural antibiotic and of its possible use to substantially reduce the use of existing antibiotic may also be important for understanding the mechanism underlying the antibacterial activity of natural compounds.
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang Y, Zhao J, Zhang L, Di T, Liu X, Lin Y, Zeng Z, Li P. Suppressive effect of β, β-dimethylacryloyl alkannin on activated dendritic cells in an imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2015; 8:6665-6673. [PMID: 26261548 PMCID: PMC4525882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effect of β, β-dimethylacryloyl alkannin, a main component of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, on activated dendritic cells (DCs) in a psoriasis mouse model. METHODS BALB/c mice were used to establish the animal model for psoriasis-like skin lesion; alkannin at 10 mg/kg (high), 5 mg/kg (medium), 2.5 mg/kg (low), respectively, were intragastrically administered. Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) was used to evaluate the skin lesions. Histological changes, the thickness of epidermis, and the quantity of interleukin (IL)-23 in skin lesion were measured. In in vitro experiments, mononuclear cells in peripheral blood from healthy people were isolated, and monocytes were obtained. DCs with a mature state in differentiation and function were obtained through in vitro induction with several cytokines, and identified by flow cytometry. The influence of DCs on proliferation of allogenic lymphocytes was analyzed. The influence of alkannin on messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of pro-inflammatory factors by mature DCs was evaluated using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Mice treated with alkannin at varying concentration showed obvious remission in psoriasis-like skin lesion compared to control group, with decreased PASI score, obviously reduced vertical thickness of epidermis. Besides, alkannin treatment decreased the expression of IL-23 in skin lesion. Alkannin (12.5 μg/mL) suppressed the ability of DCs to stimulate the proliferation of allogenic lymphocytes, and suppressed the expression and secretion of IL-6, IL-12 p40, IL-23, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA and proteins, respectively. CONCLUSIONS β, β-dimethylacryloyl alkannin could suppress the function of activated DCs in imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijing 100029, China
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing 100010, China
- Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese MedicineBeijing 100010, China
| | - Jingxia Zhao
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing 100010, China
- Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese MedicineBeijing 100010, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing 100010, China
- Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese MedicineBeijing 100010, China
| | - Tingting Di
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing 100010, China
- Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese MedicineBeijing 100010, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing 100010, China
- Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese MedicineBeijing 100010, China
| | - Yan Lin
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing 100010, China
- Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese MedicineBeijing 100010, China
| | - Zuping Zeng
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing 100010, China
- Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese MedicineBeijing 100010, China
| | - Ping Li
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijing 100029, China
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing 100010, China
- Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese MedicineBeijing 100010, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Prasad RG, Choi YH, Kim GY. Shikonin Isolated from Lithospermum erythrorhizon Downregulates Proinflammatory Mediators in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated BV2 Microglial Cells by Suppressing Crosstalk between Reactive Oxygen Species and NF-κB. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2015; 23:110-8. [PMID: 25767678 PMCID: PMC4354311 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2015.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Revised: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the expansion of lifespan, neuronal disorder based on inflammation has been social problem. Therefore, we isolated shikonin from Lithospermum erythrorhizon and evaluated anti-inflammatory effects of shikonin in lipopolysaccharide (LSP)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. Shikonin dose-dependently inhibits the expression of the proinflammatory mediators, nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) as well as their main regulatory genes and products such as inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. Additionally, shikonin suppressed the LPS-induced DNA-binding activity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) to regulate the key regulatory genes of the proinflammatory mediators, such as iNOS, COX-2, and TNF-α, accompanied with downregulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The results indicate that shikonin may downregulate the expression of proinflammatory genes involved in the synthesis of NO, PGE2, and TNF-α in LPS-treated BV2 microglial cells by suppressing ROS and NF-κB. Taken together, our results revealed that shikonin exerts downregulation of proinflammatory mediators by interference the ROS and NF-κB signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yung Hyun Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Oriental Medicine, Dongeui University, Busan 614-051, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi-Young Kim
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju 690-756, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Qu D, Chen YU, Xu XM, Zhang M, Zhang YI, Li SQ. Cbl-b-regulated extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling is involved in the shikonin-induced apoptosis of lung cancer cells in vitro. Exp Ther Med 2015; 9:1265-1270. [PMID: 25780420 PMCID: PMC4353798 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2015.2283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Shikonin (SK), a naturally occurring naphthoquinone, exhibits antitumor activity. However, its precise mechanisms of action are unknown. In the present study, the effects of SK on NCI-H460 human lung cancer cells were investigated. It was found that SK reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis in the NCI-H460 cells. Additionally, SK inhibited extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity, which indicates that inhibition of the ERK pathway is probably one of the mechanisms by which SK induced NCI-H460 cell apoptosis. The expression of Cbl-b was significantly increased by treatment with SK for 4 h, and gradually increased to a maximal level at 24 h; the time taken for the upregulation of Cbl-b protein was in accordance to that required for the downregulation of phospho (p)-ERK protein. The Cbl inhibitor Ps341 reversed the SK-induced downregulation of p-ERK and apoptosis of NCI-H460 cells. These results indicate that Cbl-b potentiates the apoptotic action of SK by inhibiting the ERK pathway in lung cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Qu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Y U Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Man Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Y I Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Sheng-Qi Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|