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Li Y, Zhang C, Feng L, Shen Q, Liu F, Jiang X, Pang B. Application of natural polysaccharides and their novel dosage forms in gynecological cancers: therapeutic implications from the diversity potential of natural compounds. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1195104. [PMID: 37383719 PMCID: PMC10293794 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1195104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most lethal diseases. Globally, the number of cancers is nearly 10 million per year. Gynecological cancers (for instance, ovarian, cervical, and endometrial), relying on hidden diseases, misdiagnoses, and high recurrence rates, have seriously affected women's health. Traditional chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy effectively improve the prognosis of gynecological cancer patients. However, with the emergence of adverse reactions and drug resistance, leading to the occurrence of complications and poor compliance of patients, we have to focus on the new treatment direction of gynecological cancers. Because of the potential effects of natural drugs in regulating immune function, protecting against oxidative damage, and improving the energy metabolism of the body, natural compounds represented by polysaccharides have also attracted extensive attention in recent years. More and more studies have shown that polysaccharides are effective in the treatment of various tumors and in reducing the burden of metastasis. In this review, we focus on the positive role of natural polysaccharides in the treatment of gynecologic cancer, the molecular mechanisms, and the available evidence, and discuss the potential use of new dosage forms derived from polysaccharides in gynecologic cancer. This study covers the most comprehensive discussion on applying natural polysaccharides and their novel preparations in gynecological cancers. By providing complete and valuable sources of information, we hope to promote more effective treatment solutions for clinical diagnosis and treatment of gynecological cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanlong Zhang
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Feng
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Qian Shen
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fudong Liu
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaochen Jiang
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Pang
- International Medical Department of Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Hao H, Chen S, Wu Z, Su P, Ke C, Feng D. The degradation and environmental risk of camptothecin, a promising marine antifoulant. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 821:153384. [PMID: 35085640 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153384] [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: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Given the adverse environmental impacts of the antifoulants currently used in marine antifouling paints, such as copper and booster biocides, it is urgent to identify potential substitutes that are environmentally benign. Here, we examined the degradation of camptothecin (a natural product previously identified as an efficient antifoulant in the laboratory and in the field) under various conditions and evaluated the environmental risks associated with its use as a marine antifoulant. We found that camptothecin was rapidly photolyzed in seawater: the half-life of camptothecin was less than 1 d under a light intensity of 1000-20,000 lx and was approximately 0.17 d under sunlight irradiation. At pH 4 and pH 7, camptothecin had half-lives of 30.13 and 16.90 d, respectively; at 4 °C, 25 °C, and 35 °C, the half-lives of camptothecin were 23.90, 21.66, and 26.65 d, respectively. Camptothecin biodegradation in seawater was negligible. The predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) of camptothecin was 2.19 × 10-1 μg L-1, while the average predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) in open seas, shipping lanes, commercial harbors, and marinas were 6.14 × 10-7, 9.39 × 10-7, 6.80 × 10-3, and 5.03 × 10-2 μg L-1, respectively. The PEC/PNEC ratio of camptothecin was much lower than 1 (i.e., 2.80 × 10-6, 4.29 × 10-6, 3.11 × 10-2, and 2.30 × 10-1 for open seas, shipping lanes, commercial harbors, and marinas, respectively), indicating that the use of camptothecin as a marine antifoulant posed little environmental risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Hao
- State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Zhiwen Wu
- State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Pei Su
- State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Caihuan Ke
- State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Danqing Feng
- State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
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Al-Obeed O, El-Obeid AS, Matou-Nasri S, Vaali-Mohammed MA, AlHaidan Y, Elwatidy M, Al Dosary H, Alehaideb Z, Alkhayal K, Haseeb A, McKerrow J, Ahmad R, Abdulla MH. Herbal melanin inhibits colorectal cancer cell proliferation by altering redox balance, inducing apoptosis, and modulating MAPK signaling. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:126. [PMID: 32322173 PMCID: PMC7161222 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01206-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal carcinoma is one of the most deadly cancers that requests effective and safe chemotherapy. Evaluation of natural product-based anticancer drugs as adjuvant treatment with fewer side effects is largely unexplored research fields. Herbal melanin (HM) is an extract of the seed coats of Nigella sativa that modulates an inflammatory response through toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). This TLR4 receptor is also involved in the modulation of apoptosis. We therefore explored the anticancer potential of HM and specifically its effect on the molecular mechanisms underlying adenocarcinoma and metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) cell death in vitro. Methods Cell viability was evaluated using the MTT assay. Cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione levels, and apoptotic status were assessed using fluorometric and colorimetric detection methods. HM-induced apoptotic and other signaling pathways were investigated using Western blot technology and mitochondrial transition pore assay kit. TLR4 receptor downregulation and blockade were performed using siRNA technology and neutralizing antibody, respectively. Results Our results showed that HM inhibited the proliferation of the colorectal adenocarcinoma HT29 and mCRC SW620 cell lines. Furthermore, HM enhanced ROS production and decreased glutathione levels. HM-induced apoptosis was associated with mitochondrial outer membrane permeability and cytochrome c release, inhibition of the Bcl2 family proteins, and activation of caspase-3/-7. In addition, HM modulated MAPK pathways by activating the JNK pathway and by inhibiting ERK phosphorylation. TLR4 receptor downregulation enhanced HM-induced apoptosis while TLR4 receptor blockade partially alleviated HM-inhibited ERK phosphorylation. Conclusion Altogether, these findings indicate that HM exerts pro-apoptotic effects and inhibits MAPK pathway through TLR4 in mCRC and colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, suggesting HM as a promising natural-based drug for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Al-Obeed
- 1Colorectal Research Chair, Department of Surgery, King Khalid University Hospital and College of Medicine, King Saud University, PO Box 7805 (37), Riyadh, 11472 Saudi Arabia
| | - Adila Salih El-Obeid
- 2Department of Biobank, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, PO Box 22490, Riyadh, 11426 Saudi Arabia.,3Faculty of Pharmacology, Ahfad University for Women, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Sabine Matou-Nasri
- 4Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Medical Genomics Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, PO Box 22490, Riyadh, 11426 Saudi Arabia
| | - Mansoor-Ali Vaali-Mohammed
- 1Colorectal Research Chair, Department of Surgery, King Khalid University Hospital and College of Medicine, King Saud University, PO Box 7805 (37), Riyadh, 11472 Saudi Arabia
| | - Yazeid AlHaidan
- 4Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Medical Genomics Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, PO Box 22490, Riyadh, 11426 Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Elwatidy
- 1Colorectal Research Chair, Department of Surgery, King Khalid University Hospital and College of Medicine, King Saud University, PO Box 7805 (37), Riyadh, 11472 Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamad Al Dosary
- 1Colorectal Research Chair, Department of Surgery, King Khalid University Hospital and College of Medicine, King Saud University, PO Box 7805 (37), Riyadh, 11472 Saudi Arabia
| | - Zeyad Alehaideb
- 4Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Medical Genomics Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, PO Box 22490, Riyadh, 11426 Saudi Arabia
| | - Khayal Alkhayal
- 1Colorectal Research Chair, Department of Surgery, King Khalid University Hospital and College of Medicine, King Saud University, PO Box 7805 (37), Riyadh, 11472 Saudi Arabia
| | - Adil Haseeb
- 5Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - James McKerrow
- 6Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Rehan Ahmad
- 1Colorectal Research Chair, Department of Surgery, King Khalid University Hospital and College of Medicine, King Saud University, PO Box 7805 (37), Riyadh, 11472 Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha-Hamadien Abdulla
- 1Colorectal Research Chair, Department of Surgery, King Khalid University Hospital and College of Medicine, King Saud University, PO Box 7805 (37), Riyadh, 11472 Saudi Arabia
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Oyenihi AB, Smith C. Are polyphenol antioxidants at the root of medicinal plant anti-cancer success? JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 229:54-72. [PMID: 30287197 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Given the severe side effects associated with most of the conventional cancer medications, as well as the expanding body of evidence indicating secondary toxicity of these drugs, individuals with cancer are increasingly turning to natural alternatives. Similarly, the pharmaceutical industry is in search of natural products to treat cancer. An understanding of the specific active components in plant products with which anti-cancer efficacy is achieved is required for this research to move forward. AIM OF THE STUDY To integrate data from cancer-relatestudies on plant-derived products or extracts, to elucidate whether these products may have similar active ingredients and/or mechanisms of action, that can explain their efficacy. This review also includes a discussion of the methodological complexities and important considerations involved in accurate isolation and characterisation of active substances from plant material. CONCLUSIONS From the literature reviewed, most plant products with consistently reported anti-cancer efficacy contains high levels of polyphenols or other potent antioxidants and their mechanisms of action correlate to that reported for isolated antioxidants in the context of cancer. This suggests that natural products may indeed become the panacea against this chronic disease - either as therapeutic medicine strategy or to serve as templates for the design of novel synthetic drugs. The recommendation is made that antioxidant activity of plant actives and especially polyphenols, should be the focus of anti-cancer drug discovery initiatives. Lastly, researchers are advised to exploit current techniques of chemical compound characterisation when investigating polyphenol-rich plants to enable the easy consolidation of research findings from different laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- A B Oyenihi
- Dept Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
| | - C Smith
- Dept Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa.
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Tewari D, Rawat P, Singh PK. Adverse drug reactions of anticancer drugs derived from natural sources. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 123:522-535. [PMID: 30471312 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.11.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cancer, a life threatening disease adversely affects huge population worldwide. Naturally derived drug discovery has emerged as a potential pathway in search of anticancers. Natural products-based drugs are generally considered safe, compared to their synthetic counterparts. A systematic review on adverse drugs reactions (ADRs) of the anticancer natural products has not been performed till date. We reviewed anticancer drugs, derived from plants, microbes and marine sources with their mechanistic action and reported ADRs. PubMed, ScienceDirect and Scopus were searched through Boolean information retrieval method using keywords "natural products", "cancer", "herbal", "marine drugs" and "adverse drug reaction". We documented ADRs of natural products based anticancer agents, mechanisms of action and chemical structures. It was observed that majority of the natural products based anticancer drugs possess ample adverse effects, dominantly hematological toxicities, alopecia, neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity. These findings deviate from the preconceived notion about safer nature of herbal drugs. We also came across some anti-cancer natural products with less/no reported adverse events like Cabazitaxel and Arglabin. Comprehensive pharmacovigilance studies are needed to report ADRs and thereby predicting safety of anti-cancer drugs, either originated from natural sources or chemically synthesized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devesh Tewari
- Value Addition Research and Development-Human Health, National Innovation Foundation-India, Autonomous Body of Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, Grambharti, Mahudi Road, Gandhinagar, 382650, Gujarat, India
| | - Pooja Rawat
- Value Addition Research and Development-Human Health, National Innovation Foundation-India, Autonomous Body of Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, Grambharti, Mahudi Road, Gandhinagar, 382650, Gujarat, India
| | - Pawan Kumar Singh
- Value Addition Research and Development-Human Health, National Innovation Foundation-India, Autonomous Body of Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, Grambharti, Mahudi Road, Gandhinagar, 382650, Gujarat, India.
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Tan ZJ, Wang YB, Yang QN, Li YL, Wang GC, Ouyang YZ, Li GQ. Crystal structure of camptothecin, C 20H 16N 2O 4. Z KRIST-NEW CRYST ST 2018. [DOI: 10.1515/ncrs-2017-0244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
C20H16N2O4, monoclinic, P21 (no. 4), a = 8.0094(5) Å, b = 6.7689(3) Å, c = 29.577(2) Å, β = 95.809(6)°, V =1595.27(16) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0457, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1209, T = 293 K.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo-Jie Tan
- Department of Food Science and Engineering , Foshan University , Foshan 528231 , P.R. China
| | - Yun-Bo Wang
- Department of Food Science and Engineering , Foshan University , Foshan 528231 , P.R. China
| | - Quan-Nu Yang
- Department of Food Science and Engineering , Foshan University , Foshan 528231 , P.R. China
| | - Yao-Lan Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy , Jinan University , Guangzhou 510632 , P.R. China
| | - Guo-Cai Wang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy , Jinan University , Guangzhou 510632 , P.R. China
| | - Yong-Zhong Ouyang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering , Foshan University , Foshan, 528231 , P.R. China
| | - Guo-Qiang Li
- Department of Food Science and Engineering , Foshan University , Foshan 528231 , P.R. China
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7
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Cross-Kingdom Regulation of Putative miRNAs Derived from Happy Tree in Cancer Pathway: A Systems Biology Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18061191. [PMID: 28587194 PMCID: PMC5486014 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18061191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are well-known key regulators of gene expression primarily at the post-transcriptional level. Plant-derived miRNAs may pass through the gastrointestinal tract, entering into the body fluid and regulate the expression of endogenous mRNAs. Camptotheca acuminata, a highly important medicinal plant known for its anti-cancer potential was selected to investigate cross-kingdom regulatory mechanism and involvement of miRNAs derived from this plant in cancer-associated pathways through in silico systems biology approach. In this study, total 33 highly stable putative novel miRNAs were predicted from the publically available 53,294 ESTs of C. acuminata, out of which 14 miRNAs were found to be regulating 152 target genes in human. Functional enrichment, gene-disease associations and network analysis of these target genes were carried out and the results revealed their association with prominent types of cancers like breast cancer, leukemia and lung cancer. Pathways like focal adhesion, regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes and mTOR signaling pathways were found significantly associated with the target genes. The regulatory network analysis showed the association of some important hub proteins like GSK3B, NUMB, PEG3, ITGA2 and DLG2 with cancer-associated pathways. Based on the analysis results, it can be suggested that the ingestion of the C. acuminata miRNAs may have a functional impact on tumorigenesis in a cross-kingdom way and may affect the physiological condition at genetic level. Thus, the predicted miRNAs seem to hold potentially significant role in cancer pathway regulation and therefore, may be further validated using in vivo experiments for a better insight into their mechanism of epigenetic action of miRNA.
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Gentilin E, Minoia M, Bondanelli M, Tagliati F, Degli Uberti EC, Zatelli MC. Growth Hormone differentially modulates chemoresistance in human endometrial adenocarcinoma cell lines. Endocrine 2017; 56:621-632. [PMID: 27585662 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-016-1085-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [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: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Growth Hormone may influence neoplastic development of endometrial epithelium towards endometrial adenocarcinoma, which is one of the most occurring tumors in acromegalic patients. Since chemoresistance often develops in advanced endometrial adenocarcinoma, we investigated whether Growth Hormone might influence the development of chemoresistance to drugs routinely employed in endometrial adenocarcinoma treatment, such as Doxorubicin, Cisplatin, and Paclitaxel. Growth Hormone and Growth Hormone receptor expression was assessed by immunofluorescence in two endometrial adenocarcinoma cell lines, AN3 CA and HEC-1-A cells. Growth Hormone effects were assessed investigating cell viability, caspase3/7 activation, ERK1/2, and protein kinase C delta protein expression. AN3 CA and HEC-1-A cells display Growth Hormone and Growth Hormone receptor. Growth Hormone does not influence cell viability in both cells lines, but significantly reduces caspase 3/7 activation in AN3 CA cells, an effect blocked by a Growth Hormone receptor antagonist. Growth Hormone rescues AN3 CA cells from the inhibitory effects of Doxorubicin and Cisplatin on cell viability, while it has no effect on Paclitaxel. Growth Hormone does not influence the pro-apoptotic effects of Doxorubicin, but is capable of rescuing AN3 CA cells from the pro-apoptotic effects of Cisplatin. On the other hand, Growth Hormone did not influence the effects of Doxorubicin and Paclitaxel on HEC-1A cell viability. The protective action of Growth Hormone towards the effects of Doxorubicin may be mediated by ERK1/2 activation, while the pro-apoptotic effects of Cisplatin may be mediated by protein kinase C delta inhibition. All together our results indicate that Growth Hormone may differentially contribute to endometrial adenocarcinoma chemoresistance. This may provide new insights on novel therapies against endometrial adenocarcinoma chemoresistant aggressive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Gentilin
- Section of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Dept. of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mariella Minoia
- Section of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Dept. of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marta Bondanelli
- Section of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Dept. of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federico Tagliati
- Section of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Dept. of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ettore C Degli Uberti
- Section of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Dept. of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratorio in rete del Tecnopolo "Tecnologie delle terapie avanzate" (LTTA) of the University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Zatelli
- Section of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Dept. of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
- Laboratorio in rete del Tecnopolo "Tecnologie delle terapie avanzate" (LTTA) of the University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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Zhou X, Seto SW, Chang D, Kiat H, Razmovski-Naumovski V, Chan K, Bensoussan A. Synergistic Effects of Chinese Herbal Medicine: A Comprehensive Review of Methodology and Current Research. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:201. [PMID: 27462269 PMCID: PMC4940614 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an important part of primary health care in Asian countries that has utilized complex herbal formulations (consisting 2 or more medicinal herbs) for treating diseases over thousands of years. There seems to be a general assumption that the synergistic therapeutic effects of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) derive from the complex interactions between the multiple bioactive components within the herbs and/or herbal formulations. However, evidence to support these synergistic effects remains weak and controversial due to several reasons, including the very complex nature of CHM, misconceptions about synergy and methodological challenges to study design. In this review, we clarify the definition of synergy, identify common errors in synergy research and describe current methodological approaches to test for synergistic interaction. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of these models in the context of CHM and summarize the current status of synergy research in CHM. Despite the availability of some scientific data to support the synergistic effects of multi-herbal and/or herb-drug combinations, the level of evidence remains low, and the clinical relevancy of most of these findings is undetermined. There remain significant challenges in the development of suitable methods for synergistic studies of complex herbal combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Zhou
- School of Science and Health, National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Western Sydney University Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Sai Wang Seto
- School of Science and Health, National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Western Sydney University Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Dennis Chang
- School of Science and Health, National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Western Sydney University Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Hosen Kiat
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South WalesSydney, NSW, Australia; School of Medicine, Western Sydney UniversityCampbelltown, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie UniversitySydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Valentina Razmovski-Naumovski
- School of Science and Health, National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Western Sydney UniversityPenrith, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of New South WalesSydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kelvin Chan
- School of Science and Health, National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Western Sydney UniversityPenrith, NSW, Australia; School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoor, UK; Faculty of Science, TCM Division, University of TechnologySydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alan Bensoussan
- School of Science and Health, National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Western Sydney University Penrith, NSW, Australia
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