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Hu ML, Liao QZ, Liu BT, Sun K, Pan CS, Wang XY, Yan L, Huo XM, Zheng XQ, Wang Y, Zhong LJ, Liu J, He L, Han JY. Xihuang pill ameliorates colitis in mice by improving mucosal barrier injury and inhibiting inflammatory cell filtration through network regulation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117098. [PMID: 37640256 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The prevalence of colitis is on the rise, and effective treatment options are currently lacking. Xihuang pill (XHP) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula mentioned in the "Volume 4 of Surgical Evidence and Treatment of the Whole Life" authored by the renowned doctor Hong-Xu Wang during the Qing Dynasty. It is now part of the "Volume 9 of Chinese medicine formula preparation in Drug Standard." XHP and its primary ingredients have been demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties against colitis. However, the specific effects and underlying mechanisms of XHP in treating colitis remain unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the potential impact of XHP on colitis and uncover the underlying mechanisms involved. MATERIALS AND METHODS An acute colitis model was developed in C57BL/6N mice, and the effects on weight loss, colon length, the permeability of the colonic mucosa barrier, Claudin-5 and Occludin expression, number of both infiltrating MPO-positive cells and CD68-positive cells, and the content of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-22, IL-1β, and TNF-α) in the colon tissue were investigated. Low-, medium-, and high-dose XHP (0.45, 0.9, and 1.8 g/kg/day) (batch number: z21021222) were administered to the mice by gavage over the course of two weeks. Additionally, the protein expression levels in colon tissue from the control group, colitis group, and XHP low-dose administration group mice were analyzed by quantitative proteomics techniques. The comprehensive profiling and characterization of absorbed components in mice blood following oral administration of XHP were identified by HPLC/Q-TOF-MS techniques, and the absorbed components in blood were combined with proteomics to reveal the mechanism of enteritis inhibition by XHP. RESULTS Our findings indicated that XHP enhanced weight loss and colonic shortening of colitis mice. Additionally, XHP reduced the increase in permeability of the colonic mucosa barrier and decreased expression of Claudin-5 and Occludin, while significantly reducing the number of infiltrating MPO-positive cells and CD68-positive cells in the colon tissue. We found that XHP reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-22, IL-1β, and TNF-α in colon tissue. Pharmacokinetic analysis suggested that XHP contained 24 blood-entering prototype ingredients, which improved colitis through the regulation of various proteins (e.g., Ctsb, Sting1, and Abat) linked to mucosal barrier injury and inflammation. CONCLUSION XHP improved intestinal mucosal barrier injury and reduced MPO-positive cells and CD68-positive cell infiltration through multiple targets and pathways, providing support for XHP as a promising therapy for colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Lei Hu
- Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; Tasly Microcirculation Research Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Microcirculation, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Core Technology in Innovative Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Beijing Microvascular Institute of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Qian-Zan Liao
- Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; Tasly Microcirculation Research Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Microcirculation, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Core Technology in Innovative Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Beijing Microvascular Institute of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Bo-Tong Liu
- Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; Tasly Microcirculation Research Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Microcirculation, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Core Technology in Innovative Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Beijing Microvascular Institute of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Sun
- Tasly Microcirculation Research Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Microcirculation, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Core Technology in Innovative Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Beijing Microvascular Institute of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Chun-Shui Pan
- Tasly Microcirculation Research Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Microcirculation, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Core Technology in Innovative Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Beijing Microvascular Institute of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Yi Wang
- Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; Tasly Microcirculation Research Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Microcirculation, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Core Technology in Innovative Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Beijing Microvascular Institute of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Li Yan
- Tasly Microcirculation Research Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Microcirculation, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Core Technology in Innovative Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Beijing Microvascular Institute of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-Mei Huo
- Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; Tasly Microcirculation Research Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Microcirculation, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Core Technology in Innovative Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Beijing Microvascular Institute of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xian-Qun Zheng
- Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; Tasly Microcirculation Research Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Microcirculation, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Core Technology in Innovative Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Beijing Microvascular Institute of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Jun Zhong
- Medical and Health Analytical Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Microcirculation, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Core Technology in Innovative Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Beijing Microvascular Institute of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Lin He
- Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Microcirculation, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Core Technology in Innovative Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Beijing Microvascular Institute of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.
| | - Jing-Yan Han
- Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; Tasly Microcirculation Research Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Microcirculation, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Core Technology in Innovative Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Beijing Microvascular Institute of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.
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Lv M, Ding R, Ma P, Feng Y, Zeng S, Zhang Y, Shen W, Guan W, Xiangyu E, Zeng H, Yu J. Network Pharmacology Analysis on the Mechanism of Xihuangwan in Treating Rectal Cancer and Radiation Enteritis. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:683-701. [PMID: 38415445 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128287232240213105913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have shown that XihuangWan (XHW) is a kind of Chinese medicine with significant anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activities. However, its mechanism for preventing and treating radiation proctitis in rectal cancer patients during radiotherapy remains unclear. METHODS This study employed the network pharmacology to establish a "drug-active ingredient-target genedisease" network via using TCMSP, SymMap, GeneCard, and OMIM databases. The PPI network was conducted by the String tool. The core targets of XHW in the treatment of rectal cancer and radiation enteritis were identified by topological analysis, and the functional annotation analysis and pathway enrichment analysis were performed. RESULTS A total of 61 active ingredients of XHW ingredients, 4607 rectal cancer-related genes, 5803 radiation enteritis-related genes, and 68 common targets of XHW in the treatment of rectal cancer and radiation enteritis were obtained. PTGS1 and NR3C2, as identified potential targets, were significantly associated with OS of colorectal cancer patients. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that bioinformatics annotation of these common genes was mainly involved in DNA-binding transcription factor, PI3K/Akt, TNF, HIF-1 signaling pathway, and colorectal cancer pathway. CONCLUSION The active ingredients of XHW, mainly including Quercetin, Ellagic acid, and Stigmasterol, might act on common targets of rectal cancer and radiation enteritis, such as PTGS1, NR3C2, IL-6, EGFR, HIF-1A, CASP3, BCL2, ESR1, MYC, and PPARG, and regulate multiple signaling pathways like PI3K-Akt, TNF, and HIF-1 to inhibit tumor proliferation, tumor angiogenesis, inflammatory responses, and oxidative stress, thereby achieving prevention and treatment of radiation enteritis in rectal cancer patients during radiotherapy. It provided an important reference for further elucidating the anti-inflammation and anti-tumor mechanism and clinical application of XHW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghe Lv
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Zhang Heng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Rong Ding
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Zhang Heng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201203, China
- Department of Oncology, Chinese Medicine Hospital of Wujin, Changzhou 213100, China
| | - Peizhen Ma
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Zhang Heng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yue Feng
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Zhang Heng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Su Zeng
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Zhang Heng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Zhang Heng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wenhao Shen
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Zhang Heng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wenhui Guan
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Zhang Heng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - E Xiangyu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Zhang Heng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hongwei Zeng
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Zhang Heng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jingping Yu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Zhang Heng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201203, China
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Lu X, Mao J, Wang Y, Huang Y, Gu M. Water extract of frankincense and myrrh inhibits liver cancer progression and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition through Wnt/β‑catenin signaling. Mol Clin Oncol 2023; 19:77. [PMID: 37719039 PMCID: PMC10502803 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2023.2673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling is associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT), which serves an important role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) invasion and metastasis. Frankincense and myrrh (FM) are antitumor agents commonly used in clinical practice. The present study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of water extract of FM on the progression of liver cancer cells. FM was applied to study its effects on HCC cell proliferation. Cell migration and invasion were evaluated by wound healing and Transwell assays. In addition, western blot was used to study the protein levels associated with EMT and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. The nuclear translocation of β-catenin was detected by immunofluorescence assay. A non-toxic dose of FM significantly inhibited invasion and metastasis of liver cancer cells. Furthermore, FM promoted expression of EMT marker E-cadherin, while decreasing expression of vimentin and N-cadherin. Finally, the protein and the nuclear staining levels of Disheveled 2 and β-catenin were both suppressed by water extract of FM. The water extract of FM inhibited the migration and invasion of liver cancer cells and inhibited EMT by suppressing activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Lu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215300, P.R. China
| | - Jialei Mao
- Department of Oncology, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215300, P.R. China
| | - Yaodong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215300, P.R. China
| | - Yonggang Huang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215300, P.R. China
| | - Maolin Gu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215300, P.R. China
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Xu L, Duan H, Zou Y, Wang J, Liu H, Wang W, Zhu X, Chen J, Zhu C, Yin Z, Zhao X, Wang Q. Xihuang Pill-destabilized CD133/EGFR/Akt/mTOR cascade reduces stemness enrichment of glioblastoma via the down-regulation of SOX2. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 114:154764. [PMID: 36963368 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our previous study found that XHP could induce GBM cells to undergo apoptosis. A lot of evidence suggests that glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) are key factors that contribute to disease progression and poor prognosis of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Traditional Chinese medicine has been applied in clinical practice as a complementary and alternative therapy for glioma. PURPOSE To evaluate the effect and the potential molecular mechanism of Xihuang pill (XHP) on GSCs. METHODS UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis was used for constituent analysis of XHP. Using network pharmacology and bioinformatics methods, a molecular network targeting GSCs by the active ingredients in XHP was constructed. Cell viability, self-renewal ability, apoptosis, and GSC markers were detected by CCK-8 assay, tumor sphere formation assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The interrelationship between GSC markers (CD133 and SOX2) and key proteins of the EGFR/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway was evaluated using GEPIA and verified by western blot. A GBM cell line stably overexpressing Akt was constructed using lentivirus to evaluate the role of Akt signaling in the regulation of glioma stemness. The effect of XHP on glioma growth was analyzed by a subcutaneously transplanted glioma cell model in nude mice, hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to examine pathological changes, TUNEL staining was used to detect apoptosis in tumor tissues, and the expression of GSC markers in tumor tissues was identified by western blot and immunofluorescence. RESULTS Bioinformatics analysis showed that 55 matched targets were related to XHP targets and glioma stem cell targets. In addition to causing apoptosis, XHP could diminish the number of GBM 3D spheroids, the proportion of CD133-positive cells and the expression level of GSC markers (CD133 and SOX2) in vitro. Furthermore, XHP could attenuate the expression of CD133, EGFR, p-Akt, p-mTOR and SOX2 in GBM spheres. Overexpression of Akt significantly increased the expression level of SOX2, which was prohibited in the presence of XHP. XHP reduced GSC markers including CD133 and SOX2, and impeded the development of glioma growth in xenograft mouse models in vivo. CONCLUSION We demonstrate for the first time that XHP down-regulates stemness, restrains self-renewal and induces apoptosis in GSCs and impedes glioma growth by down-regulating SOX2 through destabilizing the CD133/EGFR/Akt/mTOR cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanyang Xu
- Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, China; Department of Molecular Biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Hao Duan
- Department of Neurosurgery/Neuro-Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Yuheng Zou
- Department of Molecular Biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Huaxi Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Wanyu Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Xiao Zhu
- Department of Molecular Biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Jiali Chen
- Department of Molecular Biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Chuanwu Zhu
- Department of Molecular Biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Zhixin Yin
- Department of Molecular Biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Xiaoshan Zhao
- Department of Molecular Biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China.
| | - Qirui Wang
- Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, China; Department of Molecular Biology, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China.
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Xu HB, Chen XZ, Wang X, Pan J, Yi-Zhuo Z, Zhou CH. Xihuang pill in the treatment of cancer: TCM theories, pharmacological activities, chemical compounds and clinical applications. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023:116699. [PMID: 37257709 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Xihuang pill as a famous traditional Chinese formula has long been used as an adjuvant therapy for cancer. AIM OF THE STUDY This study is aimed at summarizing recent advances in research of Xihuang pill's anti-cancer efficacies from the theoretical basis of traditional Chinese medicine, pharmacological activities, chemical components and its clinical application. MATERIALS AND METHODS The literature information was obtained from several authoritative databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI and Wan Fang before April 30, 2023. We also analyzed the representatively chemical compounds of Xihuang pill in vivo experiments using HPLC-Q/TOF-MS. RESULTS The present study indicated that Xihuang pill, a classic anti-tumor prescription, had efficacies of strengthening body resistance, clearing heat and detoxification, and promoting blood circulation for removing blood stasis. Modern basic researches showed that Xihuang pill played anti-cancer roles through inducing cancer cell apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis, improving immune function and tumor microenvironment, and regulating related signaling pathways. Its chemical components are primarily consisted of amino acids, terpenoids, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, phenolics, bile acids, bile pigments and volatile oil. Clinically, Xihuang pill, as an adjuvant drug for cancer treatment, was mostly combined with chemotherapy, which could prolong survival, enhance response rate, improve patients' life quality, regulate immune function and alleviate chemotherapy-induced toxicities. CONCLUSIONS This present study suggests that Xihuang pill may be a promising adjuvant therapy for cancer, and proposes the possibility of future research directions for Xihuang pill based on the current research status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Bin Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Xian-Zhen Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Pan
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhao Yi-Zhuo
- Department of Pharmacy, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Chen-Hui Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
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Chen Z, Li Z, Yang S, Wei Y, An J. The prospect of Xihuang pill in the treatment of cancers. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15490. [PMID: 37128341 PMCID: PMC10148104 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Xihuang pill, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) prescription and a representative of Huoxuehuayu therapy (one of the TCM therapies to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis), has been widely used in breast cancer treatments. Although some evidence suggests the efficacy and safety of the Xihuang pill in treating certain cancer, the overall efficacy of the Xihuang pill in other cancer treatment is uncertain. Objective This study aimed to summarize the current clinical literature and provided evidence support for addressing the research question of whether the Xihuang pill is safe and effective in the treatment of various cancers as Huoxuehuayu therapy, and possibly identify the clinical dosage range and therapeutic effect of Xihuang pills. Method Seven Chinese and English databases such as PubMed, CNKI, and Google Scholar were searched to collect the publications on Xihuang pill and cancer. Then the researchers extracted data from the articles that met the inclusion criteria and used SAS statistical program version 9.4 (by SAS Institute, Cary, North Carolina, USA) for statistical statistics. Results Our search identified 78 studies, including 69 RCTs (randomized control trials), 6 NRCCs (non-randomized concurrent control trials), and 3 BAS (before-after study), evaluating 3151 patients in total. The daily doses of Xihuang pills/capsule were between 2 g and 60 g, and duration between 2 weeks and 5 years, mostly used in the middle or late stage of cancer. The therapeutic effect of the Xihuang pill was mainly reflected in improving Complete Response (CR, a term from The Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors) or Partial Response (PR, a term from The Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors), reducing adverse reactions, promoting quality of life (QoL), regulating immunity, alleviating pain, prolonging survival, reducing metastasis and recurrence, reducing inflammation, regulating estrogen levels, decreasing hypercoagulative status, and reducing tumor markers. Conclusion Xihuang pill representing Huoxuehuayu therapy has a good prospect in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehui Chen
- Institute of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Zhiming Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Institute of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Yue Wei
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jing An
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
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Gong C, Li W, Wu J, Li YY, Ma Y, Tang LW. AKBA inhibits radiotherapy resistance in lung cancer by inhibiting maspin methylation and regulating the AKT/FOXO1/p21 axis. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2023; 64:33-43. [PMID: 36300343 PMCID: PMC9855320 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rrac064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Acetyl-keto-b-boswellic acid (AKBA) functions in combating human malignant tumors, including lung cancer. However, the function of AKBA in regulating the radioresistance of lung cancer and its underlying mechanism still need to be elucidated. Radiation-resistant lung cancer cells (RA549) were established. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) and Western blot were employed to examine the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expressions. After being treated with AKBA and different doses of X-ray, cell proliferation and survival were examined using colony formation assay and cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The cellular localization of Forkhead box 1 (FOXO1) was measured by immunofluorescence (IF). Flow cytometry was employed to analyze cell cycle and apoptosis. In addition, in vivo experiment was performed to determine the effect of AKBA on the sensitivity of tumors to radiation. Herein, we found that AKBA could enhance the radiosensitivity in RA549, suppress cell proliferation, induce cell apoptosis and arrest cell cycle. It was observed that maspin was lowly expressed and hypermethylated in RA549 cells compared to that in A549 cells, while these changes were all eliminated by AKBA treatment. Maspin knockdown could reverse the regulatory effects of AKBA on radioresistance and cellular behaviors of RA549 cells. In addition, we found that AKBA treatment could repress the phosphorylation of Serine/Threonine Kinase (AKT), and FOXO1, increase the translocation of FOXO1 and p21 level in RA549 cells, which was abolished by maspin knockdown. Moreover, results of tumor xenograft displayed that AKBA could enhance the sensitivity of tumor to radiation through the maspin/AKT/FOXO1/p21 axis. We discovered that AKBA enhanced the radiosensitivity of radiation-resistant lung cancer cells by regulating maspin-mediated AKT/FOXO1/p21 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jing Wu
- Department of Oncology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410007, Hunan Province, P.R. China
| | - Yao-Yao Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410007, Hunan Province, P.R. China
| | - Yi Ma
- Department of Oncology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410007, Hunan Province, P.R. China
| | - Li-Wen Tang
- Corresponding author. Department of Oncology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, No.95, Shaoshan Middle Road, Yuhua District, Changsha 410007, Hunan Province, P.R. China. Tel: +86-13739072892;
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8
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Zhuang Z, Huang D, Sheng ZR, Ye ZJ, Jiang H, Yuan Y, Qin B, Zhao Y, Pan HF, Tang Y. Systems biology strategy and experimental validation to uncover the pharmacological mechanism of Xihuang Pill in treating non-small cell lung cancer. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 108:154491. [PMID: 36368285 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for almost 85% of lung cancer-related deaths worldwide. Xihuang Pill (XHP) is a representative anticancer Chinese patented medicine used to treat NSCLC in China. However, to date, a systematic analysis of XHP's antitumour effects and its impact on the immune microenvironment has not been performed. PURPOSE Based on the systems biology strategy and experimental validation, the present study aimed to investigate the pharmacological mechanisms involved in treating NSCLC with XHP. METHODS A subcutaneous tumour model was established to evaluate XHP's tumour-inhibitory effect in BALB/c nude mice. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and bioinformatics analysis were conducted to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and signalling pathways related to XHP treatment. Network analysis based on network pharmacology and protein-to-protein networks was applied to identify the compounds and genes targeted by XHP. External data from the TCGA-NSCLC cohort were used to verify the clinical significance of XHP-targeted genes in NSCLC. The expression of survival-related candidate genes after XHP treatment was verified via qPCR. The protein expression of calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha 1C (CACNA1C) in different NSCLC cell lines was analysed in the Human Protein Atlas database (HPA) and DepMap Portal. Using the Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumour tissues using Expression data (ESTIMATE) algorithm and the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) algorithm uncovered the role of CACNA1C in the NSCLC tumour microenvironment (TME). RESULTS XHP (2 g/kg/d) significantly inhibited the growth of transplanted A549 tumours. RNA-seq identified a total of 529 DEGs (189 upregulated and 340 downregulated). In addition, 542 GO terms, 41 significant KEGG pathways, 9 upregulated hallmarks pathways, and 18 downregulated hallmark pathways were enriched. These GO terms and signalling pathways were closely related to cell proliferation, immunity, energy metabolism, and the inflammatory response of NSCLC. In addition, XHP's network pharmacology analysis identified 301 compounds and 1,432 target genes. A comprehensive strategic analysis identified CACNA1C as a promising gene by which XHP targets and regulates the TME of NSCLC, benefiting patient survival. CACNA1C expression was positively correlated with both the immune score and stromal score but negatively correlated with the tumour purity score. Additionally, CACNA1C expression was significantly correlated with the infiltration levels of 15 types of immune cells and the expression levels of 6 well-known checkpoint genes. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that by regulating the pathways associated with cell proliferation and immunity, XHP can suppress cancer cell growth in NSCLC. Additionally, XHP may increase the expression of CACNA1C to suppress immune cell infiltration and regulate the expression of checkpoint-related genes, thereby improving the overall survival of NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjie Zhuang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan Huang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhou Rui Sheng
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zeng Jie Ye
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haimei Jiang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Yuan
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Binyu Qin
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua-Feng Pan
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ying Tang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
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9
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The Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription: Gu-tong Formula in Relieving Osteolytic Bone Destruction. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:4931368. [PMID: 35872837 PMCID: PMC9300326 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4931368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Bone metastasis is a common complication in patients with advanced tumors, causing pain and bone destruction and affecting their quality of life. Typically, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), with unique theoretical guidance, has played key roles in the treatment of tumor-related diseases. Gu-tong formula (GTF), as a representative prescription of traditional Chinese medicine, has been demonstrated to be an effective clinical medication for the relief of cancer pain. However, the molecular mechanism of GTF in the treatment of osteolytic metastasis is still unclear. Herein, we employ network pharmacology and molecular dynamics methods to uncover the potential treatment mechanism, indicating that GTF can reduce the levels of serum IL6 and TGFB1 and thus limit the scope of bone cortical damage. Among the active compounds, sesamin and deltoin can bind stably with IL6 and TGFB1, respectively, and have the potential to become anti-inflammatory and anticancer drugs. Although the reasons for the therapeutic effect of GTF are complex and comprehensive, this work provides biological plausibility in the treatment of osteolytic metastases, which has a guiding significance for the treatment of cancer pain with CAM.
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Cao B, Wang S, Li R, Wang Z, Li T, Zhang Y, Dong B, Li Y, Lin M, Li X, Xiao X, Li C, Li G. Xihuang Pill enhances anticancer effect of anlotinib by regulating gut microbiota composition and tumor angiogenesis pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113081. [PMID: 35605293 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer poses a serious threat to human health. Although targeted therapies have led to breakthroughs in the treatment of lung cancer, drug resistance and side effects limit their clinical applications. Xihuang pill (XHW), a classical anti-cancer traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been clinically proven to be an effective complementary therapy in the treatment of various of cancers. However, the underlying mechanism for its use in combination with anti-cancer drugs remains unclear. Here, we explored the anti-lung cancer effect of XHW combined with anlotinib in mice bearing Lewis lung cancer (LLC). We used gut microbiota and transcriptomics to elucidate the regulatory properties of XHW in improving anti-lung cancer effect of anlotinib. The results showed that combination treatment of XHW with Anlotinib significantly inhibited tumor growth in LLC-bearing mice. We found that XHW played a key role in the regulation of gut microbiota using 16 s rRNA sequencing analysis. Specifically, XHW increased the proportion of the beneficial bacteria Bacteroides and g_norank_f_Muribaculaceae. Based on transcriptomic analysis of tumor tissues, differentially expressed genes in the combination therapy group were related to biological processes concerning angiogenesis, such as regulation of blood vessel diameter, regulation of tube diameter, and regulation of tube size. Our data suggest that XWH enhances the anticancer effect of anlotinib by regulating gut microbiota composition and tumor angiogenesis pathway. Combination therapy with anlotinib and XHW may be a novel therapeutic strategy for lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Cao
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Shiyuan Wang
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Ruisheng Li
- Research Center for Clinical and Translational Medicine, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihong Wang
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Taifeng Li
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Bin Dong
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Yingying Li
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Mengmeng Lin
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China
| | - Xingjie Li
- Research Center for Clinical and Translational Medicine, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohe Xiao
- China Military Institute of Chinese Medicine, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Chunyu Li
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China.
| | - Guohui Li
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China.
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11
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Mostafa S, El-Bolok AHM, Fahmi AN, Alaaeldin E. An Ex vivo Apoptotic and Cytotoxic Effects of Frankincense on Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Line. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.9979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma is accounting for almost 90% of oropharyngeal cancer diagnoses. Natural herbal medicine can use as an alternative, or complementary, or adjunctive for cancer treatment. Frankincense and its combination with myrrh have anticancer effects on different cancer types.
METHODS: In this research, aqueous and methanolic extracts of frankincense and the combination of aqueous extract of frankincense and myrrh were applied on tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line to study their cytotoxic and apoptotic effect by the assessment of cell viability and cytotoxicity, caspase 3 and 8 activation, reactive oxygen species activity, mitochondrial membrane potential, morphological changes, and nuclear area factor measurements.
RESULTS: The result showed that aqueous and methanolic extracts of frankincense have cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 21.05 ± 1.27 μM for aqueous extract, 36.72 ± 2.07 μM for methanolic extract, and IC50 value of 1.31 ± 0.04 μM for combination of aqueous extract of frankincense and myrrh extract after 24 h.
CONCLUSION: Different extracts of frankincense and the combination of aqueous extract of frankincense and myrrh extract exhibited cytotoxic and apoptotic effects by reducing the cell viability and activating caspases 3 and 8 causing intrinsic- and extrinsic-mediated apoptosis pathways activation with the involvement of oxidative stress that was conceivable with cytonuclear morphological alterations results.
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12
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Study on the Potential Molecular Mechanism of Xihuang Pill in the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:4651432. [PMID: 35449823 PMCID: PMC9017490 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4651432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective We aimed to analyze the possible molecular mechanism of Xihuang pill (XHP) in the treatment of pancreatic cancer based on methods of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and bioinformatics. Methods The main active components and targets were obtained through the TCMSP database, the BATMAN-TCM database, and the Chemistry database. The active ingredients were screened according to the “Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion” (ADME) principle and supplemented with literature. We searched GeneCards, OMIM, TTD, and DrugBank databases for pancreatic cancer targets. The targets of disease and ingredients were intersected to obtain candidate key targets. Then, we constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network for protein interaction analysis and a composition-key target map to obtain essential effective ingredients. Metascape was used to perform functional enrichment analysis to screen critical targets and pathways. The expression and prognosis of key targets were examined and analyzed, and molecular docking was carried out. Results A total of 52 active ingredients of XHP, 121 candidate targets, and 52 intersecting targets were obtained. The core active ingredients of XHP for the treatment of pancreatic cancer were quercetin, 17-β-estradiol, ursolic acid, and daidzein. The core targets were EGFR, ESR1, MAPK1, MAPK8, MAPK14, TP53, and JUN, which were highly expressed genes of pancreatic cancer. Among them, EGFR and MAPK1 were significantly correlated with the survival of pancreatic cancer patients. The key pathway was the EGFR/MAPK pathway. The molecular docking results indicated that four active compositions had good binding ability to key targets. Conclusion The molecular mechanism of XHP for the treatment of pancreatic cancer involved multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple pathways. This research theoretically elucidated the ameliorative effect of XHP against pancreatic cancer and might provide new ideas for further research on the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Huang Q, Lin J, Huang S, Shen J. Impact of Qi-Invigorating Traditional Chinese Medicines on Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:787816. [PMID: 34955857 PMCID: PMC8699731 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.787816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: It has been verified that deficiency of Qi, a fundamental substance supporting daily activities according to the Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, is an important symptom of cancer. Qi-invigorating herbs can inhibit cancer development through promoting apoptosis and improving cancer microenvironment. In this study, we explored the potential mechanisms of Qi-invigorating herbs in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) through network pharmacology and in vitro experiment. Methods: Active ingredients of Qi-invigorating herbs were predicted from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database. Potential targets were obtained via the SwissTargetPrediction and STITCH databases. Target genes of DLBCL were obtained through the PubMed, the gene-disease associations and the Malacards databases. Overlapping genes between DLBCL and each Qi-invigorating herb were collected. Hub genes were subsequently screened via Cytoscape. The Gene Ontology and pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the DAVID database. Molecular docking was performed among active ingredients and hub genes. Hub genes linked with survival and tumor microenvironment were analyzed through the GEPIA 2.0 and TIMER 2.0 databases, respectively. Additionally, in vitro experiment was performed to verify the roles of common hub genes. Results: Through data mining, 14, 4, 22, 22, 35, 2, 36 genes were filtered as targets of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Panacis Quinquefolii Radix, Codonopsis Radix, Pseudostellariae Radix, Astragali Radix, Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma for DLBCL treatment, respectively. Then besides Panacis Quinquefolii Radix and Dioscoreae Rhizoma, 1,14, 10, 14,13 hub genes were selected, respectively. Molecular docking studies indicated that active ingredients could stably bind to the pockets of hub proteins. CASP3, CDK1, AKT1 and MAPK3 were predicted as common hub genes. However, through experimental verification, only CASP3 was considered as the common target of Qi-invigorating herbs on DLBCL apoptosis. Furthermore, the TIMER2.0 database showed that Qi-invigorating herbs might act on DLBCL microenvironment through their target genes. Tumor-associated neutrophils may be main target cells of DLBCL treated by Qi-invigorating herbs. Conclusion: Our results support the effects of Qi-invigorating herbs on DLBCL. Hub genes and immune infiltrating cells provided the molecular basis for each Qi-invigorating herb acting on DLBCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Huang
- Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Medical Center of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jinkun Lin
- Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Medical Center of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Surong Huang
- Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Medical Center of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jianzhen Shen
- Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Medical Center of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
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Zhang YZ, Yang JY, Wu RX, Fang C, Lu H, Li HC, Li DM, Zuo HL, Ren LP, Liu XY, Xu R, Wen JH, Huang HD, Hong R, Chen QJ. Network Pharmacology-Based Identification of Key Mechanisms of Xihuang Pill in the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Stem Cells. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:714628. [PMID: 34737698 PMCID: PMC8560791 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.714628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Xihuang pill, an approved Chinese medicine formula (state medical permit number. Z11020073), is a commonly used adjuvant drug for cancer patients in China. Xihuang pill has a satisfactory effect in treating breast cancer in clinics, especially triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which is the most aggressive type of breast cancer, and finite effective therapies. However, the mechanism of Xihuang pill in treating TNBC remains unclear. The present study aims to explore the pharmacological mechanism of Xihuang pill in treating advanced TNBC. We identified the main chemical components of Xihuang pill by using HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) analysis shows that serum containing Xihuang pill (XS) had no obvious killing effect on any subtype of breast cancer cells, but it inhibited mammosphere colony formation of two TNBC cell lines (4T1 and HCC1806 cells) and could enhance the inhibitory effect of paclitaxel (PTX) on the proliferation of 4T1 and HCC1806 cells when combined with PTX. Seventy-six active compounds in Xihuang pill, their 300 protein targets, and 16667 TNBC stem cell–related genes were identified. The drug–herb–active compound–target gene–disease network and enrichment analyses were constructed with 190 overlapping candidate targets. Through text mining and molecular docking, the target gene NR3C2 and its active compound naringenin were selected for further validation. According to the TCGA database, we observed that a high expression of NR3C2 promoted a higher survival probability regarding overall survival (OS). In vitro experiments indicated that naringenin presented an identical effect to XS, possibly by regulating the NR3C2 expression. Overall, this study explored the effect of Xihuang pill in treating advanced TNBC cells and showed that naringenin, which is the key active compound of Xihuang pill, could lessen the stemness of TNBC cells to produce a synergistic effect on PTX by regulating the NR3C2 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Zhu Zhang
- National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Breast Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Yao Yang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rui-Xian Wu
- Breast Department, Maternal and Child, Health Hospital of Sanya, Sanya, China
| | - Chen Fang
- Breast Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai Lu
- Breast Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua-Chao Li
- Breast Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dong-Mei Li
- Zhuhai Hospital of Guangdong Provincial Hospital Medicine, Zhuhai, China
| | - Hua-Li Zuo
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.,School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.,School of Computer Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Li-Ping Ren
- Breast Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Yuan Liu
- Breast Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Xu
- Breast Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Huai Wen
- Breast Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hsien-Da Huang
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.,School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ri Hong
- Breast Department, Maternal and Child, Health Hospital of Sanya, Sanya, China
| | - Qian-Jun Chen
- Breast Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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15
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Wang J, Hou D, Peng Y, Xiong J, Xiong L, Tan X. Efficacy and safety of Xihuang pill for gastric cancer: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e25726. [PMID: 34106598 PMCID: PMC8133098 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000025726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Xihuang pill has been widely applied as a promising adjunctive drug for gastric cance. However, the exact effects and safety of Xihuang pill have yet to be systematically investigated. We aimed to summarize the effificacy and safety of Xihuang pill for the treatment of advanced GC through the meta-analysis, in order to provide scientific reference for the design of future clinical trials. METHODS The protocol followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols. Relevant randomized controlled trials were searched from PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Chinese Science and echnology Periodical Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database. Papers in English or Chinese published from their inception to October 2020 will be included without any restrictions. Cochrane Risk of Bias tool will be used to assess the risk of bias of included studies. The RevMan 5.4 and Stata 16.0 software will be applied for statistical analyses. Statistical heterogeneity will be computed by I2 tests. Sensitivity analysis will be conducted to evaluate the stability of the results. The publication bias will be evaluated by funnel plots and Egger test. The quality of evidence will be assessed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluate system. RESULTS The results of our research will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. CONCLUSION The conclusion of this study will provide helpful evidence of the effect and safety of Xihuang pill for the treatment of GC in clinical practice. OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER 10.17605/OSF.IO/VFJAK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwei Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Oncology, Guang’anmen Hospital South District, Beijing
| | - Daorui Hou
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Oncology, The First People's Hospital of Xiangtan City, Xiangtan, Hunan Province
| | | | - Jian Xiong
- Department of Oncology, Guang’anmen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Xiong
- Department of Oncology, Guang’anmen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Tan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Oncology, Guang’anmen Hospital South District, Beijing
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The Combination of Jiedu Xiaoluo Decoction with Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation (APBSCT) Accelerates Disease Remission of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:2745705. [PMID: 33505491 PMCID: PMC7810534 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2745705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (APBSCT) with Jiedu Xiaoluo decoction (JDX) on non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Method B lymphoma cells A20 were used to establish nude mice-transplanted tumor model. The peripheral blood of mice was analyzed by automatic blood cell counter. Inflammatory cytokines in tumor tissues were measured by ELISA, real-time qRT-PCR, and western blotting assays. Immunohistochemical staining was employed to evaluate tumor cell growth and apoptosis. CCK8 and Transwell assays were used to detect cell viability, migration, and invasion. Cell apoptosis in vitro was evaluated with flow cytometry. Result In the in vitro co-culture system of A20 cells and hemopoietic stem cells (HSC), JDX notably inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion and promoted apoptosis of A20 cells compared to HSC treatment alone. In animal tumor xenografts of NHL, the combination of APBSCT with JDX significantly promoted hematopoietic reconstitution, inhibited tumorigenesis of A20 cell, promoted the inflammatory microenvironment remission, inhibited cell proliferation, and promoted apoptosis compared to APBSCT alone. Conclusion The combination of APBSCT with JDX might be an effective strategy to treat NHL through inhibiting tumorigenesis and reconstructing hematopoietic and immune microenvironment. Our finding provided a novel insight into the clinical application of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) against NHL.
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Wu J, Luo D, Li S. Network Pharmacology-Oriented Identification of Key Proteins and Signaling Pathways Targeted by Xihuang Pill in the Treatment of Breast Cancer. BREAST CANCER-TARGETS AND THERAPY 2020; 12:267-277. [PMID: 33324095 PMCID: PMC7733446 DOI: 10.2147/bctt.s284076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The compound traditional Chinese medicine Xihuang pill (XHP) has been adopted to treat breast cancer (BC) for centuries, but its specific mechanism of action is unclear. Materials and Methods The active ingredients and related targets of XHP were screened using the TCMSP and TCMID databases. GSE139038 was downloaded from the GEO database, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed. The intersection of targets and DEGs were chosen to build an ingredients–target genes network. Protein–protein interaction network construction and functional enrichment analysis of target genes were conducted. Results A PPI network of 37 targets was constructed, and seven core nodes (FOS, MYC, JUN, PPARG, MMP9, PTGS2, SERPINE1) were identified. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the aforementioned targets were mainly enriched in the IL-17, toll-like receptor, and tumor necrosis factor signaling pathways, which are deeply involved in the inflammatory microenvironment of tumors. Conclusion This network pharmacology study indicated that XHP can inhibit the development of BC by targeting a variety of proteins and signaling pathways involved in the inflammatory microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiafa Wu
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, People's Republic of China.,Henan Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongping Luo
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengnan Li
- School of Medicine, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, Henan, People's Republic of China
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Fu J, Zhu SH, Xu HB, Xu YQ, Wang X, Wang J, Kong PS. Xihuang pill potentiates the anti-tumor effects of temozolomide in glioblastoma xenografts through the Akt/mTOR-dependent pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 261:113071. [PMID: 32603676 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Xihuang pill, as a famous traditional Chinese medicine formula, is used for tumor treatment in China. The anti-tumor activities and mechanisms of Xihuang pill still remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY The Akt/mTOR signaling pathway plays an important role in mediating cell proliferation and apoptosis in glioblastoma. This study aimed to investigate whether Xihuang pill could potentiate temozolomide-induced apoptosis of glioblastoma U87 and U251 cells in vivo and its underlying mechanisms related to Akt/mTOR pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human glioblastoma U87 and U251 xenograft models were established. Immunocytochemistry and Western blot were performed to evaluate the anti-proliferative effect, apoptosis and Akt/mTOR signaling mediators. RESULTS The results showed that Xihuang pill (0.5, 1 g/kg) or temozolomide (10 mg/kg) treatment alone inhibited tumor growth in glioblastoma U87 and U251 xenografts. When Xihuang pill (1 g/kg) and temozolomide (10 mg/kg) were co-administrated, the activities of antitumor growth were markedly increased. Meanwhile, Xihuang pill (0.5, 1 g/kg) or temozolomide (10 mg/kg) treatment alone decreased the levels of Ki67 and PCNA expression in glioblastoma U87 and U251 xenografts. In combination treatment group, the inhibitory effects on Ki67 and PCNA expression were significantly enhanced in glioblastoma U87 and U251 xenografts compared to temozolomide treatment alone. Examining the apoptotic index by TUNEL assay showed similar results. Furthermore, Xihuang pill markedly down-regulated the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and inhibited the activation of Akt/mTOR pathway in glioblastoma U87 and U251 xenografts. In addition, no significant signs of toxicities were related to Xihuang pill and/or temozolomide treatment. CONCLUSIONS The present study suggested that Xihuang pill might potentiate temozolomide-induced apoptosis of glioblastoma cells in vivo through inhibiting Akt/mTOR-dependent pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Fu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Hui Zhu
- Department of Scientific Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong-Bin Xu
- Department of Scientific Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - You-Qi Xu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ping-Shi Kong
- Department of Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Xu X, Zhang J, Zhang Z, Wang M, Liu Y, Li X. Systems pharmacology in combination with proteomics reveals underlying mechanisms of Xihuang pill against triple-negative breast cancer. Bioengineered 2020; 11:1170-1188. [PMID: 33092442 PMCID: PMC8291799 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2020.1834726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Xihuang pill (XHP), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, has been clinically used as an adjuvant therapy against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) via inhibiting cancer cell invasion and proliferation, as well as promoting cancer cell apoptosis. However, its anti-TNBC bio-active ingredients and possible mechanisms are still unclear. Herein, the hub bio-active compounds and underlying mechanisms of XHP against TNBC were systematically elucidated by integrating systems pharmacology approach and in vitro proteomics analysis. Using systems pharmacology analysis and molecular docking evaluation, 28 bio-active compounds and 10 potential therapeutic targets of XHP were identified. Functional analysis showed that the core therapeutic targets against TNBC were mainly involved in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT signaling pathway to prevent cancer cell proliferation and angiogenesis, as well as to enhance cancer cell apoptosis. The in vitro proteomics analysis identified 153 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), including HASP90AA1, AKT1, and EGFR, which were also identified as therapeutic targets against TNBC through systems pharmacology analysis. Protein function analysis showed that the DEPs were mainly involved in PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, which was consistent with the result of systems pharmacology, suggesting the reliability of systems pharmacology analysis. Taken together, these findings uncover the underlying mechanism of XHP against TNBC, and provide a scientific method for the rational development of traditional Chinese medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingchao Xu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University , Tai'an, China
| | - Jimei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences , Tai'an, China
| | - Zhenhua Zhang
- Department of Graduate Student Affairs, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences , Tai'an, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Graduate Student Affairs, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences , Tai'an, China
| | - Yaping Liu
- Department of Graduate Student Affairs, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences , Tai'an, China
| | - Xiangqi Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University , Tai'an, China
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Park C, Lee J, Son C, Lee N. A survey of herbal medicines as tumor
microenvironment‐modulating
agents. Phytother Res 2020; 35:78-94. [PMID: 32658314 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chan‐Ran Park
- Dept. of Clinical Oncology Cheonan Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University Cheonan‐si Republic of Korea
- Liver and Immunology Research Center Dunsan Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University Daejeon‐si Republic of Korea
- Dept. of Internal Medicine Graduated School of Korean Medicine, University of Daejeon Daejeon‐si Republic of Korea
| | - Jin‐Seok Lee
- Liver and Immunology Research Center Dunsan Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University Daejeon‐si Republic of Korea
- Dept. of Internal Medicine Graduated School of Korean Medicine, University of Daejeon Daejeon‐si Republic of Korea
| | - Chang‐Gue Son
- Liver and Immunology Research Center Dunsan Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University Daejeon‐si Republic of Korea
- Dept. of Internal Medicine Graduated School of Korean Medicine, University of Daejeon Daejeon‐si Republic of Korea
| | - Nam‐Hun Lee
- Dept. of Clinical Oncology Cheonan Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University Cheonan‐si Republic of Korea
- Liver and Immunology Research Center Dunsan Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University Daejeon‐si Republic of Korea
- Dept. of Internal Medicine Graduated School of Korean Medicine, University of Daejeon Daejeon‐si Republic of Korea
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Network Pharmacology-Based Strategy for Predicting Therapy Targets of Traditional Chinese Medicine Xihuang Pill on Liver Cancer. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:6076572. [PMID: 32256653 PMCID: PMC7102465 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6076572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the potential therapy targets and pharmacological mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Xihuang pill in liver cancer based on network pharmacology. Methods Drug ingredients-target network was constructed based on the target sets of Xihuang pill and liver cancer. The overlapping genes between Xihuang pill targets and liver cancer-related molecular targets were investigated using comparative analysis. Moreover, the PPI network and module was constructed based on overlapping genes and hub nodes, respectively, followed by the pathway enrichment analysis. Results A drug ingredients-target network was established with 1184 nodes and 11035 interactions. Moreover, a total of 106 overlapping genes were revealed between drug targets and liver cancer molecular targets. Furthermore, a PPI network and 4 modules were further investigated based on overlapping genes, respectively. These hub nodes such as VEGFA and EGFR were mainly enriched in GO functions including positive regulation of MAP kinase activity, activation of protein kinase activity, regulation of MAP kinase activity, and pathways like proteoglycans in cancer, bladder cancer, and estrogen signaling. Conclusion VEGFA and EGFR might be potential therapy targets of Xihuang pill in liver cancer. Furthermore, the effect of Xihuang pill on liver cancer might be realized by targeting VEGFA and EGFR in pathways like proteoglycans in cancer and estrogen signaling.
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Seeing the Unseen of the Combination of Two Natural Resins, Frankincense and Myrrh: Changes in Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24173076. [PMID: 31450584 PMCID: PMC6749531 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24173076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
For the treatment of diseases, especially chronic diseases, traditional natural drugs have more effective therapeutic advantages because of their multi-target and multi-channel characteristics. Among many traditional natural medicines, resins frankincense and myrrh have been proven to be effective in the treatment of inflammation and cancer. In the West, frankincense and myrrh have been used as incense in religious and cultural ceremonies since ancient times; in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, they are used mainly for the treatment of chronic diseases. The main chemical constituents of frankincense and myrrh are terpenoids and essential oils. Their common pharmacological effects are anti-inflammatory and anticancer. More interestingly, in traditional Chinese medicine, frankincense and myrrh have been combined as drug pairs in the same prescription for thousands of years, and their combination has a better therapeutic effect on diseases than a single drug. After the combination of frankincense and myrrh forms a blend, a series of changes take place in their chemical composition, such as the increase or decrease of the main active ingredients, the disappearance of native chemical components, and the emergence of new chemical components. At the same time, the pharmacological effects of the combination seem magically powerful, such as synergistic anti-inflammation, synergistic anticancer, synergistic analgesic, synergistic antibacterial, synergistic blood-activation, and so on. In this review, we summarize the latest research on the main chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of these two natural resins, along with chemical and pharmacological studies on the combination of the two.
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Meta-Analysis of Xihuang Pill Efficacy When Combined with Chemotherapy for Treatment of Breast Cancer. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:3502460. [PMID: 30992708 PMCID: PMC6434299 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3502460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy of Xihuang pill (XHP) in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Methods Three English and four Chinese databases were searched. Literature was screened using EndNote X7 and data were analyzed by Review Manager. Results This review included 13 randomized clinical studies of 1272 patients. The results showed that XHP increased the tumor response [risk ratio (RR) = 2.91; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.98-4.26] and improved Karnofsky performance score (KPS) for breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy [RR = 4.96; 95% CI = 2.07-11.86]. In addition, XHP treatment significantly reduced chemotherapy-induced adverse events, including nausea and vomiting [RR = 0.50; 95% CI = 0.33-0.74], WBC reduction [RR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.47-1.06], platelet reduction [RR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.19-1.44], hemoglobin reduction [RR = 0.31; 95% CI = 0.19-0.52], and hepatic function damage [RR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.35-1.11]. Conclusion XHP combined with chemotherapy in comparison with chemotherapy alone could significantly enhance the tumor response, improve KPS, and alleviate toxicity induced by chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.
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Cinobufacini Injection Improves the Efficacy of Chemotherapy on Advanced Stage Gastric Cancer: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:7362340. [PMID: 30254688 PMCID: PMC6142757 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7362340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gastric cancer has a high morbidity and mortality. Chemotherapy regimens are routine advanced stage gastric cancer (AGC) treatment protocols, but most of these drugs have side-effects such as myelosuppression and gastrointestinal disorders. Cinobufacini, an extractive from TCM, could suppress cell proliferation and inhibit gastric cancer. In this study, we comprehensively reviewed the literature on the efficacy comparison between Cinobufacini injection combined with chemotherapy and chemotherapy solely used in AGC treatment. We extracted data for from six electronic databases to evaluate the efficacy of Cinobufacini injection on AGC patients. Twelve studies with a total of 853 patients were finally included in our study. The results indicated that Cinobufacini injection could increase response rate and disease control rate of chemotherapy on AGC, improve the life quality of AGC patients, increase leukocytes, improve anemia, improve hand-foot syndrome induced by chemotherapy, and relieve cancer pain. This study has its own limitations that prevented us from drawing a definite conclusion and more well-designed clinical trials of TCM are needed.
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Xihuang Pill Induces Apoptosis of Human Glioblastoma U-87 MG Cells via Targeting ROS-Mediated Akt/mTOR/FOXO1 Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:6049498. [PMID: 30046342 PMCID: PMC6038446 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6049498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Xihuang pill (XHP), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, has long been used as an effective agent against multiple tumors. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of XHP on the growth inhibition and apoptosis in glioblastoma U-87 MG cells. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was performed for constituent analysis of XHP. Cell viability, cell cycle arrest, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and apoptosis were measured by CCK-8 assay, PI/RNase staining, DCFH-DA assay, TUNEL assay, Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, and JC-1 assay, respectively. The role of XHP in the regulation of Akt/mTOR/FOXO1 interaction was clarified by using Western Blotting (WB), immunofluorescence (IF), pharmacological inhibitor or antioxidant, and siRNA silencing. The results suggested that XHP could inhibit U-87 MG cells growth and arrest cells in S-phase cell cycle significantly and that the generation of ROS, collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential, enhancement of Bax/Bcl-xL ratio, and reduction of the precursor forms of caspase-9 and caspase-3 caused by XHP prompted that a ROS-mediated mitochondria-dependent apoptosis was possibly involved. Furthermore, XHP affected the Akt/mTOR/FOXO1 pathway via inhibiting the phosphorylation of Akt, mTOR, and FOXO1 and increasing both prototype and nuclear translocation of FOXO1. Inhibition of Akt, mTOR, and FOXO1 by specific inhibitors or siRNA could interpose the apoptotic induction. In conclusion, we demonstrate for the first time that XHP may regulate glioblastoma U-87 MG cell apoptosis via ROS-mediated Akt/mTOR/FOXO1 pathway.
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26
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Zheng W, Han S, Jiang S, He X, Li X, Ding H, Cao M, Li P. Antitumor effects of Xi Huang pills on MDA‑MB‑231 cells in vitro and in vivo. Mol Med Rep 2018; 18:2068-2078. [PMID: 29956784 PMCID: PMC6072179 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The management of patients with triple-negative breast cancer is challenging due to the lack of effective therapeutic options, aggressive behavior and relatively poor prognosis. Xi Huang pills (XHP) are a well-known traditional Chinese medicine that demonstrate anticancer activities. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antitumor effects of XHP on MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro and in vivo, and its potential underlying molecular mechanisms. In the present study, an MTT assay was used to evaluate the antiproliferative activity of XHP on MDA-MB-231 cells. In order to investigate the effects further, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential assays were performed, as well as western blot analyses. In addition, a tumor xenograft model was employed to investigate the effects of XHP in vivo. The results of the MTT assay demonstrated that the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells was markedly inhibited by XHP in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of XHP on the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells was greater when compared with MCF-10A cells. An increase in apoptosis and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential was observed following 4, 8 and 12 mg/ml XHP treatment of MDA-MB-231 cells. The protein expression levels of cleaved caspase-3 were increased by 1.62-, 2.13- and 2.19-fold, respectively, when compared with the untreated controls, whereas no effects on the expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) or Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were observed. The results of the cell cycle distribution assay analysis demonstrated that XHP treatment arrested cells at the G2/M phase. In addition, XHP treatment decreased the expression of cyclin A and increased the expression of p21Cip1. In vivo experiments revealed that XHP inhibited the growth of MDA-MB-231 xenograft tumors without body weight loss, and demonstrated similar effects on the protein expression levels of cleaved caspase 3, cyclin A and p21Cip1 as observed in vitro. In conclusion, the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells was inhibited by XHP in a dose-dependent, time-dependent and cell-selective manner in vitro, and the potential underlying mechanisms may involve apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. XHP may induce apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells via the intrinsic pathway, which does not involve the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. G2/M phase arrest may have been due to the integrated action of decreased cyclin A expression and increased p21Cip1 expression. In addition, XHP inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors in the absence of body weight loss in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxian Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
| | - Shuyan Han
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
| | - Shantong Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
| | - Xiran He
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
| | - Huirong Ding
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, Central Laboratory, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
| | - Minhua Cao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, Central Laboratory, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
| | - Pingping Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
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Xu C, Lu X, Liu W, Chen A, Meng G, Zhang H, Li B, Zhang Y, Wu J, Wei J. CD8 + T cells mediate the antitumor activity of frankincense and myrrh in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Transl Med 2018; 16:132. [PMID: 29784005 PMCID: PMC5963062 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-018-1508-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tumor-promoting inflammation is an emerging hallmark of cancer, which participates in both cancer progression and immune escape. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a typical inflammation-related cancer with an extremely poor prognosis. Frankincense and myrrh are anti-inflammation agents commonly used in clinic. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether extract of frankincense and myrrh (FM) downregulates inflammatory microenvironment of HCC and thereby restores antitumor immune responses. Methods The water-decocting FM was obtained and quantified. HCC cell lines HCCLM3 and Hepa1-6 were used to evaluate the efficacy of FM targeting NF-κB and STAT3 signaling with western blot and qRT-PCR analysis. CD8+NKG2D+ cells were derived from human peripheral blood and were used for evaluation of immune cells-mediated inflammation and oncolysis on HCCLM3 cells. The antitumor efficacy of FM was investigated both in immune compromised and immune competent mice bearing subcutaneous HCC. Mice received daily oral gavage of FM at 60 mg/kg. Immune activity within tumor microenvironment (TME) was assessed by ELISpot assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Depletion of CD8+ T cells or NK cells was achieved by intraperitoneal injection of respective neutralizing antibody. Results FM significantly inhibited the activation of NF-κB and STAT3 signaling in HCC cells induced by cytokines (TNF-α or IL-6) and in co-culture system with CD8+NKG2D+ cells. Furthermore, FM sensitized HCC cells to CD8+NKG2D+ cells-mediated oncolysis. In HCC-bearing mice, FM at a non-toxic dose failed to reduce tumor growth in immune compromised mice, whereas it significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged life span in immune competent mice. While the number of IFN-γ-producing cells within TME was increased in mice treated with FM, the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and NK cells was not increased. Finally, we identified that depletion of CD8+ T cells rather than NK cells abrogated the antitumor activity of FM. Conclusions Our results show for the first time that CD8+ T cells mediate the antitumor activity of FM at a non-toxic dose. This may provide new insights to this ancient mysterious prescription in cancer therapy, which offers a novel and practical therapeutic strategy and the possibilities of combined immunotherapy for HCC as well as other inflammation-related cancers in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Xian Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.,The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Anxian Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Gang Meng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Hailin Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Binghua Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.,The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Yonghui Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Junhua Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
| | - Jiwu Wei
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China. .,Nanjing University Hightech Institute at Suzhou, Suzhou, 215123, China.
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Li XY, Su L, Jiang YM, Gao WB, Xu CW, Zeng CQ, Song J, Xu Y, Weng WC, Liang WB. The Antitumor Effect of Xihuang Pill on Treg Cells Decreased in Tumor Microenvironment of 4T1 Breast Tumor-Bearing Mice by PI3K/AKT~AP-1 Signaling Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2018; 2018:6714829. [PMID: 29849718 PMCID: PMC5937580 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6714829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
To study the antitumor effect of Xihuang pill (XHP) on the number of Treg cells in the tumor microenvironment of 4T1 breast tumor-bearing mice by PI3K/AKT/AP-1 pathway, a mouse model was established. Flow cytometry (FCM) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to detect the number of Treg cells in the tumor microenvironment; terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect the apoptosis of Treg cells in tumor microenvironment. Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of PI3K, AKT, and AP-1 in Treg cells in tumor microenvironment; immunofluorescence (IF) and Western Blot (WB) were used to detect the protein expression of PI3K, AKT, and AP-1 in Treg cells in tumor microenvironment. Compared with the naive control group, the tumor weight in XHP groups decreased significantly (P < 0.05); FCM and IHC results showed that the number of Treg cells in the tumor microenvironment decreased with the dose of XHP groups (P < 0.05); TUNEL staining showed that the number of Treg cells in tumor microenvironment increased with the dose of XHP groups (P < 0.05); RT-qPCR results showed that the mRNA expression of PI3K and AKT in Treg cells decreased with the dose of XHP groups, while RNA expression of AP-1 increased with the dose of XHP groups (P < 0.05); IF and WB results showed that the protein expression of PI3K and AKT in Treg cells decreased with the dose of XHP groups and the protein expression of AP-1 increased with the dose of XHP groups (P < 0.05). The results suggested that XHP decreased the number of Treg cells via inhibiting PI3K and AKT expression and upregulating AP-1 expression in Treg cells and then promoting the apoptosis of Treg cells. Thus, XHP could improve the immunosuppressive state of tumor microenvironment and reverse the immune escape to inhibit tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-ye Li
- Medical College of Dalian University, Dalian 116622, China
| | - Liang Su
- Xin Hua Affiliated Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Yi-ming Jiang
- Xin Hua Affiliated Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Wen-bin Gao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518001, China
| | - Chun-wei Xu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | | | - Jie Song
- Medical College of Dalian University, Dalian 116622, China
| | - Yu Xu
- Medical College of Dalian University, Dalian 116622, China
| | - Wen-cai Weng
- Xin Hua Affiliated Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Wen-bo Liang
- Medical College of Dalian University, Dalian 116622, China
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Su L, Jiang Y, Xu Y, Li X, Gao W, Xu C, Zeng C, Song J, Weng W, Liang W. Xihuang pill promotes apoptosis of Treg cells in the tumor microenvironment in 4T1 mouse breast cancer by upregulating MEKK1/SEK1/JNK1/AP-1 pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 102:1111-1119. [PMID: 29710529 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.03.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the role of the MEKK1/SEK1/JNK1/AP-1 pathway in the action of Xihuang pill (XHP) in reducing regulatory T (Treg) cell numbers in the tumor microenvironment in a 4T1 mouse breast cancer model, and to clarify the anti-tumor mechanism of XHP in breast cancer. METHODS We established a mouse 4T1 breast cancer model. Model mice were administered XHP for 2 weeks, and tumor tissues were then removed, weighed, sliced, and homogenized. Treg cells in the tumor microenvironment were isolated by magnetic cell sorting and analyzed by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Treg cell apoptosis was detected by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling. mRNA expression levels of MEKK1, SEK1, JNK1, and AP-1 in Treg cells in the tumor microenvironment were detected by quantitative real-time PCR and their protein expression levels were detected by immunofluorescence staining and western blot. RESULTS Tumor weights were significantly lower in the XHP groups compared with the untreated control group. The overall number of Treg cells in the tumor microenvironment decreased while the number of apoptotic Treg cells increased with increasing doses of XHP. mRNA and protein expression levels of MEKK1, SEK1, JNK1, and AP-1 in Treg cells in the tumor microenvironment increased with increasing doses of XHP. CONCLUSION XHP might promote Treg cell apoptosis in the tumor microenvironment and further inhibit the tumor growth of 4T1 mouse breast cancer. The mechanism of XHP may be related to upregulation of gene and protein expression of MEKK1, SEK1, JNK1, and AP-1 in Treg cells in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Su
- Xin Hua Affiliated Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Yiming Jiang
- Xin Hua Affiliated Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Yu Xu
- Medical College of Dalian University, Dalian 116622, China
| | - Xinye Li
- Medical College of Dalian University, Dalian 116622, China
| | - Wenbin Gao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518001, China
| | - Chunwei Xu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Changqian Zeng
- Medical College of Dalian University, Dalian 116622, China
| | - Jie Song
- Medical College of Dalian University, Dalian 116622, China
| | - Wencai Weng
- Xin Hua Affiliated Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Wenbo Liang
- Medical College of Dalian University, Dalian 116622, China.
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Hwang JH, Kang SY, Kang AN, Jung HW, Jung C, Jeong JH, Park YK. MOK, a pharmacopuncture medicine, regulates thyroid dysfunction in L-thyroxin-induced hyperthyroidism in rats through the regulation of oxidation and the TRPV1 ion channel. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 17:535. [PMID: 29246135 PMCID: PMC5732465 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-2036-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of MOK, a pharmacopuncture medicine, on thyroid dysfunction in L-thyroxin (LT4)-induced hyperthyroidism rats. Methods The experimental hyperthyroidism model was prepared by the intraperitoneal injection of LT4 (0.5 mg/kg) once daily for 2 weeks in SD rats. MOK extract was injected at doses of 0.3 or 3 mg/kg on acupuncture points in the thyroid glands of LT4-induced hypothyroidism rats once a day for 2 weeks. The body temperature, body weight, and food/water intake were measured once a week for 2 weeks. The levels of thyroid hormones, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, GOT, and GPT were measured in the sera of rats using ELISA and an automatic blood analyzer. The histological changes of thyroid tissues were observed by H&E staining. The expression of thermo-regulating protein, TRPV1 was determined by western blot in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and brain tissues. We also measured the contents of GSH in the liver and antioxidant enzymes, SOD, and catalase in the liver, heart, and brain tissues by enzyme-based assay and Western blot, respectively. Results The acupuncture of MOK extract on the thyroid gland of LT4-induced hyperthyroidism rats significantly decreased the body temperature, and did not change body weight and food and water intakes. MOK acupuncture significantly increased the level of TSH, and decreased the levels of T3 and T4 in hyperthyroidism rats. The expression of TRPV1 was inhibited in both DRG and brain tissues after MOK acupuncture, and the levels of GOT, GPT, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol were also decreased. MOK acupuncture also inhibited the pathological feature with follicular lining epithelial thicknesses and increased follicular colloid depositions in the thyroid glands of hypothyroidism. MOK acupuncture significantly increased hepatic GSH levels and decreased the expression of SOD and catalase in the liver, heart, and brain tissues of hyperthyroidism rats. Conclusions These results suggest that the pharmacopuncture with MOK extract in hyperthyroidism can improve the pathophysiological changes through regulating the body temperature, thyroid hormones imbalance, lipid accumulation, and oxidation. This anti-hyperthyroidism effect of MOK pharmacopuncture is thought to be related to the control of thermo-regulating protein TRPV1 in DRG and brain.
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Cao A, He H, Jing M, Yu B, Zhou X. Shenfu Injection Adjunct with Platinum-Based Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2017; 2017:1068751. [PMID: 29234363 PMCID: PMC5688370 DOI: 10.1155/2017/1068751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Platinum-based chemotherapy is one of the standard treatments for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), while its high toxicity and limited clinical effects raise big concerns. Shenfu injection (SFI) has been commonly used as an adjutant chemotherapy drug for NSCLC in China. We ascertained the beneficial and adverse effects of SFI in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC by using meta-analysis methods. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving advanced NSCLC treatment with SFI plus platinum-based chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone were searched on 6 medical databases up to February 2017. Cochrane handbook 5.1.0 was applied to assess the quality of included trials and RevMan 5.3 software was employed for data analysis. 23 RCTs including 1574 patients met our inclusion criteria. We evaluated the following outcome measures: objective tumor response (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), Karnofsky performance score (KPS), adverse effects, and indicators of cellular immune function. The meta-analysis indicated that SFI plus platinum-based chemotherapy may benefit the patients with NSCLC on attenuated synergies of chemotherapy. These findings need to be confirmed by further rigorously designed high-quality and large-scale RCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailing Cao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hailang He
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Mengxin Jing
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Beibei Yu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xianmei Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing 210009, China
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Ginsenoside Rg3 Serves as an Adjuvant Chemotherapeutic Agent and VEGF Inhibitor in the Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 2016:7826753. [PMID: 27800005 PMCID: PMC5069366 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7826753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective. To evaluate ginsenoside Rg3 combined with chemotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment, in a meta-analysis. Materials and Methods. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and the VIP and Wanfang databases for eligible studies. We manually searched for printed journals and relevant textbooks. Statistical analyses were performed with Revman 5.3 and STATA 14.0 software packages. Results. Twenty studies were included. Ginsenoside Rg3 combined with chemotherapy could enhance response, improve disease control, prolong overall survival, improve patient quality of life, reduce leucocyte count decrease due to chemotherapy, reduce vascular endothelial growth factor expression in peripheral blood, and increase CD4/CD8 T cell ratio. Conclusion. Ginsenoside Rg3 combined with chemotherapy may enhance short-term efficacy and overall survival, alleviate treatment-induced side effects, reduce vascular endothelial growth factor expression, increase CD4/CD8 T cell ratio, and serve as a potential therapeutic regimen for NSCLC. However, considering the limitations, the conclusion should be interpreted carefully, and these results need to be confirmed by more high-quality trials.
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Zheng W, Han S, Jiang S, Pang L, Li X, Liu X, Cao M, Li P. Multiple effects of Xihuang pill aqueous extract on the Hs578T triple-negative breast cancer cell line. Biomed Rep 2016; 5:559-566. [PMID: 27882217 DOI: 10.3892/br.2016.769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The management of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is challenging due to the aggressive behavior, lack of therapeutic options and relatively poor prognosis. Xihuang pill (XHP) is a well-known Traditional Chinese Medicine with anticancer activity. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the aqueous extract of XHP (AEXHP) has anti-proliferative activity against the Hs578T TNBC cell line, and to elucidate its molecular mechanisms of action. First, an MTT assay was used to evaluate the anti-proliferative activity of AEXHP on the Hs578T cell line; furthermore, the cell cycle distribution, mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptotic rate were determined by flow cytometry, and western blot analysis was used to assess the expression of apoptosis and cell cycle regulatory proteins to investigate the mechanisms of action. The results revealed that the cell viability was significantly inhibited by AEXHP in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential loss were detected, and after treatment with 4, 8 and 12 mg/ml AEXHP for 24 h, cleaved caspase-3 was 1.70-, 1.81- and 1.84-fold of that of the control, while procaspase-3, procaspase-8, cleaved caspase-8, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio were not significantly affected. Cell cycle analysis revealed that treatment with AEXHP led to S-phase arrest of Hs578T cells. Furthermore, AEXHP treatment resulted in decreased expression of cyclin A and cyclin dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), and increased expression of cyclin E and p21Cip1, as compared to the control group. In conclusion, the viability of Hs578T cells was significantly inhibited by AEXHP in a dose- and time-dependent manner, the likely mechanisms of which being induction of apoptosis, probably via the intrinsic, Bcl-2-independent pathway, and cell cycle arrest in S phase due to decreased expression of cyclin A and CDK2, and increased expression of cyclin E and p21Cip1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxian Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, P.R. China; Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University School of Oncology, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
| | - Shuyan Han
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, P.R. China; Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University School of Oncology, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
| | - Shantong Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, P.R. China; Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University School of Oncology, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
| | - Lina Pang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, P.R. China; Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University School of Oncology, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, P.R. China; Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University School of Oncology, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
| | - Xijuan Liu
- Central Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
| | - Minhua Cao
- Central Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
| | - Pingping Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, P.R. China; Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University School of Oncology, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
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