Ginsenoside Rg3 Suppresses Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Human Osteosarcoma

Ginseng Glucosyl Oleanolate from Ginsenoside Ro, Exhibited Anti-Liver Cancer Activities via MAPKs and Gut Microbiota In Vitro/Vivo

Ginseng is widely recognized for its diverse health benefits and serves as a functional food ingredient with global popularity. Ginsenosides with a broad range of pharmacological effects are the most crucial active ingredients in ginseng. This study aimed to derive ginseng glucosyl oleanolate (GGO) from ginsenoside Ro through enzymatic conversion and evaluate its impact on liver cancer in vitro and in vivo. GGO exhibited concentration-dependent HepG2 cell death and markedly inhibited cell proliferation via the MAPK signaling pathway. It also attenuated tumor growth in immunocompromised mice undergoing heterograft transplantation. Furthermore, GGO intervention caused a modulation of gut microbiota composition by specific bacterial populations, including Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Clostridium, Enterococcus, etc., and ameliorated SCFA metabolism and colonic inflammation. These findings offer promising evidence for the potential use of GGO as a natural functional food ingredient in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Natural Products in Preventing Tumor Drug Resistance and Related Signaling Pathways

Drug resistance is still an obstacle in cancer therapy, leading to the failure of tumor treatment. The emergence of tumor drug resistance has always been a main concern of oncologists. Therefore, overcoming tumor drug resistance and looking for new strategies for tumor treatment is a major focus in the field of tumor research. Natural products serve as effective substances against drug resistance because of their diverse chemical structures and pharmacological effects. We reviewed the signaling pathways involved in the development of tumor drug resistance, including Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Renin-angiotensin system (Ras), Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), Wnt, Notch, Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), and their specific signaling pathway inhibitors derived from natural products. This can provide new ideas for the prevention of drug resistance in cancer therapy.

Ginsenoside Rg3 inhibits osteosarcoma progression by reducing circ_0003074 expression in a miR-516b-5p/KPNA4-dependent manner

Background

Previous data have suggested that ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3), isolated from the roots of Panax ginseng, plays a repressing role in multiple cancers, including osteosarcoma (OS). However, there is no any literature available about the role of circular RNA (circRNA) in Rg3-mediated OS development. The study aimed to explore the function of circ_0003074 in the anti-cancer effects of Rg3 on OS.

Methods

RNA expression of circ_0003074, miR-516b-5p and karyopherin subunit alpha 4 (KPNA4) was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Protein expression was evaluated by Western blotting or immunohistochemistry assay. Cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were investigated by cell counting kit-8, 5-ethynyl-29-deoxyuridine (EdU), flow cytometry analysis, wound-healing and transwell invasion assays, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter and/or RNA immunoprecipitation assay was performed to confirm the interplay between miR-516b-5p and circ_0003074 or KPNA4. Xenograft mouse model assay was conducted to reveal the effect of Rg3 treatment on tumor formation.

Results

Circ_0003074 and KPNA4 expression was significantly upregulated, while miR-516b-5p was downregulated in OS tissues and cells compared with controls. Rg3 treatment dramatically decreased circ_0003074 expression in OS cells. Rg3 treatment led to decreased cell proliferation, migration and invasion but increased cell apoptosis, which was attenuated after circ_0003074 overexpression. Besides, miR-516b-5p was a target miRNA of circ_0003074 and partially restored circ_0003074-mediated action under Rg3 treatment. Decreasing miR-516b-5p expression also promoted Rg3-treated OS cell malignancy through KPNA4, which was identified as a target mRNA of miR-516b-5p. Besides, circ_0003074 induced KPNA4 production owing to the decrease of miR-516b-5p expression. Furthermore, Rg3 treatment inhibited tumor formation by regulating circ_0003074 in vivo.

Conclusion

Rg3 inhibited OS progression through circ_0003074/miR-516b-5p/KPNA4 axis, showing the potential of Rg3 as a therapeutic agent for OS.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13018-021-02868-7.

Circ_0003074 expression was upregulated in OS tissues and cells.

Rg3 treatment significantly decreased circ_0003074 expression in OS cells.

Circ_0003074 overexpression rescued Rg3-induced inhibition in OS progression.

Circ_0003074 induced KPNA4 production through miR-516b-5p under Rg3 treatment.

CircSERPINA3 regulates SERPINA3-mediated apoptosis, autophagy and aerobic glycolysis of prostate cancer cells by competitively binding to MiR-653-5p and recruiting BUD13

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) belongs to an epithelial malignancy that occurs in the prostate gland and is the most common malignancy of the male genitourinary system. Referring to related literature, circSERPINA3 has been reported to be up-regulated in PCa. However, its biological function remains unclear.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to reveal the specific role and relevant molecular mechanism of circSERPINA3 in PCa.

METHODS

RT-qPCR was used to examine gene expression and functional analyses were conducted to verify the effect of circSERPINA3 on cell apoptosis, autophagy and aerobic glycolysis in PCa cells. Mechanism assays were applied to evaluate the relationship among circSERPINA3/miR-653-5p/SERPINA3/BUD13.

RESULTS

CircSERPINA3 was verified to be up-regulated in PCa cells and to inhibit cell apoptosis while promoting aerobic glycolysis and autophagy in PCa cells. CircSERPINA3 and SERPINA3 were also testified to bind to miR-653-5p through a line of mechanism experiments. Moreover, it was discovered that circSERPINA3 could stabilize SERPINA3 mRNA via recruiting BUD13. Additionally, SERPINA3 was verified to inhibit cell apoptosis, while promoting aerobic glycolysis and autophagy in PCa cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggested that circSERPINA3 regulated apoptosis, autophagy and aerobic glycolysis of PCa cells by competitively binding to miR-653-5p and recruiting BUD13.

Graphene Oxide Nanoparticle-Loaded Ginsenoside Rg3 Improves Photodynamic Therapy in Inhibiting Malignant Progression and Stemness of Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma serves as a prevalent bone cancer with a high metastasis and common drug resistance, resulting in poor prognosis and high mortality. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a patient-specific and non-invasive tumor therapy. Nanoparticles, like graphene oxide have been widely used in drug delivery and PDT. Ginsenoside Rg3 is a principal ginseng component and has presented significant anti-cancer activities. Here, we constructed the nanoparticles using GO linked with photosensitizer (PS) indocyanine green (ICG), folic acid, and polyethylene glycol (PEG), and loaded with Rg3 (PEG–GO–FA/ICG–Rg3). We aimed to explore the effect of PEG–GO–FA/ICG–Rg3 combined with PDT for the treatment of osteosarcoma. Significantly, we found that Rg3 repressed proliferation, invasion, and migration, and enhanced apoptosis and autophagy of osteosarcoma cells, while the PEG–GO–FA/ICG–Rg3 presented a higher activity, in which NIR laser co-treatment could remarkably increase the effect of PEG–GO–FA/ICG–Rg3. Meanwhile, stemness of osteosarcoma cell–derived cancer stem cells was inhibited by Rg3 and PEG–GO–FA/ICG–Rg3, and the combination of PEG–GO–FA/ICG–Rg3 with NIR laser further significantly attenuated this phenotype in the system. Moreover, NIR laser notably improved the inhibitor effect of PEG–GO–FA/ICG–Rg3 on the tumor growth of osteosarcoma cells in vivo. Consequently, we concluded that PEG–GO–FA/ICG–Rg3 improved PDT in inhibiting malignant progression and stemness of osteosarcoma cell. Our finding provides a promising and practical therapeutic strategy for the combined treatment of osteosarcoma.

Insights into the antitumor mechanism of ginsenosides Rg3

Panax ginseng, an ancient herb, belonging to Chinese traditional medicine, is an important herb that has a remarkable impact on various diseases. Ginsenoside Rg3, one of the most abundant ginsenosides, exerts significant functions in the prevention of various types of cancers with few side effects. In the present review, its functional molecular mechanisms are explored, including the improvement of antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties, immune regulation, induction of tumor apoptosis, prevention of tumor invasion and metastasis, tumor proliferation and angiogenesis, and reduction of chemoresistance and radioresistance. On the other hand, metabolism, pharmacokinetics and clinical indications of Rg3 are also discussed. The biological functional role of ginsenoside Rg3 may be associated with that it is a steroid glycoside with diverse biological activities and many signaling pathway can be regulated. Many clinical trials are highly needed to confirm the functions of ginsenoside Rg3.

Pterostilbene inhibits gallbladder cancer progression by suppressing the PI3K/Akt pathway

Gallbladder cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the biliary system and is characterized by difficulty to diagnose in early stages, a high degree of malignancy, and poor prognosis. Finding new drugs may improve the prognosis for this dismal cancer. Herein, we investigated the potential application of pterostilbene (PTS) against gallbladder cancer in vivo and in vitro. PTS potently inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion of gallbladder cancer cells. Moreover, PTS also had a function of inducing apoptosis in vitro. Meanwhile, PTS reversed EMT with a correlated inhibition of PI3K/Akt activation. Tumor xenograft models showed that PTS inhibited tumor growth and had low toxicity in vivo, which were consistent with the in vitro data. These findings indicate that PTS arrests cell growth through inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling and is a potential drug for the therapy of gallbladder cancer.

TGF-β is associated with poor prognosis and promotes osteosarcoma progression via PI3K/Akt pathway activation

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a multifunctional cytokine with important functions in cell proliferation and differentiation. TGF-β is highly expressed in several types of cancers and promotes tumor invasion and metastasis. However, the role of TGF-β in osteosarcoma progression is poorly understood. In the present study, we found that TGF-β is highly expressed in osteosarcoma cells and tissues, and is associated with high Ennecking stage (P = 0.033), metastasis, and recurrence. TGF-β-knockdown osteosarcoma cell lines were established using siRNA (si-TGF-β). Cells transfected with si-TGF-β exhibited significantly reduced proliferation, migration/invasion, and colony formation abilities, and increased levels of cell apoptosis. In addition, si-TGF-β treatment reduced spheroid size, the ratio of CD133-positive cells, and expression of SOX-2, Nanog, and Oct-3/4 in osteosarcoma cells. Mechanistically, PI3K/mTOR phosphorylation is inhibited by TGF-β knockdown. Pretreatment with 25 µM LY294002, a PI3K-specific inhibitor, further enhanced the si-TGF-β-induced suppression of osteosarcoma progression. Taken together, these results reveal a novel role for TGF-β in osteosarcoma progression and modulation of stemness-related traits and indicate that TGF-β may be of value as a therapeutic target for the treatment of osteosarcoma.

Ginsenoside Rg3 Inhibits the Growth of Osteosarcoma and Attenuates Metastasis through the Wnt/β-Catenin and EMT Signaling Pathway

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant bone cancer. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated that ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3), which is extracted from the roots of the traditional Chinese herb Panax ginseng, plays a tumor suppression role in various malignant tumors. In the present study, we aimed at investigating the role of Rg3 in the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OS and at exploring the underlying mechanisms. Cell viability and proliferation were observed by MTT assay and crystal violet staining. The migration and invasion of cells were measured by wound-healing assay and Transwell method. Signaling pathway screening was investigated using luciferase reporter gene assay. qRT-PCR and western blot were performed to measure the expression of molecules involved in cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Results suggested that Rg3 could not only inhibit proliferation but also hamper the migration and invasion of OS. qRT-PCR and western blot demonstrated that a reduced level of MMP2/MMP7/MMP9 was induced after Rg3 treatment. In addition, the expression levels of proteins related to EMT and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway were downregulated. In summary, our data revealed that Rg3 could inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OS cells. This effect of Rg3 might be mediated by downregulating MMP2, MMP7, and MMP9 expression and suppressing EMT as well as the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Thus, Rg3 might be a potential agent for the treatment of OS.

20(S)-Ginsenoside Rg3 Promotes HeLa Cell Apoptosis by Regulating Autophagy

20(S)-Ginsenoside Rg3 (GRg3) has various bioactivities including anti-cancer effects and inhibition of autophagy. However, no reports have investigated the appearance of autophagy or the connection between autophagy and apoptosis in HeLa cells treated with 20(S)-GRg3. Cell viability was measured by CCK-8 (cell counting kit-8) assays. Apoptosis and the cell cycle were analyzed by Hoechst 33342 staining and flow cytometry. Apoptotic pathways were examined by ROS (reactive oxygen species) determination and rhodamine 123 assays. Western blot analysis was used to determine changes in protein levels. Autophagy induction was monitored by acidic vesicular organelle staining and EGFP-LC3 transfection. 20(S)-GRg3 inhibited autophagy of cells in a starved state, making it impossible for cells to maintain a steady state through autophagy, and then induced apoptosis. 20(S)-GRg3 blocked the late stage of autophagy (fusion of lysosomes and degradation of autophagic lysosomes), including a decrease in acidic vesicular organelle fluorescence, increased LC3 I–II conversion, accumulation of EGFP-LC3 fluorescence, GFP-mRFP-LC3 red-green fluorescence ratio, degradation of the substrate p62, and loss of the balance between autophagy and apoptosis, which induced apoptosis. ROS increased, the mitochondrial membrane potential decreased, apoptotic inducer AIF was released from mitochondria, and nuclear transfer occurred, triggering a series of subsequent apoptotic events. Autophagy inducer rapamycin inhibited the apoptosis induced by 20(S)-GRg3, whereas autophagy inhibitor BA1 promoted apoptosis induced by 20(S)-GRg3. Therefore, 20(S)-GRg3 promoted HeLa cell apoptosis by regulating autophagy. In the autophagic state, 20(S)-GRg3 can be used as a novel autophagy inhibitor in synergy with tumor-blocking therapies such as chemotherapy, which supports its application in the medical field.

Ginsenoside Rg3 Combined with Oxaliplatin Inhibits the Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via Downregulating PCNA and Cyclin D1

The present study aims to investigate the effects of ginsenoside Rg3 combined with oxaliplatin on the proliferation and apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and the related mechanism. In this study, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was applied to examine the proliferation rate of hepatocellular carcinoma cell SMMC-7721 with different treatment. Flow cytometry was performed to examine apoptosis rate of hepatocellular carcinoma cells with different treatment. Immunofluorescence and Western blot methods were used to evaluate the expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cyclin D1 in different groups. We found that ginsenoside Rg3, oxaliplatin or ginsenoside Rg3 + oxaliplatin significantly suppressed the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of SMMC-7721. Meanwhile, ginsenoside Rg3, oxaliplatin or ginsenoside Rg3 + oxaliplatin also significantly inhibited the expressions of PCNA and cyclin D1. Moreover, compared with ginsenoside Rg3 group and oxaliplatin group, the effect of ginsenoside Rg3 + oxaliplatin was more remarkable. Taken together, cells treated with oxaliplatin+ ginsenoside enhanced the anti-tumor effect and may inhibit the proliferation and promoted apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma via regulating the expression of PCNA and cyclin D1.

Ginsenoside Rg3 Inhibits Migration and Invasion of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells and Suppresses Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a highly invasive and metastatic head and neck cancer. Distant metastasis becomes the predominant mode of treatment failure in NPC patients. Ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3), an active pharmaceutical component extracted from traditional Chinese medicine ginseng, shows antitumor effects in various cancers. In this study, we aimed to determine whether Rg3 inhibits the migration and invasion activity of NPC cells and to explore the possible mechanisms. Our results revealed that Rg3 hampers cell migration and invasion in both HNE1 and CNE2 cell lines. A reduced level of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 was induced by Rg3 treatment. In addition, Rg3 significantly altered the expression of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers with increased E-cadherin but decreased Vimentin and N-cadherin expression. Transforming growth factor β- (TGF-β-) induced morphological transition and marker proteins change of EMT were reversed by Rg3. What is more, Rg3 suppressed the expression of EMT-related transcription factors, especially the Zinc Finger E-Box Binding Homeobox 1 (ZEB1). In summary, our data suggested that Rg3 could inhibit migration and invasion of NPC cells. This effect of Rg3 might be mediated through regulating MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions and suppressing EMT. Thus, Rg3 may be a potentially effective agent for the treatment of NPC.

Ginsenoside Rg3 protects against iE-DAP-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition by regulating the miR-139-5p-NF-κB axis

Background

Emerging evidence suggests that endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in endothelial dysfunction due to persistent inflammation is a key component and emerging concept in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. Ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3), an active compound from red ginseng, has been known to be important for vascular homeostasis. However, the effect of Rg3 on inflammation-induced EndMT has never been reported. Here, we hypothesize that Rg3 might reverse the inflammation-induced EndMT and serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for vascular diseases.

Methods

EndMT was examined under an inflammatory condition mediated by the NOD1 agonist, γ-d-glutamyl-meso-diaminopimelic acid (iE-DAP), treatment in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The expression of EndMT markers was determined by Western blot analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunocytochemistry. The underlying mechanisms of Rg3-mediated EndMT regulation were investigated by modulating the microRNA expression.

Results

The NOD1 agonist, iE-DAP, led to a fibroblast-like morphology change with a decrease in the expression of endothelial markers and an increase in the expression of the mesenchymal marker, namely EndMT. On the other hand, Rg3 markedly attenuated the iE-DAP–induced EndMT and preserved the endothelial phenotype. Mechanically, miR-139 was downregulated in cells with iE-DAP–induced EndMT and partly reversed in response to Rg3 via the regulation of NF-κB signaling, suggesting that the Rg3–miR-139-5p-NF-κB axis is a key mediator in iE-DAP-induced EndMT.

Conclusion

These results suggest, for the first time, that Rg3 can be used to inhibit inflammation-induced EndMT and may be a novel therapeutic option against EndMT-associated vascular diseases.