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Ali M, Mishra D, Singh RP. Cancer Pathways Targeted by Berberine: Role of microRNAs. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:5178-5198. [PMID: 38303534 DOI: 10.2174/0109298673275121231228124031] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a complex and heterogeneous malignant disease. Due to its multifactorial nature, including progressive changes in genetic, epigenetic, transcript, and protein levels, conventional therapeutics fail to save cancer patients. Evidence indicates that dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis, metastasis, cell proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, and signaling pathways. Moreover, miRNAs can be used as diagnostic and prognostic markers and therapeutic targets in cancer. Berberine, a naturally occurring plant alkaloid, has a wide spectrum of biological activities in different types of cancers. Inhibition of cell proliferation, metastasis, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis, as well as induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells, is reported by berberine. Recent studies suggested that berberine regulates many oncogenic and tumor suppressor miRNAs implicated in different phases of cancer. This review discussed how berberine inhibits cancer growth and propagation and regulates miRNAs in cancer cells. And how berberine-mediated miRNA regulation changes the landscape of transcripts and proteins that promote or suppress cancer progression. Overall, the underlying molecular pathways altered by berberine and miRNA influencing the tumor pathophysiology will enhance our understanding to combat the malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansoor Ali
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Deepali Mishra
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Rana Pratap Singh
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
- Special Centre for Systems Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
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Halma MTJ, Tuszynski JA, Marik PE. Cancer Metabolism as a Therapeutic Target and Review of Interventions. Nutrients 2023; 15:4245. [PMID: 37836529 PMCID: PMC10574675 DOI: 10.3390/nu15194245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is amenable to low-cost treatments, given that it has a significant metabolic component, which can be affected through diet and lifestyle change at minimal cost. The Warburg hypothesis states that cancer cells have an altered cell metabolism towards anaerobic glycolysis. Given this metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells, it is possible to target cancers metabolically by depriving them of glucose. In addition to dietary and lifestyle modifications which work on tumors metabolically, there are a panoply of nutritional supplements and repurposed drugs associated with cancer prevention and better treatment outcomes. These interventions and their evidentiary basis are covered in the latter half of this review to guide future cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T. J. Halma
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- EbMC Squared CIC, Bath BA2 4BL, UK
| | - Jack A. Tuszynski
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, 11335 Saskatchewan Dr NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2M9, Canada
- Department of Data Science and Engineering, The Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
- DIMEAS, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, I-1029 Turin, Italy
| | - Paul E. Marik
- Frontline COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance, Washington, DC 20036, USA
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Ali M, Bamezai RNK, Singh RP. Invasive Breast Cancer: miR-24-2 Targets Genes Associated with Survival and Sensitizes MDA-MB-231 Cells to Berberine. OMICS : A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2023; 27:409-420. [PMID: 37669117 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2023.0092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNA aberrations including that of miR-24-2 have been reported in various cancers. However, the target genes for miR-24-2 are yet to be identified and validated in invasive breast cancer and the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Using in silico approaches and gene expression analyses, we identified and validated the target genes of miR-24-2 in invasive breast cancer, majority of which were TNBC. We studied the translational potential of these target genes using berberine in a TNBC cell line. Differentially expressed genes targeted by miR-24-2 were identified and analyzed for their survival effects using the The Cancer Genome Atlas-Breast Invasive Carcinoma (-BRCA) samples. Furthermore, we carried out protein-protein interaction, Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, gene expression, and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses using common targets of miR-24-2 in invasive breast cancer/TNBC. We identified 11 biomarker candidate genes as crucial targets of miR-24-2. The survival of breast cancer patients was significantly associated with the low expressions of nine genes, including RACGAP1, KIAA1199, TIMM17A, LYRM7, IL1R1, SLC1A3, DTX4, L1CAM, and SAP30-like (SAP30L), and high expressions of two genes, SOD2 and HLA-DQB2. These in silico findings were validated by overexpressing miR-24-2 and assessing the expression pattern of these target genes in the TNBC MDA-MB-231 cells. miR-24-2 overexpression inhibited (by 20%; p < 0.001) cell proliferation and sensitized the anticancer effect of berberine. In all, this study reports on the novel target genes of miR-24-2 in invasive breast cancer/TNBC, and that miR-24-2 sensitizes MDA-MB-231 cells to berberine. These data lend evidence for the translational potentials of miR-24-2 for invasive breast cancer diagnostic and therapeutic innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansoor Ali
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Rameshwar N K Bamezai
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Rana P Singh
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
- Special Centre for Systems Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Breast cancer tumor microenvironment affects Treg/IL-17-producing Treg/Th17 cell axis: Molecular and therapeutic perspectives. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 28:132-157. [PMID: 36816749 PMCID: PMC9922830 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) comprises a variety of immune cells, among which T cells exert a prominent axial role in tumor development or anti-tumor responses in patients with breast cancer (BC). High or low levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as transforming growth factor β, in the absence or presence of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), delineate the fate of T cells toward either regulatory T (Treg) or T helper 17 (Th17) cells, respectively. The transitional state of RORγt+Foxp3+ Treg (IL-17-producing Treg) resides in the middle of this reciprocal polarization, which is known as Treg/IL-17-producing Treg/Th17 cell axis. TME secretome, including microRNAs, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles, can significantly affect this axis. Furthermore, immune checkpoint inhibitors may be used to reconstruct immune cells; however, some of these novel therapies may favor tumor development. Therefore, understanding secretory and cell-associated factors involved in their differentiation or polarization and functions may be targeted for BC management. This review discusses microRNAs, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles (as secretome), as well as transcription factors and immune checkpoints (as cell-associated factors), which influence the Treg/IL-17-producing Treg/Th17 cell axis in BC. Furthermore, approved or ongoing clinical trials related to the modulation of this axis in the TME of BC are described to broaden new horizons of promising therapeutic approaches.
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Gao Z, Tan C, Sha R. Berberine Promotes A549 Cell Apoptosis and Autophagy via miR-144. Nat Prod Commun 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x221124752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To explore the effects of berberine on A549 lung cancer cells and corresponding changes in miR-144 expression, and the apoptosis and autophagy pathways. Methods: Cell proliferation was detected by cell counting Kit-8. The expression of miR-144 by quantitative PCR, caspase-3, caspase-3 cleaved, Bcl-2, Bax, beclin-1, LC3I, and LC3II were assessed using Western blot. Results: A549 proliferation was reduced with increasing berberine concentration. Berberine appeared to suppress A549 proliferation through apoptosis and autophagy, and, additionally, enhanced miR-144 expression. Berberine promoted A549 cell apoptosis by inhibiting caspase-3 cleavage and Bcl-2 expression and promoting Bax expression. Berberine also promoted A549 autophagy by raising the expression of beclin-1, LC3I, and LC3II. Conclusions: Berberine promotes A549 apoptosis and autophagy via miR-144.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyan Gao
- Department of Oncology, Chifeng Hospital, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chang Tan
- Department of Oncology, Chifeng Hospital, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rula Sha
- Department of Oncology, Inner Mongolia Peoples’ Hospital, Inner Mongolia, Hohhot, People’s Republic of China
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Pan N, Gao K, Zhang B, Fan X, Lu L, Wang X. Inhibitory effects of zinc chloride (ZnCl 2), n-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), and calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II inhibitor (KN93) on Cd 2+-induced abnormal cell morphology and membrane permeability. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 833:155208. [PMID: 35417724 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155208] [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: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) could reduce abnormal cell morphology and membrane permeability, however, there are few studies on the detoxification of Cd-reduced cell membrane toxicity. In the present study, we firstly studied the effects of zinc chloride (ZnCl2), n-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), and calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II inhibitor (KN93) on cell membrane permeability, respectively; then, we studied the inhibitory effects of ZnCl2, NAC, and KN93 on Cd2+-induced abnormal cell membrane permeability by scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) scanning imaging, transverse scanning curve and DPV technology. Our results showed that 10 μmol·L-1 ZnCl2, 0.5 mmol·L-1 NAC and 5 μmol·L-1 KN93 could significantly improve the activity of MCF-7 cells, while did not destroy the cell morphology and membrane permeability. 0.5 mmol·L-1 NAC and 5 μmol·L-1 KN93 could significantly inhibit the effects of Cd2+ on the morphology and membrane permeability of MCF-7 cells (p < 0.01). 10 μmol·L-1 ZnCl2 could significantly inhibit the effect of Cd on the membrane permeability of MCF-7 cells, however, it cannot completely eliminate the morphological changes of MCF-7 cells caused by Cd2+. The results of cell activity experiment showed that 10 μmol·L-1 ZnCl2, 0.5 mmol·L-1 NAC and 5 μmol·L-1 KN93 could inhibit the effect of Cd2+ on the activity of MCF-7 cells. By comparing the inhibitory effects of ZnCl2, NAC and KN93 on Cd2+- induced cytotoxicity, 5 μmol·L-1 KN93 had the robust effect on the maintenance of MCF-7 cell morphology and cell membrane integrity. Our research provided evidence on Zn supplement, NAC as antioxidant drugs, and KN93 as special inhibitor for the detoxification of Cd2+-reduced abnormal cell morphology and membrane permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Pan
- Key Laboratory of Beijing on Regional Air Pollution Control, Department of Environmental Science, Beijing University of Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life Sciences, Beijing 100124, PR China
| | - Ke Gao
- Key Laboratory of Beijing on Regional Air Pollution Control, Department of Environmental Science, Beijing University of Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life Sciences, Beijing 100124, PR China.
| | - Biao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Beijing on Regional Air Pollution Control, Department of Environmental Science, Beijing University of Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life Sciences, Beijing 100124, PR China
| | - Xiaoyin Fan
- Key Laboratory of Beijing on Regional Air Pollution Control, Department of Environmental Science, Beijing University of Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life Sciences, Beijing 100124, PR China
| | - Liping Lu
- Key Laboratory of Beijing on Regional Air Pollution Control, Department of Environmental Science, Beijing University of Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life Sciences, Beijing 100124, PR China; Center of Excellence for Environmental Safety and Biological Effects, Department of Chemistry and Biology, Faculty of Environment and Life Sciences, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, PR China
| | - Xiayan Wang
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Safety and Biological Effects, Department of Chemistry and Biology, Faculty of Environment and Life Sciences, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, PR China
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Xiong RG, Huang SY, Wu SX, Zhou DD, Yang ZJ, Saimaiti A, Zhao CN, Shang A, Zhang YJ, Gan RY, Li HB. Anticancer Effects and Mechanisms of Berberine from Medicinal Herbs: An Update Review. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27144523. [PMID: 35889396 PMCID: PMC9316001 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cancer has been a serious public health problem. Berberine is a famous natural compound from medicinal herbs and shows many bioactivities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, and antimicrobial activities. In addition, berberine shows anticancer effects on a variety of cancers, such as breast, lung, gastric, liver, colorectal, ovarian, cervical, and prostate cancers. The underlying mechanisms of action include inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, suppressing metastasis, inducing apoptosis, activating autophagy, regulating gut microbiota, and improving the effects of anticancer drugs. This paper summarizes effectiveness and mechanisms of berberine on different cancers and highlights the mechanisms of action. In addition, the nanotechnologies to improve bioavailability of berberine are included. Moreover, the side effects of berberine are also discussed. This paper is helpful for the prevention and treatment of cancers using berberine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruo-Gu Xiong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (R.-G.X.); (S.-Y.H.); (S.-X.W.); (D.-D.Z.); (Z.-J.Y.); (A.S.)
| | - Si-Yu Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (R.-G.X.); (S.-Y.H.); (S.-X.W.); (D.-D.Z.); (Z.-J.Y.); (A.S.)
| | - Si-Xia Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (R.-G.X.); (S.-Y.H.); (S.-X.W.); (D.-D.Z.); (Z.-J.Y.); (A.S.)
| | - Dan-Dan Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (R.-G.X.); (S.-Y.H.); (S.-X.W.); (D.-D.Z.); (Z.-J.Y.); (A.S.)
| | - Zhi-Jun Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (R.-G.X.); (S.-Y.H.); (S.-X.W.); (D.-D.Z.); (Z.-J.Y.); (A.S.)
| | - Adila Saimaiti
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (R.-G.X.); (S.-Y.H.); (S.-X.W.); (D.-D.Z.); (Z.-J.Y.); (A.S.)
| | - Cai-Ning Zhao
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Ao Shang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Yun-Jian Zhang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China;
| | - Ren-You Gan
- Research Center for Plants and Human Health, Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Agricultural Science & Technology Center, Chengdu 610213, China;
| | - Hua-Bin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (R.-G.X.); (S.-Y.H.); (S.-X.W.); (D.-D.Z.); (Z.-J.Y.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-20-8733-2391
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Targeting Cancer Stem Cells by Dietary Agents: An Important Therapeutic Strategy against Human Malignancies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111669. [PMID: 34769099 PMCID: PMC8584029 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As a multifactorial disease, treatment of cancer depends on understanding unique mechanisms involved in its progression. The cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for tumor stemness and by enhancing colony formation, proliferation as well as metastasis, and these cells can also mediate resistance to therapy. Furthermore, the presence of CSCs leads to cancer recurrence and therefore their complete eradication can have immense therapeutic benefits. The present review focuses on targeting CSCs by natural products in cancer therapy. The growth and colony formation capacities of CSCs have been reported can be attenuated by the dietary agents. These compounds can induce apoptosis in CSCs and reduce tumor migration and invasion via EMT inhibition. A variety of molecular pathways including STAT3, Wnt/β-catenin, Sonic Hedgehog, Gli1 and NF-κB undergo down-regulation by dietary agents in suppressing CSC features. Upon exposure to natural agents, a significant decrease occurs in levels of CSC markers including CD44, CD133, ALDH1, Oct4 and Nanog to impair cancer stemness. Furthermore, CSC suppression by dietary agents can enhance sensitivity of tumors to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In addition to in vitro studies, as well as experiments on the different preclinical models have shown capacity of natural products in suppressing cancer stemness. Furthermore, use of nanostructures for improving therapeutic impact of dietary agents is recommended to rapidly translate preclinical findings for clinical use.
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Jagetia GC. Anticancer Potential of Natural Isoquinoline Alkaloid Berberine. JOURNAL OF EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 000:000-000. [DOI: 10.14218/jerp.2021.00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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