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Sur S, Bhartiya P, Steele R, Brennan M, DiPaolo RJ, Ray RB. Momordicine-I Suppresses Head and Neck Cancer Growth by Reprogrammimg Immunosuppressive Effect of the Tumor-Infiltrating Macrophages and B Lymphocytes. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:672-682. [PMID: 38315993 PMCID: PMC11065610 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is prevalent worldwide, and treatment options are limited. Momordicine-I (M-I), a natural component from bitter melon, shows antitumor activity against these cancers, but its mechanism of action, especially in the tumor microenvironment (TME), remains unclear. In this study, we establish that M-I reduces HNC tumor growth in two different immunocompetent mouse models using MOC2 and SCC VII cells. We demonstrate that the anticancer activity results from modulating several molecules in the monocyte/macrophage clusters in CD45+ populations in MOC2 tumors by single-cell RNA sequencing. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) often pose a barrier to antitumor effects, but following M-I treatment, we observe a significant reduction in the expression of Sfln4, a myeloid cell differentiation factor, and Cxcl3, a neutrophil chemoattractant, in the monocyte/macrophage populations. We further find that the macrophages must be in close contact with the tumor cells to inhibit Sfln4 and Cxcl3, suggesting that these TAMs are impacted by M-I treatment. Coculturing macrophages with tumor cells shows inhibition of Agr1 expression following M-I treatment, which is indicative of switching from M2 to M1 phenotype. Furthermore, the total B-cell population in M-I-treated tumors is significantly lower, whereas spleen cells also show similar results when cocultured with MOC2 cells. M-I treatment also inhibits PD1, PD-L1, and FoxP3 expression in tumors. Collectively, these results uncover the potential mechanism of M-I by modulating immune cells, and this new insight can help to develop M-I as a promising candidate to treat HNCs, either alone or as adjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhayan Sur
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Pradeep Bhartiya
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Robert Steele
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Michelle Brennan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Richard J. DiPaolo
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Ratna B. Ray
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
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2
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Sakellakis M. Orphan receptors in prostate cancer. Prostate 2022; 82:1016-1024. [PMID: 35538397 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The identification of new cellular receptors has been increasing rapidly. A receptor is called "orphan" if an endogenous ligand has not been identified yet. METHODS Here we review receptors that contribute to prostate cancer and are considered orphan or partially orphan. This means that the full spectrum of their endogenous ligands remains unknown. RESULTS The orphan receptors are divided into two major families. The first group includes G protein-coupled receptors. Most are orphan olfactory receptors. OR51E1 inhibits cell proliferation and induces senescence in prostate cancer. OR51E2 inhibits prostate cancer growth, but promotes invasiveness and metastasis. GPR158, GPR110, and GPCR-X play significant roles in prostate cancer development and progression. However, GPR160 induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The other major subset of orphan receptors are nuclear receptors. Receptor-related orphan receptor α (RORα) inhibits tumor growth, but RORγ stimulates androgen receptor signaling. PXR contributes to metabolic deactivation of androgens and inhibits cell proliferation. TLX has protumorigenic effects in prostate cancer, while its knockdown triggers cellular senescence and growth arrest. Estrogen-related receptor ERRγ can inhibit tumor growth but ERRα is protumorigenic. Dax1 and short heterodimeric partner are also inhibitory in prostate cancer. CONCLUSION There is a "zoo" of relatively underappreciated orphan receptors that play key roles in prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minas Sakellakis
- Fourth Oncology Department and Comprehensive Clinical Trials Center, Metropolitan Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Erdogan K, Eroglu O. The Extract of Momordica charantia Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Migration in U87G Cells. BIOL BULL+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359022130040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Zehentner S, Reiner AT, Grimm C, Somoza V. The Role of Bitter Taste Receptors in Cancer: A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5891. [PMID: 34885005 PMCID: PMC8656863 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since it is known that bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) are expressed and functionally active in various extra-oral cells, their genetic variability and functional response initiated by their activation have become of broader interest, including in the context of cancer. METHODS A systematic research was performed in PubMed and Google Scholar to identify relevant publications concerning the role of TAS2Rs in cancer. RESULTS While the findings on variations of TAS2R genotypes and phenotypes and their association to the risk of developing cancer are still inconclusive, gene expression analyses revealed that TAS2Rs are expressed and some of them are predominately downregulated in cancerous compared to non-cancerous cell lines and tissue samples. Additionally, receptor-specific, agonist-mediated activation induced various anti-cancer effects, such as decreased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as increased apoptosis. Furthermore, the overexpression of TAS2Rs resulted in a decreased tumour incidence in an in vivo study and TAS2R activation could even enhance the therapeutic effect of chemotherapeutics in vitro. Finally, higher expression levels of TAS2Rs in primary cancerous cells and tissues were associated with an improved prognosis in humans. CONCLUSION Since current evidence demonstrates a functional role of TAS2Rs in carcinogenesis, further studies should exploit their potential as (co-)targets of chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Zehentner
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.Z.); (A.T.R.)
| | - Agnes T. Reiner
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.Z.); (A.T.R.)
| | - Christoph Grimm
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Gynecologic Cancer Unit, Department of General Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Veronika Somoza
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.Z.); (A.T.R.)
- Leibniz Institute of Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
- Chair of Nutritional Systems Biology, School of Life Science, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
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Yang M, Luo Q, Chen X, Chen F. Bitter melon derived extracellular vesicles enhance the therapeutic effects and reduce the drug resistance of 5-fluorouracil on oral squamous cell carcinoma. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:259. [PMID: 34454534 PMCID: PMC8400897 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-00995-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) have been exploited for cancer treatment with several benefits. Bitter melon is cultivated as a vegetable and folk medicine with anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is widely used for cancer treatment. However, 5-FU-mediated NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammation activation induced the resistance of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells to 5-FU. In this study, we explored the potential of bitter melon-derived extracellular vesicles (BMEVs) for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy and reduce the resistance of OSCC to 5-FU. Results Herein, we demonstrate that bitter melon derived extracellular vesicles (BMEVs), in addition to their antitumor activity against OSCC have intrinsic anti-inflammatory functions. BMEVs induced S phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Apoptosis induction was dependent on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and JUN protein upregulation, since pretreatment with N-acetyl cysteine or catechin hydrate could prevent apoptosis and JUN accumulation, respectively. Surprisingly, BMEVs significantly downregulated NLRP3 expression, although ROS plays a central role in NLRP3 activation. We further assessed the underlying molecular mechanism and proposed that the RNAs of BMEVs, at least in part, mediate anti-inflammatory bioactivity. In our previous studies, NLRP3 activation contributed to the resistance of OSCC cells to 5-FU. Our data clearly indicate that BMEVs could exert a remarkable synergistic therapeutic effect of 5-FU against OSCC both in vitro and in vivo. Most notably, NLRP3 downregulation reduced the resistance of OSCC to 5-FU. Conclusions Together, our findings demonstrate a novel approach to enhance the therapeutic efficacy and reduce the drug resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents, which provides proof-of-concept evidence for the future development of PDEVs-enhanced therapy. Graphic Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-021-00995-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Yang
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingqiong Luo
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Chen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuxiang Chen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China. .,Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China.
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Cao QG, Guo Q, Bai J, Dong Y, Zhang XH, Hong WL. The apoptosis mechanisms of HepG2 cells induced by bitter melon seed. J Food Biochem 2021; 45:e13683. [PMID: 33844303 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.13683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the world. Bitter melon seed (BMS) is well known for anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. MicroRNA-421 (miR-421) is considered as a regulator of cancer initiation, tumor metastasis, and progression, interfering with transcription of the mRNAs responsible for the cancer pathogenesis. HepG2 cells were treated with BMS water extract (BMSW) for 24 hr, and the IC50 was 586.27 ± 0.07 µg/ml. The ROS, mitochondrial membrane potential, the protein expression, and the nuclear fragmentation after the treatment of BMSW were respectively detected. The increase of ROS resulted in the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential, which induced the apoptosis of cells subsequently. BMSW inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells by blocking cell cycle in the S phase and influenced the nuclei and the expression of protein, leading to cellular laxity and apoptosis. The expression level of miR-421 in HepG2 was distinctly down-regulated by 13.74 fold with 600 µg/ml of BMSW. Comprehensive microarray and RT-PCR analysis identified six putative target genes of miR-421 (GADD45B, DUSP6, DUSP3, DUSP10, CASP3, and CAPN2). The relationships of DUSP6, CASP3, and miR-421 were further confirmed by miR-421 mimics/inhibitor transfection by RT-PCR and western blot. The CASP3 was identified as target gene of miR-421. BMSW induced the apoptosis of HepG2 cell by regulating miR-421 and CASP3. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumour with the fourth highest mortality rate in the world. Bitter melon seed (BMS) as edible and medical food has significant anticancer activity. Our study indicated the anticancer mechanisms of BMS and provided the scientific basis for the application of BMS in healthy or novel functional foods. BMS can be used as dietary supplements or nutritional fortifiers to improve the survival status of patients with liver cancer due to safety and effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Guo Cao
- Department of College of Tea and Food Science and Technology, Jiangsu Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Qin Guo
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jie Bai
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Ying Dong
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Zhang
- Department of College of Tea and Food Science and Technology, Jiangsu Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Wen-Long Hong
- Department of College of Tea and Food Science and Technology, Jiangsu Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry, Zhenjiang, China
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Sur S, Ray RB. Diverse roles of bitter melon ( Momordica charantia) in prevention of oral cancer. JOURNAL OF CANCER METASTASIS AND TREATMENT 2021; 7:12. [PMID: 34765739 PMCID: PMC8580380 DOI: 10.20517/2394-4722.2020.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the common lethal malignancies which is increasing rapidly in the world. Increasing risks from alcohol and tobacco habits, lack of early detection markers, lack of effective chemotherapeutic agents, recurrence and distant metastasis make the disease more complicated to manage. Laboratory-based studies and epidemiological studies indicate important roles of nutraceuticals to manage different cancers. The plant bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is a good source of nutrients and bio-active phytochemicals such as triterpenoids, triterpene glycosides, phenolic acids, flavonoids, lectins, sterols and proteins. The plant is widely grown in Asia, Africa, and South America. Bitter melon has traditionally been used as a folk medicine and Ayurvedic medicine in Asian culture to treat diseases such as diabetes, since ancient times. The crude extract and some of the isolated pure compounds of bitter melon show potential anticancer effects against different cancers. In this review, we shed light on its effect on OSCC. Bitter melon extract has been found to inhibit cell proliferation and metabolism, induce cell death and enhance the immune defense system in the prevention of OSCC in vitro and in vivo. Thus, bitter melon may be used as an attractive chemopreventive agent in progression towards OSCC clinical study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhayan Sur
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Ratna B. Ray
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
- Cancer Center, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
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Sur S, Ray RB. Bitter Melon ( Momordica Charantia), a Nutraceutical Approach for Cancer Prevention and Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2064. [PMID: 32726914 PMCID: PMC7464160 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Many dietary plant products show promising anticancer effects. Bitter melon or bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) is a nutrient-rich medicinal plant cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of many countries. Traditionally, bitter melon is used as a folk medicine and contains many bioactive components including triterpenoids, triterpene glycoside, phenolic acids, flavonoids, lectins, sterols and proteins that show potential anticancer activity without significant side effects. The preventive and therapeutic effects of crude extract or isolated components are studied in cell line-based models and animal models of multiple types of cancer. In the present review, we summarize recent progress in testing the cancer preventive and therapeutic activity of bitter melon with a focus on underlying molecular mechanisms. The crude extract and its components prevent many types of cancers by enhancing reactive oxygen species generation; inhibiting cancer cell cycle, cell signaling, cancer stem cells, glucose and lipid metabolism, invasion, metastasis, hypoxia, and angiogenesis; inducing apoptosis and autophagy cell death, and enhancing the immune defense. Thus, bitter melon may serve as a promising cancer preventive and therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhayan Sur
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA;
| | - Ratna B. Ray
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA;
- Cancer Center, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
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Salvestrini V, Ciciarello M, Pensato V, Simonetti G, Laginestra MA, Bruno S, Pazzaglia M, De Marchi E, Forte D, Orecchioni S, Martinelli G, Bertolini F, Méndez-Ferrer S, Adinolfi E, Di Virgilio F, Cavo M, Curti A. Denatonium as a Bitter Taste Receptor Agonist Modifies Transcriptomic Profile and Functions of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1225. [PMID: 32793492 PMCID: PMC7393209 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The contribution of cell-extrinsic factors in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) generation and persistence has gained interest. Bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) are G protein-coupled receptors known for their primary role as a central warning signal to induce aversion toward noxious or harmful substances. Nevertheless, the increasing amount of evidence about their extra-oral localization has suggested a wider function in sensing microenvironment, also in cancer settings. In this study, we found that AML cells express functional TAS2Rs. We also highlighted a significant association between the modulation of some TAS2Rs and the poor-prognosis AML groups, i.e., TP53- and TET2-mutated, supporting a potential role of TAS2Rs in AML cell biology. Gene expression profile analysis showed that TAS2R activation with the prototypical agonist, denatonium benzoate, significantly modulated a number of genes involved in relevant AML cellular processes. Functional assay substantiated molecular data and indicated that denatonium reduced AML cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase or induced apoptosis via caspase cascade activation. Moreover, denatonium exposure impaired AML cell motility and migratory capacity, and inhibited cellular respiration by decreasing glucose uptake and oxidative phosphorylation. In conclusion, our results in AML cells expand the observation of cancer TAS2R expression to the setting of hematological neoplasms and shed light on a role of TAS2Rs in the extrinsic regulation of leukemia cell functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Salvestrini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marilena Ciciarello
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Pensato
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgia Simonetti
- Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Maria Antonella Laginestra
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Samantha Bruno
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Martina Pazzaglia
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena De Marchi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Dorian Forte
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefania Orecchioni
- Laboratory of Hematology-Oncology, IRCCS European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Martinelli
- Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Francesco Bertolini
- Laboratory of Hematology-Oncology, IRCCS European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Simon Méndez-Ferrer
- Laboratory of Hematology-Oncology, IRCCS European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
- Department of Haematology, Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Adinolfi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Virgilio
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michele Cavo
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonio Curti
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Institute of Hematology “L. and A. Seràgnoli”, University-Hospital S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
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Forouzanfar F, Mousavi SH. Targeting Autophagic Pathways by Plant Natural Compounds in Cancer Treatment. Curr Drug Targets 2020; 21:1237-1249. [PMID: 32364070 DOI: 10.2174/1389450121666200504072635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays, natural compounds of plant origin with anticancer effects have gained more attention because of their clinical safety and broad efficacy profiles. Autophagy is a multistep lysosomal degradation pathway that may have a unique potential for clinical benefit in the setting of cancer treatment. To retrieve articles related to the study, the databases of Google Scholar, Web of sciences, Medline and Scopus, using the following keywords: Autophagic pathways; herbal medicine, oncogenic autophagic pathways, tumor-suppressive autophagic pathways, and cancer were searched. Although natural plant compounds such as resveratrol, curcumin, oridonin, gossypol, and paclitaxel have proven anticancer potential via autophagic signaling pathways, there is still a great need to find new natural compounds and investigate the underlying mechanisms, to facilitate their clinical use as potential anticancer agents through autophagic induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Forouzanfar
- Neuroscience Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Hadi Mousavi
- Medical Toxicology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Anticancer Activities of Bitter Gourd Fruit Extracts at Three Different Cultivation Stages. J CHEM-NY 2020. [DOI: 10.1155/2020/7394751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we are presenting the effect of three ripening stages of air-dried bitter gourd fruit extracts on phenolic acid composition, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities. The results showed mature bitter gourd fruit extract in 100% methanol showing 78% DPPHº scavenging activity. Immature dried fruit extract in 80% and 100% methanol showed promising antibacterial activities, i.e., >18.5 ± 0.21 mm zone-of-inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus, while mature dried fruit extract in 80% methanol showed 18.4 ± 0.17 mm zone-of-inhibition against Escherichia coli. Anticancer activity results of 100% methanol extracts of ripened fruit possess showed 6.72 ± 1.81 and 3.55 ± 0.51 mg/mL IC50 values with HeLa and MDBK cancer cell lines, respectively. The overall results indicate that the immature and ripen fruits of BG could be extracted in pure methanol as an antibacterial and anticancer phytomedicine.
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Sur S, Nakanishi H, Flaveny C, Ippolito JE, McHowat J, Ford DA, Ray RB. Inhibition of the key metabolic pathways, glycolysis and lipogenesis, of oral cancer by bitter melon extract. Cell Commun Signal 2019; 17:131. [PMID: 31638999 PMCID: PMC6802351 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-019-0447-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic reprogramming is one of the hallmarks of cancer which favours rapid energy production, biosynthetic capabilities and therapy resistance. In our previous study, we showed bitter melon extract (BME) prevents carcinogen induced mouse oral cancer. RNA sequence analysis from mouse tongue revealed a significant modulation in "Metabolic Process" by altering glycolysis and lipid metabolic pathways in BME fed group as compared to cancer group. In present study, we evaluated the effect of BME on glycolysis and lipid metabolism pathways in human oral cancer cells. METHODS Cal27 and JHU022 cells were treated with BME. RNA and protein expression were analysed for modulation of glycolytic and lipogenesis genes by quantitative real-time PCR, western blot analyses and immunofluorescence. Lactate and pyruvate level was determined by GC/MS. Extracellular acidification and glycolytic rate were measured using the Seahorse XF analyser. Shotgun lipidomics in Cal27 and JHU022 cell lines following BME treatment was performed by ESI/ MS. ROS was measured by FACS. RESULTS Treatment with BME on oral cancer cell lines significantly reduced mRNA and protein expression levels of key glycolytic genes SLC2A1 (GLUT-1), PFKP, LDHA, PKM and PDK3. Pyruvate and lactate levels and glycolysis rate were reduced in oral cancer cells following BME treatment. In lipogenesis pathway, we observed a significant reduction of genes involves in fatty acid biogenesis, ACLY, ACC1 and FASN, at the mRNA and protein levels following BME treatment. Further, BME treatment significantly reduced phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and plasmenylethanolamine, and reduced iPLA2 activity. Additionally, BME treatment inhibited lipid raft marker flotillin expression and altered its subcellular localization. ER-stress associated CHOP expression and generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species were induced by BME, which facilitated apoptosis. CONCLUSION Our study revealed that bitter melon extract inhibits glycolysis and lipid metabolism and induces ER and oxidative stress-mediated cell death in oral cancer. Thus, BME-mediated metabolic reprogramming of oral cancer cells will have important preventive and therapeutic implications along with conventional therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhayan Sur
- 0000 0004 1936 9342grid.262962.bDepartment of Pathology, Saint Louis University, 1100 South Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63104 USA
| | - Hiroshi Nakanishi
- 0000 0004 1936 9342grid.262962.bDepartment of Pathology, Saint Louis University, 1100 South Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63104 USA
| | - Colin Flaveny
- 0000 0004 1936 9342grid.262962.bDepartment of Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Joseph E. Ippolito
- 0000 0001 2355 7002grid.4367.6Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO USA
| | - Jane McHowat
- 0000 0004 1936 9342grid.262962.bDepartment of Pathology, Saint Louis University, 1100 South Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63104 USA
| | - David A. Ford
- 0000 0004 1936 9342grid.262962.bBiochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO USA
| | - Ratna B. Ray
- 0000 0004 1936 9342grid.262962.bDepartment of Pathology, Saint Louis University, 1100 South Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63104 USA
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Qamar H, Rehman S, Chauhan D. Current Status and Future Perspective for Research on Medicinal Plants with Anticancerous Activity and Minimum Cytotoxic Value. Curr Drug Targets 2019; 20:1227-1243. [DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666190429120314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although chemotherapy
and radiotherapy enhance the survival rate of cancerous patients but they have several acute
toxic effects. Therefore, there is a need to search for new anticancer agents having better efficacy and
lesser side effects. In this regard, herbal treatment is found to be a safe method for treating and preventing
cancer. Here, an attempt has been made to screen some less explored medicinal plants like
Ammania baccifera, Asclepias curassavica, Azadarichta indica, Butea monosperma, Croton tiglium,
Hedera nepalensis, Jatropha curcas, Momordica charantia, Moringa oleifera, Psidium guajava, etc.
having potent anticancer activity with minimum cytotoxic value (IC50 >3μM) and lesser or negligible
toxicity. They are rich in active phytochemicals with a wide range of drug targets. In this study, these
medicinal plants were evaluated for dose-dependent cytotoxicological studies via in vitro MTT assay
and in vivo tumor models along with some more plants which are reported to have IC50 value in the
range of 0.019-0.528 mg/ml. The findings indicate that these plants inhibit tumor growth by their antiproliferative,
pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic molecular targets. They are widely
used because of their easy availability, affordable price and having no or sometimes minimal side effects.
This review provides a baseline for the discovery of anticancer drugs from medicinal plants having
minimum cytotoxic value with minimal side effects and establishment of their analogues for the
welfare of mankind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hina Qamar
- Department of Zoology, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, India
| | - Sumbul Rehman
- Department of Ilmul Advia (Unani Pharmacology), A.K. Tibbiya College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - D.K. Chauhan
- Department of Zoology, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, India
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Khan MF, Abutaha N, Nasr FA, Alqahtani AS, Noman OM, Wadaan MAM. Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) possess developmental toxicity as revealed by screening the seeds and fruit extracts in zebrafish embryos. Altern Ther Health Med 2019; 19:184. [PMID: 31340810 PMCID: PMC6657154 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2599-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) has attracted the focus of researchers owing to its excellent anti-diabetic action. The beneficial effect of Momordica charantia on heart has been reported by in vitro and in vivo studies. However the developmental toxicity or potential risk of M. charantia on fetus heart development is largely unknown. Hence this study was designed to find out the developmental toxicity of M. charantia using zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. Methods The crude extracts were prepared from fruit and seeds of M. charantia. The Zebrafish embryos were exposed to serial dilution of each of the crude extract. The biologically active fractions were fractionated by C18 column using high pressure liquid chromatography. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrophotometry was done to identify chemical constituents in fruit and seed extract of M. charantia. Results The seed extract of M. charantia was lethal with LD50 values of 50 μg/ml to zebrafish embryos and multiple anomalies were observed in zebrafish embryos at sub-lethal concentration. However, the fruit extract was much safe and exposing the zebrafish embryos even to 200 μg/ml did not result any lethality. The fruit extract induced severe cardiac hypertrophy in treated embryos. The time window treatment showed that M. charantia perturbed the cardiac myoblast specification process in treated zebrafish embryos. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses revealed diverse chemical group in the active fruit fraction and five new type of compounds were identified in the crude seeds extract of M. charantia by gas chromatography and mass spectrophotometry. Conclusion The teratogenicity of seeds extract and cardiac toxicity by the fruit extract of M. charantia warned that the supplementation made from the fruit and seeds of M. charantia should be used with much care in pregnant diabetic patients to avoid possible damage to developing fetus. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12906-019-2599-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Ae Yoon N, Park J, Yeon Jeong J, Rashidova N, Ryu J, Seob Roh G, Joon Kim H, Jae Cho G, Sung Choi W, Hoon Lee D, Soo Kang S. Anti-obesity Activity of Ethanol Extract from Bitter Melon in Mice Fed High-Fat Diet. Dev Reprod 2019; 23:129-138. [PMID: 31321353 PMCID: PMC6635615 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2019.23.2.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In many cases, obesity is associated with metabolic disorders. Recently, natural compounds that may be beneficial for improving obesity have received increasing attention. Bitter melon has received attention as a diabetes treatment. NAD+-dependent deacetylase (Sirtuin 1, SIRT1) has emerged as a novel therapeutic target for metabolic diseases. In this study, ethanol extract of bitter melon (BME) suppressed adipocyte differentiation and significantly increased the expression of SIRT1 in fully differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. Moreover, it enhanced the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). In high-fat diet (HFD)-fed induced-obesity mice, BME suppressed HFD-induced increases in body weight and white adipose tissue (WAT) weight. BME also increased the expression of SIRT1 and suppressed peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 expressions of WAT from HFD-fed mice. These findings suggest that BME prevents obesity by activating the SIRT1 and AMPK pathway and that it may be a useful dietary supplement for preventing obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nal Ae Yoon
- Dept. of Anatomy & Convergence Medical Science, In-stitute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeong-sang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea
| | - Juyeong Park
- Dept. of Anatomy & Convergence Medical Science, In-stitute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeong-sang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea
| | - Joo Yeon Jeong
- Dept. of Anatomy & Convergence Medical Science, In-stitute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeong-sang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea
| | - Nilufar Rashidova
- Tashkent Medical Academy, Farabi Street 2, Tashkent 700109, Uzbekistan
| | - Jinhyun Ryu
- Dept. of Anatomy & Convergence Medical Science, In-stitute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeong-sang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea
| | - Gu Seob Roh
- Dept. of Anatomy & Convergence Medical Science, In-stitute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeong-sang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea
| | - Hyun Joon Kim
- Dept. of Anatomy & Convergence Medical Science, In-stitute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeong-sang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea
| | - Gyeong Jae Cho
- Dept. of Anatomy & Convergence Medical Science, In-stitute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeong-sang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea
| | - Wan Sung Choi
- Dept. of Anatomy & Convergence Medical Science, In-stitute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeong-sang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea
| | - Dong Hoon Lee
- Dept. of Anatomy & Convergence Medical Science, In-stitute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeong-sang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea
| | - Sang Soo Kang
- Dept. of Anatomy & Convergence Medical Science, In-stitute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeong-sang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea
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16
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Bortolotti M, Mercatelli D, Polito L. Momordica charantia, a Nutraceutical Approach for Inflammatory Related Diseases. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:486. [PMID: 31139079 PMCID: PMC6517695 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Momordica charantia, commonly called bitter melon, is a plant belonging to Cucurbitaceae family known for centuries for its pharmacological activities, and nutritional properties. Due to the presence of many bioactive compounds, some of which possess potent biological actions, this plant is used in folk medicine all over the world for the treatment of different pathologies, mainly diabetes, but also cancer, and other inflammation-associated diseases. It is widely demonstrated that M. charantia extracts contribute in lowering glycaemia in patients affected by type 2 diabetes. However, the majority of existing studies on M. charantia bioactive compounds were performed only on cell lines and in animal models. Therefore, because the real impact of bitter melon on human health has not been thoroughly demonstrated, systematic clinical studies are needed to establish its efficacy and safety in patients. Besides, both in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that bitter melon may also elicit toxic or adverse effects under different conditions. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of anti-inflammatory and anti-neoplastic properties of bitter melon, discussing its pharmacological activity as well as the potential adverse effects. Even if a lot of literature is available about bitter melon as antidiabetic drug, few papers discuss the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties of this plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Bortolotti
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine-DIMES, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniele Mercatelli
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine-DIMES, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Letizia Polito
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine-DIMES, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Sur S, Nakanishi H, Steele R, Ray RB. Depletion of PCAT-1 in head and neck cancer cells inhibits tumor growth and induces apoptosis by modulating c-Myc-AKT1-p38 MAPK signalling pathways. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:354. [PMID: 30987615 PMCID: PMC6466688 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5562-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents one of the most common malignancies worldwide with a high mortality rate mainly due to lack of early detection markers, frequent association with metastasis and aggressive phenotype. Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to have important regulatory roles in human cancers. The lncRNA prostate cancer-associated transcript 1 (PCAT-1) showed potential oncogenic roles in different cancers, however its role in HNSCC is not known. In this study, we evaluated the role of the PCAT-1 in HNSCC. METHODS The expression of PCAT-1 was measured by quantitative real-time PCR in 23 paired human HNSCC tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissue specimens. Cell proliferation after depleting PCAT-1 was determined. Effect of PCAT-1 depletion in HNSCC cell lines was determined by qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses. Finally, JHU029 HNSCC cells was implanted subcutaneously into athymic nude mice and therapeutic potential of PCAT-1 was investigated. RESULTS Up-regulation of PCAT-1 in TCGA dataset of HNSCC was noted. We also observed increased expression of PCAT-1 in archived HNSCC patient samples as compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues. Knockdown of PCAT-1 significantly reduced cell proliferation in HNSCC cell lines. Mechanistic study revealed significant down regulation of c-Myc and AKT1 gene in both RNA and protein levels upon knockdown of PCAT-1. We observed that c-Myc and AKT1 positively correlate with PCAT-1 expression in HNSCC. Further, we observed activation of p38 MAPK and apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 upon knockdown of PCAT-1 which induces Caspase 9 and PARP mediated apoptosis. Targeted inhibition of PCAT-1 regresses tumor growth in nude mice. CONCLUSION Together our data demonstrated an important role of the PCAT-1 in HNSCC and might serve as a target for HNSCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhayan Sur
- 0000 0004 1936 9342grid.262962.bDepartment of Pathology, Saint Louis University, 1100 South Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63104 USA
| | - Hiroshi Nakanishi
- 0000 0004 1936 9342grid.262962.bDepartment of Pathology, Saint Louis University, 1100 South Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63104 USA
| | - Robert Steele
- 0000 0004 1936 9342grid.262962.bDepartment of Pathology, Saint Louis University, 1100 South Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63104 USA
| | - Ratna B. Ray
- 0000 0004 1936 9342grid.262962.bDepartment of Pathology, Saint Louis University, 1100 South Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63104 USA
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18
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Association between bivariate expression of key oncogenes and metabolic phenotypes of patients with prostate cancer. Comput Biol Med 2018; 103:55-63. [PMID: 30340213 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2018.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AKT and MYC are two of the most prevalent oncogenes associated with prostate cancer. The precise effects of overexpression of these two key oncogenes on the regulation of metabolic pathways in prostate cancer are under active investigation; however, few studies have investigated their bivariate oncogene-pair expressions in metabolic prostate cancer phenotypes. This is primarily due to the lack of a suitable statistical method to analyze the data in the presence of oncogene interactions and within-metabolite-set correlations. METHODS We analyzed data on the expressions of phosphorylated AKT1 and MYC and the concentrations of 228 metabolites from 60 human prostate tumor samples and 16 normal tissue samples. The metabolomic data allowed us to study not only the measurement of individual metabolites, which can exhibit a dynamic range, but the enriched phenotypes in terms of "metabolite sets" that come from known metabolic pathways. We studied 71 metabolite sets defined by KEGG annotation. We used a modification of linear combination test (LCT) for multiple continuous outcomes to find associations between metabolite sets and oncogenic expressions, after accounting for the correlation between AKT1 and MYC expressions and the correlation between metabolites in a metabolite set. The LCT performance was evaluated using a simulation study. RESULTS Through a comprehensive analytical method, our study linked oncogenomics and metabolomics data from patients to improve our understanding of the interconnected mechanisms underlying prostate cancer. This study showed that dysregulations of AKT1 and MYC significantly alter the metabolic pathways activated by nonglucose nutrient sources and their downstream targets. Our findings highlighted the role of MYC as the leading, but not the only, oncogene in prostate oncogenesis. In our simulation study, the LCT performed better than the known alternative method, gene-set enrichment analysis (GSEA). CONCLUSIONS Our study offers a solution for linking genomics and metabolomics, working directly with multiple continuous and correlated measurements.
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19
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Shim SH, Sur S, Steele R, Albert CJ, Huang C, Ford DA, Ray RB. Disrupting cholesterol esterification by bitter melon suppresses triple-negative breast cancer cell growth. Mol Carcinog 2018; 57:1599-1607. [PMID: 30074275 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is aggressive with a worse prognosis. We have recently shown that bitter melon extract (BME) treatment was more effective in inhibition of TNBC tumor growth in mouse models as compared to ER positive breast tumor growth. Aberrant dysregulation of lipid metabolism is associated with breast cancer progression, however, anti-cancer mechanism of BME linking lipid metabolism in breast cancer growth remains unexplored. Here, we observed that accumulation of esterified cholesterol was reduced in BME treated TNBC cell lines as compared to control cells. We next evaluated expression levels of acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase 1 (ACAT-1) in TNBC cells treated with BME. Our results demonstrated that BME treatment inhibited ACAT-1 expression in TNBC cells. Subsequently, we found that sterol regulatory element-binding proteins-1 and -2, and FASN was significantly reduced in BME treated TNBC cell lines. Low-density lipoprotein receptor was also downregulated in BME treated TNBC cells as compared to control cells. We further demonstrated that BME feeding reduced tumor growth in TNBC mammospheres implanted into NSG mice, and inhibits ACAT-1 expression. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating BME suppresses TNBC cell growth through ACAT-1 inhibition, and have potential for additional therapeutic regimen against human breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Hee Shim
- Departments of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Subhayan Sur
- Departments of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Robert Steele
- Departments of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Carolyn J Albert
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Chunfa Huang
- Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - David A Ford
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Ratna B Ray
- Departments of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri.,Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
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20
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Bitter taste receptors are expressed in human epithelial ovarian and prostate cancers cells and noscapine stimulation impacts cell survival. Mol Cell Biochem 2018; 454:203-214. [PMID: 30350307 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-018-3464-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors (Tas2Rs) are a subfamily of G-protein coupled receptors expressed not only in the oral cavity but also in several extra-oral tissues and disease states. Several natural bitter compounds from plants, such as bitter melon extract and noscapine, have displayed anti-cancer effects against various cancer types. In this study, we examined the prevalence of Tas2R subtype expression in several epithelial ovarian or prostate cancer cell lines, and the functionality of Tas2R14 was determined. qPCR analysis of five TAS2Rs demonstrated that mRNA expression often varies greatly in cancer cells in comparison to normal tissue. Using receptor-specific siRNAs, we also demonstrated that noscapine stimulation of ovarian cancer cells increased apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells in a receptor-dependent, but ROS-independent manner. This study furthers our understanding of the function of Tas2Rs in ovarian cancer by demonstrating that their activation has an impact on cell survival.
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Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) as a rich source of bioactive components to combat cancer naturally: Are we on the right track to fully unlock its potential as inhibitor of deregulated signaling pathways. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 119:98-105. [PMID: 29753870 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Research over decades has progressively explored pharmacological actions of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia). Biologically and pharmacologically active molecules isolated from M. charantia have shown significant anti-cancer activity in cancer cell lines and xenografted mice. In this review spotlight was set on the bioactive compounds isolated from M. charantia that effectively inhibited cancer development and progression via regulation of protein network in cancer cells. We summarize most recent high-quality research work in cancer cell lines and xenografted mice related to tumor suppressive role-play of M. charantia and its bioactive compounds. Although M. charantia mediated health promoting, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory effects have been extensively investigated, there is insufficient information related to regulation of signaling networks by bioactive molecules obtained from M. charantia in different cancers. M. charantia has been shown to modulate AKT/mTOR/p70S6K signaling, p38MAPK-MAPKAPK-2/HSP-27 pathway, cell cycle regulatory proteins and apoptosis-associated proteins in different cancers. However, still there are visible knowledge gaps related to the drug targets in different cancers because we have not yet developed comprehensive understanding of the M. charantia mediated regulation of signal transduction pathways. To explore these questions, experimental platforms are needed that can prove to be helpful in getting a step closer to personalized medicine.
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22
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Jiang Y, Miao J, Wang D, Zhou J, Liu B, Jiao F, Liang J, Wang Y, Fan C, Zhang Q. MAP30 promotes apoptosis of U251 and U87 cells by suppressing the LGR5 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and enhancing Smac expression. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:5833-5840. [PMID: 29556310 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Significant antitumor activity of Momordica anti-human immunodeficiency virus protein of 30 kDa (MAP30) purified from Momordica charantia has been the subject of previous research. However, the effective mechanism of MAP30 on malignant glioma cells has not yet been clarified. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects and mechanism of MAP30 on U87 and U251 cell lines. A Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, wound healing assay and Transwell assay were used to detect the effects on U87 and U251 cells treated with different concentrations of MAP30 (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 µM) over different periods of time. Proliferation, migration and invasion of each cell line were markedly inhibited by MAP30 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Flow cytometry and fluorescence staining demonstrated that apoptosis increased and the cell cycle was arrested in S-phase in the two investigated cell lines following MAP30 treatment. Western blot analysis demonstrated that leucine-rich-repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) expression and key proteins in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were apparently decreased, whereas second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase (Smac) protein expression significantly increased with MAP30 treatment in the same manner. These results suggest that MAP30 markedly induces apoptosis in U87 and U251 cell lines by suppressing LGR5 and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and enhancing Smac expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, P.R. China
| | - Junjie Miao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, P.R. China
| | - Dongliang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, P.R. China
| | - Jingru Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, P.R. China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, P.R. China
| | - Feng Jiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, P.R. China
| | - Jiangfeng Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing 102206, P.R. China
| | - Yangshuo Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, P.R. China
| | - Cungang Fan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, P.R. China
| | - Qingjun Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, P.R. China
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23
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Fundamental Understanding of Fouling Mechanisms During Microfiltration of Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia) Extract and Their Dependence on Operating Conditions. FOOD BIOPROCESS TECH 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11947-018-2074-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Bhattacharya S, Muhammad N, Steele R, Peng G, Ray RB. Immunomodulatory role of bitter melon extract in inhibition of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma growth. Oncotarget 2017; 7:33202-9. [PMID: 27120805 PMCID: PMC5078086 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer and leading cause of cancer related mortality worldwide. Despite the advancement in treatment procedures the overall survival rate of patients has not considerably enhanced in the past few decades. Therefore, new strategies to achieve a favorable response for the improvement in the prognosis of HNSCC are urgently needed. In this study, we examined the role of bitter melon extract (BME) in HNSCC tumor microenvironment. Mouse head and neck cancer (SCCVII) cells were subcutaneously injected into the flanks of syngeneic mice. We observed that oral gavage of BME significantly inhibits the tumor growth in mice as compared to control group. Further study suggested that BME inhibits cell proliferation as evident from low expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and c-Myc in the tumors of BME fed mice as compared to that of control group. We next investigated the role of BME as an immunomodulator in HNSCC model. Forkhead box protein P3+ (FoxP3+) T cells suppress tumor immunity. Our data suggested that BME treatment decreases the infiltrating regulatory T (Treg) cells by inhibiting FoxP3+ populations in the tumors and in spleens. Additionally, BME treatment reduces Th17 cell population in the tumor. However, BME treatment did not alter Th1 and Th2 cell populations. Together, our findings offer a new insight into how bitter melon extract inhibits head and neck tumor growth by modulating cell proliferation and Treg populations, with implications for how to control tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Naoshad Muhammad
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Robert Steele
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Guangyong Peng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ratna B Ray
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
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Jia S, Shen M, Zhang F, Xie J. Recent Advances in Momordica charantia: Functional Components and Biological Activities. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E2555. [PMID: 29182587 PMCID: PMC5751158 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18122555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Momordica charantia L. (M. charantia), a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, and its fruit has been used as a vegetable for thousands of years. Phytochemicals including proteins, polysaccharides, flavonoids, triterpenes, saponins, ascorbic acid and steroids have been found in this plant. Various biological activities of M. charantia have been reported, such as antihyperglycemic, antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, immunomodulation, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anthelmintic, antimutagenic, antiulcer, antilipolytic, antifertility, hepatoprotective, anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities. However, both in vitro and in vivo studies have also demonstrated that M. charantia may also exert toxic or adverse effects under different conditions. This review addresses the chemical constituents of M. charantia and discusses their pharmacological activities as well as their adverse effects, aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of the phytochemistry and biological activities of M. charantia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China.
| | - Mingyue Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China.
| | - Fan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China.
| | - Jianhua Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China.
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Sur S, Steele R, Aurora R, Varvares M, Schwetye KE, Ray RB. Bitter Melon Prevents the Development of 4-NQO-Induced Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in an Immunocompetent Mouse Model by Modulating Immune Signaling. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2017; 11:191-202. [PMID: 29061560 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-17-0237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide, and tobacco is one of the most common factors for HNSCC of the oral cavity. We have previously observed that bitter melon (Momordica charantia) extract (BME) exerts antiproliferative activity against several cancers including HNSCC. In this study, we investigated the preventive role of BME in 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO) carcinogen-induced HNSCC. We observed that BME feeding significantly reduced the incidence of 4-NQO-induced oral cancer in a mouse model. Histologic analysis suggested control 4-NQO-treated mouse tongues showed neoplastic changes ranging from moderate dysplasia to invasive squamous cell carcinoma, whereas no significant dysplasia was observed in the BME-fed mouse tongues. We also examined the global transcriptome changes in normal versus carcinogen-induced tongue cancer tissues, and following BME feeding. Gene ontology and pathway analyses revealed a signature of biological processes including "immune system process" that is significantly dysregulated in 4-NQO-induced oral cancer. We identified elevated expression of proinflammatory genes, s100a9, IL23a, IL1β and immune checkpoint gene PDCD1/PD1, during oral cancer development. Interestingly, BME treatment significantly reduced their expression. Enhancement of MMP9 ("ossification" pathway) was noted during carcinogenesis, which was reduced in BME-fed mouse tongue tissues. Our study demonstrates the preventive effect of BME in 4-NQO-induced carcinogenesis. Identification of pathways involved in carcinogen-induced oral cancer provides useful information for prevention strategies. Together, our data strongly suggest the potential clinical benefits of BME as a chemopreventive agent in the control or delay of carcinogen-induced HNSCC development and progression. Cancer Prev Res; 11(4); 191-202. ©2017 AACRSee related editorial by Rao, p. 185.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhayan Sur
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Robert Steele
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Rajeev Aurora
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Mark Varvares
- Cancer Center, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | | | - Ratna B Ray
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri. .,Cancer Center, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
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Wang S, Li Z, Yang G, Ho CT, Li S. Momordica charantia: a popular health-promoting vegetable with multifunctionality. Food Funct 2017; 8:1749-1762. [PMID: 28474032 DOI: 10.1039/c6fo01812b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Products derived from edible medicinal plants have been used for centuries to prevent, treat, and even cure multiple diseases. Momordica charantia L., widely cultivated around the world, is a typical one bred for vegetables and medicinal usage. All parts of M. charantia possess important medicinal properties, including antidiabetic, anticancer, hypotensive, anti-obesity, antimicrobial, antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immuno-modulatory, anthelmintic, neuro-protective, as well as hepato-protective properties both in vitro and in vivo. This review summarizes the active components and medicinal properties of M. charantia, especially the activities and mechanisms of its anti-diabetic and anti-cancer properties. The anti-diabetic properties involve inhibiting intestinal α-glucosidase and glucose transport, protecting islet β-cells, enhancing insulin secretion, increasing hepatic glucose disposal, decreasing gluconeogenesis, and even ameliorating insulin resistance. Moreover, the expressions of PPARs could also be activated and up-regulated. Meanwhile, its anticancer properties are mostly due to apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and expression of serum factors associated with immunity. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of M. charantia and its benefits for development as a functional food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuzhen Wang
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for the Characteristic Resources Exploitation of Dabie Mountains, Hubei Key Laboratory of Economic Forest Germplasm Improvement and Resources Comprehensive Utilization, College of Life Science, Huanggang Normal University, Hubei Province, China.
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Muhammad N, Steele R, Isbell TS, Philips N, Ray RB. Bitter melon extract inhibits breast cancer growth in preclinical model by inducing autophagic cell death. Oncotarget 2017; 8:66226-66236. [PMID: 29029506 PMCID: PMC5630406 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a major public health problem worldwide in women and current therapeutic strategies are not adequately effective for this deadly disease. We have previously shown the anti-proliferative activity of bitter melon extract (BME) in breast cancer cells. In this study, we observed that BME treatment induces autophagosome-bound Long chain 3 (LC3)-B and accumulates protein p62/SQSTM1 (p62) in breast cancer cells. Additionally, we observed that BME treatment in breast cancer cells increases phospho-AMPK expression and inhibits the mTOR/Akt signaling pathway. Subsequently, we demonstrated that BME feeding effectively inhibited breast cancer growth in syngeneic and xenograft mouse models. Further, we observed the increased p62 accumulation, induction of autophagy and apoptotic cell death in tumors from BME-fed animals. Taken together, our results demonstrate that BME treatment inhibits breast tumor growth, and this anti-tumor activity in breast cancer is, in part, mediated by induction of autophagy and modulation of the AMPK/mTOR pathway. The antitumor activity of BME by oral feeding in breast cancer models suggested the high potential for a clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoshad Muhammad
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Robert Steele
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - T Scott Isbell
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Nancy Philips
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ratna B Ray
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.,Cancer Center, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Bhattacharya S, Muhammad N, Steele R, Kornbluth J, Ray RB. Bitter Melon Enhances Natural Killer-Mediated Toxicity against Head and Neck Cancer Cells. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2017; 10:337-344. [PMID: 28465362 PMCID: PMC5499682 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-17-0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are one of the major components of innate immunity, with the ability to mediate antitumor activity. Understanding the role of NK-cell-mediated tumor killing in controlling of solid tumor growth is still in the developmental stage. We have shown recently that bitter melon extract (BME) modulates the regulatory T cell (Treg) population in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the role of BME in NK-cell modulation against HNSCC remains unknown. In this study, we investigated whether BME can enhance the NK-cell killing activity against HNSCC cells. Our results indicated that treatment of human NK-cell line (NK3.3) with BME enhances ability to kill HNSCC cells. BME increases granzyme B accumulation and translocation/accumulation of CD107a/LAMP1 in NK3.3 cells exposed to BME. Furthermore, an increase in cell surface expression of CD16 and NKp30 in BME-treated NK3.3 cells was observed when cocultured with HNSCC cells. Collectively, our results demonstrated for the first time that BME augments NK-cell-mediated HNSCC killing activity, implicating an immunomodulatory role of BME. Cancer Prev Res; 10(6); 337-44. ©2017 AACR.
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MESH Headings
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/drug effects
- GPI-Linked Proteins/metabolism
- Granzymes/metabolism
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/immunology
- Humans
- Immunomodulation/drug effects
- Killer Cells, Natural/drug effects
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Lysosomal Membrane Proteins/metabolism
- Medicine, Traditional/methods
- Momordica charantia/chemistry
- Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 3/metabolism
- Plant Extracts/pharmacology
- Plant Extracts/therapeutic use
- Receptors, IgG/metabolism
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Naoshad Muhammad
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Robert Steele
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jacki Kornbluth
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
- Saint Louis VA Health Care System, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Ratna B Ray
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri.
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Novel bitter melon extracts highly yielded from supercritical extraction reduce the adiposity through the enhanced lipid metabolism in mice fed a high fat diet. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION & INTERMEDIARY METABOLISM 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnim.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Raina K, Kumar D, Agarwal R. Promise of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) bioactives in cancer prevention and therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2016; 40-41:116-129. [PMID: 27452666 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recently, there is a paradigm shift that the whole food-derived components are not 'idle bystanders' but actively participate in modulating aberrant metabolic and signaling pathways in both healthy and diseased individuals. One such whole food from Cucurbitaceae family is 'bitter melon' (Momordica charantia, also called bitter gourd, balsam apple, etc.), which has gained an enormous attention in recent years as an alternative medicine in developed countries. The increased focus on bitter melon consumption could in part be due to several recent pre-clinical efficacy studies demonstrating bitter melon potential to target obesity/type II diabetes-associated metabolic aberrations as well as its pre-clinical anti-cancer efficacy against various malignancies. The bioassay-guided fractionations have also classified the bitter melon chemical constituents based on their anti-diabetic or cytotoxic effects. Thus, by definition, these bitter melon constituents are at cross roads on the bioactivity parameters; they either have selective efficacy for correcting metabolic aberrations or targeting cancer cells, or have beneficial effects in both conditions. However, given the vast, though dispersed, literature reports on the bioactivity and beneficial attributes of bitter melon constituents, a comprehensive review on the bitter melon components and the overlapping beneficial attributes is lacking; our review attempts to fulfill these unmet needs. Importantly, the recent realization that there are common risk factors associated with obesity/type II diabetes-associated metabolic aberrations and cancer, this timely review focuses on the dual efficacy of bitter melon against the risk factors associated with both diseases that could potentially impact the course of malignancy to advanced stages. Furthermore, this review also addresses a significant gap in our knowledge regarding the bitter melon drug-drug interactions which can be predicted from the available reports on bitter melon effects on metabolism enzymes and drug transporters. This has important implications, given that a large proportion of individuals, taking bitter melon based supplements/phytochemical extracts/food based home-remedies, are also likely to be taking conventional therapeutic drugs at the same time. Accordingly, the comprehensively reviewed information here could be prudently translated to the clinical implications associated with any potential concerns regarding bitter melon consumption by cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Raina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States; University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Dileep Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Rajesh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States; University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States.
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Dandawate PR, Subramaniam D, Padhye SB, Anant S. Bitter melon: a panacea for inflammation and cancer. Chin J Nat Med 2016; 14:81-100. [PMID: 26968675 PMCID: PMC5276711 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(16)60002-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Nature is a rich source of medicinal plants and their products that are useful for treatment of various diseases and disorders. Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter melon or bitter gourd, is one of such plants known for its biological activities used in traditional system of medicines. This plant is cultivated in all over the world, including tropical areas of Asia, Amazon, east Africa, and the Caribbean and used as a vegetable as well as folk medicine. All parts of the plant, including the fruit, are commonly consumed and cooked with different vegetables, stir-fried, stuffed or used in small quantities in soups or beans to give a slightly bitter flavor and taste. The plant is reported to possess anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, anti-obesity, and immunomodulatory activities. The plant extract inhibits cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, autophagy and inhibiting cancer stem cells. The plant is rich in bioactive chemical constituents like cucurbitane type triterpenoids, triterpene glycosides, phenolic acids, flavonoids, essential oils, saponins, fatty acids, and proteins. Some of the isolated compounds (Kuguacin J, Karaviloside XI, Kuguaglycoside C, Momordicoside Q-U, Charantin, α-eleostearic acid) and proteins (α-Momorcharin, RNase MC2, MAP30) possess potent biological activity. In the present review, we are summarizing the anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities of Momordica charantia along with a short account of important chemical constituents, providing a basis for establishing detail biological activities of the plant and developing novel drug molecules based on the active chemical constituents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasad R Dandawate
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; Department of Surgery, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Dharmalingam Subramaniam
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; Department of Surgery, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; The University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Subhash B Padhye
- Interdisciplinary Science & Technology Research Academy, Abeda Inamdar Senior College, Azam Campus, Pune, 411001, India
| | - Shrikant Anant
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; Department of Surgery, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; The University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
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Kwatra D, Dandawate P, Padhye S, Anant S. Bitter Melon as a Therapy for Diabetes, Inflammation, and Cancer: a Panacea? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s40495-016-0045-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Amini N, Abdul Majid FA, Marvibaigi M, Supriyanto E, Jaganathan SK, Tet Soon W, Nasiri R, Hamzehalipour J. Cervicare™ induces apoptosis in HeLa and CaSki cells through ROS production and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra25654b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of the ethanol and aqueous extracts of Cervicare™, a poly-herbal preparation comprised of the combination of 6 plants, on cell proliferation and apoptosis using cervical cancer HeLa and CaSki cells was investigated for the first time in the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Amini
- Faculty of Biosciences and Medical Engineering
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
- Malaysia
| | - Fadzilah Adibah Abdul Majid
- Dept. of Bioprocess Engineering
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
- Malaysia
- Institute of Marine Biotechnology
| | - Mohsen Marvibaigi
- Faculty of Biosciences and Medical Engineering
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
- Malaysia
| | - Eko Supriyanto
- Faculty of Biosciences and Medical Engineering
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
- Malaysia
| | | | - Wong Tet Soon
- Dept. of Bioprocess Engineering
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
- Malaysia
| | - Rozita Nasiri
- Dept. of Bioprocess Engineering
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
- Malaysia
| | - Javad Hamzehalipour
- Dept. of Bioprocess Engineering
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
- Malaysia
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Comhaire F, Mahmoud A. The andrologist's contribution to a better life for ageing men: part 2. Andrologia 2015; 48:99-110. [PMID: 26395368 DOI: 10.1111/and.12489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The long-term intake of a judiciously composed nutriceutical containing low-dose vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and particular herbal preparations seems justified for older persons who take medication, or who consume an unbalanced diet, or who are exposed to environmental toxins. Recent reports suggest these nutriceuticals may delay age-related diseases and the occurrence of cancer, and reduce mortality in apparently healthy ageing men. Food supplementation with a nutriceutical that was formulated particularly for ageing men should result in an increase of at least one quality-adjusted life year and may lower the financial and social burden of disease in elderly people.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Comhaire
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital Gent, Gent, Belgium
| | - A Mahmoud
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital Gent, Gent, Belgium
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasan Bhandari
- Department of Pharmacology, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Sattur, Dharwad, Karnataka, India
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Zhang A, Yan G, Han Y, Wang X. Metabolomics Approaches and Applications in Prostate Cancer Research. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2014; 174:6-12. [DOI: 10.1007/s12010-014-0955-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2013] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Zhuo RJ, Wang F, Zhang XH, Zhang JJ, Xu J, Dong W, Zou ZQ. Α-eleostearic acid inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells via HER2/HER3 signaling. Mol Med Rep 2014; 9:993-8. [PMID: 24425042 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.1892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
α-eleostearic acid (α-ESA) has been shown to possess antitumor activity in cancer cells. However, the underlying mechanism(s) remain largely unknown. The present study was designed to investigate the antitumor effect of α-ESA in breast cancer cells showing different expression levels of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). α-ESA inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in the SKBR3 and T47D breast cancer cell lines. The mechanism by which cell growth was inhibited involved G0/G1 and G2/M cell cycle phase arrest. The MTT assay showed that SKBR3 cells are more sensitive to α-ESA compared to T47D cells. Western blot analysis revealed that α-ESA treatment not only reduced HER2/HER3 protein expression, but also increased the level of phosphorylated phosphatase and tensin homolog protein (PTEN), which led to decreased levels of phosphorylated Akt. Inactive Akt further reduced phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)‑associated death promoter (BAD) proteins. Furthermore, the level of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was found to be reduced following α-ESA treatment. Notably, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) was activated by α-ESA treatment. Data of the present study showed that the antitumor activity of α-ESA is at least partly mediated by reduction of the HER2/HER3 heterodimer protein level, activation of the Akt/BAD/Bcl-2 apoptotic pathway and inhibition of the Akt/GSK-3β survival pathway in the two breast cancer cell lines investigated in this study. Therefore, α-ESA may be considered a beneficial dietary factor for the prevention and treatment of invasive breast cancer in cells overexpressing HER2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren-Jie Zhuo
- Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Feng Wang
- Clinical Laboratory, Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Hong Zhang
- Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Jie Zhang
- Maritime Faculty, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Jin Xu
- Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Wei Dong
- Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
| | - Zu-Quan Zou
- Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, P.R. China
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Zeng YW, Yang JZ, Pu XY, Du J, Yang T, Yang SM, Zhu WH. Strategies of functional food for cancer prevention in human beings. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2014; 14:1585-92. [PMID: 23679240 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2013.14.3.1585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional food for prevention of chronic diseases is one of this century's key global challenges. Cancer is not only the first or second leading cause of death in China and other countries across the world, but also has diet as one of the most important modifiable risk factors. Major dietary factors now known to promote cancer development are polished grain foods and low intake of fresh vegetables, with general importance for an unhealthy lifestyle and obesity. The strategies of cancer prevention in human being are increased consumption of functional foods like whole grains (brown rice, barley, and buckwheat) and by-products, as well some vegetables (bitter melon, garlic, onions, broccoli, and cabbage) and mushrooms (boletes and Tricholoma matsutake). In addition some beverages (green tea and coffee) may be protective. Southwest China (especially Yunnan Province) is a geographical area where functional crop production is closely related to the origins of human evolution with implications for anticancer influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Wen Zeng
- Biotechnology and Genetic Germplasm Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Agricultural Biotechnology Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province, Kunmin, China.
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Overview of Botanical Status in EU, USA, and Thailand. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:480128. [PMID: 24228061 PMCID: PMC3818839 DOI: 10.1155/2013/480128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2013] [Revised: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 07/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The botanical status in EU, USA, and Thailand is different owing to the regulatory status, the progress of science, and the influence of culture and society. In the EU, botanicals are positioned as herbal medicinal products and food supplements, in the US they are regulated as dietary supplements but often used as traditional medicines, and in Thailand, they are regulated and used as traditional medicines. Information for some of the most popular botanicals from each country is included in this review.
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Rajamoorthi A, Shrivastava S, Steele R, Nerurkar P, Gonzalez JG, Crawford S, Varvares M, Ray RB. Bitter melon reduces head and neck squamous cell carcinoma growth by targeting c-Met signaling. PLoS One 2013; 8:e78006. [PMID: 24147107 PMCID: PMC3798549 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains difficult to treat, and despite of advances in treatment, the overall survival rate has only modestly improved over the past several years. Thus, there is an urgent need for additional therapeutic modalities. We hypothesized that treatment of HNSCC cells with a dietary product such as bitter melon extract (BME) modulates multiple signaling pathways and regresses HNSCC tumor growth in a preclinical model. We observed a reduced cell proliferation in HNSCC cell lines. The mechanistic studies reveal that treatment of BME in HNSCC cells inhibited c-Met signaling pathway. We also observed that BME treatment in HNSCC reduced phosphoStat3, c-myc and Mcl-1 expression, downstream signaling molecules of c-Met. Furthermore, BME treatment in HNSCC cells modulated the expression of key cell cycle progression molecules leading to halted cell growth. Finally, BME feeding in mice bearing HNSCC xenograft tumor resulted in an inhibition of tumor growth and c-Met expression. Together, our results suggested that BME treatment in HNSCC cells modulates multiple signaling pathways and may have therapeutic potential for treating HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananthi Rajamoorthi
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Shubham Shrivastava
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Robert Steele
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Pratibha Nerurkar
- Laboratory of Metabolic Disorders and Alternative Medicine, Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Juan G. Gonzalez
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Susan Crawford
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Saint Louis University Cancer Center, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Mark Varvares
- Saint Louis University Cancer Center, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Ratna B. Ray
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Saint Louis University Cancer Center, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Kwatra D, Venugopal A, Standing D, Ponnurangam S, Dhar A, Mitra A, Anant S. Bitter melon extracts enhance the activity of chemotherapeutic agents through the modulation of multiple drug resistance. J Pharm Sci 2013; 102:4444-54. [PMID: 24129966 DOI: 10.1002/jps.23753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Revised: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 09/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Recently, we demonstrated that extracts of bitter melon (BME) can be used as a preventive/therapeutic agent in colon cancers. Here, we determined BME effects on anticancer activity and bioavailability of doxorubicin (DOX) in colon cancer cells. BME enhanced the effect of DOX on cell proliferation and sensitized the cells toward DOX upon pretreatment. Furthermore, there was both increased drug uptake and reduced drug efflux. We also observed a reduction in the expression of multidrug resistance conferring proteins (MDRCP) P-glycoprotein, MRP-2, and BCRP. Further BME suppressed DOX efflux in MDCK cells overexpressing the three efflux proteins individually, suggesting that BME is a potent inhibitor of MDR function. Next, we determined the effect of BME on PXR, a xenobiotic sensing nuclear receptor and a transcription factor that controls the expression of the three MDR genes. BME suppressed PXR promoter activity thereby suppressing its expression. Finally, we determined the effect of AMPK pathway on drug efflux because we have previously demonstrated that BME affects the pathway. However, inhibiting AMPK did not affect drug resistance, suggesting that BME may use different pathways for the anticancer and MDR modulating activities. Together, these results suggest that BME can enhance the bioavailability and efficacy of conventional chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deep Kwatra
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160
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43
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Lawrence MD, Ormsby RJ, Blyth BJ, Bezak E, England G, Newman MR, Tilley WD, Sykes PJ. Lack of high-dose radiation mediated prostate cancer promotion and low-dose radiation adaptive response in the TRAMP mouse model. Radiat Res 2013; 180:376-88. [PMID: 23971516 DOI: 10.1667/rr3381.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Cancer of the prostate is a highly prevalent disease with a heterogeneous aetiology and prognosis. Current understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying the responses of prostate tissue to ionizing radiation exposure, including cancer induction, is surprisingly limited for both high- and low-dose exposures. As population exposure to radiation increases, largely through medical imaging, a better understanding of the response of the prostate to radiation exposure is required. Low-dose radiation-induced adaptive responses for increased cancer latency and decreased cancer frequency have been demonstrated in mouse models, largely for hematological cancers. This study examines the effects of high- and low-dose whole-body radiation exposure on prostate cancer development using an autochthonous mouse model of prostate cancer: TRansgenic Adenocarcinoma of the Mouse Prostate (TRAMP). TRAMP mice were exposed to single acute high (2 Gy), low (50 mGy) and repeated low (5 × 50 mGy) doses of X rays to evaluate both the potential prostate cancer promoting effects of high-dose radiation and low-dose adaptive response phenomena in this prostate cancer model. Prostate weights and histopathology were examined to evaluate gross changes in cancer development and, in mice exposed to a single 2 Gy dose, time to palpable tumor was examined. Proliferation (Ki-67), apoptosis, DNA damage (γ-H2AX) and transgene expression (large T-antigen) were examined within TRAMP prostate sections. Neither high- nor low-dose radiation-induced effects on prostate cancer progression were observed for any of the endpoints studied. Lack of observable effects of high- or low-dose radiation exposure suggests that modulation of tumorigenesis in the TRAMP model is largely resistant to such exposures. However, further study is required to better assess the effects of radiation exposure using alternative prostate cancer models that incorporate normal prostate and in those that are not driven by SV40 large T antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Lawrence
- a Haematology & Genetic Pathology, Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University and Medical Centre, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Kaur M, Deep G, Jain AK, Raina K, Agarwal C, Wempe MF, Agarwal R. Bitter melon juice activates cellular energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase causing apoptotic death of human pancreatic carcinoma cells. Carcinogenesis 2013; 34:1585-92. [PMID: 23475945 PMCID: PMC3697895 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgt081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Revised: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Prognosis of pancreatic cancer is extremely poor, suggesting critical needs for additional drugs to improve disease outcome. In this study, we examined efficacy and associated mechanism of a novel agent bitter melon juice (BMJ) against pancreatic carcinoma cells both in culture and nude mice. BMJ anticancer efficacy was analyzed in human pancreatic carcinoma BxPC-3, MiaPaCa-2, AsPC-1 and Capan-2 cells by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide, cell death enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and annexin/propidium iodide assays. BMJ effect on apoptosis regulators was assessed by immunoblotting. In vivo BMJ efficacy was evaluated against MiaPaCa-2 tumors in nude mice, and xenograft was analyzed for biomarkers by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results showed that BMJ (2-5% v/v) decreases cell viability in all four pancreatic carcinoma cell lines by inducing strong apoptotic death. At molecular level, BMJ caused caspases activation, altered expression of Bcl-2 family members and cytochrome-c release into the cytosol. Additionally, BMJ decreased survivin and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein but increased p21, CHOP and phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinases (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and p38) levels. Importantly, BMJ activated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a biomarker for cellular energy status, and an AMPK inhibitor (Compound C) reversed BMJ-induced caspase-3 activation suggesting activated AMPK involvement in BMJ-induced apoptosis. In vivo, oral administration of lyophilized BMJ (5mg in 100 µl water/day/mouse) for 6 weeks inhibited MiaPaCa-2 tumor xenograft growth by 60% (P < 0.01) without noticeable toxicity in nude mice. IHC analyses of MiaPaCa-2 xenografts showed that BMJ also inhibits proliferation, induces apoptosis and activates AMPK in vivo. Overall, BMJ exerts strong anticancer efficacy against human pancreatic carcinoma cells, both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting its clinical usefulness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjinder Kaur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and
| | - Gagan Deep
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Anil K. Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and
| | - Komal Raina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and
| | - Chapla Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Michael F. Wempe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Rajesh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Mani J, Kumar S, Dobos GJ, Haferkamp A. [Aspects of traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda) in urology]. Urologe A 2013. [PMID: 23178846 DOI: 10.1007/s00120-012-3063-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Ayurveda is from a global viewpoint the oldest and the most employed traditional form of medicine in India. The difference to western medicine is that this form of medicine is based on experience, empirical evidence and intuition accumulated over thousands of years and passed down through generations orally as well as by sketches. Ayurveda is not only concerned with the physical but also with the spiritual aspects of the body and according to this doctrine most diseases result from psychological and pathological alterations in the body. Ultimately, the definition of health according to Ayurveda is an equilibrium between the physical, mental and spiritual components. Ayurvedic medicine is used within the framework of the treatment of urolithiasis for diuresis, for litholysis, as an analgetic for spasms and with an antimicrobial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Mani
- Klinik für Urologie und Kinderurologie, Klinikum der Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt a.M., Deutschland.
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Weng JR, Bai LY, Chiu CF, Hu JL, Chiu SJ, Wu CY. Cucurbitane Triterpenoid from Momordica charantia Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy in Breast Cancer Cells, in Part, through Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ Activation. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2013; 2013:935675. [PMID: 23843889 PMCID: PMC3697288 DOI: 10.1155/2013/935675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2013] [Revised: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Although the antitumor activity of the crude extract of wild bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) has been reported, its bioactive constituents and the underlying mechanism remain undefined. Here, we report that 3 β ,7 β -dihydroxy-25-methoxycucurbita-5,23-diene-19-al (DMC), a cucurbitane-type triterpene isolated from wild bitter gourd, induced apoptotic death in breast cancer cells through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ activation. Luciferase reporter assays indicated the ability of DMC to activate PPAR γ , and pharmacological inhibition of PPAR γ protected cells from DMC's antiproliferative effect. Western blot analysis indicated that DMC suppressed the expression of many PPAR γ -targeted signaling effectors, including cyclin D1, CDK6, Bcl-2, XIAP, cyclooxygenase-2, NF- κ B, and estrogen receptor α , and induced endoplasmic reticulum stress, as manifested by the induction of GADD153 and GRP78 expression. Moreover, DMC inhibited mTOR-p70S6K signaling through Akt downregulation and AMPK activation. The ability of DMC to activate AMPK in liver kinase (LK) B1-deficient MDA-MB-231 cells suggests that this activation was independent of LKB1-regulated cellular metabolic status. However, DMC induced a cytoprotective autophagy presumably through mTOR inhibition, which could be overcome by the cotreatment with the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine. Together, the ability of DMC to modulate multiple PPAR γ -targeted signaling pathways provides a mechanistic basis to account for the antitumor activity of wild bitter gourd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Ru Weng
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Li-Yuan Bai
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Fang Chiu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Cancer Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Lan Hu
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jiuan Chiu
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yung Wu
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
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Kwatra D, Subramaniam D, Ramamoorthy P, Standing D, Moran E, Velayutham R, Mitra A, Umar S, Anant S. Methanolic extracts of bitter melon inhibit colon cancer stem cells by affecting energy homeostasis and autophagy. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2013; 2013:702869. [PMID: 23533514 PMCID: PMC3606719 DOI: 10.1155/2013/702869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Revised: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Bitter melon fruit is recommended in ancient Indian and Chinese medicine for prevention/treatment of diabetes. However its effects on cancer progression are not well understood. Here, we have determined the efficacy of methanolic extracts of bitter melon on colon cancer stem and progenitor cells. Both, whole fruit (BMW) and skin (BMSk) extracts showed significant inhibition of cell proliferation and colony formation, with BMW showing greater efficacy. In addition, the cells were arrested at the S phase of cell cycle. Moreover, BMW induced the cleavage of LC3B but not caspase 3/7, suggesting that the cells were undergoing autophagy and not apoptosis. Further confirmation of autophagy was obtained when western blots showed reduced Bcl-2 and increased Beclin-1, Atg 7 and 12 upon BMW treatment. BMW reduced cellular ATP levels coupled with activation of AMP activated protein kinase; on the other hand, exogenous additions of ATP lead to revival of cell proliferation. Finally, BMW treatment results in a dose-dependent reduction in the number and size of colonospheres. The extracts also decreased the expression of DCLK1 and Lgr5, markers of quiescent, and activated stem cells. Taken together, these results suggest that the extracts of bitter melon can be an effective preventive/therapeutic agent for colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deep Kwatra
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard MS 3040, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Dharmalingam Subramaniam
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard MS 3040, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard MS 3040, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Prabhu Ramamoorthy
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard MS 3040, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard MS 3040, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - David Standing
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard MS 3040, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard MS 3040, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Elizabeth Moran
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard MS 3040, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | | | - Ashim Mitra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Missouri at Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Shahid Umar
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard MS 3040, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard MS 3040, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Shrikant Anant
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard MS 3040, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard MS 3040, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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Fang EF, Zhang CZY, Wong JH, Shen JY, Li CH, Ng TB. The MAP30 protein from bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) seeds promotes apoptosis in liver cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Cancer Lett 2012; 324:66-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2012.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2012] [Revised: 04/28/2012] [Accepted: 05/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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49
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Fang EF, Zhang CZY, Zhang L, Fong WP, Ng TB. In vitro and in vivo anticarcinogenic effects of RNase MC2, a ribonuclease isolated from dietary bitter gourd, toward human liver cancer cells. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2012; 44:1351-60. [PMID: 22554586 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2012.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2012] [Revised: 04/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes a predominant part of primary liver cancer which ranks as the fifth most common cancer as well as the third most common cause of cancer mortality. In view of the poor prognosis of unresectable liver cancers, it is of pivotal importance to develop novel chemotherapeutical regimens. RNase MC2 is a 14-kDa ribonuclease isolated from dietary bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) that manifested antitumor potential against breast cancers. In this study, we investigated the potential application of RNase MC2 on Hep G2 cells. We showed that RNase MC2 inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis in both in vitro and in vivo studies. RNase MC2 treatment caused cell cycle arrest predominantly at the S-phase and apoptosis, which is associated with the activation of both caspase-8 and caspase-9 regulated caspase pathways. Our further investigation disclosed that RNase MC2 down-regulated the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and increased the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bak. Moreover, the phosphorylation of ERK and JNK was involved in the apoptosis process. Importantly, RNase MC2 significantly suppressed the growth of Hep G2 xenograft-bearing nude mice by inducing apoptosis. This notion is supported by data indicating an increased number of caspase-3- and PARP-positive cells, and TUNEL-positive cells in RNase MC2-treated tumor tissues. In summary, we have revealed the antitumor potential of RNase MC2 toward Hep G2 cells. Considering that bitter gourd is a common dietary component in many countries, this study may help to prompt the clinical application of RNase MC2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evandro Fei Fang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
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