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Seo J, Lee DE, Kim SM, Kim E, Kim JK. Licochalcone A Exerts Anti-Cancer Activity by Inhibiting STAT3 in SKOV3 Human Ovarian Cancer Cells. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051264. [PMID: 37238935 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Licochalcone A (LicA), a major active component of licorice, has been reported to exhibit various pharmacological actions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anticancer activity of LicA and detail its molecular mechanisms against ovarian cancer. SKOV3 human ovarian cancer cells were used in this study. Cell viability was measured using a cell counting kit-8 assay. The percentages of apoptotic cells and cell cycle arrest were determined by flow cytometry and Muse flow cytometry. The expression levels of proteins regulating cell apoptosis, cell cycle, and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathways were examined using Western blotting analysis. The results indicated that LicA treatment inhibited the cell viability of SKOV3 cells and induced G2/M phase arrest. Furthermore, LicA induced an increase in ROS levels, a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptosis accompanied by an increase in cleaved caspases and cytoplasmic cytochrome c. Additionally, LicA caused a dramatic decrease in STAT3 protein levels, but not mRNA levels, in SKOV3 cells. Treatment with LicA also reduced phosphorylation of the mammalian target of rapamycin and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein in SKOV3 cells. The anti-cancer effects of LicA on SKOV3 cells might be mediated by reduced STAT3 translation and activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeonghyeon Seo
- Department of Biomedical Science, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan-si 38430, Republic of Korea
| | - Da Eun Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan-si 38430, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Mi Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan-si 38430, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunjung Kim
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan-si 38430, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Kyung Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan-si 38430, Republic of Korea
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Deng N, Qiao M, Li Y, Liang F, Li J, Liu Y. Anticancer effects of licochalcones: A review of the mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1074506. [PMID: 36755942 PMCID: PMC9900005 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1074506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a disease with a high fatality rate representing a serious threat to human health. Researchers have tried to identify effective anticancer drugs. Licorice is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine with various pharmacological properties, and licorice-derived flavonoids include licochalcones like licochalcone A, licochalcone B, licochalcone C, licochalcone D, licochalcone E, and licochalcone H. By regulating the expression in multiple signaling pathways such as the EGFR/ERK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, p38/JNK, JAK2/STAT3, MEK/ERK, Wnt/β-catenin, and MKK4/JNK pathways, and their downstream proteins, licochalcones can activate the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and death receptor pathway, promote autophagy-related protein expression, inhibit the expression of cell cycle proteins and angiogenesis factors, regulate autophagy and apoptosis, and inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells. Among the licochalcones, the largest number of studies examined licochalcone A, far more than other licochalcones. Licochalcone A not only has prominent anticancer effects but also can be used to inhibit the efflux of antineoplastic drugs from cancer cells. Moreover, derivatives of licochalcone A exhibit strong antitumor effects. Currently, most results of the anticancer effects of licochalcones are derived from cell experiments. Thus, more clinical studies are needed to confirm the antineoplastic effects of licochalcones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Deng
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Mingming Qiao
- Chongqing Institute for Food and Drug Control, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Li
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fengyan Liang
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yanfeng Liu
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Yanfeng Liu,
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Tuli HS, Garg VK, Mehta JK, Kaur G, Mohapatra RK, Dhama K, Sak K, Kumar A, Varol M, Aggarwal D, Anand U, Kaur J, Gillan R, Sethi G, Bishayee A. Licorice ( Glycyrrhiza glabra L.)-Derived Phytochemicals Target Multiple Signaling Pathways to Confer Oncopreventive and Oncotherapeutic Effects. Onco Targets Ther 2022; 15:1419-1448. [PMID: 36474507 PMCID: PMC9719702 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s366630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a highly lethal disease, and its incidence has rapidly increased worldwide over the past few decades. Although chemotherapeutics and surgery are widely used in clinical settings, they are often insufficient to provide the cure for cancer patients. Hence, more effective treatment options are highly needed. Although licorice has been used as a medicinal herb since ancient times, the knowledge about molecular mechanisms behind its diverse bioactivities is still rather new. In this review article, different anticancer properties (antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, antimetastatic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects) of various bioactive constituents of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) are thoroughly described. Multiple licorice constituents have been shown to bind to and inhibit the activities of various cellular targets, including B-cell lymphoma 2, cyclin-dependent kinase 2, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinases, mammalian target of rapamycin, nuclear factor-κB, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, vascular endothelial growth factor, and matrix metalloproteinase-3, resulting in reduced carcinogenesis in several in vitro and in vivo models with no evident toxicity. Emerging evidence is bringing forth licorice as an anticancer agent as well as bottlenecks in its potential clinical application. It is expected that overcoming toxicity-related obstacles by using novel nanotechnological methods might importantly facilitate the use of anticancer properties of licorice-derived phytochemicals in the future. Therefore, anticancer studies with licorice components must be continued. Overall, licorice could be a natural alternative to the present medication for eradicating new emergent illnesses while having just minor side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hardeep Singh Tuli
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to Be University), Mullana-Ambala, Haryana, India
| | - Vivek Kumar Garg
- Department of Medical Lab Technology, University Institute of Applied Health Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Jinit K Mehta
- Department of Pharmacology, Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ginpreet Kaur
- Department of Pharmacology, Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ranjan K Mohapatra
- Department of Chemistry, Government College of Engineering, Keonjhar, Odisha, India
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Ajay Kumar
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Mehmet Varol
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla, Turkey
| | - Diwakar Aggarwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to Be University), Mullana-Ambala, Haryana, India
| | - Uttpal Anand
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Jagjit Kaur
- Centre of Excellence in Nanoscale Biophotonics, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ross Gillan
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, USA
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, USA
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Li MT, Xie L, Jiang HM, Huang Q, Tong RS, Li X, Xie X, Liu HM. Role of Licochalcone A in Potential Pharmacological Therapy: A Review. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:878776. [PMID: 35677438 PMCID: PMC9168596 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.878776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Licochalcone A (LA), a useful and valuable flavonoid, is isolated from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. ex DC. and widely used clinically in traditional Chinese medicine. We systematically updated the latest information on the pharmacology of LA over the past decade from several authoritative internet databases, including Web of Science, Elsevier, Europe PMC, Wiley Online Library, and PubMed. A combination of keywords containing “Licochalcone A,” “Flavonoid,” and “Pharmacological Therapy” was used to help ensure a comprehensive review. Collected information demonstrates a wide range of pharmacological properties for LA, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-parasitic, bone protection, blood glucose and lipid regulation, neuroprotection, and skin protection. LA activity is mediated through several signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, P53, NF-κB, and P38. Caspase-3 apoptosis, MAPK inflammatory, and Nrf2 oxidative stress signaling pathways are also involved with multiple therapeutic targets, such as TNF-α, VEGF, Fas, FasL, PI3K, AKT, and caspases. Recent studies mainly focus on the anticancer properties of LA, which suggests that the pharmacology of other aspects of LA will need additional study. At the end of this review, current challenges and future research directions on LA are discussed. This review is divided into three parts based on the pharmacological effects of LA for the convenience of readers. We anticipate that this review will inspire further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ting Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Long Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy and College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hai-Mei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy and College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy and College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong-Sheng Tong
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy and College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy and College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong-Mei Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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Recent advances in α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds as mitochondrial toxins. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 183:111687. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Licochalcone A Inhibits the Proliferation of Human Lung Cancer Cell Lines A549 and H460 by Inducing G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest and ER Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18081761. [PMID: 28805696 PMCID: PMC5578150 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18081761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Revised: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Licochalcone A (LicA), a flavonoid isolated from the famous Chinese medicinal herb Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, has wide spectrum of pharmacological activities. In this study, the anti-cancer effects and potential mechanisms of LicA in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells were studied. LicA decreased cell viability and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in NSCLC cells. LicA inhibited lung cancer cells growth by blocking cell cycle progression at the G2/M transition and inducing apoptosis. LicA treatment decreased the expression of MDM2, Cyclin B1, Cdc2 and Cdc25C in H460 and A549 cancer cell lines. In addition, LicA induced caspase-3 activation and poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage, which displayed features of apoptotic signals. Furthermore, LicA increased the expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress related proteins, such as p-EIF2α and ATF4. These data provide evidence that LicA has the potential to be used in the treatment of lung cancer.
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Hao W, Yuan X, Yu L, Gao C, Sun X, Wang D, Zheng Q. Licochalcone A-induced human gastric cancer BGC-823 cells apoptosis by regulating ROS-mediated MAPKs and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Sci Rep 2015; 5:10336. [PMID: 25981581 PMCID: PMC4434846 DOI: 10.1038/srep10336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Both phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascades play an important role in cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and metastasis of tumor cells. In the present report, we investigated the effects of licochalcone A (LA), a flavonoid extracted from licorice root, on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK activation pathways in human gastric cancer BGC-823 cells. LA increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, which is associated with the induction of apoptosis as characterized by positive Annexin V binding and activation of caspase-3, and cleavage of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP). Inhibition of ROS generation by N-acetylcysteine (NAC) significantly prevented LA-induced apoptosis. Interestingly, we also observed that LA caused the activation of ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK in BGC-823 cells. The antitumour activity of LA-treated BGC-823 cells was significantly distinct in KM mice in vivo. All the findings from our study suggest that LA can interfere with MAPK signaling cascades, initiate ROS generation, induce oxidative stress and consequently cause BGC cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjin Hao
- Binzhou medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China
| | - Xuan Yuan
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China
| | - Lina Yu
- Binzhou medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China
| | - Caixia Gao
- Binzhou medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China
| | - Xiling Sun
- Binzhou medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Qianfoshan Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Qiusheng Zheng
- 1] Binzhou medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China [2] Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic Phytomedicine Resources, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, Xinjiang, China
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Abstract
Cancer is still a major health issue worldwide and identifying novel but safe compounds for prevention and treatment is a high priority. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza) is a perennial plant that is cultivated in many countries and has been reported to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. However, some components of licorice exert unwanted side effects and therefore identifying safer licorice components would be ideal. The anticancer activities of many of the licorice components appear to include cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, and general antioxidant effects. Commonly reported indirect protein targets important in tumorigenesis include many cell cycle-related proteins, apoptosis-associated proteins, MMP proteins, COX-2, GSK-β, Akt, NF-κB, and MAP kinases. Importantly, several licorice components were reported to directly bind to and inhibit the activities of PI3-K, MKK4, MKK7, JNK1, mTOR, and Cdk2, resulting in decreased carcinogenesis in several cell and mouse models with no obvious toxicity. This review focuses on specific components of licorice for which a direct protein target has been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M. Bode
- The Hormel Institute University of Minnesota, 801 16th Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912 USA
| | - Zigang Dong
- The Hormel Institute University of Minnesota, 801 16th Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912 USA
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Yang R, Wang LQ, Liu Y. Antitumor Activities of Widely-used Chinese Herb—Licorice. CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINES 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/s1674-6384(14)60042-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
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