Effects of naringin on reversing cisplatin resistance and the Wnt/-catenin pathway in human ovarian cancer SKOV3/CDDP cells

Naringin inhibits cisplatin resistance of ovarian cancer cells by inhibiting autophagy mediated by the TGF-β2/smad2 pathway

Background

Resistance to cisplatin (DDP) in patients with ovarian cancer (OC) poses a great challenge to improving the quality of life of patients. Past reports have revealed that naringin can induce apoptosis of OC cells and delay the occurrence of drug resistance in OC cells. However, the molecular role by which naringin inhibits DDP resistance in OC has not been definitively proven by researchers. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of naringin on DDP resistance in OC cells and the specific mechanism of naringin mediating autophagy.

Methods

3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry were selected to evaluate the role of naringin or DDP on the proliferation and apoptosis of human OC cells (SKOV3/A2780). The protein levels of Sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1/p62, hereinafter referred to as p62), microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) and SMAD family member 2 (smad2) were detected with Western blotting assay. Immunofluorescence assay was also used to evaluate the level of LC3 in different groups of cells. Besides, functional analyses were performed in vivo.

Results

Naringin was shown to promote DDP sensitivity and apoptosis of human OC DDP-resistant cell line (SKOV3/A2780-DDP cells). Significantly increased p62 expression and reduced LC3 expression were found in naringin-treated cells. The autophagy agonist, rapamycin, reversed the effect of naringin on the resistance of SKOV3-DDP cells to DDP. Naringin inhibited levels of TGF-β2/smad2 pathway-related proteins, and regulated autophagy in SKOV3-DDP cells. In vivo experiments demonstrated that injection of naringin inhibited DDP resistance and autophagy in mice xenograft model.

Conclusions

In summary, naringin inhibits DDP resistance in OC cells by inhibiting autophagy mediated by the TGF-β2/smad2 pathway.

Reversal of Platinum-based Chemotherapy Resistance in Ovarian Cancer by Naringin Through Modulation of The Gut Microbiota in a Humanized Nude Mouse Model

As a chemotherapy agent, cisplatin (DDP) is often associated with drug resistance and gastrointestinal toxicity, factors that severely limit therapeutic efficacy in patients with ovarian cancer (OC). Naringin has been shown to increase sensitivity to cisplatin, but whether the intestinal microbiota is associated with this effect has not been reported so far. In this study, we applied a humanized mouse model for the first time to evaluate the reversal of cisplatin resistance by naringin, as well as naringin combined with the microbiota in ovarian cancer. The results showed that naringin combined with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis NCU-01 had an inhibitory effect on the tumor, significantly reducing tumor size (p<0.05), as well as the concentrations of serum tumor markers CA125 and HE4, increased the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides, inhibit Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)-induced intestinal inflammation and increase the expression of intestinal permeability-associated proteins ZO-1 (p<0.001) and occludin (p<0.01). In conclusion, the above data demonstrate how naringin combined with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis NCU-01 reverses cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer by modulating the intestinal microbiota, inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and modulating the p38MAPK signaling pathway.

Integrated Network Pharmacology and Metabolomics to Dissect the Mechanisms of Naringin for Treating Cervical Cancer

INTRODUCTION

Cervical cancer is one of the malignant cancers with high mortality among women worldwide. Although vaccines and early detection have reduced cervical cancer mortality, it remains a malignancy with a high mortality rate in women.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to develop a novel integrated strategy that combines metabolomics with network pharmacology to explore the therapeutic mechanisms of naringin in cervical cancer. The mechanism of naringin intervention in cervical cancer was initially clarified by metabolomics and network pharmacology.

METHODS

The method of LC-MS and network pharmacology for the detection and identification of potential biomarkers and the mechanisms of action of naringin was used. The metabolites were detected and identified based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Quadrupole- Exactive Orbitrap MS (UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS) and followed by the network pharmacology analysis.

RESULTS

In network pharmacology, naringin played a synergetic role through regulatory shared pathways, such as steroid hormone biosynthesis, sphingolipid signaling pathway and arachidonic acid metabolism, etc. Besides, the metabolomics analysis showed that 20 differential metabolites and 10 metabolic pathways were mainly involved in the therapeutic effect of naringin on cervical cancer. The result showed that naringin treatment for cervical cancer mainly occurs through the following metabolic pathways: amino acid metabolism and arachidonic acid metabolism.

CONCLUSION

This work provided valuable information and a scientific basis for further studies of naringin in the treatment of cervical cancer.

Research progress on the anti-tumor effect of Naringin

Naringin is a kind of natural dihydro flavone, which mainly exists in citrus fruits of the Rutaceae family, as well as traditional Chinese medicines such as trifoliate orange, fingered citron, exocarpium citri grandis, and rhizoma dynamite. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Naringin has excellent anti-tumor activity. Through reviewing the relevant literature at home and abroad in recent years, we summarized the pharmacological mechanism of Naringin to play an anti-cancer role in blocking tumor cell cycle, inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, inducing tumor cell apoptosis, inhibiting tumor cell invasion and metastasis, inducing tumor cell autophagy, reversing tumor cell drug resistance and enhancing chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity, as well as anti-inflammatory to prevent canceration, alleviate Adverse drug reaction of chemotherapy, activate and strengthen immunity, It provides theoretical basis and reference basis for further exploring the anticancer potential of Naringin and its further development and utilization.

Mechanisms of autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress in the reversal of platinum resistance of epithelial ovarian cancer cells by naringin

OBJECTIVE

Our previous studies showed that naringin (Nar) can effectively reverse the cisplatin resistance of ovarian cancer cells. This study aims to explore the potential mechanism by which Nar reverses cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer.

METHODS

The proliferative activity of cells was evaluated using CCK8 and cell clone formation assays. Autophagic flux in cells was evaluated via LC3B immunofluorescence and monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining. The expression levels of autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and apoptosis-related proteins were detected via Western blotting. Autophagy and ER stress were regulated using siATG5, siLC3B, rapamycin (Rap), chloroquine (CQ), 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA), and thapsigargin (TG). siATG5 and siLC3B are short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) used to knock down the expression of ATG5 and LC3B genes, respectively.

RESULTS

Nar inhibited autophagy in SKOV3/DDP cells by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. And Nar increased the levels of ER stress-related proteins, namely, P-PERK, GRP78, and CHOP, and promoted apoptosis in SKOV3/DDP cells. Moreover, treatment with the inhibitor of ER stress alleviated apoptosis induced by Nar in SKOV3/DDP cells. In addition, compared to cisplatin or naringin alone, the combination of Nar and cisplatin significantly reduced the proliferative activity of SKOV3/DDP cells. And siATG5, siLC3B, CQ or TG pretreatment further inhibited the proliferative activity of SKOV3/DDP cells. Conversely, Rap or 4-PBA pretreatment alleviated the cell proliferation inhibition caused by Nar combined with cisplatin.

CONCLUSION

Nar not only inhibited the autophagy in SKOV3/DDP cells by regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway, but also promoted apoptosis in SKOV3/DDP cells by targeting ER stress. Nar can reverse the cisplatin resistance in SKOV3/DDP cells through these two mechanisms.

CRABP2 Promotes the Proliferation of Dermal Papilla Cells via the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway

In our previous study of Hu sheep hair follicles, we found that CRABP2 was highly expressed in DPCs, which suggested that CRABP2 may influence the number of DPCs. In the present study, we aimed to understand the effect of CRABP2 in Hu sheep dermal papilla cells (DPCs). First, we explored the influence of CRABP2 on the ability of Hu sheep DPCs' proliferation. Based on the results obtained from some experiments, such as CCK-8, EDU, qPCR, and Western blot experiment, we found that the overexpression of CRABP2 facilitated the proliferation of DPCs compared to the negative control group. Then, we also detected the effect of CRABP2 on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway based on the important function of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in hair follicles. The results showed that CRABP2 could activate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in DPCs, and it rescues the proliferation of DPCs when the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was inhibited. In summary, our findings indicate that CRABP2 is a vital functional gene in the proliferation of Hu sheep DPCs. Our study will be of great use for revealing the roles of CRABP2 in the hair follicles of Hu sheep.

Implication of Wnt/GSK-3β/β-Catenin Signaling in the Pathogenesis of Mood Disturbances Associated with Hyperthyroidism in Rats: Potential Therapeutic Effect of Naringin

Patients with hyperthyroidism are commonly diagnosed with mood disorders. Naringin, (4',5,7-trihydrocyflavanone-7-O-rhamnoglucoside), a natural bioflavonoid, has many neurobehavioral activities including anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. The role of Wingless (Wnt) signaling in psychiatric disorders is considered substantial but debatable. Recently, regulation of Wnt signaling by naringin has been reported in different disorders. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the possible role of Wnt/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling in hyperthyroidism-induced mood disturbances and explore the therapeutic effects of naringin. Hyperthyroidism was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of 0.3 mg/kg levothyroxine for 2 weeks. Naringin was orally administered to rats with hyperthyroidism at a dose of 50 or 100 mg/kg for 2 weeks. Hyperthyroidism induced mood alterations as revealed by behavioral tests and histopathological changes including marked necrosis and vacuolation of neurons in the hippocampus and cerebellum. Intriguingly, hyperthyroidism activated Wnt/p-GSK-3β/β-catenin/DICER1/miR-124 signaling pathway in the hippocampus along with an elevation in serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline contents and a reduction in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) content. Additionally, hyperthyroidism induced upregulation of cyclin D-1 expression, malondialdehyde (MDA) elevation, and glutathione (GSH) reduction. Naringin treatment alleviated behavioral and histopathological alterations and reversed hyperthyroidism-induced biochemical changes. In conclusion, this study revealed, for the first time, that hyperthyroidism could affect mental status by stimulating Wnt/p-GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling in the hippocampus. The observed beneficial effects of naringin could be attributed to increasing hippocampal BDNF, controlling the expression of Wnt/p-GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling as well as its antioxidant properties.

Naringin Prevents Cognitive Dysfunction in Aging Rats by Inhibiting Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB Pathway and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

Objective

Naringin is a flavonoid derived from Chinese herbs. According to earlier studies, naringin may have the potential to alleviate aging-induced cognitive dysfunction. Therefore, this study attempted to explore the protective effect and underlying mechanism of naringin on aging rats with cognitive dysfunction.

Methods

After the construction of a model of aging rats with cognitive dysfunction through subcutaneous injection of D-galactose (D-gal; 150 mg/kg), intragastric administration of naringin (100 mg/kg) was performed for treatment. Behavioral tests, including Morris water maze test (MWM), novel object recognition test (NORT), and fear conditioning test, were used to measure the cognitive function; ELISA and biochemical tests were used to determine the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the hippocampus of rats in each group, respectively; H&E staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the hippocampus; Western blot was used to examine the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB pathway-related proteins and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related proteins in the hippocampus.

Results

The model was successfully constructed by subcutaneous injection of D-gal (150 mg/kg). The behavioral test results showed that naringin could ameliorate the cognitive dysfunction and alleviate the histopathological damage of hippocampus. Moreover, naringin significantly improve the inflammatory response (the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and MCP-1 were decreased), oxidative stress response (MDA level was increased while GSH-Px activity was decreased), and ER stress (the expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), C/-EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and transcription factor 6 (ATF6) expression was downregulated), and increased the levels of neurotrophic factors BDNF and NGF in D-gal rats. Besides, further mechanistic studies revealed the downregulation of naringin on TLR4/NF-κB pathway activity.

Conclusion

Naringin may inhibit inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and ER stress by downregulating TLR4/NF-κB pathway activity, thereby improving cognitive dysfunction and alleviating histopathological damage of hippocampus in aging rats. Briefly, naringin is an effective drug for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction.

The Employment of Genera Vaccinium, Citrus, Olea, and Cynara Polyphenols for the Reduction of Selected Anti-Cancer Drug Side Effects

Cancer is one of the most widespread diseases globally and one of the leading causes of death. Known cancer treatments are chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, targeted hormonal therapy, or a combination of these methods. Antitumor drugs, with different mechanisms, interfere with cancer growth by destroying cancer cells. However, anticancer drugs are dangerous, as they significantly affect both cancer cells and healthy cells. In addition, there may be the onset of systemic side effects perceived and mutagenicity, teratogenicity, and further carcinogenicity. Many polyphenolic extracts, taken on top of common anti-tumor drugs, can participate in the anti-proliferative effect of drugs and significantly reduce the side effects developed. This review aims to discuss the current scientific knowledge of the protective effects of polyphenols of the genera Vaccinium, Citrus, Olea, and Cynara on the side effects induced by four known chemotherapy, Cisplatin, Doxorubicin, Tamoxifen, and Paclitaxel. In particular, the summarized data will help to understand whether polyphenols can be used as adjuvants in cancer therapy, although further clinical trials will provide crucial information.

Tumor microenvironment manipulates chemoresistance in ovarian cancer (Review)

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the leading cause of mortality among the various types of gynecological cancer, and >75% of the cases are diagnosed at a late stage. Although platinum‑based chemotherapy is able to help the majority of patients to achieve remission, the disease frequently recurs and acquires chemoresistance, resulting in high mortality rates. The complexity of OC therapy is not solely governed by the intrinsic characteristics of the OC cells (OCCs) themselves, but is also largely dependent on the dynamic communication between OCCs and various components of their surrounding microenvironment. The present review attempts to describe the mutual interplay between OCCs and their surrounding microenvironment. Tumor‑associated macrophages (TAMs) and cancer‑associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most abundant stromal cell types in OC. Soluble factors derived from CAFs steadily nourish both the OCCs and TAMs, facilitating their proliferation and immune evasion. ATP binding cassette transporters facilitate the extrusion of cytotoxic molecules, eventually promoting cell survival and multidrug resistance. Extracellular vesicles fulfill their role as genetic exchange vectors, transferring cargo from the donor cells to the recipient cells and propagating oncogenic signaling. A greater understanding of the vital roles of the tumor microenvironment will allow researchers to be open to the prospect of developing therapeutic approaches for combating OC chemoresistance.

Plant-Derived Chinese Medicine Monomers on Ovarian Cancer via the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway: Review of Mechanisms and Prospects

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a common malignant tumor of the female reproductive system and has a high morbidity and mortality rate. The progression and metastasis of OC are complex and involve multiple signaling pathways. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is closely related to OC, and therefore blocking the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling directly or inhibiting related genes, and molecular targets is of great value in treating OC. Toxicities such as myelotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, genotoxicity, and vasospasm are the major side effects for common anticancer drugs and are well documented. There is, therefore, a need to develop new, effective, safer, and more affordable anticancer drugs from alternative sources. In recent years, plant-derived Chinese medicine monomers have drawn increasing attention due to their high safety, low toxicity, minimal side effects, and antitumor effects. Plant-derived Chinese medicine monomers are effective against multiple targets and can regulate the growth, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration of OC as well as reverse drug resistance by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In this review, we summarize and provide mechanisms and prospects for the use of plant-derived Chinese medicines for the prevention and treatment of OC.

Nephroprotective effect of naringin in methotrexate induced renal toxicity in male rats

The current work aims to study the nephroprotective potential of naringin (NG), a flavanone derived from citrus fruits, in methotrexate (MTX)-induced renal toxicity. Thirty male rats were divided into five groups; control group (IP saline), MTX group (IP single dose, 20 mg/kg), and three groups co-treated with MTX and naringin (IP daily dose; 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg, respectively). Kidney tissues were used to investigate renal function, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and caspase-3 activity. Biochemical cytokine analysis was performed in addition to ultrastructural examinations of kidney tissue. When compared to the MTX-treated rats, MTX+NG significantly reduced the levels of urea, creatinine, MDA, NO, TNFα, IL-6, and caspase-3 activity. A significant increase in the levels of the antioxidant enzymes and GSH were also noted. Additionally, naringin ameliorated the apparent ultrastructural changes observed in the glomeruli and renal tubules of MTX-intoxicated rats. Noticeable structural improvements of glomerular lesions, proximal, and distal convoluted tubular epithelium were observed in MTX+NG treated animals, including podocytes with regular foot processes, perfectly organized filtration barrier, no signs of GBM thickening, organized brush border, and normal architecture of microvilli. Naringin (80 mg/kg) had the maximum amelioration effect. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the ultrastructural manifestations of naringin and/or MTX on the kidney of rats. Taken all, naringin has a potent therapeutic effect and can be used in adjuvant therapy to prevent MTX-induced nephrotoxicity. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism underlying the nephroprotective capacity of naringin needs further investigation.

Naringenin inhibits autophagy and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of human lens epithelial cells by regulating the Smad2/3 pathway

Cataract is the number one cause of blindness in the world. Fibrosis of the lens is the main cause of cataract. Pathological epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in the development of fibrotic cataract. Inhibition of EMT may be an effective treatment for fibrosis of lens epithelial cells. Naringin (NRG) is one of the major citrus flavonoids, which has many pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective. However, the effect of NRG on cataract induced by abnormal fibrosis of LECs is not clear. Herein, we found NRG inhibited transforming growth factor β2 (TGFβ2)-induced SRA01/04 cell viability. Additionally, NRG inhibited TGFβ2-induced cell migration and EMT. We further noticed that NRG inhibited autophagy and Smad2/3 phosphorylation in LECs. We therefore thought Naringenin inhibited autophagy and EMT of human LECs by regulating the Smad2/3 pathway. NRG could therefore serve as a promising drug for cataract treatment.