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Chen S, Ren Z, Guo L. Hepatotoxicity of usnic acid and underlying mechanisms. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2024:1-22. [PMID: 38904414 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2024.2366737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Since usnic acid was first isolated in 1844 as a prominent secondary lichen metabolite, it has been used for various purposes worldwide. Usnic acid has been claimed to possess numerous therapeutic properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-proliferative, and antipyretic activities. Approximately two decades ago, crude extracts of usnic acid or pure usnic acid were marketed in the United States as dietary supplements for aiding in weight loss as a "fat-burner" and gained popularity in the bodybuilding community; however, hepatotoxicity was documented for some usnic acid containing products. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received numerous reports of liver toxicity associated with the use of dietary supplements containing usnic acid, leading the FDA to issue a warning letter in 2001 on a product, LipoKinetix. The FDA also sent a recommendation letter to the manufacturer of LipoKinetix, resulting in the withdrawal of LipoKinetix from the market. These events triggered investigations into the hepatotoxicity of usnic acid and its mechanisms. In 2008, we published a review article titled "Usnic Acid and Usnea Barbata Toxicity". This review is an updated version of our previous review article and incorporates additional data published since 2008. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of the understanding of the liver toxicity associated with usnic acid, with a particular focus on the current understanding of the putative mechanisms of usnic acid-related hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Chen
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, Arkansas, USA
| | - Zhen Ren
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, Arkansas, USA
| | - Lei Guo
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, Arkansas, USA
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Azhamuthu T, Kathiresan S, Senkuttuvan I, Asath NAA, Ravichandran P, Vasu R. Usnic acid alleviates inflammatory responses and induces apoptotic signaling through inhibiting NF-ĸB expressions in human oral carcinoma cells. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e4074. [PMID: 38874340 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.4074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Usnic acid (UA) is a unique bioactive substance in lichen with potential anticancer properties. Recently, we have reported that UA can reduce 7,12-dimethylbenz[a] anthracene-induced oral carcinogenesis by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell proliferation in a male golden Syrian hamster in vivo model. The present study aims to explore the relevant mechanism of cell death induced by UA on human oral carcinoma (KB) cell line in an in vitro model. We found that UA can induce apoptosis (cell death) in KB cells by decreasing cell viability, increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), depolarizing mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) levels, causing nuclear fragmentation, altering apoptotic morphology, and causing excessive DNA damage. Additionally, UA inhibits the expression of Bcl-2, a protein that promotes cell survival, while increasing the expression of p53, Bax, Cytochrome-c, Caspase-9, and 3 proteins in KB cells. UA also inhibits the expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), a protein that mediates the activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, in KB cells. Furthermore, UA promotes apoptosis by enhancing the mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic mechanism through oxidative stress, depletion of cellular antioxidants, and an inflammatory response. Ultimately, the findings of this study suggest that UA may have potential as an anticancer therapeutic agent for oral cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theerthu Azhamuthu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Suresh Kathiresan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ilanchitchenni Senkuttuvan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Pugazhendhi Ravichandran
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rajeswari Vasu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India
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Poulsen-Silva E, Gordillo-Fuenzalida F, Atala C, Moreno AA, Otero MC. Bioactive Lichen Secondary Metabolites and Their Presence in Species from Chile. Metabolites 2023; 13:805. [PMID: 37512512 PMCID: PMC10383681 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13070805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Lichens are symbiotic organisms composed of at least one fungal and one algal species. They are found in different environments around the world, even in the poles and deserts. Some species can withstand extreme abiotic conditions, including radiation and the vacuum of space. Their chemistry is mainly due to the fungal metabolism and the production of several secondary metabolites with biological activity, which have been isolated due to an increasing interest from the pharmaceutical community. However, beyond the experimental data, little is known about their mechanisms of action and the potential pharmaceutical use of these kinds of molecules, especially the ones isolated from lesser-known species and/or lesser-studied countries. The main objective of this review is to analyze the bibliographical data of the biological activity of secondary metabolites from lichens, identifying the possible mechanisms of action and lichen species from Chile. We carried out a bibliographic revision of different scientific articles in order to collect all necessary information on the biological activity of the metabolites of these lichen species. For this, validated databases were used. We found the most recent reports where in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the biological properties of these metabolites. The biological activity, namely anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity, of 26 secondary metabolites are described, as well as their reported molecular mechanisms. The most notable metabolites found in this review were usnic acid, atranorin, protolichesterinic acid, and lobaric acid. Usnic acid was the most investigated metabolite, in addition to undergoing toxicological and pharmacological studies, where a hepatotoxicity effect was reported due to uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation. Additionally, no major studies have been made to validate the pharmacological application of these metabolites, and few advancements have been made in their artificial growth in bioreactors. Despite the described biological activities, there is little support to consider these metabolites in pharmaceutical formulations or to evaluate them in clinical trials. Nevertheless, it is important to carry out further studies regarding their possible human health effects. These lichen secondary metabolites present a promising research opportunity to find new pharmaceutical molecules due to their bioactive properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick Poulsen-Silva
- Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andrés Bello, República 252, Santiago 8320000, Chile
| | - Felipe Gordillo-Fuenzalida
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Aplicada, Centro de Biotecnología de los Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Avda. San Miguel 3605, Talca 3466706, Chile
| | - Cristian Atala
- Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Campus Curauma, Av. Universidad 330, Curauma, Valparaíso 2373223, Chile
| | - Adrián A Moreno
- Centro de Biotecnología Vegetal, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 8370146, Chile
| | - María Carolina Otero
- Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andrés Bello, República 252, Santiago 8320000, Chile
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Kumari M, Kamat S, Singh SK, Kumar A, Jayabaskaran C. Inhibition of Autophagy Increases Cell Death in HeLa Cells through Usnic Acid Isolated from Lichens. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:519. [PMID: 36771602 PMCID: PMC9919968 DOI: 10.3390/plants12030519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The Western Ghats, India, is a hotspot for lichen diversity. However, the pharmacological importance of lichen-associated metabolites remains untapped. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic potential of lichens of this region. For this, sixteen macrolichens were collected and identified from two locations in the Western Ghats. The acetone extract of Usnea cornuta (UC2A) showed significant cytotoxicity towards multiple human cancer cell lines. Interestingly, co-treatment with chloroquine (CQ), an autophagy inhibitor, increased the cytotoxic potential of the UC2A extract. A gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) study revealed usnic acid (UA), atraric acid and barbatic acid as the dominant cytotoxic compounds in the UC2A extract. Further, UA was purified and identified from the UC2A extract and evaluated for cytotoxicity in HeLa cells. The monodansyl cadaverine and mitotracker red double staining revealed the autophagy-inducing activities of UA, and the inhibition of autophagy was confirmed via CQ treatment. Autophagy inhibition increased the cytotoxicity of UA by 12-16% in a concentration-dependent manner. It also increased lipid peroxidation, ROS levels and mitochondrial depolarization and decreased glutathione availability. A decrease in zeta potential and a 40% increase in caspase 3/7 activity were also noted after CQ treatment of UA-treated cells. Thus, cytotoxicity of UA can be increased by inhibiting autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhuree Kumari
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Siya Kamat
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar Singh
- Division of Microbiology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi 110012, India
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - C. Jayabaskaran
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
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Machado ART, Tuttis K, Santos PWDS, Aissa AF, Antunes LMG. Diallyl Disulfide Induces Chemosensitization to Sorafenib, Autophagy, and Cell Cycle Arrest and Inhibits Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122582. [PMID: 36559076 PMCID: PMC9788602 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the seventh most common type of cancer in the world, with limited treatment options. A promising strategy to treat cancer is to associate chemotherapeutics and plant bioactive compounds. Here, we examined whether diallyl disulfide (DADS; 50-200 μM) and sorafenib (SORA; 8 μM), either alone or in combination, were toxic to hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) in vitro. We assessed whether DADS and/or SORA induced cell death (LIVE/DEAD assay and autophagy) and cell cycle changes (flow cytometry), altered expression of key genes and proteins (RT-qPCR and Western blot), and modulated tumorigenesis signatures, such as proliferation (clonogenic assay), migration (wound healing), and invasion (inserts). The DADS + SORA combination elicited autophagic cell death by upregulating LC3 and NRF2 expression and downregulating FOS and TNF expression; induced the accumulation of cells in the G1 phase which thereby upregulated the CHEK2 expression; and inhibited invasion by downregulating the MMP2 expression. Predictive analysis indicated the participation of the MAPK pathway in the reported results. The DADS + SORA combination suppressed both cell invasion and clonogenic survival, which indicated that it dampened tumor growth, proliferation, invasion, and metastatic potential. Therefore, the DADS + SORA combination is a promising therapy to develop new clinical protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Thomazela Machado
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-904, SP, Brazil
| | - Katiuska Tuttis
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-904, SP, Brazil
| | - Patrick Wellington da Silva Santos
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-904, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Ferro Aissa
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-001, MG, Brazil
| | - Lusânia Maria Greggi Antunes
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-904, SP, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-16-3315-4725
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Kello M, Kuruc T, Petrova K, Goga M, Michalova Z, Coma M, Rucova D, Mojzis J. Pro-Apoptotic Potential of Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf Extract and Isolated Physodic Acid in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Model In Vitro. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13122173. [PMID: 34959454 PMCID: PMC8703293 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13122173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most frequently diagnosed type of leukemia among children. Although chemotherapy is a common treatment for cancer, it has a wide range of serious side effects, including myelo- and immunosuppression, hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Combination therapies using natural substances are widely recommended to attenuate the adverse effects of chemotherapy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-leukemic potential of extract from the lichen Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf (PSE) and isolated physodic acid (Phy) in an in vitro ALL model. A screening assay, flow cytometry and Western blotting were used to analyze apoptosis occurrence, oxidative stress, DNA damage and stress/survival/apoptotic pathway modulation induced by the tested substances in Jurkat cells. We demonstrate for the first time that PSE and Phy treatment-induced intrinsic caspase-dependent cell death was associated with increased oxidative stress, DNA damage and cell cycle arrest with the activation of cell cycle checkpoint proteins p53, p21 and p27 and stress/survival kinases p38 MAPK, JNK and PI3K/Akt. Moreover, using peripheral T lymphocytes, we confirmed that PSE and Phy treatment caused minimal cytotoxicity in normal cells, and therefore, these naturally occurring lichen secondary metabolites could be promising substances for ALL therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kello
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (T.K.); (K.P.); (Z.M.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (J.M.)
| | - Tomas Kuruc
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (T.K.); (K.P.); (Z.M.); (M.C.)
| | - Klaudia Petrova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (T.K.); (K.P.); (Z.M.); (M.C.)
| | - Michal Goga
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 041 67 Košice, Slovakia; (M.G.); (D.R.)
| | - Zuzana Michalova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (T.K.); (K.P.); (Z.M.); (M.C.)
| | - Matus Coma
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (T.K.); (K.P.); (Z.M.); (M.C.)
| | - Dajana Rucova
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 041 67 Košice, Slovakia; (M.G.); (D.R.)
| | - Jan Mojzis
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (T.K.); (K.P.); (Z.M.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (J.M.)
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Cansaran-Duman D, Yangın S, Çolak B. The role of vulpinic acid as a natural compound in the regulation of breast cancer-associated miRNAs. Biol Res 2021; 54:37. [PMID: 34743742 PMCID: PMC8574026 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-021-00360-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer, and no effective treatment solution has yet been found. The number of studies based on the research of novel natural compounds in the treatment of breast cancer has been increasing in recent years. The anticancer properties of natural compounds are related to the regulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression. Therefore, changing the profile of miRNAs with the use of natural products is very important in cancer treatment. However, the role of vulpinic acid and related miRNAs in breast cancer progression remains unknown. Vulpinic acid, methyl (as2E)-2-(3-hydroxy-5-oxo-4-phenylfuran-2-ylidene)-2 phenylacetate, is a natural product extracted from the lichen species and shows an anticancer effect on different cancer cells. Methods This study examines the effects of vulpinic acid on the miRNA levels of breast cancer (MCF-7) cells and its relationship with cell proliferation and apoptosis levels. The antiproliferative effect of vulpinic acid was screened against MCF-7 breast cancer cells and MCF-12A breast epithelial cells using the xCELLigence real-time cell analysis system. We analyzed the altered miRNA expression profile in MCF-7 breast cancer cells versus MCF-12A cells following their response to vulpinic acid through microarray analysis. The microarray analysis results were confirmed through quantitative real-time PCR and bioinformatics analysis. Results The results of the miRNA array and bioinformatic analyses demonstrated that 12 miRNAs were specifically responsive to vulpinic acid in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. This is the first study to reveal that vulpinic acid inhibits the expression of 12 miRNAs and suppresses breast cancer cell proliferation. The study also revealed that vulpinic acid may downregulate the expression of 12 miRNAs by repressing the FOXO-3 gene. The miRNA targets were mainly found to play a role in the apoptosis, cell cycle and MAPK pathways. Moreover, Bcl-2, Bax, procaspase-3 and procaspase-9 protein levels were assessed by western blot analysis for validation of apoptosis at the protein level. Conclusion This study revealed the molecular mechanisms of vulpinic acid on breast cancer and showed that vulpinic acid regulates apoptosis signaling pathways by decreasing the expression of miRNAs. The miRNA expression patterns illuminate the underlying effect of vulpinic acid in breast cancer treatment. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40659-021-00360-4.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sevcan Yangın
- Ankara University, Biotechnology Institute, Keçiören, Ankara, 06135, Turkey
| | - Betül Çolak
- Ankara University, Biotechnology Institute, Keçiören, Ankara, 06135, Turkey
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Effects of Sinapic Acid Combined with Cisplatin on the Apoptosis and Autophagy of the Hepatoma Cells HepG2 and SMMC-7721. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6095963. [PMID: 34675987 PMCID: PMC8526204 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6095963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sinapic acid (Sa) is a small-molecule phenolic acid compound predominant in fruits, vegetables, and grains. This study investigated the antitumor effects of cisplatin (DDP) combined with Sa (Sa/DDP) on the hepatic cancer cells (HCC), HepG2 and SMMC-7721. The HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells were treated with Sa or Sa/DDP, and the cell proliferation and cell cycle were detected using the MTT assay. The cell migration was detected using the transwell and scratch assays, while apoptosis and autophagy were detected using Hoechst, MDC, and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. The protein expression was quantitated using the western blot. Sa/DDP was found to not only inhibit cancer cell proliferation and migration but also induce cell apoptosis. Simultaneously, the Sa/DDP combination was found to activate autophagy, and the HCQ autophagy inhibitor enhanced the apoptosis in the Sa/DDP-induced liver cancer cells. The combined use of Sa and DDP makes it an attractive adjuvant therapy strategy for tumors, establishing the prospect of phenolic acid compounds for the adjuvant treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Dar TUH, Dar SA, Islam SU, Mangral ZA, Dar R, Singh BP, Verma P, Haque S. Lichens as a repository of bioactive compounds: an open window for green therapy against diverse cancers. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 86:1120-1137. [PMID: 34052413 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Lichens, algae and fungi-based symbiotic associations, are sources of many important secondary metabolites, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, and anticancer agents. Wide range of experiments based on in vivo and in vitro studies revealed that lichens are a rich treasure of anti-cancer compounds. Lichen extracts and isolated lichen compounds can interact with all biological entities currently identified to be responsible for tumor development. The critical ways to control the cancer development include induction of cell cycle arrests, blocking communication of growth factors, activation of anti-tumor immunity, inhibition of tumor-friendly inflammation, inhibition of tumor metastasis, and suppressing chromosome dysfunction. Also, lichen-based compounds induce the killing of cells by the process of apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis, that inturn positively modulates metabolic networks of cells against uncontrolled cell division. Many lichen-based compounds have proven to possess potential anti-cancer activity against a wide range of cancer cells, either alone or in conjunction with other anti-cancer compounds. This review primarily emphasizes on an updated account of the repository of secondary metabolites reported in lichens. Besides, we discuss the anti-cancer potential and possible mechanism of the most frequently reported secondary metabolites derived from lichens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanvir Ul Hassan Dar
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, BGSB University, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
| | - Sajad Ahmad Dar
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shahid Ul Islam
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, BGSB University, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Zahid Ahmed Mangral
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, BGSB University, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Rubiya Dar
- Centre of Research for Development, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Bhim Pratap Singh
- Department of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship & Management (NIFTEM), Sonepat, Haryana, India
| | - Pradeep Verma
- Bioprocess and Bioenergy Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
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Kwong SP, Huang Z, Ji L, Wang C. PORIMIN: The key to (+)-Usnic acid-induced liver toxicity and oncotic cell death in normal human L02 liver cells. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 270:113873. [PMID: 33485970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.113873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Usnic acid (UA) is one of the well-known lichen metabolites that induces liver injury. It is mainly extracted from Usnea longissima and U. diffracta in China or from other lichens in other countries. U. longissima has been used as traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of cough, pain, indigestion, wound healing and infection. More than 20 incidences with hepatitis and liver failure have been reported by the US Food and Drug Administration since 2000. UA is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation causing glutathione and ATP depletion. Previous histological studies observed extensive cell and organelle swellings accompanied with hydrotropic vacuolization of hepatocytes. AIM OF THE STUDY This study was to investigate the mechanism of UA-induced liver toxicity in normal human L02 liver cells and ICR mice using various techniques, such as immunoblotting and siRNA transfection. MATERIALS AND METHODS Assays were performed to evaluate the oxidative stress and levels of GSH, MDA and SOD. Double flouresencence staining was used for the detection of apoptotic cell death. The protein expressions, such as glutathione S transferase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase 4, catalase, c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase, caspases, gastamin-D and porimin were detected by Western blotting. Comparisons between transfected and non-transfected cells were applied for the elucidation of the role of porimin in UA-induced hepatotoxicity. Histopathological examination of mice liver tissue, serum total bilirubin and hepatic enzymes of alanine aminotransferase and aspatate aminotransferase were also studied. RESULTS The protein expressions of glutathione reductase, glutathione S transferase and glutathione peroxidase-4 were increased significantly in normal human L02 liver cells. Catalase expression was diminished in dose-dependent manner. Moreover, (+)-UA did not induce the activation of caspase-3, caspase-1 or gasdermin-D. No evidence showed the occurrence of pyroptosis. However, the porimin expressions were increased significantly. In addition, (+)-UA caused no cytotoxicity in the porimin silencing L02 cells. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, (+)-UA induces oncotic L02 cell death via increasing protein porimin and the formation of irreversible membrane pores. This may be the potential research area for future investigation in different aspects especially bioactivity and toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukfan P Kwong
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Zhenlin Huang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Lili Ji
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Changhong Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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Tripathi AH, Negi N, Gahtori R, Kumari A, Joshi P, Tewari LM, Joshi Y, Bajpai R, Upreti DK, Upadhyay SK. A Review of Anti-Cancer and Related Properties of Lichen-Extracts and Metabolites. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 22:115-142. [PMID: 34225637 DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666210322094647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lichens are a composite consortium of fungus and alga. The symbiotic organisms are naturally equipped with distinct characteristics as compared to constituting organisms separately. Lichens due to their peculiar anatomy and physiology, are the reservoir of more than 600 unique secondary metabolites, also known as 'lichen substances'. Since ancient times, many ethnic groups from various parts of the world had knowledge about the applications of lichens as major provenance of food/fodder, medicine, dyes, spices, perfumes, etc. Lichen substances have shown impressive antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory activities under experimental conditions. Usnic acid, a well-known metabolite, found in several species of lichens, possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. It also has significant anti-proliferative potential as revealed through testing in different cancer cell lines. Atranorin, Lecanoric acid, Norstictic acid, Lobaric acid, Stictic acid, Ramalin, Gyrophoric acid, Salazinic acid, Protolichesterinic, and Fumarprotocetraric acid are some of the other purified lichen metabolites with potent anti-cancer activities. OBJECTIVE This study presents an overview of lichen derived extracts/compounds augmenting the anti-cancer (related) properties. METHOD The review comprehends different studies (in vivo and in vitro) backing up the possibility of lichen extracts and metabolites towards their use as antioxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory and EMT-inhibiting agents. RESULTS The review focuses on anti-cancer and related properties of lichen extracts and metabolites that include their anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic, cancer stemness reduction, activities and, the potential of inhibition of cancer-associated Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that is responsible for multiple drug-resistance and metastasis of cancer cells in a large proportion of cases. CONCLUSION Lichens can be the repertoire of a plethora of lichen metabolites with putative bioactive potential, which is needed to be explored in order to find out novel anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita H Tripathi
- Department of Biotechnology, Kumaun University Campus, Bhimtal, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Nidhi Negi
- Department of Chemistry, D.S.B. Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Rekha Gahtori
- Department of Biotechnology, Kumaun University Campus, Bhimtal, Uttarakhand, India-263136; b Department of Chemistry, D.S.B. Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Amrita Kumari
- Department of Biotechnology, Kumaun University Campus, Bhimtal, Uttarakhand, India-263136; b Department of Chemistry, D.S.B. Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Penny Joshi
- Department of Chemistry, D.S.B. Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand. 0
| | - Lalit M Tewari
- Department of Botany, D.S.B. Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Yogesh Joshi
- Department of Botany, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Rajesh Bajpai
- CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Dalip K Upreti
- CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Santosh K Upadhyay
- Department of Biotechnology, Kumaun University Campus, Bhimtal, Uttarakhand, India
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Evaluation of the biological activities of olivetoric acid, a lichen-derived molecule, in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. RENDICONTI LINCEI. SCIENZE FISICHE E NATURALI 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12210-021-00976-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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13
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Özben RŞ, Cansaran-Duman D. The expression profiles of apoptosis-related genes induced usnic acid in SK-BR-3 breast cancer cell. Hum Exp Toxicol 2020; 39:1497-1506. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327120930257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to determine whether usnic acid (UA) could induce the expression of apoptosis-related genes in apoptosis pathway. The current study has enabled us to better understand the target of UA in the treatment of breast cancer. Cell viability was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Based on the previous study and the results of this study, UA had the most antiproliferative effect on SK-BR-3 breast cancer cell line. We examined differential expression of 88 apoptosis-related genes by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction using the apoptosis primary library panel in SK-BR-3 breast cancer cell. We observed a difference in the significant differential expression of 74 apoptosis-related genes in breast cancer after SK-BR-3 cells applied to UA (7.21 µM) for 48 h. The expression level of 56 of these 74 differentiated apoptosis-related genes increased ( p < 0.05), but the expression level of the other 18 related genes decreased ( p < 0.05). In order to evaluate the mechanism of apoptosis of UA, Western blot analysis was performed with Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9 antibodies. According to the Western blot analysis, we obtained similar results with gene-expression data. These results suggest that UA showed a cytotoxic effect in SK-BR-3 cells through activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. The obtained results from gene expression revealed that the effect of UA on apoptosis pathway is critical for clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- RŞ Özben
- Ankara University, Biotechnology Institute, Ankara, Turkey
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14
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Değerli E, Torun V, Cansaran-Duman D. miR-185-5p response to usnic acid suppresses proliferation and regulating apoptosis in breast cancer cell by targeting Bcl2. Biol Res 2020; 53:19. [PMID: 32366289 PMCID: PMC7197166 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-020-00285-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most common cancer types among women. Recent researches have focused on determining the efficiency of alternative molecules and miRNAs in breast cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of usnic acid response-miR-185-5p on proliferation in the breast cancer cell and to determine its relationship with apoptosis pathway. METHODS The cell proliferation and cell apoptosis rate were significantly increased following the ectopic expression of miR-185-5p in BT-474 cells. Furthermore, the results of cell cycle assay performed by flow cytometry revealed that the transfection with miR-185-5p induced G1/S phase arrest. The apoptosis-related genes expression analysis was performed by qRT-PCR and the direct target of miR-185-5p in BT-474 cells was identified by western blot and luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS Our data showed that miR-185-5p can cause significant changes in apoptosis-related genes expression levels, suggesting that cell proliferation was suppressed by miR-185-5p via inducing apoptosis in breast cancer cells. According to western blot results, miR-185-5p lead to decrease BCL2 protein level in BT-474 cells and direct target of miR-185-5p was identified as BCL by luciferase reporter assay. CONCLUSION This study revealed that miR-185-5p may be an effective agent in the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Değerli
- Biotechnology Institute, Ankara University, Keçiören, 06135, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Vildan Torun
- Biotechnology Institute, Ankara University, Keçiören, 06135, Ankara, Turkey
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15
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Kwong SP, Wang H, Shi L, Huang Z, Lu B, Cheng X, Chou G, Ji L, Wang C. Identification of photodegraded derivatives of usnic acid with improved toxicity profile and UVA/UVB protection in normal human L02 hepatocytes and epidermal melanocytes. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2020; 205:111814. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2020.111814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Anticancer Potential of Lichens' Secondary Metabolites. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10010087. [PMID: 31948092 PMCID: PMC7022966 DOI: 10.3390/biom10010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lichens produce different classes of phenolic compounds, including anthraquinones, xanthones, dibenzofuranes, depsides and depsidones. Many of them have revealed effective biological activities such as antioxidant, antiviral, antibiotics, antifungal, and anticancer. Although no clinical study has been conducted yet, there are number of in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrating anticancer effects of lichen metabolites. The main goal of our work was to review most recent published papers dealing with anticancer activities of secondary metabolites of lichens and point out to their perspective clinical use in cancer management.
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17
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Yurdacan B, Egeli U, Guney Eskiler G, Eryilmaz IE, Cecener G, Tunca B. Investigation of new treatment option for hepatocellular carcinoma: a combination of sorafenib with usnic acid. J Pharm Pharmacol 2019; 71:1119-1132. [DOI: 10.1111/jphp.13097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
Sorafenib (SOR) is an orally administered molecular targeted agent in the systemic chemotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the partial response of SOR is limited due to its adverse side effect and high heterogeneity and resistant phenotype of HCC. In the current study, we investigated synergistic effects of SOR and usnic acid (UA) on HCC cell lines including HepG2 and SNU-449, and a normal cell line, HUVEC.
Methods
The antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of combination therapy and SOR alone were analysed by WST-1 and Annexin V analysis, respectively. Furthermore, cell cycle, gene expression analysis of SOR-targeted kinases and acridine orange–ethidium bromide staining were also performed in combined treatments.
Key findings
Our results demonstrated that SOR and UA combination indicated a strong synergism in HCC cell lines and reduced SOR toxicity in HUVEC cells. Additionally, the combination treatment SOR and UA significantly induced much more apoptotic cell death and G0/G1 arrest through downregulation of SOR-targeted kinases.
Conclusions
Consequently, SOR and UA combination could be a new therapeutic strategy for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beste Yurdacan
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Unal Egeli
- Medical Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Gamze Guney Eskiler
- Medical Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Isil Ezgi Eryilmaz
- Medical Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Gulsah Cecener
- Medical Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Berrin Tunca
- Medical Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
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Ittiudomrak T, Puthong S, Roytrakul S, Chanchao C. α-Mangostin and Apigenin Induced Cell Cycle Arrest and Programmed Cell Death in SKOV-3 Ovarian Cancer Cells. Toxicol Res 2019; 35:167-179. [PMID: 31015899 PMCID: PMC6467359 DOI: 10.5487/tr.2019.35.2.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the fifth main cause of pre-senescent death in women. Although chemotherapy is generally an efficient treatment, its side effects and the occurrence of chemotherapeutic resistance have prompted the need for alternative treatments. In this study, α-mangostin and apigenin were evaluated as possible anticancer alternatives to the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin, used herein as a positive control. The ovarian adenocarcinoma cell line SKOV-3 (ATCC No. HTB77) was used as model ovarian cancer cells, whereas the skin fibroblast line CCD-986Sk (ATCC No. CRL-1947) and lung fibroblast line WI-38 (ATCC No. CCL-75) were used as model untransformed cells. Apigenin and doxorubicin inhibited the growth of SKOV-3 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. After 72 hr exposure, doxorubicin was mostly toxic to SKOV-3 cells, whereas apigenin was toxic to SKOV-3 cells but not CCD-986Sk and WI-38 cells. α-Mangostin was more toxic to SKOV-3 cells than to CCD-986Sk cells. A lower cell density, cell shrinkage, and more unattached (floating round) cells were observed in all treated SKOV-3 cells, but the greatest effects were observed with α-mangostin. With regard to programmed cell death, apigenin caused early apoptosis within 24 hr, whereas α-mangostin and doxorubicin caused late apoptosis and necrosis after 72 hr of exposure. Caspase-3 activity was significantly increased in α-mangostin-treated SKOV-3 cells after 12 hr of exposure, whereas only caspase-9 activity was significantly increased in apigenin-treated SKOV-3 cells at 24 hr. Both α-mangostin and apigenin arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase, but after 24 and 48 hr, respectively. Significant upregulation of BCL2 (apoptosis-associated gene) and COX2 (inflammation-associated gene) transcripts was observed in apigenin- and α-mangostin-treated SKOV-3 cells, respectively. α-Mangostin and apigenin are therefore alternative options for SKOV-3 cell inhibition, with apigenin causing rapid early apoptosis related to the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, and α-mangostin likely being involved with inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teeranai Ittiudomrak
- Program in Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Songchan Puthong
- Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sittiruk Roytrakul
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Chanpen Chanchao
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Guney Eskiler G, Eryilmaz IE, Yurdacan B, Egeli U, Cecener G, Tunca B. Synergistic effects of hormone therapy drugs and usnic acid on hormone receptor-positive breast and prostate cancer cells. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2019; 33:e22338. [PMID: 30980508 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effects of usnic acid (UA) and Tamoxifen (Tam) or Enzalutamide (Enz) on hormone receptor-positive breast and prostate cancer (BC and PC), respectively. The antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of Tam or Enz alone and in combination with UA on MCF7 and LNCaP cancer cells were detected. The results of the WST-1 assay indicated that UA was a promising anticancer compound that significantly enhanced the effectiveness of hormone therapy drugs compared with each drug alone (combination index < 1). In addition, the combination of UA with Tam or Enz remarkably induced more cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase and apoptosis than only drug-treated cells (P < 0.01). Consequently, our findings suggest that the combination of UA with Tam or Enz may be a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of BC and PC and further studies are required to exploit the potential mechanisms of synergistic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamze Guney Eskiler
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Isil Ezgi Eryilmaz
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Beste Yurdacan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Unal Egeli
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Gulsah Cecener
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Berrin Tunca
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
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