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McAlpine JB, Ferreira D, Pauli NE, Gafner S, Pauli GF. The Ethics of Publishing Biomedical and Natural Products Research. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2023; 86:2228-2237. [PMID: 37638654 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Given that the essence of Science is a search for the truth, one might expect that those identifying as scientists would be conscientious and observant of the demands this places on them. However, that expectation is not fulfilled universally as, not too surprisingly, egregious examples of unethical behavior appear and are driven by money, personal ambition, performance pressure, and other incentives. The reproducibility-, fact-, and truth-oriented modus operandi of Science has come to face a variety of challenges. Organized into 11 cases, this article outlines examples of compromised integrity from borderline to blatant unethical behavior that disgrace our profession unnecessarily. Considering technological developments in neural networks/artificial intelligence, a host of factors are identified as impacting Good Ethical Practices. The goal is manifold: to raise awareness and offer perspectives for refocusing on Science and true scientific evidence; to trigger discussion and developments that strengthen ethical behavior; to foster the recognition of the beauty, simplicity, and rewarding nature of scientific integrity; and to highlight the originality of intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- James B McAlpine
- Pharmacognosy Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
- Institute for Tuberculosis Research, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Daneel Ferreira
- National Center for Natural Products Research and Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Division of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677, United States
| | - Neil E Pauli
- Downers Grove South High School, 1436 Norfolk Street, Downers Grove, Illinois 60516, United States
| | - Stefan Gafner
- American Botanical Council, 6200 Manor Road, Austin, Texas 78723, United States
| | - Guido F Pauli
- Pharmacognosy Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
- Institute for Tuberculosis Research, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
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Majolo F, Caye B, Stoll SN, Leipelt J, Abujamra AL, Goettert MI. Prevention and Therapy of Prostate Cancer: An Update on Alternatives for Treatment and Future Perspectives. CURRENT DRUG THERAPY 2020. [DOI: 10.2174/1574885514666190917150635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancer types in men worldwide. With the
progression of the disease to independent stimulation by androgen hormones, it becomes more difficult
to control its progress. In addition, several studies have shown that chronic inflammation is
directly related to the onset and progression of this cancer. For many decades, conventional chemotherapeutic
drugs have not made significant progress in the treatment of prostate cancer. However,
the discovery of docetaxel yielded the first satisfactory responses of increased survival of
patients. In addition, alternative therapies using biomolecules derived from secondary metabolites
of natural products are promising in the search for new treatments. Despite the advances in the
treatment of this disease in the last two decades, the results are still insufficient and conventional
therapies do not present the expected results they once promised. Thus, a revision and
(re)establishment of prostate cancer therapeutic strategies are necessary. In this review, we also
approach suggested treatments for molecular biomarkers in advanced prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Majolo
- Instituto do Cérebro do Rio Grande do Sul (InsCer), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Ciências da Saúde, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Bruna Caye
- Laboratatório de Cultura de Células, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade do Vale do Taquari – UNIVATES, Lajeado, Brazil
| | - Stefani Natali Stoll
- Laboratatório de Cultura de Células, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade do Vale do Taquari – UNIVATES, Lajeado, Brazil
| | - Juliano Leipelt
- Laboratatório de Cultura de Células, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade do Vale do Taquari – UNIVATES, Lajeado, Brazil
| | - Ana Lúcia Abujamra
- Laboratatório de Cultura de Células, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade do Vale do Taquari – UNIVATES, Lajeado, Brazil
| | - Márcia Inês Goettert
- Laboratatório de Cultura de Células, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade do Vale do Taquari – UNIVATES, Lajeado, Brazil
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Wu K, Na K, Chen D, Wang Y, Pan H, Wang X. Effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene-1 on Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides-induced apoptosis of human prostate cancer PC-3 cells. Int J Oncol 2018; 53:2356-2368. [PMID: 30272272 PMCID: PMC6203158 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLP) has been demonstrated to elicit antitumorigenic and proapoptotic activities in cancer; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of GLP have yet to be elucidated. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene-1 (NAG-1) has been reported to exert proapoptotic effects and therefore, may serve an important role in cancer prevention. The present study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which GLP stimulates anticancer activity in human prostate cancer (PCa) PC-3 cells. In addition, the role of NAG-1 in GLP-induced cancer inhibition was examined. The results of the present study demonstrated that GLP significantly inhibited cell viability in a time- and dose-dependent manner in PC-3 cells. Flow cytometry indicated that GLP induced late apoptosis, which was accompanied by poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP) cleavage, and inhibition of pro-caspase-3, -6 and -9 protein expression. Furthermore, it was observed that the expression levels of NAG-1, and its transcriptional factor early growth response-1, were upregulated in a time- and dose-dependent manner upon GLP treatment. The results of a luciferase assay demonstrated that GLP induced the promoter activity of NAG-1, thus indicating that NAG-1 may be transcriptionally regulated by GLP. The secretion of NAG-1 proteins into the cell culture medium was also upregulated upon GLP treatment. Furthermore, inhibition of NAG-1 expression by small interfering RNA significantly, but not completely, prevented GLP-induced apoptosis, and reversed the effects of GLP on PARP and pro-caspase expression. It was further demonstrated that GLP inhibited the phosphorylation of protein kinase B and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling in PC-3 cells. The present study is the first, to the best of our knowledge, to report that GLP may induce apoptosis of PCa cells, which is partially mediated through NAG-1 induction. The present findings may be helpful in elucidating the anticancer mechanisms of GLP through NAG-1 induction for its chemopreventive potential in PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaikai Wu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Kun Na
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Dian Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Yujie Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Haitao Pan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Xingya Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
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Blumenthal M. Guest Editorial: The Rise and Fall of PC-SPES: New Generation of Herbal Supplement, Adulterated Product, or New Drug? Integr Cancer Ther 2016; 1:266-70. [PMID: 14667284 DOI: 10.1177/153473540200100311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Zhang A, Xue C, Fong H. Integration of Herbal Medicine into Evidence-Based Clinical Practice. OXIDATIVE STRESS AND DISEASE 2011. [DOI: 10.1201/b10787-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Scheck AC, Perry K, Hank NC, Clark WD. Anticancer activity of extracts derived from the mature roots of Scutellaria baicalensis on human malignant brain tumor cells. Altern Ther Health Med 2006; 6:27. [PMID: 16914050 PMCID: PMC1560162 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-6-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2006] [Accepted: 08/16/2006] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Flavonoid-rich extracts from the mature roots of Scutellaria baicalensis have been shown to exhibit antiproliferative effects on various cancer cell lines. We assessed the ability of an ethanolic extract of S. baicalensis root to inhibit the proliferation of malignant glioma cells. Methods Cell lines derived from primary and recurrent brain tumors from the same patient and cells selected for resistance to the chemotherapeutic agent 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) were used to identify antiproliferative effects of this extract when used alone and in conjunction with BCNU. Results and discussion Results indicated that Scutellaria baicalensis not only inhibits cellular growth in recurrent and drug resistant brain tumor cell lines, but also demonstrates an increased inhibitory effect when used in conjunction with BCNU. Conclusion The results of this study support the efficacy of S. baicalensis as an anticancer agent for glioblastomas multiforme and a potential adjuvant treatment to current chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of both primary and recurrent GBMs. Further studies of the effects of individual flavonoids alone and in combination with each other and with currently used therapies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne C Scheck
- Neuro-Oncology Research, Barrow Neurological Instituteof St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
- Neurosurgery Research, Barrow Neurological Instituteof St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Krya Perry
- Neuro-Oncology Research, Barrow Neurological Instituteof St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, USA
| | - Nicole C Hank
- Neuro-Oncology Research, Barrow Neurological Instituteof St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - W Dennis Clark
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, USA
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Yance DR, Sagar SM. Targeting angiogenesis with integrative cancer therapies. Integr Cancer Ther 2006; 5:9-29. [PMID: 16484711 DOI: 10.1177/1534735405285562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
An integrative approach for managing a patient with cancer should target the multiple biochemical and physiological pathways that support tumor development while minimizing normal tissue toxicity. Angiogenesis is a key process in the promotion of cancer. Many natural health products that inhibit angiogenesis also manifest other anticancer activities. The authors will focus on natural health products (NHPs) that have a high degree of antiangiogenic activity but also describe some of their many other interactions that can inhibit tumor progression and reduce the risk of metastasis. NHPs target various molecular pathways besides angiogenesis, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), the HER-2/neu gene, the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme, the NF-kB transcription factor, the protein kinases, Bcl-2 protein, and coagulation pathways. The herbalist has access to hundreds of years of observational data on the anticancer activity of many herbs. Laboratory studies are confirming the knowledge that is already documented in traditional texts. The following herbs are traditionally used for anticancer treatment and are antiangiogenic through multiple interdependent processes that include effects on gene expression, signal processing, and enzyme activities: Artemisia annua (Chinese wormwood), Viscum album (European mistletoe), Curcuma longa (turmeric), Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese skullcap), resveratrol and proanthocyanidin (grape seed extract), Magnolia officinalis (Chinese magnolia tree), Camellia sinensis (green tea), Ginkgo biloba, quercetin, Poria cocos, Zingiber officinale (ginger), Panax ginseng, Rabdosia rubescens (rabdosia), and Chinese destagnation herbs. Quality assurance of appropriate extracts is essential prior to embarking on clinical trials. More data are required on dose response, appropriate combinations, and potential toxicities. Given the multiple effects of these agents, their future use for cancer therapy probably lies in synergistic combinations. During active cancer therapy, they should generally be evaluated in combination with chemotherapy and radiation. In this role, they act as biological response modifiers and adaptogens, potentially enhancing the efficacy of the so-called conventional therapies. Their effectiveness may be increased when multiple agents are used in optimal combinations. New designs for trials to demonstrate activity in human subjects are required. Although controlled trials might be preferred, smaller studies with appropriate end points and surrogate markers for antiangiogenic response could help prioritize agents for the larger resource-intensive phase 3 trials.
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Block KI. Integrative Physician's Perspective. Integr Cancer Ther 2003. [DOI: 10.1177/1534735403002001012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Keith I. Block
- Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Education 1800 Sherman, Suite 515 Evanston, IL 60201,
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