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Strik H, Efferth T, Kaina B. Artesunate in glioblastoma therapy: Case reports and review of clinical studies. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 123:155274. [PMID: 38142662 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artesunate, a derivative of the active ingredient artemisinin from Artemisia annua L. used for centuries in the traditional Chinese medicine, is being applied as front-line drug in malaria treatment. As it is cytotoxic for cancer cells, trials are ongoing to include this drug as supplement in cancer therapy. In glioblastoma cells, artesunate was shown to induce oxidative stress, DNA base damage and double-strand breaks (DSBs), apoptosis, and necroptosis. It also inhibits DNA repair functions and bears senolytic activity. Compared to ionizing radiation, DNA damages accumulate over the whole exposure period, which makes the agent unique in its genotoxic profile. Artesunate has been used in adjuvant therapy of various cancers. PURPOSE As artesunate has been used in adjuvant therapy of different types of cancer and clinical trials are lacking in brain cancer, we investigated its activity in glioma patients with focus on possible side effects. STUDY DESIGN Between 2014 and 2020, twelve patients were treated with artesunate for relapsing glioma and analyzed retrospectively: 8 males and 4 females, median age 45 years. HISTOLOGY 4 glioblastomas WHO grade 4, 5 astrocytomas WHO grade 3, 3 oligodendrogliomas grade 2 or 3. All patients were pretreated with radiation and temozolomide-based chemotherapy. Artesunate 100 mg was applied twice daily p.o. combined with dose-dense temozolomide alone (100 mg/m2 day 1-5/7, 10 patients) or with temozolomide (50 mg/m2 day 1-5/7) plus lomustine (CCNU, 40 mg day 6/7). Blood count, C-reactive protein (CRP), liver enzymes, and renal parameters were monitored weekly. RESULTS Apart from one transient grade 3 hematological toxicity, artesunate was well tolerated. No liver toxicity was observed. While 8 patients with late stage of the disease had a median survival of 5 months after initiation of artesunate treatment, 4 patients with treatment for remission maintenance showed a median survival of 46 months. We also review clinical trials that have been performed in other cancers where artesunate was included in the treatment regimen. CONCLUSIONS Artesunate administered at a dose of 2 × 100 mg/day was without harmful side effects, even if combined with alkylating agents used in glioma therapy. Thus, the phytochemical, which is also utilized as food supplement, is an interesting, well tolerated supportive agent useful for long-term maintenance treatment. Being itself cytotoxic on glioblastoma cells and enhancing the cytotoxicity of temozolomide as well as in view of its senolytic activity, artesunate has clearly a potential to enhance the efficacy of malignant brain cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herwig Strik
- Department of Neurology, Sozialstiftung Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Bernd Kaina
- Institute of Toxicology, University Medical Center, Obere Zahlbacher Str. 67, D-55131 Mainz, Germany.
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Shoda K, Tsuji S, Nakamura S, Egashira Y, Enomoto Y, Nakayama N, Shimazawa M, Iwama T, Hara H. Canagliflozin Inhibits Glioblastoma Growth and Proliferation by Activating AMPK. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:879-892. [PMID: 35435536 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01221-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are antidiabetic drugs affecting SGLT2. Recent studies have shown various cancers expressing SGLT2, and SGLT2 inhibitors attenuating tumor proliferation. We evaluated the antitumor activities of canagliflozin, a SGLT2 inhibitor, on glioblastoma (GBM). Three GBM cell lines, U251MG (human), U87MG (human), and GL261 (murine), were used. We assessed the expression of SGLT2 of GBM through immunoblotting, specimen-use, cell viability assays, and glucose uptake assay with canagliflozin. Then, we assessed phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), p70 S6 kinase, and S6 ribosomal protein by immunoblotting. Concentrations of 5, 10, 20, and 40 μM canagliflozin were used in these tests. We also evaluated cell viability and immunoblotting using U251MG with siRNA knockdown of SGLT2. Furthermore, we divided the mice into vehicle group and canagliflozin group. The canagliflozin group was administrated with 100 mg/kg of canagliflozin orally for 10 days starting from the third days post-GBM transplant. The brains were removed and the tumor volume was evaluated using sections. SGLT2 was expressed in GBM cell and GBM allograft mouse. Canagliflozin administration at 40 μM significantly inhibited cell proliferation and glucose uptake into the cell. Additionally, canagliflozin at 40 μM significantly increased the phosphorylation of AMPK and suppressed that of p70 S6 kinase and S6 ribosomal protein. Similar results of cell viability assays and immunoblotting were obtained using siRNA SGLT2. Furthermore, although less effective than in vitro, the canagliflozin group significantly suppressed tumor growth in GBM-transplanted mice. This suggests that canagliflozin can be used as a potential treatment for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Shoda
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan.,Department of Neurosurgery, Gifu University School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Shohei Tsuji
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Nakamura
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan
| | - Yusuke Egashira
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gifu University School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Yukiko Enomoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gifu University School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Nakayama
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gifu University School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Shimazawa
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan
| | - Toru Iwama
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gifu University School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hideaki Hara
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, 501-1196, Japan.
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Augustin Y, Staines HM, Krishna S. Artemisinins as a novel anti-cancer therapy: Targeting a global cancer pandemic through drug repurposing. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 216:107706. [PMID: 33075360 PMCID: PMC7564301 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinins are a unique class of antimalarial drugs with significant potential for drug repurposing for a wide range of diseases including cancer. Cancer is a leading cause of death globally and the majority of cancer related deaths occur in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs) where conventional treatment options are often limited by financial cost. Drug repurposing can significantly shorten new therapeutic discovery pathways, ensuring greater accessibility and affordability globally. Artemisinins have an excellent safety and tolerability profile as well as being affordable for deployment in Low and Middle Class Income Countries at around USD1 per daily dose. Robust, well designed clinical trials of artemisinin drug repurposing are indicated for a variety of different cancers and treatment settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Augustin
- Institute of Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Henry M Staines
- Institute of Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Sanjeev Krishna
- Institute of Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, United Kingdom.
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Kiani BH, Kayani WK, Khayam AU, Dilshad E, Ismail H, Mirza B. Artemisinin and its derivatives: a promising cancer therapy. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:6321-6336. [PMID: 32710388 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05669-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The world is experiencing a cancer epidemic and an increase in the prevalence of the disease. Cancer remains a major killer, accounting for more than half a million deaths annually. There is a wide range of natural products that have the potential to treat this disease. One of these products is artemisinin; a natural product from Artemisia plant. The Nobel Prize for Medicine was awarded in 2015 for the discovery of artemisinin in recognition of the drug's efficacy. Artemisinin produces highly reactive free radicals by the breakdown of two oxygen atoms that kill cancerous cells. These cells sequester iron and accumulate as much as 1000 times in comparison with normal cells. Generally, chemotherapy is toxic to both cancerous cells and normal cells, while no significant cytotoxicity from artemisinin to normal cells has been found in more than 4000 case studies, which makes it far different than conventional chemotherapy. The pleiotropic response of artemisinin in cancer cells is responsible for growth inhibition by multiple ways including inhibition of angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, disruption of cell migration, and modulation of nuclear receptor responsiveness. It is very encouraging that artemisinin and its derivatives are anticipated to be a novel class of broad-spectrum antitumor agents based on efficacy and safety. This review aims to highlight these achievements and propose potential strategies to develop artemisinin and its derivatives as a new class of cancer therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Hafeez Kiani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan.
| | - Waqas Khan Kayani
- Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Växtskyddsvägen 1, 23053, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Asma Umer Khayam
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Erum Dilshad
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biosciences, Capital University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Hammad Ismail
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gujrat, Gujrat, 50700, Pakistan
| | - Bushra Mirza
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
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Akbarian A, Ebtekar M, Pakravan N, Hassan ZM. Folate receptor alpha targeted delivery of artemether to breast cancer cells with folate-decorated human serum albumin nanoparticles. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 152:90-101. [PMID: 32057865 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.02.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The pharmaceutical application of artemether (ARM) as an anticancer natural agent is hampered due to its poor solubility and bioavailability. In the present study, ARM was encapsulated in human serum albumin nanoparticles (HSA NPs) via desolvation method led to improvement of the water solubility by 50 folds. In further, folate-decorated ARM-HSA NPs (F-ARM-HSA NPs) were developed to enhance targeted delivery to folate receptor alpha (FRα)-overexpressing breast cancer cells. The hydrodynamic diameter and the zeta potential value of F-ARM-HSA NPs were 198 ± 11.22 nm and -23 ± 0.88 mV, respectively. Fluorescent microscopy demonstrated an enhanced cellular uptake of F-ARM-HSA NPs by high FRα-expressing MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells compared to low FRα-expressing SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells. Cytotoxicity assay revealed a small significant difference between cytotoxicity effect of targeted and non-targeted NPs in SK-BR-3 cells. However, in MDA-MB-231 cells due to FRα-mediated endocytosis, the F-conjugated NPs had less inhibitory concentration (IC50) value (19.82 μg/mL) and higher cytotoxicity after 72 h compared to non-targeted ARM-HSA NPs. Flow cytometry analysis indicated a more potent drug-induced apoptosis rather than necrosis. The results suggest that our novel F-ARM-HSA NPs are likely to be recommended as a promising candidate for combination therapy of FRα-overexpressing breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asiye Akbarian
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, PO Box: 14155-114, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Ebtekar
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, PO Box: 14155-114, Iran.
| | - Nafiseh Pakravan
- Department of Immunology, Medical School, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, PO Box 31497-79453, Iran
| | - Zuhair Mohammad Hassan
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, PO Box: 14155-114, Iran
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Artemether Activation of AMPK/GSK3 β(ser9)/Nrf2 Signaling Confers Neuroprotection towards β-Amyloid-Induced Neurotoxicity in 3xTg Alzheimer's Mouse Model. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:1862437. [PMID: 31871541 PMCID: PMC6907052 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1862437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a severe neurodegenerative disease. Multiple factors involving neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid-β plaques lead to the progression of the AD, generated by aggregated hyperphosphorylated Tau protein. Inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress play a significant role in the progression of AD. It has been therefore suggested that the multifactorial nature of AD pathogenesis requires the design of antioxidant drugs with a broad spectrum of neuroprotective activities. For this reason, the use of natural products, characterized by multiple pharmacological properties is advantageous as AD-modifying drugs over the single-targeted chemicals. Artemether, a peroxide sesquiterpenoid lipid-soluble compound, has been used in the clinic as an antimalarial drug. Also, it exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Here, we report the neuroprotective effects of Artemether towards Aβ-induced neurotoxicity in neuronal cell cultures. A temporal correlation was found between Artemether neuroprotection towards Aβ-induced neurotoxicity and AMPK/GSK3β phosphorylation activity and increased expression of the activated Nrf2 signaling pathway. In 3xTg-AD mice, Artemether attenuated learning and memory deficits, inhibited cortical neuronal apoptosis and glial activation, inhibited oxidative stress through decrease of lipid peroxidation and increased expression of SOD, and reduced Aβ deposition and tau protein phosphorylation. Moreover, in 3xTg-AD mice, Artemether induced phosphorylation of the AMPK/GSK3β pathway which activated Nrf2, increasing the level of antioxidant protein HO-1. These activities probably produced the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects responsible for the neuroprotective effects of Artemether in the 3xTg-AD mouse model. These findings propose Artemether as a new drug for the treatment of AD disease.
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Lu BW, Xie LK. Potential applications of artemisinins in ocular diseases. Int J Ophthalmol 2019; 12:1793-1800. [PMID: 31741871 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2019.11.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin, also named qinghaosu, is a family of sesquiterpene trioxane lactone originally derived from the sweet wormwood plant (Artemisia annua), which is a traditional Chinese herb that has been universally used as anti-malarial agents for many years. Evidence has accumulated during the past few years which demonstrated the protective effects of artemisinin and its derivatives (artemisinins) in several other diseases beyond malaria, including cancers, autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, viral and other parasite-related infections. Recently, this long-considered anti-malarial agent has been proved to possess anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and anti-excitotoxic properties, which make it a potential treatment option for the ocular environment. In this review, we first described the overview of artemisinins, highlighting the activity of artemisinins to other diseases beyond malaria and the mechanisms of these actions. We then emphasized the main points of published results of using artemisinins in targeting ocular disorders, including uveitis, retinoblastoma, retinal neurodegenerative diseases and ocular neovascularization. To conclude, we believe that artemisinins could also be used as a promising therapeutic drug for ocular diseases, especially retinal vascular diseases in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Wen Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100400, China
| | - Li-Ke Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100400, China
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Preparation, characterization, and evaluation of the anticancer activity of artemether-loaded nano-niosomes against breast cancer. Breast Cancer 2019; 27:243-251. [DOI: 10.1007/s12282-019-01014-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Chen J, Huang X, Tao C, Xiao T, Li X, Zeng Q, Ma M, Wu Z. Artemether Attenuates the Progression of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer by Inducing Apoptosis, Cell Cycle Arrest and Promoting Cellular Senescence. Biol Pharm Bull 2019; 42:1720-1725. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b19-00391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Chen
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital
- Shenzhen Institute of Geriatrics
| | - Xiaofei Huang
- Research Center of Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Cheng Tao
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital
- Shenzhen Institute of Geriatrics
- Dongguan Institute of Jinan University
| | - Ting Xiao
- Shunde Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
| | | | - Qiang Zeng
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital
- Shenzhen Institute of Geriatrics
| | - Min Ma
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University
| | - Zhengzhi Wu
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital
- Shenzhen Institute of Geriatrics
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University
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Anti-hypoxic effect of dihydroartemisinin on pulmonary artery endothelial cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 506:840-846. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.10.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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From ancient herb to modern drug: Artemisia annua and artemisinin for cancer therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 46:65-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 354] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Zhao X, Guo X, Yue W, Wang J, Yang J, Chen J. Artemether suppresses cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in diffuse large B cell lymphoma cells. Exp Ther Med 2017; 14:4083-4090. [PMID: 29104626 PMCID: PMC5658687 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.5063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemether (ART), a derivative of the well-known anti-malaria drug artemisinin, demonstrates potent anti-cancer activity in various cancer cells, however its effects on lymphoma remain unknown. The present study demonstrated that ART significantly inhibited proliferation of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in vivo and in vitro, and led to G0/G1 phase arrest. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that ART suppressed the expression of the cell cycle proteins cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) 2, 4, and Cyclin D1, and specifically repressed the proto-oncogene c-Myc, rather than regulating the extracellular signal-regulated kinase or protein kinase B signaling pathways (two key pathways involved in regulating cell proliferation). In addition, high-concentration ART treatment significantly induced the apoptosis of DLBCL cells by promoting the cleavage of Caspase-3 and Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) 1. Overall, the data indicated that ART exhibited anti-cancer activity by inhibiting the expression of cell cycle genes and c-Myc, and promoting Caspase-3 and PARP1 cleavage, which suggested that ART may serve as a dual pharmaceutical for the treatment DLBCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinying Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200168, P.R. China
| | - Xudong Guo
- Clinical and Translational Research Centre of Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Brain Science, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China.,Institute of Regenerative Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, P.R. China
| | - Wenqin Yue
- Department of Hematology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200168, P.R. China
| | - Jianmin Wang
- Department of Hematology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200168, P.R. China
| | - Jianmin Yang
- Department of Hematology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200168, P.R. China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Hematology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200168, P.R. China
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The pharmacological activities and mechanisms of artemisinin and its derivatives: a systematic review. Med Chem Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-016-1778-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Shao YY, Zhang TL, Wu LX, Zou HC, Li S, Huang J, Zhou HH. AKT Axis, miR-21, and RECK Play Pivotal Roles in Dihydroartemisinin Killing Malignant Glioma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18020350. [PMID: 28208619 PMCID: PMC5343885 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18020350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin, is known to play important roles in inhibiting proliferation rate, inducing apoptosis, as well as hindering the metastasis and invasion of glioma cells, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear so far. In this study, methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT), colony-forming, wound healing, invasion, and apoptosis assays were performed to investigate the effect of DHA on malignant glioma cells. Results showed that DHA induced apoptosis of malignant glioma cells through Protein Kinase B (AKT) axis, induced death of malignant glioma cells by downregulating miR-21, and inhibited the invasion of malignant glioma cells corresponding with up-regulation of the reversion-inducing-cysteine-rich protein with kazal motifs (RECK). These results revealed that AKT axis, miR-21, and RECK play pivotal roles in DHA killing malignant glioma cells, suggesting that DHA is a potential agent for treating glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Ying Shao
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - Tao-Lan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.
| | - Lan-Xiang Wu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - He-Cun Zou
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.
| | - Jin Huang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.
| | - Hong-Hao Zhou
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, China.
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Abou Rayia DM, Saad AE, Ashour DS, Oreiby RM. Implication of artemisinin nematocidal activity on experimental trichinellosis: In vitro and in vivo studies. Parasitol Int 2016; 66:56-63. [PMID: 27894908 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2016.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Benzimidazole drugs are used for treatment of trichinellosis, but they have a limited effect against encapsulated larval stages of Trichinella spiralis. Hence, there is a considerable interest in developing new anthelmintic drugs. Our aim is to investigate the possible effect of artemisinin on T. spiralis in in vitro and in vivo studies. T. spiralis worms were isolated from infected mice and transferred to 3 culture media; group I: with no drugs, group II: contained artemisinin and group III: contained mebendazole, then they were subjected to electron microscopic study. An in vivo study was done where mice were divided into three groups; group I: infected and untreated, group II: received artemisinin and group III: received mebendazole. The efficacy of treatment was assessed by adult and total larval counts, histopathological study of the small intestinal and muscle tissues and immunohistochemical staining of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in muscles. Adult worm teguments showed significant degeneration and destruction with both drugs. Also, significant reduction of total adult and larval counts occurred in treated groups in comparison to the control group. Histopathological examination of the small intestine and muscles showed marked improvement with reduction in the inflammatory infiltrates with both drugs. COX-2 and VEGF expressions were reduced in both treated groups with more reduction in the artemisinin-treated group. This study revealed that artemisinin has the potential to be an alternative drug against trichinellosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina M Abou Rayia
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - Abeer E Saad
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt.
| | - Dalia S Ashour
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - Radwa M Oreiby
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
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Uhl M, Schwab S, Efferth T. Fatal Liver and Bone Marrow Toxicity by Combination Treatment of Dichloroacetate and Artesunate in a Glioblastoma Multiforme Patient: Case Report and Review of the Literature. Front Oncol 2016; 6:204. [PMID: 27774434 PMCID: PMC5053977 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2016.00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A 52-year-old male patient was treated with standard radiochemotherapy with temozolomide for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). After worsening of his clinical condition, further tumor-specific treatment was unlikely to be successful, and the patient seeked help from an alternative practitioner, who administered a combination of dichloroacetate (DCA) and artesunate (ART). A few days later, the patient showed clinical and laboratory signs of liver damage and bone marrow toxicity (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia). Despite successful restoration of laboratory parameters upon symptomatic treatment, the patient died 10 days after the infusion. DCA bears a well-documented hepatotoxic risk, while ART can be considered as safe concerning hepatotoxicity. Bone marrow toxicity can appear upon ART application as reduced reticulocyte counts and disturbed erythropoiesis. It can be assumed that the simultaneous use of both drugs caused liver injury and bone marrow toxicity. The compassionate use of DCA/ART combination therapy outside of clinical trials cannot be recommended for GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Uhl
- Department of Neurology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg , Erlangen , Germany
| | - Stefan Schwab
- Department of Neurology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg , Erlangen , Germany
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University , Mainz , Germany
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Hepatotoxicity by combination treatment of temozolomide, artesunate and Chinese herbs in a glioblastoma multiforme patient: case report review of the literature. Arch Toxicol 2016; 91:1833-1846. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1810-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Kim SH, Kang SH, Kang BS. Therapeutic effects of dihydroartemisinin and transferrin against glioblastoma. Nutr Res Pract 2016; 10:393-7. [PMID: 27478545 PMCID: PMC4958641 DOI: 10.4162/nrp.2016.10.4.393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Artemisinin, a natural product isolated from Gaeddongssuk (artemisia annua L.) and its main active derivative, dihydroartemisinin (DHA), have long been used as antimalarial drugs. Recent studies reported that artemisinin is efficacious for curing diseases, including cancers, and for improving the immune system. Many researchers have shown the therapeutic effects of artemisinin on tumors such as breast cancer, liver cancer and kidney cancer, but there is still insufficient data regarding glioblastoma (GBM). Glioblastoma accounts for 12-15% of brain cancer, and the median survival is less than a year, despite medical treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer effects of DHA and transferrin against glioblastoma (glioblastoma multiforme, GBM). MATERIALS/METHODS This study was performed through in vitro experiments using C6 cells. The toxicity dependence of DHA and transferrin (TF) on time and concentration was analyzed by MTT assay and cell cycle assay. Observations of cellular morphology were recorded with an optical microscope and color digital camera. The anti-cancer mechanism of DHA and TF against GBM were studied by flow cytometry with Annexin V and caspase 3/7. RESULTS MTT assay revealed that TF enhanced the cytotoxicity of DHA against C6 cells. An Annexin V immune-precipitation assay showed that the percentages of apoptosis of cells treated with TF, DHA alone, DHA in combination with TF, and the control group were 7.15 ± 4.15%, 34.3 ± 5.15%, 66.42 ± 5.98%, and 1.2 ± 0.15%, respectively. The results of the Annexin V assay were consistent with those of the MTT assay. DHA induced apoptosis in C6 cells through DNA damage, and TF enhanced the effects of DHA. CONCLUSION The results of this study demonstrated that DHA, the derivative of the active ingredient in Gaeddongssuk, is effective against GBM, apparently via inhibition of cancer cell proliferation by a pharmacological effect. The role of transferrin as an allosteric activator in the GBM therapeutic efficacy of DHA was also confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suk Hee Kim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Hyejeon College, Chungnam 32244, Korea
| | - Seong Hee Kang
- Department of Radiological Science, College of Medical Science, Konyang University, 158 Gwanjeodong-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon 35365, Korea
| | - Bo Sun Kang
- Department of Radiological Science, College of Medical Science, Konyang University, 158 Gwanjeodong-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon 35365, Korea
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Li XF, Liu PX. Artemether inhibits human gastric cancer cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in tumor bearing mice. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2015; 23:590-595. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v23.i4.590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effect of artemether (ART) on cell proliferation and apoptosis in human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line and tumor growth in tumor bearing mice.
METHODS: The inhibitory effect of ART on cell proliferation in human gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 was detected by MTT assays, and the effects on cell cycle and apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry. The anti-tumor effect of ART was observed in tumor bearing nude mice by measuring mice weight and diameter and calculating tumor volume and tumor growth inhibition rate. The mechanism underlying the effects of ART on cell proliferation and apoptosis was explored by Western blot.
RESULTS: MTT assays showed that ART inhibited SGC-7901 cell growth in a time- and dosage-dependent manner (P < 0.05). The results of flow cytometry demonstrated that ART treatment induced cell arrest at G0/G1 phase and cell apoptosis. Medium- and high-dose ART had significant anti-tumor effects in human gastric cancer cell bearing mice, and the inhibition rates were 34.5% and 41.0%, respectively. ART treatment up-regulated proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) expression, and down-regulated Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) expression (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: ART can inhibit proliferation and induce arrest cell cycle and apoptosis in SGC-7901 cells in vitro as well as tumor growth in vivo.
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Artemisinins: Pharmacological actions beyond anti-malarial. Pharmacol Ther 2014; 142:126-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2013.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 309] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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21
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Wang YB, Hu Y, Li Z, Wang P, Xue YX, Yao YL, Yu B, Liu YH. Artemether combined with shRNA interference of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 significantly inhibited the malignant biological behavior of human glioma cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e60834. [PMID: 23593320 PMCID: PMC3623969 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0060834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/03/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Artemether is the derivative extracted from Chinese traditional herb and originally used for malaria. Artemether also has potential therapeutic effects against tumors. Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is an important cell surface adhesion molecule associated with malignancy of gliomas. In this work, we investigated the role and mechanism of artemether combined with shRNA interference of VCAM-1 (shRNA-VCAM-1) on the migration, invasion and apoptosis of glioma cells. U87 human glioma cells were treated with artemether at various concentrations and shRNA interfering technology was employed to silence the expression of VCAM-1. Cell viability, migration, invasiveness and apoptosis were assessed with MTT, wound healing, Transwell and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) was checked by Western blot assay. Results showed that artemether and shRNA-VCAM-1 not only significantly inhibited the migration, invasiveness and expression of MMP-2/9 and p-Akt, but also promoted the apoptosis of U87 cells. Combined treatment of both displayed the maximum inhibitory effects on the malignant biological behavior of glioma cells. Our work revealed the potential therapeutic effects of artemether and antiVCAM-1 in the treatments of gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Bin Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, College of Basic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi-Xue Xue
- Department of Neurobiology, College of Basic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi-Long Yao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yun-Hui Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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Development of artemisinin compounds for cancer treatment. Invest New Drugs 2012; 31:230-46. [DOI: 10.1007/s10637-012-9873-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Antitumor activity of artemisinin and its derivatives: from a well-known antimalarial agent to a potential anticancer drug. J Biomed Biotechnol 2011; 2012:247597. [PMID: 22174561 PMCID: PMC3228295 DOI: 10.1155/2012/247597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 237] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2011] [Accepted: 08/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Improvement of quality of life and survival of cancer patients will be greatly enhanced by the development of highly effective drugs to selectively kill malignant cells. Artemisinin and its analogs are naturally occurring antimalarials which have shown potent anticancer activity. In primary cancer cultures and cell lines, their antitumor actions were by inhibiting cancer proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. In xenograft models, exposure to artemisinins substantially reduces tumor volume and progression. However, the rationale for the use of artemisinins in anticancer therapy must be addressed by a greater understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in their cytotoxic effects. The primary targets for artemisinin and the chemical base for its preferential effects on heterologous tumor cells need yet to be elucidated. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the recent advances and new development of this class of drugs as potential anticancer agents.
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Farsam V, Hassan ZM, Zavaran-Hosseini A, Noori S, Mahdavi M, Ranjbar M. Antitumor and immunomodulatory properties of artemether and its ability to reduce CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ T reg cells in vivo. Int Immunopharmacol 2011; 11:1802-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2011.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2011] [Revised: 06/27/2011] [Accepted: 07/13/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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