Immunomodulatory and antitumour effects of abnormal Savda Munziq on S180 tumour-bearing mice

A Novel Camptothecin Derivative 3j Inhibits Nsclc Proliferation Via Induction of Cell Cycle Arrest By Topo I-Mediated DNA Damage

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate the inhibitory effect of camptothecin derivative 3j on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLCs) cells and the potential anti-tumor mechanisms.

BACKGROUND

Camptothecin compounds are considered as the third largest natural drugs which are widely investigated in the world and they suffered restriction because of serious toxicity, such as hemorrhagic cystitis and bone marrow suppression.

METHODS

Using cell proliferation assay and S180 tumor mice model, a series of 20(S)-O-substituted benzoyl 7- ethylcamptothecin compounds were screened and evaluated the antitumor activities in vitro and in vivo. Camptothecin derivative 3j was selected for further study using flow cytometry in NSCLCs cells. Cell cycle related protein cyclin A2, CDK2, cyclin D and cyclin E were detected by Western Blot. Then, computer molecular docking was used to confirm the interaction between 3j and Topo I. Also, DNA relaxation assay and alkaline comet assay were used to investigate the mechanism of 3j on DNA damage.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that camptothecin derivative 3j showed a greater antitumor effect in eleven 20(S)-O-substituted benzoyl 7-ethylcamptothecin compounds in vitro and in vivo. The IC50 of 3j was 1.54± 0.41 µM lower than irinotecan with an IC50 of 13.86±0.80 µM in NCI-H460 cell, which was reduced by 8 fold. In NCI-H1975 cell, the IC50 of 3j was 1.87±0.23 µM lower than irinotecan (IC50±SD, 5.35±0.38 µM), dropped by 1.8 fold. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that 3j induced significant accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. After 24h of 3j (10 µM) treatment, the percentage of NCI-H460 cell in S-phase significantly increased (to 93.54 ± 4.4%) compared with control cells (31.67 ± 3.4%). Similarly, the percentage of NCI-H1975 cell in Sphase significantly increased (to 83.99 ± 2.4%) compared with control cells (34.45 ± 3.9%) after treatment with 10µM of 3j. Moreover, increased levels of cyclin A2, CDK2, and decreased levels of cyclin D, cyclin E further confirmed that cell cycle arrest was induced by 3j. Furthermore, molecular docking studies suggested that 3j interacted with Topo I-DNA and DNA-relaxation assay simultaneously confirmed that 3j suppressed the activity of Topo I. Research on the mechanism showed that 3j exhibited anti-tumour activity via activating the DNA damage response pathway and suppressing the repair pathway in NSCLC cells.

CONCLUSION

Novel camptothecin derivative 3j has been demonstrated as a promising antitumor agent and remains to be assessed in further studies.

Optical properties and antiangiogenic activity of a chalcone derivate

Chalcones and their derivatives exhibit numerous pharmacological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory. Recently, they have been assessed aiming for novel application in nonlinear optics and in the treatment of immune diseases and cancers. In this study, we investigate the optical properties of synthetic chalcona 1E,4E-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexen-1-yl)penta-1,4-dien-3-one (CAB7β) and its antiangiogenic potential using the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) with the S180 sarcoma cell line. Experimental and theoretical results show intense absorption in the UVA-UVC region, which is associated with a π → π* transition with intramolecular charge transfer from the trimethyl-cyclohexen-1-yl ring to the chlorophenyl ring. Quantum chemical calculations of the first hyperpolarizability, accounting for both solvent and frequency dispersion effects, are in very good concordance with hyper-Rayleigh scattering measurements. In addition, two-photon absorption allowed band centered at 650 nm was observed. Concerning antiangiogenic activity, CAB7β causes a significant reduction in the total number, junctions, length and caliber of blood vessels stimulated by S180 cells reducing the presence of blood vessels, inflammatory cells and others elements related to angiogenic process. It is found that CAB7β is a versatile compound and a promising candidate for linear and nonlinear optical applications, in therapy against sarcoma and phototherapy.

Litopenaeus vannamei hemocyanin exhibits antitumor activity in S180 mouse model in vivo

Hemocyanin is a multifunctional glycoprotein, which also plays multiple roles in immune defense. While it has been demonstrated that hemocyanin from some mollusks can induce potent immune response and is therefore undergoing clinical trials to be used in anti-tumor immunotherapy, little is currently known about how hemocyanin from arthropods affect tumors. In this study we investigated the anti-tumor activity of hemocyanin from Litopenaeus vannamei on Sarcoma-180 (S180) tumor-bearing mice model. Eight days treatment with 4mg/kg bodyweight of hemocyanin significantly inhibited the growth of S180 up to 49% as compared to untreated. Similarly, histopathology analysis showed a significant decrease in tumor cell number and density in the tissues of treated mice. Moreover, there was a significant increase in immune organs index, lymphocyte proliferation, NK cell cytotoxic activity and serum TNF-α level, suggesting that hemocyanin could improve the immunity of the S180 tumor-bearing mice. Additionally, there was a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and a decrease in the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum and liver, which further suggest that hemocyanin improved the anti-oxidant ability of the S180 tumor-bearing mice. Collectively, our data demonstrated that L. vannamei hemocyanin had a significant antitumor activity in mice.

Enhanced efficacy with reduced toxicity of chemotherapy drug 5-fluorouracil by synergistic treatment with Abnormal Savda Munziq from Uyghur medicine

Background

Abnormal Savda Munziq (ASMq) is a traditional prescription in Uyghur Medicine, and its treatment of complex diseases such as tumors and asthma has been proven to be effective in Uyghur medical clinical practice. The efficacy-enhancing and toxicity-reducing properties of ASMq were studied on mice with transplanted cervical cancer (U27) tumors, which were treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in this work.

Methods

To investigate the synergistic effect of ASMq and 5-FU on U27 cells, inhibitory effects on cell proliferation were determined through a MTT assay. 48 Kunming mice which were randomly divided in to 6 groups: control group, model group, 5-FU group, 5-FU combine with ASMq low-dose group, 5-FU combine with ASMq medium-dose group, and 5-FU combine with ASMq high- dose group, the inhibition rate of the tumor, the viscera indexes, and the content of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined. The expression levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and human papillomavirus type 16 E2 (HPV16 E2) protein were assessed by Western blot. Pathological changes in the liver were observed.

Result

The inhibition rates of tumors, the 5-FU + ASMq.H group(80.64%), 5-FU + ASMq.M group (90.67%), 5-FU + ASMq.L group (72.03%) and 5-FU group (66.89%), clearly indicated that the effects of tumor inhibition. The thymus index and spleen index were increased, and the serum concentration of TNF-α increased while ALT and AST concentrations were decreased, and TNF-α protein expression were increased while TGF-β1 and HPV16 E2 were decreased. ASMq might can improve livers central vein hyperemia and interstitial edema, and preserve the radial structure of the hepatic cords.

Conclusions

The results suggested that ASMq might reduce toxicity and enhance the efficacy of the chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil in the treatment of cervical carcinoma.

Anti-tumor effects of Abnormal Savda Munziq on the transplanted cervical cancer (U27) mouse model

BACKGROUND

Abnormal Savda Munziq (ASMq), a traditional uyghur medicine, has shown anti-tumour properties in vitro. it was showed that total flavonoids of ASMq could inhibit the proliferation and enhance the antioxidant ability of human cervix cancer HeLa cell. This study attempts to confirm these effects on the transplanted cervical cancer (U27) mouse model in vivo.

METHODS

Forty eight Kunming mice were randomly divided in to six groups: normal control group (Control group), U27 tumor model group (Model group), cyclophosphamide administration group (CTX group),low-dose ASMq group (ASMq.L group), medium-dose ASMq group (ASMq.M group), and high-dose ASMq group (ASMq.H group). The five groups except normal control group transplanted with cervical cancer (U27) cells. We observed mice tumor inhibition rate and conducted the histopathological analysisUsing the western blot assay, the expression of TGF-β1 and TNF-α protein in transplanted cervical cancer U27 tumor tissue were detected.

RESULTS

The tumor inhibition rates of CTX group, ASMq.L group, ASMq.M group, and ASMq.H group were 72.21, 31.27, 60.53 and 51.94% respectively, has obvious antitumor effect. ASMq significantly promote the spleen tlymphocyte proliferation of transplanted cervical cancer U27 mice. Invasive growth and diffusion rate in tumor tissue were accelerate in the transplanted cervical cancer U27 model group. Tumor tissue necrosis of tumor cells are smaller in the medium, high dosage group. Compared with the U27 model group, the expression levels of TGF-β1 protein and TNF-α protein expression exhibited statistically significant decreased in the mice tumor tissues in the CTX administration group and the ASMq administration group.

CONCLUSIONS

ASMq has some antitumor effects on U27 model mice in vivo, The effects are achieved not only by improving the immune function of U27 model mice, but also by inhibiting the expression levels of TGF-β1 protein while promoting the expression levels of TNF-α protein.

Jolkinolide B induces apoptosis and inhibits tumor growth in mouse melanoma B16F10 cells by altering glycolysis

Most cancer cells preferentially rely on glycolysis to produce the energy (adenosine triphosphate, ATP) for growth and proliferation. Emerging evidence demonstrates that the apoptosis in cancer cells could be closely associated with the inhibition of glycolysis. In this study, we have found that jolkinolide B (JB), a bioactive diterpenoid extracted from the root of Euphorbia fischeriana Steud, induced tumor cells apoptosis and decreased the production of ATP and lactic acid in mouse melanoma B16F10 cells. Furthermore, we found that JB downregulated the mRNA expression of glucose transporter genes (Glut1, Glut3 and Glut4) and glycolysis-related kinase genes (Hk2 and Ldha) in B16F10 cells. Moreover, treatment with JB upregulated the mRNA expression of pro-apoptosis genes (Bax), downregulated the mRNA expression of anti-apoptosis genes (Bcl-2, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9), decreased the potential of mitochondrial membrane and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in B16F10 cells. Finally, intragastric administration of JB suppressed tumor growth and induced tumor apoptosis in mouse xenograft model of murine melanoma B16F10 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that JB could induce apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway and inhibit tumor growth. The inhibition of glycolysis could play a crucial role in the induction of apoptosis in JB-treated B16F10 cells.

Construction of random tumor transcriptome expression library for creating and selecting novel tumor antigens

Novel tumor antigens are necessary for the development of efficient tumor vaccines for overcoming the immunotolerance and immunosuppression induced by tumors. Here, we developed a novel strategy to create tumor antigens by construction of random tumor transcriptome expression library (RTTEL). The complementary DNA (cDNA) from S180 sarcoma was used as template for arbitrarily amplifying gene fragments with random primers by PCR, then ligated to the C-terminal of HSP65 in a plasmid pET28a-HSP for constructing RTTEL in Escherichia coli. A novel antigen of A5 was selected from RTTEL with the strongest immunotherapeutic effects on S180 sarcoma. Adoptive immunotherapy with anti-A5 sera also inhibited tumor growth, further confirming the key antitumor roles of A5-specific antibodies in mice. A5 contains a sequence similar to protein-L-isoaspartate (D-aspartate) O-methyltransferase (PCMT1). The antisera of A5 were verified to cross-react with PCMT1 by Western blotting assay and vice versa. Both anti-A5 sera and anti-PCMT1 sera could induce antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and complement-dependent cytotoxicity toward S180 cells by in vitro assay. Further assay with fluorescent staining showed that PCMT1 is detectable on the surface of S180 cells. Summary, the strategy to construct RTTEL is potential for creating and screening novel tumor antigens to develop efficient tumor vaccines. By RTTEL, we successfully created a protein antigen of A5 with significant immunotherapeutic effects on S180 sarcoma by induction of antibodies targeting for PCMT1.

News from Tartary: an ethnopharmacological approach to drug and therapeutic discovery

Ethnopharmacology aims to identify new therapeutic agents based on their traditional use. It begins by the identification of disease states, and of the traditional therapies for these, most commonly herbals. Herbals of interest are selected from ethnopharmacological surveys, and tested on experimental models of the diseases of interest. Once the activity of the traditional remedy is demonstrated, including dose-dependence, if possible comparatively to reference medications, the active ingredients can be explored, if possible using bioguided extraction. Identified molecules can then be further developed as medicinal products or pharmaceutical medicines (e.g., artemisine), or the herbal product can be developed as such (e.g. St John's wort). We provide examples of various study programmes, concerning the antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects of Armagnac extracts from Southwest France; antithrombotic and antihypertensive effects of extracts of Ocimum basilicum L; antithrombotic, antihypertensive and antihyperlipidemic effects of Cydonia oblonga; Antiproliferative and antithrombotic effects of Abnorma Savda Munziq of traditional Uyghur medicine; and the antidiabetic and hepatoprotective effects of Centaurium erythraea Rafn, Artemisia herba-alba Asso and Trigonella foenum-graecum L., all in collaboration between University of Bordeaux, France, Xinjiang Medical University in Urumqi, China and University Mentouri in Constantine, Algeria.

Differential integrative omic analysis for mechanism insights and biomarker discovery of abnormal Savda syndrome and its unique Munziq prescription

Research has shown that many cancers have acommon pathophysiological origin and often present with similar symptoms. In terms of Traditional Uighur Medicine (TUM) Hilit (body fluid) theory, abnormal Savda syndrome (ASS) formed by abnormal Hilit is the common phenotype of complex diseases and in particular tumours. Abnormal Savda Munziq (ASMq), one representative of TUM, has been effective in the treatment of cancer since ancient times. Despite the physiopathology of ASS, the relationship between causative factors and the molecular mechanism of ASMq are not fully understood. The current study expanded upon earlier work by integrating traditional diagnostic approaches with others utilizing systems biology technology for the analysis of proteomic (iTRAQ) and metabolomic (¹H-NMR) profiles of Uighur Medicine target organ lesion (liver) tumours. The candidate proteins were analyzed by enrichment analysis of the biological process and biomarker filters. Subsequently, 3Omics web-based tools were used to determine the relationships between proteins and appropriate metabolites. ELISA assay and IHC methods were used to verify the proteomic result; the protein von Willebrand factor (vWF) may be the “therapeutic window” of ASMq and biomarkers of ASS. This study is likely to be of great significance for the standardization and modernization of TUM.

A Systematic and Mechanistic Review on the Phytopharmacological Properties of Alhagi Species

Alhagi species are well known in Iran (locally known as Khar Shotor) and other parts of Asia as a popular folk medicine. Recent research has shown extensive pharmacological effects of these species. This paper is a comprehensive review of the phytopharmacological effects and traditional uses of Alhagi species and their active constituents with special attention to the responsible mechanisms, effective dosages and routes of administration. The Alhagi species studied in this paper include: A. maurorum, A. camelorum, A. persarum, A. pseudoalhagi, and A. kirgisorum. In order to include all the up to date data, the authors went through several databases including the Web of Science, Embase, etc. The findings were critically reviewed and sorted on the basis of relevance to the topic. Tables have been used to clearly present the ideas and discrepancies were settled through discussion. Alhagi species have significant biomedical properties which can be exploited in clinical use. Proantocyanidin isolated from A. pseudoalhagi has significant biochemical effects on blood factors. Among Alhagi species, A. camelorum and A. maurorum possess the highest anti-microbial activity. Most of the effects observed with A. maurorum are dose-dependent. This paper indicates with emphasis that Alhagi species are safe and rich sources of biologically active compounds with low toxicity. Since DNA damage has been observed following the ingestion of specific concentrations of A. pseudalhagi, care should be taken during administration of the plant for therapeutic use. Further studies are required to confirm the safety and quality of these plants to be used by clinicians as therapeutic agents.

Recent highlights of experimental research for inhibiting tumor growth by using Chinese medicine

To give an overview of contemporary experimental research using Chinese medicine (CM) for the treatment of cancer. As an integral part of mainstream medicine in the People's Republic of China, CM emphasizes improvements in holistic physical condition instead of merely killing tumor cells, which is consistent with the current medical model that advocates patient-oriented treatment. Great progress has been made in experimental research, and the principle aspects include anti-tumor angiogenesis, inducing apoptosis and differentiation, reversing multidrug resistance, and improving immune function. As a current hot topic in cancer research, tumor microenvironment (TME) highlights the mutual and interdependent interaction between tumor cells and their surrounding tissues, and the CM treatment concept bears a striking resemblance to it. To date, primary points of TME include extracellular matrix remodeling, inflammation, hypoxia, and angiogenesis, but trials using CM with a focus on TME are rare. Despite considerable recent development, experimental research on CM for solving cancer issues appears insufficient. Greater efforts in this field are urgently needed.

Investigations into cytotoxic effects of the herbal preparation Abnormal Savda Munziq

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of Abnormal Savda Munziq (ASMq), a traditional herbal medicine, for the prevention and treatment of human diseases, e.g. bowel cancer.

METHODS

The parameters total polyphenol content, cell proliferation and DNA-damage as well as RNA and protein-oxidation were analysed in vitro. Besides, the expressions of miRNA and tumor suppressor genes as well as cellular senescence were evaluated.

RESULTS

ASMq had a high polyphenol content and induced damage to proteins, RNA as well as to DNA, which is correlated with its cytotoxicity. Furthermore ASMq up-regulated the tumor suppressor genes p21, p53 and p16 and down-regulated the micro-RNAs hsa-mir-17 and hsa-mir-106b. In addition cellular growth arrest and SA-β-gal-staining were induced.

CONCLUSION

ASMq has the ability to induce DNA damage and cellular senescence, which are double-edged mechanisms in fighting cancer, as they might also have harmful side effects.

Identification of plasma protein markers common to patients with malignant tumour and Abnormal Savda in Uighur medicine: a prospective clinical study

Background

Traditional Uighur medicine shares an origin with Greco-Arab medicine. It describes the health of a human body as the dynamic homeostasis of four normal Hilits (humours), known as Kan, Phlegm, Safra, and Savda. An abnormal change in one Hilit may cause imbalance among the Hilits, leading to the development of a syndrome. Abnormal Savda is a major syndrome of complex diseases that are associated with common biological changes during disease development. Here, we studied the protein expression profile common to tumour patients with Abnormal Savda to elucidate the biological basis of this syndrome and identify potential biomarkers associated with Abnormal Savda.

Methods

Patients with malignant tumours were classified by the diagnosis of Uighur medicine into two groups: Abnormal Savda type tumour (ASt) and non-Abnormal Savda type tumour (nASt), which includes other syndromes. The profile of proteins that were differentially expressed in ASt compared with nASt and normal controls (NC) was analysed by iTRAQ proteomics and evaluated by bioinformatics using MetaCore™ software and an online database. The expression of candidate proteins was verified in all plasma samples by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

We identified 31 plasma proteins that were differentially expressed in ASt compared with nASt, of which only 10 showed quantitatively different expression between ASt and NC. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that most of these proteins are known biomarkers for neoplasms of the stomach, breast, and lung. ELISA detection showed significant upregulation of plasma SAA1 and SPP24 and downregulation of PIGR and FASN in ASt compared with nASt and NC (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Abnormal Savda may be causally associated with changes in the whole regulation network of protein expression during carcinogenesis. The expression of potential biomarkers might be used to distinguish Abnormal Savda from other syndromes.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0526-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effect of traditional Uyghur medicine abnormal Savda Munziq extract on rabbit platelet aggregation in vitro and rat arteriovenous shunt thrombosis in vivo

OBJECTIVE

Abnormal Savda Munziq (ASMq) is a standard herbal preparation used in Uyghur traditional medicine to fight chronic diseases including cardiovascular, but its specific effects on thrombosis and platelet aggregation are unknown.

METHODS

Rabbit platelets were incubated with ASMq extract (10, 20, 40 µg/ml) for 15, 30, or 60 min, and aggregation was induced with ADP and collagen. In vivo, ASMq extract 2.97 g/kg, 5.94g/kg, 11.88 g/kg per os daily for 15 days were tested on thrombus wet weight in a rat model of arterio-venous bypass thrombosis. Plasma thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and 6-keto-PGF1a (6PG) were measured by radioimmunoassay. Aspirin (12 µg/ml and 5mg/kg) and saline were used as control in both experiments.

RESULTS

ASMq inhibited ADP and collagen-induced aggregation in vitro in a dose-dependent manner that increased over time, to a maximum of 6.4 ± 1.3% and 21.6 ± 4.0% for ADP and collagen, respectively, at one hour׳s incubation with the highest concentration, whereas the effects of aspirin (34.5 ± 2.2% and 41.9 ± 2.5%, respectively) were stable over time. In vivo, ASMq inhibited thrombus formation dose-dependently, by 70% at the highest dose, compared to 67% with aspirin. ASMq essentially did not change prostaglandin production, compared to the clear inhibition by aspirin.

CONCLUSION

Abnormal Savda Munziq extract inhibits dose-dependent platelet aggregation with ADP or collagen in vitro and thrombosis in vivo to values similar to those of aspirin, though unlike aspirin this effect does not seem mediated by an inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase.

Mechanisms of hela cell apoptosis induced by abnormal Savda Munziq total phenolics combined with chemotherapeutic agents

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of abnormal Savda Munziq (ASMq) total phenolics combined with cisplatin and docetaxel on the Hela cell growth.

METHODS

In vivo cultured Hela cells were treated with cisplatin, docetaxel, total phenolics, cisplatin+total phenolics or docetaxel+total phenolics. MTT was performed to assess inhibition of cell proliferation, flow cytometry to detect apoptosis, and semi-quantitative RT-PCR to test for survivin and Bcl-2 expression.

RESULTS

The total phenolics, cisplatin and docetaxel had significant inhibitory and apoptosis-promoting effects on Hela cells (P<0.05), with the early apoptotic rates of 12.8±0.70%, 18.9±3.79% and 15.8±3.8)%; the total phenolics, cisplatin and docetaxel significantly decreased the expression of Bcl-2 and survivin (all P<0.01), especially when used in combination.

CONCLUSION

ASMq total phenolics, combined with cisplatin and docetaxel, could promote the apoptosis of Hela cells possibly through reducing the expression of Bcl-2 and survivin.

Compositions and anti-tumor activity of Pyropolyporus fomentarius petroleum ether fraction in vitro and in vivo

The chemical compositions and anti-tumor activities of the petroleum ether fraction (PE), from mushroom Pyropolyporus fomentarius, were studied. Upon gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, nine major constituents were identified in the fraction. In vitro, the PE showed cytotoxic activity against murine sarcoma S180 (S180) cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and the cytotoxic effects were associated with apoptosis. The mitochondrial membrane potential loss and the intracellular ROS generation were greatly increased in the Pyropolyporus fomentarius PE treated group, suggesting cell apoptosis, induced by the PE in S180 cells, might be mitochondria dependent and ROS mediated. Consistent with in vitro findings, the in vivo study showed that the Pyropolyporus fomentarius PE was also effective in inhibiting the tumor growth induced by S180 cells and had lower immune organ toxicity. We found that the Pyropolyporus fomentarius PE has significant anti-tumor activity and great potential in screening anti-tumor drugs.

Antitumor activities of ginseng polysaccharide in C57BL/6 mice with Lewis lung carcinoma

In the present study, we prepared ginseng polysaccharide (GP) and evaluated its antitumor and immunomodulatory activities in C57BL/6 mice bearing with Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC). Administration of GP (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) could not only significantly inhibit the growth of transplantable LLC tumor in C57BL/6 mice but also remarkably increase relative weight of spleen and thymus, splenocytes proliferation, and the ratio of CD4(+)/CD8(+) T lymphocyte in peripheral blood in LLC-bearing mice. Furthermore, the serum IL-2 and IFN-γ production and NK cytolytic activity were also prompted in LLC-bearing mice in response to GP treatment at three doses. Additionally, GP showed no side effects such as weight loss in body weight and internal organs (lung, liver, kidney, and heart) as well as inactivity during the experiment. Therefore, GP might be conveniently exploited to be good immune-stimulating modifiers and had the potential value for tumor therapy.

The anti-lung cancer activities of steroidal saponins of P. polyphylla Smith var. chinensis (Franch.) Hara through enhanced immunostimulation in experimental Lewis tumor-bearing C57BL/6 mice and induction of apoptosis in the A549 cell line

P. polyphylla Smith var. chinensis (Franch.) Hara (PPSCFH) has been used as medicinal Paris for the prevention and treatment of cancers in China for thousands of years. Its main components, steroidal saponins (PRS), have been confirmed to inhibit tumor growth. In the present study, the immunostimulation of PRS was investigated in Lewis bearing-C57BL/6 mice while the induction of apoptosis in A549 cells was also studied. The treatment with PRS (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 mg/kg) significantly inhibited tumor, volume, and weight in the C57BL/6 mice. The rates of inhibition of PRS (at 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 mg/kg) were 26.49 ± 17.30%, 40.32 ± 18.91% and 54.94 ± 16.48%, respectively. The spleen and thymus indexes were increased remarkably, while the levels of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-8 and IL-10 in serum were decreased according to ELISA assays. For A549 cells, Hoechst 33342 staining and annexin V/PI by flow cytometry showed that PRS (0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 mg/mL) induced nuclear changes of A549 cells with DNA condensation and fragmentations of chromatin, as well as inducing apoptosis. Furthermore, PRS could also attenuate the over-generation of intracellular ROS. Western blotting analysis showed a significant decrease on the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines MCP-1, IL-6 and TGF-β1, as well as cell adhesion molecule ICAM-1, by treatment with PRS. Our results demonstrated that the inhibition of PRS on tumor growth might be associated with the amelioration of inflammation responses, induction of apoptosis, as well as the decrease of ROS. These results suggested that PRS implied a potential therapeutic effect in the lung cancer treatment.