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Chuang YT, Yen CY, Tang JY, Chang FR, Tsai YH, Wu KC, Chien TM, Chang HW. Protein phosphatase 2A modulation and connection with miRNAs and natural products. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:3612-3627. [PMID: 38491812 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), a heterotrimeric holoenzyme (scaffolding, catalytic, and regulatory subunits), regulates dephosphorylation for more than half of serine/threonine phosphosites and exhibits diverse cellular functions. Although several studies on natural products and miRNAs have emphasized their impacts on PP2A regulation, their connections lack systemic organization. Moreover, only part of the PP2A family has been investigated. This review focuses on the PP2A-modulating effects of natural products and miRNAs' interactions with potential PP2A targets in cancer and non-cancer cells. PP2A-modulating natural products and miRNAs were retrieved through a literature search. Utilizing the miRDB database, potential PP2A targets of these PP2A-modulating miRNAs for the whole set (17 members) of the PP2A family were retrieved. Finally, PP2A-modulating natural products and miRNAs were linked via a literature search. This review provides systemic directions for assessing natural products and miRNAs relating to the PP2A-modulating functions in cancer and disease treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ting Chuang
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, PhD Program in Life Sciences, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Yu Yen
- School of Dentistry, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Yang Tang
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Rong Chang
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hong Tsai
- Department of Pharmacy and Master Program, College of Pharmacy and Health Care, Tajen University, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chuan Wu
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Pingtung University, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Tsu-Ming Chien
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Wei Chang
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, PhD Program in Life Sciences, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Kwan K, Castro-Sandoval O, Ma B, Martelino D, Saffari A, Liu XL, Orvain C, Mellitzer G, Gaiddon C, Storr T. Altering relative metal-binding affinities in multifunctional Metallochaperones for mutant p53 reactivation. J Inorg Biochem 2024; 251:112433. [PMID: 38043136 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2023.112433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The p53 protein plays a major role in cancer prevention, and over 50% of cancer diagnoses can be attributed to p53 malfunction. p53 incorporates a structural Zn site that is required for proper protein folding and function, and in many cases point mutations can result in loss of the Zn2+ ion, destabilization of the tertiary structure, and eventual amyloid aggregation. Herein, we report a series of compounds designed to act as small molecule stabilizers of mutant p53, and feature Zn-binding fragments to chaperone Zn2+ to the metal depleted site and restore wild-type (WT) function. Many Zn metallochaperones (ZMCs) have been shown to generate intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), likely by chelating redox-active metals such as Fe2+/3+ and Cu+/2+ and undergoing associated Fenton chemistry. High levels of ROS can result in off-target effects and general toxicity, and thus, careful tuning of ligand Zn2+ affinity, in comparison to the affinity for other endogenous metals, is important for selective mutant p53 targeting. In this work we show that by using carboxylate donors in place of pyridine we can change the relative Zn2+/Cu2+ binding ability in a series of ligands, and we investigate the impact of donor group changes on metallochaperone activity and overall cytotoxicity in two mutant p53 cancer cell lines (NUGC3 and SKGT2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalvin Kwan
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Omar Castro-Sandoval
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Benjamin Ma
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Diego Martelino
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Ashkan Saffari
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Xi Lan Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Christophe Orvain
- Inserm UMR_S 1113, Université de Strasbourg, Molecular Mechanisms of Stress Response and Pathologies, Strasbourg, France
| | - Georg Mellitzer
- Inserm UMR_S 1113, Université de Strasbourg, Molecular Mechanisms of Stress Response and Pathologies, Strasbourg, France
| | - Christian Gaiddon
- Inserm UMR_S 1113, Université de Strasbourg, Molecular Mechanisms of Stress Response and Pathologies, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Tim Storr
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada.
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Kashani E, Vassella E. Pleiotropy of PP2A Phosphatases in Cancer with a Focus on Glioblastoma IDH Wildtype. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5227. [PMID: 36358647 PMCID: PMC9654311 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Serine/Threonine protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a heterotrimeric (or occasionally, heterodimeric) phosphatase with pleiotropic functions and ubiquitous expression. Despite the fact that they all contribute to protein dephosphorylation, multiple PP2A complexes exist which differ considerably by their subcellular localization and their substrate specificity, suggesting diverse PP2A functions. PP2A complex formation is tightly regulated by means of gene expression regulation by transcription factors, microRNAs, and post-translational modifications. Furthermore, a constant competition between PP2A regulatory subunits is taking place dynamically and depending on the spatiotemporal circumstance; many of the integral subunits can outcompete the rest, subjecting them to proteolysis. PP2A modulation is especially important in the context of brain tumors due to its ability to modulate distinct glioma-promoting signal transduction pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, Wnt, Ras, NF-κb, etc. Furthermore, PP2A is also implicated in DNA repair and survival pathways that are activated upon treatment of glioma cells with chemo-radiation. Depending on the cancer cell type, preclinical studies have shown some promise in utilising PP2A activator or PP2A inhibitors to overcome therapy resistance. This review has a special focus on "glioblastoma, IDH wild-type" (GBM) tumors, for which the therapy options have limited efficacy, and tumor relapse is inevitable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Kashani
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Erik Vassella
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
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Wei C, Deng X, Gao S, Wan X, Chen J. Cantharidin Inhibits Proliferation of Liver Cancer by Inducing DNA Damage via KDM4A-Dependent Histone H3K36 Demethylation. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2022; 2022:2197071. [PMID: 35860003 PMCID: PMC9293552 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2197071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the effect of cantharidin on DNA damage in hepatocellular carcinoma cells and its possible mechanism. Methods Cell proliferation assay and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay were used to analyze the effects of cantharidin on cell proliferation and apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The expression levels of DNA damage markers H2AX and P21 were analyzed by qRT-PCR. The expression of KDM4A and H3K36me3 was observed by western blot. The expression of KDM4A was regulated by siRNA or plasmid transfection. The effect of KDM4A on DNA damage induced by cantharidin in liver cancer was observed after overexpression and addiction of KDM4A. Results Cantharidin can significantly inhibit the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and induce apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Cantharidin enhances the chemotherapy sensitivity of liver cancer by targeting the upregulation of KDM4A and the regulation of DNA damage induced by H3K36me3. Overexpression of KDM4A enhances DNA damage induced by cantharidin in HCC. KDM4A silencing attenuated the damage of cantharidin to the DNA of HCC cells. Conclusion Cantharidin can inhibit the growth and promote apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Meanwhile, cantharidin can induce DNA damage in HCC cells. Mechanism studies have shown that cantharidin induces DNA damage through the demethylation of KDM4A-dependent histone H3K36.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wei
- Infectious Disease Department, Qijiang Hospital of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401420, China
| | - Xiangui Deng
- Infectious Disease Department, Wenlong Hospital of Qijiang, Chongqing 401420, China
| | - Shudi Gao
- Infectious Disease Department, Taiyuan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030009, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Xuemei Wan
- Infectious Disease Department, Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610032, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Infectious Disease Department, Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610032, Sichuan Province, China
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Cancer Therapy Challenge: It Is Time to Look in the "St. Patrick's Well" of the Nature. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910380. [PMID: 34638721 PMCID: PMC8508794 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer still remains a leading cause of death despite improvements in diagnosis, drug discovery and therapy approach. Therefore, there is a strong need to improve methodologies as well as to increase the number of approaches available. Natural compounds of different origins (i.e., from fungi, plants, microbes, etc.) represent an interesting approach for fighting cancer. In particular, synergistic strategies may represent an intriguing approach, combining natural compounds with classic chemotherapeutic drugs to increase therapeutic efficacy and lower the required drug concentrations. In this review, we focus primarily on those natural compounds utilized in synergistic approached to treating cancer, with particular attention to those compounds that have gained the most research interest.
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Zhan H, Bai Y, Lv Y, Zhang X, Zhang L, Deng S. Pharmacological mechanism of mylabris in the treatment of leukemia based on bioinformatics and systematic pharmacology. Bioengineered 2021; 12:3229-3239. [PMID: 34224300 PMCID: PMC8806889 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1943110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemia is a common blood cancer, whose treatment usually necessitates chemo/radiotherapy and bone marrow transplant. Hence, safer and more effective options are urgently needed. Mylabris, the dried body of blister beetles, has been used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine. This study applied bioinformatics and systematic pharmacology to investigate the mechanism of action of mylabris in the treatment of leukemia. Five effective components and 35 corresponding target proteins were identified by screening the TCMSP database; whereas 776 genes related to leukemia were selected using OMIM, GeneCards, and the Therapeutic Target Database. Eight genes common to mylabris and leukemia were identified. Protein-protein interaction network analysis and a component-target-pathway diagram identified TP53 and PTEN as key gene targets of mylabris in the treatment of leukemia. GO enrichment analysis pointed to DNA damage and cell cycle disorder caused by p53 signaling as the most significant processes; whereas KEGG enrichment pointed to the p53 signaling pathway. In summary, mylabris may exert a therapeutic effect on leukemia by triggering DNA damage, inducing apoptosis, as well as inhibiting the growth and proliferation of tumor cells through the regulation of TP53 and PTEN. These findings provide a mechanistic rationale for the treatment of leukemia with traditional Chinese medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huali Zhan
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Zhejiang Industry Polytechnic College, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yujiao Bai
- Non-Coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Lv
- Wenzhou Medical University Renji College, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xianqin Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Shaoxing People's Hospital; Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shanshan Deng
- Non-Coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Aidi Injection as Adjuvant Drug Combined with Chemotherapy in Treatment of Breast Cancer: A Systematic Meta-Analysis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:8832913. [PMID: 33505507 PMCID: PMC7810520 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8832913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of combination of Aidi injection and chemotherapy and chemotherapy alone in treatment of breast cancer. Methods The related control and randomized studies till August 1st, 2020, were retrieved in the database including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, CBM, Wang-Fang, and VIP. Primary outcomes were response rate (RR) and performance status (KPS) improvement rate; secondary outcomes were rate of adverse drug reactions (ADR) including myelosuppression, digestive tract reaction, liver dysfunction, and cardiac toxicity. Review Manager 5.3 was used in the present analysis. Results In total, 20 studies (18 articles) were included in the present analysis. RR (OR 1.76 (1.32, 2.35); p=0.0001) and KPS improvement rate (OR: 2.68 (1.34, 6.46); p=0.007) in Aidi injection plus chemotherapy group were significantly higher than those of chemotherapy alone group. Addition of Aidi injection significantly reduced the rate of myelosuppression, digestive tract reaction, leukocyte decrease, II-IV cardiac function abnormality, atrial dysrhythmia, ventricular arrhythmia, ST segment T wave inversion, and abnormal ECG (all p < 0.05). Conclusion Aidi injection could increase the efficacy of chemotherapy, could reduce myelosuppression, digestive tract reaction, and cardiac toxicity induced by chemotherapy, and did not lead to additional toxicity and side effect. Therefore, it is an anticancer drug with good efficacy and low toxicity, worth further popularization.
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Scaria B, Sood S, Raad C, Khanafer J, Jayachandiran R, Pupulin A, Grewal S, Okoko M, Arora M, Miles L, Pandey S. Natural Health Products (NHP's) and Natural Compounds as Therapeutic Agents for the Treatment of Cancer; Mechanisms of Anti-Cancer Activity of Natural Compounds and Overall Trends. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8480. [PMID: 33187200 PMCID: PMC7697102 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Most cancer therapeutics, such as tubulin-targeting chemotherapy drugs, cause cytotoxic, non-selective effects. These harmful side-effects drastically reduce the cancer patient's quality of life. Recently, researchers have focused their efforts on studying natural health products (NHP's) which have demonstrated the ability to selectively target cancer cells in cellular and animal models. However, the major hurdle of clinical validation remains. NHP's warrant further clinical investigation as a therapeutic option since they exhibit low toxicity, while retaining a selective effect. Additionally, they can sensitize cancerous cells to chemotherapy, which enhances the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs, indicating that they can be utilized as supplemental therapy. An additional area for further research is the investigation of drug-drug interactions between NHP's and chemotherapeutics. The objectives of this review are to report the most recent results from the field of anticancer NHP research, and to highlight the most recent advancements in possible supplemental therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Siyaram Pandey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada; (B.S.); (S.S.); (C.R.); (J.K.); (R.J.); (A.P.); (S.G.); (M.O.); (M.A.); (L.M.)
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9
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Investigation of cancer drug resistance mechanisms by phosphoproteomics. Pharmacol Res 2020; 160:105091. [PMID: 32712320 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cell mutations can be identified by genomic and transcriptomic techniques. However, they are not sufficient to understand the full complexity of cancer heterogeneity. Analyses of proteins expressed in cancers and their modification profiles show how these mutations could be translated at the functional level. Protein phosphorylation is a major post-translational modification critical for regulating several cellular functions. The covalent addition of phosphate groups to serine, threonine, and tyrosine is catalyzed by protein kinases. Over the past years, kinases were strongly associated with cancer, thus inhibition of protein kinases emanated as novel cancer treatment. However, cancers frequently develop drug resistance. Therefore, a better understanding of drug effects on tumors is urgently needed. In this perspective, phosphoproteomics arose as advanced tool to monitor cancer therapies and to discover novel drugs. This review highlights the role of phosphoproteomics in predicting sensitivity or resistance of cancers towards tyrosine kinase inhibitors and cytotoxic drugs. It also shows the importance of phosphoproteomics in identifying biomarkers that could be applied in clinical diagnostics to predict responses to drugs.
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10
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Roy A, Bharadvaja N. Venom-Derived Bioactive Compounds as Potential Anticancer Agents: A Review. Int J Pept Res Ther 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10073-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Chen YC, Chen PN, Lin CW, Yang WE, Ho YT, Yang SF, Chuang CY. Cantharidic acid induces apoptosis in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells through p38-mediated upregulation of caspase activation. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2020; 35:619-627. [PMID: 31916385 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cantharidic acid (CA) is the hydrolysis product of the acid anhydride cantharidin, which is a natural toxin secreted by several species of blister beetles. Several studies have indicated that as an inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2 (PP2A), CA induces apoptosis in various human cancer cells. However, the effect of CA on human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells and the underlying pathways have not been addressed. In our current study, we tested the hypothesis that CA treatment reduces the viability of human NPC cells (HONE-1, NPC-39, and NPC-BM) by inducing apoptosis. Results indicated that CA markedly reduced cell viability, which was revealed by the upregulation of caspase activation in extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways as well as the upregulation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2) pathways. Coadministration of a p38 inhibitor (SB203580) with CA abolished the activation of caspase proteins. These findings indicated that CA treatment leads to apoptosis in human NPC cells through the upregulation of caspase activation, mediated particularly by the p38 pathway. Hence, CA is a promising therapeutic agent for human NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ching Chen
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ni Chen
- Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Wen Lin
- Institute of Oral Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-En Yang
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Ho
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shun-Fa Yang
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yi Chuang
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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Liao L, Yan YM, Xu T, Xia HL, Cheng YX. A Pair of Novel Sulfonyl-Containing N-Acetyldopamine Dimeric Enantiomers From Aspongopus chinensis. Nat Prod Commun 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x20911270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A pair of novel sulfonyl-containing N-acetyldopamine dimer enanitomers, (±)-aspongamide E (1), a new ester 2-aminoethyl ( E)-hex-2-enoate (2), along with 3 known compounds (3-5) were isolated from Aspongopus chinensis. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods. Compound 1 is a racemic mixture, chiral high-performance liquid chromatography separation followed by electronic circular dichroism calculations assigned the absolute configurations of 2 enantiomers of 1. Compounds 3-5 were isolated from A. chinensis for the first time. The biological activity of the selected new compounds against renal fibrosis was evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liao
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, PR China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, PR China
| | - Yong-Ming Yan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, PR China
| | - Te Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, PR China
| | - Hou-Lin Xia
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, PR China
| | - Yong-Xian Cheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, PR China
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13
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Fatima I, Kanwal S, Mahmood T. Natural Products Mediated Targeting of Virally Infected Cancer. Dose Response 2019; 17:1559325818813227. [PMID: 30670935 PMCID: PMC6328957 DOI: 10.1177/1559325818813227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of viral infection in developing cancer was determined in the start of 20th century. Until now, 8 different virus-associated cancers have been discovered and most of them progressed in immunosuppressed individuals. The aim of the present study is to look into the benefits of natural products in treating virally infected cancers. The study focuses on bioactive compounds derived from natural sources. Numerous pharmaceutical agents have been identified from plants (vincristine, vinblastine, stilbenes, combretastatin, and silymarin), marine organisms (bryostatins, cephalostatin, ecteinascidins, didemnin, and dolastatin), insects (cantharidin, mastoparan, parectadial, and cecropins), and microorganisms (vancomycin, rhizoxin, ansamitocins, mitomycin, and rapamycin). Beside these, various compounds have been observed from fruits and vegetables which can be utilized in anticancer therapy. These include curcumin in turmeric, resveratrol in red grapes, S-allyl cysteine in allium, allicin in garlic, catechins in green tea, and β-carotene in carrots. The present study addresses various types of virally infected cancers, their mechanism of action, and the role of different cell surface molecules elicited during viral binding and entry into the target cell along with the anticancer drugs derived from natural products by targeting screening of bioactive compounds from natural sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iram Fatima
- Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sobia Kanwal
- Department of Zoology, University of Gujrat Sub-campus Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Tariq Mahmood
- Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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14
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Sheng J, Zou X, Cheng Z, Xiang Y, Yang W, Lin Y, Cui R. Recent Advances in Herbal Medicines for Digestive System Malignancies. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1249. [PMID: 30524272 PMCID: PMC6256117 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Herbal medicines, as an important part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), have been used to treat digestive system malignancies (DSM) for many years, and have gradually gained recognition worldwide. The role of herbal medicines in the comprehensive treatment of DSM is being improved from adjuvant treatment of the autologous immune function in cancer patients, to the treatment of both the symptoms and disease, direct inhibition of tumor cell growth and proliferation, and induction of tumor cell autophagy and apoptosis. Their specific mechanisms in these treatments are also being explored. The paper reviews the current anti-tumor mechanisms of TCM, including single herbal medicines, Chinese herbal formulations, Chinese medicine preparations and TCM extract, and their application in the comprehensive treatment of digestive system tumors, providing a reference for clinical application of TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyao Sheng
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaohan Zou
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ziqian Cheng
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yien Xiang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yang Lin
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ranji Cui
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Khusro A, Aarti C, Barbabosa-Pliego A, Rivas-Cáceres RR, Cipriano-Salazar M. Venom as therapeutic weapon to combat dreadful diseases of 21 st century: A systematic review on cancer, TB, and HIV/AIDS. Microb Pathog 2018; 125:96-107. [PMID: 30195644 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 08/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancer and infectious diseases are the preeminent causes of human morbidities and mortalities worldwide. At present, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and gene therapy are considered as predominant options in order to treat cancer. But these therapies provide inadequate consequences by affecting both the normal and tumor cells. On the other hand, tuberculosis (TB), and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infections are significant threats, causing over a million mortalities each year. The extensive applications of antibiotics have caused the microbes to acquire resistance to the existing antibiotics. With the emerging dilemma of drug resistant microbes, it has become imperative to identify novel therapeutic agents from natural sources as emphatic alternative approach. Over the past few decades, venoms derived from several reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods including snakes, scorpions, frogs, spiders, honey bees, wasps, beetles, caterpillars, ants, centipedes, and sponges have been identified as efficient therapeutics. Venoms constitute plethora of bioactive components, particularly peptides, enzymes, and other chemical entities, which exhibit a large array of anticancer and anti-pathogenic activities. This review highlights the panorama of bioactive components of animal venoms divulging the anticancer, anti-tubercular, and anti-HIV activities. In a nutshell, this context discloses the decisive role of animal venoms as alternative natural resources to combat these deadly diseases of 21st century, and propounding the plausible development of new therapeutic drugs in the present era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameer Khusro
- Research Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Loyola College, Nungambakkam, Chennai, 600034, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Chirom Aarti
- Research Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Loyola College, Nungambakkam, Chennai, 600034, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Alberto Barbabosa-Pliego
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Raymundo Rene Rivas-Cáceres
- Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Ave. Plutarco Elías Calles No. 1210, FOVISSSTE Chamizal Cd, Juarez, C.P. 32310, Mexico
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Bioassay-guided isolation of cantharidin from blister beetles and its anticancer activity through inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor-mediated STAT3 and Akt pathways. J Nat Med 2018; 72:937-945. [DOI: 10.1007/s11418-018-1226-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Zhou H, Xu J, Wang S, Peng J. Role of cantharidin in the activation of IKKα/IκBα/NF‑κB pathway by inhibiting PP2A activity in cholangiocarcinoma cell lines. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:7672-7682. [PMID: 29620225 PMCID: PMC5983964 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cantharidin (CAN), a potent inhibitor of serine/threonine‑protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), is widely used in clinical practice, particularly in the treatment of advanced cancer due to its specific action on these types of cancer. In the present study, the inhibitory effect of CAN was examined in two cholangiocarcinoma cell lines (QBC939 and Hucc‑t1). Following treatment with CAN, cell viability was effectively reduced in QBC939 and Hucc‑t1 cells and normal human intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells. However, a slight increase in reactive oxygen species levels in QBC939 cells treated with CAN was observed post‑treatment. CAN significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion in a dose‑dependent manner. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the nuclear factor‑κB (NF‑κB) pathway was stimulated by CAN, which was confirmed by the upregulated phosphorylation levels of inhibitor of NF‑κB kinase subunit α (IKKα) and NF‑κB inhibitor α (IκBα) in cells, and an increased NF‑κB p65 subunit level in the nucleus. The expression levels of 72 kDa type IV collagenase (MMP2) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) were downregulated by CAN. Notably, there was a negative association between MMP2 and MMP9 expression levels, and NF‑κB p65, although NF‑κB p65 regulates the expression of MMP2 and MMP9 and has a positive association with these proteins in various types of cancer. Notably, it was observed that CAN exerted specific inhibition on PP2A activity and thereby resulted in the activation of the IKKα/IκBα/NF‑κB pathway. Therefore, CAN‑induced cell inhibition maybe partially dependent on the activation of the IKKα/IκBα/NF‑κB pathway. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that CAN selectively and effectively inhibited cholangiocarcinoma cell migration and invasion. The present study may provide a novel insight into the use of CAN as a therapeutic candidate in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijiang Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang 322000, P.R. China
| | - Jiangfeng Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang 322000, P.R. China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang 322000, P.R. China
| | - Jinfeng Peng
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang 322000, P.R. China
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18
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Wang SC, Chow JM, Chien MH, Lin CW, Chen HY, Hsiao PC, Yang SF. Cantharidic acid induces apoptosis of human leukemic HL-60 cells via c-Jun N-terminal kinase-regulated caspase-8/-9/-3 activation pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2018; 33:514-522. [PMID: 29345422 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Cantharidin, a natural toxin from blister beetles, has shown potent anticancer activities on many solid tumor cells. Recently, cantharidin and its analogue, norcantharidin, were also shown to suppress nonsolid tumors such as chronic myeloid leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and leukemic stem cells. However, there is no available information to address the effects of cantharidic acid (CAC), a hydrolysis product of cantharidin, on human AML cells. The present study showed that CAC, at a range of concentrations (0-20 μM), concentration-dependently inhibited cell proliferation in the HL-60 AML cell line. Western blot and flow cytometric assays demonstrated that CAC induced several features of apoptosis such as sub G1-phase cell increase, phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization, and significantly activated proapoptotic signaling including caspase-8, -9, and -3 activation and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage in HL-60 AML cells. Moreover, treatment of HL-60 cells with CAC induced concentration- and time- dependent activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Only JNK-, but not p38 MAPK-specific inhibitor can reverse the CAC-induced activation of the caspase-8, -9, and -3. We concluded that CAC can induce apoptosis in human leukemic HL-60 cells via a caspases-dependent pathway, and that the apoptosis-inducing effect of CAC can be regulated by JNK activation signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Chung Wang
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Changhua Christian Children's Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Ming Chow
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hsien Chien
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Wen Lin
- Institute of Oral Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Yu Chen
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ching Hsiao
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shun-Fa Yang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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Zhang X, Lin C, Lu A, Lin G, Chen H, Liu Q, Yang Z, Zhang H. Liposomes equipped with cell penetrating peptide BR2 enhances chemotherapeutic effects of cantharidin against hepatocellular carcinoma. Drug Deliv 2017. [PMID: 28644728 PMCID: PMC8241055 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2017.1340361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A main hurdle for the success of tumor-specific liposomes is their inability to penetrate tumors efficiently. In this study, we incorporated a cell-penetrating peptide BR2 onto the surface of a liposome loaded with the anticancer drug cantharidin (CTD) to create a system targeting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells more efficiently and effectively. The in vitro cytotoxicity assay comparing the loaded liposomes’ effects on hepatocellular cancer HepG2 and the control Miha cells showed that CTD-loaded liposomes had a stronger anticancer effect after BR2 modification. The cellular uptake results of HepG2 and Miha cells further confirmed the superior ability of BR2-modified liposomes to penetrate cancer cells. The colocalization study revealed that BR2-modified liposomes could enter tumor cells and subsequently release drugs. A higher efficiency of delivery by BR2 liposomes as compared to unmodified liposomes was evident by evaluation of the HepG2 tumor spheroids penetration and inhibition. The biodistribution studies and anticancer efficacy results in vivo showed the significant accumulation of BR2-modified liposomes into tumor sites and an enhanced tumor inhibition. In conclusion, BR2-modified liposomes improve the anticancer potency of drugs for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Zhang
- a School of Chinese Medicine , Hong Kong Baptist University , Hong Kong , China
| | - Congcong Lin
- a School of Chinese Medicine , Hong Kong Baptist University , Hong Kong , China
| | - Aiping Lu
- a School of Chinese Medicine , Hong Kong Baptist University , Hong Kong , China.,b Changshu Research Institute , Hong Kong Baptist University, Changshu Economic and Technological Development (CETD) Zone , Changshu , Jiangsu Province , China
| | - Ge Lin
- c School of Biomedical Sciences , Chinese University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , China
| | - Huoji Chen
- d School of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Qiang Liu
- d School of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Zhijun Yang
- a School of Chinese Medicine , Hong Kong Baptist University , Hong Kong , China.,b Changshu Research Institute , Hong Kong Baptist University, Changshu Economic and Technological Development (CETD) Zone , Changshu , Jiangsu Province , China
| | - Hongqi Zhang
- a School of Chinese Medicine , Hong Kong Baptist University , Hong Kong , China
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20
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Corrêa LH, Corrêa R, Farinasso CM, de Sant'Ana Dourado LP, Magalhães KG. Adipocytes and Macrophages Interplay in the Orchestration of Tumor Microenvironment: New Implications in Cancer Progression. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1129. [PMID: 28970834 PMCID: PMC5609576 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation has been known as one of the main keys to the establishment and progression of cancers. Chronic low-grade inflammation is also a strategic condition that underlies the causes and development of metabolic syndrome and obesity. Moreover, obesity has been largely related to poor prognosis of tumors by modulating tumor microenvironment with secretion of several inflammatory mediators by tumor-associated adipocytes (TAAs), which can modulate and recruit tumor-associated macrophages. Thus, the understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlay and link inflammation, obesity, and cancer is crucial to identify potential targets that interfere with this important route. Knowledge about the exact role of each component of the tumor microenvironment is not yet fully understood, but the new insights in literature highlight the essential role of adipocytes and macrophages interplay as key factor to determine the fate of cancer progression. In this review article, we focus on the functions of adipocytes and macrophages orchestrating cellular and molecular mechanisms that lead to inflammatory modulation in tumor microenvironment, which will be crucial to cancer establishment. We also emphasized the mechanisms by which the tumor promotes itself by recruiting and polarizing macrophages, discussing the role of adipocytes in this process. In addition, we discuss here the newest possible anticancer therapeutic treatments aiming to retard the development of the tumor based on what is known about cancer, adipocyte, and macrophage polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Henrique Corrêa
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Rafael Corrêa
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Cecília Menezes Farinasso
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | | | - Kelly Grace Magalhães
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
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21
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Du C, Zhang L, Lu T, Ma J, Zeng C, Yue B, Zhang X. Mitochondrial genomes of blister beetles (Coleoptera, Meloidae) and two large intergenic spacers in Hycleus genera. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:698. [PMID: 28874137 PMCID: PMC5585954 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-4102-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insect mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) exhibit high diversity in some lineages. The gene rearrangement and large intergenic spacer (IGS) have been reported in several Coleopteran species, although very little is known about mitogenomes of Meloidae. RESULTS We determined complete or nearly complete mitogenomes of seven meloid species. The circular genomes encode 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs) and two ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), and contain a control region, with gene arrangement identical to the ancestral type for insects. The evolutionary rates of all PCGs indicate that their evolution is based on purifying selection. The comparison of tRNA secondary structures indicates diverse substitution patterns in Meloidae. Remarkably, all mitogenomes of the three studied Hycleus species contain two large intergenic spacers (IGSs). IGS1 is located between trnW and trnC, including a 9 bp consensus motif. IGS2 is located between trnS2 (UCN) and nad1, containing discontinuous repeats of a pentanucleotide motif and two 18-bp repeat units in both ends. To date, IGS2 is found only in genera Hycleus across all published Coleopteran mitogenomes. The duplication/random loss model and slipped-strand mispairing are proposed as evolutionary mechanisms for the two IGSs (IGS1, IGS2). The phylogenetic analyses using MrBayes, RAxML, and PhyloBayes methods based on nucleotide and amino acid datasets of 13 PCGs from all published mitogenomes of Tenebrionoids, consistently recover the monophylies of Meloidae and Tenebrionidae. Within Meloidae, the genus Lytta clusters with Epicauta rather than with Mylabris. Although data collected thus far could not resolve the phylogenetic relationships within Meloidae, this study will assist in future mapping of the Meloidae phylogeny. CONCLUSIONS This study presents mitogenomes of seven meloid beetles. New mitogenomes retain the genomic architecture of the Coleopteran ancestor, but contain two IGSs in the three studied Hycleus species. Comparative analyses of two IGSs suggest that their evolutionary mechanisms are duplication/random loss model and slipped-strand mispairing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Du
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, People's Republic of China.,Nanchong Vocational and Technical College, Nanchong, 637131, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lifang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Lu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingnan Ma
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenjuan Zeng
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Medicinal American Cockroach, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Bisong Yue
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuyue Zhang
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, People's Republic of China.
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22
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Spare LK, Falsetta P, Gilbert J, Harman DG, Baker MA, Li F, McCluskey A, Clegg JK, Sakoff JA, Aldrich-Wright JR, Gordon CP. Cytotoxicity of a Series of Norcantharidin-Inspired Tetrahydroepoxyisoindole Carboxamides. ChemMedChem 2017; 12:130-145. [PMID: 27921386 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201600573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2016] [Revised: 12/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
A series of 28 norcantharidin (NorC)-inspired analogues were accessed via a robust two-step Ugi intramolecular Diels-Alder (IMDA) sequence. Four analogues displayed whole-cell cytotoxicity equipotent to that of NorC and cisplatin against a number of cancer cell lines and a normal breast cell line (MCF10A). Notably, (3S,3aS,6R)-2-benzyl-7-methyl-N-(naphthalen-2-yl)-1-oxo-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-3a,6-epoxyisoindole-3-carboxamide (trans-27) displayed superior whole-cell activity against breast (MCF-7, GI50 =2.9 μm) and colon (HT29, GI50 =6.4 μm) cancer cell lines relative to the control (cisplatin), which elicited respective GI50 values of 6.5 and 11.3 μm against the aforementioned cell lines. This analogue also displayed improved activity relative to NorC across the breast (MCF-7, GI50 =2.9 μm; NorC GI50 =7.5 μm), ovarian (A2780, GI50 =2.2 μm; NorC GI50 =4.4 μm), and neuroblastoma (BE2-C, GI50 =2.2 μm; NorC GI50 =3.7 μm) cancer cell lines. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) investigations demonstrated that retention of sp2 hybridized connections within the tetrahydroepoxyisoindole carboxamide scaffold is crucial, as aromatization to a phenolic functionality decreased activity, whereas removal of a single olefin bond abolished cytotoxicity. Nonetheless, with respect to the latter, use of crotonic acid as opposed 2-butynoic acid in the Ugi-IMDA sequence imparted a significant improvement to diastereoselectivity, with the cis/trans isomer ratio shifting from ≈1:1.2 to ≈0.5:9.5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawson K Spare
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Goldsmith Avenue, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
| | - Pasquale Falsetta
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Goldsmith Avenue, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
| | - Jayne Gilbert
- Calvary Mater Newcastle, Waratah, NSW, 2298, Australia
| | - David G Harman
- School of Medicine, Building 30, Western Sydney University, Goldsmith Avenue, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia.,Molecular Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Building 30, Western Sydney University, Goldsmith Avenue, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
| | - Mark A Baker
- Discipline of Biological Sciences, Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Feng Li
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Goldsmith Avenue, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia.,Nanoscale Organisation and Dynamics Group, Western Sydney University, Goldsmith Avenue, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
| | - Adam McCluskey
- Chemistry, School of Environmental and Life Science, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Jack K Clegg
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane Street, Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | | | - Janice R Aldrich-Wright
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Goldsmith Avenue, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia.,Nanoscale Organisation and Dynamics Group, Western Sydney University, Goldsmith Avenue, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
| | - Christopher P Gordon
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Goldsmith Avenue, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia.,Nanoscale Organisation and Dynamics Group, Western Sydney University, Goldsmith Avenue, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
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23
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Yu GQ, Dou ZL, Jia ZH. 5‑bromo‑3‑(3‑hydroxyprop‑1‑ynyl)‑2H‑pyran‑2‑one induces apoptosis in T24 human bladder cancer cells through mitochondria-dependent signaling pathways. Mol Med Rep 2016; 15:153-159. [PMID: 27922685 PMCID: PMC5355715 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study was performed to investigate the effect of 5-bromo-3-(3-hydroxyprop-1-ynyl)-2H-pyran-2-one (BHP) on the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in T24 human bladder carcinoma cells. An MTT assay was used to investigate the inhibition of cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was used to observe alterations in the cell cycle, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and induction of apoptosis in the T24 cells following BHP treatment. Western blot analysis was performed for the determination of expression levels of apoptotic proteins, and 4,6‑diamidino‑2‑phenylindole dihydrochloride staining was used to observe apoptosis and DNA damage. The results demonstrated that treatment of the bladder cancer cells with BHP enhanced the activation of caspases and increased the production of ROS. It also caused damage to DNA, reduced MMP, and increased the secretion of endonuclease G and apoptosis‑inducing factor from the mitochondria. The expression levels of cyclin E and cell division cycle 25C were reduced, whereas the expression levels of p21 and phosphorylated p53 were increased in the BHP‑treated cells. In addition, treatment with BHP caused cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, increased the expression levels of B cell lymphoma‑2 (Bcl‑2)‑associated X protein and poly(ADP‑ribose) polymerase, decreased the expression of Bcl‑2 and ultimately induced apoptosis of the T24 cells. Thus, BHP inhibited the proliferation of bladder cancer cells by inducing cell apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Qiang Yu
- Department of Urological Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan 471003, P.R. China
| | - Zhong-Ling Dou
- Department of Urological Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan 471003, P.R. China
| | - Zhao-Hui Jia
- Department of Urological Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan 471003, P.R. China
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24
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Synthesis, crystal structure, spectroscopic properties and potential anti-cancerous activities of four unsaturated bis-norcantharimides. J Mol Struct 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2016.02.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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25
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Du C, He S, Song X, Liao Q, Zhang X, Yue B. The complete mitochondrial genome of Epicauta chinensis (Coleoptera: Meloidae) and phylogenetic analysis among Coleopteran insects. Gene 2016; 578:274-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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26
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Khabour OF, Enaya FM, Alzoubi K, Al-Azzam SI. Evaluation of DNA damage induced by norcantharidin in human cultured lymphocytes. Drug Chem Toxicol 2015; 39:303-6. [PMID: 26599593 DOI: 10.3109/01480545.2015.1113988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD) is currently used in the treatment of several cancers such as leukemia, melanoma and hepatoma. The mechanism of action of NCTD is suggested to involve induction of apoptosis of cancer cells via production of reactive oxygen species. In this study, the genotoxic effect of different concentrations of NCTD (1, 10 and 20 μm) in human lymphocytes was investigated using sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) and chromosomal aberrations (CAs) assays. The results revealed that NCTD significantly increased the rate of SCEs (p < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, NCTD significantly increased the number of high-frequency cells (SCEs ≥ 8, p < 0.05). However, NCTD did not have any significant effect on the rate of CAs (p > 0.05). In addition, no significant differences were detected in the mitotic index or proliferative index at examined doses (up to 20 μm). In conclusion, NCTD is genotoxic to human cultured lymphocytes as measured by SCE assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar F Khabour
- a Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences , Jordan University of Science and Technology , Irbid , Jordan .,b Biology Department , Faculty of Science, Taibah University , Almedina , Saudi Arabia , and
| | - Fatima M Enaya
- a Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences , Jordan University of Science and Technology , Irbid , Jordan
| | - Karem Alzoubi
- c Department of Clinical Pharmacy , Jordan University of Science and Technology , Irbid , Jordan
| | - Sayer I Al-Azzam
- c Department of Clinical Pharmacy , Jordan University of Science and Technology , Irbid , Jordan
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27
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Xi Y, Garshott D, Brownell A, Yoo G, Lin HS, Freeburg T, Yoo N, Kaufman R, Callaghan M, Fribley A. Cantharidins induce ER stress and a terminal unfolded protein response in OSCC. J Dent Res 2015; 94:320-9. [PMID: 25425581 PMCID: PMC4300301 DOI: 10.1177/0022034514559376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mortality and morbidity associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain unacceptably high with disfiguring treatment options and a death rate of 1 per hour in the United States. The approval of cituximab for advanced OSCC has been the only new treatment for these patients since the 1970s, although it has not significantly increased overall survival. To address the paucity of effective new therapies, we undertook a high-throughput screen to discover small molecules and natural products that could induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and enforce a terminal unfolded protein response (UPR) in OSCC. The terpenoid cantharidin (CNT), previously used to treat various malignancies in culture-specific medical practices for over 2,000 y, emerged as a hit. CNT and its analog, cantharidic acid, potently induced protein and gene expression profiles consistent with the activation of ER stress, the UPR, and apoptosis in OSCC cells. Murine embryonic fibroblasts null for the UPR-associated transcription factors Atf4 or Chop were significantly protected from CNT, implicating a key role for the UPR in the death response. These data validate that our high-throughput screen can identify novel modulators of UPR signaling and that such compounds might provide a new therapeutic approach to treating patients with OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y. Xi
- The Key Laboratory of Pathiobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Carmen and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - D.M. Garshott
- Carmen and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - A.L. Brownell
- Carmen and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - G.H. Yoo
- Department of Otolaryngology, Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - H.-S. Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology, Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - T.L. Freeburg
- Department of Otolaryngology, Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - N.G. Yoo
- Department of Otolaryngology, Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - R.J. Kaufman
- Degenerative Diseases Program, Sanford|Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, CA and Department of Pharmacology, University of California Medical Center, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - M.U. Callaghan
- Carmen and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - A.M. Fribley
- Carmen and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
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El-Tantawy NL. Helminthes and insects: maladies or therapies. Parasitol Res 2014; 114:359-77. [PMID: 25547076 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4260-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
By definition, parasites cause harm to their hosts. But, considerable evidence from ancient traditional medicine has supported the theory of using parasites and their products in treating many diseases. Maggots have been used successfully to treat chronic, long-standing, infected wounds which failed to respond to conventional treatment by many beneficial effects on the wound including debridement, disinfection, and healing enhancement. Maggots are also applied in forensic medicine to estimate time between the death and discovery of a corpse and in entomotoxicology involving the potential use of insects as alternative samples for detecting drugs and toxins in death investigations. Leeches are segmented invertebrates, famous by their blood-feeding habits and used in phlebotomy to treat various ailments since ancient times. Leech therapy is experiencing resurgence nowadays in health care principally in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Earthworms provide a source of medicinally useful products with potential antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer properties. Lumbrokinases are a group of fibrinolytic enzymes isolated and purified from earthworms capable of degrading plasminogen-rich and plasminogen-free fibrin and so can be used to treat various conditions associated with thrombotic diseases. Helminth infection has been proved to have therapeutic effects in both animal and human clinical trials with promising evidence in treating many allergic diseases and can block the induction of or reduce the severity of some autoimmune disorders as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. What is more, venomous arthropods such as scorpions, bees, wasps, spiders, ants, centipedes, snail, beetles, and caterpillars. The venoms and toxins from these arthropods provide a promising source of natural bioactive compounds which can be employed in the development of new drugs to treat diseases as cancer. The possibility of using these active molecules in biotechnological processes can make these venoms and toxins a valuable and promising source of natural bioactive compounds. The therapeutic use of helminthes and insects will be of great value in biomedicine and further studies on insect toxins will contribute extensively to the development of Biomedical Sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora L El-Tantawy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, 2 El-Gomhouria Street, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt,
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Maroufi Y, Ghaffarifar F, Dalimi A, Sharifi Z. Interferon-gamma and interlukin-4 patterns in BALB/c mice suffering from cutaneous leishmaniasis treated with cantharidin. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2014; 7:e10907. [PMID: 25371808 PMCID: PMC4217669 DOI: 10.5812/jjm.10907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 06/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a health problem in the world. Lesions should be treated on cosmetically or functionally important sites, such as the face and hands. Cantharidin is a terpenoid compound produced naturally by beetles of Meloidae and Oedemeridae families. Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the effect of cantharidin on Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) lesions and IFN-γ and IL-4 patterns in infected BALB/c mice. Materials and Methods: Infected BALB/c mice were divided into five groups as: untreated (control group), eucerin-treated and 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.5% cantharidin-treated. Lesions diameter was measured by Vernier caliper every three days for four weeks. Cytokines levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using U-CyTech kit. Results: The results indicated that treatment with cantharidin exacerbates lesions compared with the controls, except for 0.05% cantharidin dose that restrained lesion growth significantly. Interferon gamma level in cantharidin-treated groups was significantly less than that of the control group. But interlukin-4 level was similar among the groups. Conclusions: The current study results indicated that high doses of cantharidin exacerbates leishmaniasis lesion, but low dose of cantharidin inhibits lesion growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahya Maroufi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, IR Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Fatemeh Ghaffarifar, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel: +98-2182884553, Fax: +98-2188006544, E-mail:
| | - Abdolhosein Dalimi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Zohreh Sharifi
- Department of Virology, Iranian Blood Transfusion organization, Tehran, IR Iran
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Zhang C, Chen Z, Zhou X, Xu W, Wang G, Tang X, Luo L, Tu J, Zhu Y, Hu W, Xu X, Pan W. Cantharidin induces G 2/M phase arrest and apoptosis in human gastric cancer SGC-7901 and BGC-823 cells. Oncol Lett 2014; 8:2721-2726. [PMID: 25364455 PMCID: PMC4214476 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2014.2611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of cantharidin (CTD) on human gastric cancer cells and to explore the underlying mechanisms of these effects. The human gastric cancer SGC-7901 and BGC-823 cell lines were treated with CTD. MTS assays were then employed to examine cellular proliferation, flow cytometry was used to analyze the cell cycle and apoptosis, and western blot analysis was used to determine protein expression levels. It was found that CTD inhibited the proliferation of the human gastric cancer SGC-7901 and BGC-823 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner in vitro. CTD also induced G2/M phase arrest and cellular apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, CTD increased the levels of p21, caspase-7, -8 and -9, activated caspase-3, poly ADP ribose polymerase and Bad, but decreased the levels of cyclin-dependent kinase 1, cyclin A and B, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bid. The present results suggested that CTD may inhibit the proliferation of human gastric cancer SGC-7901 and BGC-823 cells in vitro by inducing G2/M phase arrest and cell apoptosis. CTD may induce cellular G2/M phase arrest by regulating cycle-associated proteins and induce apoptosis by activating a caspase cascade or regulating the Bcl-2 family proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenjing Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Zhongting Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Xinglu Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoxiao Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Laisheng Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Jiangfeng Tu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Yimiao Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Wen Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Binjiang Campus of The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Wensheng Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China ; Department of Gastroenterology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
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Comparison of cantharidin toxicity in breast cancer cells to two common chemotherapeutics. Int J Breast Cancer 2014; 2014:423059. [PMID: 25302124 PMCID: PMC4180196 DOI: 10.1155/2014/423059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As part of a larger study synthesizing a more directed form of chemotherapy, we have begun to assess the efficacy of different potential toxins that could be delivered locally rather than systemically. In doing so, we hope to reduce the systemic side effects commonly observed, while maintaining a high level of toxicity and eliminating the need for metabolic alterations. In a search for this more efficient method for killing cancerous cells, we have begun studying cantharidin, a toxin used in traditional Chinese medicine, as a potential chemotherapeutic. Using an MTT cell viability assay, the toxicity of cantharidin was compared to both cyclophosphamide and paclitaxel in three different breast cancer cell lines: MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and SK-BR-3. Increasing the concentration of chemotherapy drugs did decrease cell viability in all cell lines when cantharidin and cyclophosphamide were applied; however differences for paclitaxel were cell-specific. Additionally, cantharidin exhibited the highest decrease in cell viability regardless of cell type, indicating it may be a much more potent and less specific chemotherapeutic. These results will help us move forward in developing a potentially more potent treatment for breast cancer that might eliminate the need for subtype-specific treatments.
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Lu S, Gao Y, Huang X, Wang X. Cantharidin exerts anti-hepatocellular carcinoma by miR-214 modulating macrophage polarization. Int J Biol Sci 2014; 10:415-25. [PMID: 24719559 PMCID: PMC3979994 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.8002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 02/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD), a demethylated form of cantharidin, has been used as a routine anticancer drug in China. In this study, the effect and mechanism of NCTD on anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was examined. In vivo antitumor activity was investigated in hepatoma-bearing mice by intraperitoneal injection of different concentration of NCTD. The levels of MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNA were detected by real-time PCR. The concentrations of IL-10 and IL-12 in BMDMs, Raw 264.7 cells or tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) were measured with ELISA kit. The effects of TAMs on H22 cell survival and invasion were assayed via the CCK-8 and tumor invasion assay, respectively. Anti-miR-214 or pre-miR-214 was used to down-regulate or up-regulated miR-214 expression. The results showed that NCTD drastically impaired tumor growth in hepatoma-bearing mice, correlating with increased anti-tumor activity of TAMs. Moreover, NCTD stimulation led to an alteration of HCC microenvironment, reflected by a decrease in a shift from M2 to M1 polarization and the populations of CD4+/CD25+Foxp3 T cells. The activation of STAT3 was inhibited in TAMs from hepatoma-bearing mice injected with NCTD. Addition of NCTD to treat RAW264.7 or TAMs enhanced M1 polarization through increase of miR-214 expression. NCTD significantly inhibited β-catenin expression, which could be reversed by miR-214 inhibitor. Conditioned media from TAMs in hepatoma-bearing mice treated with NCTD or TAMs transfected with pre-miR-214 inhibited survival and invasion of H22 cells. This finding reveals a novel role for NCTD on inhibition of HCC through miR-214 modulating macrophage polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Lu
- Center of Liver Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Ministry of Health, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yun Gao
- Center of Liver Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Ministry of Health, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xinli Huang
- Center of Liver Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Ministry of Health, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xuehao Wang
- Center of Liver Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Ministry of Health, Nanjing 210029, China
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Papp N, Birkás-Frendl K, Bencsik T, Stranczinger S, Czégényi D. Survey of traditional beliefs in the Hungarian Csángó and Székely ethnomedicine in Transylvania, Romania. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE FARMACOGNOSIA-BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOGNOSY 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bjp.2014.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Kadioglu O, Kermani NS, Kelter G, Schumacher U, Fiebig HH, Greten HJ, Efferth T. Pharmacogenomics of cantharidin in tumor cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2014; 87:399-409. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Revised: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Synthetic genetic array screen identifies PP2A as a therapeutic target in Mad2-overexpressing tumors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:1628-33. [PMID: 24425774 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1315588111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The spindle checkpoint is essential to ensure proper chromosome segregation and thereby maintain genomic stability. Mitotic arrest deficiency 2 (Mad2), a critical component of the spindle checkpoint, is overexpressed in many cancer cells. Thus, we hypothesized that Mad2 overexpression could specifically make cancer cells susceptible to death by inducing a synthetic dosage lethality defect. Because the spindle checkpoint pathway is highly conserved between yeast and humans, we performed a synthetic genetic array analysis in yeast, which revealed that Mad2 overexpression induced lethality in 13 gene deletions. Among the human homologs of candidate genes, knockdown of PPP2R1A, a gene encoding a constant regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2, significantly inhibited the growth of Mad2-overexpressing tumor cells. PPP2R1A inhibition induced Mad2 phosphorylation and suppressed Mad2 protein levels. Depletion of PPP2R1A inhibited colony formation of Mad2-overexpressing HeLa cells but not of unphosphorylated Mad2 mutant-overexpressing cells, suggesting that the lethality induced by PP2A depletion in Mad2-overexpressing cells is dependent on Mad2 phosphorylation. Also, the PP2A inhibitor cantharidin induced Mad2 phosphorylation and inhibited the growth of Mad2-overexpressing cancer cells. Aurora B knockdown inhibited Mad2 phosphorylation in mitosis, resulting in the blocking of PPP2R1A inhibition-induced cell death. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that PP2A is a good therapeutic target in Mad2-overexpressing tumors.
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Wen SQ, Chen Q, Hu M. Experimental study on the inhibitory effect of sodium cantharidinate on human hepatoma HepG2 cells. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL, COMPLEMENTARY, AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES : AJTCAM 2013; 11:131-134. [PMID: 24653566 PMCID: PMC3957254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND [corrected] Cantharidin, and its derivatives can not only inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells, but can also induce tumor cell apoptosis. It shows cantharidin exhibits a wide range of reactivity in anticancer. The objective of this paper was to study the inhibitory effect of sodium cantharidinate on human hepatoma HepG2 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS MTT assay was used to detect the proliferation of HepG2 cells, and immunohisto-chemical method was used to detect the change in VEGF, protein level, and to determine the inhibitory effect of sodium cantharidinate on human hepatoma HepG2 cells. RESULTS As results, sodium cantharidinate significantly inhibited the growth of HepG2 cells in a time-and dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION We conclude that sodium cantharidinate has an inhibitory effect on human hepatoma HepG2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Qi Wen
- Department of Vascular, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Quan Chen
- Department of Vascular, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Ming Hu
- Department of Vascular, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
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Verma AK, Prasad SB. Antitumor effect of blister beetles: an ethno-medicinal practice in Karbi community and its experimental evaluation against a murine malignant tumor model. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2013; 148:869-879. [PMID: 23707211 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2012] [Revised: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE The blister beetles Epicauta hirticornis and Mylabris cichorii are used as a folk medicine by the Karbi tribe in Karbi Anglong district of Assam, India for the treatment of different human ailments, including cancer cases. AIM OF THE STUDY It includes field survey related to zoo-therapeutic aspects of two blister beetles in Karbi community, isolation of bio-active compound and evaluation of its antitumor potential with possible mode of action against murine Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). MATERIALS AND METHODS The main bio-active compound of blister beetles was isolated from ethyl acetate extract and the structure was confirmed as cantharidin using NMR, IR, Mass and X-ray diffractometer. The effect of cantharidin on apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy and the apoptosis related signaling pathways were determined using different bioassays, including cell cycle analysis, mitochondrial membrane potential, western blot analysis of cytochrome c, caspases 9, 3/7 assays, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. RESULTS Cantharidin induced apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy cell death in EAC cells. The decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential was observed, which may help to release cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol. Cantharidin treatment caused up-regulation of caspases 9 and -3/7 and a decrease in LDH activity in EAC cells. CONCLUSION The major bioactive compound of these blister beetles is cantharidin which induces severe apoptosis in EAC cells involving mitochondrial intrinsic pathway. Cantharidin-mediated inhibition of LDH activity may lead to short supply of NAD(+) and cut off energy and anabolic supply to cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akalesh Kumar Verma
- Cell and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793 022, India
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Han W, Wang S, Liang R, Wang L, Chen M, Li H, Wang Y. Non-ionic surfactant vesicles simultaneously enhance antitumor activity and reduce the toxicity of cantharidin. Int J Nanomedicine 2013; 8:2187-96. [PMID: 23807847 PMCID: PMC3686241 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s43568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of the present study was to prepare cantharidin-entrapped non-ionic surfactant vesicles (CTD-NSVs) and evaluate their potential in enhancing the antitumor activities and reducing CTD's toxicity. METHODS AND RESULTS CTD-NSVs were prepared by injection method. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and flow cytometry analysis showed that CTD-NSVs could significantly enhance in vitro toxicity against human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and induce more significant cell-cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase. Moreover, Hoechst 33342 staining implicated that CTD-NSVs induced higher apoptotic rates in MCF-7 cells than free CTD solution. In vivo therapeutic efficacy was investigated in imprinting control region mice bearing mouse sarcoma S180. Mice treated with 1.0 mg/kg CTD-NSVs showed the most powerful antitumor activity, with an inhibition rate of 52.76%, which was significantly higher than that of cyclophosphamide (35 mg/kg, 40.23%) and the same concentration of free CTD (1.0 mg/kg, 31.05%). In addition, the acute toxicity and liver toxicity of CTD were also distinctly decreased via encapsulating into NSVs. CONCLUSION Our results revealed that NSVs could be a promising delivery system for enhancing the antitumor activity and simultaneously reducing the toxicity of CTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Han
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, PR China
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Comparative gene expression profiling of benign and malignant lesions reveals candidate therapeutic compounds for leiomyosarcoma. Sarcoma 2012; 2012:805614. [PMID: 22919280 PMCID: PMC3420093 DOI: 10.1155/2012/805614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2012] [Accepted: 06/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a malignant, soft-tissue tumor for which few effective therapies exist. Previously, we showed that there are three molecular subtypes of LMS. Here, we analyzed genes differentially expressed in each of the three LMS subtypes as compared to benign leiomyomas and then used the Connectivity Map (cmap) to calculate enrichment scores for the 1309 cmap drugs in order to identify candidate molecules with the potential to induce a benign, leiomyoma-like phenotype in LMS cells. 11 drugs were selected and tested for their ability to inhibit the growth of three human LMS cell lines. We identified two drugs with in vitro efficacy against LMS, one of which had a strongly negative enrichment score (Cantharidin) and the other of which had a strongly positive enrichment score (MG-132). Given MG-132's strong inhibitory effect on LMS cell viability, we hypothesized that LMS cells may be sensitive to treatment with other proteasome inhibitors and demonstrated that bortezomib, a clinically-approved proteasome inhibitor not included in the original cmap screen, potently inhibited the viability of the LMS cell lines. These findings suggest that systematically linking LMS subtype-specific expression signatures with drug-associated expression profiles represents a promising approach for the identification of new drugs for LMS.
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Yu CC, Ko FY, Yu CS, Lin CC, Huang YP, Yang JS, Lin JP, Chung JG. Norcantharidin triggers cell death and DNA damage through S-phase arrest and ROS-modulated apoptotic pathways in TSGH 8301 human urinary bladder carcinoma cells. Int J Oncol 2012; 41:1050-60. [PMID: 22684608 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2012.1511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2012] [Accepted: 04/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD) is one of the ingredients of blister beetles which have been used in Chinese medicine for a long time. The purpose of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of NCTD on TSGH 8301 human bladder cancer cells in vitro and the mechanisms through which it exerts its anticancer action. Cell morphological analysis was performed using a phase-contrast microscope. The percentage of viable cells, cell cycle distribution, sub-G1 phase (apoptosis), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the levels of mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψ(m)) were analyzed by flow cytometry. DNA condensation and damage were determined by DAPI staining and comet assay. Apoptosis-associated protein level changes in TSGH 8301 cells following exposure to NCTD were examined, measured and determined by western blotting. Analysis of protein translocation was conducted by immunostaining and confocal laser microscopy. The results indicated that NCTD promoted cytotoxic effects, including the induction of cell morphological changes and the decrease in the percentage of viability, the induction of S-phase arrest as well as sub-G1 phase (apoptosis) in TSGH 8301 cells. The activities of caspase-3 and -9 were upregulated following NCTD treatment. Western blotting indicated that NCTD upregulated Fas, FasL, Bax, Bid, cytochrome c, caspase-3, -8 and -9 that led to the induction of apoptosis through the Fas extrinsic pathway. Furthermore, NCTD induced AIF and Endo G that were released from mitochondria to induce apoptosis through the mitochondrial-independent pathway. NCTD upregulated ROS production, downregulated ∆Ψ(m) and ERK, JNK, p38 protein kinases in TSGH 8301 cells. These findings suggest that NCTD triggers apoptosis in TSGH 8301 human bladder cancer cells via the Fas receptor, activation of the caspse-8, -9 and -3, mitochondrial-dependent and -independent pathways. NCTD may be useful for developing new therapeutic regimens for the treatment of bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Chih Yu
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Wang S, Wu X, Tan M, Gong J, Tan W, Bian B, Chen M, Wang Y. Fighting fire with fire: poisonous Chinese herbal medicine for cancer therapy. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2012; 140:33-45. [PMID: 22265747 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2011] [Revised: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 12/23/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Following the known principle of "fighting fire with fire", poisonous Chinese herbal medicine (PCHM) has been historically used in cancer therapies by skilled Chinese practitioners for thousands of years. In fact, most of the marketed natural anti-cancer compounds (e.g., camptothecin derivatives, vinca alkaloids, etc.) are often known in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and recorded as poisonous herbs as well. Inspired by the encouraging precedents, significant researches into the potential of novel anticancer drugs from other PCHM-derived natural products have been ongoing for several years and PCHM is increasingly being recognized as a gathering place for promising anti-cancer drugs. The present review aimed at giving a rational understanding of the toxicity of PCHM and, especially, providing the most recent developments on PCHM-derived anti-cancer compounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS Information on the toxicity and safety control of PCHM, as well as PCHM-derived anti-cancer compounds, was gathered from the articles, books and monographs published in the past 20 years. RESULTS Based on an objective introduction to the CHM toxicity, we clarified the general misconceptions about the safety of CHM and summarized the traditional experiences in dealing with the toxicity. Several PCHM-derived compounds, namely gambogic acid, triptolide, arsenic trioxide, and cantharidin, were selected as representatives, and their traditional usage and mechanism of anti-cancer actions were discussed. CONCLUSIONS Natural products derived from PCHM are of extreme importance in devising new drugs and providing unique ideas for the war against cancer. To fully exploit the potential of PCHM in cancer therapy, more attentions are advocated to be focused on their safety evaluation and mechanism exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengpeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
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Man S, Gao W, Wei C, Liu C. Anticancer drugs from traditional toxic Chinese medicines. Phytother Res 2012; 26:1449-65. [PMID: 22389143 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.4609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Revised: 12/12/2011] [Accepted: 12/19/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Many anticancer drugs are obtained from natural sources. Nature produces a variety of toxic compounds, which are often used as anticancer drugs. Up to now, there are at least 120 species of poisonous botanicals, animals and minerals, of which more than half have been found to possess significant anticancer properties. In spite of their clinical toxicity, they exhibit pharmacological effects and have been used as important traditional Chinese medicines for the different stages of cancer. The article reviews many structures such as alkaloids of Camptotheca acuminata, Catharanthus roseus and Cephalotaxus fortunei, lignans of Dysosma versipellis and Podophyllum emodi, ketones of Garcinia hanburyi, terpenoids of Mylabris and Ginkgo biloba, diterpenoids of Tripterygium wilfordii, Euphorbia fischeriana, Euphorbia lathyris, Euphorbia kansui, Daphne genkwa, Pseudolarix kaempferi and Brucea javanica, triterpenoids of Melia toosendan, steroids of Periploca sepium, Paris polyphylla and Venenum Bufonis, and arsenic compounds including Arsenicum and Realgar. By comparing their related phytochemistry, toxic effects and the recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of action, this review puts forward some ideals and examples about how to increase antitumour activity and/or reduce the side effects experienced with Chinese medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuli Man
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, (Tianjin University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300457, PR China
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Liu S, Yu H, Kumar SM, Martin JS, Bing Z, Sheng W, Bosenberg M, Xu X. Norcantharidin induces melanoma cell apoptosis through activation of TR3 dependent pathway. Cancer Biol Ther 2011; 12:1005-14. [PMID: 22123174 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.12.11.18380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD) has been reported to induce tumor cell apoptosis. However, the underlying mechanism behinds its antitumor effect remains elusive. We have previously shown that TR3 expression is significantly decreased in metastatic melanomas and involved in melanoma cell apoptosis. In this study, we showed that NCTD inhibited melanoma cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in a dose related manner. NCTD induced translocation of TR3 from nucleus to mitochondria where it co-localized with Bcl-2 in melanoma cells. NCTD also increased cytochome c release from mitochondria to the cytoplasm. These changes were accompanied by increased expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 along with decreased expression of Bcl2 and NF-κB2. The effects of NCTD were inhibited by knockdown of TR3 expression using TR3 specific shRNA in melanoma cells. Furthermore, NCTD significantly decreased tumor volume and improved survival of Tyr::CreER; BRAF(Ca/+); Pten(lox/lox) transgenic mice. Our data indicates that NCTD inhibits melanoma growth by inducing tumor cell apoptosis via activation of a TR3 dependent pathway. These results suggest that NCTD is a potential therapeutic agent for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujing Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
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Benítez G. Animals used for medicinal and magico-religious purposes in western Granada Province, Andalusia (Spain). JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2011; 137:1113-23. [PMID: 21801827 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2011] [Revised: 06/23/2011] [Accepted: 07/09/2011] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE This paper serves to document and make known the folk medicinal uses of animals and animal products in the western part of the province of Granada (Andalusia, Spain), analyzing not only the species used, the administration methods and the ailments treated, but also the cultural implications of this traditional knowledge and the large percentage of magico-religious or ritual practices. MATERIALS AND METHODS The information was gathered through semi-structured open interviews of a total of 42 people, as a part of an in-deep ethnobiological research in 16 different municipalities within the study area. The use-value index was calculated for highlighting the most important species for the population. RESULTS In this part of Granada, 26 different animals have been employed in the treatment of 26 conditions from 10 different pathological groups, amounting 150 total reports (7% of the total ones including plant and animal medicinal resources). Although some of the uses were included in several classical and anthropological works, most remain unpublished. Cultural and environmental implications are discussed. CONCLUSIONS The traditional use of animals in medicine is low known for southern Europe. 26 species constitute a significant number of animals used, considering the socio-economic and cultural context in which the study area is situated, and its small size. Albeit the main part of the information presented in this paper can be more important in an historical or anthropological standpoint, most of the medicinal resources presented have not been deeply studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Benítez
- Department of Botany, University of Granada, Campus de Cartuja, 18071 Granada, Spain.
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Ratcliffe NA, Mello CB, Garcia ES, Butt TM, Azambuja P. Insect natural products and processes: new treatments for human disease. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2011; 41:747-69. [PMID: 21658450 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2011.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2011] [Revised: 05/16/2011] [Accepted: 05/20/2011] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
In this overview, some of the more significant recent developments in bioengineering natural products from insects with use or potential use in modern medicine are described, as well as in utilisation of insects as models for studying essential mammalian processes such as immune responses to pathogens. To date, insects have been relatively neglected as sources of modern drugs although they have provided valuable natural products, including honey and silk, for at least 4-7000 years, and have featured in folklore medicine for thousands of years. Particular examples of Insect Folk Medicines will briefly be described which have subsequently led through the application of molecular and bioengineering techniques to the development of bioactive compounds with great potential as pharmaceuticals in modern medicine. Insect products reviewed have been derived from honey, venom, silk, cantharidin, whole insect extracts, maggots, and blood-sucking arthropods. Drug activities detected include powerful antimicrobials against antibiotic-resistant bacteria and HIV, as well as anti-cancer, anti-angiogenesis and anti-coagulant factors and wound healing agents. Finally, the many problems in developing these insect products as human therapeutic drugs are considered and the possible solutions emerging to these problems are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman A Ratcliffe
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, 21045-900, RJ, Brazil.
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Li Y, Ge Y, Liu FY, Peng YM, Sun L, Li J, Chen Q, Sun Y, Ye K. Norcantharidin, a protective therapeutic agent in renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Mol Cell Biochem 2011; 361:79-83. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-011-1091-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2011] [Accepted: 09/16/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Cimmino F, Scoppettuolo MN, Carotenuto M, De Antonellis P, Dato VD, De Vita G, Zollo M. Norcantharidin impairs medulloblastoma growth by inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. J Neurooncol 2011; 106:59-70. [PMID: 21735115 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-011-0645-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2011] [Accepted: 06/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in pediatric cancer. Wnt-active tumors, an independent molecular subgroup in medulloblastoma, are characterized by a distinct pattern of genomic aberrations. We assessed the anticancer activity of cantharidin and norcantharidin against medulloblastoma, as cell lines in vitro and in athymic nude mice in vivo. Cantharidin and norcantharidin treatment impaired the growth of DAOY and UW228 medulloblastoma cells and promoted the loss of β-catenin activation and the β-catenin nuclearization linked to N-cadherin impairment in vitro. Intra-peritoneal administration of norcantharidin inhibited the growth of intra-cerebellum tumors in orthotopic xenograft nude mice. Analysis of the xenograft tissues revealed enhanced neuronal differentiation and reduced β-catenin expression. Our findings suggest that norcantharidin has potential therapeutic applications in the treatment of medulloblastoma as a result of its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and its impairment of Wnt-β-catenin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Cimmino
- CEINGE, Centro di Ingegneria Genetica, Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
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PP2A inhibitors induce apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cell line PANC-1 through persistent phosphorylation of IKKα and sustained activation of the NF-κB pathway. Cancer Lett 2011; 304:117-27. [PMID: 21376459 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2011.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2010] [Revised: 09/21/2010] [Accepted: 02/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), is thought to be a cancer suppresser, as inhibition of PP2A can induce phosphorylation and activation of substrate kinases, most of which can accelerate growth. Interestingly, cantharidin potently inhibits PP2A but efficiently represses various cancer cells. In the present study, we found that PP2A inhibitors, cantharidin or Okadaic acid, inhibited cell viability and triggered apoptosis in PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cell line dependent on PP2A/IKKα/IκBα/p65 NF-κB pathway. The activation of NF-κB pathway up-regulated downstream pro-apoptotic genes, TNF-α, TRAILR1 and TRAILR2, and triggered apoptosis through the extrinsic pathway, indicating that PP2A is a potential target for pancreatic cancer treatment.
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