Ginkgolide B inhibits lung cancer cells promotion via beclin-1-dependent autophagy

F-53B mediated ROS affects uterine development in rats during puberty by inducing apoptosis

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), as pollutants, can cause palpable environmental and health impacts around the world, as endocrine disruptors, can disrupt endocrine homeostasis and increase the risk of diseases. Chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonate (F-53B), as a substitute for PFAS, was determined to have potential toxicity. Puberty is the stage when sexual organs develop and hormones change dramatically, and abnormal uterine development can increase the risk of uterine lesions and lead to infertility. This study was designed to explore the impact of F-53B on uterine development during puberty. Four-week-old female SD rats were exposed to 0.125 and 6.25 mg/L F-53B during puberty. The results showed that F-53B interfered with growth and sex hormone levels and bound to oestrogen-related receptors, which affected their function, contributed to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, promoted cell apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation, ultimately causing uterine dysplasia.

The molecular mechanisms of ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) activity in signaling pathways: A comprehensive review

BACKGROUND

One of the most unique plants that have ever grown on the planet is Ginkgo biloba L., a member of the Ginkgoaceae family with no close living relatives. The existence of several differently structured components of G. biloba has increased the chemical variety of herbal therapy. Numerous studies that investigated the biochemical characteristics of G. biloba suggest this plant as a potential treatment for many illnesses.

PURPOSE

Review the molecular mechanisms involved in the signaling pathways of G. biloba activity in varied circumstances and its potential as a novel treatment for various illnesses.

METHODS

Studies focusing on the molecular processes and signaling pathways of compounds and extracts of G. biloba were found and summarized using the proper keywords and operators from Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus without time restrictions.

RESULTS

G. biloba exerts its effects through its anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-cancer, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, antiviral, antibacterial, pulmoprotective, renoprotective, anti-osteoporosis, anti-melanogenic, retinoprotective, otoprotective, adipogenic, and anti-adipogenic properties. The most important mechanisms involved in these actions are altering the elevation of ROS formation, inhibiting NADPH oxidases activation, altering the expression of antioxidant enzymes, downregulating MAPKs (p38 MAPK and ERK, and JNK) and AP-1, increasing cAMP, inactivating Stat5, activating the AMPK signaling pathway, affecting Stat3/JAK2, NF-κB, Nrf-2, mTOR, HGF/c-Met, Wnt/β-catenin and BMP signaling pathways, and changing the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, the release of Cyc from mitochondria to cytosol, the protein cleavage of caspases 3, 7, 8, 9, and 12, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, and MMPs levels.

CONCLUSIONS

G. biloba and its components have gained attention in recent years for their therapeutic benefits, such as their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and apoptotic effects. By understanding their molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways, potential novel medicines might be developed in response to the rising public desire for new therapies.

The role of Ginkgo Folium on antitumor: Bioactive constituents and the potential mechanism

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ginkgo biloba L. is a well-known and highly regarded resource in Chinese traditional medicine due to its effectiveness and safety. Ginkgo Folium, the leaf of Ginkgo biloba L., contains biologically active constituents with diverse pharmacological activities. Recent studies have shown promising antitumor effects of the bioactive constituents found in Ginkgo Folium against various types of cancer cells, highlighting its potential as a natural source of antitumor agents. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize its therapeutic potential.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

To provide a detailed understanding of the pharmacological activities of Ginkgo Folium and its potential therapeutic benefits for cancer patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we conducted a thorough and systematic search of multiple online databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, using relevant keywords such as "Ginkgo Folium," "flavonoids," "terpenoids," "Ginkgo Folium extracts," and "antitumor" to cover a broad range of studies that could inform our review. Additionally, we followed a rigorous selection process to ensure that the studies included in our review met the predetermined inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

The active constituents of Ginkgo Folium primarily consist of flavonoids and terpenoids, with quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, ginkgolides, and bilobalide being the major compounds. These active constituents exert their antitumor effects through crucial biological events such as apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, autophagy, and inhibition of invasion and metastasis via modulating diverse signaling pathways. During the process of apoptosis, active constituents primarily exert their effects by modulating the caspase-8 mediated death receptor pathway and caspase-9 mediated mitochondrial pathway via regulating specific signaling pathways. Furthermore, by modulating multiple signaling pathways, active constituents effectively induce G1, G0/G1, G2, and G2/M phase arrest. Among these, the pathways associated with G2/M phase arrest are particularly extensive, with the cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) being most involved. Moreover, active constituents primarily mediate autophagy by modulating certain inflammatory factors and stressors, facilitating the fusion stage between autophagosomes and lysosomes. Additionally, through the modulation of specific chemokines and matrix metalloproteinases, active constituents effectively inhibit the processes of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis, exerting a significant impact on cellular invasion and migration. Synergistic effects are observed among the active constituents, particularly quercetin and kaempferol.

CONCLUSION

Active components derived from Ginkgo Folium demonstrate a comprehensive antitumor effect across various levels and pathways, presenting compelling evidence for their potential in new drug development. However, in order to facilitate their broad and adaptable clinical application, further extensive experimental investigations are required to thoroughly explore their efficacy, safety, and underlying mechanisms of action.

New insight into the mechanisms of Ginkgo biloba leaves in the treatment of cancer

BACKGROUND

Ginkgo biloba leaves (GBLs), as an herbal dietary supplement and a traditional Chinese medicine, have been used in treating diseases for hundred years. Recently, increasing evidence reveals that the extracts and active ingredients of GBLs have anti-cancer (chemo-preventive) properties. However, the molecular mechanism of GBLs in anti-cancer has not been comprehensively summarized.

PURPOSE

To systematically summarize the literatures for identifying the molecular mechanism of GBLs in cellular, animal models and clinical trials of cancers, as well as for critically evaluating the current evidence of efficacy and safety of GBLs for cancers.

METHODS

Employing the search terms "Ginkgo biloba" and "cancer" till July 25, 2023, a comprehensive search was carried out in four electronic databases including Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar and Web of Science. The articles not contained in the databases are performed by manual searches and all the literatures on anti-cancer research and mechanism of action of GBLs was extracted and summarized. The quality of methodology was assessed independently through PRISMA 2020.

RESULTS

Among 84 records found in the database, 28 were systematic reviews related to GBLs, while the remaining 56 records were related to the anticancer effects of GBLs, which include studies on the anticancer activities and mechanisms of extracts or its components in GBLs at cellular, animal, and clinical levels. During these studies, the top six cancer types associated with GBLs are lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and cervical cancer. Further analysis reveals that GBLs primarily exert their anticancer effects by stimulating cancer cell apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation, invasion and migration of cancers, exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and modulating signaling pathways. Besides, the pharmacology, toxicology, and clinical research on the anti-tumor activity of GBLs have also been discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first paper to thoroughly investigate the pharmacology effect, toxicology, and the mechanisms of action of GBLs for anti-cancer properties. All the findings will reinforce the need to explore the new usage of GBLs in cancers and offer comprehensive reference data and recommendations for future research on this herbal medicine.

Ginkgolide A improves the pleiotropic function and reinforces the neuroprotective effects by mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in 6-OHDA-induced cell model of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common disorder attributed to the loss of midbrain dopamine (mDA) neurons and reduced dopamine secretion. Currently, the treatment regimes for PD comprise deep brain stimulations, however, it attenuates the PD progression marginally and does not improve neuronal cell death. We investigated the function of Ginkgolide A (GA) to reinforce Wharton's Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs) for treating the in vitro model of PD. GA enhanced the self-renewal, proliferation, and cell homing function of WJMSCs as assessed by MTT and transwell co-culture assay with a neuroblastoma cell line. GA pre-treated WJMSCs can restore 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced cell death in a co-culture assay. Furthermore, exosomes isolated from GA pre-treated WJMSCs significantly rescued 6-OHDA-induced cell death as determined by MTT assay, flow cytometry, and TUNEL assay. Western blotting showed that apoptosis-related proteins were decreased following GA-WJMSCs exosomal treatment which further improved mitochondrial dysfunction. We further demonstrated that exosomes isolated from GA-WJMSCs could restore autophagy using immunofluorescence staining and immunoblotting assay. Finally, we used the alpha-synuclein recombinant protein and found that exosomes derived from GA-WJMSCs led to the reduced aggregation of alpha-synuclein compared to that in control. Our results suggested that GA could be a potential candidate for strengthening stem cell and exosome therapy for PD.

Metabolomics and integrated network pharmacology analysis reveal that ginkgolides act as potential active anticancer components by regulating one-carbon metabolism

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ginkgo biloba L. is a rare tree species unique to China. Ginkgo biloba is a traditional Chinese medicinal with a long history, acting on the heart and lung meridians, and has been reported to have a significant effect on non-small cell lung cancer. However, the mechanism underlying this metabolic effect is poorly understood.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To identify the active components of Ginkgo biloba extract that may have effects on non-small cell lung cancer and their mechanisms of metabolic regulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, LC-MS/MS was used to investigate the chemical constituents of Ginkgo biloba extract. Network pharmacology was used to identify the active components potentially valuable in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Antitumor activity was evaluated using CCK-8 and apoptosis assays. The mechanisms of metabolic regulation by the active components were further explored using untargeted metabolomics, targeted metabolomics, and western blot experiments.

RESULTS

Network pharmacology and component analysis of Ginkgo biloba extract identified four ginkgolides that significantly affect non-small cell lung cancer. Their antiproliferative activity in A549 cells was evaluated using CCK-8 and apoptosis assays. The metabolomics results indicated that the ginkgolides had a significant regulatory effect on metabolic pathways related to one-carbon metabolisms, such as purine metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and the methionine cycle. Further targeted metabolomics analysis on one-carbon metabolism found that the ginkgolides may significantly affect the content of multiple metabolites in A549 cells, including purine, S-adenyl methionine, S-adenylyl homocysteine, and glutathione upregulated, and adenosine, tetrahydrofolate, and 10-Formyl-tetrahydrofolate significantly decreased. Notably, dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenases (MTHFR) were found to be altered after the treatment of ginkgolides.

CONCLUSION

This in vitro study indicated that ginkgolides might inhibit the growth of A549 cells by targeting one-carbon metabolism. This study also demonstrated that metabolomics combined with network pharmacology is a powerful tool for identifying traditional Chinese medicines' active components and metabolic mechanisms.

Antitumor effects of Chinese herbal medicine compounds and their nano-formulations on regulating the immune system microenvironment

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including herbal medicine, acupuncture and meditation, has a wide range of applications in China. In recent years, herbal compounding and active ingredients have been used to control tumor growth, reduce suffering, improve quality of life, and prolong the life span of cancer patients. To reduce side effects, herbal medicine can be used in conjunction with radiotherapy and chemotherapy or can be used as an adjuvant to strengthen the immune effect of anticancer vaccines. In particular, in the immunosuppressed tumor microenvironment, herbal medicine can have antitumor effects by stimulating the immune response. This paper reviews the advances in research on antitumor immunomodulation in Chinese herbal medicine, including the regulation of the innate immune system, which includes macrophages, MDSCs, and natural killer cells, and the adaptive immune system, which includes CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and regulatory T cells (Tregs), to influence tumor-associated inflammation. In addition, a combination of active ingredients of herbal medicine and modern nanotechnology alter the tumor immune microenvironment. In recent years, immunological antitumor therapy in TCM has been applied on a reasonably large scale both nationally and internationally, and there is potential for further clinical expansion. Investigation of immune modulation mechanisms in Chinese herbal medicine will provide novel perspectives of how herbal medicine controls tumor growth and metastasis, which will contribute to the evolution of tumor research.

Long non-coding RNA PVT1: A promising chemotherapy and radiotherapy sensitizer

The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) PVT1 was first found to activate variant translocations in the plasmacytoma of mice. Human lncPVT1 is located on chromosome 8q24.21, at the same locus as the well-known MYC oncogene. LncPVT1 has been found to promote the progression of various malignancies. Chemoresistance and radioresistance seriously affect tumor treatment efficacy and are associated with the dysregulation of physiological processes in cancer cells, including apoptosis, autophagy, stemness (for cancer stem cells, CSC), hypoxia, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and DNA damage repair. Previous studies have also implicated lncPVT1 in the regulation of these physiological mechanisms. In recent years, lncPVT1 was found to modulate chemoresistance and radioresistance in some cancers. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of lncPVT1-mediated regulation of cellular chemoresistance and radioresistance. Due to its high expression in malignant tumors and sensitization effect in chemotherapy and radiotherapy, lncPVT1 is expected to become an effective antitumor target and chemotherapy and radiotherapy sensitizer, which requires further study.

Phytotherapy in Integrative Oncology-An Update of Promising Treatment Options

Modern phytotherapy is part of today's conventional evidence-based medicine and the use of phytopharmaceuticals in integrative oncology is becoming increasingly popular. Approximately 40% of users of such phytopharmaceuticals are tumour patients. The present review provides an overview of the most important plants and nature-based compounds used in integrative oncology and illustrates their pharmacological potential in preclinical and clinical settings. A selection of promising anti-tumour plants and ingredients was made on the basis of scientific evidence and therapeutic practical relevance and included Boswellia, gingko, ginseng, ginger, and curcumin. In addition to these nominees, there is a large number of other interesting plants and plant ingredients that can be considered for the treatment of cancer diseases or for the treatment of tumour or tumour therapy-associated symptoms. Side effects and interactions are included in the discussion. However, with the regular and intended use of phytopharmaceuticals, the occurrence of adverse side effects is rather rare. Overall, the use of defined phytopharmaceuticals is recommended in the context of a rational integrative oncology approach.

Ginkgo biloba in the Aging Process: A Narrative Review

Neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension, insulin resistance, cancer, and other degenerative processes commonly appear with aging. Ginkgo biloba (GB) is associated with several health benefits, including memory and cognitive improvement, in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and cancer. Its antiapoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory actions have effects on cognition and other conditions associated with aging-related processes, such as insulin resistance, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions. The aim of this study was to perform a narrative review of the effects of GB in some age-related conditions, such as neurodegenerative diseases, CVD, and cancer. PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched, and the PRISMA guidelines were applied. Fourteen clinical trials were selected; the studies showed that GB can improve memory, cognition, memory scores, psychopathology, and the quality of life of patients. Moreover, it can improve cerebral blood flow supply, executive function, attention/concentration, non-verbal memory, and mood, and decrease stress, fasting serum glucose, glycated hemoglobin, insulin levels, body mass index, waist circumference, biomarkers of oxidative stress, the stability and progression of atherosclerotic plaques, and inflammation. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that the use of GB can provide benefits in the prevention and treatment of aging-related conditions.

Immunohistochemical Analysis of the Beclin-1 Expression Predicts the Progression of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: Autophagy is a cellular process responsible for maintaining homeostasis; a dysregulation of this process is involved in the development and progression of neoplasms. Beclin-1 is one of the major proteins linked to autophagy. However, the data regarding the association between the role of Beclin-1 and the progression of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) are rather low. For this reason, the objective of this study is to evaluate, through immunohistochemical techniques, the prognostic role of the expression of Beclin-1 autophagy marker in patients with OSCC. Methods: This is a single-centre retrospective study that includes patients with OSCC admitted to the Maxillofacial Unit of “Magna Graecia” University between January 2019 and September 2020. All the samples obtained from surgery were treated with anti Beclin-1 antibodies and subjected to immunohistochemical methods. Results: A total of 26 samples were analysed and the following variables were evaluated for each: percentage of positive Beclin-1 expression by tumour cells, signal strength of tumour cells, and total score. The variables considered were first normalised according to the D’Agostino and Pearson test, then analysed using the Pearson linear correlation coefficient: a statistically significant correlation was found between the parameters infiltration-intensity (p = 0.0088), infiltration-percent (p = 0.0123), intensity-total score (p = 0.0060). Conclusions: The immunohistochemical evaluation of Beclin-1 revealed a statistically significant correlation between the intensity of the molecule’s expression and a greater degree of infiltration of the neoplasm. Beclin-1 can, therefore, be considered a valid prognostic index of disease.

Therapeutic Effects and Molecular Mechanisms of Bioactive Compounds Against Respiratory Diseases: Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory and High-Frequency Use

Respiratory diseases, especially the pandemic of respiratory infectious diseases and refractory chronic lung diseases, remain a key clinical issue and research hot spot due to their high prevalence rates and poor prognosis. In this review, we aimed to summarize the recent advances in the therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of key common bioactive compounds from Chinese herbal medicine. Based on the theories of traditional Chinese medicine related to lung diseases, we searched several electronic databases to determine the high-frequency Chinese medicines in clinical application. The active compounds and metabolites from the selected medicines were identified using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database (TCMSP) by analyzing oral bioavailability and drug similarity index. Then, the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of the selected bioactive compounds in the viral and bacterial infections, inflammation, acute lung injury (ALI), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, and lung cancer were summarized. We found that 31 bioactive compounds from the selected 10 common Chinese herbs, such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), kaempferol, isorhamnetin, quercetin, and β-sitosterol, can mainly regulate NF-κB, Nrf2/HO-1, NLRP3, TGF-β/Smad, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways to inhibit infection, inflammation, extracellular matrix deposition, and tumor growth in a series of lung-related diseases. This review provides novel perspectives on the preclinical study and clinical application of Chinese herbal medicines and their bioactive compounds against respiratory diseases.

Ginkgolide B Protects Cardiomyocytes from Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertrophy via Regulation of Autophagy through SIRT1-FoxO1

Ginkgolide B (GB) is an active ingredient extracted from Ginkgo biloba leaves. However, the effects of GB on cardiac hypertrophy remain unclear. The study is aimed at determining whether GB could alleviate cardiac hypertrophy and exploring its underlying molecular mechanism. Rat cardiomyocyte cell line H9c2 cells were pretreated with GB and incubated with angiotensin II (Ang II) to simulate an in vitro cardiac hypertrophy model. Cell viability, cell size, hypertrophy markers, and autophagy were determined in H9c2 cells after Ang II treatment. Proteins involved in autophagy and the SIRT1 pathway were determined by western blot. Our data demonstrated that GB attenuated Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy and reduced the mRNA expressions of hypertrophy marker, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and β-myosin heavy chain (β-MHC). GB further increased Ang II-induced autophagy in H9c2 cells and modulated expressions of autophagy-related proteins Beclin1 and P62. Modulation of autophagy using autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) could abrogate GB-downregulated transcription of NPPA. We then showed that GB attenuated Ang II-induced oxidative stress and reduction in SIRT1 and FoxO1 protein expression. Finally, the effect of GB on autophagy and cardiac hypertrophy could be reversed by SIRT1 inhibitor EX-527. GB inhibits Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy by enhancing autophagy via the SIRT1-FoxO1 signaling pathway and might be a potential agent in treating pathological cardiac hypertrophy.

Therapeutic potential of AMPK signaling targeting in lung cancer: Advances, challenges and future prospects

Lung cancer (LC) is a leading cause of death worldwide with high mortality and morbidity. A wide variety of risk factors are considered for LC development such as smoking, air pollution and family history. It appears that genetic and epigenetic factors are also potential players in LC development and progression. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a signaling pathway with vital function in inducing energy balance and homeostasis. An increase in AMP:ATP and ADP:ATP ratio leads to activation of AMPK signaling by upstream mediators such as LKB1 and CamKK. Dysregulation of AMPK signaling is a common finding in different cancers, particularly LC. AMPK activation can significantly enhance LC metastasis via EMT induction. Upstream mediators such as PLAG1, IMPAD1, and TUFM can regulate AMPK-mediated metastasis. AMPK activation can promote proliferation and survival of LC cells via glycolysis induction. In suppressing LC progression, anti-tumor compounds including metformin, ginsenosides, casticin and duloxetine dually induce/inhibit AMPK signaling. This is due to double-edged sword role of AMPK signaling in LC cells. Furthermore, AMPK signaling can regulate response of LC cells to chemotherapy and radiotherapy that are discussed in the current review.

Small in Size, but Large in Action: microRNAs as Potential Modulators of PTEN in Breast and Lung Cancers

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are well-known regulators of biological mechanisms with a small size of 19–24 nucleotides and a single-stranded structure. miRNA dysregulation occurs in cancer progression. miRNAs can function as tumor-suppressing or tumor-promoting factors in cancer via regulating molecular pathways. Breast and lung cancers are two malignant thoracic tumors in which the abnormal expression of miRNAs plays a significant role in their development. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is a tumor-suppressor factor that is capable of suppressing the growth, viability, and metastasis of cancer cells via downregulating phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling. PTEN downregulation occurs in lung and breast cancers to promote PI3K/Akt expression, leading to uncontrolled proliferation, metastasis, and their resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. miRNAs as upstream mediators of PTEN can dually induce/inhibit PTEN signaling in affecting the malignant behavior of lung and breast cancer cells. Furthermore, long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs can regulate the miRNA/PTEN axis in lung and breast cancer cells. It seems that anti-tumor compounds such as baicalein, propofol, and curcumin can induce PTEN upregulation by affecting miRNAs in suppressing breast and lung cancer progression. These topics are discussed in the current review with a focus on molecular pathways.

Targeting YAP-p62 signaling axis suppresses the EGFR-TKI-resistant lung adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Despite the progress of advanced target therapeutic agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors, EGFR-TKI resistance is still one of the biggest obstacles in treating lung cancer. Clinical studies with autophagy inhibitors are actively underway to overcome drug resistance.

METHODS

We used PC9, PC9/GR, and HCC827/GR cell lines to evaluate the activation of autophagy and EGFR-TKI resistance. Chloroquine was applied as an autophagic blocker and verteporfin was utilized as a YAP inhibitor.

RESULTS

In this study, we tried to reveal the effect of autophagy adaptor p62 which is accumulated by autophagy inhibitor in EGFR-TKI-resistant lung adenocarcinoma. We identified that p62 has oncogenic functions that induce cell proliferation and invasion of EGFR-TKI-resistant lung adenocarcinoma. Interestingly, we found for the first time that YAP regulates p62 transcription through ERK, and YAP inhibition can suppress the expression of oncogenic p62. We also confirmed that the expressions of p62 and YAP have a positive correlation in EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma patients. To block cell survival via perturbing YAP-p62 axis, we treated EGFR-TKI-resistant lung cancer cells with YAP inhibitor verteporfin. Remarkably, verteporfin effectively caused the death of EGFR-TKI-resistant lung cancer cells by decreasing the expressions of p62 with oncogenic function, YAP, and its target PD-L1. So, the cumulative effect of oncogenic p62 should be considered when using autophagy inhibitors, especially drugs that act at the last stage of autophagy such as chloroquine and bafilomycin A1.

CONCLUSION

Finally, we suggest that targeting YAP-p62 signaling axis can be useful to suppress the EGFR-TKI-resistant lung cancer. Therefore, drug repurposing of verteporfin for lung cancer treatment may be valuable to consider because it can inhibit critical targets: p62, YAP, and PD-L1 at the same time.

Anti-cancer mechanisms of linalool and 1,8-cineole in non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells

Linalool and 1,8-cineole are plant-derived isoprenoids with anticancer activities in lung cancer cells, nevertheless, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the anticancer mechanisms of action of linalool and 1,8-cineole in lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. Linalool (0-2.0 mM) and 1,8-cineole (0-8.0 mM) inhibited cell proliferation by inducing G0/G1 and/or G2/M cell cycle arrest without affecting cell viability of normal lung WI-38 cells. None of the two monoterpenes were able to induce apoptosis, as observed by the lack of caspase-3 and caspase-9 activation, PARP cleavage, and DNA fragmentation. Linalool, but not 1,8-cineole, increased reactive oxygen species production and mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization. Reactive oxygen species were involved in cell growth inhibition and mitochondrial depolarization induced by linalool since the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine prevented both effects. Besides, linalool (2.0 mM) and 1,8-cineole (8.0 mM) inhibited A549 cell migration. The combination of each monoterpene with simvastatin increased the G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and sensitized cells to apoptosis compared with simvastatin alone. Our results showed that both monoterpenes might be promising anticancer agents with antiproliferative, anti-metastatic, and sensitizer properties for lung cancer therapy.

Anti-neoplastic Effect of Ginkgolide C through Modulating c-Met Phosphorylation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Ginkgolide C (GGC) derived from Ginkgo biloba, has been reported to exhibit various biological functions. However, the anti-neoplastic effect of GGC and its mechanisms in liver cancer have not been studied previously. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-mesenchymal-epithelial transition receptor (c-Met) pathway can regulate tumor growth and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-neoplastic effect of GGC against HCC cells and we observed that GGC inhibited HGF-induced c-Met and c-Met downstream oncogenic pathways, such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MEK/ERK. In addition, GGC also suppressed the proliferation of expression of diverse tumorigenic proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Survivin, IAP-1, IAP-2, Cyclin D1, and COX-2) and induced apoptosis. Interestingly, the silencing of c-Met by small interfering RNA (siRNA) mitigated c-Met expression and enhanced GGC-induced apoptosis. Moreover, it was noted that GGC also significantly reduced the invasion and migration of HCC cells. Overall, the data clearly demonstrate that GGC exerts its anti-neoplastic activity through modulating c-Met phosphorylation and may be used as an effective therapy against HCC.