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Chen Z, Wu FF, Li J, Dong JB, He HY, Li XF, Lu Q, Zhang WX, Shao CM, Yao ZN, Lin N, Ye ZM, Xu JT, Li HY. Investigating the synergy of Shikonin and Valproic acid in inducing apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells via ROS-mediated EGR1 expression. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 126:155459. [PMID: 38417243 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteosarcoma is the most prevalent malignant bone tumour with a poor prognosis. Shikonin (SHK) is derived from the traditional Chinese medicine Lithospermum that has been extensively studied for its notable anti-tumour effects, including for osteosarcoma. However, its application has certain limitations. Valproic acid (VPA) is a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACI) that has recently been employed as an adjunctive therapeutic agent that allows chromatin to assume a more relaxed state, thereby enhancing anti-tumour efficacy. PURPOSE This study was aimed to investigate the synergistic anti-tumour efficacy of SHK in combination with VPA and elucidate its underlying mechanism. METHODS/STUDY DESIGN CCK-8 assays were utilized to calculate the combination index. Additional assays, including colony formation, acridine orange/ethidium bromide double fluorescent staining, and flow cytometry, were employed to evaluate the effects on osteosarcoma cells. Wound healing and transwell assays were utilized to assess cell mobility. RNA sequencing, PCR, and Western blot analyses were conducted to uncover the underlying mechanism. Rescue experiments were performed to validate the mechanism of apoptotic induction. The impact of SHK and VPA combination treatment on primary osteosarcoma cells was also assessed. Finally, in vivo experiments were conducted to validate its anti-tumour effects and mechanism. RESULTS The combination of SHK and VPA synergistically inhibited the proliferation and migration of osteosarcoma cells in vitro and induced apoptosis in these cells. Through a comprehensive analysis involving RNA sequencing, PCR, Western blot, and rescue experiments, we have substantiated our hypothesis that the combination of SHK and VPA induced apoptosis via the ROS-EGR1-Bax axis. Importantly, our in vivo experiments corroborated these findings, demonstrating the potential of the SHK and VPA combination as a promising therapeutic approach for osteosarcoma. CONCLUSION The combination of SHK and VPA exerted an anti-tumour effect by inducing apoptosis through the ROS-EGR1-Bax pathway. Repurposing the old drug VPA demonstrated its effectiveness as an adjunctive therapeutic agent for SHK, enhancing its anti-tumour efficacy and revealing its potential value. Furthermore, our study expanded the application of natural compounds in the anti-tumour field and overcame some of their limitations through combination therapy. Finally, we enhanced the understanding of the mechanistic pathways linking reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells. Additionally, we elucidated the role of EGR1 in osteosarcoma cells, offering novel strategies and concepts for the treatment of osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China; Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Huzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Feng-Feng Wu
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Huzhou, Zhejiang, PR China; The Fifth School of Clinical Medicine of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Huzhou, Zhejiang, PR China; The Affiliated Central Hospital, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang, PR China; Huzhou Basic and Clinical Translation of Orthopaedics Key Laboratory, Huzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Jing Li
- School of Medicine, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Jia-Bao Dong
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China; Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Huzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Hong-Yi He
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, PR China
| | - Xiong-Feng Li
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Huzhou, Zhejiang, PR China; The Fifth School of Clinical Medicine of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Huzhou, Zhejiang, PR China; The Affiliated Central Hospital, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang, PR China; Huzhou Basic and Clinical Translation of Orthopaedics Key Laboratory, Huzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Qian Lu
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Huzhou, Zhejiang, PR China; The Fifth School of Clinical Medicine of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Huzhou, Zhejiang, PR China; The Affiliated Central Hospital, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang, PR China; Huzhou Basic and Clinical Translation of Orthopaedics Key Laboratory, Huzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Wen-Xuan Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Chang-Ming Shao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Zhao-Nong Yao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China; Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China; Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Nong Lin
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China; Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China; Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Zhao-Ming Ye
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China; Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China; Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Jun-Tao Xu
- Huzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang, PR China.
| | - Heng-Yuan Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China; Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China; Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.
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Hsieh MC, Hsieh YH, Chou CH, Yang JS, Lu PWA, Huang TY, Yang SF, Lu KH. Apoptotic effect and cell arrest of deoxyshikonin in human osteosarcoma cells through the p38 pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2023. [PMID: 37155410 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone cancer that affects adolescents with early metastatic potential and drastically reduces their long-term survival rate if pulmonary metastases are detected at diagnosis. The natural naphthoquinol compound deoxyshikonin exhibits anticancer properties, so we hypothesized that it has an apoptotic effect on osteosarcoma U2OS and HOS cells and studied its mechanisms. After deoxyshikonin treatment, dose-dependent decreases in cell viability, induction of cell apoptosis and arrest in the sub-G1 phase of U2OS and HOS cells were observed. The increases in cleaved caspase 3 expression and the decreases in X-chromosome-linked IAP (XIAP) and cellular inhibitors of apoptosis 1 (cIAP-1) expressions after deoxyshikonin treatment in the human apoptosis array were identified in HOS cells, and dose-dependent expression changes of IAPs and cleaved caspase 3, 8 and 9 were verified by Western blotting in U2OS and HOS cells. Phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERK)1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK)1/2 and p38 expressions in U2OS and HOS cells was also increased by deoxyshikonin in a dose-dependent manner. Subsequently, cotreatment with inhibitors of ERK (U0126), JNK (JNK-IN-8) and p38 (SB203580) was performed to show that p38 signalling is responsible for deoxyshikonin-induced apoptosis in U2OS and HOS cells, but not via the ERK and JNK pathways. These discoveries demonstrate that deoxyshikonin may be a possible chemotherapeutic candidate to induce cell arrest and apoptosis by activating extrinsic and intrinsic pathways through p38 for human osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Chang Hsieh
- School of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsien Hsieh
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsuan Chou
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Sin Yang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | - Tzu-Yu Huang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, 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
| | - Ko-Hsiu Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Hernández ÁP, Díez P, García PA, Pérez-Andrés M, Veselinova A, Jambrina PG, San Feliciano A, Díez D, Fuentes M, Castro MÁ. Improving Properties of Podophyllic Aldehyde-Derived Cyclolignans: Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Lignohydroquinones, Dual-Selective Hybrids against Colorectal Cancer Cells. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030886. [PMID: 36986749 PMCID: PMC10053213 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
New lignohydroquinone conjugates (L-HQs) were designed and synthesized using the hybridization strategy, and evaluated as cytotoxics against several cancer cell lines. The L-HQs were obtained from the natural product podophyllotoxin and some semisynthetic terpenylnaphthohydroquinones, prepared from natural terpenoids. Both entities of the conjugates were connected through different aliphatic or aromatic linkers. Among the evaluated hybrids, the L-HQ with the aromatic spacer clearly displayed the in vitro dual cytotoxic effect derived from each starting component, retaining the selectivity and showing a high cytotoxicity at short (24 h) and long (72 h) incubation times (4.12 and 0.0450 µM, respectively) against colorectal cancer cells. In addition, the cell cycle blockade observed by flow cytometry studies, molecular dynamics, and tubulin interaction studies demonstrated the interest of this kind of hybrids, which docked adequately into the colchicine binding site of tubulin despite their large size. These results prove the validity of the hybridization strategy and encourage further research on non-lactonic cyclolignans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángela-Patricia Hernández
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences: Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, CIETUS, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Medicine and General Cytometry Service-Nucleus, CIBERONC CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Paula Díez
- Department of Medicine and General Cytometry Service-Nucleus, CIBERONC CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Pablo A. García
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences: Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, CIETUS, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Martín Pérez-Andrés
- Department of Medicine and General Cytometry Service-Nucleus, CIBERONC CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Anzhela Veselinova
- Departamento de Química Física, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Pablo G. Jambrina
- Departamento de Química Física, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Arturo San Feliciano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences: Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, CIETUS, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Programa de Pós-Graduaçao em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade do Vale do Itajaí, UNIVALI, Itajaí 88302-202, SC, Brazil
| | - David Díez
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Manuel Fuentes
- Department of Medicine and General Cytometry Service-Nucleus, CIBERONC CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Proteomics Unit, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (M.Á.C.)
| | - Mᵃ Ángeles Castro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences: Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, CIETUS, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (M.Á.C.)
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Kazantseva L, Becerra J, Santos-Ruiz L. Traditional Medicinal Plants as a Source of Inspiration for Osteosarcoma Therapy. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27155008. [PMID: 35956961 PMCID: PMC9370649 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27155008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is one of the most common types of bone cancers among paediatric patients. Despite the advances made in surgery, chemo-, and radiotherapy, the mortality rate of metastatic osteosarcoma remains unchangeably high. The standard drug combination used to treat this bone cancer has remained the same for the last 20 years, and it produces many dangerous side effects. Through history, from ancient to modern times, nature has been a remarkable source of chemical diversity, used to alleviate human disease. The application of modern scientific technology to the study of natural products has identified many specific molecules with anti-cancer properties. This review describes the latest discovered anti-cancer compounds extracted from traditional medicinal plants, with a focus on osteosarcoma research, and on their cellular and molecular mechanisms of action. The presented compounds have proven to kill osteosarcoma cells by interfering with different pathways: apoptosis induction, stimulation of autophagy, generation of reactive oxygen species, etc. This wide variety of cellular targets confer natural products the potential to be used as chemotherapeutic drugs, and also the ability to act as sensitizers in drug combination treatments. The major hindrance for these molecules is low bioavailability. A problem that may be solved by chemical modification or nano-encapsulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliya Kazantseva
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, 29590 Málaga, Spain
| | - José Becerra
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, 29590 Málaga, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Genetics and Physiology, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Leonor Santos-Ruiz
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, 29590 Málaga, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Genetics and Physiology, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Tabari AR, Gavidel P, Sabouni F, Gardaneh M. Synergy between sublethal doses of shikonin and metformin fully inhibits breast cancer cell migration and reverses epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:4307-4319. [PMID: 35525887 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07265-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shikonin is a natural multipotent anti-tumorigenic compound. We investigated potential synergy between shikonin and anti-diabetic metformin against tumorigenic properties of breast cancer cell line MCF-7. METHODS AND RESULTS The IC50 of shikonin and metformin was determined after a single treatment of two cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. We then measured optimal doses of each drug, used in combination, in MCF-7 cells. These sub-IC50 doses were co-applied for all subsequent combined treatments to evaluate their synergistic effects on MCF-7 tumorigenic properties. Next, we examined expression levels of the genes crucial for apoptosis, cell growth, and EMT using RT-PCR or real-time PCR and monitored CD44/CD24 ratios using flow cytometry. Binding energies between shikonin and growth molecules were measured by in silico simulation. Shikonin caused significantly reduced cell survival that was accelerated by the synergizing presence of metformin. Drug combination induced apoptosis and ROS levels while fully blocking cell migration and reverting EMT. RT-PCR showed strong suppression of BCL-2 but induction of BAX and PTEN. Prolonged shikonin treatment caused a total loss of the nuclear membrane, whereas metformin prevented this damage while promoting apoptotic morphologies. Our real-time PCR detected reduced levels of EMT genes but increases in the anti-EMT gene CDH1. Combined treatment also reduced CD44/CD24 ratios in favor of chemosensitivity. Binding energies strongly favored shikonin interactions with growth-signaling molecules. CONCLUSIONS Shikonin and metformin synergize in inhibiting the tumorigenic activities of MCF-7 cells including their proliferation, invasiveness, and EMT with a potential to inhibit multidrug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abolfazl Rostamian Tabari
- National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, HWY Kilometer 15, PO BOX 14965/161, Karaj, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pegah Gavidel
- National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, HWY Kilometer 15, PO BOX 14965/161, Karaj, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Sabouni
- National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, HWY Kilometer 15, PO BOX 14965/161, Karaj, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mossa Gardaneh
- National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, HWY Kilometer 15, PO BOX 14965/161, Karaj, Tehran, Iran.
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Anti-inflammation and anti-cancer effects of Naringenin combination with Artemisinins in human lung cancer cells. GENE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2022.101532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Kaur K, Singh A, Sharma H, Punj S, Bedi N. Formulation Strategies and Therapeutic Applications of Shikonin and Related Derivatives. RECENT ADVANCES IN DRUG DELIVERY AND FORMULATION 2022; 16:55-67. [PMID: 35236278 DOI: 10.2174/2667387816666220302112201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Shikonin and its derivatives are excellent representatives of biologically active naphthoquinones. A wide range of investigations carried out in the last few decades validated their pharmacological efficacy. Besides having magnificent therapeutic potential, shikonin and its derivatives suffer from various pharmacokinetic, toxicity, and stability issues like poor bioavailability, nephrotoxicity, photodegradation, etc. Recently, various research groups have developed an extensive range of formulations to tackle these issues to ease their path to clinical practice. The latest formulation approaches have been focused on exploiting the unique features of novel functional excipients, which in turn escalate the therapeutic effect of shikonin. Moreover, the codelivery approach in various drug delivery systems has been taken into consideration in a recent while to reduce toxicity associated with shikonin and its derivatives. This review sheds light on the essential reports and patents published related to the array of formulations containing shikonin and its derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirandeep Kaur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005, India
| | - Atamjit Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005, India
| | - Hamayal Sharma
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sanha Punj
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005, India
| | - Neena Bedi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005, India
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Wang Q, Wang J, Wang J, Ju X, Zhang H. Molecular mechanism of shikonin inhibiting tumor growth and potential application in cancer treatment. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2021; 10:1077-1084. [PMID: 34956612 PMCID: PMC8692723 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfab107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Shikonin is one of the major bioactive components of Lithospermum erythrorhizon. It has a good killing effect in a variety of tumor cells. Its antitumor effect involves multiple targets and pathways and has received extensive attention and study in recent years. In this review, we systematically review recent progress in determining the antitumor mechanism of shikonin and its derivatives, specifically their induction of reactive oxygen species production, inhibition of EGFR and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activation, inhibition of angiogenesis and induction of apoptosis and necroptosis. We also discuss the application of nanoparticles loaded with shikonin in the targeted therapy of various cancers. Finally, we suggest new strategies for the clinical application of shikonin and its derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, PR China
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, PR China
| | - Jiayou Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, PR China
| | - Xiaoli Ju
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Lishui District People’s Hospital, Zhongda Hospital Lishui Branch, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Tsai MF, Chen SM, Ong AZ, Chung YH, Chen PN, Hsieh YH, Kang YT, Hsu LS. Shikonin Induced Program Cell Death through Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species in Renal Cancer Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10111831. [PMID: 34829701 PMCID: PMC8615048 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10111831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Shikonin mitigated tumor cell proliferation by elevating reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Herein, we investigated the effects of shikonin on renal cancer cell (RCC) cell proliferation. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay indicated that shikonin dose-dependently reduced the proliferation of Caki-1 and ACHN cells. Shikonin remarkably triggered necrosis and apoptosis in Caki-1 and ACHN cells in proportion to its concentration. Moreover, necrostatin-1 recovered cell viability in the presence of shikonin. Elevated ROS levels and mitochondrial dysfunction were also found in shikonin treatment groups. Pretreatment with N-acetyl cysteine remarkably mitigated shikonin-induced cell death and ROS generation. Western blot analysis revealed that shikonin reduced pro-PARP, pro-caspase-3, and Bcl-2 expression and increased cleavage PARP expression. Enhanced autophagy was also found in the shikonin-treated group as evidenced by acridine orange staining. Moreover, light chain 3B (LC3B)-II accumulation and enhanced p62 expression indicated that autophagy occurred in the shikonin-treated group. LC3B knockdown considerably recovered cell viability in the presence of shikonin. Shikonin treatment elevated p38 activity in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, our results revealed that shikonin triggered programmed cell death via the elevation of ROS level and p38 activity in different types of RCC cells. These findings suggested that shikonin may be a potential anti-RCC agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Feng Tsai
- Department of Nephrology, Antai Medical Care Cooperation Antai Tian-Sheng Memorial Hospital, Pingtung 92842, Taiwan;
| | - Shih-Ming Chen
- Bachelor Program in Health Care and Social Work for Indigenous Students, Providence University, Taichung 43301, Taiwan;
| | - Ann-Zhi Ong
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan; (A.-Z.O.); (Y.-H.C.); (P.-N.C.); (Y.-H.H.); (Y.-T.K.)
| | - Yi-Hsuan Chung
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan; (A.-Z.O.); (Y.-H.C.); (P.-N.C.); (Y.-H.H.); (Y.-T.K.)
| | - Pei-Ni Chen
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan; (A.-Z.O.); (Y.-H.C.); (P.-N.C.); (Y.-H.H.); (Y.-T.K.)
| | - Yi-Hsien Hsieh
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan; (A.-Z.O.); (Y.-H.C.); (P.-N.C.); (Y.-H.H.); (Y.-T.K.)
| | - Yu-Ting Kang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan; (A.-Z.O.); (Y.-H.C.); (P.-N.C.); (Y.-H.H.); (Y.-T.K.)
| | - Li-Sung Hsu
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan; (A.-Z.O.); (Y.-H.C.); (P.-N.C.); (Y.-H.H.); (Y.-T.K.)
- Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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Hernández ÁP, Juanes-Velasco P, Landeira-Viñuela A, Bareke H, Montalvillo E, Góngora R, Fuentes M. Restoring the Immunity in the Tumor Microenvironment: Insights into Immunogenic Cell Death in Onco-Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2821. [PMID: 34198850 PMCID: PMC8201010 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunogenic cell death (ICD) elicited by cancer therapy reshapes the tumor immune microenvironment. A long-term adaptative immune response can be initiated by modulating cell death by therapeutic approaches. Here, the major hallmarks of ICD, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are correlated with ICD inducers used in clinical practice to enhance antitumoral activity by suppressing tumor immune evasion. Approaches to monitoring the ICD triggered by antitumoral therapeutics in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and novel perspective in this immune system strategy are also reviewed to give an overview of the relevance of ICD in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángela-Patricia Hernández
- Department of Medicine and General Cytometry Service-Nucleus, CIBERONC CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (Á.-P.H.); (P.J.-V.); (A.L.-V.); (H.B.); (E.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Pablo Juanes-Velasco
- Department of Medicine and General Cytometry Service-Nucleus, CIBERONC CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (Á.-P.H.); (P.J.-V.); (A.L.-V.); (H.B.); (E.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Alicia Landeira-Viñuela
- Department of Medicine and General Cytometry Service-Nucleus, CIBERONC CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (Á.-P.H.); (P.J.-V.); (A.L.-V.); (H.B.); (E.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Halin Bareke
- Department of Medicine and General Cytometry Service-Nucleus, CIBERONC CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (Á.-P.H.); (P.J.-V.); (A.L.-V.); (H.B.); (E.M.); (R.G.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Health Sciences, Marmara University, 34722 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Enrique Montalvillo
- Department of Medicine and General Cytometry Service-Nucleus, CIBERONC CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (Á.-P.H.); (P.J.-V.); (A.L.-V.); (H.B.); (E.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Rafael Góngora
- Department of Medicine and General Cytometry Service-Nucleus, CIBERONC CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (Á.-P.H.); (P.J.-V.); (A.L.-V.); (H.B.); (E.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Manuel Fuentes
- Department of Medicine and General Cytometry Service-Nucleus, CIBERONC CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (Á.-P.H.); (P.J.-V.); (A.L.-V.); (H.B.); (E.M.); (R.G.)
- Proteomics Unit, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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11
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Shi X, Luo X, Chen T, Guo W, Liang C, Tang S, Mo J. Naringenin inhibits migration, invasion, induces apoptosis in human lung cancer cells and arrests tumour progression in vitro. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:2563-2571. [PMID: 33523599 PMCID: PMC7933922 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the major cause for high-death rate all over the world, due to increased metastasize and difficulties in diagnosis. Naringenin is naturally occurring flavonoid found in various fruits including tomatoes, citrus fruit and figs. Naringenin is known to have several therapeutic effects including anti-atherogenic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anticancer and anti-mutagenic. The present study was aimed to analyse the naringenin induced anti-proliferative and apoptosis effects in human lung cancer cells. Cells were treated with various concentrations of naringenin (10, 100 & 200 µmol/L) for 48 hours. Cisplatin (20 µg/mL) was used as positive control. Cell viability, apoptosis, migration and mRNA, and protein expression of caspase-3, matrixmetallo proteinases-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 were determined. The cell viability was 93.7 ± 7.5, 51.4 ± 4.4 and 32.1 ± 2.1 at 10, 100 and 200 µmol/L of naringenin respectively. Naringenin significantly increased apoptotic cells. The 100 and 200 µmol/L of naringenin significantly suppressed the larger wounds of cultured human cancer cells compared with the untreated lung cancer cells. Naringenin increased d the expression of caspase-3 and reduced the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Taking all these data together, it is suggested that the naringenin was effective against human lung cancer proliferation, migration and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyuan Shi
- Guangzhou key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Abdominal Surgery, Department of Radiation OncologyThe Fifth hospital of Guangzhou Medial UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xueping Luo
- Department of Thoracic surgeryThe Fifth hospital of Guangzhou Medial UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Ting Chen
- Guangzhou key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Abdominal Surgery, Department of Radiation OncologyThe Fifth hospital of Guangzhou Medial UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Wei Guo
- Guangzhou key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Abdominal Surgery, Department of Radiation OncologyThe Fifth hospital of Guangzhou Medial UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Chanjin Liang
- Guangzhou key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Abdominal Surgery, Department of Radiation OncologyThe Fifth hospital of Guangzhou Medial UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Sihan Tang
- Guangzhou key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Abdominal Surgery, Department of Radiation OncologyThe Fifth hospital of Guangzhou Medial UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jianming Mo
- Department of Respiratory MedicinePeking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenChina
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12
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Chang M, Wang H, Niu J, Song Y, Zou Z. Alkannin-Induced Oxidative DNA Damage Synergizes With PARP Inhibition to Cause Cancer-Specific Cytotoxicity. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:610205. [PMID: 33519476 PMCID: PMC7844861 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.610205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Oncogenic transformation is associated with elevated oxidative stress that promotes tumor progression but also renders cancer cells vulnerable to further oxidative insult. Agents that stimulate ROS generation or suppress antioxidant systems can drive oxidative pressure to toxic levels selectively in tumor cells, resulting in oxidative DNA damage to endanger cancer cell survival. However, DNA damage response signaling protects cancer cells by activating DNA repair and genome maintenance mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the synergistic effects of combining the pro-oxidative natural naphthoquinone alkannin with inhibition of DNA repair by PARP inhibitors. Methods and Results: The results showed that sublethal doses of alkannin induced ROS elevation and oxidative DNA damage in colorectal cancer but not normal colon epithelial cells. Blocking DNA repair with the PARP inhibitor olaparib markedly synergized with alkannin to yield synergistic cytotoxicity in colorectal cancer cells at nontoxic doses of both drugs. Synergy between alkannin and olaparib resulted from interrupted repair of alkannin-induced oxidative DNA damage and PARP-trapping, as it was significantly attenuated by NAC or by OGG1 inhibition and the non-trapping PARP inhibitor veliparib did not yield synergism. Mechanistically, the combination of alkannin and olaparib caused intense replication stress and DNA strand breaks in colorectal cancer cells, leading to apoptotic cancer cell death after G2 arrest. Consequently, coadministration of alkannin and olaparib induced significant regression of tumor xenografts in vivo, while each agent alone had no effect. Conclusion: These studies clearly show that combining alkannin and olaparib can result in synergistic cancer cell lethality at nontoxic doses of the drugs. The combination exploits a cancer vulnerability driven by the intrinsic oxidative pressure in most cancer cells and hence provides a promising strategy to develop broad-spectrum anticancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxin Chang
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongge Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiajing Niu
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhihua Zou
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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13
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Sheng YN, Luo YH, Liu SB, Xu WT, Zhang Y, Zhang T, Xue H, Zuo WB, Li YN, Wang CY, Jin CH. Zeaxanthin Induces Apoptosis via ROS-Regulated MAPK and AKT Signaling Pathway in Human Gastric Cancer Cells. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:10995-11006. [PMID: 33149614 PMCID: PMC7605660 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s272514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zeaxanthin, a carotenoid commonly found in plants, has a variety of biological functions including anti-cancer activity. PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms of zeaxanthin in human gastric cancer cells. METHODS CCK-8 assay was used to examine the cytotoxic effect of zeaxanthin on human gastric cancer cells. Flow cytometry was used to analyse AGS cell cycle distribution and apoptosis status. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression levels of cycle-related proteins (Cyclin A, Cyclin B1, CDK1/2, p21, and p27), apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2, Bad, caspase-3, PARP), MAPK, AKT, STAT3, and NF-κB. RESULTS CCK-8 assay showed that zeaxanthin has obvious cytotoxic effects on 12 types of human gastric cancer cells, but no obvious toxic effect on normal cells. In addition, flow cytometry and Western blotting results showed that zeaxanthin induces apoptosis by reducing mitochondrial membrane potential; increasing Cytochrome C, Bax, cleaved-caspase-3 (cle-cas-3), and cleaved-PARP (cle-PARP) expression levels; and decreasing Bcl-2, pro-caspase-3 (pro-cas-3), and pro-PARP expression levels. Additionally, zeaxanthin caused cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase by increasing the levels of p21 and p27 and reduced the levels of AKT, Cyclin A, Cyclin B1, and Cyclin-dependent kinase 1/2 (CDK1/2). Furthermore, after zeaxanthin treatment, the expression levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), p-JNK, p-p38, and I-κB increased, and the expression levels of p-ERK, p-AKT, STAT3, and NF-κB decreased. However, the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and MAPK inhibitors inhibited zeaxanthin-induced apoptosis, and under the action of zeaxanthin, MAPK regulated NF-κB and STAT3, and reduced their protein expression levels. CONCLUSION Zeaxanthin has a potential effect against gastric cancer cells through the ROS-mediated MAPK, AKT, NF-κB, and STAT3 signaling pathways, and it is expected to become a new drug for the treatment of human gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Nan Sheng
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, College of Food Science, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing163319, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying-Hua Luo
- Department of Grass Science, College of Animal Science & Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing163319, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shao-Bin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science & Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing163319, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wan-Ting Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science & Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing163319, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science & Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing163319, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science & Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing163319, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Xue
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science & Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing163319, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen-Bo Zuo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science & Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing163319, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan-Nan Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science & Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing163319, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chang-Yuan Wang
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, College of Food Science, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing163319, People’s Republic of China
- National Coarse Cereals Engineering Research Center, Daqing163319, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cheng-Hao Jin
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, College of Food Science, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing163319, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science & Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing163319, People’s Republic of China
- National Coarse Cereals Engineering Research Center, Daqing163319, People’s Republic of China
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14
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Wang F, Mayca Pozo F, Tian D, Geng X, Yao X, Zhang Y, Tang J. Shikonin Inhibits Cancer Through P21 Upregulation and Apoptosis Induction. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:861. [PMID: 32581812 PMCID: PMC7296065 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Shikonin is a natural naphthoquinone compound and has demonstrated potent anti-cancer activities; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remained elusive. Here we report that Shikonin inhibited the growth of a wide range of human cancer cell lines, illustrating a broad anticancer effect. Mechanistically, we show that Shikonin arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase, inhibited the ERK-dependent cell growth signal, and induced cell death in both P53 wild type and mutant cancer cells, which collectively contributed to the growth inhibitory effect of Shikonin. A pan-apoptosis inhibitor largely suppressed Shikonin-induced cell death, suggesting an important role of apoptosis in this process. Intriguingly, Shikonin also activated autophagy and inhibition of autophagy by depleting critical autophagic genes further increased Shikonin-induced cell death, indicating a protective role of autophagy. In uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects of Shikonin, we found that Shikonin induced a robust upregulation of P21 independent of the P53 status, upregulated autophagy genes, as well as inhibited expression of genes required for cell growth. Using mouse tumor models, we confirmed the strong anticancer effect of Shikonin in vivo. Together, our data reveal a broad range of pharmacological functions of Shikonin, involving simultaneous growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest, autophagy activation and apoptosis induction through regulating expression of critical genes involved in these pathways. Our study may facilitate the development of Shikonin in cancer therapy as a single agent or in combination with other anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Franklin Mayca Pozo
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Danmei Tian
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinran Geng
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Xinsheng Yao
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youwei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Jinshan Tang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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15
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Isobutyrylshikonin has a potentially stronger cytotoxic effect in oral cancer cells than its analogue shikonin in vitro. Arch Oral Biol 2020; 116:104774. [PMID: 32470830 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2020.104774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to identify the anticancer effects and the mechanisms of action of shikonin and its analogue isobutyrylshikonin in oral squamous carcinoma cells. DESIGNS The cytotoxic effects of isobutyrylshikonin and shikonin in Ca9-22 and SCC-25 cells were analyzed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, flow cytometry analysis of Annexin V/Propidium Iodide (PI) staining, western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Treatment with both isobutyrylshikonin and shikonin induced dose- and time-dependent apoptotic cell death in Ca9-22 cells, although the IC50 of isobutyrylshikonin was less than that of shikonin. The induction of apoptosis by both isobutyrylshikonin and shikonin was accompanied by activation of caspase-8, -9, -3, and PARP, loss of mitochondrial trans-membrane potential, and release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria. ROS mediated the apoptosis induced by isobutyrylshikonin and shikonin, indicating that ROS may play a critical role in the distinctive cytotoxic effects of isobutyrylshikonin and shikonin in Ca9-22. Isobutyrylshikonin showed a similar cytotoxic effect in SCC-25 cells at concentrations showing the effects in Ca9 cells, but not in human normal keratinocyte cells. Although there is no biological difference between isobutyrylshikonin and shikonin, isobutyrylshikonin exerts the same cytotoxic effect at a concentration 6 times lower than shikonin. CONCLUSIONS The present study suggest that isobutyrylshikonin may be a more potent chemotherapeutic agent against oral cancer cells than shikonin. In addition, our data exhibit that both isobutyrylshikonin and shikonin induce caspase-dependent apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway through accumulation of ROS in oral squamous carcinoma cells.
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16
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Liu Y, Kang X, Niu G, He S, Zhang T, Bai Y, Li Y, Hao H, Chen C, Shou Z, Li B. Shikonin induces apoptosis and prosurvival autophagy in human melanoma A375 cells via ROS-mediated ER stress and p38 pathways. ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 47:626-635. [PMID: 30873870 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2019.1575229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Shikonin, a botanical drug extracted from Lithospermum erythrorhizon, exhibits anti-cancer effects in various cancer cell lines. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects have not been completely elucidated yet. Here, we showed that Shikonin induces apoptosis and autophagy in A375 cells and inhibits their proliferation. Shikonin caused G2/M phase arrest through upregulation of p21 and downregulation of cyclin B1. Shikonin significantly triggered ER stress-mediated apoptosis by upregulating the expression of p-eIF2α, CHOP, and cleaved caspase-3. It also induced protective autophagy by activating the p38 pathway, followed by an increase in the levels of p-p38, LC3B-II, and Beclin 1. Upon suppression of autophagy by 3-methyladenine, Shikonin-induced apoptosis was enhanced in A375 cells. Moreover, after pretreatment with N-acetyl-cysteine, Shikonin increased the production of reactive oxygen species that are involved in regulating ER stress-mediated apoptosis and p38-activated autophagy, as evidenced by the reversion of cell viability and apoptosis and a decrease in p-eIF2α, CHOP, p-p38, LC3B-II, and Beclin 1 levels. Thus, we demonstrated that Shikonin induced apoptosis and autophagy in A375 cells via the activation of ROS-mediated ER stress and p38 pathways, indicating that Shikonin can serve as a potential agent for human melanoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongkang Liu
- a Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China , Northwest University , Xi'an , China.,b School of Life Sciences , Northwest University , Xi'an , Shaanxi , China.,c National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, Northwest University , Xi'an , China
| | - Xing Kang
- a Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China , Northwest University , Xi'an , China.,b School of Life Sciences , Northwest University , Xi'an , Shaanxi , China.,c National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, Northwest University , Xi'an , China
| | - Geng Niu
- a Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China , Northwest University , Xi'an , China.,b School of Life Sciences , Northwest University , Xi'an , Shaanxi , China.,c National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, Northwest University , Xi'an , China
| | - Senlin He
- a Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China , Northwest University , Xi'an , China.,b School of Life Sciences , Northwest University , Xi'an , Shaanxi , China.,c National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, Northwest University , Xi'an , China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- a Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China , Northwest University , Xi'an , China.,b School of Life Sciences , Northwest University , Xi'an , Shaanxi , China.,c National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, Northwest University , Xi'an , China
| | - Yuwei Bai
- a Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China , Northwest University , Xi'an , China.,b School of Life Sciences , Northwest University , Xi'an , Shaanxi , China.,c National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, Northwest University , Xi'an , China
| | - Yi Li
- d School of Computer Science , Xi'an Polytechnic University , Xi'an , China
| | - Houyan Hao
- a Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China , Northwest University , Xi'an , China
| | - Chao Chen
- b School of Life Sciences , Northwest University , Xi'an , Shaanxi , China.,c National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, Northwest University , Xi'an , China
| | - Zhexing Shou
- e Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine , Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , China
| | - Bin Li
- a Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China , Northwest University , Xi'an , China.,b School of Life Sciences , Northwest University , Xi'an , Shaanxi , China.,c National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, Northwest University , Xi'an , China
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17
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Liu B, Jin J, Zhang Z, Zuo L, Jiang M, Xie C. Shikonin exerts antitumor activity by causing mitochondrial dysfunction in hepatocellular carcinoma through PKM2-AMPK-PGC1α signaling pathway. Biochem Cell Biol 2019; 97:397-405. [PMID: 30475643 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2018-0310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Shikonin, a naphthoquinone derivative isolated from the root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, exhibits broad-spectrum antitumor activity via different molecular mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the effect of shikonin on mitochondrial dysfunction in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our results showed that shikonin inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of HCCLM3 cells, and promoted cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. More importantly, shikonin affected mitochondrial function by disrupting mitochondrial membrane potential and oxidative stress (OS) status. Furthermore, shikonin decreased the oxygen consumption rate of HCCLM3 cells, as well as the levels of ATP and metabolites involved in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle). We also investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of mitochondrial function by shikonin as an inhibitor of PKM2. Shikonin decreased the expression of PKM2 in the mitochondria and affected other metabolic pathways (AMPK and PGC1α pathways), which aggravated the oxidative stress and nutrient deficiency. Our results indicate a novel role of shikonin in triggering mitochondria dysfunction via the PKM2-AMPK-PGC1α signaling pathway and provide a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Liu
- a School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
- b Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Jiangbo Jin
- b Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Ziyu Zhang
- c Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Li Zuo
- b Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Meixiu Jiang
- b Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Caifeng Xie
- a School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
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18
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Du W, Hao X, Yuan Z, Wang Y, Zhang X, Liu J. Shikonin potentiates paclitaxel antitumor efficacy in esophageal cancer cells via the apoptotic pathway. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:3195-3201. [PMID: 31452796 PMCID: PMC6704285 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10662] [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: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Shikonin is a natural naphthoquinone pigment that can suppress the growth of a number of cancer cell types. Paclitaxel is an antineoplastic chemotherapy drug, which is used for the treatment of various types of solid tumor cancer. However, acquired paclitaxel resistance results in the failure of therapy, and consequent metastasis and relapse. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether shikonin can sensitize esophageal cancer cells to paclitaxel-treatment and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The biological effects of these two agents on esophageal cancer cell lines KYSE270 and KYSE150 were investigated by MTT assay, cell cycle analysis, Annexin-V apoptosis assay, western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results demonstrated that shikonin could significantly increase the cell growth inhibition effect induced by paclitaxel in the examined cell lines (P<0.001). The addition of shikonin to paclitaxel promoted cancer cell mitotic arrest and induced significantly higher levels of cell apoptosis. Notably, the mRNA and protein levels of Bcl-2 were downregulated, while p53 was upregulated in KYSE270 and KYSE150 cells following combined treatment. In summary, shikonin can sensitize esophageal cancer cells to paclitaxel-treatment by promoting cell mitotic arrest and reinforcing the susceptibility of esophageal cancer cells to apoptosis induced by paclitaxel, which is potentially associated with altered levels of Bcl-2 and p53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhen Du
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yantai Yeda Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohong Hao
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Yantai Yeda Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
| | - Zhili Yuan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yantai Yeda Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, P.R. China
| | - Xueguang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, P.R. China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yantai Yeda Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
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19
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Wang F, Yao X, Zhang Y, Tang J. Synthesis, biological function and evaluation of Shikonin in cancer therapy. Fitoterapia 2019; 134:329-339. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2019.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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20
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Zhang S, Gao Q, Li W, Zhu L, Shang Q, Feng S, Jia J, Jia Q, Shen S, Su Z. Shikonin inhibits cancer cell cycling by targeting Cdc25s. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:20. [PMID: 30616572 PMCID: PMC6323793 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-5220-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shikonin, a natural naphthoquinone, is abundant in Chinese herb medicine Zicao (purple gromwell) and has a wide range of biological activities, especially for cancer. Shikonin and its analogues have been reported to induce cell-cycle arrest, but target information is still unclear. We hypothesized that shikonin, with a structure similar to that of quinone-type compounds, which are inhibitors of cell division cycle 25 (Cdc25) phosphatases, will have similar effects on Cdc25s. To test this hypothesis, the effects of shikonin on Cdc25s and cell-cycle progression were determined in this paper. METHODS The in vitro effects of shikonin and its analogues on Cdc25s were detected by fluorometric assay kit. The binding mode between shikonin and Cdc25B was modelled by molecular docking. The dephosphorylating level of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), a natural substrate of Cdc25B, was tested by Western blotting. The effect of shikonin on cell cycle progression was investigated by flow cytometry analysis. We also tested the anti-proliferation activity of shikonin on cancer cell lines by MTT assay. Moreover, in vivo anti-proliferation activity was tested in a mouse xenograft tumour model. RESULTS Shikonin and its analogues inhibited recombinant human Cdc25 A, B, and C phosphatase with IC50 values ranging from 2.14 ± 0.21 to 13.45 ± 1.45 μM irreversibly. The molecular modelling results showed that shikonin bound to the inhibitor binding pocket of Cdc25B with a favourable binding mode through hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds. In addition, an accumulation of the tyrosine 15-phosphorylated form of CDK1 was induced by shikonin in a concentration-dependent manner in vitro and in vivo. We also confirmed that shikonin showed an anti-proliferation effect on three cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 6.15 ± 0.46 to 9.56 ± 1.03 μM. Furthermore, shikonin showed a promising anti-proliferation effect on a K562 mouse xenograph tumour model. CONCLUSION In this study, we provide evidence for how shikonin induces cell cycle arrest and functions as a Cdc25s inhibitor. It shows an anti-proliferation effect both in vitro and in vivo by mediating Cdc25s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoude Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, 251# Ningda Road, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China. .,Department of Pharmacy, Medical College of Qinghai University, 16# Kunlun Road, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China.
| | - Qiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, 251# Ningda Road, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China
| | - Wei Li
- Qinghai Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Science, 251# Ningda Road, Xining, 810016, China
| | - Luwei Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical College of Qinghai University, 16# Kunlun Road, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China
| | - Qianhan Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, 251# Ningda Road, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China
| | - Shuo Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, 251# Ningda Road, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China
| | - Junmei Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, 251# Ningda Road, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China
| | - Qiangqiang Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, 251# Ningda Road, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China
| | - Shuo Shen
- Qinghai Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Science, 251# Ningda Road, Xining, 810016, China
| | - Zhanhai Su
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, 251# Ningda Road, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China. .,Department of Pharmacy, Medical College of Qinghai University, 16# Kunlun Road, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China.
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Deng X, Chen Q, Qiang L, Chi M, Xie N, Wu Y, Yao M, Zhao D, Ma J, Zhang N, Xie Y. Development of a Porcine Full-Thickness Burn Hypertrophic Scar Model and Investigation of the Effects of Shikonin on Hypertrophic Scar Remediation. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:590. [PMID: 29922164 PMCID: PMC5996232 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic scars formed after burns remain a challenge in clinical practice. Development of effective scar therapies relies on validated animal models that mimic human hypertrophic scars. A consistent porcine full-thickness burn hypertrophic scar model has yet to be developed. We have previously reported that Shikonin induces apoptosis and reduces collagen production in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts in vitro and may therefore hold potential as a novel scar remediation therapy. In this study, we aimed to validate the potential of Shikonin on scar remediation in vivo. A novel porcine hypertrophic scar model was created after full-thickness burn wounds, and the effect of Shikonin on scar remediation was investigated. Clinical scar assessments, histology, and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate scar appearance, morphology, and protein expression. Eight weeks after scar formation, clinical scar assessment indicated that the score of hypertrophic scars treated with Shikonin was significantly lower than that of the control group. Hypertrophic scars treated with Shikonin appeared flat, pink, and pliable. In addition, histological analysis indicated that hypertrophic scars treated with Shikonin exhibited reduced thickness of the epidermis and dermis, thin and even epithelial layers, reduced numbers of keratinocytes, uniform distribution of fibroblasts, and a parallel and loose arrangement of collagen fibers in the dermis. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis indicated that Shikonin inhibited the expression of p63, cytokeratin 10, alpha-smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor-beta 1, and collagen I, which play important roles in hypertrophic scar formation. Based on these results, we conclude that Shikonin has potential as a novel scar therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingwang Deng
- College of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Xinyang Central Hospital, Xinyang, China
| | - Lijuan Qiang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Mingwei Chi
- Medical Department, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Nan Xie
- Tissue Organ Bank & Tissue Engineering Centre, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yinsheng Wu
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Ming Yao
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Dan Zhao
- Tissue Organ Bank & Tissue Engineering Centre, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Jiaxiang Ma
- Tissue Organ Bank & Tissue Engineering Centre, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Pathology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yan Xie
- Tissue Organ Bank & Tissue Engineering Centre, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.,Clinical Medical School, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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22
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Li JN, Cao YF, He RR, Ge GB, Guo B, Wu JJ. Evidence for Shikonin acting as an active inhibitor of human carboxylesterases 2: Implications for herb-drug combination. Phytother Res 2018; 32:1311-1319. [PMID: 29468758 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Nan Li
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Dalian 116023 China
- Department of Pharmacy; The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University; Jinzhou 121001 China
| | - Yun-Feng Cao
- Key Laborotary of Liaoning Tumor Clinical Metabolomics; Jinzhou 121001 China
- RSKT Biopharma Inc.; Dalian 116023 China
| | - Rong-Rong He
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research; Guangzhou 510632 China
| | - Guang-Bo Ge
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Medicine; Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Shanghai 201203 China
| | - Bin Guo
- Department of Pharmacy; The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University; Jinzhou 121001 China
| | - Jing-Jing Wu
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Dalian 116023 China
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23
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Lin SY, Hsieh SY, Fan YT, Wei WC, Hsiao PW, Tsai DH, Wu TS, Yang NS. Necroptosis promotes autophagy-dependent upregulation of DAMP and results in immunosurveillance. Autophagy 2017; 14:778-795. [PMID: 29171784 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2017.1386359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed necrosis, necroptosis, is considered to be a highly immunogenic activity, often mediated via the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Interestingly, enhanced macroautophagic/autophagic activity is often found to be accompanied by necroptosis. However, the possible role of autophagy in the immunogenicity of necroptotic death remains largely obscure. In this study, we investigated the possible mechanistic correlation between phytochemical shikonin-induced autophagy and the shikonin-induced necroptosis for tumor immunogenicity. We show that shikonin can instigate RIPK1 (receptor [TNFRSF]-interacting serine-threonine kinase 1)- and RIPK3 (receptor-interacting serine-threonine kinase 3)-dependent necroptosis that is accompanied by enhanced autophagy. Shikonin-induced autophagy can directly contribute to DAMP upregulation. Counterintuitively, among the released and ectoDAMPs, only the latter were shown to be able to activate the cocultured dendritic cells (DCs). Interruption of autophagic flux via chloroquine further upregulated ectoDAMP activity and resultant DC activation. For potential clinical application, DC vaccine preparations treated with tumor cells that were already pretreated with chloroquine and shikonin further enhanced the antimetastatic activity of 4T1 tumors and reduced the effective dosage of doxorubicin. The enhanced immunogenicity and vaccine efficacy obtained via shikonin and chloroquine cotreatment of tumor cells may thus constitute a compelling strategy for developing cancer vaccines via the use of a combinational drug treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Yen Lin
- a Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center , Academia Sinica , ROC , Taiwan.,b Graduate Institute of Life Science , National Defense Medical Center , Taipei ROC , Taiwan
| | - Sung-Yuan Hsieh
- c Bioresource Collection and Research Center , Food Industry and Research and Development Institute , Hsinchu , ROC, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Fan
- a Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center , Academia Sinica , ROC , Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chi Wei
- a Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center , Academia Sinica , ROC , Taiwan
| | - Pei-Wen Hsiao
- a Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center , Academia Sinica , ROC , Taiwan.,b Graduate Institute of Life Science , National Defense Medical Center , Taipei ROC , Taiwan
| | - Dai-Hua Tsai
- d Institute for Pharmaceutics , Development Center for Biotechnology , New Taipei City , ROC , Taiwan
| | - Tzong-Shoon Wu
- e Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica , ROC , Taiwan
| | - Ning-Sun Yang
- a Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center , Academia Sinica , ROC , Taiwan.,b Graduate Institute of Life Science , National Defense Medical Center , Taipei ROC , Taiwan
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24
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Shikonin causes apoptosis by disrupting intracellular calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial function in human hepatoma cells. Exp Ther Med 2017; 15:1484-1492. [PMID: 29434733 PMCID: PMC5776525 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.5591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Shikonin is known to suppress proliferation and induce apoptosis in a variety of cancer cell lines. In the present study, SMMC-7721 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells were treated with shikonin (1, 2 or 4 µM) for 12–48 h. Cell morphological alterations and DNA damage were determined. Furthermore, changes in cell cycle, mitochondrial transmembrane potential, calcium homeostasis and levels of reactive oxygen species were measured. Shikonin-treated SMMC-7721 cells exhibited morphological changes and DNA damage. Shikonin inhibited cell proliferation causing cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase and induced apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Shikonin-induced apoptosis was associated with activation of caspases-3, −8 and −9, elevated levels of intracellular Ca2+ and reactive oxygen species, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and enhanced efflux of Ca2+ and K+. Gene expression B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax), p53 and caspase-3 was up-regulated, whereas Bcl-2 expression was downregulated. Shikonin caused apoptosis by inhibiting cell cycle progression, disrupting Ca2+ homeostasis, inducing oxidative stress and triggering mitochondrial dysfunction. Activation of caspases-3, −8 and −9, K+ efflux, and regulation of Bax, Bcl-2, p53 and caspase-3 expression are involved in the process. These results provide in-depth insight into the mechanisms of action of shikonin in the treatment of cancer.
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25
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Liu X, Sun G. Shikonin enhances Adriamycin antitumor effects by inhibiting efflux pumps in A549 cells. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:4270-4276. [PMID: 28943938 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Shikonin (SHK) is a natural naphthoquinone pigment isolated from Lithospermum erythrorhizon, that has been reported to suppress the growth of a number of cancer cell types. Adriamycin (AD) is typically used as an effective anticancer agent; however, it has the propensity to induce drug resistance. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of SHK alone and in combination with AD on lung adenocarcinoma cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms of their effects. Colony formation, MTT and propidium iodide staining assays demonstrated that the co-treatment of A549 cells with SHK and AD significantly decreased cell viability and potently induced apoptosis. The mitochondrial membrane potential was assessed using 5,5', 6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethyl-benzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide staining and fluorescence microscopy. Cells co-treated with SHK and AD exhibited marked mitochondrial membrane damage. In addition, co-treatment with SHK and AD significantly reduced ATP levels in A549 cells compared with the control. Western blot analysis revealed that SHK enhanced the antitumor effects of AD by inhibiting the expression of ATP-binding cassette transporters. These results suggest that the inhibition of glycolysis could be an effective approach for lung cancer treatment. Therefore, SHK has the potential to be used as an anticancer agent in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma, and thus warrants further investigation and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuchun Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Chizhou Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Chizhou, Anhui 247000, P.R. China
| | - Gengyun Sun
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
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26
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Zhang Z, Zhang Z, Li Q, Jiao H, Chong D, Sun X, Zhang P, Huo Q, Liu H. Shikonin induces necroptosis by reactive oxygen species activation in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line CNE-2Z. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2017; 49:265-272. [DOI: 10.1007/s10863-017-9714-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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27
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Chang HL, Chang YM, Lai SC, Chen KM, Wang KC, Chiu TT, Chang FH, Hsu LS. Naringenin inhibits migration of lung cancer cells via the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9. Exp Ther Med 2016; 13:739-744. [PMID: 28352360 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2016.3994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is among the most common causes of cancer-related mortality. It has a high mortality rate and resistance to chemotherapy due to its high metastatic potential. Naringenin, a bioactive compound identified in several fruits, displays anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects. Furthermore, naringenin mitigates the migration of several human cancer cell types. However, the effects of naringenin on lung cancer remain unclear. The current study investigated the mechanisms of naringenin on the migration of lung cancer A549 cells. The results indicate that significant alteration in A549 cell proliferation was observed in response to naringenin (0-300 µM) treatment for 24 and 48 h. Furthermore, a dose-dependent migration inhibition of A549 in the presence of naringenin was observed by healing and transwell migration assays. In addition, a zymography assay revealed that naringenin exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 activities. Furthermore, naringenin also inhibited the activities of AKT in a dose-dependent manner. These observations indicated that naringenin inhibited the migration of lung cancer A549 cells through several mechanisms, including the inhibition of AKT activities and reduction of MMP-2 and -9 activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huai-Lu Chang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery of Zouying Branch, Kaohsiung Armed Force General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81342, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yuh-Ming Chang
- Department of Neurology, Division of Internal Medicine, Hsinchu Mackay Memorial Hospital, Hsinchu 30071, Taiwan, R.O.C.; Institutes of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Shih-Chan Lai
- Department of Parasitology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ke-Min Chen
- Department of Parasitology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Kuan-Chu Wang
- School of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Tsu-Ting Chiu
- School of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Fu-Hsin Chang
- Department of Biomedical Research, Asia-Pacific Biotech Developing, Kaohsiung 80681, Taiwan, R.O.C.; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Li-Sung Hsu
- Institutes of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C.; Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
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28
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Li X, Fan XX, Jiang ZB, Loo WT, Yao XJ, Leung ELH, Chow LW, Liu L. Shikonin inhibits gefitinib-resistant non-small cell lung cancer by inhibiting TrxR and activating the EGFR proteasomal degradation pathway. Pharmacol Res 2016; 115:45-55. [PMID: 27864022 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the dominant type of lung cancer. Molecular targeting has highly improved the treatment efficacy of lung cancer, but new challenges have emerged, such as gefitinib-resistance and cancer recurrence. Therefore, new chemotherapeutic agents and treatment strategies are urgently needed. Shikonin is the main active component of a Chinese medicinal plant 'Zi Cao', which has been shown to exhibit powerful anti-cancer activity in certain types of cancer; however, its activity in gefitinib-resistant lung cancer has never been addressed. In this study, we used a high-throughput screening assay for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors and discovered that Shikonin is a potent inhibitor of EGFR. The cytotoxicity of Shikonin and its anti-cancer mechanism in NSCLC was deeply explored. Shikonin exhibited selective cytotoxicity among two NSCLC cell lines (H1975 and H1650) and one normal lung fibroblast cell line (CCD-19LU). Shikonin significantly increased the activity of caspases and poly (ADP-ribosyl) polymerase (PARP), which are indicators of apoptosis, and the intensity of ROS by greater than 10-fold. NAC, an inhibitor of ROS, completely blocked apoptosis, caspase and PARP activation induced by Shikonin. Shikonin remarkably suppressed the phosphorylation of EGFR and led to EGFR degradation. The enhancement of ROS generation in H1650 and H1975 gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cells leads to impairment of growth and induction of apoptosis, whereas modulation of EGFR degradation and its downstream signalling pathways by Shikonin contributes to its anti-tumour properties in H1975 gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cells (with T790M and L858R activating mutations). Shikonin-induced cell apoptosis is closely associated with ROS elevation in the cells. These findings indicate that Shikonin can be an effective small molecule treating gefitinib-resistant NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute For Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Xing-Xing Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute For Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Ze-Bo Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute For Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Wings Ty Loo
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute For Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Xiao-Jun Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute For Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Elaine Lai-Han Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute For Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China.
| | - Louis Wc Chow
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute For Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China.
| | - Liang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute For Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China.
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Fang T, Wu Q, Mu S, Yang L, Liu S, Fu Q. Shikonin stimulates MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation and differentiation via the BMP-2/Smad5 signal transduction pathway. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:1269-74. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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30
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Mehta M, Branford OA, Rolfe KJ. The evidence for natural therapeutics as potential anti-scarring agents in burn-related scarring. BURNS & TRAUMA 2016; 4:15. [PMID: 27574685 PMCID: PMC4964041 DOI: 10.1186/s41038-016-0040-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Though survival rate following severe thermal injuries has improved, the incidence and treatment of scarring have not improved at the same speed. This review discusses the formation of scars and in particular the formation of hypertrophic scars. Further, though there is as yet no gold standard treatment for the prevention or treatment of scarring, a brief overview is included. A number of natural therapeutics have shown beneficial effects both in vivo and in vitro with the potential of becoming clinical therapeutics in the future. These natural therapeutics include both plant-based products such as resveratrol, quercetin and epigallocatechin gallate as examples and includes the non-plant-based therapeutic honey. The review also includes potential mechanism of action for the therapeutics, any recorded adverse events and current administration of the therapeutics used. This review discusses a number of potential 'treatments' that may reduce or even prevent scarring particularly hypertrophic scarring, which is associated with thermal injuries without compromising wound repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Mehta
- British College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM), Finchley Road, London, NW3 5HR UK
| | - O. A. Branford
- The Royal Marsden Hospital, Fulham Rd, London, SW3 6JJ UK
| | - K. J. Rolfe
- British College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM), Finchley Road, London, NW3 5HR UK
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Tang X, Zhang C, Wei J, Fang Y, Zhao R, Yu J. Apoptosis is induced by shikonin through the mitochondrial signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2016; 13:3668-74. [PMID: 26935754 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.4967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of shikonin (SHI) on the induction of apoptosis in human TT medullary thyroid carcinoma cells, and to explore the role of mitochondrial signaling in this process. MTT, Annexin V‑phycoerythrin/7‑aminoactinomycin D staining, electron microscopy and JC‑1 probe staining were performed to analyze mitochondrial membrane potential, and western blot analysis was used to examine the activation of the mitochondrial signaling pathway, and the changes in mitochondrial apoptosis pathway‑associated protein expression. Following culture for 24‑72 h, treatment with various concentrations of SHI inhibited the proliferation of TT cells, in a dose‑ and time‑dependent manner. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated the presence of typical apoptotic structures, as well as mitochondrial structural changes. The expression levels of apoptosis‑associated proteins caspase‑9, caspase‑3 and poly adenosine triphosphate ribose polymerase increased in a dose‑dependent manner following treatment with SHI. In addition, the mitochondrial membrane potential of the experimental group was significantly decreased, and the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway‑associated proteins were altered. A possible mechanism underlying SHI‑induced apoptosis through the mitochondrial signaling pathway is the regulation of B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2)/Bcl‑2‑associated protein X expression levels, resulting in the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and the activation of the caspase‑9/caspase‑3 enzyme‑associated reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuxia Tang
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Traditional Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Traditional Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
| | - Jiongzhou Wei
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Traditional Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
| | - Yuting Fang
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Traditional Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
| | - Rongxiang Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Traditional Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
| | - Jianxin Yu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
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32
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Jing H, Sun W, Fan J, Zhang Y, Yang J, Jia J, Li J, Guo J, Luo S, Zheng Y. Shikonin induces apoptosis of HaCaT cells via the mitochondrial, Erk and Akt pathways. Mol Med Rep 2016; 13:3009-16. [PMID: 26935874 PMCID: PMC4805065 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.4917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Shikonin, which is a major ingredient of the traditional Chinese herb Lithospermum erythrorhizon, possesses various biological functions, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities. The present study aimed to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of shikonin on HaCaT cell apoptosis. Treatment with shikonin significantly inhibited the viability of HaCaT cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and promoted cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase and apoptosis. In addition, shikonin treatment reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential and induced reactive oxygen species generation. The results of a western blot analysis demonstrated that shikonin significantly activated caspase 3 expression, downregulated B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expression, and upregulated Bcl-2-associated X protein and Bcl-2 homologous antagonist killer expression in a dose-dependent manner in HaCaT cells. Furthermore, shikonin decreased extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) and Akt phosphorylation. These results indicated that shikonin may exert its anti-proliferative effects by inducing apoptosis via activation of the mitochondrial signaling pathway and inactivation of the Akt and Erk pathways in HaCaT cells. Therefore, the present study suggested that shikonin may have potential as a component of therapeutic strategies for the treatment of skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiling Jing
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Wenyan Sun
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Jinghua Fan
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Yanmin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Jiao Yang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Jinjing Jia
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Jichang Li
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Jiaqi Guo
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Suju Luo
- Department of Dermatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300070, P.R. China
| | - Yan Zheng
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
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Abstract
Shikonin, a natural naphthoquinone isolated from a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, can exert inhibitory effect on tumor cell growth. However, little has been known concerning the effect of shikonin on lung adenocarcinoma cell and underlying mechanisms. In the present study, we investigated the effect of shikonin on the proliferation, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in human lung adenocarcinoma cells. We found that shikonin significantly suppressed the proliferation of lung adenocarcinoma cells compared with control in dose- and time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). In the meantime, our results showed that shikonin markedly increased the proportion of A549 cells at stage G1 as well as induced apoptosis in A549 cells. Furthermore, suppressed CCND1 and elevated caspase3 and caspase7 expression levels at mRNA were found in this study, indicating that shikonin may inhibit the growth of lung adenocarcinoma cell by changing cell cycle and promoting cell apoptosis through the regulation of CCND1, caspase3, and caspase7. Although more studies are needed, this study suggests that shikonin has the potential to be used as an anti-cancer agent in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma.
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Je HD, Kim HD, La HO. The inhibitory effect of shikonin on the agonist-induced regulation of vascular contractility. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2015; 23:233-7. [PMID: 25995821 PMCID: PMC4428715 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2014.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Revised: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Shikonin, a natural flavonoid found in the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, has been shown to possess many biological functions. The present study was undertaken to investigate the influence of shikonin on vascular smooth muscle contractility and to determine the mechanism involved. Denuded aortic rings from male rats were used and isometric contractions were recorded and combined with molecular experiments. Shikonin significantly relaxed fluoride-, thromboxane A2- or phorbol ester-induced vascular contraction suggesting as a possible anti-hypertensive on the agonist-induced vascular contraction regardless of endothelial nitric oxide synthesis. Furthermore, shikonin significantly inhibited fluoride-induced increases in pMYPT1 levels and phorbol ester-induced increases in pERK1/2 levels suggesting the mechanism involving the inhibition of Rho-kinase activity and the subsequent phosphorylation of MYPT1 and the inhibition of MEK activity and the subsequent phosphorylation of ERK1/2. This study provides evidence regarding the mechanism underlying the relaxation effect of shikonin on agonist-induced vascular contraction regardless of endothelial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Dong Je
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Catholic University of Daegu, Gyeongbuk 712-702
| | - Hyeong-Dong Kim
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul, 336-871
| | - Hyen-Oh La
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Republic of Korea
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Liu JP, Liu D, Gu JF, Zhu MM, Cui L. Shikonin inhibits the cell viability, adhesion, invasion and migration of the human gastric cancer cell line MGC-803 via the Toll-like receptor 2/nuclear factor-kappa B pathway. J Pharm Pharmacol 2015; 67:1143-55. [PMID: 25880237 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Shikonin is an active naphthoquinone pigment isolated from the root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon. This study was designed to explore the inhibition of Shikonin on cell viability, adhesion, migration and invasion ability of gastric cancer (GC) and its possible mechanism. METHODS 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was performed for cell viability and adhesion ability of MGC-803 cells. Cell scratch repair experiments were conducted for the determination of migration ability while transwell assay for cell invasion ability. Western blot analysis and real-time polymerase chain reaction assay were used for the detection of protein and mRNA expressions. KEY FINDINGS Fifty per cent inhibitory concentration of Shikonin on MGC-803 cells was 1.854 μm. Shikonin (1 μm) inhibited significantly the adhesion, invasion and migratory ability of MGC-803 cells. Interestingly, Shikonin in the presence or absence of anti-Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) antibody (2 μg) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) inhibitor MG-132 (10 μm) could decrease these ability of MGC-803 cells markedly, as well as the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2, MMP-7, TLR2 and p65 NF-κB. In addition, the co-incubation of Shikonin and anti-TLR2/MG-132 has a significant stronger activity than anti-TLR2 or MG-132 alone. CONCLUSIONS The results indicated that Shikonin could suppress the cell viability, adhesion, invasion and migratory ability of MGC-803 cells through TLR2- or NF-κB-mediated pathway. Our findings provide novel information for the treatment of Shikonin on GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Ping Liu
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Delivery Systems of Chinese Materia Medica, Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pharmacology, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Delivery Systems of Chinese Materia Medica, Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Fei Gu
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Delivery Systems of Chinese Materia Medica, Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mao Mao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Delivery Systems of Chinese Materia Medica, Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Cui
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Delivery Systems of Chinese Materia Medica, Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Nam C, Hwang JS, Kim MJ, Choi YW, Han KG, Kang JK. Single- and Repeat-dose Oral Toxicity Studies of Lithospermum erythrorhizon Extract in Dogs. Toxicol Res 2015; 31:77-88. [PMID: 25874036 PMCID: PMC4395658 DOI: 10.5487/tr.2015.31.1.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Revised: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Lithospermum erythrorhizon has long been used in traditional Asian medicine for the treatment of diseases, including skin cancer. The oral toxicity of a hexane extract of Lithospermum erythrorhizon root (LEH) was investigated in Beagle dogs by using single escalating doses, two-week dose range-finding, and 4-week oral repeat dosing. In the single dose-escalating oral toxicity study, no animal died, showed adverse clinical signs, or changes in body weight gain at LEH doses of up to 2,000 mg/kg. In a 2 week dose range-finding study, no treatment-related adverse effects were detected by urinalysis, hematology, blood biochemistry, organ weights, or gross and histopathological examinations at doses of up to 500 mg LEH/kg/day. In the 4 week repeat-dose toxicity study, a weight loss or decreased weight gain was observed at 300 mg/kg/day. Although levels of serum triglyceride and total bilirubin were increased in a dose dependent manner, there were no related morphological changes. Based on these findings, the sub-acute no observable adverse effect level for 4-week oral administration of LEH in Beagles was 100 mg/kg/day.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Young Whan Choi
- Department of Horticultural Bioscience, Pusan National University, Miryang, Korea
| | | | - Jong-Koo Kang
- Biotoxtech Co., Ltd., Cheongju, Korea ; Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
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Hou Y, Xu J, Liu X, Xia X, Li N, Bi X. Shikonin induces apoptosis in the human gastric cancer cells HGC-27 through mitochondria-mediated pathway. Pharmacogn Mag 2015; 11:250-6. [PMID: 25829762 PMCID: PMC4378121 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1296.153074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Revised: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most frequently occurring digestive tract cancers and fewer chemotherapeutic drugs for GC have shown promising results. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumor activity of shikonin, a natural compound isolated from the Chinese plant Lithospermum erythrorhizon, against the human GC cell line HGC-27. Materials and Methods: HGC-27 cells treated with shikonin at a concentration of 30μM or above showed significant growth inhibition compared to control cells. Shikonin-treated cells also underwent apoptosis as detected by flow cytometric analysis and microscopic examination of cellular morphology. Further investigation into the underlying mechanism of apoptosis by western blot showed that the shikonin promoted the activation of poly-(ADP-ribose)-polymerase, caspase-3 and caspase-9 following 24 h or 48 h of treatment time, as well as the activation of caspase-8, but only after 48 h of treatment time. Furthermore, the levels of mitochondrial membrane potential, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-extra large were reduced following shikonin treatment while the level of Bax was increased. In addition, shikonin also caused a significant reduction of the protein Survivin, while having little effect on the expression on X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein. Conclusion: Taken together, these results showed that the shikonin exhibited its anti-tumor activity against HGC-27 cells through inhibiting cell growth and promoting apoptosis by targeting mitochondrial-related signaling pathway. Our finding may represent a positive step in finding a natural and effective compound that could be important implication for future development of chemotherapeutic and/or chemopreventive agent against GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110004, P.R. China
| | - Jinghua Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, P.R. China
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110004, P.R. China ; Department of Pharmacology, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, P.R. China
| | - Xichun Xia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, 110036, P.R. China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, P.R. China
| | - Xiuli Bi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, 110036, P.R. China
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Zhang X, Hu W, Wu F, Yuan X, Hu J. Shikonin inhibits TNF-α-induced growth and invasion of rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2015; 93:615-24. [PMID: 26042337 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2014-0464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Shikonin is a naphthoquinone compound extracted from the Chinese herb purple gromwell. Shikonin has broad antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities. The tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced proliferation and invasion of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is an important factor that contributes to atherosclerosis. The effects of shikonin on the proliferation and apoptosis of VSMCs have been reported; however, the function of shikonin on TNF-α-mediated growth and invasion of VSMCs during atherosclerosis remains unclear. In this study, we used Western blot, flow cytometry, real-time quantitative PCR, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to investigate the effect of shikonin on the TNF-α-induced growth and invasion of VSMCs and to determine the underlying mechanism. Our results showed that shikonin inhibits the TNF-α-mediated growth and invasion. Further study revealed that shikonin regulates the activation of nuclear factor kappa B and phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase signaling pathways; modulates the expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E, B-cell lymphoma 2, and Bax; activates caspase-3 and caspase-9; induces cell cycle arrest; and promotes the apoptosis of VSMCs. Together, our results indicate that shikonin may become a promising agent for the treatment of atherosclerosis and they also establish foundation for the development of anti-atherosclerosis drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemin Zhang
- a Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 North Nanjing Street, Shenyang 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenyu Hu
- a Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 North Nanjing Street, Shenyang 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Wu
- b Department of Cardiology, The First People's Hospital of Shenyang City, Shenyang 110041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Yuan
- b Department of Cardiology, The First People's Hospital of Shenyang City, Shenyang 110041, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Hu
- a Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 North Nanjing Street, Shenyang 110001, People's Republic of China
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Qu D, Xu XM, Zhang M, Jiang TS, Zhang Y, Li SQ. Cbl participates in shikonin-induced apoptosis by negatively regulating phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:1305-13. [PMID: 25815461 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.3510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Shikonin, a naturally occurring naphthoquinone, exhibits anti-tumorigenic activity. However, its precise mechanisms of action have remained elusive. In the present study, the involvement in the action of shikonin of the ubiquitin ligases Cbl-b and c-Cbl, which are negative regulators of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activation, was investigated. Shikonin was observed to reduce cell viability and induce apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest in lung cancer cells. In addition, shikonin increased the protein levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X and p53 and reduced those of Bcl-2. Additionally, shikonin inhibited PI3k/Akt activity and upregulated Cbl protein expression. In addition, a specific inhibitor of PI3K, LY294002, was observed to have a synergistic effect on the proliferation inhibition and apoptotic induction of A549 cells with shikonin. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that Cbl proteins promote shikonin-induced apoptosis by negatively regulating PI3K/Akt signaling in lung cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Qu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Man Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Ting-Shu Jiang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Sheng-Qi Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
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Kuo LJ, Huang CY, Cheng WL, Hung CS, Wu CT, Lin FY, Chang YJ, Huang MT. Glucose-regulated protein 78 mediates the anticancer efficacy of shikonin in hormone-refractory prostate cancer cells. Tumour Biol 2015; 36:5063-70. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3157-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
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Qu D, Chen YU, Xu XM, Zhang M, Zhang YI, Li SQ. Cbl-b-regulated extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling is involved in the shikonin-induced apoptosis of lung cancer cells in vitro. Exp Ther Med 2015; 9:1265-1270. [PMID: 25780420 PMCID: PMC4353798 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2015.2283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Shikonin (SK), a naturally occurring naphthoquinone, exhibits antitumor activity. However, its precise mechanisms of action are unknown. In the present study, the effects of SK on NCI-H460 human lung cancer cells were investigated. It was found that SK reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis in the NCI-H460 cells. Additionally, SK inhibited extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity, which indicates that inhibition of the ERK pathway is probably one of the mechanisms by which SK induced NCI-H460 cell apoptosis. The expression of Cbl-b was significantly increased by treatment with SK for 4 h, and gradually increased to a maximal level at 24 h; the time taken for the upregulation of Cbl-b protein was in accordance to that required for the downregulation of phospho (p)-ERK protein. The Cbl inhibitor Ps341 reversed the SK-induced downregulation of p-ERK and apoptosis of NCI-H460 cells. These results indicate that Cbl-b potentiates the apoptotic action of SK by inhibiting the ERK pathway in lung cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Qu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Y U Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Man Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Y I Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Sheng-Qi Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
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Yeh YC, Liu TJ, Lai HC. Shikonin Induces Apoptosis, Necrosis, and Premature Senescence of Human A549 Lung Cancer Cells through Upregulation of p53 Expression. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2015; 2015:620383. [PMID: 25737737 PMCID: PMC4337265 DOI: 10.1155/2015/620383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Revised: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Shikonin, a natural naphthoquinone pigment isolated from Lithospermum erythrorhizon, has been reported to suppress growth of various cancer cells. This study was aimed to investigate whether this chemical could also inhibit cell growth of lung cancer cells and, if so, works via what molecular mechanism. To fulfill this, A549 lung cancer cells were treated with shikonin and then subjected to microscopic, biochemical, flow cytometric, and molecular analyses. Compared with the controls, shikonin significantly induced cell apoptosis and reduced proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Specially, lower concentrations of shikonin (1-2.5 μg/mL) cause viability reduction; apoptosis and cellular senescence induction is associated with upregulated expressions of cell cycle- and apoptotic signaling-regulatory proteins, while higher concentrations (5-10 μg/mL) precipitate both apoptosis and necrosis. Treatment of cells with pifithrin-α, a specific inhibitor of p53, suppressed shikonin-induced apoptosis and premature senescence, suggesting the role of p53 in mediating the actions of shikonin on regulation of lung cancer cell proliferation. These results indicate the potential and dose-related cytotoxic actions of shikonin on A549 lung cancer cells via p53-mediated cell fate pathways and raise shikonin a promising adjuvant chemotherapeutic agent for treatment of lung cancer in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueh-Chiao Yeh
- Department of Natural Biotechnology, Nanhua University, Sec. 1, No. 55, Nanhua Road, Dalin, Chiayi 62249, Taiwan
| | - Tsun-Jui Liu
- Cardiovascular Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Sec. 4, No. 1650 Taiwan Boulevard, Taichung 40705, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Sec. 2, No. 155, Linong Street, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Chin Lai
- Cardiovascular Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Sec. 4, No. 1650 Taiwan Boulevard, Taichung 40705, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Sec. 2, No. 155, Linong Street, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
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Xie Y, Fan C, Dong Y, Lynam E, Leavesley DI, Li K, Su Y, Yang Y, Upton Z. Functional and mechanistic investigation of Shikonin in scarring. Chem Biol Interact 2015; 228:18-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2014.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Eskandani M, Nazemiyeh H. Self-reporter shikonin-Act-loaded solid lipid nanoparticle: Formulation, physicochemical characterization and geno/cytotoxicity evaluation. Eur J Pharm Sci 2014; 59:49-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2014.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Revised: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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In vitro induction of erythrocyte phosphatidylserine translocation by the natural naphthoquinone shikonin. Toxins (Basel) 2014; 6:1559-74. [PMID: 24828755 PMCID: PMC4052252 DOI: 10.3390/toxins6051559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Revised: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Shikonin, the most important component of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, has previously been shown to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, antiviral, antimicrobial and anticancer effects. The anticancer effect has been attributed to the stimulation of suicidal cell death or apoptosis. Similar to the apoptosis of nucleated cells, erythrocytes may experience eryptosis, the suicidal erythrocyte death characterized by cell shrinkage and by phosphatidylserine translocation to the erythrocyte surface. Triggers of eryptosis include the increase of cytosolic Ca2+-activity ([Ca2+]i) and ceramide formation. The present study explored whether Shikonin stimulates eryptosis. To this end, Fluo 3 fluorescence was measured to quantify [Ca2+]i, forward scatter to estimate cell volume, annexin V binding to identify phosphatidylserine-exposing erythrocytes, hemoglobin release to determine hemolysis and antibodies to quantify ceramide abundance. As a result, a 48 h exposure of human erythrocytes to Shikonin (1 µM) significantly increased [Ca2+]i, increased ceramide abundance, decreased forward scatter and increased annexin V binding. The effect of Shikonin (1 µM) on annexin V binding was significantly blunted, but not abolished by the removal of extracellular Ca2+. In conclusion, Shikonin stimulates suicidal erythrocyte death or eryptosis, an effect at least partially due to the stimulation of Ca2+ entry and ceramide formation.
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Duan D, Zhang B, Yao J, Liu Y, Fang J. Shikonin targets cytosolic thioredoxin reductase to induce ROS-mediated apoptosis in human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells. Free Radic Biol Med 2014; 70:182-93. [PMID: 24583460 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2014.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Shikonin, a major active component of the Chinese herbal plant Lithospermum erythrorhizon, has been applied for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Although shikonin demonstrates potent anticancer efficacy in numerous types of human cancer cells, the cellular targets of shikonin have not been fully defined. We report here that shikonin may interact with the cytosolic thioredoxin reductase (TrxR1), an important selenocysteine (Sec)-containing antioxidant enzyme with a C-terminal -Gly-Cys-Sec-Gly active site, to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated apoptosis in human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells. Shikonin primarily targets the Sec residue in TrxR1 to inhibit its physiological function, but further shifts the enzyme to an NADPH oxidase to generate superoxide anions, which leads to accumulation of ROS and collapse of the intracellular redox balance. Importantly, overexpression of functional TrxR1 attenuates the cytotoxicity of shikonin, whereas knockdown of TrxR1 sensitizes cells to shikonin treatment. Targeting TrxR1 with shikonin thus discloses a previously unrecognized mechanism underlying the biological activity of shikonin and provides an in-depth insight into the action of shikonin in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongzhu Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Baoxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Juan Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Yaping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Jianguo Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China.
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Wang Y, Zhou Y, Jia G, Han B, Liu J, Teng Y, Lv J, Song Z, Li Y, Ji L, Pan S, Jiang H, Sun B. Shikonin suppresses tumor growth and synergizes with gemcitabine in a pancreatic cancer xenograft model: Involvement of NF-κB signaling pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2014; 88:322-33. [PMID: 24522113 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2014.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2013] [Revised: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Although gemcitabine is currently the best chemotherapeutic agent available for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer, eventual failure of response is a significant clinical problem. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches against this disease are highly needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether shikonin, a naphthoquinone derivative, has potential in the treatment of pancreatic cancer when used either alone or in combination with gemcitabine. Our in vitro results showed that shikonin inhibited the proliferation of three different human pancreatic cancer cell lines and potentiated the cytotoxic effect of gemcitabine, which correlated with the down-regulation of constitutive as well as gemcitabine-induced activation of NF-κB and NF-κB-regulated gene products. Most importantly, using a xenograft model of human pancreatic cancer, we found shikonin alone significantly suppressed tumor growth and argumented the antitumor activity of gemcitabine. These effects also correlated with the down-regulation of NF-κB activity and its target genes, decreased proliferation (PCNA and Ki-67), decreased microvessel density (CD31), and increased apoptosis (TUNEL) in tumor remnants. Collectively, our results suggest that shikonin can suppress the growth of human pancreatic tumors and potentiate the antitumor effects of gemcitabine through the suppression of NF-κB and NF-κB-regulated gene products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongwei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yinan Zhou
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Guang Jia
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Bing Han
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Ji Liu
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yueqiu Teng
- Department of Central Laboratory of Blood Cancer, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Jiachen Lv
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Zengfu Song
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yilong Li
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Liang Ji
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Shangha Pan
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Hongchi Jiang
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Bei Sun
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China.
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Lee MJ, Kao SH, Hunag JE, Sheu GT, Yeh CW, Hseu YC, Wang CJ, Hsu LS. Shikonin time-dependently induced necrosis or apoptosis in gastric cancer cells via generation of reactive oxygen species. Chem Biol Interact 2014; 211:44-53. [PMID: 24463199 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2014.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2013] [Revised: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The effects of shikonin on gastric cancer cells were investigated in this study. Exposure to shikonin reduced the viability of gastric cancer cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. However, apoptosis was not observed in gastric cancer cell treatment with different concentrations of shikonin for 6h. By contrast, treatment with shikonin for 24h significantly induced apoptosis, as evidenced by the results of TUNEL assay and flow cytometry analysis in proportion to the concentration. Disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential was observed in gastric cancer cells that were treated with shikonin for 6 and 24h. Pretreatment with necrostatin-1 recovered cell death and mitochondrial membrane potential in the 6h shikonin treatment, but not in the 24h shikonin treatment. Western blot results reveal enhanced p38 phosphorylation, downregulated AKT phosphorylation, and increased caspase3 and PARP cleavage in cells that were treated with shikonin for 24h, but not in cells treated for 6h. Shikonin also triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation both in the 6 and 24h treatments. Pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine blocked shikonin-induced cell death. In summary, our findings suggest that shikonin, which may function as a promising agent in the treatment of gastric cancers, sequentially triggered necrosis or apoptosis through ROS generation in gastric cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Jang Lee
- Cardiovascular Center, Antai Tian-Sheng Memorial Hospital, Pingtung 92843, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Hsuan Kao
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Jing-En Hunag
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Gwo-Tarng Sheu
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Wei Yeh
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - You-Cheng Hseu
- Department of Cosmeceutics, College of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Jong Wang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan; Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan.
| | - Li-Sung Hsu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan; Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan.
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Fu Z, Deng B, Liao Y, Shan L, Yin F, Wang Z, Zeng H, Zuo D, Hua Y, Cai Z. The anti-tumor effect of shikonin on osteosarcoma by inducing RIP1 and RIP3 dependent necroptosis. BMC Cancer 2013; 13:580. [PMID: 24314238 PMCID: PMC4028842 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-13-580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Osteosarcoma is the most frequent primary malignant bone tumor, notorious for its lung metastasis. Shikonin, an effective constituent extracted from Chinese medicinal herb, was demonstrated to induce necroptosis in some cancers. Methods MTT assay was performed to detect cell survival rate in vitro. Flow cytometry was used to analyze cell cycle and cell death. Western blot was performed to determine the expression levels of RIP1, RIP3, caspase-3, caspase-6 and PARP. The tibial primary and lung metastatic osteosarcoma models were used to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of shikonin in vivo. Results The cell survival rate was decreased in a dose and time dependent manner when treated with shikonin. No major change in cell cycle was observed after shikonin treatment. The cell death induced by shikonin could be mostly rescued by specific necroptosis inhibitor necrostatin-1, but not by general caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. The number of necrotic cells caused by shikonin was decreased after being pretreated with Nec-1 detected by flow cytometry in K7 cells. After 8-hour treatment of shikonin, the expression levels of RIP1 and RIP3 were increased while caspase-3, caspase-6 and PARP were not activated in K7 and U2OS cells determined by Western blot. Size of primary tumor and lung metastasis in shikonin treated group were significantly reduced. The protein levels of RIP1 and RIP3 in primary tumor tissues were increased by shikonin. The overall survival of lung metastatic models was longer compared with control group (p < 0.001). Conclusions Shikonin had prompt but profound anti-tumor effect on both primary and metastatic osteosarcoma, probably by inducing RIP1 and RIP3 dependent necroptosis. Shikonin would be a potential anti-tumor agent on the treatment of primary and metastatic osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yingqi Hua
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China.
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Zhang FL, Wang P, Liu YH, Liu LB, Liu XB, Li Z, Xue YX. Topoisomerase I inhibitors, shikonin and topotecan, inhibit growth and induce apoptosis of glioma cells and glioma stem cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e81815. [PMID: 24303074 PMCID: PMC3841142 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas, the most malignant form of brain tumors, contain a small subpopulation of glioma stem cells (GSCs) that are implicated in therapeutic resistance and tumor recurrence. Topoisomerase I inhibitors, shikonin and topotecan, play a crucial role in anti-cancer therapies. After isolated and identified the GSCs from glioma cells successfully, U251, U87, GSCs-U251 and GSCs-U87 cells were administrated with various concentrations of shikonin or topotecan at different time points to seek for the optimal administration concentration and time point. The cell viability, cell cycle and apoptosis were detected using cell counting kit-8 and flow cytometer to observe the inhibitory effects on glioma cells and GSCs. We demonstrated that shikonin and topotecan obviously inhibited proliferation of not only human glioma cells but also GSCs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. According to the IC50 values at 24 h, 2 μmol/L of shikonin and 3 μmol/L of topotecan were selected as the optimal administration concentration. In addition, shikonin and topotecan induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 and S phases and promoted apoptosis. The down-regulation of Bcl-2 expression with the activation of caspase 9/3-dependent pathway was involved in the apoptosis process. Therefore, the above results showed that topoisomerase I inhibitors, shikonin and topotecan, inhibited growth and induced apoptosis of GSCs as well as glioma cells, which suggested that they might be the potential anticancer agents targeting gliomas to provide a novel therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Lei Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, College of Basic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, College of Basic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yun-Hui Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li-bo Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, College of Basic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Bai Liu
- The 96 Class, 7-Year Program, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi-Xue Xue
- Department of Neurobiology, College of Basic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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