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Zhang Q, Li X, He C, Zhou R, Wang J, Liu L. Artesunate promotes cervical cancer cell apoptosis by regulating Bcl2 family molecules and reducing the mitochondrial membrane potential. Oncol Lett 2024; 28:315. [PMID: 38807670 PMCID: PMC11130610 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Artesunate (ART), an antimalarial drug, has a broad spectrum of antitumour effects in cancer types such as esophageal and gastric cancer. However, evidence demonstrating the role of ART in cervical cancer cells is limited. In the present study, the inhibitory effect of ART on the growth of cervical cancer cells through the modulation of the cell cycle and apoptosis was investigated. The growth-inhibitory effect of ART on a cervical cancer cell line (SiHa) was detected using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay after treatment with ART for 24 h, after which the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was calculated. Using flow cytometry assays, apoptosis, the cell cycle, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium (Ca2+) ions, as well as the mitochondrial membrane potential were evaluated in SiHa cells following treatment with ART for 24 and 48 h. The mRNA expression levels of Bcl2, Bcl-xl, (myeloid cell leukaemia 1) Mcl-1, Bcl2-like protein 11 (BIM), (Bcl2-related ovarian killer protein) Bok, Bax and (Bcl2 homologous antagonist/killer) Bak in SiHa cells were detected using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. ART inhibited the growth of SiHa cells in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 of ART in SiHa cells was 26.32 µg/ml. According to the IC50 value, 15, 30 and 100 µg/ml ART were selected for further experiments, and normal saline (0 µg/ml ART) was used as the control group. The results indicated that treatment with 15, 30 and 100 µg/ml ART for 24 and 48 h induced apoptosis, increased the levels of ROS, the levels of Ca2+ and the mRNA expression levels of BIM, Bok, Bax and Bak, but decreased the cell proliferation indices, the mitochondrial membrane potential and the mRNA expression levels of Bcl2, Bcl-xl and Mcl-1 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In conclusion, ART inhibited the growth of SiHa cells and induced apoptosis via a mechanism associated with the regulation of Bcl2 family member expression, which was associated with the increase of the levels of ROS and Ca2+ and the reduction of the mitochondrial membrane potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianying Zhang
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Xing Li
- Department of Flow Cytometry, Tumour Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Caiyi He
- Department of Flow Cytometry, Tumour Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Rongmiao Zhou
- Department of Molecular Biology, Tumour Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Flow Cytometry, Tumour Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Flow Cytometry, Tumour Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
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Hill KS, Schuler EE, Ellingson SR, Kolesar JM. Artesunate acts through cytochrome c to inhibit growth of pediatric AML cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22383. [PMID: 38104159 PMCID: PMC10725448 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49928-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Artesunate is a derivative of artemisinin, an active compound isolated from Artemisia annua which has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and to treat malaria worldwide. Artemisinin derivatives have exhibited anti-cancer activity against both solid tumors and leukemia. The direct target(s) of artesunate are controversial; although, heme-bound proteins in the mitochondria have been implicated. We utilized computational modeling to calculate the predicted binding score of artesunate with heme-bound mitochondrial proteins and identified cytochrome c as potential artesunate target. UV-visible spectroscopy showed changes in the absorbance spectrum, and thus protein structure, when cytochrome c was incubated with artesunate. Artesunate induces apoptosis, disrupts mitochondrial membrane potential, and is antagonized by methazolamide in pediatric AML cells indicating a probable mechanism of action involving cytochrome c. We utilized a multi-disciplinary approach to show that artesunate can interact with and is dependent on cytochrome c release to induce cell death in pediatric AML cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen S Hill
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Erin E Schuler
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Sally R Ellingson
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, UK College of Medicine, Cancer Research Informatics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jill M Kolesar
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
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3
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Xu Q, Duan YY, Pan M, Jin QW, Tao JP, Huang SY. In Vitro Evaluation Reveals Effect and Mechanism of Artemether against Toxoplasma gondii. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13040476. [PMID: 37110135 PMCID: PMC10145583 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13040476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the limited effectiveness of existing drugs for the treatment of toxoplasmosis, there is a dire need for the discovery of new therapeutic options. Artemether is an important drug for malaria and several studies have indicated that it also exhibits anti-T. gondii activity. However, its specific effect and mechanisms are still not clear. To elucidate its specific role and potential mechanism, we first evaluated its cytotoxicity and anti-Toxoplasma effect on human foreskin fibroblast cells, and then analyzed its inhibitory activity during T. gondii invasion and intracellular proliferation. Finally, we examined its effect on mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in T. gondii. The CC50 value of artemether was found to be 866.4 μM, and IC50 was 9.035 μM. It exhibited anti-T. gondii activity and inhibited the growth of T. gondii in a dose-dependent manner. We also found that the inhibition occurred primarily in intracellular proliferation, achieved by reducing the mitochondrial membrane integrity of T. gondii and stimulating ROS production. These findings suggest that the mechanism of artemether against T. gondii is related to a change in the mitochondrial membrane and the increase in ROS production, which may provide a theoretical basis for optimizing artemether derivatives and further improving their anti-Toxoplasma efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Xu
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yin-Yan Duan
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Ming Pan
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Qi-Wang Jin
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jian-Ping Tao
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Si-Yang Huang
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Correspondence:
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Li Y, Kang J, Xu Y, Li N, Jiao Y, Wang C, Wang C, Wang G, Yu Y, Yuan J, Zhang L. Artesunate Alleviates Paclitaxel-Induced Neuropathic Pain in Mice by Decreasing Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 Activity and Neuroinflammation in Primary Sensory Neurons. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:902572. [PMID: 35694442 PMCID: PMC9184756 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.902572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental studies on the pathogenetic process of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain (PINP) have been initially carried out, but PINP still has no effective therapy. Recently reported studies have highlighted the involvement of glutamate receptors and neuroinflammation in peripheral and central nociceptive transmission in PINP. Artesunate is a first-line antimalarial drug with established efficacy in alleviating pain in a variety of pathologies. The current work assessed whether artesunate inhibits PINP by modulating metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) and neuroinflammation in mice. The anti-hyperalgesic effect of artesunate was verified by assessing mechanical frequency and thermal latency in the paw withdrawal test as well as spontaneous pain. The expression levels of mGluR5, pain-related receptors and neuroinflammatory markers in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) were examined. In addition, treatment with CHPG and 2-methyl-6-(phenyl ethynyl) pyridine (MPEP) (mGluR5 agonist and antagonist, respectively) was performed to determine mGluR5’s role in the anti-hyperalgesic properties of artesunate. We demonstrated artesunate prevented PINP in a dose-dependent manner, while exerting a clear anti-hyperalgesic effect on already existing PINP. Artesunate normalized paclitaxel-related expression changes in DRG mGluR5, NR1, and GluA2, as well as six paclitaxel related neuroinflammation markers. Intrathecal application of MPEP treated PINP by reversing NR1 and GluA2 expression changes but had no effects on chemokines and inflammatory factors. Furthermore, artesunate treatment reversed acute pain following CHPG application. In conclusion, this study revealed that artesunate alleviates paclitaxel-induced hyperalgesia and spontaneous pain by decreasing DRG mGluR5 expression and neuroinflammation in the mouse model of PINP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yize Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiamin Kang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chenxu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Guolin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yonghao Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingjing Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jingjing Yuan,
| | - Linlin Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Linlin Zhang,
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Zhang J, Luo W, Han M, Wu L, Peng Z, Xia Z, Yang R. Verifying the outcomes of artesunate plus 595-nm PDL in hypertrophic scars via determining BMP-7 and Fas level in model rabbits. Lasers Surg Med 2022; 54:716-724. [PMID: 35234299 DOI: 10.1002/lsm.23518] [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: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Single-use of artesunate (ART) or 595-nm pulsed-dye laser (PDL) has proven clinical efficacy in the treatment of hypertrophic scars (HSs), yet little research has been done on the combined use of ART and PDL. Bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) and Fas are recognized to be two important proteins in reducing scar formation. This study was designed to observe the effect of ART combined with 595-nm PDL in the treatment of HS in rabbit models, and investigate the effect of such protocol on the expression of BMP-7 and Fas in rabbit models. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into the control group, ART group, PDL group, and combined treatment (ART + PDL) group. ART was respectively applied to the ART group and combined treatment group. Treatment was once every 2-week for a total of three sessions for both groups. Animals in the PDL group were simply treated with 595-nm PDL. Then, hematoxylin & eosin and Van Gieson straining, immunohistochemical study, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Cell counting kit-8 test, western blot assay, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were carried out to observe the development of HS samples and expression of BMP-7 and Fas proteins in the sample tissues. RESULTS After treatment, the scar samples grew lower and flatter, which was particularly evident in the combined treatment group, with notably inhibited fibroblast and collagen compared to other groups (p < 0.001). Western blot assay and RT-PCR demonstrated that the expression of BMP-7 was most increased in scar samples treated by ART + PDL. BMP-7 level was correspondingly and notably upregulated in treatment groups, especially in the ART + PDL group. In addition, relevant expression of Fas was also higher after treatment, especially in the ART + PDL group compared to either ART or 595-nm PDL group. The difference was significant among groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Combined use of ART and 595-nm PDL can inhibit HSs in rabbit models via inhibiting extra fibroblast and collagens. The potential mechanism may be involved in enhanced BMP-7 and Fas expression. Our observations may create an alternative therapeutic strategy for HSs in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxia Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wanting Luo
- Department of Dermatology, The Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Minna Han
- Department of Dermatology, The Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Wu
- Department of Dermatology, The Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuoying Peng
- Department of Dermatology, The Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhikuan Xia
- Department of Dermatology, The Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rongya Yang
- Department of Dermatology, The Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Zhou X, Soto-Gamez A, Nijdam F, Setroikromo R, Quax WJ. Dihydroartemisinin-Transferrin Adducts Enhance TRAIL-Induced Apoptosis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in a P53-Independent and ROS-Dependent Manner. Front Oncol 2022; 11:789336. [PMID: 35047402 PMCID: PMC8762273 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.789336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive breast cancer subtype independent of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. It has a poor prognosis and high recurrence. Due to its limited treatment options in the clinic, novel therapies are urgently needed. Single treatment with the death receptor ligand TRAIL was shown to be poorly effective. Recently, we have shown that artemisinin derivatives enhance TRAIL-induced apoptosis in colon cancer cells. Here, we utilized transferrin (TF) to enhance the effectiveness of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) in inducing cell death in TNBC cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-436, MDA-MB-468 and BT549). We found that the combination of DHA-TF and the death receptor 5-specific TRAIL variant DHER leads to an increase in DR5 expression in all four TNBC cell lines, while higher cytotoxicity was observed in MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-436. All the data point to the finding that DHA-TF stimulates cell death in TNBC cells, while the combination of DHA-TF with TRAIL variants will trigger more cell death in TRAIL-sensitive cells. Overall, DHA-TF in combination with TRAIL variants represents a potential novel combination therapy for triple-negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Zhou
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Abel Soto-Gamez
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,European Institute for the Biology of Aging (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Fleur Nijdam
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Rita Setroikromo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Wim J Quax
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Bader S, Wilmers J, Ontikatze T, Ritter V, Jendrossek V, Rudner J. Loss of pro-apoptotic Bax and Bak increases resistance to dihydroartemisinin-mediated cytotoxicity in normoxia but not in hypoxia in HCT116 colorectal cancer cells. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 174:157-170. [PMID: 34403740 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tumor hypoxia is a major biological factor that drives resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We previously demonstrated that the pro-oxidative drug dihydroartemisinin (DHA) efficiently targeted normoxic and hypoxic cancer cells. Although well studied in normoxia, the mechanism behind DHA-mediated cytotoxicity in hypoxia is insufficiently explored. Here, we analyzed the effect of DHA in HCT116 wild type (wt) cells and in HCT116 Bax-/-Baksh cells with a defective intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Normoxic HCT116 wt cells underwent apoptosis shortly after treatment with DHA. Autophagy-associated cell death contributes to short-term cytotoxicity of DHA in normoxia. These cells switched to an apoptosis- and autophagy-independent cell death after treatment with DHA in hypoxia and displayed similar long-term survival in response to DHA in normoxia and hypoxia. In HCT116 Bax-/-Baksh cells, DHA induced cell cycle arrest shortly after treatment irrespective of oxygen levels. Later, HCT116 Bax-/-Baksh cells induced a delayed cell death after treatment with DHA in hypoxia followed by return to normoxia, while treatment with DHA in normoxia was hardly toxic. We identified lower glutathione levels in hypoxic HCT116 cells which correlated with higher lipid peroxidation after treatment with DHA. Moreover, insufficient expression of Bax/Bak counteracted hypoxia-mediated downregulation of mitochondrial function, thereby adding to DHA-induced ROS production and lipid peroxidation in hypoxia. In summary, DHA-mediated cytotoxicity in normoxia depended on Bax/Bak expression, while cytotoxicity after treatment with DHA in hypoxia was regulated independently of Bax/Bak in HCT116 colorectal cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Bader
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Julia Wilmers
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Teona Ontikatze
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Violetta Ritter
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Verena Jendrossek
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Justine Rudner
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
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Egwu CO, Tsamesidis I, Pério P, Augereau JM, Benoit-Vical F, Reybier K. Superoxide: A major role in the mechanism of action of essential antimalarial drugs. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 167:271-275. [PMID: 33722628 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the mode of action of antimalarials is central to optimizing their use and the discovery of new therapeutics. Currently used antimalarials belong to a limited series of chemical structures and their mechanisms of action are coutinuously debated. Whereas the involvement of reactive species that in turn kill the parasites sensitive to oxidative stress, is accepted for artemisinins, little is known about the generation of such species in the case of quinolines or hydroxynaphtoquinone. Moreover, the nature of the reactive species involved has never been characterized in Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes. The aim of this work was to determine and elucidate the production of the primary radical, superoxide in Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes treated with artemisinin, dihydroartemisinin, chloroquine and atovaquone, as representatives of three major classes of antimalarials. The intracellular generation of superoxide was quantified by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS). We demonstrated that artemisinins, atovaquone and to a lesser extent chloroquine, generate significant levels of superoxide radicals in Plasmodium falciparum sensitive strains. More so, the production of superoxide was lowered in chloroquine-resistant strain of Plasmodium treated with chloroquine. These results consolidate the knowledge about the mechanism of action of these different antimalarials and should be taken into consideration in the design of future drugs to fight drug-resistant parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinedu O Egwu
- PharmaDev, UMR 152, Université de Toulouse, IRD, UPS, Toulouse, France; Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, P.M.B. 1010, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria; CNRS, LCC, Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France; Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, IPBS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, France; New Antimalarial Molecules and Pharmacological Approaches, Inserm ERL 1289, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Pierre Pério
- PharmaDev, UMR 152, Université de Toulouse, IRD, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Michel Augereau
- CNRS, LCC, Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France; Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, IPBS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, France; New Antimalarial Molecules and Pharmacological Approaches, Inserm ERL 1289, Toulouse, France
| | - Françoise Benoit-Vical
- CNRS, LCC, Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France; Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, IPBS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, France; New Antimalarial Molecules and Pharmacological Approaches, Inserm ERL 1289, Toulouse, France.
| | - Karine Reybier
- PharmaDev, UMR 152, Université de Toulouse, IRD, UPS, Toulouse, France.
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Hill KS, McDowell A, McCorkle JR, Schuler E, Ellingson SR, Plattner R, Kolesar JM. KEAP1 Is Required for Artesunate Anticancer Activity in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081885. [PMID: 33920029 PMCID: PMC8070990 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Artesunate is the most common treatment for malaria throughout the world. Artesunate has anticancer activity likely through the induction of reactive oxygen species, the same mechanism of action utilized in Plasmodium falciparum infections. Components of the kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway, which regulates cellular response to oxidative stress, are mutated in approximately 30% of non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC); therefore, we tested the hypothesis that KEAP1 is required for artesunate sensitivity in NSCLC. Dose response assays identified A549 cells, which have a G333C-inactivating mutation in KEAP1, as resistant to artesunate, with an IC50 of 23.6 µM, while H1299 and H1563 cells were sensitive to artesunate, with a 10-fold lower IC50. Knockdown of KEAP1 through siRNA caused increased resistance to artesunate in H1299 cells. Alternatively, the pharmacological inhibition of NRF2, which is activated downstream of KEAP1 loss, by ML385 partially restored sensitivity of A549 cells to artesunate, and the combination of artesunate and ML385 was synergistic in both A549 and H1299 cells. These findings demonstrate that KEAP1 is required for the anticancer activity of artesunate and support the further development of NRF2 inhibitors to target patients with mutations in the KEAP1/NRF2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen S. Hill
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (K.S.H.); (J.R.M.)
| | - Anthony McDowell
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
| | - J. Robert McCorkle
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (K.S.H.); (J.R.M.)
| | - Erin Schuler
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40508, USA;
| | - Sally R. Ellingson
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA;
| | - Rina Plattner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40508, USA;
| | - Jill M. Kolesar
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (K.S.H.); (J.R.M.)
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(859)-323-4978
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Minamikawa T, Koma T, Suzuki A, Mizuno T, Nagamatsu K, Arimochi H, Tsuchiya K, Matsuoka K, Yasui T, Yasutomo K, Nomaguchi M. Quantitative evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 inactivation using a deep ultraviolet light-emitting diode. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5070. [PMID: 33658595 PMCID: PMC7930116 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84592-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Inactivation technology for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is certainly a critical measure to mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A deep ultraviolet light-emitting diode (DUV-LED) would be a promising candidate to inactivate SARS-CoV-2, based on the well-known antiviral effects of DUV on microorganisms and viruses. However, due to variations in the inactivation effects across different viruses, quantitative evaluations of the inactivation profile of SARS-CoV-2 by DUV-LED irradiation need to be performed. In the present study, we quantify the irradiation dose of DUV-LED necessary to inactivate SARS-CoV-2. For this purpose, we determined the culture media suitable for the irradiation of SARS-CoV-2 and optimized the irradiation apparatus using commercially available DUV-LEDs that operate at a center wavelength of 265, 280, or 300 nm. Under these conditions, we successfully analyzed the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and the irradiation dose of the DUV-LEDs at each wavelength without irrelevant biological effects. In conclusion, total doses of 1.8 mJ/cm2 for 265 nm, 3.0 mJ/cm2 for 280 nm, and 23 mJ/cm2 for 300 nm are required to inactivate 99.9% of SARS-CoV-2. Our results provide quantitative antiviral effects of DUV irradiation on SARS-CoV-2, serving as basic knowledge of inactivation technologies against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeo Minamikawa
- Department of Post-LED Photonics Research, Institute of Post-LED Photonics, Tokushima University, 2-1 Minami-Josanjima, Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8506, Japan.
- Department of Mechanical Science, Graduate School of Technology, Industrial and Social Sciences, Tokushima University, 2-1 Minami-Josanjima, Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8506, Japan.
- PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), 2-1 Minami-Josanjima, Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8506, Japan.
- Research Cluster on "Multi-Scale Vibrational Microscopy for Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer", Tokushima University, 2-1 Minami-Josanjima, Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8506, Japan.
| | - Takaaki Koma
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto, Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Akihiro Suzuki
- Department of Post-LED Photonics Research, Institute of Post-LED Photonics, Tokushima University, 2-1 Minami-Josanjima, Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8506, Japan
| | - Takahiko Mizuno
- Department of Post-LED Photonics Research, Institute of Post-LED Photonics, Tokushima University, 2-1 Minami-Josanjima, Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8506, Japan
| | - Kentaro Nagamatsu
- Department of Post-LED Photonics Research, Institute of Post-LED Photonics, Tokushima University, 2-1 Minami-Josanjima, Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8506, Japan
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Graduate School of Technology, Industrial and Social Sciences, Tokushima University, 2-1 Minami-Josanjima, Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8506, Japan
| | - Hideki Arimochi
- Department of Immunology and Parasitology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto, Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Koichiro Tsuchiya
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto, Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Kaoru Matsuoka
- Department of Post-LED Photonics Research, Institute of Post-LED Photonics, Tokushima University, 2-1 Minami-Josanjima, Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8506, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yasui
- Department of Post-LED Photonics Research, Institute of Post-LED Photonics, Tokushima University, 2-1 Minami-Josanjima, Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8506, Japan
- Department of Mechanical Science, Graduate School of Technology, Industrial and Social Sciences, Tokushima University, 2-1 Minami-Josanjima, Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8506, Japan
- Research Cluster on "Multi-Scale Vibrational Microscopy for Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer", Tokushima University, 2-1 Minami-Josanjima, Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8506, Japan
| | - Koji Yasutomo
- Department of Immunology and Parasitology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto, Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
- Department of Interdisciplinary Researches for Medicine and Photonics, Institute of Post-LED Photonics, Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto, Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
- Research Cluster On "Immunological Diseases", Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto, Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Masako Nomaguchi
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto, Tokushima, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan.
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11
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Zhang J, Xia Z, Zhou S, Luo W, Peng Z, Yang R. Effect of Artesunate Combined With Fractional CO 2 Laser on the Hypertrophic Scar in a Rabbit Model. Lasers Surg Med 2021. [PMID: 33644924 DOI: 10.1002/lsm.23384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Hypertrophic scar (HS), a common complication in wound healing, is characterized by the disarrangement of collagen, fibers, and extracellular matrix. Artesunate (ART) can inhibit the abnormal formation of fibroblasts and collagens. Fractional CO2 laser (FCO2 L) can facilitate tissue remodeling and the absorption of drugs into ablative microthermal columns in HS. So far, no research has investigated the efficacy of ART combined with an FCO2 L in treating HS. To investigate the theoretical basis and clinical significance of this combination, we established a rabbit model of HS to observe the change in the expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: control group, ART group, FCO2 L group, and ART + FCO2 L (combination) group. Four wounds were surgically established in the ear of each rabbit and allowed to develop into HS. ART (20 μL/cm2 ) was injected in ART and combination groups, and FCO2 L (combo mode, deep energy:10m J, super energy: 50 mJ) in FCO2 L and combination groups on the 28th day after HS occurred. Three rounds of treatment were applied (once every 14 days). HS samples were measured by hematoxylin and eosin staining, Van Gieson staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis on the 70th day. RESULTS The morphological and histopathological changes in HS were significant. HSs were smoother and smaller and the collagen fibers were thinner and less disordered in the combination group than those in ART and FCO2 L groups. Meanwhile, the hypertrophic index (HI), fiber density (NA), and collagen fiber content (AA) were lower in the combination group (1.54 ± 0.15, 3.30 ± 0.22, 30.37 ± 1.41%) than in the ART group (2.51 ± 0.22, 4.69 ± 0.16, 44.68 ± 2.30%) and FCO2 L group (1.99 ± 0.14, 4.13 ± 0.12, 37.74 ± 1.38%) (P < 0.01). Additionally, the expressions of TGF-β1 and PCNA protein were suppressed in the ART group (0.30 ± 0.03, 0.25 ± 0.03) and FCO2 L group (0.35 ± 0.03, 0.32 ± 0.05), and the suppression was more significant in the combination group(0.07 ± 0.02, 0.07 ± 0.02) (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The combination of ART and FCO2 L can effectively reduce HS in the rabbit model. This is the first report about this combination in the treatment of HS. A novel treatment is expected to be based on our findings. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxia Zhang
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China
- The Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Zhikuan Xia
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China
- The Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Shuanglin Zhou
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China
- The Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Wanting Luo
- The Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Zhuoying Peng
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China
| | - Rongya Yang
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China
- The Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100700, China
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12
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Tsuchihashi Y, Abe S, Miyamoto L, Tsunematsu H, Izumi T, Hatano A, Okuno H, Yamane M, Yasuoka T, Ikeda Y, Tsuchiya K. Novel Hydrophilic Camptothecin Derivatives Conjugated to Branched Glycerol Trimer Suppress Tumor Growth without Causing Diarrhea in Murine Xenograft Models of Human Lung Cancer. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:1049-1058. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.9b00249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Tsuchihashi
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Tokushima University, 1-78-1, Sho-machi, Tokushima 770-8505, Japan
| | - Shinji Abe
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice Pedagogy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Tokushima University, 1-78-1, Sho-machi, Tokushima 770-8505, Japan
| | - Licht Miyamoto
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Tokushima University, 1-78-1, Sho-machi, Tokushima 770-8505, Japan
- Department of Bioorganic Synthetic Chemistry, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Tokushima University, 1-78-1, Sho-machi, Tokushima 770-8505, Japan
| | - Honoka Tsunematsu
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Tokushima University, 1-78-1, Sho-machi, Tokushima 770-8505, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Izumi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice Pedagogy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Tokushima University, 1-78-1, Sho-machi, Tokushima 770-8505, Japan
| | - Aya Hatano
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Tokushima University, 1-78-1, Sho-machi, Tokushima 770-8505, Japan
| | - Hiroko Okuno
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Tokushima University, 1-78-1, Sho-machi, Tokushima 770-8505, Japan
| | - Megumi Yamane
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Tokushima University, 1-78-1, Sho-machi, Tokushima 770-8505, Japan
| | - Takashi Yasuoka
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Tokushima University, 1-78-1, Sho-machi, Tokushima 770-8505, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Ikeda
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Tokushima University, 3-18-15, Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8505, Japan
| | - Koichiro Tsuchiya
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Tokushima University, 1-78-1, Sho-machi, Tokushima 770-8505, Japan
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13
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Lu BW, Xie LK. Potential applications of artemisinins in ocular diseases. Int J Ophthalmol 2019; 12:1793-1800. [PMID: 31741871 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2019.11.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin, also named qinghaosu, is a family of sesquiterpene trioxane lactone originally derived from the sweet wormwood plant (Artemisia annua), which is a traditional Chinese herb that has been universally used as anti-malarial agents for many years. Evidence has accumulated during the past few years which demonstrated the protective effects of artemisinin and its derivatives (artemisinins) in several other diseases beyond malaria, including cancers, autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, viral and other parasite-related infections. Recently, this long-considered anti-malarial agent has been proved to possess anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and anti-excitotoxic properties, which make it a potential treatment option for the ocular environment. In this review, we first described the overview of artemisinins, highlighting the activity of artemisinins to other diseases beyond malaria and the mechanisms of these actions. We then emphasized the main points of published results of using artemisinins in targeting ocular disorders, including uveitis, retinoblastoma, retinal neurodegenerative diseases and ocular neovascularization. To conclude, we believe that artemisinins could also be used as a promising therapeutic drug for ocular diseases, especially retinal vascular diseases in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Wen Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100400, China
| | - Li-Ke Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100400, China
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Tao L, Jiang Z, Xu M, Xu T, Liu Y. Induction of APOBEC3C Facilitates the Genotoxic Stress-Mediated Cytotoxicity of Artesunate. Chem Res Toxicol 2019; 32:2526-2537. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.9b00358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Li Tao
- College of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China
- The State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Toxic Pathogens-Based Therapeutic Approaches of Gastric Cancer, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Zhuangzhuang Jiang
- College of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China
- The State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Toxic Pathogens-Based Therapeutic Approaches of Gastric Cancer, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Min Xu
- College of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China
- The State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Toxic Pathogens-Based Therapeutic Approaches of Gastric Cancer, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Tingting Xu
- College of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China
- The State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Toxic Pathogens-Based Therapeutic Approaches of Gastric Cancer, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Yanqing Liu
- College of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China
- The State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Toxic Pathogens-Based Therapeutic Approaches of Gastric Cancer, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
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15
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Nong X, Rajbanshi G, Chen L, Li J, Li Z, Liu T, Chen S, Wei G, Li J. Effect of artesunate and relation with TGF-β1 and SMAD3 signaling on experimental hypertrophic scar model in rabbit ear. Arch Dermatol Res 2019; 311:761-772. [PMID: 31396694 PMCID: PMC6815271 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-019-01960-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Artesunate (ART) is the derivative of artemisinin isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine qinghao. Although several studies reported the efficiency of artesunate in the treatment of malaria, inhibiting fibroblasts and collagen synthesis, the association between artesunate and scar formation is unclear. The research was designed to study the significance of artesunate (ART) on the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) and small mother against decapentaplegic (SMAD3) in rabbit's ear hypertrophic scar model. Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into six groups: control group, matrix group, low-concentration artesunate group (0.48%), medium-concentration artesunate group (0.96%), high-concentration
artesunate group (1.92%) and silicone gel group. Punched defects were established on each rabbit’s ear which resulted in a hypertrophic scar. On the 28th day, topical artesunate creams were applied twice a day except on the control group. On the 56th day, scar samples were collected for histopathology and immunoassay. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, Van Gieson staining, immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis were done. Amongst the six groups, findings showed that the medium-concentration artesunate group (0.92%) efficiently decreased hypertrophic scar formation and significantly reduced fibroblasts and collagen synthesis. The results had also shown a decrease in the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) and declined small signal mother against decapentaplegic (Smad3). The overall study shows efficacy and mechanism of artesunate. It concluded that the medium concentration of artesunate (0.92%) could be an effective therapeutic agent for hypertrophic scars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Nong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College and Hospital of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, 5-715, No. 10 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021 Guangxi China
| | - Girju Rajbanshi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College and Hospital of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, 5-715, No. 10 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021 Guangxi China
- Department of Pediatrics Dentistry and Preventive Dentistry, College and Hospital of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, No. 10 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021 Guangxi China
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College and Hospital of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, 5-715, No. 10 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021 Guangxi China
| | - Jiaquan Li
- Medical Science Research Center, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021 Guangxi China
| | - Zhan Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College and Hospital of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, 5-715, No. 10 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021 Guangxi China
| | - Taotao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021 Guangxi China
| | - Shihai Chen
- Department of Cosmetics and Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021 Guangxi China
| | - Gao Wei
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021 Guangxi China
| | - Jushang Li
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021 Guangxi China
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16
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Chen YX, Zhang XQ, Yu CG, Huang SL, Xie Y, Dou XT, Liu WJ, Zou XP. Artesunate exerts protective effects against ulcerative colitis via suppressing Toll‑like receptor 4 and its downstream nuclear factor‑κB signaling pathways. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:1321-1332. [PMID: 31173225 PMCID: PMC6625425 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Artesunate (ART) is a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin used in the treatment of patients with malaria, which has also been reported to have immunoregulatory, anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible beneficial effects of ART on ulcerative colitis (UC) rats and to detect the possible mechanisms underlying these effects. A UC rat model was established using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Rats were randomly divided into the following groups: Normal control, UC model group, UC rats treated with a low, medium or high dose of ART (10, 30 and 50 mg/kg/day, respectively), and the positive control group (50 mg/kg/day 5-aminosalicylic acid). The damage status of colonic mucosal epithelial tissue was investigated by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and then the weight, colon length and disease activity index (DAI) were measured. Western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis were used to detect the levels of cytokines associated with UC and proteins associated with Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway. ELISA was also performed to measure the levels of inflammatory cytokines. In addition, the viability and infiltration of RAW264.7 cells were examined using Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell assays. The results demonstrated that treatment with ART significantly alleviated the UC symptoms induced by DSS in the rat model, lowered the DAI, ameliorated pathological changes, attenuated colon shortening, inhibited the levels of pro-inflammatory mediators and myeloperoxidase activity, and increased hemoglobin expression. Additionally, inflammatory and apoptotic markers were found to be significantly downregulated following treatment with ART in UC rats and RAW264.7 cells. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to demonstrate that ART exerts anti-inflammatory effects via regulating the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway in UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xuan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Qi Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, P.R. China
| | - Cheng-Gong Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, P.R. China
| | - Shu-Ling Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, P.R. China
| | - Ying Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Tan Dou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Jia Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Ping Zou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, P.R. China
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17
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Resolving neuroinflammation, the therapeutic potential of the anti-malaria drug family of artemisinin. Pharmacol Res 2018; 136:172-180. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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