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Zhang Q, Yuan Y, Cao S, Kang N, Qiu F. Withanolides: Promising candidates for cancer therapy. Phytother Res 2024; 38:1104-1158. [PMID: 38176694 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8090] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Natural products have played a significant role throughout history in the prevention and treatment of numerous diseases, particularly cancers. As a natural product primarily derived from various medicinal plants in the Withania genus, withanolides have been shown in several studies to exhibit potential activities in cancer treatment. Consequently, understanding the molecular mechanism of withanolides could herald the discovery of new anticancer agents. Withanolides have been studied widely, especially in the last 20 years, and attracted the attention of numerous researchers. Currently, over 1200 withanolides have been classified, with approximately a quarter of them having been reported in the literature to be able to modulate the survival and death of cancer cells through multiple avenues. To what extent, though, has the anticancer effects of these compounds been studied? How far are they from being developed into clinical drugs? What are their potential, characteristic features, and challenges? In this review, we elaborate on the current knowledge of natural compounds belonging to this class and provide an overview of their natural sources, anticancer activity, mechanism of action, molecular targets, and implications for anticancer drug research. In addition, direct targets and clinical research to guide the design and implementation of future preclinical and clinical studies to accelerate the application of withanolides have been highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- School of Medical Technology, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - YongKang Yuan
- School of Medical Technology, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Shijie Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Substance of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Kang
- School of Medical Technology, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Substance of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
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Pathak A, Pal AK, Roy S, Nandave M, Jain K. Role of Angiogenesis and Its Biomarkers in Development of Targeted Tumor Therapies. Stem Cells Int 2024; 2024:9077926. [PMID: 38213742 PMCID: PMC10783989 DOI: 10.1155/2024/9077926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis plays a significant role in the human body, from wound healing to tumor progression. "Angiogenic switch" indicates a time-restricted event where the imbalance between pro- and antiangiogenic factors results in the transition from prevascular hyperplasia to outgrowing vascularized tumor, which eventually leads to the malignant cancer progression. In the last decade, molecular players, i.e., angiogenic biomarkers and underlying molecular pathways involved in tumorigenesis, have been intensely investigated. Disrupting the initiation and halting the progression of angiogenesis by targeting these biomarkers and molecular pathways has been considered as a potential treatment approach for tumor angiogenesis. This review discusses the currently known biomarkers and available antiangiogenic therapies in cancer, i.e., monoclonal antibodies, aptamers, small molecular inhibitors, miRNAs, siRNAs, angiostatin, endostatin, and melatonin analogues, either approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or currently under clinical and preclinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anchal Pathak
- Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Raebareli, Lucknow, India
| | - Ajay Kumar Pal
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Subhadeep Roy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Mukesh Nandave
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Keerti Jain
- Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Raebareli, Lucknow, India
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Xing Z, Su A, Mi L, Zhang Y, He T, Qiu Y, Wei T, Li Z, Zhu J, Wu W. Withaferin A: A Dietary Supplement with Promising Potential as an Anti-Tumor Therapeutic for Cancer Treatment - Pharmacology and Mechanisms. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:2909-2929. [PMID: 37753228 PMCID: PMC10519218 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s422512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer, as the leading cause of death worldwide, poses a serious threat to human health, making the development of effective tumor treatments a significant challenge. Natural products continue to serve as crucial resources for drug discovery. Among them, Withaferin A (WA), the most active phytocompound extracted from the renowned dietary supplement Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, exhibits remarkable anti-tumor efficacy. In this manuscript, we aim to comprehensively summarize the pharmacological characteristics of WA as a potential anti-tumor drug candidate, with the objective of contributing to its further development and the discovery of prospective drugs. Through an extensive review of literature from PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science, we have gathered substantial evidence showcasing WA's significant anti-tumor effects against a wide range of cancers in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Mechanistically, WA exerts its anti-tumor influence by inducing cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis. Additionally, it inhibits cell proliferation, cancer stem cells, tumor metastasis, and also suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis. Several studies have identified direct target proteins of WA, such as vimentin, Hsp90, annexin II and mFAM72A, while BCR-ABL, Mortalin (mtHsp70), Nrf2, and c-MYB are potential targets of WA. Notwithstanding its remarkable anti-tumor efficacy, there are some limitations associated with WA, including potential toxicity and poor oral bioavailability, which need to be addressed when considering it as an anti-tumor candidate agent. Nevertheless, I given its promising anti-tumor attributes, WA remains an encouraging candidate for future drug development. Unveiling the exact target and comprehensive mechanism of WA's action represents a crucial research direction to pursue in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Xing
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Anping Su
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Mi
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting He
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuxuan Qiu
- Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Wei
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhihui Li
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingqiang Zhu
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenshuang Wu
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
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Thakral S, Yadav A, Singh V, Kumar M, Kumar P, Narang R, Sudhakar K, Verma A, Khalilullah H, Jaremko M, Emwas AH. Alzheimer's disease: Molecular aspects and treatment opportunities using herbal drugs. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 88:101960. [PMID: 37224884 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), also called senile dementia, is the most common neurological disorder. Around 50 million people, mostly of advanced age, are suffering from dementia worldwide and this is expected to reach 100-130 million between 2040 and 2050. AD is characterized by impaired glutamatergic and cholinergic neurotransmission, which is associated with clinical and pathological symptoms. AD is characterized clinically by loss of cognition and memory impairment and pathologically by senile plaques formed by Amyloid β deposits or neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) consisting of aggregated tau proteins. Amyloid β deposits are responsible for glutamatergic dysfunction that develops NMDA dependent Ca2+ influx into postsynaptic neurons generating slow excitotoxicity process leading to oxidative stress and finally impaired cognition and neuronal loss. Amyloid decreases acetylcholine release, synthesis and neuronal transport. The decreased levels of neurotransmitter acetylcholine, neuronal loss, tau aggregation, amyloid β plaques, increased oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, bio-metal dyshomeostasis, autophagy, cell cycle dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction are the factors responsible for the pathogenesis of AD. Acetylcholinesterase, NMDA, Glutamate, BACE1, 5HT6, and RAGE (Receptors for Advanced Glycation End products) are receptors targeted in treatment of AD. The FDA approved acetylcholinesterase inhibitors Donepezil, Galantamine and Rivastigmine and N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist Memantine provide symptomatic relief. Different therapies such as amyloid β therapies, tau-based therapies, neurotransmitter-based therapies, autophagy-based therapies, multi-target therapeutic strategies, and gene therapy modify the natural course of the disease. Herbal and food intake is also important as preventive strategy and recently focus has also been placed on herbal drugs for treatment. This review focuses on the molecular aspects, pathogenesis and recent studies that signifies the potential of medicinal plants and their extracts or chemical constituents for the treatment of degenerative symptoms related to AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samridhi Thakral
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Alka Yadav
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Vikramjeet Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India.
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, Punjab, India
| | - Rakesh Narang
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 136119, Haryana, India
| | - Kalvatala Sudhakar
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India
| | - Amita Verma
- Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj 211007, India.
| | - Habibullah Khalilullah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Unayzah 51911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mariusz Jaremko
- Smart-Health Initiative (SHI) and Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul-Hamid Emwas
- Core Labs, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
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Withaferin A Protects against Primary and Recurrent Tuberculosis by Modulating Mycobacterium-Specific Host Immune Responses. Microbiol Spectr 2023:e0058323. [PMID: 36916966 PMCID: PMC10100980 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00583-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The fate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is governed by immune signaling pathways that can either eliminate the pathogen or result in tuberculosis (TB). Anti-TB therapy (ATT) is extensive and is efficacious only against active, drug-sensitive strains of M. tuberculosis. Due to severe side effects, ATT often causes impairment of host immunity, making it imperative to use novel immunotherapeutics for better clinical outcomes. In this study, we have explored the immunomodulatory potential of withaferin A (WA) as an immunotherapeutic against TB. Here, we demonstrate that WA can constrain intracellular drug-sensitive and -resistant strains of M. tuberculosis by augmenting host immune responses. We also established the potential of WA treatment in conjunction with isoniazid. We show that WA directs the host macrophages toward defensive M1 polarization and enhances TH1 and TH17 immune responses against M. tuberculosis infection. The reduced bacterial burden upon T cell adoptive transfer further corroborated the augmented T cell responses. Interestingly, WA stimulated the generation of T cell memory populations by instigating STAT signaling, thereby reducing the rate of TB recurrence due to reactivation and reinfection. We substantiate the prospects of WA as a potent adjunct immunomodulator that enriches protective memory cells by prompting STAT signaling and improves host defense against M. tuberculosis. IMPORTANCE Despite being extensive, conventional antituberculosis therapy (ATT) is barely proficient in providing sterile immunity to tuberculosis (TB). Failure to constrain the escalating global TB burden due to the emergence of drug-resistant bacterial strains and immune dampening effects of ATT necessitates adjunct immunotherapeutics for better clinical outcomes. We evaluated the prospects of withaferin A (WA), an active constituent of Withania somnifera, as an adjunct immunomodulator against diverse M. tuberculosis strains. WA efficiently restricts the progression of TB by stimulating antimycobacterial host responses, protective immune signaling, and activation of diverse immune cell populations. Protective effects of WA can be attributed to the enrichment of memory T cells by induction of STAT signaling, thereby enhancing resistance to reinfections and reactivation of disease. We ascertained the immunotherapeutic potential of WA in boosting host immune responses against M. tuberculosis.
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Yoon AR, Wadhwa R, Kaul SC, Yun CO. Why is Mortalin a Potential Therapeutic Target for Cancer? Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:914540. [PMID: 35859897 PMCID: PMC9290191 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.914540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. Therefore, cancer therapy is a priority research field to explore the biology of the disease and identify novel targets for the development of better treatment strategies. Mortalin is a member of the heat shock 70 kDa protein family. It is enriched in several types of cancer and contributes to carcinogenesis in various ways, including inactivation of the tumor suppressor p53, deregulation of apoptosis, induction of epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and enhancement of cancer stemness. It has been studied extensively as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment, and several types of anti-mortalin molecules have been discovered that effectively suppress the tumor cell growth. In this review, we 1) provide a comprehensive sketch of the role of mortalin in tumor biology; 2) discuss various anti-mortalin molecules, including natural compounds, synthetic small molecules, peptides, antibodies, and nucleic acids, that have shown potential for cancer treatment in laboratory studies; and 3) provide future perspectives in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A-Rum Yoon
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
- Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (HY-IBB), Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Renu Wadhwa
- AIST-INDIA DAILAB, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Sunil C Kaul
- AIST-INDIA DAILAB, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Chae-Ok Yun
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
- Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (HY-IBB), Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
- GeneMedicine CO, Ltd, Seoul, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Chae-Ok Yun,
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Anti-Inflammatory Extract from Soil Algae Chromochloris zofingiensis Targeting TNFR/NF-κB Signaling at Different Levels. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091407. [PMID: 35563717 PMCID: PMC9101025 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis, are increasing in populations worldwide. The treatment of patients with AD and other forms of skin inflammation is mainly based on the use of topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors, which can cause significant side effects with long-term use. Therefore, there is a great need for the development of more effective and less toxic anti-inflammatory agents suitable for the treatment of chronic skin lesions. Here, we screened a number of strains from the ASIB 505 terrestrial algae collection and identified a green algae Chromochloris zofingiensis with pronounced anti-inflammatory properties. We found that a crude nonpolar extract of C. zofingiensis (ID name NAE_2022C), grown upon nitrogen deprivation, acts as a bioactive substance by inhibiting TNFR/NF-κB responses in human skin keratinocyte HaCaT cells. We also found that NAE_2022C suppressed the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and several Th1- and Th2-related chemokines in a reconstituted human epidermis. The TNFR/NF-κB pathway analysis showed multiple inhibitory effects at different levels and disclosed a direct targeting of IKKβ by the extract. Bioassay-guided fractionation followed by high-resolution mass spectrometry detected diacylglyceryl-trimethylhomoserine (DGTS), Lyso-DGTS (LDGTS), 5-phenylvaleric acid, theophylline and oleamide as leading metabolites in the active fraction of NAE_2022C. Further analysis identified betaine lipid DGTS (32:0) as one of the active compounds responsible for the NAE_2022C-mediated NF-κB suppression. Overall, this study presents an approach for the isolation, screening, and identification of anti-inflammatory secondary metabolites produced by soil algae.
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Kashyap VK, Peasah-Darkwah G, Dhasmana A, Jaggi M, Yallapu MM, Chauhan SC. Withania somnifera: Progress towards a Pharmaceutical Agent for Immunomodulation and Cancer Therapeutics. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14030611. [PMID: 35335986 PMCID: PMC8954542 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14030611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy is one of the prime treatment options for cancer. However, the key issues with traditional chemotherapy are recurrence of cancer, development of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, affordability, late-stage detection, serious health consequences, and inaccessibility. Hence, there is an urgent need to find innovative and cost-effective therapies that can target multiple gene products with minimal adverse reactions. Natural phytochemicals originating from plants constitute a significant proportion of the possible therapeutic agents. In this article, we reviewed the advances and the potential of Withania somnifera (WS) as an anticancer and immunomodulatory molecule. Several preclinical studies have shown the potential of WS to prevent or slow the progression of cancer originating from various organs such as the liver, cervix, breast, brain, colon, skin, lung, and prostate. WS extracts act via various pathways and provide optimum effectiveness against drug resistance in cancer. However, stability, bioavailability, and target specificity are major obstacles in combination therapy and have limited their application. The novel nanotechnology approaches enable solubility, stability, absorption, protection from premature degradation in the body, and increased circulation time and invariably results in a high differential uptake efficiency in the phytochemical’s target cells. The present review primarily emphasizes the insights of WS source, chemistry, and the molecular pathways involved in tumor regression, as well as developments achieved in the delivery of WS for cancer therapy using nanotechnology. This review substantiates WS as a potential immunomodulatory, anticancer, and chemopreventive agent and highlights its potential use in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek K. Kashyap
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; (V.K.K.); (G.P.-D.); (A.D.); (M.J.)
- South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
| | - Godwin Peasah-Darkwah
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; (V.K.K.); (G.P.-D.); (A.D.); (M.J.)
- South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
| | - Anupam Dhasmana
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; (V.K.K.); (G.P.-D.); (A.D.); (M.J.)
- South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
| | - Meena Jaggi
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; (V.K.K.); (G.P.-D.); (A.D.); (M.J.)
- South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
| | - Murali M. Yallapu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; (V.K.K.); (G.P.-D.); (A.D.); (M.J.)
- South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
- Correspondence: (M.M.Y.); (S.C.C.); Tel.: +1-956-296-1734 (M.M.Y.); +1-956-296-5000 (S.C.C.)
| | - Subhash C. Chauhan
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; (V.K.K.); (G.P.-D.); (A.D.); (M.J.)
- South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
- Correspondence: (M.M.Y.); (S.C.C.); Tel.: +1-956-296-1734 (M.M.Y.); +1-956-296-5000 (S.C.C.)
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A Low Dose Combination of Withaferin A and Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Possesses Anti-Metastatic Potential In Vitro: Molecular Targets and Mechanisms. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030787. [PMID: 35159054 PMCID: PMC8834371 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer therapy suffers from its high cost and high rate of adverse effects and relapse of the disease. Hence, the new (preferably natural), economic and safer therapeutic as well preventive measures have been on demand and have been subject of priority research. We have, earlier, demonstrated anticancer activity in the extracts of Ashwagandha leaves and propolis. A combination of Wi-A (an active anticancer ingredient in Ashwagandha extract) and CAPE (an active anticancer ingredient in propolis) was earlier shown to offer higher and cancer cell-selective cytotoxicity. In the present study, we report an anti-metastasis activity in the low dose combination of Wi-A and CAPE along with its mechanism of action and propose its use in cancer metastasis treatment. Abstract Withaferin A (Wi-A) and Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) are the bioactive ingredients of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and propolis, respectively. Both of these natural compounds have been shown to possess anticancer activity. In the present study, we recruited a low dose of each of these compounds and developed a combination that exhibited remarkably potent anti-migratory and anti-angiogenic activities. Extensive molecular analyses including a cDNA array and expression analyses of the specific gene targets demonstrated that such activities are mediated through their effect on cell adhesion/tight junction proteins (Claudins, E-cadherin), inhibition of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways and the consequent downregulation of EMT-signaling proteins (Vimentin, MMPs, VEGF and VEGFR) that play a critical role in cancer metastasis. The data supported that this novel combination of Wi-A and CAPE (Wi-ACAPE, containing 0.5 µM of Wi-A and 10 µM of CAPE) may be recruited for the treatment of metastatic and aggressive cancers and, hence, warrant further evaluation by recruiting a variety of experimental and clinical metastatic models.
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Sultana T, Okla MK, Ahmed M, Akhtar N, Al-Hashimi A, Abdelgawad H, Haq IU. Withaferin A: From Ancient Remedy to Potential Drug Candidate. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26247696. [PMID: 34946778 PMCID: PMC8705790 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26247696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Withaferin A (WA) is a pivotal withanolide that has conquered a conspicuous place in research, owning to its multidimensional biological properties. It is an abundant constituent in Withania somnifera Dunal. (Ashwagandha, WS) that is one of the prehistoric pivotal remedies in Ayurveda. This article reviews the literature about the pharmacological profile of WA with special emphasis on its anticancer aspect. We reviewed research publications concerning WA through four databases and provided a descriptive analysis of literature without statistical or qualitative analysis. WA has been found as an effective remedy with multifaceted mechanisms and a broad spectrum of pharmacological profiles. It has anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiherpetic, antifibrotic, antiplatelet, profibrinolytic, immunosuppressive, antipigmentation, antileishmanial, and healing potentials. Evidence for wide pharmacological actions of WA has been established by both in vivo and in vitro studies. Further, the scientific literature accentuates the role of WA harboring a variable therapeutic spectrum for integrative cancer chemoprevention and cure. WA is a modern drug from traditional medicine that is necessary to be advanced to clinical trials for advocating its utility as a commercial drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahira Sultana
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan;
| | - Mohammad K. Okla
- Botany and Microbiology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (M.K.O.); (A.A.-H.)
| | - Madiha Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan;
- Shifa College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (M.A.); (I.-u.-H.)
| | - Nosheen Akhtar
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi 43600, Pakistan;
| | - Abdulrahman Al-Hashimi
- Botany and Microbiology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (M.K.O.); (A.A.-H.)
| | - Hamada Abdelgawad
- Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium;
| | - Ihsan-ul- Haq
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan;
- Correspondence: (M.A.); (I.-u.-H.)
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Logie E, Novo CP, Driesen A, Van Vlierberghe P, Vanden Berghe W. Phosphocatalytic Kinome Activity Profiling of Apoptotic and Ferroptotic Agents in Multiple Myeloma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312731. [PMID: 34884535 PMCID: PMC8657914 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Through phosphorylation of their substrate proteins, protein kinases are crucial for transducing cellular signals and orchestrating biological processes, including cell death and survival. Recent studies have revealed that kinases are involved in ferroptosis, an iron-dependent mode of cell death associated with toxic lipid peroxidation. Given that ferroptosis is being explored as an alternative strategy to eliminate apoptosis-resistant tumor cells, further characterization of ferroptosis-dependent kinase changes might aid in identifying novel druggable targets for protein kinase inhibitors in the context of cancer treatment. To this end, we performed a phosphopeptidome based kinase activity profiling of glucocorticoid-resistant multiple myeloma cells treated with either the apoptosis inducer staurosporine (STS) or ferroptosis inducer RSL3 and compared their kinome activity signatures. Our data demonstrate that both cell death mechanisms inhibit the activity of kinases classified into the CMGC and AGC families, with STS showing a broader spectrum of serine/threonine kinase inhibition. In contrast, RSL3 targets a significant number of tyrosine kinases, including key players of the B-cell receptor signaling pathway. Remarkably, additional kinase profiling of the anti-cancer agent withaferin A revealed considerable overlap with ferroptosis and apoptosis kinome activity, explaining why withaferin A can induce mixed ferroptotic and apoptotic cell death features. Altogether, we show that apoptotic and ferroptotic cell death induce different kinase signaling changes and that kinome profiling might become a valid approach to identify cell death chemosensitization modalities of novel anti-cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Logie
- Laboratory of Protein Science, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES) and Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Campus Drie Eiken, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (E.L.); (C.P.N.); (A.D.)
| | - Claudina Perez Novo
- Laboratory of Protein Science, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES) and Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Campus Drie Eiken, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (E.L.); (C.P.N.); (A.D.)
| | - Amber Driesen
- Laboratory of Protein Science, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES) and Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Campus Drie Eiken, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (E.L.); (C.P.N.); (A.D.)
| | | | - Wim Vanden Berghe
- Laboratory of Protein Science, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES) and Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Campus Drie Eiken, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (E.L.); (C.P.N.); (A.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-32-65-26-57
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12
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Phytochemicals in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Treatment-Review on the Current Trends of Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158279. [PMID: 34361048 PMCID: PMC8348618 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare but highly aggressive tumor of pleura arising in response to asbestos fibers exposure. MPM is frequently diagnosed in the advanced stage of the disease and causes poor prognostic outcomes. From the clinical perspective, MPM is resistant to conventional treatment, thus challenging the therapeutic options. There is still demand for improvement and sensitization of MPM cells to therapy in light of intensive clinical studies on chemotherapeutic drugs, including immuno-modulatory and targeted therapies. One way is looking for natural sources, whole plants, and extracts whose ingredients, especially polyphenols, have potential anticancer properties. This comprehensive review summarizes the current studies on natural compounds and plant extracts in developing new treatment strategies for MPM.
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Haque A, Brazeau D, Amin AR. Perspectives on natural compounds in chemoprevention and treatment of cancer: an update with new promising compounds. Eur J Cancer 2021; 149:165-183. [PMID: 33865202 PMCID: PMC8113151 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is the second deadliest disease worldwide. Although recent advances applying precision treatments with targeted (molecular and immune) agents are promising, the histological and molecular heterogeneity of cancer cells and huge mutational burdens (intrinsic or acquired after therapy) leading to drug resistance and treatment failure are posing continuous challenges. These recent advances do not negate the need for alternative approaches such as chemoprevention, the pharmacological approach to reverse, suppress or prevent the initial phases of carcinogenesis or the progression of premalignant cells to invasive disease by using non-toxic agents. Although data are limited, the success of several clinical trials in preventing cancer in high-risk populations suggests that chemoprevention is a rational, appealing and viable strategy to prevent carcinogenesis. Particularly among higher-risk groups, the use of safe, non-toxic agents is the utmost consideration because these individuals have not yet developed invasive disease. Natural dietary compounds present in fruits, vegetables and spices are especially attractive for chemoprevention and treatment because of their easy availability, high margin of safety, relatively low cost and widespread human consumption. Hundreds of such compounds have been widely investigated for chemoprevention and treatment in the last few decades. Previously, we reviewed the most widely studied natural compounds and their molecular mechanisms, which were highly exploited by the cancer research community. In the time since our initial review, many promising new compounds have been identified. In this review, we critically review these promising new natural compounds, their molecular targets and mechanisms of anticancer activity that may create novel opportunities for further design and conduct of preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abedul Haque
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Daniel Brazeau
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Administration and Research, School of Pharmacy, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, 25701, USA
| | - Arm R Amin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, School of Pharmacy, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, 25701, USA.
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Singh N, Yadav SS, Rao AS, Nandal A, Kumar S, Ganaie SA, Narasihman B. Review on anticancerous therapeutic potential of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 270:113704. [PMID: 33359918 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, is an important medicinal herb belonging to family Solanaceae. It is widely used in folkloric and Ayurvedic medicines since antiquity. Traditionally, the plant is highly practiced throughout the globe as immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, anti-parkinson, anti-alzheimer, cardio protective, neural and physical health enhancer, neurodefensive, anti-diabetic, aphrodisiac, memory boosting etc. The plant is also effective in combating various types of cancer and other related problems of colon, mammary, lung, prostate, skin, blood, liver and kidney. AIM OF THIS REVIEW The present review represents the critical assessment of the literature available on the anticancerous role of W. somnifera. The present study throws light on its diverse chemical compounds and the possible mechanisms of action involved. This review also suggests further research strategies to harness the therapeutic potential of this plant. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present review is the outcome of a systematic search of scientific literature about 'Withania somnifera and its role in cancer prevention'. The scientific databases viz. Google Scholar, Science Direct, Pubmed and Web of Science were searched from 2001 to 2019. Textbooks, magazines and newspapers were also consulted. This review summarizes all the published literature about its therapeutic potential for the treatment of different types of cancers. RESULTS W. somnifera has been widely used in traditional and ayurvedic medicines for treatment of numerous problems related to health and vitality. The plant is a reservoir of diverse phytoconstituents like alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, phenolics, nitrogen containing compounds and trace elements. Withanolides are the major alkaloids which renders its anticancer potential due to its highly oxygenated nature. The plant is highly effective in combating various types of cancers viz. colon, mammary, lung, prostate, skin, blood, liver and kidney. Previous studies depict that this plant is more effective against breast cancer followed by colon, lung, prostate and blood cancer. Furthermore, from different clinical studies it has been observed that the active constituents of the plant like withaferin-A, withanolide-D have least toxic effects. CONCLUSION The present review confirms the various medicinal values of W. somnifera without any significant side effects. Withaferin-A (WA) and Withanolides are its most promising anticancer compounds that play a major role in apoptosis induction. Keeping in mind the anticancerous potential of this plant, it is suggested that this plant may further be investigated and more clinical studies can be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neetu Singh
- Department of Botany, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, 124 001, India
| | - S S Yadav
- Department of Botany, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, 124 001, India.
| | - Amrender Singh Rao
- Department of Botany, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, 124 001, India
| | - Abhishek Nandal
- Department of Botany, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, 124 001, India
| | - Sanjiv Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ch. Bansi Lal University, Bhiwani, Haryana, India
| | - S A Ganaie
- Department of Botany, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, 124 001, India
| | - B Narasihman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, 124 001, India
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Yang ZR, Chen ZG, Ji ZH, Lin YL, Zhang J, Ma R, Li Z, Jiang X, Chen Q, Du XM, Li Y. Establishment and histopathological study of patient-derived xenograft models and primary cell lines of epithelioid malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Exp Anim 2021; 70:225-235. [PMID: 33473097 PMCID: PMC8150237 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.20-0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare malignancy with few experimental models. This study used the human surgical specimen to establish MPM
patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models and primary cell lines to provide a study platform for MPM in vitro and in vivo, and
conducted histopathological analysis. Our study used the experimental peritoneal cancer index (ePCI) score to evaluate gross pathology, and the results showed
that the ePCI score of the female and male nude mice were 8.80 ± 1.75 and 9.20 ± 1.81 (P=0.6219), respectively. The Hematoxylin and eosin (HE)
staining of animal models showed that the tumor was epithelioid mesothelioma and invaded multiple organs. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining showed that
Calretinin, Cytokeratin 5/6, WT-1 and Ki-67 were all positive. The Swiss-Giemsa and Immunofluorescence (IF) staining of primary cell lines were also consistent
with the pathological characteristics of mesothelioma. We also performed the whole-exome sequencing (WES) to identify the mutant genes between models and the
patient. And the results showed that 21 mutant genes were shared between the two groups, and the genes related to tumorigenesis and development including
BAP1, NF2, MTBP, NECTIN2, CDC23, LRPPRC,
TRIM25, and DHRS2. In conclusion, the PDX models and primary cell lines of MPM were successfully established with the
epithelioid mesothelioma identity confirmed by histopathological evidence. Moreover, our study has also illustrated the shared genomic profile between models
and the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Ran Yang
- Department of Peritoneal Cancer Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 10 Tieyi Road, Yangfangdian Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Zhi-Gao Chen
- Thorgene Co., Ltd., Yizhuang Biomedical Park, Daxing District, Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Zhong-He Ji
- Department of Peritoneal Cancer Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 10 Tieyi Road, Yangfangdian Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Yu-Lin Lin
- Department of Peritoneal Cancer Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 10 Tieyi Road, Yangfangdian Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Jue Zhang
- Department of Peritoneal Cancer Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 10 Tieyi Road, Yangfangdian Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Ru Ma
- Department of Peritoneal Cancer Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 10 Tieyi Road, Yangfangdian Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Zhao Li
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Capital Medical University, No. 10 Tieyi Road, Yangfangdian Street, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Capital Medical University, No. 10 Tieyi Road, Yangfangdian Street, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Thorgene Co., Ltd., Yizhuang Biomedical Park, Daxing District, Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Mei Du
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Capital Medical University, No. 10 Tieyi Road, Yangfangdian Street, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Peritoneal Cancer Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 10 Tieyi Road, Yangfangdian Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100038, China.,Department of Pathology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Capital Medical University, No. 10 Tieyi Road, Yangfangdian Street, Haidian District, Beijing, China
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16
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Johnson GS, Rajendran P, Dashwood RH. CCAR1 and CCAR2 as gene chameleons with antagonistic duality: Preclinical, human translational, and mechanistic basis. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:3416-3425. [PMID: 33403784 PMCID: PMC7540973 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell Cycle and Apoptosis Regulator 1 (CCAR1) and Cell Cycle and Apoptosis Regulator 2 (CCAR2) have emerged as key players in physiology and pathophysiology, with critical roles in the DNA damage response, nuclear receptor function, and Wnt signaling, among other activities. Contradictory reports exist on the functional duality of CCAR1 and CCAR2 as either tumor promoters or suppressors, suggesting that CCAR1 and CCAR2 have the hallmarks of gene chameleons. We review herein the mechanistic, preclinical, and human translational findings for CCAR1 and CCAR2, based on available RNA and protein expression data from human studies, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data mining, gene knockout mouse models, and cell-based assays. Multiple factors contribute to the divergent activities of CCAR1 and CCAR2, including tissue type, mutation/genetic background, protein-protein interactions, dynamic regulation via posttranslational modifications, and alternative RNA splicing. An array of protein partners interact with CCAR1 and CCAR2 in the context of tumor promotion and suppression, including β-catenin, androgen receptor, p21Cip1/Waf1, tumor protein p53 (p53), sirtuin 1, and histone deacetylase 3. Genetic changes frequently found in cancer, such as TP53 mutation, also serve as critical determinants of survival outcomes in cancer patients. This review seeks to provide the impetus for further investigation into CCAR1 and CCAR2 as potential master regulators of metabolism, aging, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin S. Johnson
- Center for Epigenetics & Disease PreventionTexas A&M Health Science CenterHoustonTXUSA
| | - Praveen Rajendran
- Center for Epigenetics & Disease PreventionTexas A&M Health Science CenterHoustonTXUSA
| | - Roderick H. Dashwood
- Center for Epigenetics & Disease PreventionTexas A&M Health Science CenterHoustonTXUSA
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Texas A&M College of MedicineTexas A&M UniversityHouston CampusTXUSA
- Department of Clinical Cancer PreventionThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTXUSA
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17
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Shah HS, Usman F, Ashfaq–Khan M, Khalil R, Ul-Haq Z, Mushtaq A, Qaiser R, Iqbal J. Preparation and characterization of anticancer niosomal withaferin–A formulation for improved delivery to cancer cells: In vitro, in vivo, and in silico evaluation. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2020.101863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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18
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Mehta V, Chander H, Munshi A. Mechanisms of Anti-Tumor Activity of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha). Nutr Cancer 2020; 73:914-926. [PMID: 33949906 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2020.1778746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Increasing herbal formulations have been used to treat several diseases including cancer. W. somnifera (Ashwagandha) is one such plant the extracts of which have been tested against a number of ailments including cancer, which remains as one of the most dreadful diseases on the globe. The ever-increasing number of cancer related mortality demands the development of novel chemopreventive agents with minimum side effects. Different compounds isolated from various parts of the plant like root, stem, and leaves have been reported to display significant anti-cancerous and immunomodulating properties and thus can be used alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic drugs for cancer treatment. Through this review, we highlight the importance of W. somnifera in countering the potential oncogenic signaling mediators that are modulated by active constituents of W. somnifera in a variety of cancer types. Further, we hope that active constituents of W. somnifera will be tested in clinical trials so that they can be used as an important adjuvant in the near future for the effective treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikrant Mehta
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Harish Chander
- National Institute of Biologicals, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anjana Munshi
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
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Abstract
Covering: up to 2020The transcription factor NRF2 is one of the body's major defense mechanisms, driving transcription of >300 antioxidant response element (ARE)-regulated genes that are involved in many critical cellular processes including redox regulation, proteostasis, xenobiotic detoxification, and primary metabolism. The transcription factor NRF2 and natural products have an intimately entwined history, as the discovery of NRF2 and much of its rich biology were revealed using natural products both intentionally and unintentionally. In addition, in the last decade a more sinister aspect of NRF2 biology has been revealed. NRF2 is normally present at very low cellular levels and only activated when needed, however, it has been recently revealed that chronic, high levels of NRF2 can lead to diseases such as diabetes and cancer, and may play a role in other diseases. Again, this "dark side" of NRF2 was revealed and studied largely using a natural product, the quassinoid, brusatol. In the present review, we provide an overview of NRF2 structure and function to orient the general reader, we will discuss the history of NRF2 and NRF2-activating compounds and the biology these have revealed, and we will delve into the dark side of NRF2 and contemporary issues related to the dark side biology and the role of natural products in dissecting this biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna D Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
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20
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Hassannia B, Logie E, Vandenabeele P, Vanden Berghe T, Vanden Berghe W. Withaferin A: From ayurvedic folk medicine to preclinical anti-cancer drug. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 173:113602. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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21
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Therapeutic targeting of angiogenesis molecular pathways in angiogenesis-dependent diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 110:775-785. [PMID: 30554116 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a critical step in the progression of almost all human malignancies and some other life-threatening diseases. Anti-angiogenic therapy is a novel and effective approach for treatment of angiogenesis-dependent diseases such as cancer, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. In this article, we will review the main strategies developed for anti-angiogenic therapies beside their clinical applications, the major challenges, and the latest advances in the development of anti-angiogenesis-based targeted therapies.
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22
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Mishra R, Upadhyay A, Prajapati VK, Mishra A. Proteasome-mediated proteostasis: Novel medicinal and pharmacological strategies for diseases. Med Res Rev 2018; 38:1916-1973. [DOI: 10.1002/med.21502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ribhav Mishra
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit; Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur; Rajasthan India
| | - Arun Upadhyay
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit; Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur; Rajasthan India
| | - Vijay Kumar Prajapati
- Department of Biochemistry; School of Life Sciences; Central University of Rajasthan; Rajasthan India
| | - Amit Mishra
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit; Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur; Rajasthan India
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23
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Chaudhary A, Kalra RS, Huang C, Prakash J, Kaul SC, Wadhwa R. 2,3-Dihydro-3β-methoxy Withaferin-A Protects Normal Cells against Stress: Molecular Evidence of Its Potent Cytoprotective Activity. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2017; 80:2756-2760. [PMID: 29043807 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.7b00573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
2,3-Dihydro-3β-methoxy withaferin-A (3βmWi-A) is a natural withanolide that is structurally close to withaferin-A (Wi-A), is cytotoxic to human cancer cells, and is a candidate anticancer natural compound. Using cell-based biochemical, molecular, and imaging assays, we report that Wi-A and 3βmWi-A possess contrasting activities. Whereas Wi-A caused oxidative stress to normal cells, 3βmWi-A was well tolerated at even 10-fold higher concentrations. Furthermore, it promoted survival and protected normal cells against oxidative, UV radiation, and chemical stresses. We provide molecular evidence that 3βmWi-A induces antistress and pro-survival signaling through activation of the pAkt/MAPK pathway. We demonstrate that 3βmWi-A (i) contrary to Wi-A is safe and possesses stress-relieving activity, (ii) when given subsequent to a variety of stress factors including Wi-A, protects normal cells against their toxicity, and (iii) is a vital compound that may guard normal cells against the toxicity associated with various targeted therapeutic regimes in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupama Chaudhary
- DAILAB, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST) , Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan
| | - Rajkumar S Kalra
- DAILAB, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST) , Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan
| | - Chuang Huang
- DAILAB, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST) , Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan
| | - Jay Prakash
- DAILAB, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST) , Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan
| | - Sunil C Kaul
- DAILAB, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST) , Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan
| | - Renu Wadhwa
- DAILAB, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST) , Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan
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Natural Withanolides in the Treatment of Chronic Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 928:329-373. [PMID: 27671823 PMCID: PMC7121644 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-41334-1_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Withanolides, and in particular extracts from Withania somnifera, have been used for over 3,000 years in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani Indian medical systems as well as within several other Asian countries. Traditionally, the extracts were ascribed a wide range of pharmacologic properties with corresponding medical uses, including adaptogenic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, sedative/anxiolytic, cytotoxic, antitussive, and immunomodulatory. Since the discovery of the archetype withaferin A in 1965, approximately 900 of these naturally occurring, polyoxygenated steroidal lactones with 28-carbon ergostane skeletons have been discovered across 24 diverse structural types. Subsequently, extensive pharmacologic research has identified multiple mechanisms of action across key inflammatory pathways. In this chapter we identify and describe the major withanolides with anti-inflammatory properties, illustrate their role within essential and supportive inflammatory pathways (including NF-κB, JAK/STAT, AP-1, PPARγ, Hsp90 Nrf2, and HIF-1), and then discuss the clinical application of these withanolides in inflammation-mediated chronic diseases (including arthritis, autoimmune, cancer, neurodegenerative, and neurobehavioral). These naturally derived compounds exhibit remarkable biologic activity across these complex disease processes, while showing minimal adverse effects. As novel compounds and analogs continue to be discovered, characterized, and clinically evaluated, the interest in withanolides as a novel therapeutic only continues to grow.
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Abstract
The Notch1 gene is a major oncogenic driver and therapeutic target in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). However, inhibition of NOTCH signaling with γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) has shown limited antileukemic activity in clinical trials. Here we performed an expression-based virtual screening to identify highly active antileukemic drugs that synergize with NOTCH1 inhibition in T-ALL. Among these, withaferin A demonstrated the strongest cytotoxic and GSI-synergistic antileukemic effects in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, network perturbation analyses showed eIF2A-phosphorylation-mediated inhibition of protein translation as a critical mediator of the antileukemic effects of withaferin A and its interaction with NOTCH1 inhibition. Overall, these results support a role for anti-NOTCH1 therapies and protein translation inhibitor combinations in the treatment of T-ALL.
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26
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Molecular insights into cancer therapeutic effects of the dietary medicinal phytochemical withaferin A. Proc Nutr Soc 2017; 76:96-105. [PMID: 28162105 DOI: 10.1017/s0029665116002937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Despite the worldwide research efforts to combat cancer, it remains a leading cause of death. Although various specific kinase inhibitors already have been approved for clinical cancer treatment, occurrence of intrinsic or acquired resistance and intermittent response over longer periods limits long-term success of single kinase-targeted therapies. In this respect, there is a renewed interest in polypharmaceutical natural compounds, which simultaneously target various hyperactivated kinases involved in tumour-inflammation, angiogenesis, cell survival, proliferation, metastasis and angiogenesis. The dietary medicinal phytochemical withaferin A (WA), isolated from Withaferin somnifera (popular Indian name Ashwagandha), holds promise as a novel anti-cancer agent, which targets multiple cell survival kinase pathways, including IκB kinase/NF-κB, PI3 kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase amongst others. In this review, we propose a novel mechanism of WA-dependent kinase inhibition via electrophilic covalent targeting of cysteine residues in conserved kinase activation domains (kinase cysteinome), which could underlie its pleiotropic therapeutic effects in cancer signalling.
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Lee IC, Choi BY. Withaferin-A--A Natural Anticancer Agent with Pleitropic Mechanisms of Action. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:290. [PMID: 26959007 PMCID: PMC4813154 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17030290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer, being the second leading cause of mortality, exists as a formidable health challenge. In spite of our enormous efforts, the emerging complexities in the molecular nature of disease progression limit the real success in finding an effective cancer cure. It is now conceivable that cancer is, in fact, a progressive illness, and the morbidity and mortality from cancer can be reduced by interfering with various oncogenic signaling pathways. A wide variety of structurally diverse classes of bioactive phytochemicals have been shown to exert anticancer effects in a large number of preclinical studies. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that withaferin-A can prevent the development of cancers of various histotypes. Accumulating data from different rodent models and cell culture experiments have revealed that withaferin-A suppresses experimentally induced carcinogenesis, largely by virtue of its potent anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing properties. Moreover, withaferin-A sensitizes resistant cancer cells to existing chemotherapeutic agents. The purpose of this review is to highlight the mechanistic aspects underlying anticancer effects of withaferin-A.
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Affiliation(s)
- In-Chul Lee
- Department of Cosmetic science, Seowon University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-742, Korea.
| | - Bu Young Choi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science & Engineering, Seowon University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-742, Korea.
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Palliyaguru DL, Singh SV, Kensler TW. Withania somnifera: From prevention to treatment of cancer. Mol Nutr Food Res 2016; 60:1342-53. [PMID: 26718910 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201500756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The identification of bioactive molecules that have potential to interrupt carcinogenesis continues to garner research interest. In particular, molecules that have dietary origin are most attractive because of their safety, cost-effectiveness and feasibility of oral administration. Nutraceuticals have played an important role in the overall well-being of humans for many years, with or without rigorous evidence backing their health claims. Traditional medicine systems around the world have utilized plants that have medicinal properties for millennia, providing an opportunity for modern day researchers to assess their efficacies against ailments such as cancer. Withania somnifera (WS) is a plant that has been used in Ayurveda (an ancient form of medicine in Asia) and in the recent past, has been demonstrated to have anti-tumorigenic properties in experimental models. While scientific research performed on WS has exploded in the past decade, much regarding the mode of action and molecular targets involved remains unknown. In this review, we discuss the traditional uses of the plant, the experimental evidence supporting its chemopreventive potential as well as roadblocks that need to be overcome in order for WS to be evaluated as a chemopreventive agent in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dushani L Palliyaguru
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shivendra V Singh
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Thomas W Kensler
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Pietrofesa RA, Velalopoulou A, Arguiri E, Menges CW, Testa JR, Hwang WT, Albelda SM, Christofidou-Solomidou M. Flaxseed lignans enriched in secoisolariciresinol diglucoside prevent acute asbestos-induced peritoneal inflammation in mice. Carcinogenesis 2015; 37:177-87. [PMID: 26678224 PMCID: PMC4745643 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgv174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Following acute exposure to crocidolite asbestos fibers, flaxseed lignans, enriched in secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), significantly reduced peritoneal inflammation, proinflammatory/profibrogenic cytokine release and oxidative/nitrosative stress in mice. Our findings support the potential role of SDG, which is safe and well-tolerated, in the chemoprevention of malignant mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma (MM), linked to asbestos exposure, is a highly lethal form of thoracic cancer with a long latency period, high mortality and poor treatment options. Chronic inflammation and oxidative tissue damage caused by asbestos fibers are linked to MM development. Flaxseed lignans, enriched in secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cancer chemopreventive properties. As a prelude to chronic chemoprevention studies for MM development, we tested the ability of flaxseed lignan component (FLC) to prevent acute asbestos-induced inflammation in MM-prone Nf2+/mu mice. Mice (n = 16–17 per group) were placed on control (CTL) or FLC-supplemented diets initiated 7 days prior to a single intraperitoneal bolus of 400 µg of crocidolite asbestos. Three days post asbestos exposure, mice were evaluated for abdominal inflammation, proinflammatory/profibrogenic cytokine release, WBC gene expression changes and oxidative and nitrosative stress in peritoneal lavage fluid (PLF). Asbestos-exposed mice fed CTL diet developed acute inflammation, with significant (P < 0.0001) elevations in WBCs and proinflammatory/profibrogenic cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNFα, HMGB1 and active TGFß1) relative to baseline (BL) levels. Alternatively, asbestos-exposed FLC-fed mice had a significant (P < 0.0001) decrease in PLF WBCs and proinflammatory/profibrogenic cytokine levels relative to CTL-fed mice. Importantly, PLF WBC gene expression of cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNFα, HMGB1 and TGFß1) and cytokine receptors (TNFαR1 and TGFßR1) were also downregulated by FLC. FLC also significantly (P < 0.0001) blunted asbestos-induced nitrosative and oxidative stress. FLC reduces acute asbestos-induced peritoneal inflammation, nitrosative and oxidative stress and may thus prove to be a promising agent in the chemoprevention of MM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Craig W Menges
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA and
| | - Joseph R Testa
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA and
| | - Wei-Ting Hwang
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Grunz-Borgmann E, Mossine V, Fritsche K, Parrish AR. Ashwagandha attenuates TNF-α- and LPS-induced NF-κB activation and CCL2 and CCL5 gene expression in NRK-52E cells. Altern Ther Health Med 2015; 15:434. [PMID: 26667305 PMCID: PMC4678649 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-015-0958-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background The aging kidney is marked by a chronic inflammation, which may exacerbate the progression of renal dysfunction, as well as increase the susceptibility to acute injury. The identification of strategies to alleviate inflammation may have translational impact to attenuate kidney disease. Methods We tested the potential of ashwaganda, sutherlandia and elderberry on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced chemokine (CCL2 and CCL5) expression in vitro. Results Elderberry water-soluble extract (WSE) was pro-inflammatory, while sutherlandia WSE only partially attenuated the TNF-α-induced changes in CCL5. However, ashwaganda WSE completely prevented TNF-α-induced increases in CCL5, while attenuating the increase in CCL2 expression and NF-κB activation. The same pattern of ashwagandha protection was seen using LPS as the pro-inflammatory stimuli. Conclusions Taken together, these results demonstrate the ashwaganda WSE as a valid candidate for evaluation of therapeutic potential for the treatment of chronic renal dysfunction.
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Dar NJ, Hamid A, Ahmad M. Pharmacologic overview of Withania somnifera, the Indian Ginseng. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:4445-60. [PMID: 26306935 PMCID: PMC11113996 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-2012-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Withania somnifera, also called 'Indian ginseng', is an important medicinal plant of the Indian subcontinent. It is widely used, singly or in combination, with other herbs against many ailments in Indian Systems of Medicine since time immemorial. Withania somnifera contains a spectrum of diverse phytochemicals enabling it to have a broad range of biological implications. In preclinical studies, it has shown anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and anti-diabetic properties. Additionally, it has demonstrated the ability to reduce reactive oxygen species, modulate mitochondrial function, regulate apoptosis, and reduce inflammation and enhance endothelial function. In view of these pharmacologic properties, W. somnifera is a potential drug candidate to treat various clinical conditions, particularly related to the nervous system. In this review, we summarize the pharmacologic characteristics and discuss the mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic applications of the plant and its active constituents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawab John Dar
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine-CSIR, Sanat Nagar, Srinagar, 190005, India
- Cancer Pharmacology Division, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine-CSIR, Canal Road, Jammu, 180001, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine-CSIR, Canal Road, Jammu, 180001, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Abid Hamid
- Cancer Pharmacology Division, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine-CSIR, Canal Road, Jammu, 180001, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine-CSIR, Canal Road, Jammu, 180001, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Muzamil Ahmad
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine-CSIR, Sanat Nagar, Srinagar, 190005, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine-CSIR, Canal Road, Jammu, 180001, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
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Abstract
Plant-based Ayurvedic medicine has been practiced in India for thousands of years for the treatment of a variety of disorders. They are rich sources of bioactive compounds potentially useful for prevention and treatment of cancer. Withania somnifera (commonly known as Ashwagandha in Ayurvedic medicine) is a widely used medicinal plant whose anticancer value was recognized after isolation of steroidal compounds withanolides from the leaves of this shrub. Withaferin A is the first member of withanolides to be isolated, and it is the most abundant withanolide present in W. somnifera. Its cancer-protective role has now been established using chemically induced and oncogene-driven rodent cancer models. The present review summarizes the key preclinical studies demonstrating anticancer effects of withaferin along with its molecular targets and mechanisms related to its anticancer effects. Anticancer potential of other withanolides is also discussed.
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Chemistry of withaferin-A: chemo, regio, and stereoselective synthesis of novel spiro-pyrrolizidino-oxindole adducts of withaferin-A via one-pot three-component [3+2] azomethine ylide cycloaddition and their cytotoxicity evaluation. Mol Divers 2015; 19:251-61. [DOI: 10.1007/s11030-015-9574-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Kumar V, Dey A, Hadimani MB, Marcovic T, Emerald M. Chemistry and pharmacology of withania somnifera: An update. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.5667/tang.2014.0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Yco LP, Mocz G, Opoku-Ansah J, Bachmann AS. Withaferin A Inhibits STAT3 and Induces Tumor Cell Death in Neuroblastoma and Multiple Myeloma. BIOCHEMISTRY INSIGHTS 2014; 7:1-13. [PMID: 25452693 PMCID: PMC4226392 DOI: 10.4137/bci.s18863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is an oncogenic transcription factor that has been implicated in many human cancers and has emerged as an ideal target for cancer therapy. Withaferin A (WFA) is a natural product with promising antiproliferative properties through its association with a number of molecular targets including STAT3. However, the effect of WFA in pediatric neuroblastoma (NB) and its interaction with STAT3 have not been reported. In this study, we found that WFA effectively induces dose-dependent cell death in high-risk and drug-resistant NB as well as multiple myeloma (MM) tumor cells, prevented interleukin-6 (IL-6)–mediated and persistently activated STAT3 phosphorylation at Y705, and blocked the transcriptional activity of STAT3. We further provide computational models that show that WFA binds STAT3 near the Y705 phospho-tyrosine residue of the STAT3 Src homology 2 (SH2) domain, suggesting that WFA prevents STAT3 dimer formation similar to BP-1-102, a well-established STAT3 inhibitor. Our findings propose that the antitumor activity of WFA is mediated at least in part through inhibition of STAT3 and provide a rationale for further drug development and clinical use in NB and MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisette P Yco
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, USA. ; Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Gabor Mocz
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - John Opoku-Ansah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, USA
| | - André S Bachmann
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, USA. ; Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. ; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. ; Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, USA
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Withaferin A disrupts ubiquitin-based NEMO reorganization induced by canonical NF-κB signaling. Exp Cell Res 2014; 331:58-72. [PMID: 25304104 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2014.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The NF-κB family of transcription factors regulates numerous cellular processes, including cell proliferation and survival responses. The constitutive activation of NF-κB has also emerged as an important oncogenic driver in many malignancies, such as activated B-cell like diffuse large B cell lymphoma, among others. In this study, we investigated the impact and mechanisms of action of Withaferin A, a naturally produced steroidal lactone, against both signal-inducible as well as constitutive NF-κB activities. We found that Withaferin A is a robust inhibitor of canonical and constitutive NF-κB activities, leading to apoptosis of certain lymphoma lines. In the canonical pathway induced by TNF, Withaferin A did not disrupt RIP1 polyubiquitination or NEMO-IKKβ interaction and was a poor direct IKKβ inhibitor, but prevented the formation of TNF-induced NEMO foci which colocalized with TNF ligand. While GFP-NEMO efficiently formed TNF-induced foci, a GFP-NEMO(Y308S) mutant that is defective in binding to polyubiquitin chains did not form foci. Our study reveals that Withaferin A is a novel type of IKK inhibitor which acts by disrupting NEMO reorganization into ubiquitin-based signaling structures in vivo.
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Trendowski M. Exploiting the cytoskeletal filaments of neoplastic cells to potentiate a novel therapeutic approach. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2014; 1846:599-616. [PMID: 25286320 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2014.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/21/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although cytoskeletal-directed agents have been a mainstay in chemotherapeutic protocols due to their ability to readily interfere with the rapid mitotic progression of neoplastic cells, they are all microtubule-based drugs, and there has yet to be any microfilament- or intermediate filament-directed agents approved for clinical use. There are many inherent differences between the cytoskeletal networks of malignant and normal cells, providing an ideal target to attain preferential damage. Further, numerous microfilament-directed agents, and an intermediate filament-directed agent of particular interest (withaferin A) have demonstrated in vitro and in vivo efficacy, suggesting that cytoskeletal filaments may be exploited to supplement chemotherapeutic approaches currently used in the clinical setting. Therefore, this review is intended to expose academics and clinicians to the tremendous variety of cytoskeletal filament-directed agents that are currently available for further chemotherapeutic evaluation. The mechanisms by which microfilament directed- and intermediate filament-directed agents damage malignant cells are discussed in detail in order to establish how the drugs can be used in combination with each other, or with currently approved chemotherapeutic agents to generate a substantial synergistic attack, potentially establishing a new paradigm of chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Trendowski
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, 107 College Place, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA.
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Cheriyan VT, Wang Y, Muthu M, Jamal S, Chen D, Yang H, Polin LA, Tarca AL, Pass HI, Dou QP, Sharma S, Wali A, Rishi AK. Disulfiram suppresses growth of the malignant pleural mesothelioma cells in part by inducing apoptosis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e93711. [PMID: 24690739 PMCID: PMC3972204 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0093711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dithiocarbamate compound Disulfiram (DSF) that binds with copper and functions as an inhibitor of aldehyde dehydrogenase is a Food and Drug Administration approved agent for treatment of alcoholism. Copper complexed DSF (DSF-Cu) also possesses anti-tumor and chemosensitizing properties; however, its molecular mechanisms of action remain unclear. Here we investigated malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) suppressive effects of DSF-Cu and the molecular mechanisms involved. DSF-Cu inhibited growth of the murine as well as human MPM cells in part by increasing levels of ubiquitinated proteins. DSF-Cu exposure stimulated apoptosis in MPM cells that involved activation of stress-activated protein kinases (SAPKs) p38 and JNK1/2, caspase-3, and cleavage of poly-(ADP-ribose)-polymerase, as well as increased expression of sulfatase 1 and apoptosis transducing CARP-1/CCAR1 protein. Gene-array based analyses revealed that DSF-Cu suppressed cell growth and metastasis-promoting genes including matrix metallopeptidase 3 and 10. DSF inhibited MPM cell growth and survival by upregulating cell cycle inhibitor p27Kip1, IGFBP7, and inhibitors of NF-κB such as ABIN 1 and 2 and Inhibitory κB (IκB)α and β proteins. DSF-Cu promoted cleavage of vimentin, as well as serine-phosphorylation and lysine-63 linked ubiquitination of podoplanin. Administration of 50 mg/kg DSF-Cu by daily i.p injections inhibited growth of murine MPM cell-derived tumors in vivo. Although podoplanin expression often correlates with metastatic disease and poor prognosis, phosphorylation of serines in cytoplasmic domain of podoplanin has recently been shown to interfere with cellular motility and migration signaling. Post-translational modification of podoplanin and cleavage of vimentin by DSF-Cu underscore a metastasis inhibitory property of this agent and together with our in vivo studies underscore its potential as an anti-MPM agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vino T. Cheriyan
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Ying Wang
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Magesh Muthu
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Shazia Jamal
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Di Chen
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Huanjie Yang
- Department of Life Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Lisa A. Polin
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Adi L. Tarca
- Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Harvey I. Pass
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, New York University Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Q. Ping Dou
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail: (QPD); (AKR)
| | - Sunita Sharma
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Anil Wali
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Arun K. Rishi
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail: (QPD); (AKR)
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Jamal S, Cheriyan VT, Muthu M, Munie S, Levi E, Ashour AE, Pass HI, Wali A, Singh M, Rishi AK. CARP-1 functional mimetics are a novel class of small molecule inhibitors of malignant pleural mesothelioma cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89146. [PMID: 24598827 PMCID: PMC3943785 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an asbestos-related thoracic malignancy that is characterized by late metastases, and resistance to therapeutic modalities. The toxic side-effects of MPM therapies often limit their clinical effectiveness, thus necessitating development of new agents to effectively treat and manage this disease in clinic. CARP-1 functional mimetics (CFMs) are a novel class of compounds that inhibit growth of diverse cancer cell types. Here we investigated MPM cell growth suppression by the CFMs and the molecular mechanisms involved. CFM-1, -4, and -5 inhibited MPM cell growth, in vitro, in part by stimulating apoptosis. Apoptosis by CFM-4 involved activation of pro-apoptotic stress-activated protein kinases (SAPKs) p38 and JNK, elevated CARP-1 expression, cleavage of PARP1, and loss of the oncogene c-myc as well as mitotic cyclin B1. Treatments of MPM cells with CFM-4 resulted in depletion of NF-κB signaling inhibitor ABIN1 and Inhibitory κB (IκB)α and β, while increasing expression of pro-apoptotic death receptor (DR) 4 protein. CFM-4 enhanced expression of serine-phosphorylated podoplanin and cleavage of vimetin. CFMs also attenuated biological properties of the MPM cells by blocking their abilities to migrate, form colonies in suspension, and invade through the matrix-coated membranes. Both podoplanin and vimentin regulate processes of cell motility and invasion, and their expression often correlates with metastatic disease, and poor prognosis. The fact that phosphorylation of serines in the cytoplasmic domain of podoplanin interferes with processes of cellular motility, CFM-4-dependent elevated phosphorylated podoplanin and cleavage of vimentin underscore a metastasis inhibitory property of these compounds, and suggest that CFMs and/or their future analogs have potential as anti-MPM agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shazia Jamal
- John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Vino T. Cheriyan
- John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Magesh Muthu
- John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Sara Munie
- John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Edi Levi
- John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Abdelkader E. Ashour
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Harvey I. Pass
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, New York University Cancer Center, New York, United States of America
| | - Anil Wali
- John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Mandip Singh
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida, United States of America
| | - Arun K. Rishi
- John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Vyas AR, Singh SV. Molecular targets and mechanisms of cancer prevention and treatment by withaferin a, a naturally occurring steroidal lactone. AAPS JOURNAL 2013; 16:1-10. [PMID: 24046237 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-013-9531-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The plants used in Ayurvedic medicine, which has been practiced in India for thousands of years for the treatment of a variety of disorders, are rich in chemicals potentially useful for prevention and treatment of cancer. Withania somnifera (commonly known as Ashwagandha in Ayurvedic medicine) is one such medicinal plant whose anticancer value was realized over four decades ago after isolation of a crystalline steroidal compound (withaferin A) from the leaves of this shrub. The root and leaf extracts of W. somnifera are shown to confer protection against chemically-induced cancers in experimental rodents, and retard tumor xenograft growth in athymic mice. Anticancer effect of W. somnifera is generally attributable to steroidal lactones collectively referred to as withanolides. Withaferin A (WA) appears most active against cancer among structurally divergent withanolides isolated from the root or leaf of W. somnifera. Cancer-protective role for WA has now been established using chemically-induced and oncogene-driven rodent cancer models. This review summarizes the key in vivo preclinical studies demonstrating anticancer effects of WA. Molecular targets and mechanisms likely contributing to the anticancer effects of WA are also discussed. Finally, challenges in clinical development of WA for the prevention and treatment of cancer are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avani R Vyas
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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