Total glucosides of paeony inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced proliferation, migration and invasion in androgen insensitive prostate cancer cells

Influence of Polydatin on the Tumor Microenvironment In Vitro: Studies with a Colon Cancer Cell Model

The tumor microenvironment of colon carcinoma, the site at which tumor cells and the host immune system interact, is influenced by signals from tumor cells, immunocompetent cells, and bacterial components, including LPS. A large amount of LPS is available in the colon, and this could promote inflammation and metastasis by enhancing tumor cell adhesion to the endothelium. Polydatin (PD), the 3-β-D-glucoside of trans-resveratrol, is a polyphenol with anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory effects. This study was designed to explore whether PD is able to produce antiproliferative effects on three colon cancer lines, to reduce the expression of adhesion molecules that are upregulated by LPS on endothelial cells, and to decrease the proinflammatory cytokines released in culture supernatants. Actually, we investigated the effects of PD on tumor growth in a coculture model with human mononuclear cells (MNCs) that mimics, at least in part, an in vitro tumor microenvironment. The results showed that PD alone or in combination with MNC exerts antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects on cancer cells, inhibits the production of the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10 and of the proinflammatory cytokines upregulated by LPS, and reduces E-selectin and VCAM-1 on endothelial cells. These data provide preclinical support to the hypothesis that PD could be of potential benefit as a therapeutic adjuvant in colon cancer treatment and prevention.

Study of Antidepressant-Like Effects of Albiflorin and Paeoniflorin Through Metabolomics From the Perspective of Cancer-Related Depression

Mental health has become a new challenge in cancer treatment, with a high prevalence of depression in patients with cancer. Albiflorin (AF) and paeoniflorinn (PF) are isomers extracted from the root of Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao in Chinese), belonging to the monoterpene glycosides, and multiple studies have been conducted on their antidepression and anti-cancer effects. However, the effects of AF and PF on cancer-related depression are unclear. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate whether the two isomers are able to exert antidepressant-like effects and understand the underlying mechanisms in a rat model, established by combining irradiation with chronic restraint stress and solitary confinement. Our results demonstrate a significant regulation of AF and PF in the pharmacodynamic index, including the peripheral blood, organ index, behavioral traits, and HPA axis, relative to control rats. In serum and cerebral cortex metabonomics analysis, AF and PF showed a significantly restorative trend in abnormal biomarkers and regulating ether lipid metabolism, alanine, aspartate, glutamate metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, carnitine metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism pathway. Eight potential biomarkers were further screened by means of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The data indicate that AF and PF could effectively ameliorate a depression-like state in the model rats, and the mechanism may be associated with the regulation of the neuroendocrine immune system and disrupted metabolic pathways. Further experiments are warranted to comprehensively evaluate the antidepressant effects of AF and PF in cancer-related depression. This study provides a better insight into the action mechanisms of antidepression of TCM, and provides a new perspective for the therapy of cancer-related depression.

Antioxidant and anticancer potentials of edible flowers: where do we stand?

Edible flowers are attracting special therapeutic attention and their administration is on the rise. Edible flowers play pivotal modulatory roles on oxidative stress and related interconnected apoptotic/inflammatory pathways toward the treatment of cancer. In this review, we highlighted the phytochemical content and therapeutic applications of edible flowers, as well as their modulatory potential on the oxidative stress pathways and apoptotic/inflammatory mediators, resulting in anticancer effects. Edible flowers are promising sources of phytochemicals (e.g., phenolic compounds, carotenoids, terpenoids) with several therapeutic effects. They possess anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti-depressant, anxiolytic, anti-obesity, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects. Edible flowers potentially modulate oxidative stress by targeting erythroid nuclear transcription factor-2/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (Nrf2/ERK/MAPK), reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant response elements (AREs). As the interconnected pathways to oxidative stress, inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), interleukins (ILs) as well as apoptotic pathways such as Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), Bcl-2, caspase and cytochrome C are critical targets of edible flowers in combating cancer. In this regard, edible flowers could play promising anticancer effects by targeting oxidative stress and downstream dysregulated pathways.

Genus Paeonia: A comprehensive review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, clinical application, and toxicology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Paeonia, which comprises approximately 52 shrubs or herbaceous perennials around the world, is the only genus of the Paeoniaceae and is pervasively distributed in Asia, southern Europe, and North America. Many species of the genus Paeonia have been used for centuries in ethnomedical medical systems.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The present study aims to summarize the traditional uses, clinical applications, and toxicology of the genus Paeonia, to critically evaluate the state-of-the-art phytochemical and pharmacological studies of this genus published between 2011 and 2020, and to suggest directions for further in-depth research on Paeonia medicinal resources.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Popular and widely used databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were searched using the various search strings; from these searches, a number of citations related to the traditional uses, phytochemistry, biological activities, clinical application, and toxicology of the genus Paeonia were retrieved.

RESULTS

The use of 21 species, 2 subspecies, and 7 varieties of the genus Paeonia as traditional herbal remedies has been reported, and many ethnomedicinal uses, such as the treatment of hematemesis, blood stasis, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, epilepsy, spasms, and gastritis, have been recorded. The roots and root bark are the most frequently reported parts of the plants used in medicinal applications. In phytochemical investigations, 451 compounds have been isolated from Paeonia plants to date, which contains monoterpenoid glucosides, flavonoids, tannins, stilbenes, triterpenoids and steroids, and phenols. Studies of their pharmacological activities have revealed the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumour, antibacterial, antiviral, cardiovascular protective, and neuroprotective properties of the genus Paeonia. In particular, some bioactive extracts and compounds (total glucosides of peony (TGP), paeonol, and paeoniflorin) have been used as therapeutic drugs or tested in clinical trials. In addition to the "incompatibility" of the combined use of "shaoyao" and Veratrum nigrum L. roots in traditional Chinese medicine theory, Paeonia was considered to have no obvious toxicity based on the available toxicological tests.

CONCLUSION

A large number of phytochemical and pharmacological reports have indicated that Paeonia is an important medicinal herb resource, and some of its traditional uses including the treatment of inflammation and cardiovascular diseases and its use as a neuroprotective agent, have been partially confirmed through modern pharmacological studies. Monoterpenoid glucosides are the main active constituents. Although many compounds have been isolated from Paeonia plants, the biological activities of only a few of these compounds (paeoniflorin, paeonol, and TGP) have been extensively investigated. Some paeoniflorin structural analogues and resveratrol oligomers have been preliminarily studied. With the exception of several species (P. suffruticosa, P. ostii, P. lactiflora, and P. emodi) that are commonly used in folk medicine, many medicinal species within the genus do not receive adequate attention. Conducting phytochemical and pharmacological experiments on these species can provide new clues that may lead to the discovery of medicinal resources. It is necessary to identify the effective phytoconstituents of crude extracts of Paeonia that displayed pharmacological activities by bioactivity-guided isolation. In addition, comprehensive plant quality control, and toxicology and pharmacokinetic studies are needed in the future studies.

ROS-mediated genotoxic stress is involved in NaAsO2-induced cell cycle arrest, stemness enhancement and chemoresistance of prostate cancer cells in a p53-independent manner

Several epidemiological studies reported that chronic arsenic exposure increased risk of prostate cancer. This study aimed to investigate whether chronic NaAsO₂ exposure elevates stemness and chemoresistance in prostate cancer cells. DU145 (wild-type p53) and PC-3 (p53-null) cells were exposed to NaAsO₂ (2 μmol/L) for 30 generations. IC50s to docetaxel and cisplatin were increased in NaAsO₂-exposed DU145 and PC-3 cells. The number of tumor spheres was elevated in NaAsO₂-exposed DU145 and PC-3 cells. Nanog, SOX-2 and ALDH1A1, three markers of cancer stemness, were upregulated in NaAsO₂-exposed PC-3 spheres. Moreover, NaAsO₂-exposed DU145 and PC-3 cells were arrested in G2/M phase. Histone H2AX phosphorylation on Ser139, an indicator for DNA double-strand break, was upregulated in NaAsO₂-exposed DU145 and PC-3 cells. ATM phosphorylation on Ser1981, a key sensor of genotoxic stress, was rapidly elevated in NaAsO₂-exposed DU145 cells. Phosphor-p53, a downstream molecule of ATM signaling, and p21, a direct target of p53, were upregulated in NaAsO₂-exposed DU145 cells. Unexpectedly, p21 was also elevated in NaAsO₂-exposed p53-null PC-3 cells. Antioxidant NAC alleviated NaAsO₂-induced ATM phosphorylation, cell cycle arrest, and subsequent stemness enhancement and chemoresistance in both DU145 and PC-3 cells. These results suggest that ROS-mediated genotoxic stress is involved in NaAsO₂-induced cell cycle arrest, stemness enhancement and chemoresistance of prostate cancer cells in a p53-independent manner.

A rice bran phytochemical, cyanidin 3-glucoside, inhibits the progression of PC3 prostate cancer cell

Prostate cancer is one of the high incidences and the most invasive cancer that is also highly resistant to chemotherapy. Currently, several natural products have been considering using as the supplements for anti-cancer therapy. This study aims to identify the potential active anti-cancer ingredients in the bran extracts of the native Thai rice (Luempua cultivar). Rice bran fraction enriched in anthocyanins was successively isolated and processed until the major purified compound obtained. The sub-fractions and the purified, rice bran, cyanidin 3-glucoside (RBC3G), were studied for biological effects (cell viability, migration, and invasion assays) on human prostatic cancer (PC3) cells using immunohistochemical-staining and immuno-blotting approaches. The sub-fractions and the purified RBC3G inhibited epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) characteristics of PC3 cells by blocking the expression of several cytoskeletal associate proteins in a concentration dependent manner, leading to decreasing of the cancer cell motility. RBC3G reduced the expression of Smad/Snail signaling molecules but enhanced the expression of cell surface protein, E-cadherin, leading to a delay tumor transformation. The RBC3G also inhibited matrix metalloproteinase-9 and nuclear factor-kappa B expression levels and the enzymes activity in PC3 cells, leading to a slow cell migration/invasion process. The results suggested that RBC3G blunt and/or delay the progressive cancer cell behaviors by inhibit EMT through Smad signaling pathway(s) mediating Snail/E-cadherin expression.

Calcitriol inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced proliferation, migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells through suppressing STAT3 signal activation

Increasing evidence suggests that infection promotes the initiation and progression of prostate cancer. This study investigated the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a major component of Gram-negative bacilli, on proliferation, migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells and the protective effects of 1α,25(OH)2D3 (calcitriol). PC-3 and DU145 cells were stimulated with LPS (2.0 μg/mL) in the presence or absence of 1α,25(OH)2D3 (100 nM). Our results shown that 1α,25(OH)2D3 reduced the proportion of S phase cells in LPS-stimulated PC-3 and DU145 cells, and down-regulated the nuclear protein levels of Cyclin D1 and PCNA in LPS-stimulated PC-3 cells. In addition, 1α,25(OH)2D3 inhibited migration and invasion, as determined by wound healing and transwell assay, in LPS-stimulated PC-3 and DU145 cells. Of interest, we observed that 1α,25(OH)2D3 inhibits NF-κB activation and subsequent synthesis and secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 by promoting VDR and NF-κB p65 interaction. Surprisingly, 1α,25(OH)2D3 blocks nuclear translocation of pSTAT3 by promoting physical interaction between VDR and pSTAT3 (Tyr705) in LPS-stimulated PC-3 and DU145 cells. These results suggest that 1α,25(OH)2D3 inhibits LPS-induced proliferation, migration and invasion in prostate cancer cells by directly and indirectly blocking STAT3 signal transduction.

In vitro and in vivo effects of traditional Chinese medicine formula T33 in human breast cancer cells

Background

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Although traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is commonly used by patients with breast cancer, little is known about TCM prescriptions for breast cancer. This study investigated the effects of a new TCM formula, T33, comprising Radix Kansui, Rheum rhabarbarum, Paeonia lactiflora, Jiangbanxia, and Zhigancao on breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

To evaluate the effects of T33 on human breast cancer, HMEpiC, MDA-MB231 and MCF-7 cells were treated with different concentrations of T33 and then analyzed using MTT and Transwell migration assays. To elucidate the involvement of autophagy in the T33-induced death of MDA-MB231 and MCF-7 cells, immunofluorescence staining with LC3-II-specific antibodies was performed. Tumor xenografts were generated by subcutaneously injecting either MDA-MB231 or MCF-7 cells into BALB/c nude mice to determine the effects of T33 on these cell lines in vivo.

Results

The experimental results revealed that 0.1 mg/mL, 0.5 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL T33 significantly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of MDA-MB231 and MCF-7 cells. Moreover, significant autophagy was observed in MDA-MB231 and MCF-7 cells in the presence of 2.5 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL T33. An animal study further revealed that both low (200 mg/kg) and high (600 mg/kg) doses of T33 inhibited the proliferation of xenografted breast cancer cells in BALB/c nude mice.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate for the first time that T33 has potential in the treatment of breast cancer owing to its antiproliferative effects and induction of autophagy.

Phytochemicals in Prostate Cancer: From Bioactive Molecules to Upcoming Therapeutic Agents

Prostate cancer is a heterogeneous disease, the second deadliest malignancy in men and the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men. Traditional plants have been applied to handle various diseases and to develop new drugs. Medicinal plants are potential sources of natural bioactive compounds that include alkaloids, phenolic compounds, terpenes, and steroids. Many of these naturally-occurring bioactive constituents possess promising chemopreventive properties. In this sense, the aim of the present review is to provide a detailed overview of the role of plant-derived phytochemicals in prostate cancers, including the contribution of plant extracts and its corresponding isolated compounds.

MiR-150-5p May Contribute to Pathogenesis of Human Leiomyoma via Regulation of the Akt/p27Kip1 Pathway In Vitro

Uterine leiomyoma is found in ~50–80% of women of a reproductive age and is the most common reason for hysterectomy. Recently, posttranscriptional gene silencing by microRNAs (miRs) has been reported as a mechanism for regulating gene expression stability in the pathogenesis of uterine leiomyomas. In this study, miR microarray analysis of leiomyomas and paired myometrial tissue revealed numerous aberrantly expressed miRs, including miR-150. In functional assays, transfection with miR-150 mimic resulted in decreased migration and fibrosis, implying an inhibition of leiomyoma growth. To identify the target genes of miR-150 in leiomyoma, gene set analysis and network analysis were performed. To overcome the limitations of in silico analysis, changes in expression levels of hallmark genes in leiomyoma after transfection with a miR-150 mimic were also evaluated using qRT-PCR. As a result, the Akt/p27^Kip1 pathway was presumed to be one of the target pathways of miR-150. After transfecting cultured leiomyoma cells with the miR-150 mimic, expression levels of its target gene Akt decreased, whereas those of p27^Kip1 increased significantly. Our results suggest that miR-150 affects the cell cycle regulation in uterine leiomyoma through the Akt/p27^Kip1 pathway.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by suppressing the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and ERK/MAPK signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Chronic inflammation plays a significant role in the occurrence and development of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), a chemical compound of the yellow color pigments extracted from the safflower, has been widely used in clinical treatment with positive antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and antitumor effects. However, the role and underlying mechanisms of HYSA on development and progress in inflammation-mediated NSCLC are unknown.

METHODS

Cell counting kit-8, colony formation, EdU, cell apoptosis, wound healing, Transwell migration and invasion, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays; flow cytometry; and Western blotting were conducted using human NSCLC cell lines A549 and H1299.

RESULTS

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) significantly promoted the proliferation and enhanced colony formation of A549 and H1299 cells, while HYSA notably reversed the effects of LPS. HYSA induced apoptosis of LPS-mediated A549 and H1299 cells in a dose dependent manner; and remarkably suppressed migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), significantly regulated production of LPS-induced inflammation cytokines, and downregulated protein expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and ERK/MAPK signaling pathways in LPS-induced A549 and H1299 cells. Furthermore, PI3K (LY294002) and ERK (SCH772984) inhibitors remarkably inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT, and induced apoptosis in LPS-mediated A549 and H1299 cells. These effects were even more obvious in the presence of HYSA and LY294002 or SCH772984 compared to those of either agent alone.

CONCLUSION

HYSA suppressed LPS-mediated proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT in A549 and H1299 cells by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and ERK/MAPK signaling pathways, indicating that HYSA may be a potential candidate to treat inflammation-mediated NSCLC.

Knockdown of Delta-like 3 restricts lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation, migration and invasion of A2058 melanoma cells via blocking Twist1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition

AIMS

To investigate the effects and mechanisms of DLL3 in inflammation-mediated A2058 melanoma cell invasion and metastasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Melanoma A2058 cells was stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), with or without transfection of DLL3 siRNA, or DLL3 overexpression vector, or Twist1 siRNA. Cell migration and invasion were detected by wound healing and transwell invasion assay. The production of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6 was measured by ELISA. The expression of Notch signaling-related molecules was detected by PCR and western blot. The protein expression of MMP1, MMP9, VEGF, DLL3, and EMT-related molecules was tested by western blot.

KEY FINDINGS

LPS treatment increased migration and invasion of A2058 cells, accompanied by increased expression of TNF-α and IL-6. DLL3 was both upregulated in the LPS- or TNF-α-stimulated A2058 cells, and DLL3 knockdown inhibited LPS-induced inflammation, migration and invasion of A2058 cells, accompanied by down-regulation of MMP1, MMP9 and VEGF. Besides, DLL3 knockdown inhibits the expression of Twist1, a key EMT regulating factor, as well as the EMT hallmarks slug, N-cadherin and vimentin. Moreover, Twist1 silence inhibited EMT, and limited LPS-induced migration and invasion of A2058 cells, with decreased expression of MMP1, MMP9 and VEGF and reduced production of TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-stimulated A2058 cells.

SIGNIFICANCE

Knockdown of DLL3 restricts LPS-induced inflammation, migration and invasion of A2058 melanoma cells via blocking Twist1-mediated EMT. Therefore, targeting DLL3 may be a promising therapeutic strategy against inflammation-aggravated melanoma progression.

Down-regulation of MRPS23 inhibits LPS-induced proliferation and invasion via regulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in osteosarcoma cells

Mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 (MRPS23), encoded by a nuclear gene, is a participant in the translation of mitochondrial proteins. Recently, MRPS23 has been reported to be overexpressed in many types of cancers and have a close association with cancer progression. However, the specific roles of MRPS23 in osteosarcoma (OS) remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the expression pattern and biological functions of MRPS23 in OS cells. Our results demonstrated that MRPS23 was up-regulated in OS tissues and cell lines. Down-regulation of MRPS23 significantly inhibited OS cell proliferation and invasion induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro. Furthermore, the in vivo experiments showed that MRPS23 down-regulation markedly suppressed OS cell growth and metastasis induced by LPS. Mechanistically, down-regulation of MRPS23 inhibited the activity of NF-κB signaling pathway in OS cells. In conclusion, these findings indicated that MRPS23 may be a potential therapeutic target for OS treatment.

Mitochondrial ribosomal protein S23 (MRPS23), encoded by a nuclear gene, is a participant in the translation of mitochondrial proteins.

Losartan suppresses the inflammatory response in collagen-induced arthritis by inhibiting the MAPK and NF-κB pathways in B and T cells

The angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) antagonist losartan has been confirmed to have a moderate anti-inflammatory effect in vitro and in vivo. However, how it affects immune cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is still unknown. We found that in human synovial tissues, AT1R is significantly expressed on T cells and B cells. Treatment with losartan (15 mg/kg) alone and in combination with a low dose of methotrexate (MTX 0.25 mg/kg/3 days) significantly suppressed the progression of CIA. Secondary paw swelling, joint destruction and the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IFN-γ) in the serum were alleviated after treatment. The therapeutic effects of losartan were based on reduced T-cell and B-cell activation, specifically by decreased cell vitality and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. In addition, losartan combined with a low dose of MTX achieved a similar therapeutic effect, while protecting liver and kidney from MTX damage. Mechanistically, losartan inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, reduces the phosphorylation of p38, ERK, and p65, p50 nuclear transposition in T cells and B cells. Phosphorylation of JNK is not affected by losartan in the CIA rat model. losartan can be used as an effective RA treatment, which exhibits anti-arthritic effects potentially through down-regulating the phosphorylation of p38, ERK and signaling through NF-κB. While achieving similar anti-rheumatic effects, a combination therapy of losartan with a low dose of MTX, can protect from liver and renal damage caused by giving a high dose of MTX.

Vitamin D deficiency promotes prostatic hyperplasia in middle-age mice through exacerbating local inflammation

Vitamin D deficiency is especially prevalent in pregnant women and children. Our recent study demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency in early life disturbed testicular development. This study investigated the effects of vitamin D deficiency in early life on prostatic hyperplasia in middle-aged mice. In control group, dams and their male pups were fed with standard-chow diets. In VDD group, dams were fed with vitamin D deficient (VDD) diets throughout pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, male pups continued to be fed with VDD diets. As expected, prostate weight was elevated and prostatic hyperplasia was observed in VDD-fed mice. The number of prostatic Ki-67-positive epithelial cells, a proliferation marker, was increased in VDD-fed mice. Further analysis found that vitamin D deficiency promoted inflammatory infiltration and stromal fibrosis in prostate of middle-aged mice. Moreover, vitamin D deficiency activated NF-κB and up-regulated Il-6 mRNA in prostate of middle-aged mice. In addition, vitamin D deficiency activated prostatic STAT3, a proliferation pathway in middle-aged mice. Of interest, VDD-induced prostatic inflammation and hyperplasia were partially reversed when VDD diets was replaced with standard diets. These results provide evidence that vitamin D deficiency in early life promotes prostatic hyperplasia in middle-aged mice through exacerbating local inflammation.