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Sheikhnia F, Fazilat A, Rashidi V, Azizzadeh B, Mohammadi M, Maghsoudi H, Majidinia M. Exploring the therapeutic potential of quercetin in cancer treatment: Targeting long non-coding RNAs. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 260:155374. [PMID: 38889494 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The escalating global incidence of cancer, which results in millions of fatalities annually, underscores the pressing need for effective pharmacological interventions across diverse cancer types. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of RNA molecules that lack protein-coding capacity but profoundly impact gene expression regulation, have emerged as pivotal players in key cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, cellular metabolism, and drug resistance. Among natural compounds, quercetin, a phenolic compound abundantly present in fruits and vegetables has garnered attention due to its significant anticancer properties. Quercetin demonstrates the ability to inhibit cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis-a process often impaired in malignant cells. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the therapeutic potential of quercetin in cancer treatment, with a specific focus on its intricate interactions with lncRNAs. We explore how quercetin modulates lncRNA expression and function to exert its anticancer effects. Notably, quercetin suppresses oncogenic lncRNAs that drive cancer development and progression while enhancing tumor-suppressive lncRNAs that impede cancer growth and dissemination. Additionally, we discuss quercetin's role as a chemopreventive agent, which plays a crucial role in mitigating cancer risk. We address research challenges and future directions, emphasizing the necessity for in-depth mechanistic studies and strategies to enhance quercetin's bioavailability and target specificity. By synthesizing existing knowledge, this review underscores quercetin's promising potential as a novel therapeutic strategy in the ongoing battle against cancer, offering fresh insights and avenues for further investigation in this critical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Sheikhnia
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ahmad Fazilat
- Motamed Cancer Institute, Breast Cancer Research Center, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Rashidi
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Bita Azizzadeh
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Mahya Mohammadi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Maghsoudi
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Maryam Majidinia
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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2
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Huang Y, Zhang R, Lyu H, Xiao S, Guo D, Chen XZ, Zhou C, Tang J. LncRNAs as nodes for the cross-talk between autophagy and Wnt signaling in pancreatic cancer drug resistance. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:2698-2726. [PMID: 38725864 PMCID: PMC11077374 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.91832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a malignancy with high mortality. In addition to the few symptoms until the disease reaches an advanced stage, the high fatality rate is attributed to its rapid development, drug resistance and lack of appropriate treatment. In the selection and research of therapeutic drugs, gemcitabine is the first-line drug for pancreatic cancer. Solving the problem of gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer will contribute to the progress of pancreatic cancer treatment. Long non coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are RNA transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides, play vital roles in cellular physiological metabolic activities. Currently, our group and others have found that some lncRNAs are aberrantly expressed in pancreatic cancer cells, which can regulate the process of cancer through autophagy and Wnt/β-catenin pathways simultaneously and affect the sensitivity of cancer cells to therapeutic drugs. This review presents an overview of the recent evidence concerning the node of lncRNA for the cross-talk between autophagy and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in pancreatic cancer, together with the practicability of lncRNAs and the core regulatory factors as targets in therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Huang
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China, 430068
| | - Rui Zhang
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China, 430068
| | - Hao Lyu
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China, 430068
| | - Shuai Xiao
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China, 430068
| | - Dong Guo
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China, 430068
| | - Xing-Zhen Chen
- Membrane Protein Disease Research Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G2R3
| | - Cefan Zhou
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China, 430068
| | - Jingfeng Tang
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China, 430068
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3
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Lin QR, Jia LQ, Lei M, Gao D, Zhang N, Sha L, Liu XH, Liu YD. Natural products as pharmacological modulators of mitochondrial dysfunctions for the treatment of diabetes and its complications: An update since 2010. Pharmacol Res 2024; 200:107054. [PMID: 38181858 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.107054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Diabetes, characterized as a well-known chronic metabolic syndrome, with its associated complications pose a substantial and escalating health and healthcare challenge on a global scale. Current strategies addressing diabetes are mainly symptomatic and there are fewer available curative pharmaceuticals for diabetic complications. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify novel pharmacological targets and agents. The impaired mitochondria have been associated with the etiology of diabetes and its complications, and the intervention of mitochondrial dysfunction represents an attractive breakthrough point for the treatments of diabetes and its complications. Natural products (NPs), with multicenter characteristics, multi-pharmacological activities and lower toxicity, have been caught attentions as the modulators of mitochondrial functions in the therapeutical filed of diabetes and its complications. This review mainly summarizes the recent progresses on the potential of 39 NPs and 2 plant-extracted mixtures to improve mitochondrial dysfunction against diabetes and its complications. It is expected that this work may be useful to accelerate the development of innovative drugs originated from NPs and improve upcoming therapeutics in diabetes and its complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Ru Lin
- Department of Neuroendocrine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, China
| | - Lian-Qun Jia
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for TCM Viscera-State Theory and Applications, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning 116600, China
| | - Ming Lei
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education & Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Di Gao
- Department of Neuroendocrine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Neuroendocrine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, China
| | - Lei Sha
- Department of Neuroendocrine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, China
| | - Xu-Han Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Dalian Municipal Central Hospital, Dalian, Liaoning 116033, China.
| | - Yu-Dan Liu
- Department of Neuroendocrine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, China.
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Sharma V, Arora A, Bansal S, Semwal A, Sharma M, Aggarwal A. Role of bio-flavonols and their derivatives in improving mitochondrial dysfunctions associated with pancreatic tumorigenesis. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3920. [PMID: 38269510 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3920] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondria, a cellular metabolic center, efficiently fulfill cellular energy needs and regulate crucial metabolic processes, including cellular proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and generation of reactive oxygen species. Alteration in the mitochondrial functions leads to metabolic imbalances and altered extracellular matrix dynamics in the host, utilized by solid tumors like pancreatic cancer (PC) to get energy benefits for fast-growing cancer cells. PC is highly heterogeneous and remains unidentified for a longer time because of its complex pathophysiology, retroperitoneal position, and lack of efficient diagnostic approaches, which is the foremost reason for accounting for the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. PC cells often respond poorly to current therapeutics because of dense stromal barriers in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment, which limit the drug delivery and distribution of antitumor immune cell populations. As an alternative approach, various natural compounds like flavonoids are reported to possess potent antioxidant and anticancerous properties and are less toxic than current chemotherapeutic drugs. Therefore, we aim to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the pharmacological properties of flavonols in PC in this review from the perspective of mitigating mitochondrial dysfunctions associated with cancer cells. Our literature survey indicates that flavonols efficiently regulate cellular metabolism by scavenging reactive oxygen species, mitigating inflammation, and arresting the cell cycle to promote apoptosis in tumor cells via intrinsic mitochondrial pathways. In particular, flavonols proficiently inhibit the cancer-associated proliferation and inflammatory pathways such as EGFR/MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and nuclear factor κB in PC. Overall, this review provides in-depth evidence about the therapeutic potential of flavonols for future anticancer strategies against PC; still, more multidisciplinary human interventional studies are required to dissect their pharmacological effect accurately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinit Sharma
- Department of Anatomy, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Ankita Arora
- Department of Anatomy, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Sakshi Bansal
- Department of Anatomy, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Ankita Semwal
- Department of Anatomy, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Mayank Sharma
- Department of Anatomy, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Anjali Aggarwal
- Department of Anatomy, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
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5
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Mazurakova A, Koklesova L, Csizmár SH, Samec M, Brockmueller A, Šudomová M, Biringer K, Kudela E, Pec M, Samuel SM, Kassayova M, Hassan STS, Smejkal K, Shakibaei M, Büsselberg D, Saso L, Kubatka P, Golubnitschaja O. Significance of flavonoids targeting PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α signaling pathway in therapy-resistant cancer cells - A potential contribution to the predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine. J Adv Res 2024; 55:103-118. [PMID: 36871616 PMCID: PMC10770105 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer management faces multiple obstacles, including resistance to current therapeutic approaches. In the face of challenging microenvironments, cancer cells adapt metabolically to maintain their supply of energy and precursor molecules for biosynthesis and thus sustain rapid proliferation and tumor growth. Among the various metabolic adaptations observed in cancer cells, the altered glucose metabolism is the most widely studied. The aberrant glycolytic modification in cancer cells has been associated with rapid cell division, tumor growth, cancer progression, and drug resistance. The higher rates of glycolysis in cancer cells, as a hallmark of cancer progression, is modulated by the transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α), a downstream target of the PI3K/Akt signaling, the most deregulated pathway in cancer. AIM OF REVIEW We provide a detailed overview of current, primarily experimental, evidence on the potential effectiveness of flavonoids to combat aberrant glycolysis-induced resistance of cancer cells to conventional and targeted therapies. The manuscript focuses primarily on flavonoids reducing cancer resistance via affecting PI3K/Akt, HIF-1α (as the transcription factor critical for glucose metabolism of cancer cells that is regulated by PI3K/Akt pathway), and key glycolytic mediators downstream of PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α signaling (glucose transporters and key glycolytic enzymes). KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW The working hypothesis of the manuscript proposes HIF-1α - the transcription factor critical for glucose metabolism of cancer cells regulated by PI3K/Akt pathway as an attractive target for application of flavonoids to mitigate cancer resistance. Phytochemicals represent a source of promising substances for cancer management applicable to primary, secondary, and tertiary care. However, accurate patient stratification and individualized patient profiling represent crucial steps in the paradigm shift from reactive to predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM / 3PM). The article is focused on targeting molecular patterns by natural substances and provides evidence-based recommendations for the 3PM relevant implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Mazurakova
- Department of Anatomy, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01, Martin, Slovakia.
| | - Lenka Koklesova
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Sandra Hurta Csizmár
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Marek Samec
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Aranka Brockmueller
- Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 11, D-80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Miroslava Šudomová
- Museum of Literature in Moravia, Klášter 1, 66461 Rajhrad, Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Biringer
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Erik Kudela
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Martin Pec
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Samson Mathews Samuel
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, 24144, Doha, Qatar
| | - Monika Kassayova
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, P. J. Safarik University, 04001 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Sherif T S Hassan
- Department of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Smejkal
- Department of Natural Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Masaryk University, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Mehdi Shakibaei
- Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 11, D-80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Dietrich Büsselberg
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, 24144, Doha, Qatar
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Peter Kubatka
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01, Martin, Slovakia.
| | - Olga Golubnitschaja
- Predictive, Preventive and Personalised (3P) Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
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Shuvalov O, Kirdeeva Y, Daks A, Fedorova O, Parfenyev S, Simon HU, Barlev NA. Phytochemicals Target Multiple Metabolic Pathways in Cancer. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:2012. [PMID: 38001865 PMCID: PMC10669507 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12112012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer metabolic reprogramming is a complex process that provides malignant cells with selective advantages to grow and propagate in the hostile environment created by the immune surveillance of the human organism. This process underpins cancer proliferation, invasion, antioxidant defense, and resistance to anticancer immunity and therapeutics. Perhaps not surprisingly, metabolic rewiring is considered to be one of the "Hallmarks of cancer". Notably, this process often comprises various complementary and overlapping pathways. Today, it is well known that highly selective inhibition of only one of the pathways in a tumor cell often leads to a limited response and, subsequently, to the emergence of resistance. Therefore, to increase the overall effectiveness of antitumor drugs, it is advisable to use multitarget agents that can simultaneously suppress several key processes in the tumor cell. This review is focused on a group of plant-derived natural compounds that simultaneously target different pathways of cancer-associated metabolism, including aerobic glycolysis, respiration, glutaminolysis, one-carbon metabolism, de novo lipogenesis, and β-oxidation of fatty acids. We discuss only those compounds that display inhibitory activity against several metabolic pathways as well as a number of important signaling pathways in cancer. Information about their pharmacokinetics in animals and humans is also presented. Taken together, a number of known plant-derived compounds may target multiple metabolic and signaling pathways in various malignancies, something that bears great potential for the further improvement of antineoplastic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Shuvalov
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russia; (Y.K.); (A.D.); (O.F.)
| | - Yulia Kirdeeva
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russia; (Y.K.); (A.D.); (O.F.)
| | - Alexandra Daks
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russia; (Y.K.); (A.D.); (O.F.)
| | - Olga Fedorova
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russia; (Y.K.); (A.D.); (O.F.)
| | - Sergey Parfenyev
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russia; (Y.K.); (A.D.); (O.F.)
| | - Hans-Uwe Simon
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland;
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan 420008, Russia
| | - Nickolai A. Barlev
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russia; (Y.K.); (A.D.); (O.F.)
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan 420008, Russia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana 20000, Kazakhstan
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Sangweni NF, Gabuza K, van Aarde R, Mabasa L, van Vuuren D, Huisamen B, Barry R, Johnson R. Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyopathy: A Preliminary Study on the Cardioprotective Benefits of 7-Hydroxyflavanone. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15395. [PMID: 37895075 PMCID: PMC10607478 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015395] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic properties of flavonoids are reported to offer cardioprotective benefits against doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC). In the current study, we aimed to investigate the prophylactic properties of 7-hydroxyflavanone (7H), a flavonoid with antioxidative properties, against DIC. An in vitro model of DIC was established by exposing H9c2 cardiomyoblasts to Dox for 6 days. Similarly, cells were also co-treated with 7H to assess its ability to mitigate DIC. The data obtained indicate that 7H, as a co-treatment, alleviates Dox-induced oxidative stress by enhancing total glutathione content (p ≤ 0.001) and superoxide dismutase activity (p ≤ 0.001) whilst decreasing ROS (p ≤ 0.001), malondialdehyde production (p ≤ 0.001) and the secretion of interleukin-6 (p ≤ 0.001). The data also showed an improvement in mitochondrial function as shown via enhanced bioenergetics, mitochondrial membrane potential, and PGC1-alpha (p ≤ 0.05) and pAMPK (p ≤ 0.001) expression. The cardioprotective potential of 7H was further highlighted by its ability attenuate Dox-induced caspase 3/7 activity (p ≤ 0.001), apoptosis (p ≤ 0.001) and necrosis (p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, our findings demonstrated the cardioprotective benefits of 7H and thus suggests that it could be a suitable candidate cardioprotective agent against DIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nonhlakanipho F. Sangweni
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform (BRIP), South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (K.G.); (R.v.A.); (L.M.); (R.J.)
- Centre for Cardio-Metabolic Research in Africa, Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (D.v.V.); (B.H.)
| | - Kwazi Gabuza
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform (BRIP), South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (K.G.); (R.v.A.); (L.M.); (R.J.)
| | - Ruzayda van Aarde
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform (BRIP), South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (K.G.); (R.v.A.); (L.M.); (R.J.)
| | - Lawrence Mabasa
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform (BRIP), South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (K.G.); (R.v.A.); (L.M.); (R.J.)
| | - Derick van Vuuren
- Centre for Cardio-Metabolic Research in Africa, Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (D.v.V.); (B.H.)
| | - Barbara Huisamen
- Centre for Cardio-Metabolic Research in Africa, Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (D.v.V.); (B.H.)
| | | | - Rabia Johnson
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform (BRIP), South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (K.G.); (R.v.A.); (L.M.); (R.J.)
- Centre for Cardio-Metabolic Research in Africa, Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (D.v.V.); (B.H.)
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8
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Mattioli R, Ilari A, Colotti B, Mosca L, Fazi F, Colotti G. Doxorubicin and other anthracyclines in cancers: Activity, chemoresistance and its overcoming. Mol Aspects Med 2023; 93:101205. [PMID: 37515939 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Anthracyclines have been important and effective treatments against a number of cancers since their discovery. However, their use in therapy has been complicated by severe side effects and toxicity that occur during or after treatment, including cardiotoxicity. The mode of action of anthracyclines is complex, with several mechanisms proposed. It is possible that their high toxicity is due to the large set of processes involved in anthracycline action. The development of resistance is a major barrier to successful treatment when using anthracyclines. This resistance is based on a series of mechanisms that have been studied and addressed in recent years. This work provides an overview of the anthracyclines used in cancer therapy. It discusses their mechanisms of activity, toxicity, and chemoresistance, as well as the approaches used to improve their activity, decrease their toxicity, and overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Mattioli
- Dept. Biochemical Sciences A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Ilari
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Italian National Research Council IBPM-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Colotti
- Dept. Biochemical Sciences A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luciana Mosca
- Dept. Biochemical Sciences A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Fazi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic & Orthopaedic Sciences, Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianni Colotti
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Italian National Research Council IBPM-CNR, Rome, Italy.
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9
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Pauletto M, Giantin M, Tolosi R, Bassan I, Bardhi A, Barbarossa A, Montanucci L, Zaghini A, Dacasto M. Discovering the Protective Effects of Quercetin on Aflatoxin B1-Induced Toxicity in Bovine Foetal Hepatocyte-Derived Cells (BFH12). Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:555. [PMID: 37755981 PMCID: PMC10534839 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15090555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) induces lipid peroxidation and mortality in bovine foetal hepatocyte-derived cells (BFH12), with underlying transcriptional perturbations associated mainly with cancer, cellular damage, inflammation, bioactivation, and detoxification pathways. In this cell line, curcumin and resveratrol have proven to be effective in mitigating AFB1-induced toxicity. In this paper, we preliminarily assessed the potential anti-AFB1 activity of a natural polyphenol, quercetin (QUE), in BFH12 cells. To this end, we primarily measured QUE cytotoxicity using a WST-1 reagent. Then, we pre-treated the cells with QUE and exposed them to AFB1. The protective role of QUE was evaluated by measuring cytotoxicity, transcriptional changes (RNA-sequencing), lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde production), and targeted post-transcriptional modifications (NQO1 and CYP3A enzymatic activity). The results demonstrated that QUE, like curcumin and resveratrol, reduced AFB1-induced cytotoxicity and lipid peroxidation and caused larger transcriptional variations than AFB1 alone. Most of the differentially expressed genes were involved in lipid homeostasis, inflammatory and immune processes, and carcinogenesis. As for enzymatic activities, QUE significantly reverted CYP3A variations induced by AFB1, but not those of NQO1. This study provides new knowledge about key molecular mechanisms involved in QUE-mediated protection against AFB1 toxicity and encourages in vivo studies to assess QUE's bioavailability and beneficial effects on aflatoxicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Pauletto
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Viale dell’Università 16, I-35020 Legnaro, Italy; (M.G.); (R.T.); (I.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Mery Giantin
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Viale dell’Università 16, I-35020 Legnaro, Italy; (M.G.); (R.T.); (I.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Roberta Tolosi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Viale dell’Università 16, I-35020 Legnaro, Italy; (M.G.); (R.T.); (I.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Irene Bassan
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Viale dell’Università 16, I-35020 Legnaro, Italy; (M.G.); (R.T.); (I.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Anisa Bardhi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, I-40064 Bologna, Italy; (A.B.); (A.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Andrea Barbarossa
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, I-40064 Bologna, Italy; (A.B.); (A.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Ludovica Montanucci
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA;
| | - Anna Zaghini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, I-40064 Bologna, Italy; (A.B.); (A.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Mauro Dacasto
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Viale dell’Università 16, I-35020 Legnaro, Italy; (M.G.); (R.T.); (I.B.); (M.D.)
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10
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Guo Y, Tang Y, Lu G, Gu J. p53 at the Crossroads between Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity and Resistance: A Nutritional Balancing Act. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15102259. [PMID: 37242146 DOI: 10.3390/nu15102259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is a highly effective chemotherapeutic drug, but its long-term use can cause cardiotoxicity and drug resistance. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that p53 is directly involved in DOX toxicity and resistance. One of the primary causes for DOX resistance is the mutation or inactivation of p53. Moreover, because the non-specific activation of p53 caused by DOX can kill non-cancerous cells, p53 is a popular target for reducing toxicity. However, the reduction in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) via p53 suppression is often at odds with the antitumor advantages of p53 reactivation. Therefore, in order to increase the effectiveness of DOX, there is an urgent need to explore p53-targeted anticancer strategies owing to the complex regulatory network and polymorphisms of the p53 gene. In this review, we summarize the role and potential mechanisms of p53 in DIC and resistance. Furthermore, we focus on the advances and challenges in applying dietary nutrients, natural products, and other pharmacological strategies to overcome DOX-induced chemoresistance and cardiotoxicity. Lastly, we present potential therapeutic strategies to address key issues in order to provide new ideas for increasing the clinical use of DOX and improving its anticancer benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanfang Guo
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yufeng Tang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Guangping Lu
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Junlian Gu
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
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11
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Jakobušić Brala C, Karković Marković A, Kugić A, Torić J, Barbarić M. Combination Chemotherapy with Selected Polyphenols in Preclinical and Clinical Studies-An Update Overview. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28093746. [PMID: 37175156 PMCID: PMC10180288 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28093746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This review article describes studies published over the past five years on the combination of polyphenols, which are the most studied in the field of anticancer effects (curcumin, quercetin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, and apigenin) and chemotherapeutics such as cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, paclitaxel, etc. According to WHO data, research has been limited to five cancers with the highest morbidity rate (lung, colorectal, liver, gastric, and breast cancer). A systematic review of articles published in the past five years (from January 2018 to January 2023) was carried out with the help of all Web of Science databases and the available base of clinical studies. Based on the preclinical studies presented in this review, polyphenols can enhance drug efficacy and reduce chemoresistance through different molecular mechanisms. Considering the large number of studies, curcumin could be a molecule in future chemotherapy cocktails. One of the main problems in clinical research is related to the limited bioavailability of most polyphenols. The design of a new co-delivery system for drugs and polyphenols is essential for future clinical research. Some polyphenols work in synergy with chemotherapeutic drugs, but some polyphenols can act antagonistically, so caution is always required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cvijeta Jakobušić Brala
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, A. Kovačića 1, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Karković Marković
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, A. Kovačića 1, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Azra Kugić
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, A. Kovačića 1, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jelena Torić
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, A. Kovačića 1, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Monika Barbarić
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, A. Kovačića 1, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
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12
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Tavakoli Pirzaman A, Aghajanian S, Mansoori R, Al-E-Ahmad A, Ebrahimzadeh M, Moghadamnia AA, Kazemi S. Interaction of quercetin and 5-fluorouracil: cellular and pharmacokinetic study. Toxicol Mech Methods 2023:1-10. [PMID: 36912048 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2023.2188928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, and its uncontrolled blood levels contribute to toxicity. Quercetin, as an important flavonoid, has many biological effects, including anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory features. The current study investigated the synergistic effect between 5-FU and quercetin using HT-29 cell line and fibroblast cells. Rats were assigned to two groups. The 5-FU/quercetin group received intraperitoneal quercetin (10 mg/kg) and the Tween was injected to the control group for 14 consecutive days. On the 15th day, both groups received 50 mg/kg of 5-FU. Upon the final injection, blood samples were obtained at different times. Pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The mean (±SD) of maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of 5-FU in combination therapy group was 3.10 ± 0.18 μg/ml and the area under the curve (AUC) was 153.89 ± 21.36, which increased by 113% and 128% compared to control group, respectively. Quercetin increased anti-tumor activity of 5-FU and enhanced Cmax and AUC of 5-FU. These findings confirm the synergistic effects between quercetin and 5-FU at the usual doses in cancer treatment, which may lead to reduced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Tavakoli Pirzaman
- Student Research Committee, Health Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Soheyla Aghajanian
- Department of Pharmacology, Ayatollah Amoli Branch, Islamic Azad University, Amol, Iran
| | - Razieh Mansoori
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Atiyeh Al-E-Ahmad
- Student Research Committee, Health Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Manijeh Ebrahimzadeh
- Student Research Committee, Health Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Moghadamnia
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Sohrab Kazemi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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13
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Elfadadny A, Ragab RF, Hamada R, Al Jaouni SK, Fu J, Mousa SA, El-Far AH. Natural bioactive compounds-doxorubicin combinations targeting topoisomerase II-alpha: Anticancer efficacy and safety. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 461:116405. [PMID: 36716865 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, so pursuing effective and safe therapeutics for cancer is a key research objective nowadays. Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the commonly prescribed chemotherapeutic agents that has been used to treat cancer with its antimitotic properties via inhibition of topoisomerase II (TOP2) activity. However, many problems hinder the broad use of DOX in clinical practice, including cardiotoxicity and drug resistance. Research in drug discovery has confirmed that natural bioactive compounds (NBACs) display a wide range of biological activities correlating to anticancer outcomes. The combination of NBACs has been seen to be an ideal candidate that might increase the effectiveness of DOX therapy and decreases its unfavorable adverse consequences. The current review discusses the chemo-modulatory mechanism and the protective effects of combined DOX with NBACs with a binding affinity (pKi) toward TOP2A more than pKi of DOX. This review will also discuss and emphasize the molecular mechanisms to provide a pathway for further studies to reveal other signaling pathways. Taken together, understanding the fundamental mechanisms and implications of combined therapy may provide a practical approach to battling cancer diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Elfadadny
- Department of Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt; Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Rokaia F Ragab
- Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt.
| | - Rania Hamada
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt.
| | - Soad K Al Jaouni
- Department of Hematology/Pediatric Oncology, Yousef Abdulatif Jameel Scientific Chair of Prophetic Medicine Application, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Junjiang Fu
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.
| | - Shaker A Mousa
- Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA.
| | - Ali H El-Far
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt.
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14
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Costa AR, Duarte AC, Costa-Brito AR, Gonçalves I, Santos CRA. Bitter taste signaling in cancer. Life Sci 2023; 315:121363. [PMID: 36610638 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacoresistance of cancer cells to many drugs used in chemotherapy remains a major challenge for the treatment of cancer. Multidrug resistance transporters, especially ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, are a major cause of cancer drug resistance since they translocate a broad range of drug compounds across the cell membrane, extruding them out of the cells. The regulation of ABC transporters by bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs), which might be activated by specific bitter tasting compounds, was described in several types of cells/organs, becoming a potential target for cancer therapy. TAS2Rs expression has been reported in many organs and several types of cancer, like breast, ovarian, prostate, and colorectal cancers, where their activation was shown to be involved in various biological actions (cell survival, apoptosis, molecular transport, among others). Moreover, many TAS2Rs' ligands, such as flavonoids and alkaloids, with well-recognized beneficial properties, including several anticancer effects, have been reported as potential adjuvants in cancer therapies. In this review, we discuss the potential therapeutic role of TAS2Rs and bitter tasting compounds in different types of cancer as a possible way to circumvent chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana R Costa
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana C Duarte
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; CPIRN-IPG - Centro de Potencial e Inovação de Recursos Naturais, Instituto Politécnico da Guarda, Guarda, Portugal
| | - Ana R Costa-Brito
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; Research Unit for Inland Development (UDI), Polytechnic of Guarda, Guarda, Portugal
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Cecília R A Santos
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.
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15
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Targets Involved in the Anti-Cancer Activity of Quercetin in Breast, Colorectal and Liver Neoplasms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032952. [PMID: 36769274 PMCID: PMC9918234 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Phytochemicals have long been effective partners in the fight against several diseases, including cancer. Among these, flavonoids are valuable allies for both cancer prevention and therapy since they are known to influence a large panel of tumor-related processes. Particularly, it was revealed that quercetin, one of the most common flavonoids, controls apoptosis and inhibits migration and proliferation, events essential for the development of cancer. In this review, we collected the evidence on the anti-cancer activity of quercetin exploring the network of interactions between this flavonol and the proteins responsible for cancer onset and progression focusing on breast, colorectal and liver cancers, owing to their high worldwide incidence. Moreover, quercetin proved to be also a potentiating agent able to push further the anti-cancer activity of common employed anti-neoplastic agents, thus allowing to lower their dosages and, above all, to sensitize again resistant cancer cells. Finally, novel approaches to delivery systems can enhance quercetin's pharmacokinetics, thus boosting its great potentiality even further. Overall, quercetin has a lot of promise, given its multi-target potentiality; thus, more research is strongly encouraged to properly define its pharmaco-toxicological profile and evaluate its potential for usage in adjuvant and chemoprevention therapy.
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Kundrapu DB, Malla RR. Advances in Quercetin for Drug-Resistant Cancer Therapy: Mechanisms, Applications, and Delivery Systems. Crit Rev Oncog 2023; 28:15-26. [PMID: 38050978 DOI: 10.1615/critrevoncog.2023049513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Quercetin (QUE), a natural flavone abundantly discovered in fruits, has gained attention for its potential health benefits due to its unique structure. In addition, epidemiological and clinical studies have shown promising antioxidant activity of QUE aiming to treat various diseases, including cancer. This article's purpose is to provide an overview of recent advances in the use of QUE for drug-resistant cancer therapies, focusing on its mechanisms, applications, and delivery systems. The review discusses the structure-function relationship of QUE and its role in mitigating various disorders. Furthermore, it highlights the impact of QUE on cancer and cancer stem cells, elucidating the signaling pathways at the cellular and molecular levels involved. Additionally, the review explores the mechanistic role of QUE in reversing drug resistance in different types of drug-resistant cancers. Moreover, it presents a comprehensive analysis of drug diverse delivery strategies employed for effective cancer treatment using QUE. Clinical studies investigating the safety and bioavailability of QUE are also discussed. Finally, the review concludes with future directions, emphasizing the use of cost-effective and efficient protein and peptide-based self-assembling hydrogels for targeted delivery of QUE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Durga Bhavani Kundrapu
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, GITAM School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam-530045, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Rama Rao Malla
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, School of Science, Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM) (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam-530045, Andhra Pradesh, India; Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam-530045, Andhra Pradesh, India
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17
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Hu Y, Li R, Jin J, Wang Y, Ma R. Quercetin improves pancreatic cancer chemo-sensitivity by regulating oxidative-inflammatory networks. J Food Biochem 2022; 46:e14453. [PMID: 36181395 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.14453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy is the main method for controlling pancreatic cancer metastasis but the prevalent chemotherapy resistance limits its utilization. The response of oxidation and inflammation often promotes pancreatic cancer progression and chemo-resistance. It is critical to explore the potential natural products with few side effects to control inflammatory responses and understand the related mechanisms. Quercetin is a flavonoid widely found in numerous vegetables, fruits, and foods and is thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may be associated with improvement of chemotherapy sensitivity during pancreatic cancer treatment. Quercetin may sensitize pancreatic cancer cells to the chemotherapeutic agents, including bromodomain and extraterminal domain inhibitors (BETI), daunorubicin, gemcitabine, sulforaphane, doxorubicin, and tumor necrosis factor-related signaling apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). Meanwhile, during the chemo-resistance therapy, many signaling molecules are involved with toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated oxidative and inflammatory pathway. The effects of quercetin on other oxidative and inflammatory pathways were also explored. Quercetin may exert antitumor activity during the prevention of pancreatic cancer progression by regulating oxidative and inflammatory networks, which can promote immune escape of cancer cells by inducing immunosuppressive cytokines. Studying these patterns will help us to better understand the functional role of quercetin in the improvement of pancreatic cancer chemo-sensitivity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Chemotherapy is the major way for treating pancreatic cancer metastasis but the prevalent chemotherapy resistance caused by oxidative and inflammatory responses limits its utilization. It is necessary to explore the potential natural products with few side effects to prevent the oxidative and inflammatory responses. Quercetin is a flavonoid widely found in numerous vegetables, fruits, and foods and is thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may be associated with improvement of chemotherapy sensitivity of pancreatic cancer treatment by sensitizing pancreatic cancer cells to various chemotherapeutic agents via the regulation of oxidative and inflammatory networks. Studying these patterns will help us to better understand the functional role of quercetin in the improvement of pancreatic cancer chemo-sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyuan Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Junyi Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yihui Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Rui Ma
- Department of Cardiology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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18
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Molecular Mechanisms of Gynostemma pentaphyllum in Prevention and Treatment of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:9938936. [PMID: 36110188 PMCID: PMC9470321 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9938936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective Lung cancer represents the leading cause of cancer death on a global scale. Gynostemma pentaphyllum (G. pentaphyllum), a traditional medicinal material with a high medicinal and health value, has recently been reported for its anticancer activity. However, the pharmacological mechanism of G. pentaphyllum in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains to be elucidated. Methods The active ingredients of G. pentaphyllum were obtained from the TCMSP database and known therapeutic targets of NSCLC from the GeneCards and OMIM databases. Disease-drug common targets are subjected to protein-protein interaction (PPI), GO enrichment analysis, and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. A molecular docking strategy was performed to verify the interaction between molecules. Results We found a total of 24 compounds of G. pentaphyllum fulfilling OB ≥ 30% concomitant with DL ≥ 0.18 and corresponding 81 target genes in the TCMSP database, with 5062 NSCLC-related genes collected in the GeneCards and OMIM databases. The network consisting of the disease-target compound was obtained, including 8 active ingredients and 69 common targets. The PPI network with 65 nodes and 645 edges was visualized. After functional enrichment analysis, it was revealed that the therapeutic effects of G. pentaphyllum on NSCLC were achieved through response to ketone, gland development, and cellular response to xenobiotic stimulus. After molecular docking analysis, it was revealed that the two active ingredients of G. pentaphyllum, quercetin and rhamnazin, bound well and stably to their targets (MYC, ESR1, and HIF1A). Conclusion Our study, based on network pharmacology, identifies active ingredients, targets, and pathways model mechanism of G. pentaphyllum when it is used to treat NSCLC.
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Asgharian P, Tazekand AP, Hosseini K, Forouhandeh H, Ghasemnejad T, Ranjbar M, Hasan M, Kumar M, Beirami SM, Tarhriz V, Soofiyani SR, Kozhamzharova L, Sharifi-Rad J, Calina D, Cho WC. Potential mechanisms of quercetin in cancer prevention: focus on cellular and molecular targets. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:257. [PMID: 35971151 PMCID: PMC9380290 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02677-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past few years, the cancer-related disease has had a high mortality rate and incidence worldwide, despite clinical advances in cancer treatment. The drugs used for cancer therapy, have high side effects in addition to the high cost. Subsequently, to reduce these side effects, many studies have suggested the use of natural bioactive compounds. Among these, which have recently attracted the attention of many researchers, quercetin has such properties. Quercetin, a plant flavonoid found in fresh fruits, vegetables and citrus fruits, has anti-cancer properties by inhibiting tumor proliferation, invasion, and tumor metastasis. Several studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer mechanism of quercetin, and these mechanisms are controlled through several signalling pathways within the cancer cell. Pathways involved in this process include apoptotic, p53, NF-κB, MAPK, JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. In addition to regulating these pathways, quercetin controls the activity of oncogenic and tumor suppressor ncRNAs. Therefore, in this comprehensive review, we summarized the regulation of these signalling pathways by quercetin. The modulatory role of quercetin in the expression of various miRNAs has also been discussed. Understanding the basic anti-cancer mechanisms of these herbal compounds can help prevent and manage many types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parina Asgharian
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Abbas Pirpour Tazekand
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kamran Hosseini
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Haleh Forouhandeh
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Tohid Ghasemnejad
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Ranjbar
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Muzaffar Hasan
- Agro Produce Processing Division, ICAR—Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal, 462038 India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Chemical and Biochemical Processing Division, ICAR—Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, Mumbai, 400019 India
| | - Sohrab Minaei Beirami
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahideh Tarhriz
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saiedeh Razi Soofiyani
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Sina Educational, Research, and Treatment Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | | | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - William C. Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
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20
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Inhibition of NLRP3 by Fermented Quercetin Decreases Resistin-Induced Chemoresistance to 5-Fluorouracil in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15070798. [PMID: 35890097 PMCID: PMC9324057 DOI: 10.3390/ph15070798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The drug resistance of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells against 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) therapy is a major challenge to successful cancer treatment. While previous studies have proposed several 5-FU resistance mechanisms, the effects of the adipokines on cancer cells remain unclear. Thus, this study investigated the effect of resistin on 5-FU-treated CRC cell lines. The upregulation of NLRP3 can regulate the inflammatory responses in cancer cells and then enhance cancer progression. This study investigated the expression level and the function of NLRP3 on 5-FU-induced cytotoxicity in CRC cells and found that resistin-induced ERK activation and increased NLRP3 expression in CRC HCT-116 and DLD-1 cells were mediated by Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). The inhibition of TLR4 and ERK by pharmacological inhibitors attenuated the resistin-induced NLRP3 mRNA and protein levels. In contrast, the knockdown of NLRP3 enhanced the cytotoxic effects of 5-FU. Furthermore, quercetin is an effective chemopreventive compound. This study showed that quercetin fermented by Lactobacillus could exhibit low cytotoxicity on normal mucosa cells and improve the function of inhibiting CRC cells. The treatment of CRC cells with fermented quercetin increased the cytotoxicity and enhanced cell death in the presence of resistin. In this study, fermented quercetin induced the cytotoxicity and cell death of 5-FU in resistin-treated CRC cells, which is associated with the downregulation of NLRP3 expression and ERK phosphorylation. These results indicate the role of NLRP3 in the development of drug resistance to 5-FU in CRC cells. Elucidating the mechanism regarding the cytotoxicity effect of quercetin may provide another vision for the development of a chemotherapy strategy for CRC in the future.
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21
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Sritharan S, Guha S, Hazarika S, Sivalingam N. Meta analysis of bioactive compounds, miRNA, siRNA and cell death regulators as sensitizers to doxorubicin induced chemoresistance. Apoptosis 2022; 27:622-646. [PMID: 35716277 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-022-01742-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Cancer has presented to be the most challenging disease, contributing to one in six mortalities worldwide. The current treatment regimen involves multiple rounds of chemotherapy administration, alone or in combination. The treatment has adverse effects including cardiomyopathy, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. In addition, the development of resistance to chemo has been attributed to cancer relapse and low patient overall survivability. Multiple drug resistance development may be through numerous factors such as up-regulation of drug transporters, drug inactivation, alteration of drug targets and drug degradation. Doxorubicin is a widely used first line chemotherapeutic drug for a myriad of cancers. It has multiple intracellular targets, DNA intercalation, adduct formation, topoisomerase inhibition, iron chelation, reactive oxygen species generation and promotes immune mediated clearance of the tumor. Agents that can sensitize the resistant cancer cells to the chemotherapeutic drug are currently the focus to improve the clinical efficiency of cancer therapy. This review summarizes the recent 10-year research on the use of natural phytochemicals, inhibitors of apoptosis and autophagy, miRNAs, siRNAs and nanoformulations being investigated for doxorubicin chemosensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sruthi Sritharan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, College of Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Sampurna Guha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, College of Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Snoopy Hazarika
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, College of Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Nageswaran Sivalingam
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, College of Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India.
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22
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Paškevičiūtė M, Petrikaitė V. Effect of natural flavonoids to reverse P-glycoprotein-related multidrug resistance in breast cancer cell cultures. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:2526-2538. [PMID: 35812069 PMCID: PMC9251692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the research was to evaluate the influence of two P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitors silymarin and quercetin on anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) delivery into breast cancer cells (2D cultures) and cancer cell spheroids (3D cultures) at different pH. The cytotoxicity of the compounds was assessed using MTT assay. Spheroids were generated using magnetic 3D Bioprinting method. The uptake of DOX and PLD into monolayer-cultured cells and spheroids was assessed by fluorescence microscopy. Both tested flavonoids did not increase DOX and PLD levels into monolayer-cultured 4T1 cells and 4T1 cell spheroids. However, both silymarin and quercetin enhanced DOX and PLD uptake into JC cell cultures. Silymarin and quercetin may modulate DOX and PLD transport into monolayer-cultured cells and three-dimensional cancer cell cultures depending on P-gp activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miglė Paškevičiūtė
- Laboratory of Drug Targets Histopathology, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health SciencesSukilėlių pr. 13, LT-50162, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Vilma Petrikaitė
- Laboratory of Drug Targets Histopathology, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health SciencesSukilėlių pr. 13, LT-50162, Kaunas, Lithuania
- Institute of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health SciencesA. Mickevičiaus g. 9, LT-44307, Kaunas, Lithuania
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23
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Özay Güleş, Doğan G, Ercins UH, Eren Ü. Effects of Quercetin against Doxorubicin-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Male Rats. BIOL BULL+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359022030086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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24
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Mirazimi SMA, Dashti F, Tobeiha M, Shahini A, Jafari R, Khoddami M, Sheida AH, EsnaAshari P, Aflatoonian AH, Elikaii F, Zakeri MS, Hamblin MR, Aghajani M, Bavarsadkarimi M, Mirzaei H. Application of Quercetin in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Cancers. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:860209. [PMID: 35462903 PMCID: PMC9019477 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.860209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Many cellular signaling pathways contribute to the regulation of cell proliferation, division, motility, and apoptosis. Deregulation of these pathways contributes to tumor cell initiation and tumor progression. Lately, significant attention has been focused on the use of natural products as a promising strategy in cancer treatment. Quercetin is a natural flavonol compound widely present in commonly consumed foods. Quercetin has shown significant inhibitory effects on tumor progression via various mechanisms of action. These include stimulating cell cycle arrest or/and apoptosis as well as its antioxidant properties. Herein, we summarize the therapeutic effects of quercetin in gastrointestinal cancers (pancreatic, gastric, colorectal, esophageal, hepatocellular, and oral).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatemeh Dashti
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Tobeiha
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Ali Shahini
- Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Raha Jafari
- Department of Medicine, Mashhad Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mehrad Khoddami
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Sheida
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Parastoo EsnaAshari
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Aflatoonian
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Fateme Elikaii
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Melika Sadat Zakeri
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, South Africa
| | - Mohammad Aghajani
- Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Minoodokht Bavarsadkarimi
- Clinical Research Development Center, Mahdiyeh Educational Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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25
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Quercetin Regulates Key Components of the Cellular Microenvironment during Early Hepatocarcinogenesis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11020358. [PMID: 35204240 PMCID: PMC8868318 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a health problem worldwide due to its high mortality rate, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a key role in the HCC progression. The current ineffective therapies to fight the disease still warrant the development of preventive strategies. Quercetin has been shown to have different antitumor activities; however, its effect on TME components in preneoplastic lesions has not been fully investigated yet. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effect of quercetin (10 mg/kg) on TME components during the early stages of HCC progression induced in the rat. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses showed that quercetin decreases the size of preneoplastic lesions, glycogen and collagen accumulation, the expression of cancer stem cells and myofibroblasts markers, and that of the transporter ATP binding cassette subfamily C member 3 (ABCC3), a marker of HCC progression and multi-drug resistance. Our results strongly suggest that quercetin has the capability to reduce key components of TME, as well as the expression of ABCC3. Thus, quercetin can be an alternative treatment for inhibiting the growth of early HCC tumors.
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26
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Targeting Drug Chemo-Resistance in Cancer Using Natural Products. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101353. [PMID: 34680470 PMCID: PMC8533186 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally. The development of drug resistance is the main contributor to cancer-related mortality. Cancer cells exploit multiple mechanisms to reduce the therapeutic effects of anticancer drugs, thereby causing chemotherapy failure. Natural products are accessible, inexpensive, and less toxic sources of chemotherapeutic agents. Additionally, they have multiple mechanisms of action to inhibit various targets involved in the development of drug resistance. In this review, we have summarized the basic research and clinical applications of natural products as possible inhibitors for drug resistance in cancer. The molecular targets and the mechanisms of action of each natural product are also explained. Diverse drug resistance biomarkers were sensitive to natural products. P-glycoprotein and breast cancer resistance protein can be targeted by a large number of natural products. On the other hand, protein kinase C and topoisomerases were less sensitive to most of the studied natural products. The studies discussed in this review will provide a solid ground for scientists to explore the possible use of natural products in combination anticancer therapies to overcome drug resistance by targeting multiple drug resistance mechanisms.
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27
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Identifying Active Compounds and Mechanism of Camellia nitidissima Chi on Anti-Colon Cancer by Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:7169211. [PMID: 34484402 PMCID: PMC8413042 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7169211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Camellia nitidissima Chi (CNC) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with anticancer property. However, its underlying mechanisms of anti-colon cancer (CC) remain unknown. Therefore, a systematic approach is proposed in the present study to elucidate the anticancer mechanisms of CNC based on network pharmacology and experimental validation. Initially, the potential active ingredients of CNC were verified via the TCMSP database based on the oral bioavailability (OB) and drug-likeness (DL) terms. Hub targets of CNC were acquired from SwissTarget prediction and TCMSP databases, and target genes related to CC were gathered from GeneCards and OMIM databases. Cytoscape was used to establish the compound-target networks. Next, the hub target genes collected from the CNC and CC were parsed via GO and KEGG analysis. Results of GO and KEGG analysis reveal that quercetin and luteolin in CNC, VEGFA and AKT1 targets, and PI3K-Akt pathway were associated with the suppression of CC. Besides, the result of molecular docking unveils that VEGFA demonstrates the most powerful binding affinity among the binding outcomes. This finding was successfully validated using in vitro HCT116 cell model experiment. In conclusion, this study proved the usefulness of integrating network pharmacology with in vitro experiments in the elucidation of underlying molecular mechanisms of TCM.
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28
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Pan B, Pan W, Lu Z, Xia C. Pharmacological Mechanisms Underlying the Hepatoprotective Effects of Ecliptae herba on Hepatocellular Carcinoma. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2021; 2021:5591402. [PMID: 34326886 PMCID: PMC8302389 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5591402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases worldwide has increased significantly. As a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with a long history, Ecliptae herba (EH) has been widely used in HCC patients in China, but its hepatoprotective mechanism is still unclear. METHODS In this study, we applied a network pharmacology-based strategy and experimental verification to systematically unravel the underlying mechanisms of EH against HCC. First, six active ingredients of EH were screened from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) by the ADME method. Subsequently, 52 potential targets of 6 active ingredients acting on HCC were screened from various databases, including TCMSP, DGIdb, SwissTargetPrediction, CTD, and GeneCards. Then, by constructing protein-protein interaction (PPI) network from STRING, we displayed the intricate connections among these 52 targets through Cytoscape software. We also applied enrichment analysis, including Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses, to provide an outline and set of concepts for describing gene functions and the advanced functions of biological systems of these 52 targets from genomic and molecular level information. Finally, molecular docking and biological experiments were used to reconfirm these results. RESULTS We hypothesized that EH might exert anti-HCC activity by acting on hub genes, including RELA, MMP9, PTGS2, ESR1, EGFR, AR, AKT1, HIF1A, AHR, CYP3A4, ABCG2, and MMP2. Moreover, based on GO and KEGG analysis, we speculated that EH may exert hepatoprotective effects on HCC through the following mechanisms: regulation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway to promote apoptosis and inhibit the abnormal proliferation of HCC, downregulation of HIF-1A expression by activating the HIF-1 signaling pathway, prevention of HCC by regulating lipid metabolism, and inhibition of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by the cytochrome P450 subfamily. Subsequent biological experiments verified that EH inhibits the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway through its active ingredients, quercetin, and wedelolactone, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of HCC cells and promoting the apoptosis of HCC cells. CONCLUSIONS The network pharmacological strategy provides an efficient method to systematically explore the pharmacological mechanism of EH in HCC. Our study demonstrated that the anti-HCC proliferation activity of EH is mainly exerted by two active ingredients (quercetin and wedelolactone), which inhibit the proliferation of HCC cells (HepG2 and Huh-7) by inhibiting PI3K-AKT signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Botao Pan
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Wenxiu Pan
- Department of Laboratory, Fifth People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Zheng Lu
- Wuzhou Maternal and Child Health-Care Hospital, Wuzhou 543000, China
| | - Chenglai Xia
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan 528000, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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29
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Zhao X, Wang J, Deng Y, Liao L, Zhou M, Peng C, Li Y. Quercetin as a protective agent for liver diseases: A comprehensive descriptive review of the molecular mechanism. Phytother Res 2021; 35:4727-4747. [PMID: 34159683 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Quercetin is the major representative of the flavonoid subgroup of flavones, with good pharmacological activities for the treatment of liver diseases, including liver steatosis, fatty hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and liver cancer. It can significantly influence the development of liver diseases via multiple targets and multiple pathways via antifat accumulation, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity, as well as the inhibition of cellular apoptosis and proliferation. Despite extensive research on understanding the mechanism of quercetin in the treatment of liver diseases, there are still no targeted therapies available. Thus, we have comprehensively searched and summarized the different targets of quercetin in different stages of liver diseases and concluded that quercetin inhibited inflammation of the liver mainly through NF-κB/TLR/NLRP3, reduced PI3K/Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress, mTOR activation in autophagy, and inhibited the expression of apoptotic factors associated with the development of liver diseases. In addition, quercetin showed different mechanisms of action at different stages of liver diseases, including the regulation of PPAR, UCP, and PLIN2-related factors via brown fat activation in liver steatosis. The compound inhibited stromal ECM deposition at the liver fibrosis stage, affecting TGF1β, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERs), and apoptosis. While at the final liver cancer stage, inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and spread via the hTERT, MEK1/ERK1/2, Notch, and Wnt/β-catenin-related signaling pathways. In conclusion, quercetin is an effective liver protectant. We hope to explore the pathogenesis of quercetin in different stages of liver diseases through the review, so as to provide more accurate targets and theoretical basis for further research of quercetin in the treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingtao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Mengting Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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