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Lei HY, Pi GL, He T, Xiong R, Lv JR, Liu JL, Wu DQ, Li MZ, Shi K, Li SH, Yu NN, Gao Y, Yu HL, Wei LY, Wang X, Zhou QZ, Zou PL, Zhou JY, Liu YZ, Shen NT, Yang J, Ke D, Wang Q, Liu GP, Yang XF, Wang JZ, Yang Y. Targeting vulnerable microcircuits in the ventral hippocampus of male transgenic mice to rescue Alzheimer-like social memory loss. Mil Med Res 2024; 11:16. [PMID: 38462603 PMCID: PMC10926584 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-024-00512-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Episodic memory loss is a prominent clinical manifestation of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is closely related to tau pathology and hippocampal impairment. Due to the heterogeneity of brain neurons, the specific roles of different brain neurons in terms of their sensitivity to tau accumulation and their contribution to AD-like social memory loss remain unclear. Therefore, further investigation is necessary. METHODS We investigated the effects of AD-like tau pathology by Tandem mass tag proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis, social behavioural tests, hippocampal electrophysiology, immunofluorescence staining and in vivo optical fibre recording of GCaMP6f and iGABASnFR. Additionally, we utilized optogenetics and administered ursolic acid (UA) via oral gavage to examine the effects of these agents on social memory in mice. RESULTS The results of proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses revealed the characteristics of ventral hippocampal CA1 (vCA1) under both physiological conditions and AD-like tau pathology. As tau progressively accumulated, vCA1, especially its excitatory and parvalbumin (PV) neurons, were fully filled with mislocated and phosphorylated tau (p-Tau). This finding was not observed for dorsal hippocampal CA1 (dCA1). The overexpression of human tau (hTau) in excitatory and PV neurons mimicked AD-like tau accumulation, significantly inhibited neuronal excitability and suppressed distinct discrimination-associated firings of these neurons within vCA1. Photoactivating excitatory and PV neurons in vCA1 at specific rhythms and time windows efficiently ameliorated tau-impaired social memory. Notably, 1 month of UA administration efficiently decreased tau accumulation via autophagy in a transcription factor EB (TFEB)-dependent manner and restored the vCA1 microcircuit to ameliorate tau-impaired social memory. CONCLUSION This study elucidated distinct protein and phosphoprotein networks between dCA1 and vCA1 and highlighted the susceptibility of the vCA1 microcircuit to AD-like tau accumulation. Notably, our novel findings regarding the efficacy of UA in reducing tau load and targeting the vCA1 microcircuit may provide a promising strategy for treating AD in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Yang Lei
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Gui-Lin Pi
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430014, China
| | - Ting He
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Rui Xiong
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jing-Ru Lv
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jia-Le Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Dong-Qin Wu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Meng-Zhu Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Kun Shi
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Shi-Hong Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Na-Na Yu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hui-Ling Yu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Lin-Yu Wei
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qiu-Zhi Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Pei-Lin Zou
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jia-Yang Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ying-Zhou Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Nai-Ting Shen
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Dan Ke
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Gong-Ping Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xi-Fei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Shenzhen, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian-Zhi Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226000, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Farzan M, Farzan M, Shahrani M, Navabi SP, Vardanjani HR, Amini-Khoei H, Shabani S. Neuroprotective properties of Betulin, Betulinic acid, and Ursolic acid as triterpenoids derivatives: a comprehensive review of mechanistic studies. Nutr Neurosci 2024; 27:223-240. [PMID: 36821092 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2023.2180865] [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] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive deficits are the main outcome of neurological disorders whose occurrence has risen over the past three decades. Although there are some pharmacologic approaches approved for managing neurological disorders, it remains largely ineffective. Hence, exploring novel nature-based nutraceuticals is a pressing need to alleviate the results of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative disorders. Some triterpenoids and their derivates can be considered potential therapeutics against neurological disorders due to their neuroprotective and cognitive-improving effects. Betulin (B), betulinic acid (BA), and ursolic acid (UA) are pentacyclic triterpenoid compounds with a variety of biological activities, including antioxidative, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. This review focuses on the therapeutic efficacy and probable molecular mechanisms of triterpenoids in damage prevention to neurons and restoring cognition in neurodegenerative diseases. Considering few studies on this concept, the precise mechanisms that mediate the effect of these compounds in neurodegenerative disorders have remained unknown. The findings can provide sufficient information about the advantages of these compounds against neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahan Farzan
- Student Research Committee, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
- PhytoPharmacology Interest Group (PPIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahour Farzan
- Student Research Committee, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
- Neuroscience Research Group (NRG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Shahrani
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Parisa Navabi
- Persian Gulf Physiology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hossien Rajabi Vardanjani
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hossein Amini-Khoei
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Sahreh Shabani
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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Yang Y, He Z, Wu S. Ursolic acid alleviates paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy through PPARγ activation. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 484:116883. [PMID: 38437959 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.116883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) reduces the overall quality of life and leads to interruption of chemotherapy. Ursolic acid, a triterpenoid naturally which presents in fruit peels and in many herbs and spices, can function as a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonist, and has been widely used as an herbal medicine with a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effect. METHODS We used a phenotypic drug screening approach to identify ursolic acid as a potential neuroprotective drug in vitro and in vivo and carried out additional biochemical experiments to identify its mechanism of action. RESULTS Our study demonstrated that ursolic acid reduced neurotoxicity and cell apoptosis induced by pacilitaxel, resulting in an improvement of CIPN. Moreover, we explored the potential mechanisms of ursolic acid on CIPN. As a result, ursolic acid inhibited CHOP (C/EBP Homologous Protein) expression, indicating the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress suppression, and regulating CHOP related apoptosis regulator (the Bcl2 family) to reverse pacilitaxel induced apoptosis. Moreover, we showed that the therapeutic effect of ursolic acid on the pacilitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy is PPARγ dependent. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, the present study suggests ursolic acid has potential as a new PPARγ agonist targeting ER stress-related apoptotic pathways to ameliorate pacilitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathic pain and nerve injury, providing new clinical therapeutic method for CIPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulian Yang
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Shaanxi 710072, China
| | - Zhongzheng He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mini-invasive Neurosurgery and Translational Medical Center, Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi 710003, China
| | - Shuangchan Wu
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Shaanxi 710072, China; Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, China.
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He T, Lin X, Su A, Zhang Y, Xing Z, Mi L, Wei T, Li Z, Wu W. Mitochondrial dysfunction-targeting therapeutics of natural products in Parkinson's disease. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1117337. [PMID: 37234707 PMCID: PMC10206024 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1117337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, often occurs in middle-aged and elderly individuals. The pathogenesis of PD is complex and includes mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. Recently, natural products with multiple structures and their bioactive components have become one of the most important resources for small molecule PD drug research targeting mitochondrial dysfunction. Multiple lines of studies have proven that natural products display ameliorative benefits in PD treatment by regulating mitochondrial dysfunction. Therefore, a comprehensive search of recent published articles between 2012 and 2022 in PubMed, Web of Science, Elesvier, Wliey and Springer was carried out, focusing on original publications related to natural products against PD by restoring mitochondrial dysfunction. This paper presented the mechanisms of various kinds of natural products on PD-related mitochondrial dysfunction regulation and provided evidence that natural products are promising to be developed as drugs for PD therapeutics.
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Kornel A, Nadile M, Retsidou MI, Sakellakis M, Gioti K, Beloukas A, Sze NSK, Klentrou P, Tsiani E. Ursolic Acid against Prostate and Urogenital Cancers: A Review of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087414. [PMID: 37108576 PMCID: PMC10138876 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second most diagnosed form of cancer in men worldwide and accounted for roughly 1.3 million cases and 359,000 deaths globally in 2018, despite all the available treatment strategies including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Finding novel approaches to prevent and treat prostate and other urogenital cancers effectively is of major importance. Chemicals derived from plants, such as docetaxel and paclitaxel, have been used in cancer treatment, and in recent years, research interest has focused on finding other plant-derived chemicals that can be used in the fight against cancer. Ursolic acid, found in high concentrations in cranberries, is a pentacyclic triterpenoid compound demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. In the present review, we summarize the research studies examining the effects of ursolic acid and its derivatives against prostate and other urogenital cancers. Collectively, the existing data indicate that ursolic acid inhibits human prostate, renal, bladder, and testicular cancer cell proliferation and induces apoptosis. A limited number of studies have shown significant reduction in tumor volume in animals xenografted with human prostate cancer cells and treated with ursolic acid. More animal studies and human clinical studies are required to examine the potential of ursolic acid to inhibit prostate and other urogenital cancers in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Kornel
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Matteo Nadile
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Maria Ilektra Retsidou
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Minas Sakellakis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Metropolitan Hospital, 18547 Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Gioti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - Apostolos Beloukas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
- National AIDS Reference Centre of Southern Greece, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Newman Siu Kwan Sze
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Panagiota Klentrou
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
- Centre for Bone and Muscle Health, Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Evangelia Tsiani
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
- Centre for Bone and Muscle Health, Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
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Yuan C, Fan W, Zhou T, Sun D, Liu H, He Z, Wang Y. Ligand-free high loading capacity ursolic acid self-carried nanovesicles enable hepatocyte targeting via absorbing apolipoproteins. Int J Pharm 2023; 638:122931. [PMID: 37024066 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA), a natural pentacyclic terpenoid carboxylic acid that can exert a potent hepatoprotective activity, has been developed into various types of nanoparticles to improve its pharmacological effects, however, the phagocytosis of nanoparticles by Kupffer cells greatly limits its efficacy. Herein, UA/Tween 80 nanovesicles (V-UA) were constructed and despite its simple composition, it fulfills multiple functions simultaneously: UA served as not only an active ingredient in the nanovesicle drug delivery system, but also acts as part of the carrier to stabilize UA/Tween 80 nanostructure; with a molar ratio of UA to Tween 80 up to 2:1, the formulation possesses a significant advantage of higher drug loading capacity; relative to liposomal UA (Lipo-UA), a conditional cellular uptake and higher accumulation of V-UA in hepatocytes provide insights into the hepatocytes targeting mechanisms of this nanovesicles. Favorable hepatocyte targeting ability also facilitates the treatment of liver diseases, which was well validated in three liver disease models.
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Kornel A, Nadile M, Tsiani E. Evidence of the Beneficial Effects of Ursolic Acid against Lung Cancer. Molecules 2022; 27:7466. [PMID: 36364289 PMCID: PMC9655894 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Despite current treatment approaches that include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapies, lung cancer accounted for 1.79 million deaths worldwide in 2020, emphasizing the urgent need to find novel agents and approaches for more effective treatment. Traditionally, chemicals derived from plants, such as paclitaxel and docetaxel, have been used in cancer treatment, and in recent years, research has focused on finding other plant-derived chemicals that can be used in the fight against lung cancer. Ursolic acid is a polyphenol found in high concentrations in cranberries and other fruits and has been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer properties. In this review, we summarize recent research examining the effects of ursolic acid and its derivatives on lung cancer. Data from in vitro cell culture and in vivo animal studies show potent anticancer effects of ursolic acid and indicate the need for clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Kornel
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Matteo Nadile
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Evangelia Tsiani
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
- Centre for Bone and Muscle Health, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
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Ursolic acid and SARS-CoV-2 infection: a new horizon and perspective. Inflammopharmacology 2022; 30:1493-1501. [PMID: 35922738 PMCID: PMC9362167 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-022-01038-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2) has been identified as the source of a world coronavirus pandemic in 2019. Covid-19 is considered a main respiratory disease-causing viral pneumonia and, in severe cases, leads to acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Although, extrapulmonary manifestations of Covid-19 like neurological, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal have been confirmed. Exaggerated immune response and release of a high amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines may progress, causing a cytokine storm. Consequently, direct and indirect effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection can evolve into systemic complications due to the progression of hyper inflammation, oxidative stress and dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Therefore, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents could be efficient in alleviating these disorders. Ursolic acid has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral effects; it reduces the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, improves anti-inflammatory cytokines, and inhibits the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In virtue of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, ursolic acid may minimize SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced complications. Also, by regulating RAS and inflammatory signaling pathways, ursolic acid might effectively reduce the development of ALI in ARDS in Covid-19. In this state, this perspective discusses how ursolic acid can mitigate hyper inflammation and oxidative stress in Covid-19.
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Al-Kuraishy HM, Al-Gareeb AI, El-Saber Batiha G. The possible role of ursolic acid in Covid-19: A real game changer. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2022; 47:414-417. [PMID: 35063236 PMCID: PMC8724013 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2021.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a pentacyclic terpenoid is usually found in the fruit peels and stem bark as secondary metabolites. UA has antiviral, antibacterial, and antiparasitic properties. UA has a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities against different infections. Because of the greatest antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties of UA, so it could be a plausible therapeutic herbal medicine in Covid-19 treatment. Covid-19 is a recent worldwide virulent disease pandemic due to severe acute respiratory coronavirus disease 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection is related to the direct cytopathic effect and exaggerated immune response by which acute lung injury (ALI) and/or acute respiratory distress syndrome might be developed in critical cases. UA may inhibit main protease of SARS-CoV-2, and inhibits the interface flanked by SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins and its entry point commonly recognized as angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). In addition, UA attenuates SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress. Therefore, UA could avert SARS-CoV-2 infection from causing ALI. This opinion proposed that UA might be a potential candidate therapy against Covid-19 and can mitigate post-Covid-19 complications such as lung fibrosis. In this regards, forthcoming studies are reasonable to substantiate the therapeutic role of UA in Covid-19. However, taken into account that Covid-19 is yet to be investigating for further evaluations, therefore, clinical trials are recommended regarding use and dose of UA in Covid-19 treatment, as well as secondary effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayder M Al-Kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medicine and Therapeutic, Medical Faculty, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriyah University, P.O. Box 14132, Baghdad, Iraq.
| | - Ali I Al-Gareeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medicine and Therapeutic, Medical Faculty, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriyah University, P.O. Box 14132, Baghdad, Iraq.
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemotherapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, El Beheira, Egypt.
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Miatmoko A, Mianing EA, Sari R, Hendradi E. Nanoparticles use for Delivering Ursolic Acid in Cancer Therapy: A Scoping Review. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:787226. [PMID: 35002719 PMCID: PMC8740088 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.787226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid is a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid that exerts a potent anticancer effect. Furthermore, it is classified as a BCS class IV compound possessing low permeability and water solubility, consequently demonstrating limited bioavailability in addition to low therapeutic effectiveness. Nanoparticles are developed to modify the physical characteristics of drug and can often be produced in the range of 30–200 nm, providing highly effective cancer therapy due to the Enhanced Permeation and Retention (EPR) Effect. This study aims to provide a review of the efficacy and safety of various types of Ursolic Acid-loading nanoparticles within the setting of preclinical and clinical anticancer studies. This literature study used scoping review method, where the extracted data must comply with the journal inclusion criteria of within years of 2010–2020. The identification stage produced 237 suitable articles. Duplicate screening was then conducted followed by the initial selection of 18 articles that had been reviewed and extracted for data analysis. Based on this review, the use of nanoparticles can be seen to increase the anticancer efficacy of Ursolic Acid in terms of several parameters including pharmacokinetic data, survival rates and inhibition rates, as well as the absence of serious toxicity in preclinical and clinical trials in terms of several parameters including body weight, blood clinical chemistry, and organ histipathology. Based on this review, the use of nanoparticles has been able to increase the anticancer efficacy of Ursolic Acid, as well as show the absence of serious toxicity in preclinical and clinical trials. Evenmore, the liposome carrier provides development data that has reached the clinical trial phase I. The use of nanoparticle provides high potential for Ursolic Acid delivery in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andang Miatmoko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia.,Stem Cell Research and Development Center, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Ester Adelia Mianing
- Study Program of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Retno Sari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Esti Hendradi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
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Wei H, Guo J, Sun X, Gou W, Ning H, Fang Z, Liu Q, Hou W, Li Y. Discovery and radiosensitization research of ursolic acid derivatives as SENP1 inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 227:113918. [PMID: 34688014 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
SUMOylation and deSUMOylation plays an important role in DNA damage response and the formation of radiotherapy resistance. SENP1 is the main specific isopeptidase to catalyze deSUMOylation modification. Inhibiting SENP1 upregulates cancer cell radiosensitivity and it becomes a promising target for radiosensitization. Herein, based on the structure of ursolic acid (UA), a total of 53 pentacyclic triterpene derivatives were designed and synthesized as SENP1 inhibitors. Ten derivatives exhibited better SENP1 inhibitory activities than UA and the preliminary structure-activity relationship was discussed. Most of the UA derivatives were low-cytotoxic, among which compound 36 showed the best radiosensitizing activity with the SER value of 1.45. It was the first study to develop small molecular SENP1 inhibitors as radiosensitizers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqiang Wei
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Jianghong Guo
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Xiao Sun
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Wenfeng Gou
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Hongxin Ning
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Zhennan Fang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin, 300192, China.
| | - Wenbin Hou
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin, 300192, China.
| | - Yiliang Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin, 300192, China.
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12
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Ramos-Hryb AB, Pazini FL, Costa AP, Cunha MP, Kaster MP, Rodrigues ALS. Role of heme oxygenase-1 in the antidepressant-like effect of ursolic acid in the tail suspension test. J Pharm Pharmacol 2022; 74:13-21. [PMID: 34791376 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgab128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated the involvement of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the antidepressant-like effects of ursolic acid (UA), a plant-derived compound with neuroprotective and antidepressant-like properties. METHODS Mice received intracerebroventricular injections of zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP) or cobalt protoporphyrin IX (CoPP) to inhibit or induce HO-1, respectively, together with effective (0.1 mg/kg, p.o.) or sub-effective (0.01 mg/kg, p.o.) doses of UA or fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, p.o.). Immobility time was assessed using the tail suspension test (TST) and the ambulatory behaviour with the open field test. HO-1 immunocontent was evaluated in mice hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. KEY FINDINGS ZnPP prevented the anti-immobility effects of UA and fluoxetine. Combined treatment with a sub-effective dose of CoPP and UA synergistically exerted antidepressant-like effects in the TST. Acute administration of UA or CoPP, but not fluoxetine, increased the HO-1 immunocontent in the hippocampus. None of the treatments altered the HO-1 immunocontent in the prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, this work shows that increased hippocampal HO-1 content and activity mediate the antidepressant-like effect of UA in the TST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Belen Ramos-Hryb
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Francis L Pazini
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Costa
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Mauricio P Cunha
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Manuella P Kaster
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Ana Lúcia S Rodrigues
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Florianópolis, Brazil
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13
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Alam M, Ali S, Ahmed S, Elasbali AM, Adnan M, Islam A, Hassan MI, Yadav DK. Therapeutic Potential of Ursolic Acid in Cancer and Diabetic Neuropathy Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12162. [PMID: 34830043 PMCID: PMC8621142 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid frequently found in medicinal herbs and plants, having numerous pharmacological effects. UA and its analogs treat multiple diseases, including cancer, diabetic neuropathy, and inflammatory diseases. UA inhibits cancer proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, and induced cell death, scavenging free radicals and triggering numerous anti- and pro-apoptotic proteins. The biochemistry of UA has been examined broadly based on the literature, with alterations frequently having been prepared on positions C-3 (hydroxyl), C12-C13 (double bonds), and C-28 (carboxylic acid), leading to several UA derivatives with increased potency, bioavailability and water solubility. UA could be used as a protective agent to counter neural dysfunction via anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It is a potential therapeutic drug implicated in the treatment of cancer and diabetic complications diseases provide novel machinery to the anti-inflammatory properties of UA. The pharmacological efficiency of UA is exhibited by the therapeutic theory of one-drug → several targets → one/multiple diseases. Hence, UA shows promising therapeutic potential for cancer and diabetic neuropathy diseases. This review aims to discuss mechanistic insights into promising beneficial effects of UA. We further explained the pharmacological aspects, clinical trials, and potential limitations of UA for the management of cancer and diabetic neuropathy diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manzar Alam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India; (M.A.); (S.A.); (A.I.); (M.I.H.)
| | - Sabeeha Ali
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India; (M.A.); (S.A.); (A.I.); (M.I.H.)
| | - Sarfraz Ahmed
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India;
| | - Abdelbaset Mohamed Elasbali
- Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences-Qurayyat, Jouf University, Sakaka P.O. Box 2014, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Adnan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hail, Hail P.O. Box 2440, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Asimul Islam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India; (M.A.); (S.A.); (A.I.); (M.I.H.)
| | - Md. Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India; (M.A.); (S.A.); (A.I.); (M.I.H.)
| | - Dharmendra Kumar Yadav
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University of Medicine and Science, Hambakmoeiro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21924, Korea
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14
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Erdmann J, Kujaciński M, Wiciński M. Beneficial Effects of Ursolic Acid and Its Derivatives-Focus on Potential Biochemical Mechanisms in Cardiovascular Conditions. Nutrients 2021; 13:3900. [PMID: 34836155 PMCID: PMC8622438 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid found in a number of plants such as apples, thyme, oregano, hawthorn and others. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have presented its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. The inhibition of NF-κB-mediated inflammatory pathways and the increased scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in numerous ways seem to be the most beneficial effects of UA. In mice and rats, administration of UA appears to slow down the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), especially atherosclerosis and cardiac fibrosis. Upregulation of endothelial-type nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and cystathionine-λ-lyase (CSE) by UA may suggest its vasorelaxant property. Inhibition of metalloproteinases activity by UA may contribute to better outcomes in aneurysms management. UA influence on lipid and glucose metabolism remains inconsistent, and additional studies are essential to verify its efficacy. Furthermore, UA derivatives appear to have a beneficial impact on the cardiovascular system. This review aims to summarize recent findings on beneficial effects of UA that may make it a promising candidate for clinical trials for the management of CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Erdmann
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie 9, 85-090 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (M.K.); (M.W.)
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15
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Wang S, Chang X, Zhang J, Li J, Wang N, Yang B, Pan B, Zheng Y, Wang X, Ou H, Wang Z. Ursolic Acid Inhibits Breast Cancer Metastasis by Suppressing Glycolytic Metabolism via Activating SP1/Caveolin-1 Signaling. Front Oncol 2021; 11:745584. [PMID: 34568078 PMCID: PMC8457520 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.745584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer remains the most common malignancy and the leading causality of cancer-associated mortality among women worldwide. With proven efficacy, Oldenlandia diffusa has been extensively applied in breast cancer treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. However, the bioactive compounds of Oldenlandia diffusa accounting for its anti-breast cancer activity and the underlying biological mechanisms remain to be uncovered. Herein, bioactivity-guided fractionation suggested ursolic acid as the strongest anti-breast cancer compound in Oldenlandia diffusa. Ursolic acid treatment dramatically suppressed the proliferation and promoted mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in breast cancer cells while brought little cytotoxicities in nonmalignant mammary epithelial cells in vitro. Meanwhile, ursolic acid dramatically impaired both the glycolytic metabolism and mitochondrial respiration function of breast cancer cells. Further investigations demonstrated that ursolic acid may impair the glycolytic metabolism of breast cancer cells by activating Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) signaling, as Cav-1 knockdown could partially abrogate the suppressive effect of ursolic acid on that. Mechanistically, ursolic acid could activate SP1-mediated CAV1 transcription by promoting SP1 expression as well as its binding with CAV1 promoter region. More meaningfully, ursolic acid administration could dramatically suppress the growth and metastasis of breast cancer in both the zebrafish and mouse xenotransplantation models of breast cancer in vivo without any detectable hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity or hematotoxicity. This study not only provides preclinical evidence supporting the application of ursolic acid as a promising candidate drug for breast cancer treatment but also sheds novel light on Cav-1 as a druggable target for glycolytic modulation of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengqi Wang
- Section of Science and Technology, Guangxi International Zhuang Medicine Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Department of Mammary Disease, Panyu Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The Research Center of Integrative Cancer Medicine, Discipline of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu Chang
- Department of Mammary Disease, Panyu Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juping Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,The Research Center of Integrative Cancer Medicine, Discipline of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,The Research Center of Integrative Cancer Medicine, Discipline of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Neng Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,The Research Center of Integrative Cancer Medicine, Discipline of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The Research Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bowen Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,The Research Center of Integrative Cancer Medicine, Discipline of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Pan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,The Research Center of Integrative Cancer Medicine, Discipline of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yifeng Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,The Research Center of Integrative Cancer Medicine, Discipline of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,The Research Center of Integrative Cancer Medicine, Discipline of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hesheng Ou
- Section of Science and Technology, Guangxi International Zhuang Medicine Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Zhiyu Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,The Research Center of Integrative Cancer Medicine, Discipline of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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16
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Burlacu E, Tanase C. Anticancer Potential of Natural Bark Products-A Review. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10091895. [PMID: 34579427 PMCID: PMC8467168 DOI: 10.3390/plants10091895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cell biology, plant-based extracts, structural chemistry, and laboratory in vitro or in vivo experiments are the principal aspects or interfaces that can contribute to discovering new possibilities in cancer therapy and to developing improved chemotherapeutics. Forestry residues can be used for their wealthy resource in polyphenols and other phytoconstituents known for anticancer properties. This review is designed to bring together information on the in vitro or in vivo anticancer potential of woody vascular plants especially the bark extracts (BE) and biosynthesized metallic nanoparticles (BMN) using bark extracts. Type of extracts, main phytoconstituents found in extracts responsible for the anticancer activity, and targeted cancerous cell lines were followed. The literature data were collected via Clarivate Analytics, Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Academic (2011-2021). The search terms were: bark extracts, metallic nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, anticancer, cytotoxic activity, antiproliferative effect, and antimetastatic potential in vitro and in vivo. All of the search terms listed above were used in different combinations. The literature data highlight the efficaciousness of the BE and BMN as anticancer agents in in vitro experiments and showed the mechanism of action and their advantage of nontoxicity on normal cells. In vitro testing has shown promising results of the BE and BMN effect on different cancer cell lines. In vivo testing is lacking and more data is necessary for drug development on animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ema Burlacu
- Residency Department, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania;
| | - Corneliu Tanase
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.:+40-744-215-543
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17
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Butkeviciute A, Petrikaite V, Jurgaityte V, Liaudanskas M, Janulis V. Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Cytotoxic Activity of Extracts from Some Commercial Apple Cultivars in Two Colorectal and Glioblastoma Human Cell Lines. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10071098. [PMID: 34356331 PMCID: PMC8301036 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10071098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer initiation and development are closely related to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate apple extracts and individual tritepenes antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities. Dry extracts of apple were analyzed by HPLC-PDA. A hyaluronidase inhibition assay was selected to determine the anti-inflammatory effect. Cytotoxic activities against human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29) and human glioblastoma cell line (U-87) were determined using MTT, cell colony formation, and spheroid growth assays. Radical scavenging and reducing activities were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and CUPRAC assays, respectively. The apple extracts inhibited hyaluronidase from 26.38 ± 4.4% to 35.05 ± 3.8%. The AAW extract possessed the strongest cytotoxic activity (EC50 varied from 113.3 ± 11.11 µg/mL to 119.7 ± 4.0 µg/mL). The AEW extract had four and five times stronger antiradical activity when determined by ABTS and DPPH, and two and eight times stronger reducing activity when evaluated by CUPRAC and FRAP, respectively. Understanding the mechanisms of apple extracts and individual triterpenes as hyaluronidase inhibitors and antioxidants related in cancer development may be a benefit to future study in vivo, as well as cancer prognosis or the development of new, innovative food supplements, which could be used for chronic disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurita Butkeviciute
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu av. 13, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.L.); (V.J.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +37-037-621-56190
| | - Vilma Petrikaite
- Laboratory of Drug Targets Histopathology, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu av. 13, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania; (V.P.); (V.J.)
- Institute of Physiology and Pharmacology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, A. Mickeviciaus 9, LT-44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Vidmante Jurgaityte
- Laboratory of Drug Targets Histopathology, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu av. 13, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania; (V.P.); (V.J.)
| | - Mindaugas Liaudanskas
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu av. 13, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.L.); (V.J.)
| | - Valdimaras Janulis
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu av. 13, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.L.); (V.J.)
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18
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Wang L, Yin Q, Liu C, Tang Y, Sun C, Zhuang J. Nanoformulations of Ursolic Acid: A Modern Natural Anticancer Molecule. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:706121. [PMID: 34295253 PMCID: PMC8289884 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.706121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ursolic acid (UA) is a natural pentacyclic triterpene derived from fruit, herb, and other plants. UA can act on molecular targets of various signaling pathways, inhibit the growth of cancer cells, promote cycle stagnation, and induce apoptosis, thereby exerting anticancer activity. However, its poor water-solubility, low intestinal mucosal absorption, and low bioavailability restrict its clinical application. In order to overcome these deficiencies, nanotechnology, has been applied to the pharmacological study of UA. Objective: In this review, we focused on the absorption, distribution, and elimination pharmacokinetics of UA in vivo, as well as on the research progress in various UA nanoformulations, in the hope of providing reference information for the research on the anticancer activity of UA. Methods: Relevant research articles on Pubmed and Web of Science in recent years were searched selectively by using the keywords and subheadings, and were summarized systematically. Key finding: The improvement of the antitumor ability of the UA nanoformulations is mainly due to the improvement of the bioavailability and the enhancement of the targeting ability of the UA molecules. UA nanoformulations can even be combined with computational imaging technology for monitoring or diagnosis. Conclusion: Currently, a variety of UA nanoformulations, such as micelles, liposomes, and nanoparticles, which can increase the solubility and bioactivity of UA, while promoting the accumulation of UA in tumor tissues, have been prepared. Although the research of UA in the nanofield has made great progress, there is still a long way to go before the clinical application of UA nanoformulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longyun Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Qianqian Yin
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Cun Liu
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Changgang Sun
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China.,Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China
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Preclinical Assessment of Ursolic Acid Loaded into Nanostructured Lipid Carriers in Experimental Visceral Leishmaniasis. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13060908. [PMID: 34205283 PMCID: PMC8235317 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13060908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid, a triterpene produced by plants, displayed leishmanicidal activity in vitro and in vivo; however, the low solubility of this triterpene limits its efficacy. To increase the activity of ursolic acid (UA), this triterpene was entrapped in nanostructured lipid carriers (UA-NLC), physical-chemical parameters were estimated, the toxicity was assayed in healthy golden hamsters, and the efficacy of UA-NLC was studied in experimental visceral leishmanisis. UA-NLC exhibited a spherical shape with a smooth surface with a size of 266 nm. UA-NLC displayed low polydispersity (PDI = 0.18) and good colloidal stability (-29.26 mV). Hamsters treated with UA-NLC did not present morphological changes in visceral organs, and the levels of AST, ALT, urea and creatinine were normal. Animals infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum and treated with UA-NLC showed lower parasitism than the infected controls, animals treated with UA or Amphotericin B (AmB). The therapeutic activity of UA-NLC was associated with the increase in a protective immune response, and it was associated with a high degree of spleen and liver preservation, and the normalization of hepatic and renal functions. These data indicate that the use of lipid nanoparticles as UA carriers can be an interesting strategy for the treatment of leishmaniasis.
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Gudoityte E, Arandarcikaite O, Mazeikiene I, Bendokas V, Liobikas J. Ursolic and Oleanolic Acids: Plant Metabolites with Neuroprotective Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4599. [PMID: 33925641 PMCID: PMC8124962 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ursolic and oleanolic acids are secondary plant metabolites that are known to be involved in the plant defence system against water loss and pathogens. Nowadays these triterpenoids are also regarded as potential pharmaceutical compounds and there is mounting experimental data that either purified compounds or triterpenoid-enriched plant extracts exert various beneficial effects, including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anticancer, on model systems of both human or animal origin. Some of those effects have been linked to the ability of ursolic and oleanolic acids to modulate intracellular antioxidant systems and also inflammation and cell death-related pathways. Therefore, our aim was to review current studies on the distribution of ursolic and oleanolic acids in plants, bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties of these triterpenoids and their derivatives, and to discuss their neuroprotective effects in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelina Gudoityte
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (E.G.); (O.A.)
- Celignis Limited, Unit 11 Holland Road, Plassey Technology Park Castletroy, County Limerick, Ireland
| | - Odeta Arandarcikaite
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (E.G.); (O.A.)
| | - Ingrida Mazeikiene
- Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Institute of Horticulture, Akademija, LT-58344 Kedainiai Distr., Lithuania;
| | - Vidmantas Bendokas
- Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Institute of Horticulture, Akademija, LT-58344 Kedainiai Distr., Lithuania;
| | - Julius Liobikas
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (E.G.); (O.A.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
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21
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Lombrea A, Scurtu AD, Avram S, Pavel IZ, Turks M, Lugiņina J, Peipiņš U, Dehelean CA, Soica C, Danciu C. Anticancer Potential of Betulonic Acid Derivatives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3676. [PMID: 33916089 PMCID: PMC8037575 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical trials have evidenced that several natural compounds, belonging to the phytochemical classes of alkaloids, terpenes, phenols and flavonoids, are effective for the management of various types of cancer. Latest research has proven that natural products and their semisynthetic variants may serve as a starting point for new drug candidates with a diversity of biological and pharmacological activities, designed to improve bioavailability, overcome cellular resistance, and enhance therapeutic efficacy. This review was designed to bring an update regarding the anticancer potential of betulonic acid and its semisynthetic derivatives. Chemical derivative structures of betulonic acid including amide, thiol, and piperidine groups, exert an amplification of the in vitro anticancer potential of betulonic acid. With the need for more mechanistic and in vivo data, some derivatives of betulonic acids may represent promising anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelina Lombrea
- Department of Pharmacognosy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.L.); (S.A.); (I.Z.P.); (C.D.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.A.D.); (C.S.)
| | - Alexandra Denisa Scurtu
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.A.D.); (C.S.)
- Department of Toxicology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Stefana Avram
- Department of Pharmacognosy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.L.); (S.A.); (I.Z.P.); (C.D.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.A.D.); (C.S.)
| | - Ioana Zinuca Pavel
- Department of Pharmacognosy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.L.); (S.A.); (I.Z.P.); (C.D.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.A.D.); (C.S.)
| | - Māris Turks
- Institute of Technology of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry, Riga Technical University, P. Valdena Str. 3, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia; (M.T.); (J.L.)
| | - Jevgeņija Lugiņina
- Institute of Technology of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry, Riga Technical University, P. Valdena Str. 3, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia; (M.T.); (J.L.)
| | - Uldis Peipiņš
- Nature Science Technologies Ltd., Saules Str. 19, LV-3601 Ventspils, Latvia;
| | - Cristina Adriana Dehelean
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.A.D.); (C.S.)
- Department of Toxicology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Codruta Soica
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.A.D.); (C.S.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Corina Danciu
- Department of Pharmacognosy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.L.); (S.A.); (I.Z.P.); (C.D.)
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.A.D.); (C.S.)
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22
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Colla ARS, Pazini FL, Lieberknecht V, Camargo A, Rodrigues ALS. Ursolic acid abrogates depressive-like behavior and hippocampal pro-apoptotic imbalance induced by chronic unpredictable stress. Metab Brain Dis 2021; 36:437-446. [PMID: 33394285 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-020-00658-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence has shown that ursolic acid exerts antidepressant-like effects, however, its ability to elicit an antidepressant-like response in rodents subjected to stress model that mimics behavioral and neurochemical alterations found in depression remains to be determined. Thus, this study investigated the possible antidepressant-like effect of ursolic acid in mice subjected to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) for 14 days, and whether this effect could be associated with the modulation of serum corticosterone levels and hippocampal Bcl-2/Bax mRNA expression. Our results indicated that CUS induced a depressive-like behavior, as demonstrated by an increase in the immobility time and latency to first grooming in the tail suspension test and splash test, respectively. Conversely, the repeated administration of ursolic acid (0.1 mg/kg, p.o.) or fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, p.o.) in the last 7 days of CUS completely prevented CUS-induced behavioral alterations, suggesting an antidepressant-like effect. Additionally, CUS significantly increased the mRNA expression of Bax (pro-apoptosis marker), but not Bcl-2 (anti-apoptosis marker) in the hippocampus. Moreover, reduced hippocampal mRNA expression of Bcl-2/Bax ratio was detected in CUS-exposed mice. Ursolic acid, but not fluoxetine, prevented CUS-induced increase in the expression of Bax, but both ursolic acid and fluoxetine prevented CUS-induced reduction on Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Furthermore, neither CUS nor treatments with ursolic acid or fluoxetine altered serum corticosterone levels. Our study unveils the ability of ursolic acid to prevent the depressive-like behavior induced by stress and the modulation of Bcl-2/Bax expression could be associated with this response.
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Affiliation(s)
- André R S Colla
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Francis L Pazini
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Vicente Lieberknecht
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Anderson Camargo
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Ana Lúcia S Rodrigues
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil.
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23
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Abildgaard C, Rizza S, Christiansen H, Schmidt S, Dahl C, Abdul-Al A, Christensen A, Filomeni G, Guldberg P. Screening of metabolic modulators identifies new strategies to target metabolic reprogramming in melanoma. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4390. [PMID: 33623106 PMCID: PMC7902673 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83796-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of metastatic melanoma remains poor due to de novo or acquired resistance to immune and targeted therapies. Previous studies have shown that melanoma cells have perturbed metabolism and that cellular metabolic pathways represent potential therapeutic targets. To support the discovery of new drug candidates for melanoma, we examined 180 metabolic modulators, including phytochemicals and anti-diabetic compounds, for their growth-inhibitory activities against melanoma cells, alone and in combination with the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib. Two positive hits from this screen, 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) and ursolic acid (UA), were subjected to validation and further characterization. Metabolic analysis showed that 4-MU affected cellular metabolism through inhibition of glycolysis and enhanced the effect of vemurafenib to reduce the growth of melanoma cells. In contrast, UA reduced mitochondrial respiration, accompanied by an increase in the glycolytic rate. This metabolic switch potentiated the growth-inhibitory effect of the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase inhibitor dichloroacetate. Both drug combinations led to increased production of reactive oxygen species, suggesting the involvement of oxidative stress in the cellular response. These results support the potential use of metabolic modulators for combination therapies in cancer and may encourage preclinical validation and clinical testing of such treatment strategies in patients with metastatic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Abildgaard
- Molecular Diagnostics Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Lillebaelt Hospital - University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Salvatore Rizza
- Redox Biology Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Helle Christiansen
- Lundbeckfonden Center of Excellence NanoCAN, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Molecular Oncology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen, Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Steffen Schmidt
- Lundbeckfonden Center of Excellence NanoCAN, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Molecular Oncology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen, Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Christina Dahl
- Molecular Diagnostics Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ahmad Abdul-Al
- Molecular Diagnostics Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Annette Christensen
- Molecular Diagnostics Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Giuseppe Filomeni
- Redox Biology Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biology, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Center for Healthy Aging, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Per Guldberg
- Molecular Diagnostics Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
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24
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Mishra V, Soren AD, Yadav AK. Toxicological evaluations of betulinic acid and ursolic acid; common constituents of Houttuynia cordata used as an anthelmintic by the Naga tribes in North-east India. FUTURE JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43094-020-00173-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Betulinic acid (BA) and ursolic acid (UA) are two major phytoconstituents of Houttuynia cordata Thunb., (Saururaceae) which is used as an anthelmintic in the traditional medicine system of the Nagas in Nagaland, India. This study evaluates their toxic potentials using rodent models (Swiss albino mice and Wistar rats) according to the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) guidelines. Acute and 28-day sub-acute oral toxicity studies were conducted, and evaluations were made based on biochemical, hematological, and histopathological observations.
Results
Acute oral toxicity study revealed the oral LD50 of both the test compounds to be > 2000 mg/kg in mice. Sub-acute administration of BA at 10 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) revealed a significant increase in serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea concentrations and eosinophil and lymphocyte counts in rats. Animals administered with 10 mg/kg b.w. UA revealed elevated neutrophil count, SGOT, ALP, and urea concentrations, whereas white blood cells (WBC), lymphocyte, and platelet counts were found to be low. Histopathological examinations of body organs revealed alterations in the architecture of the liver, kidney, and spleen tissues. Notably, all these alterations were recoverable as evident in the satellite group, indicating a recovering pattern from the toxic effects caused by the oral administration of these phytocompounds.
Conclusion
Although UA and BA possess several therapeutic properties, their long-term usage can cause mild toxicity in their users. This study also paves way for evaluating the optimum effective and safe dose of these phytocompounds.
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Lobo PCB, Vieira IP, Pichard C, Marques BS, Gentil P, da Silva EL, Pimentel GD. Ursolic acid has no additional effect on muscle strength and mass in active men undergoing a high-protein diet and resistance training: A double-blind and placebo-controlled trial. Clin Nutr 2021; 40:581-589. [PMID: 32593524 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2020.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ursolic acid (UA) is thought to have an anabolic effect on muscle mass in humans. This study sought to compare the effects of UA and a placebo on muscle strength and mass in young men undergoing resistance training (RT) and consuming a high-protein diet. METHODS A clinical, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted for 8 weeks. The Control + RT group (CON n = 12) received 400 mg/d of placebo, and the UA + RT group (UA n = 10) received 400 mg/d of UA. Both groups ingested ~1.6 g/kg of protein and performed the same RT program. Pre- and post-intervention, both groups were evaluated for anthropometric measures, body composition, food intake and muscle strength. RESULTS Food intake remained unchanged throughout the study. Both groups showed significant increases in body weight (CON Δ: 2.12 ± 0.47 kg, p = 0.001 vs. UA Δ: 2.24 ± 0.67 kg, p = 0.009), body mass index (BMI) (CON Δ: 0.69 ± 0.15 kg/m2, p = 0.001 vs. UA Δ: 0.75 ± 0.23, p = 0.011) and thigh circumference (CON Δ: 1.50 ± 0.36, p = 0.002 vs. UA Δ: 2.46 ± 0.50 cm, p = 0.003 vs. UA 1.84 ± 0.82 cm, p = 0.001), with differences between them. There was no difference in the arm, waist and hip circumferences. Both groups showed increases in muscle mass (CON Δ: 1.12 ± 0.26, p = 0.001 vs. UA Δ: 1.08 ± 0.28 kg, p = 0.004), but there was no significant difference between them. Additionally, there were significant increases in the one repetition maximum test in the bench press and in the 10-repetition maximum test in the knee extension (CON Δ: 5.00 ± 2.09, p = 0.036 vs. UA Δ: 7.8 ± 1.87, p = 0.340 and CON Δ: 3.58 ± 1.15, p = 0.010 vs. UA Δ: 1.20 ± 0.72, p = 0.133), respectively, with no difference between them. CONCLUSIONS Ursolic acid had no synergic effect on muscle strength and mass in response to RT in physically active men consuming a high-protein diet. BRAZILIAN CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRY (REBEC) RBR-76tbqs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia C B Lobo
- Clinical and Sports Nutrition Research Laboratory (Labince), Faculty of Nutrition, Federal University of Goias, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Itamar P Vieira
- Faculty of Physical Education and Dance, Federal University of Goias, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Claude Pichard
- Clinical Nutrition, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Bruna S Marques
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Paulo Gentil
- Faculty of Physical Education and Dance, Federal University of Goias, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Edson L da Silva
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Nutrition, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Gustavo D Pimentel
- Clinical and Sports Nutrition Research Laboratory (Labince), Faculty of Nutrition, Federal University of Goias, Goiânia, Brazil.
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Ren C, Kong D, Ning C, Xing H, Cheng Y, Zhang Y, Lu Y, Li N, Chen X, Zhao D. Improved Pharmacokinetic Characteristics of Ursolic Acid in Rats Following Intratracheal Instillation and Nose-Only Inhalation Exposure. J Pharm Sci 2021; 110:905-913. [PMID: 33049258 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a common pentacyclic triterpene phytochemical with various pharmacological activities. However, UA is classified as a class IV drug in BCS system and its development as an oral drug is limited. Pulmonary delivery is an effective way to improve the bioavailability of drugs with low absorption. In this study, the differences in pharmacokinetic behaviors of UA after pulmonary and oral administration was explored in rats. Compared with oral administration, the plasma concentration of UA increased rapidly after pulmonary administration, and the bioavailability increased about 80 times. UA instantly accumulated in the lungs after pulmonary administration, and the pulmonary AUC0-t/dose increased by 114 times compared to oral dosing. Incubation experiments showed that the metabolism of UA in rat lung microsomes was significantly reduced compared with that in liver microsomes, in which the clearance rate of phase I and phase II metabolism was reduced by 14.7 times and 1.4 times respectively. These results indicated that pulmonary administration could improve the bioavailability of UA and reduce its metabolism. This study not only provides a preferable route of administration for the application of UA but also offers new insights for the development of phytochemical drug candidates with poor pharmacokinetic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Ren
- Clinical Pharmacokinetics Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Dexuan Kong
- Clinical Pharmacokinetics Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Chen Ning
- Clinical Pharmacokinetics Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Han Xing
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Yujie Cheng
- Clinical Pharmacokinetics Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yongjie Zhang
- Clinical Pharmacokinetics Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yang Lu
- Clinical Pharmacokinetics Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Ning Li
- National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Xijing Chen
- Clinical Pharmacokinetics Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
| | - Di Zhao
- Clinical Pharmacokinetics Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
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27
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Yang M, Hu C, Cao Y, Liang W, Yang X, Xiao T. Ursolic Acid Regulates Cell Cycle and Proliferation in Colon Adenocarcinoma by Suppressing Cyclin B1. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:622212. [PMID: 33628185 PMCID: PMC7898669 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.622212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims: The biological functions of cyclin B1 (CCNB1) in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) will be explored in this study. Furthermore, the therapeutic effects and potential molecular mechanisms of ursolic acid (UA) in COAD cells will also be investigated in vitro. Methods: COAD data were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined with differential analysis. The biological functions of CCNB1 were analyzed through the GeneCards, the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING), and the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) databases. Therapeutic effects of UA on COAD cell lines HCT-116 and SW-480 were analyzed by CCK-8 and high-content screening (HCS) imaging assay. Flow cytometry was utilized to detect cell cycle changes of SW-480 and HCT-116 cells. Levels of mRNA and expression proteins of HCT-116, SW-480, and normal colon epithelial cells NCM-460 were determined by qRT-PCR and western blot. Results: CCNB1 was highly expressed and acted as an oncogene in COAD patients. CCNB1 and its interacting genes were significantly enriched in the cell cycle pathway. UA effectively inhibited the proliferation and injured COAD cells. In addition, UA arrested cell cycle of COAD cells in S phase. With regard to the molecular mechanisms of UA, we demonstrated that UA can significantly downregulate CCNB1 and its interacting genes and proteins, including CDK1, CDC20, CCND1, and CCNA2, which contributed to cell cycle blocking and COAD treatment. Conclusion: Results from this study revealed that UA possesses therapeutic effects on COAD. The anti-COAD activities of UA are tightly related to suppression of CCNB1 and its interacting targets, which is crucial in abnormal cell cycle process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhui Yang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Changxiao Hu
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Yibo Cao
- Colorectal and Anal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China.,Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Chengdu Anorectal Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Wanling Liang
- Colorectal and Anal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiangdong Yang
- Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Chengdu Anorectal Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Tianbao Xiao
- Colorectal and Anal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
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28
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Sun Q, He M, Zhang M, Zeng S, Chen L, Zhou L, Xu H. Ursolic acid: A systematic review of its pharmacology, toxicity and rethink on its pharmacokinetics based on PK-PD model. Fitoterapia 2020; 147:104735. [PMID: 33010369 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2020.104735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid compound existing in various traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, and it possesses diverse pharmacological actions and some undesirable adverse effects, even toxicological activities. Due to UA's low solubility and poor bioavailability, and its interaction with gut microbiota after oral administration, the pharmacokinetics of UA remain elusive, leading to obscurity in the pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics (PK-PD) profile and relationship for UA. Based on literatures from PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Web of Science and Wiley Online Library, with keywords of "pharmacology", "toxicology", "pharmacokinetics", "PK-PD" and "ursolic acid", herein we systematically review the pharmacology and toxicity of UA, and rethink on its pharmacokinetics on the basis of PK-PD model, and seek to delineate the underlying mechanisms for the characteristics of pharmacology and toxicology of UA, and for the pharmacokinetic features of UA particularly from the organ tropism and the interactions between UA and gut microbiota, and lay a solid foundation for development of UA-derived therapeutic agents in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Man He
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Sha Zeng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Lijuan Zhou
- Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Haibo Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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29
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Li W, Sun K, Hu F, Chen L, Zhang X, Wang F, Yan B. Protective effects of natural compounds against oxidative stress in ischemic diseases and cancers via activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway: A mini review. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2020; 35:e22658. [PMID: 33118292 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress, an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidants, has been seen in the pathological states of many disorders such as ischemic diseases and cancers. Many natural compounds (NCs) have long been recognized to ameliorate oxidative stress due to their inherent antioxidant activities. The modulation of oxidative stress by NCs via activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway is summarized in the review. Three NCs, ursolic acid, betulinic acid, and curcumin, and the mechanisms of their cytoprotective effects are investigated in myocardial ischemia, cerebral ischemia, skin cancer, and prostate cancer. To promote the therapeutic performance of NCs with poor water solubility, the formulation approach, such as the nano drug delivery system, is elaborated as well in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenji Li
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kai Sun
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fang Hu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Longfei Chen
- China National Intellectual Property Administration Patent Re-examination and Invalidation Department Pharmaceutical Division, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Departments of Urology, Yangzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fuxing Wang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bingchun Yan
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
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30
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Rosa HH, Carvalho P, Ortmann CF, Schneider NFZ, Reginatto FH, Simões CMO, Silva IT. Cytotoxic effects of a triterpene‐enriched fraction of Cecropia pachystachya on the human hormone-refractory prostate cancer PC3 cell line. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 130:110551. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
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Khwaza V, Oyedeji OO, Aderibigbe BA. Ursolic Acid-Based Derivatives as Potential Anti-Cancer Agents: An Update. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5920. [PMID: 32824664 PMCID: PMC7460570 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid is a pharmacologically active pentacyclic triterpenoid derived from medicinal plants, fruit, and vegetables. The pharmacological activities of ursolic acid have been extensively studied over the past few years and various reports have revealed that ursolic acid has multiple biological activities, which include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, etc. In terms of cancer treatment, ursolic acid interacts with a number of molecular targets that play an essential role in many cell signaling pathways. It suppresses transformation, inhibits proliferation, and induces apoptosis of tumor cells. Although ursolic acid has many benefits, its therapeutic applications in clinical medicine are limited by its poor bioavailability and absorption. To overcome such disadvantages, researchers around the globe have designed and developed synthetic ursolic acid derivatives with enhanced therapeutic effects by structurally modifying the parent skeleton of ursolic acid. These structurally modified compounds display enhanced therapeutic effects when compared to ursolic acid. This present review summarizes various synthesized derivatives of ursolic acid with anti-cancer activity which were reported from 2015 to date.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Blessing A. Aderibigbe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, Alice 5700, Eastern Cape, South Africa; (V.K.); (O.O.O.)
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32
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Zhang Y, Li X, Ciric B, Curtis MT, Chen WJ, Rostami A, Zhang GX. A dual effect of ursolic acid to the treatment of multiple sclerosis through both immunomodulation and direct remyelination. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:9082-9093. [PMID: 32253301 PMCID: PMC7183235 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2000208117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Current multiple sclerosis (MS) medications are mainly immunomodulatory, having little or no effect on neuroregeneration of damaged central nervous system (CNS) tissue; they are thus primarily effective at the acute stage of disease, but much less so at the chronic stage. An MS therapy that has both immunomodulatory and neuroregenerative effects would be highly beneficial. Using multiple in vivo and in vitro strategies, in the present study we demonstrate that ursolic acid (UA), an antiinflammatory natural triterpenoid, also directly promotes oligodendrocyte maturation and CNS myelin repair. Oral treatment with UA significantly decreased disease severity and CNS inflammation and demyelination in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS. Importantly, remyelination and neural repair in the CNS were observed even after UA treatment was started on day 60 post immunization when EAE mice had full-blown demyelination and axonal damage. UA treatment also enhanced remyelination in a cuprizone-induced demyelination model in vivo and brain organotypic slice cultures ex vivo and promoted oligodendrocyte maturation in vitro, indicating a direct myelinating capacity. Mechanistically, UA induced promyelinating neurotrophic factor CNTF in astrocytes by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ(PPARγ)/CREB signaling, as well as by up-regulation of myelin-related gene expression during oligodendrocyte maturation via PPARγ activation. Together, our findings demonstrate that UA has significant potential as an oral antiinflammatory and neural repair agent for MS, especially at the chronic-progressive stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Xing Li
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Bogoljub Ciric
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107
| | - Mark T Curtis
- Department of Pathology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107
| | - Wan-Jun Chen
- Mucosal Immunology Section, Oral and Pharyngeal Cancer Branch, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | | | - Guang-Xian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107;
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33
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Harun NH, Septama AW, Ahmad WANW, Suppian R. Immunomodulatory effects and structure-activity relationship of botanical pentacyclic triterpenes: A review. CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINES 2020; 12:118-124. [PMID: 36119799 PMCID: PMC9476727 DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2019.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Botanical pentacyclic triterpenes possessed a broad range of pharmacological activities such as anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activities. It is believed that the mechanisms involved in these bioactivities are due to the modulation of immune system. Recently, the pharmacological validation on immunomodulatory of pentacyclic triterpenes derived from higher plants is very limited and several existence review papers related for this group of compound have not been focused for this activity. In this review, we have highlighted several studies on immunomodulatory potential of botanical pentacyclic triterpenes isolated from wide array of different species of medicinal plants and herbs based on various preclinical in vitro and animal models. This review also attempts to discuss on bioactivities of compouns related with their structure-activity relationship. Hence, the evaluation of pentacyclic triterpenes offers a great opportunity to discover adjuvants and novel therapeutic agents that presented beneficial immunomodulatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Hikmah Harun
- School of Health Sciences, Heath Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
- School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Nerus 21300, Malaysia
- Corresponding author
| | - Abdi Wira Septama
- Research Center for Chemistry, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Kawasan Puspitek Serpong, Tangerang Selatan 15314, Indonesia
| | - Wan Amir Nizam Wan Ahmad
- School of Health Sciences, Heath Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
| | - Rapeah Suppian
- School of Health Sciences, Heath Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
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Shao J, Fang Y, Zhao R, Chen F, Yang M, Jiang J, Chen Z, Yuan X, Jia L. Evolution from small molecule to nano-drug delivery systems: An emerging approach for cancer therapy of ursolic acid. Asian J Pharm Sci 2020; 15:685-700. [PMID: 33363625 PMCID: PMC7750806 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2020.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA), a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid, possesses widespread biological and pharmacological activities. However, drawbacks such as low bioavailability, poor targeting and rapid metabolism greatly hinder its further clinical application. Recently, with the development of nanotechnology, various UA nanosystems have emerged as promising strategies for effective cancer therapy. This article reviews various types of UA-based nano-delivery systems, primarily with emphasis placed on novel UA-based carrier-free nano-drugs, which are considered to be innovative methods for cancer therapy. Moreover, this review presents carrier-free nano-drugs that co-assembled of UA and photosensitizers that displayed synergistic antitumor performance. Finally, the article also describes the development and challenges of UA nanosystems for future research in this field. Overall, the information presented in this review will provide new insight into the rational utilization of nano-drugs in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwei Shao
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention Center, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China.,Marine Drug R&D Center, Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Yifan Fang
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention Center, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Ruirui Zhao
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention Center, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Fangmin Chen
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention Center, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Mingyue Yang
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention Center, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Jiali Jiang
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention Center, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Zixuan Chen
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention Center, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Xiaotian Yuan
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention Center, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Lee Jia
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention Center, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China.,Marine Drug R&D Center, Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China
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35
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Bilbao-Ramos P, Serrano DR, Ruiz Saldaña HK, Torrado JJ, Bolás-Fernández F, Dea-Ayuela MA. Evaluating the Potential of Ursolic Acid as Bioproduct for Cutaneous and Visceral Leishmaniasis. Molecules 2020; 25:E1394. [PMID: 32204358 PMCID: PMC7144553 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25061394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis affects around 12 million people worldwide and is estimated to cause the ninth-largest disease burden. There are three main forms of the disease, visceral (VL), cutaneous (CL), and mucocutaneous (MCL), leading to more than one million new cases every year and several thousand deaths. Current treatments based on chemically synthesized molecules are far from ideal. In this study, we have tested the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of ursolic acid (UA), a multifunctional triterpenoid with well-known antitumoral, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects on different Leishmania strains. The in vitro antileishmanial activity against the intracellular forms was six and three-fold higher compared to extracellular forms of L. amazonensis and L. infantum, respectively. UA also showed to be a potent antileishmanial drug against both VL and CL manifestations of the disease in experimental models. UA parenterally administered at 5 mg/kg for seven days significantly reduced the parasite burden in liver and spleen not only in murine acute infection but also in a chronic-infection model against L. infantum. In addition, UA ointment (0.2%) topically administered for four weeks diminished (50%) lesion size progression in a chronic infection model of CL caused by L. amazonensis, which was much greater than the effect of UA formulated as an O/W emulsion. UA played a key role in the immunological response modulating the Th1 response. The exposure of Leishmania-infected macrophages to UA led to a significant different production in the cytokine levels depending on the Leishmania strain causing the infection. In conclusion, UA can be a promising therapy against both CL and VL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Bilbao-Ramos
- Departament of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Pharmacy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (P.B.-R.); (F.B.-F.)
- Laboratorio de Parasitología y Entomología INLASA, Pasaje Rafael Zubieta #1889, (Lado Estado Mayor del ejército) Zona Miraflores, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - Dolores R. Serrano
- Departament of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, School of Pharmacy, University Complutense, Avenida Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (D.R.S.); (H.K.R.S.); (J.J.T.)
- Institute of Industrial Pharmacy (IUFI), Plaza Ramon y Cajal, SN, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Helga Karina Ruiz Saldaña
- Departament of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, School of Pharmacy, University Complutense, Avenida Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (D.R.S.); (H.K.R.S.); (J.J.T.)
| | - Juan J. Torrado
- Departament of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, School of Pharmacy, University Complutense, Avenida Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (D.R.S.); (H.K.R.S.); (J.J.T.)
- Institute of Industrial Pharmacy (IUFI), Plaza Ramon y Cajal, SN, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Bolás-Fernández
- Departament of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Pharmacy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (P.B.-R.); (F.B.-F.)
| | - María Auxiliadora Dea-Ayuela
- Departament of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Pharmacy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (P.B.-R.); (F.B.-F.)
- Departament of Pharmacy, School of Health Science, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, C/Ramón y Cajal s/n, 46115 Alfara del Patriarca (Valencia), Spain
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36
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Luo H, Vong CT, Chen H, Gao Y, Lyu P, Qiu L, Zhao M, Liu Q, Cheng Z, Zou J, Yao P, Gao C, Wei J, Ung COL, Wang S, Zhong Z, Wang Y. Naturally occurring anti-cancer compounds: shining from Chinese herbal medicine. Chin Med 2019; 14:48. [PMID: 31719837 PMCID: PMC6836491 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-019-0270-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous natural products originated from Chinese herbal medicine exhibit anti-cancer activities, including anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic, anti-angiogenic effects, as well as regulate autophagy, reverse multidrug resistance, balance immunity, and enhance chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. To provide new insights into the critical path ahead, we systemically reviewed the most recent advances (reported since 2011) on the key compounds with anti-cancer effects derived from Chinese herbal medicine (curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, berberine, artemisinin, ginsenoside Rg3, ursolic acid, silibinin, emodin, triptolide, cucurbitacin B, tanshinone I, oridonin, shikonin, gambogic acid, artesunate, wogonin, β-elemene, and cepharanthine) in scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, and Clinical Trials). With a broader perspective, we focused on their recently discovered and/or investigated pharmacological effects, novel mechanism of action, relevant clinical studies, and their innovative applications in combined therapy and immunomodulation. In addition, the present review has extended to describe other promising compounds including dihydroartemisinin, ginsenoside Rh2, compound K, cucurbitacins D, E, I, tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone in view of their potentials in cancer therapy. Up to now, the evidence about the immunomodulatory effects and clinical trials of natural anti-cancer compounds from Chinese herbal medicine is very limited, and further research is needed to monitor their immunoregulatory effects and explore their mechanisms of action as modulators of immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Luo
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Chi Teng Vong
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Hanbin Chen
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Peng Lyu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Ling Qiu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Mingming Zhao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Qiao Liu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Zehua Cheng
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jian Zou
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Peifen Yao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Caifang Gao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jinchao Wei
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Carolina Oi Lam Ung
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Shengpeng Wang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yitao Wang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
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37
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Wang W, Lei L, Liu Z, Wang H, Meng Q. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel Nitrogen Heterocycle-Containing Ursolic Acid Analogs as Antitumor Agents. Molecules 2019; 24:E877. [PMID: 30832266 PMCID: PMC6429512 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24050877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nineteen ursolic acid analogues were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against the Hela and MKN45 cell lines. Some compounds containing a piperazine moiety displayed moderate to high levels of antitumor activities against the tested cancer cell lines. The most potent compound shares the IC50 value of 2.1 µM and 2.6 µM for the Hela and MKN45 cell lines, respectively. Further mechanism studies and in vivo antitumor studies have shown that it decreased the apoptosis regulator (BCL2/BAX) ratio, disrupted mitochondrial potential and induced apoptosis, and suppressed the growth of Hela xenografts in nude mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhi Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China.
| | - Lei Lei
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China.
| | - Zhi Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China.
| | - Hongbo Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China.
| | - Qingguo Meng
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China.
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38
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Iqbal J, Abbasi BA, Ahmad R, Mahmood T, Kanwal S, Ali B, Khalil AT, Shah SA, Alam MM, Badshah H. Ursolic acid a promising candidate in the therapeutics of breast cancer: Current status and future implications. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 108:752-756. [PMID: 30248543 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.09.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer [BC] is the deadliest neoplasm in women globally and the second leading cause of cancer associated deaths. Current treatment methods include chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, radiation therapy and surgery. However, BC has shown resistance to these therapies and are often associated with side effects, multidrug resistance, recurrence are the major issues in BC treatment. Currently, dietary phytocompounds have emerged as beneficial agents for the prevention and treatment of cancer because of their safe and cost effective nature. Ursolic acid [UA] is widely spread in fruits and vegetables having the ability to inhibit BC proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis, arrest cell cycle, induced apoptosis, scavenge free radicals and regulate several anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic proteins. UA has also shown potential anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in several human BC cells. This review paper encompasses the role of UA against BC and their mechanism of action in vitro and in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javed Iqbal
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan.
| | - Banzeer Ahsan Abbasi
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Riaz Ahmad
- College of life sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xian, 710119, China
| | - Tariq Mahmood
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Sobia Kanwal
- Department of Zoology, University of Gujrat, Sub-Campus Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Barkat Ali
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Ali Talha Khalil
- UNESCO UNISA Africa chair in nanoscience and nanotechnology, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation Somerset West, Western Cape, 7129, South Africa; Department of Eastern Medicine and Surgery, Qarshi University, Lahore, 56000, Pakistan
| | - Sayed Afzal Shah
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | | | - Hussain Badshah
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
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Khan MSA, Khundmiri SUK, Khundmiri SR, Al-Sanea MM, Mok PL. Fruit-Derived Polysaccharides and Terpenoids: Recent Update on the Gastroprotective Effects and Mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:569. [PMID: 29988459 PMCID: PMC6024987 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ulceration in the stomach develops in peptic ulcer disease when there is a loss of protective mucosal layers, particularly in Helicobacter pylori infection. Antibiotic therapy has failed to eradicate and impede the colonization of H. pylori. Despite given treatment, recurrent bleeding can occur and lead to death in the affected individual. The disease progression is also related to the non-steroidal inflammatory drug and stress. There are extensive research efforts to identify the gastroprotective property from various alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins compounds from plants and marine. These natural products are believed to be safe for consumption. However, not much attention was given to summarize the carbohydrate and terpenoidal anti-ulcer compounds. Hence, this review will cover the possible mechanisms and information about acidic hydroxylans, arabinogalactan and rhamnogalacturon; and limonene, pinene, lupeol, citral, ursolic acid and nomilin to exemplify on the gastroprotective properties of polysaccharides and terpenoid, respectively, obtained from fruits. These compounds could act as a prebiotic to prevent the inhabitation of H. pylori, modulate the inflammation, suppress gastric cancer growth, and capable of stimulating the reparative mechanisms on the affected regions. Finally, this review provides the future research prospects of these natural compounds in an effort to develop new therapy for gastrointestinal tissue healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Safwan Ali Khan
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology, Anwarul Uloom College of Pharmacy, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University – Hyderabad (JNTUH), Hyderabad, India
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia
| | - Syeda Umme Kulsoom Khundmiri
- Department of Pharmacology, Anwarul Uloom College of Pharmacy, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University – Hyderabad (JNTUH), Hyderabad, India
| | - Syeda Rukhaiya Khundmiri
- Department of Pharmacology, Anwarul Uloom College of Pharmacy, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University – Hyderabad (JNTUH), Hyderabad, India
| | - Mohammad M. Al-Sanea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pooi Ling Mok
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia
- Genetics and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
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Vijaya, Yadav AK, Gogoi S. In vitro and in vivo anthelmintic efficacy of two pentacyclic triterpenoids, ursolic acid and betulinic acid against mice pinworm, Syphacia obvelata. J Parasit Dis 2018; 42:144-149. [PMID: 29491574 PMCID: PMC5825362 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-017-0960-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pinworm infections are one of the common problems in laboratory rodents and man. At present there are only few drugs against intestinal helminths, and new drugs are urgently needed to cope up any future risk of drug resistance. Interest in plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) has risen considerably in the recent years for the discovery and development of new drugs. In the present study, we explored the in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic potentials of two pentacyclic triterpenoids, ursolic acid (UA) and betulinic acid (BA), the important PSMs of many medicinal plants, against Syphacia obvelata (Nematoda: Oxyuridae), a common pinworm of mice. The results of this study indicated that in both, in vitro and in vivo assays, BA showed comparatively better anthelmintic effects than UA. In the in vitro assay, 1.00 mg/ml concentration of BA showed paralysis and mortality of worms in 1.20 ± 0.04 and 2.30 ± 0.03 h, respectively. In the in vivo assay, a single 10.00 mg/kg dose of BA, administered for 5 days, revealed 68.78% reduction in egg counts and 84.08% reduction in worm counts of infected mice. The present study suggests that BA holds a great promise to be pursued further for detailed testing against some other representative group of helminth parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijaya
- Department of Zoology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, 793022 India
| | - Arun K. Yadav
- Department of Zoology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, 793022 India
| | - S. Gogoi
- Department of Zoology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, 793022 India
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Ramos-Hryb AB, Cunha MP, Kaster MP, Rodrigues ALS. Natural Polyphenols and Terpenoids for Depression Treatment: Current Status. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64068-0.00006-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
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Natural modulators of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Mode of action analysis and in silico ADME-Tox prediction. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 337:45-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Ramos-Hryb AB, Pazini FL, Kaster MP, Rodrigues ALS. Therapeutic Potential of Ursolic Acid to Manage Neurodegenerative and Psychiatric Diseases. CNS Drugs 2017; 31:1029-1041. [PMID: 29098660 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-017-0474-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Ursolic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid found in several plants. Despite its initial use as a pharmacologically inactive emulsifier in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries, several biological activities have been reported for this compound so far, including anti-tumoural, anti-diabetic, cardioprotective and hepatoprotective properties. The biological effects of ursolic acid have been evaluated in vitro, in different cell types and against several toxic insults (i.e. 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, amyloid-β peptides, kainic acid and others); in animal models of brain-related disorders (Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, depression, traumatic brain injury) and ageing; and in clinical studies with cancer patients and for muscle atrophy. Most of the protective effects of ursolic acid are related to its ability to prevent oxidative damage and excessive inflammation, common mechanisms associated with multiple brain disorders. Additionally, ursolic acid is capable of modulating the monoaminergic system, an effect that might be involved in its ability to prevent mood and cognitive dysfunctions associated with neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions. This review presents and discusses the available evidence of the possible beneficial effects of ursolic acid for the management of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. We also discuss the chemical features, major sources and potential limitations of the use of ursolic acid as a pharmacological treatment for brain-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana B Ramos-Hryb
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Francis L Pazini
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Manuella P Kaster
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Ana Lúcia S Rodrigues
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil.
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Negi H, Saikia SK, Pandey R. 3β-Hydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic Acid Modulates Dietary Restriction Mediated Longevity and Ameliorates Toxic Protein Aggregation in C. elegans. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2017; 72:1614-1619. [PMID: 28673026 PMCID: PMC5861981 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glx118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Species from lower invertebrates to a spectrum of mammals show antiaging health benefits of phytochemical(s). Here, we explored the pro-longevity effects of a natural triterpenoid, ursolic acid (3β-hydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid; UA) in Caenorhabditis elegans with maximal life span being evident at 25 µM UA. Similar to eat-2 mutants, UA uptake by worm results in reduced fat storage and attenuation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), independent of superoxide dismutase(s) activation. The genetic requirements for UA-mediated longevity are quite similar to dietary restriction (DR) achieved through SKN-1/NRF-2 exhibiting upregulation of downstream target genes gcs-1 and daf-9. Longevity mechanism was independent of PHA-4/FOXA and attributed to partial dependence on sir-2.1. Altogether, our study suggests differential use of UA-elicited signaling cascades in nutrient sensing for longevity. Both the redox state and the proteostasis of an organism play critical role in aging and disease resistance. Interestingly, we observed a reduction of toxic protein aggregation in transgenic polyglutamine (polyQ) C. elegans model and UA-mediated JNK-1 (c-Jun-NH2-terminal kinase) activation in wild-type animals. Thus, our study demonstrates a small extent of prevention against proteotoxic stress by UA coupled with positive aspects of DR-mediated longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hema Negi
- Microbial Technology and Nematology Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India
| | - Shilpi Khare Saikia
- Microbial Technology and Nematology Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India
| | - Rakesh Pandey
- Microbial Technology and Nematology Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India
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Zhang C, Wang C, Li W, Wu R, Guo Y, Cheng D, Yang Y, Androulakis IP, Kong AN. Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of the Triterpenoid Ursolic Acid in Regulating the Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Epigenetic Gene Responses in Rat Leukocytes. Mol Pharm 2017; 14:3709-3717. [PMID: 29035547 PMCID: PMC5697757 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.7b00469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The triterpenoid ursolic acid (UA) has been proposed as a potential cancer chemopreventive agent in many preclinical and clinical studies. In the present work, we aimed to characterize the pharmacokinetics (PK) of UA and to quantitatively assess the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of UA, which are potentially linked to its chemopreventive efficacy. UA was administered intravenously (i.v., 20 mg/kg) or by oral gavage (100 mg/kg) to male Sprague-Dawley rats, and blood samples were collected at a series of designated time points. The plasma concentration of UA was determined using a validated liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) approach. A biexponential decline in the UA plasma concentration was observed after i.v. dosing and was fitted to a two-compartmental model. The expression levels of phase II drug metabolism (DM)/antioxidant genes and the inflammatory iNos gene in corresponding treatment arms were measured using qPCR as a pharmacodynamic (PD) marker. The expression of phase II DM/antioxidant genes increased and peaked approximately 3 h after 20 mg/kg UA treatment. In a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute inflammation model, UA inhibited LPS-stimulated iNos expression and that of the epigenetic markers the DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) in leukocytes. A PK-PD model using Jusko's indirect response model (IDR) with transition compartments (TC) was established to describe the time delay and magnitude of the gene expression elicited by UA. The PK-PD model provided reasonable fitting linking the plasma concentration of UA simultaneously with the PD response based on leukocyte mRNA expression. Overall, our results indicate that UA is effective at inducing various phase II DM/antioxidant genes and inhibiting pro-inflammatory genes in vivo. This PK-PD modeling approach may provide a conceptual framework for the future clinical evaluation of dietary chemopreventive agents in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyue Zhang
- Center for Phytochemical Epigenome Studies, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Chao Wang
- Center for Phytochemical Epigenome Studies, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Wenji Li
- Center for Phytochemical Epigenome Studies, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Renyi Wu
- Center for Phytochemical Epigenome Studies, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Yue Guo
- Center for Phytochemical Epigenome Studies, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - David Cheng
- Center for Phytochemical Epigenome Studies, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Yuqing Yang
- Center for Phytochemical Epigenome Studies, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Ioannis P. Androulakis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Ah-Ng Kong
- Center for Phytochemical Epigenome Studies, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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Xie H, Wu J, Liu D, Liu M, Zhang H, Huang S, Xiong Y, Xia C. In vitro inhibition of UGT1A3, UGT1A4 by ursolic acid and oleanolic acid and drug-drug interaction risk prediction. Xenobiotica 2017; 47:785-792. [PMID: 27600106 DOI: 10.1080/00498254.2016.1234087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
1. Ursolic acid (UA) and oleanolic acid (OA) may have important activity relevant to health and disease prevention. Thus, we studied the activity of UA and OA on UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) and used trifluoperazine as a probe substrate to test UGT1A4 activity. Recombinant UGT-catalyzed 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) glucuronidation was used as a probe reaction for other UGT isoforms. 2. UA and OA inhibited UGT1A3 and UGT1A4 activity but did not inhibit other tested UGT isoforms. 3. UA-mediated inhibition of UGT1A3 catalyzed 4-MU-β-d-glucuronidation was via competitive inhibition (IC50 0.391 ± 0.013 μM; Ki 0.185 ± 0.015 μM). UA also competitively inhibited UGT1A4-mediated trifluoperazine-N-glucuronidation (IC50 2.651 ± 0.201 μM; Ki 1.334 ± 0.146 μM). 4. OA offered mixed inhibition of UGT1A3-mediated 4-MU-β-d-glucuronidation (IC50 0.336 ± 0.013 μM; Ki 0.176 ± 0.007 μM) and competitively inhibited UGT1A4-mediated trifluoperazine-N-glucuronidation (IC50 5.468 ± 0.697 μM; Ki 6.298 ± 0.891 μM). 5. Co-administering OA or UA with drugs or products that are substrates of UGT1A3 or UGT1A4 may produce drug-mediated side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbo Xie
- a Clinical Pharmacology Institute, Nanchang University , Nanchang , P.R. China
| | - Jie Wu
- a Clinical Pharmacology Institute, Nanchang University , Nanchang , P.R. China
| | - Dan Liu
- a Clinical Pharmacology Institute, Nanchang University , Nanchang , P.R. China
| | - Mingyi Liu
- a Clinical Pharmacology Institute, Nanchang University , Nanchang , P.R. China
| | - Hong Zhang
- a Clinical Pharmacology Institute, Nanchang University , Nanchang , P.R. China
| | - Shibo Huang
- a Clinical Pharmacology Institute, Nanchang University , Nanchang , P.R. China
| | - Yuqing Xiong
- a Clinical Pharmacology Institute, Nanchang University , Nanchang , P.R. China
| | - Chunhua Xia
- a Clinical Pharmacology Institute, Nanchang University , Nanchang , P.R. China
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Hussain H, Green IR, Ali I, Khan IA, Ali Z, Al-Sadi AM, Ahmed I. Ursolic acid derivatives for pharmaceutical use: a patent review (2012-2016). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2017; 27:1061-1072. [PMID: 28637397 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2017.1344219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ursolic acid (UA), belongs to a group of pentacyclic triterpenoids and is known to possess some very interesting biological properties. Protocols have been developed in order to synthesize bioactive UA analogs which have resulted in numerous ursolic acid analogs being synthesized during the period 2012-2016. Ursolic acid and its analogues can be employed to treat various cancers, inflammatory diseases, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and AIDS to mention but a few. Areas covered: This review covers patents on therapeutic activities of ursolic acid (UA) and its synthetic derivatives published during the four year period 2012-2016. A discussion about structure-activity relationships (SAR) of these analogs is also included. Expert opinion: Ursolic acid and its synthetic derivatives demonstrated excellent anticancer, antidiabetic, antiarrhythmic, anti-hyperlipidemic, antimicrobial, anti-hypercholesterolemic, and anti-cardiovascular properties. Additionally, various ursolic acid analogues have been synthesized through modification at positions C2-OH, C3-OH and C17-CO2H. It is noteworthy that the C-17 amide and amino analogs of UA possessed better anticancer activity compared to the parent compound (UA). Most importantly, UA has the potential to conjugate with other anticancer drugs or be transformed into its halo derivatives since this will greatly facilitate scientists to get lead compounds in cancer drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidayat Hussain
- a UoN Chair of Oman's Medicinal Plants and Marine Natural Products , University of Nizwa , Nizwa , Sultanate of Oman
- b Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography , University of California , San Diego , CA , USA
| | - Ivan R Green
- c Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science , University of Stellenbosch , Stellenbosch , South Africa
| | - Iftikhar Ali
- d Department of Chemistry , Karakoram International University , Gilgit-Baltistan , Pakistan
| | - Ikhlas A Khan
- e National Center for Natural Products Research , University of Mississippi , Oxford , MS , USA
| | - Zulfiqar Ali
- e National Center for Natural Products Research , University of Mississippi , Oxford , MS , USA
| | - Abdullah M Al-Sadi
- f Department of Crop Sciences, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences , Sultan Qaboos University , Al Khod , Oman
| | - Ishtiaq Ahmed
- g DFG Centre for Functional Nanostructures , Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) , Karlsruhe , Germany
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Pandey MK, Gupta SC, Nabavizadeh A, Aggarwal BB. Regulation of cell signaling pathways by dietary agents for cancer prevention and treatment. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 46:158-181. [PMID: 28823533 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Although it is widely accepted that better food habits do play important role in cancer prevention and treatment, how dietary agents mediate their effects remains poorly understood. More than thousand different polyphenols have been identified from dietary plants. In this review, we discuss the underlying mechanism by which dietary agents can modulate a variety of cell-signaling pathways linked to cancer, including transcription factors, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), activator protein-1 (AP-1), β-catenin/Wnt, peroxisome proliferator activator receptor- gamma (PPAR-γ), Sonic Hedgehog, and nuclear factor erythroid 2 (Nrf2); growth factors receptors (EGFR, VEGFR, IGF1-R); protein Kinases (Ras/Raf, mTOR, PI3K, Bcr-abl and AMPK); and pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, interleukins, COX-2, 5-LOX). In addition, modulation of proteasome and epigenetic changes by the dietary agents also play a major role in their ability to control cancer. Both in vitro and animal based studies support the role of dietary agents in cancer. The efficacy of dietary agents by clinical trials has also been reported. Importantly, natural agents are already in clinical trials against different kinds of cancer. Overall both in vitro and in vivo studies performed with dietary agents strongly support their role in cancer prevention. Thus, the famous quote "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food" made by Hippocrates 25 centuries ago still holds good.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj K Pandey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, USA.
| | - Subash C Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Ali Nabavizadeh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, USA
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Wang H, Sim MK, Loke WK, Chinnathambi A, Alharbi SA, Tang FR, Sethi G. Potential Protective Effects of Ursolic Acid against Gamma Irradiation-Induced Damage Are Mediated through the Modulation of Diverse Inflammatory Mediators. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:352. [PMID: 28670276 PMCID: PMC5472704 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was aimed to evaluate the possible protective effects of ursolic acid (UA) against gamma radiation induced damage both in vitro as well as in vivo. It was observed that the exposure to gamma radiation dose- and time-dependently caused a significant decrease in the cell viability, while the treatment of UA attenuated this cytotoxicity. The production of free radicals including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NO increased significantly post-irradiation and further induced lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage in cells. These deleterious effects could also be effectively blocked by UA treatment. In addition, UA also reversed gamma irradiation induced inflammatory responses, as indicated by the decreased production of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. NF-κB signaling pathway has been reported to be a key mediator involved in gamma radiation-induced cellular damage. Our results further demonstrated that gamma radiation dose- and time-dependently enhanced NF-κB DNA binding activity, which was significantly attenuated upon UA treatment. The post-irradiation increase in the expression of both phospho-p65, and phospho-IκBα was also blocked by UA. Moreover, the treatment of UA was found to significantly prolong overall survival in mice exposed to whole body gamma irradiation, and reduce the excessive inflammatory responses. Given its radioprotective efficacy as described here, UA as an antioxidant and NF-κB pathway blocker, may function as an important pharmacological agent in protecting against gamma irradiation-induced injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of SingaporeSingapore, Singapore
- Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, National University of SingaporeSingapore, Singapore
| | - Meng-Kwoon Sim
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of SingaporeSingapore, Singapore
| | - Weng Keong Loke
- Agent Diagnostic and Therapeutic Laboratory, Defence and Environmental Research Institute, DSO National LaboratoriesSingapore, Singapore
| | - Arunachalam Chinnathambi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud UniversityRiyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sulaiman Ali Alharbi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud UniversityRiyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Feng Ru Tang
- Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, National University of SingaporeSingapore, Singapore
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of SingaporeSingapore, Singapore
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud UniversityRiyadh, Saudi Arabia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, PerthWA, Australia
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Valdés K, Morales J, Rodríguez L, Günther G. Potential use of nanocarriers with pentacyclic triterpenes in cancer treatments. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2016; 11:3139-3156. [PMID: 27809705 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2016-0251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ursolic, oleanolic and betulinic acids are representative pentacyclic triterpenoids found in various plants and fruits. Despite having marked antitumor potentials, the very poor water solubility of these triterpenes hinders treatment development. Nanotechnology can enhance solubility, stability, bioavailability and phytochemical delivery, improving the therapeutic efficiency of triterpenes. This review focuses on the formulation, characterization and in vitro/in vivo evaluation of several delivery nanosystems used to enhance the physicochemical properties of ursolic, oleanolic and betulinic acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Valdés
- Departamento de Ciencias y Tecnología Farmacéutica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Javier Morales
- Departamento de Ciencias y Tecnología Farmacéutica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lennin Rodríguez
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Trujillo, Perú
| | - Germán Günther
- Departamento de Química Orgánica y Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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