Schizandrin A exerts anti-tumor effects on A375 cells by down-regulating H19

Emerging roles of long noncoding RNAs in chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death in the world due to the lack of early symptoms, metastasis occurrence and chemoresistance. Therefore, early diagnosis by detection of biomarkers, blockade of metastasis, and overcoming chemoresistance are the effective strategies to improve the survival of pancreatic cancer patients. Accumulating evidence has revealed that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) play essential roles in modulating chemosensitivity in pancreatic cancer. In this review article, we will summarize the role of lncRNAs in drug resistance of pancreatic cancer cells, including HOTTIP, HOTAIR, PVT1, linc-ROR, GAS5, UCA1, DYNC2H1-4, MEG3, TUG1, HOST2, HCP5, SLC7A11-AS1 and CASC2. We also highlight the function of circRNAs, such as circHIPK3 and circ_0000284, in regulation of drug sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells. Moreover, we describe a number of compounds, including curcumin, genistein, resveratrol, quercetin, and salinomycin, which may modulate the expression of lncRNAs and enhance chemosensitivity in pancreatic cancers. Therefore, targeting specific lncRNAs and cicrRNAs could contribute to reverse chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer cells. We hope this review might stimulate the studies of lncRNAs and cicrRNAs, and develop the new therapeutic strategy via modulating these noncoding RNAs to promote chemosensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells.

Long Noncoding RNA H19: A Novel Therapeutic Target Emerging in Oncology Via Regulating Oncogenic Signaling Pathways

Long noncoding RNA H19 (H19) is an imprinting gene with only maternal expression that is involved in regulating different processes in various types of cells. Previous studies have shown that abnormal H19 expression is involved in many pathological processes, such as cancer, mainly through sponging miRNAs, interacting with proteins, or regulating epigenetic modifications. Accumulating evidence has shown that several oncogenic signaling pathways lead to carcinogenesis. Recently, the regulatory relationship between H19 and oncogenic signaling pathways in various types of cancer has been of great interest to many researchers. In this review, we discussed the key roles of H19 in cancer development and progression via its regulatory function in several oncogenic signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, canonical Wnt/β-catenin, canonical NF-κB, MAPK, JAK/STAT and apoptosis. These oncogenic signaling pathways regulated by H19 are involved in cell proliferation, proliferation, migration and invasion, angiogenesis, and apoptosis of various cancer cells. This review suggests that H19 may be a novel therapeutic target for cancers treatment by regulating oncogenic signaling pathways.

Modulation of Long Non-Coding RNAs by Different Classes of Secondary Metabolites from Plants: A Mini-Review on Antitumor Effects

The broad pharmacological spectrum of plants is related to their secondary metabolism, which is responsible for the synthesis of different compounds that have multiple effects on cellular physiology. Among the biological effects presented by phytochemicals, their use for the prevention and treatment of cancer can be highlighted. This occurs due to several mechanisms of antitumor action demonstrated by these compounds, including regulation of the cell signaling pathways and inhibition of tumor growth. In this way, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) appear to be promising targets for the treatment of cancer. Their deregulation has already been related to a variety of clinical-pathological parameters. However, the effects of secondary metabolites on lncRNAs are still restricted. For this reason, the present review aimed to gather data on phytochemicals with action on lncRNAs in order to confirm their possible antitumor potential. According to the literature, terpenoid and flavonoid are the main examples of secondary metabolites involved with lncRNAs activity. In addition, the lncRNAs H19, CASC2, HOTAIR, NKILA, CCAT1, MALAT1, AFAP1-AS1, MEG3, and CDKN2B-AS1 can be highlighted as important targets in the search for new anti-tumor agents since they act as modulating pathways related to cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, cell migration and invasion. Finally, challenges for the use of natural products as a commercial drug were also discussed. The low yield, selectivity index and undesirable pharmacokinetic parameters were emphasized as a difficulty for obtaining these compounds on a large scale and for improving the potency of its biological effect. However, the synthesis and/or development of formulations were suggested as a possible approach to solve these problems. All of these data together confirm the potential of secondary metabolites as a source of new anti-tumor agents acting on lncRNAs.

Schizandrin A can inhibit non‑small cell lung cancer cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and autophagy

Schizandrin A (SchA) can be extracted from the vine plant Schisandra chinensis and has been reported to confer various biologically active properties. However, its potential biological effects on non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain unknown. Therefore, the present study aims to address this issue. NSCLC and normal lung epithelial cell lines were first treated with SchA. Cell viability and proliferation were measured using CellTiter‑Glo Assay and colony formation assays, respectively. PI staining was used to measure cell cycle distribution. Cell cycle‑related proteins p53, p21, cyclin D1, CDK4, CDK6, cyclin E1, cyclin E2, CDK2 and DNA damage‑related protein SOX4 were detected by western blot analysis. Annexin V‑FITC/PI staining, DNA electrophoresis and Hoechst 33342/PI dual staining were used to detect apoptosis. JC‑1 and DCFH‑DA fluorescent dyes were used to measure the mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species concentrations, respectively. Apoptosis‑related proteins caspase‑3, cleaved caspase‑3, poly(ADP‑ribose) polymerase (PARP), cleaved PARP, BimEL, BimL, BimS, Bcl2, Bax, caspase‑9 and cleaved caspas‑9 were measured by western blot analysis. Dansylcadaverine was used to detect the presence of the acidic lysosomal vesicles. The expression levels of the autophagy‑related proteins LC3‑I/II, p62/SQSTM and AMPKα activation were measured using western blot analysis. In addition, the autophagy inhibitor 3‑methyladenine was used to inhibit autophagy. SchA treatment was found to reduce NSCLC cell viability whilst inhibiting cell proliferation. Low concentrations of SchA (10‑20 µM) mainly induced G₁/S‑phase cell cycle arrest. By contrast, as the concentration of SchA used increases (20‑50 µM), cells underwent apoptosis and G₂/M‑phase cell cycle a13rrest. As the treatment concentration of SchA increased from 0 to 50 µM, the expression of p53 and SOX4 protein also concomitantly increased, but the expression of p21 protein was increased by 10 µM SchA and decreased by higher concentrations (20‑50 µM). In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Bcl‑like 11 (Bim)EL, BimL and BimS increased following SchA application. SchA induced the accumulation of acidic vesicles and induced a marked increase in the expression of LC3‑II protein, suggsting that SchA activated the autophagy pathway. However, the expression of the p62 protein was found to be increased by SchA, suggesting that p62 was not degraded during the autophagic flux. The 3‑methyladenine exerted no notable effects on SchA‑induced apoptosis. Taken together, results from the present study suggest that SchA exerted inhibitory effects on NSCLC physiology by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In addition, SchA partially induced autophagy, which did not result in any cytoprotective effects.

Schizandrin A induces the apoptosis and suppresses the proliferation, invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells by activating endoplasmic reticulum stress

Apart from its basic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, schizandrin A (SchA), which is isolated from Fructus schisandra, can exert anticancer effects on multiple cancer types. However, to the best of our knowledge, there has been no study identifying the impacts of SchA on gastric cancer (GC). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify how SchA functioned to affect the progression of GC. To investigate the role of SchA in GC development, Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, wound healing and Transwell assays were conducted to assess the viability, proliferation, migration and invasion of AGS cells, respectively. Then, the apoptosis rate and apoptosis- and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related protein expression levels in AGS cells exposed to SchA were detected via TUNEL assays and western blotting, respectively. Subsequently, the aforementioned functional assays were performed again in AGS cells exposed to both SchA and the ER stress inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) for the confirmation of the effect of SchA on ER stress in GC. It was found that SchA markedly decreased the viability, proliferation, migration and invasion, while it induced the apoptosis of AGS cells. Moreover, the markers of ER stress were elevated by SchA treatment in AGS cells. Nevertheless, 4-PBA reversed the effects of SchA on the viability, proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of AGS cells, accompanied by decreased expression of ER stress markers. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that SchA induced the apoptosis and suppressed the proliferation, invasion and migration of GC cells by activating ER stress, which provides a theoretical basis for the use of SchA in the treatment of GC.

Pharmacodynamic effects and molecular mechanisms of lignans from Schisandra chinensis Turcz. (Baill.), a current review

Fruit of Schisandra chinensis Turcz. (Baill.) (S. chinensis) is a traditional herbal medicine widely used in China, Korea, and many other east Asian countries. At present, S. chinensis commonly forms Chinese medicinal formulae with other herbal medicines to treat liver disease and neurological disease in clinical. Modern researches indicated that lignans were the main active ingredients of S. chinensis with high content and novel dibenzocyclooctadiene skeletal structure, exhibited considerable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Additionally, some of these lignans also showed certain potentials in anti-cancer, anti-fibrosis, and other effects. In the current review, we summarize literature reported lignans from S. chinensis in the past five years, and highlight the molecular mechanisms of lignans in exerting their biological functions. Also, we point out some deficiencies of existing researches and discuss the future direction of lignans study.

The critical roles of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of melanoma

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) embrace a huge fraction of human transcripts and participate in the pathogenesis of human disorders especially malignant conditions. Malignant melanoma, as the most fatal type of cutaneous malignnacies, is associated with dysregulation of several lncRNAs including PVT1, H19, MALAT1, and CCAT1. Moreover, a portion of lncRNAs are exclusively expressed in melanoma cell lines. Expression levels of several lncRNAs are associated with TNM stage, tumor size and progression of melanoma. Thus, these lncRNAs are regarded as biomarkers for this malignancy. Peripheral transcript levels of a number of lncRNAs, such as PVT1, SNHG5 and SPRY4-IT1, could distinguish melanoma patients from unaffected persons with appropriate sensitivity and specificity values. Moreover, expression levels of numerous lncRNAs in tissue biopsies could differentiate malignant samples from benign samples. Based on the results of both cell line and in vivo studies, lncRNAs regulate critical pathways in the carcinogenesis of melanoma, such as the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways, and are involved in the modulation of response to chemotherapeutic agents. Here we review the existing information on the role of lncRNAs in malignant melanoma.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Jiuwei Zhenxin Granules in Treating Depression: An Overview

Depression is known as "Yu Zheng" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Jiuwei Zhenxin granules (JZG) is a type of TCM. According to TCM theory, it nourishes the heart and spleen, tonifies Qi, and tranquilizes the spirit, and may also has effects in the treatment of depression. Here, we systematically reviewed recent basic and clinical experimental studies of JZG and depression, including studies of the pharmacological mechanisms, active ingredients, and clinical applications of JZG in depression treatment. This review will deepen our understanding of the pharmacological mechanisms, drug interactions, and clinical applications of TCM prescriptions and provide a basis for the development of new drugs in the treatment of depression.

Long Non-Coding RNA H19 Participates in Periodontal Inflammation via Activation of Autophagy

Purpose

Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss. The role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in periodontal inflammation remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of lncRNA H19 in periodontitis and its possible regulation of autophagy in periodontitis.

Material and Methods

Inflammation level was determined by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs). Western blotting, flow cytometric analysis, and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the autophagy flux. Overexpression or knockdown of H19 was used to confirm its function. Ligature-induced periodontitis model in mice and periodontitis-affected human gingival tissue were used in vivo. RNA sequencing was performed to determine the differentially expressed genes.

Results

Autophagy was significantly increased in PDLCs after inflammatory stimulation as well as in a ligature-induced periodontitis model in mice and periodontitis-affected human gingival tissue. During the inflammatory process, H19 expression was also significantly upregulated. Further, the levels of autophagic markers were significantly upregulated after overexpressing H19 in PDLCs, and the increased autophagic activity induced by inflammatory stimulation was reversed by H19 knockdown. RNA sequencing showed that the expression profiles of mRNAs were significantly altered after H19 overexpression, and the differentially expressed genes were enriched in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which was confirmed by the decreased p-AKT protein expression in the H19 overexpression group.

Conclusion

Periodontal inflammation activates autophagy flux, and H19 mediates the activation of autophagy via AKT pathway in periodontitis. This study expands our understanding of molecular regulation in periodontitis.

LncRNA H19 Inhibits the Progression of Sepsis-Induced Myocardial Injury via Regulation of the miR-93-5p/SORBS2 Axis

Sepsis is an infectious disease that seriously endangers human health. It usually leads to myocardial injury which seriously endangers to the health of human beings. H19 has been confirmed to play key roles in various diseases, including sepsis. However, its function in the progression of sepsis-induced myocardial injury remains largely unknown. H9C2 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mimic sepsis-induced myocardial injury in vitro. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. In addition, gene and protein expression levels in H9C2 cells were measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. The levels of inflammatory cytokines in H9C2 cell supernatants were tested by ELISA. JC-1 staining was performed to observe the mitochondrial membrane potential level in H9C2 cells. H19 and SORBS2 were downregulated in H9C2 cells following LPS treatment, while miR-93-5p was upregulated. Moreover, LPS-induced cell growth inhibition and mitochondrial damage were significantly reversed by overexpression of H19. In addition, H19 upregulation notably suppressed LPS-induced inflammatory responses in H9C2 cells. Moreover, H19 sponged miR-93-5p to promote SORBS2 expression. Overall, H19 suppressed sepsis-induced myocardial injury via regulation of the miR-93-5p/SORBS2 axis. H19 attenuated the development of sepsis-induced myocardial injury in vitro via modulation of the miR-93-5p/SORBS2 axis. Thus, H19 could serve as a potential target for the treatment of sepsis-induced myocardial injury.