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El-Refaie WM, Ghazy MS, Ateyya FA, Sheta E, Shafek MY, Ibrahim MS, Ismail MM, Gowayed MA. Rhein methotrexate-decorated solid lipid nanoparticles altering adjuvant arthritis progression through endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis. Inflammopharmacology 2023; 31:3127-3142. [PMID: 37526838 PMCID: PMC10692035 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01295-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Methotrexate (MTX) and diacerein (DIA) are two of the most potent disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). DIA has reflected some GIT and hepatobiliary manifestations in numerous cases. It undergoes biotransformation in the liver into the active metabolite rhein (RH) which is characterized by its excellent anti-inflammatory activity and lower side effects. However, RH's hydrophobic nature and low bioavailability do not encourage its use in RA. The current study aims to use RH in combination with MTX in targeted solid lipid nanoparticles (RH-MTX-SLNs) for better effectiveness and shadowing light on its possible mechanistic pathways. RH-MTX-SLNs were prepared and assessed for their quality attributes. The effect of the formulation was assessed in-vivo in an adjuvant arthritis animal model investigating the role of the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-induced apoptosis. Results revealed that RH-MTX-SLNs were in the suitable nanosized range with high negative zeta potential indicating good stability. In-vivo, RH-MTX-SLNs significantly improved all measured inflammatory and arthritic markers, confirmed by electron microscopy and histology examination of the joints. Besides, the formulation was able to alter the ERS-mediated apoptosis. In conclusion, RH-MTX-SLNs can represent a promising therapeutic approach for RA showing significant anti-arthritic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wessam M El-Refaie
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mostafa S Ghazy
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Fady A Ateyya
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Eman Sheta
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohanad Y Shafek
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud S Ibrahim
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Ma Ismail
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mennatallah A Gowayed
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Canal El- Mahmoudia Str., Smouha, Alexandria, Egypt.
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2
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Ma L, Wei HL, Wang KJ, Meng XY, Ni SQ, Zhou C, Li Y, Yu R, Ma Q. Rhein promotes TRAIL-induced apoptosis in bladder cancer cells by up-regulating DR5 expression. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:6642-6655. [PMID: 35985770 PMCID: PMC9467405 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) combined with sensitizer is a potential method to reverse TRAIL-resistance in tumor cells. Rhein (RH) is a monomer extracted from Chinese herbs that has been reported to show anti-tumor effects in a variety of tumor cells, but the role of RH in TRAIL-induced anti-tumor effects in bladder cancer cells has not been reported. In this study, we found that the combined treatment of a non-toxic concentration of RH with TRAIL significantly inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis in both TRAIL sensitive and resistant bladder cancer cell lines. Furthermore, we found that RH promoted bladder cancer cell apoptosis by up-regulating DR5 expression. Our findings provide potential value in the clinical treatment of bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Ma
- Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China.,Comprehensive Urogenital Cancer Center, Ningbo First Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, China
| | - Hong-Ling Wei
- Translational Research Laboratory for Urology, The Key Laboratory of Ningbo City, Ningbo First Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, China.,Ningbo Clinical Research Center for Urological Disease, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, China
| | - Ke-Jie Wang
- Translational Research Laboratory for Urology, The Key Laboratory of Ningbo City, Ningbo First Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, China.,Ningbo Clinical Research Center for Urological Disease, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Meng
- Translational Research Laboratory for Urology, The Key Laboratory of Ningbo City, Ningbo First Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, China.,Ningbo Clinical Research Center for Urological Disease, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, China
| | - Sai-Qi Ni
- Translational Research Laboratory for Urology, The Key Laboratory of Ningbo City, Ningbo First Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, China.,Ningbo Clinical Research Center for Urological Disease, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, China
| | - Cheng Zhou
- Department of Urology, Ningbo First Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Rui Yu
- Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Qi Ma
- Comprehensive Urogenital Cancer Center, Ningbo First Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, China.,Translational Research Laboratory for Urology, The Key Laboratory of Ningbo City, Ningbo First Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, China.,Ningbo Clinical Research Center for Urological Disease, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, China.,Department of Urology, Ningbo First Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, China
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3
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Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of rhein-piperazine-dithiocarbamate hybrids as potential anticancer agents. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 241:114651. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Drug Discovery of Plausible Lead Natural Compounds That Target the Insulin Signaling Pathway: Bioinformatics Approaches. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:2832889. [PMID: 35356248 PMCID: PMC8958086 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2832889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The growing smooth talk in the field of natural compounds is due to the ancient and current interest in herbal medicine and their potentially positive effects on health. Dozens of antidiabetic natural compounds were reported and tested in vivo, in silico, and in vitro. The role of these natural compounds, their actions on the insulin signaling pathway, and the stimulation of the glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) insulin-responsive translocation to the plasma membrane (PM) are all crucial in the treatment of diabetes and insulin resistance. In this review, we collected and summarized a group of available in vivo and in vitro studies which targeted isolated phytochemicals with possible antidiabetic activity. Moreover, the in silico docking of natural compounds with some of the insulin signaling cascade key proteins is also summarized based on the current literature. In this review, hundreds of recent studies on pure natural compounds that alleviate type II diabetes mellitus (type II DM) were revised. We focused on natural compounds that could potentially regulate blood glucose and stimulate GLUT4 translocation through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway. On attempt to point out potential new natural antidiabetic compounds, this review also focuses on natural ingredients that were shown to interact with proteins in the insulin signaling pathway in silico, regardless of their in vitro/in vivo antidiabetic activity. We invite interested researchers to test these compounds as potential novel type II DM drugs and explore their therapeutic mechanisms.
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Gao F, Li R, Wei PF, Ou L, Li M, Bai Y, Luo WJ, Fan Z. Synergistic anticancer effects of everolimus (RAD001) and Rhein on gastric cancer cells via phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Bioengineered 2022; 13:6332-6342. [PMID: 35209807 PMCID: PMC8973710 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2005988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Everolimus (RAD001) is a mTOR inhibitor and is widely used for the treatment of gastric cancer (GC). Evidence suggests that Rhein has anticancer effect on GC. But the synergistic effect and mechanism of RAD001 and Rhein combination on GC is not clear. The current study aims to clarify the combination of RAD001 and Rhein in GC treatment. We found Rhein dose-dependently repressed MGC-803 cell viability (50% inhibition concentration (IC50) value = 94.26 μM). Rhein (80 μM) significantly suppressed GC cell proliferation and invasion. RAD001 dose-dependently repressed MGC-803 cells viability (IC50 value = 45.41 nM). The combination of Rhein and RAD001 repressed MGC-803 cells viability, invasion, and proliferation compared to the administration of Rhein or RAD001 alone. Protein levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related molecules E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Vimentin expressions were significantly affected by the combination of Rhein and RAD001. The combination of Rhein and RAD001 significantly facilitated cell apoptosis and up-regulated expressions of cell apoptosis and cycle-related protein p53, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and cyclin D1 compared to the administration of Rhein or RAD001 alone. Moreover, the combination of Rhein and RAD001 repressed the expressions of phosphorylation-phosphoinositide-3-kinase (p-PI3K), p-protein kinase B (p-AKT) and p-mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR). Finally, the combination of RAD001 and Rhein significantly decreased tumor weight and volume, suppressed the expressions of p-PI3K, p-Akt and p-mTOR, and repressed cell proliferation marker Ki-67 expression, which exerted synergistic cancer prevention in GC in vivo. Overall, the combination of Rhein and RAD001 exert synergistic cancer prevention in GC via PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Gao
- Teaching and Research Office of Chinese Pharmacy, The College of Pharmacy of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Emergency, Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Pei-Feng Wei
- The Office of Drug Clinical Trial Institution, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Li Ou
- Teaching and Research Office of Chinese Pharmacy, The College of Pharmacy of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Min Li
- Teaching and Research Office of Chinese Pharmacy, The College of Pharmacy of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yang Bai
- The Office of Drug Clinical Trial Institution, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wen-Jia Luo
- Teaching and Research Office of Chinese Pharmacy, The College of Pharmacy of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zheng Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang712000, Shaanxi, China
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Rhein Inhibits the Progression of Chemoresistant Lung Cancer Cell Lines via the Stat3/Snail/MMP2/MMP9 Pathway. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:7184871. [PMID: 35178453 PMCID: PMC8846980 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7184871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy is a common drug for lung cancer. Nevertheless, the development of drug resistance greatly limits their clinical efficacy. Therefore, to reduce drug resistance, we need to constantly explore new treatments. This study is aimed at determining the role of rhein in the proliferation and metastasis of lung cancer cell. Our study found that rhein significantly inhibits the proliferation and migration of lung cancer cells. Additionally, the mRNA expression and protein levels of Snail, MMP2, and MMP9 are decreasing in lung cancer cells treated by rhein. Our results showed that rhein plays a vital role in proliferation and metastasis of chemosensitive and chemoresistant lung cancer cells, and the mechanism may be related to the Stat3/Snail/MMP2/MMP9 pathway.
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Rajput A, Mondal A, Pandey SK, Husain SM. Synthesis of rhein and diacerein: a chemoenzymatic approach using anthrol reductase of Talaromyces islandicus. Org Biomol Chem 2022; 20:358-361. [PMID: 34919103 DOI: 10.1039/d1ob02202d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we report two methods for the synthesis of the osteoarthritis drug rhein and its prodrug diacerein using a chemoenzymatic approach. The strategy relies on the use of an NADPH-dependent anthrol reductase of Talaromyces islandicus (ARti-2), which mediates the regioselective and reductive deoxygenation of anthraquinones. The work further implies similar biosynthesis of rhein in fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshul Rajput
- Department of Biological and Synthetic Chemistry, Centre of Biomedical Research, SGPGIMS Campus, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226014, Uttar Pradesh, India. .,Department of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, 221005, U.P., India
| | - Amit Mondal
- Department of Biological and Synthetic Chemistry, Centre of Biomedical Research, SGPGIMS Campus, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226014, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Satyendra Kumar Pandey
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, 221005, U.P., India
| | - Syed Masood Husain
- Department of Biological and Synthetic Chemistry, Centre of Biomedical Research, SGPGIMS Campus, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226014, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Li GM, Chen JR, Zhang HQ, Cao XY, Sun C, Peng F, Yin YP, Lin Z, Yu L, Chen Y, Tang YL, Xie XF, Peng C. Update on Pharmacological Activities, Security, and Pharmacokinetics of Rhein. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2021; 2021:4582412. [PMID: 34457021 PMCID: PMC8387172 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4582412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Rhein, belonging to anthraquinone compounds, is one of the main active components of rhubarb and Polygonum multiflorum. Rhein has a variety of pharmacological effects, such as cardiocerebral protective effect, hepatoprotective effect, nephroprotective effect, anti-inflammation effect, antitumor effect, antidiabetic effect, and others. The mechanism is interrelated and complex, referring to NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/MAPK, p53, mitochondrial-mediated signaling pathway, oxidative stress signaling pathway, and so on. However, to some extent, its clinical application is limited by its poor water solubility and low bioavailability. Even more, rhein has potential liver and kidney toxicity. Therefore, in this paper, the pharmacological effects of rhein and its mechanism, pharmacokinetics, and safety studies were reviewed, in order to provide reference for the development and application of rhein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang-Min Li
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Jun-Ren Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Hui-Qiong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Chen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Fu Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yan-Peng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Ziwei Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Lei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Yan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Yun-Li Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
- Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China
| | - Xiao-Fang Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
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An Investigation of the Antigastric Cancer Effect in Tumor Microenvironment of Radix Rhei Et Rhizome: A Network Pharmacology Study. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:9913952. [PMID: 34257692 PMCID: PMC8249119 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9913952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Tumor microenvironment (TME) takes a vital effect on the occurrence and development of cancer. Radix Rhei Et Rhizome (RRER, Da-Huang in pinyin), a classical Chinese herb, has been widely used in gastric cancer (GC) for many years in China. However, inadequate systematic studies have focused on the anti-GC effect of RRER in TME. This study intended to uncover the mechanism of it by network pharmacology. Methods We collected compounds and targets of RRER from traditional Chinese medicine system pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP) and SwissTargetPrediction. GC targets were obtained from GeneCards. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and RRER-GC-target network were built by STRING and Cytoscape 3.2.1. Furthermore, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were performed using Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). Results We obtained 92 compounds of RRER. A total of 10 key compounds and 20 key targets were selected by “RRER-GC-target network” topological analysis. GO analysis showed that the biological process mainly involved in response to the tumor necrosis factor, positive regulation of fibroblast proliferation, and DNA damage response, signal transduction by p53 class mediator resulting in cell cycle arrest. Molecular functions included cyclin-dependent protein serine/threonine kinase activity, RNA polymerase II transcription factor activity, ligand-activated sequence-specific DNA binding, and transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase activity. Cellular components mainly were centrosome, cell surface, and membrane. KEGG pathway enrichment results mainly involved in the p53 signaling pathway, estrogen signaling pathway, and regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes. Conclusion This study explored the anti-GC mechanism of RRER from the perspective of TME based on network pharmacology, which contributed to the development and application of RRER.
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Network Pharmacology-Based Approach to Investigate the Molecular Targets of Rhubarb for Treating Cancer. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:9945633. [PMID: 34211578 PMCID: PMC8208856 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9945633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background As a traditional Chinese medicine, rhubarb (also named Dahuang) is used to treat various diseases. Objective To explore the possible antitumor mechanism of rhubarb by using network pharmacology and molecular docking in this study. Methods Bioactive ingredients and related targets of rhubarb were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. And the gene names corresponding to the proteins were found in the UniProt database. Then, the tumor-related targets were screened out from GeneCards and OMIM databases. Key antitumor targets of rhubarb were acquired by overlapping the above targets via the Venn diagram. The antitumor targets network of rhubarb active components was constructed by using Cytoscape 3.6.0 software. The protein interactions network was constructed using the STRING database. The GO and KEGG pathways involved in the targets were analyzed by using the DAVID database. Autodock Vina software was used to verify the molecular docking of rhubarb components and key targets. Results Through screening and analysis, 10 active ingredients and 58 antitumor prediction targets were obtained and constructed a compound-target network. The targets such as CASP3, JUN, MYC, TNF, and PTGS2 may play a crucial role. These targets are involved in cancer pathway, calcium signaling pathway, cell apoptosis, small-cell lung cancer pathway, p53 signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathway. The docking results indicated that the rhein binding with the CASP3 showed the highest binding energy. Conclusion Based on the network pharmacology, the characteristics of multicomponent, multitarget, and multipathway of rhubarb were discussed, which provided a scientific basis for explaining the mechanism in treating cancer and new ideas for further research.
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Anticancer activities of TCM and their active components against tumor metastasis. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 133:111044. [PMID: 33378952 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has the characteristics of multiple targets, slight side effects and good therapeutic effects. Good anti-tumor effects are shown by Traditional Chinese Medicine prescription, Chinese patent medicine, single Traditional Chinese Medicine and Traditional Chinese medicine monomer compound. Clinically, TCM prolonged the survival time of patients and improved the life quality of patients, due to less side effects. Cancer metastasis is a complex process involving numerous steps, multiple genes and their products. During the process of tumor metastasis, firstly, cancer cell increases its proliferative capacity by reducing autophagy and apoptosis, and then the cancer cell capacity is stimulated by increasing the ability of tumors to absorb nutrients from the outside through angiogenesis. Both of the two steps can increase tumor migration and invasion. Finally, the purpose of tumor metastasis is achieved. By inhibiting autophagy and apoptosis of tumor cells, angiogenesis and EMT outside the tumor can inhibit the invasion and migration of cancer, and consequently achieve the purpose of inhibiting tumor metastasis. This review explores the research achievements of Traditional Chinese Medicine on breast cancer, lung cancer, hepatic carcinoma, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer and other cancer metastasis in the past five years, summarizes the development direction of TCM on cancer metastasis research in the past five years and makes a prospect for the future.
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Li X, Liu Y, Zhao Y, Tian W, Zhai L, Pang H, Kang J, Hou H, Chen Y, Li D. Rhein Derivative 4F Inhibits the Malignant Phenotype of Breast Cancer by Downregulating Rac1 Protein. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:754. [PMID: 32547389 PMCID: PMC7274043 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Triple-negative breast cancer is a common malignant tumor with unfavorable prognosis affecting women worldwide; thus, there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic drugs with improved anti-tumor activity. Rac family small GTPase 1 (Rac1) plays an important role in malignant behavior and is a promising therapeutic target. We reported an anthraquinone compound, Rhein, and its derivative, 4F, and investigated their downregulation effects on Rac1 in breast cancer cells in vitro. Methods The inhibition of cell proliferation by derivative 4F was investigated in two breast cancer (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) and normal breast (MCF-10A) cell lines by cell counting kit-8 assay and growth curves. The role of 4F in cell migration and invasion and cytoskeletal change were assessed by Transwell chamber assay and F-actin staining, respectively. The affinity of Rhein and its derivative for Rac1 protein and the regulation of Rac1 promoter activity were evaluated by molecular docking software and luciferase reporter gene assay, respectively. Rac1 protein expression was determined by western blot assay. Results Compared to Rhein, derivative 4F more strongly inhibited breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and also cause cytoskeletal changes like those in paclitaxel. Derivative 4F not only bound more stably to Rac1 but also inhibited Rac1 promoter activity in cells and downregulated Rac1 protein expression. Conclusions Rhein derivative 4F is a new anthraquinone compound with better anti-tumor activity than that of the lead compound Rhein in breast cancer. It down-regulated Rac1 expression and may be a small molecule inhibitor of Rac1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxiao Li
- Department of Basic Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Yunfeng Liu
- Department of Basic Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Yuhua Zhao
- Department of Basic Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Wei Tian
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Lina Zhai
- Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Huifeng Pang
- Department of Basic Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Jiankang Kang
- Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Huaxin Hou
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yanhua Chen
- Department of Basic Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Danrong Li
- Department of Basic Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China.,Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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13
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Bu T, Wang C, Jin H, Meng Q, Huo X, Sun H, Sun P, Wu J, Ma X, Liu Z, Liu K. Organic anion transporters and PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway mediate the synergistic anticancer effect of pemetrexed and rhein. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:3309-3319. [PMID: 31587272 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore whether rhein could enhance the effects of pemetrexed (PTX) on the therapy of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to clarify the associated molecular mechanism. Our study shows that rhein in combination with PTX could obviously increase the systemic exposure of PTX in rats, which would be mediated by the inhibition of organic anion transporters (OATs). Furthermore, the toxicity of PTX was significantly raised by rhein in A549 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Concomitant administration of rhein and PTX-induced cell apoptosis compared with PTX alone in flow cytometry assays, which was further validated by the protein expressions of the apoptotic markers B-cell lymphoma-2/Bcl-2-associated x (Bcl-2/Bax) and Cleaved-Caspase3 (Cl-Caspase3). Meanwhile, the results of monodansylcadaverine (MDC) dyeing experiments showed that PTX-induced autophagy could be enhanced by combination therapy with rhein in A549 cells. Western blot analysis indicated that the synergistic effect of rhein on PTX-mediated autophagy may be interrelated to PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway inhibition and to the enhancement of p-AMPK and light chain 3-II (LC3-II) protein levels. From these findings, it could be surmised that rhein enhanced the antitumor activity of PTX through influencing autophagy and apoptosis by modulating the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway and Bcl-2 family of proteins in A549 cells. Our findings demonstrated that the potential application of rhein as a candidate drug in combination with PTX is promising for treatment of the human lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianci Bu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,The First People's Hospital of Zunyi, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical College, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Changyuan Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Provincial Key Laboratory for Pharmacokinetics and Transport, Liaoning, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Huan Jin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Qiang Meng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Provincial Key Laboratory for Pharmacokinetics and Transport, Liaoning, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaokui Huo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Provincial Key Laboratory for Pharmacokinetics and Transport, Liaoning, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Huijun Sun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Provincial Key Laboratory for Pharmacokinetics and Transport, Liaoning, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Pengyuan Sun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jingjing Wu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zhihao Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Provincial Key Laboratory for Pharmacokinetics and Transport, Liaoning, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Kexin Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Provincial Key Laboratory for Pharmacokinetics and Transport, Liaoning, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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Wu L, Liu X, Cao KX, Ni ZH, Li WD, Chen ZP. Synergistic antitumor effects of rhein and doxorubicin in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. J Cell Biochem 2018; 121:4009-4021. [PMID: 30378155 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic antitumor activity of rhein and doxorubicin (DOX) and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms in hepatocellular SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cells. Cell growth curves, caspase-3 activity, and intracellular DOX accumulation were observed using an IncuCyte real-time video imaging system. Combination index was used to calculate synergistic potential of rhein and DOX. Cell apoptosis was detected by the Annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis kit. Lactate dehydrogenase and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were assessed using an assay kit. Oxygen consumption rates (OCR) and extracellular acidification rates were assessed by the Seahorse XFe96 Extracellular Flux Analyzer. Mitochondrial inner membrane potential (ΔΨm) was monitored with JC-1 fluorescence. Western blot analysis was used to detect the level of P-glycoprotein. Synergistic antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects were exerted by the combination of rhein at 10 μM and DOX at 2 μM in SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cells. Rhein could influenced the accumulation of DOX in both cells, which was associated with remarkably decreased mitochondrial energy metabolism and ATP levels. Rhein could reduce ΔΨm in both cells. mPTP, opener atractyloside (ATR) could accelerate the loss of ΔΨm, and further suppress the OCR induced by rhein. In contrast, the mPTP blocker cyclosporin A (Cs A) inhibited the loss of ΔΨm and the OCR induced by rhein. Our data indicate that a decline in mitochondrial energy metabolism was responsible for the synergistic antitumor effects of rhein and DOX in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Reduction of ΔΨm and opening of mPTP inhibited the exchange of ATP/adenosine diphosphate between mitochondrial matrix and cytoplasm is the important mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Engineering Center of State Ministry of Education for Standardization of Chinese Medicine Processing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ke Xin Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zi Hui Ni
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Dong Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Engineering Center of State Ministry of Education for Standardization of Chinese Medicine Processing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhi Peng Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Engineering Center of State Ministry of Education for Standardization of Chinese Medicine Processing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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15
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Sun H, Shen Y, Luo G, Cai Y, Xiang Z. An integrated strategy for identifying new targets and inferring the mechanism of action: taking rhein as an example. BMC Bioinformatics 2018; 19:315. [PMID: 30189851 PMCID: PMC6127921 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-018-2346-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Target identification is necessary for the comprehensive inference of the mechanism of action of a compound. The application of computational methods to predict the targets of bioactive compounds saves cost and time in drug research and development. Therefore, we designed an integrated strategy consisting of ligand-protein docking, network analysis, enrichment analysis, and an experimental surface plasmon resonance (SPR) method to identify and validate new targets, and then used enriched pathways to elucidate the underlying pharmacological mechanisms. Here, we used rhein, a compound with various pharmacological activities, as an example to find some of its previously unknown targets and to determine its pharmacological activity. Results A total of nine candidate targets were discovered, including LCK, HSP90AA1, RAB5A, EGFR, CDK2, CDK6, GSK3B, p38, and JNK. LCK was confirmed through SPR experiments, and HSP90AA1, EGFR, CDK6, p38, and JNK were validated through previous reports. Rhein network regulations are complex and interconnected. The therapeutic effect of rhein is the synergistic and comprehensive result of this vast and complex network, and the perturbation of multiple targets gives rhein its various pharmacological activities. Conclusions This study provided a new integrated strategy to identify new targets of bioactive compounds and reveal their molecular mechanisms of action. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12859-018-2346-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.,Pharmacy Department, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yiting Shen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Guangwen Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Yuepiao Cai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
| | - Zheng Xiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
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16
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Chen L, Zhang J, Rong J, Liu Y, Zhao J, Cui Q, Wang X, Liang X, Pan H, Liu H. Synthesis, screening and nanocrystals preparation of rhein amide derivatives. J Microencapsul 2018; 35:313-326. [PMID: 29683357 DOI: 10.1080/02652048.2018.1467510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Rhein (RH) has many bioactivities, but the application was limited of its poor solubility. The present study aimed to establish an efficient method for the synthesis of rhein amide derivatives (RAD) to increase the solubility and anti-tumour activity. RAD exhibited stronger anti-tumour activity than RH in MTT assay. The solubility and oil/water partition coefficient results indicated that rhein-phenylalanine and rhein-isoleucine have better absorption effect, which was consolidated in pharmacokinetic study. Then, rhein-phenylalanine and rhein-isoleucine were prepared into nanocrystals via the precipitation high-pressure homogenisation method. Additionally, the nanocrystals both displayed much higher dissolution profiles than the bulk drugs. Pharmacokinetics study indicated that the AUC0-∞ and Cmax of nanocrystals increased markedly (p < 0.01). However, the concentration of RH-Phe-NC was far less than RH-Ile-NC in plasma. Consequently, RH-Ile-NC was validated to be an applicable way to improve the bioavailability of RH, which owns a promising future in clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijiang Chen
- a Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Liaoning University , Shenyang , P.R. China.,b Research Center for Computer Simulating and Information Processing of Bio-macromolecules of Liaoning Province , Shenyang , P.R. China.,c Liaoning Key Laboratory of New Drug Research & Development , Shenyang , P.R. China
| | - Jinfeng Zhang
- a Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Liaoning University , Shenyang , P.R. China
| | - Jinghong Rong
- a Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Liaoning University , Shenyang , P.R. China
| | - Yu Liu
- a Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Liaoning University , Shenyang , P.R. China
| | - Jinghua Zhao
- a Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Liaoning University , Shenyang , P.R. China
| | - Qingguo Cui
- a Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Liaoning University , Shenyang , P.R. China
| | - Xin Wang
- a Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Liaoning University , Shenyang , P.R. China
| | - Xiao Liang
- a Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Liaoning University , Shenyang , P.R. China
| | - Hao Pan
- a Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Liaoning University , Shenyang , P.R. China
| | - Hongsheng Liu
- b Research Center for Computer Simulating and Information Processing of Bio-macromolecules of Liaoning Province , Shenyang , P.R. China.,d Department of Life Science, School of Life Sciences , Liaoning University , Shenyang , P.R China
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17
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Rhein Induces Cell Death in HepaRG Cells through Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptotic Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19041060. [PMID: 29614833 PMCID: PMC5979559 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19041060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhein, a naturally occurring active anthraquinone found abundantly in various medicinal and nutritional herbs, possesses a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects. Furthermore, previous studies have reported that rhein could induce hepatotoxicity in rats. However, its cytotoxicity and potential molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity of rhein on HepaRG cells and the underlying mechanisms of its cytotoxicity. Our results demonstrate, by 3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl-)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Annexin V-fluoresce isothiocyanate (FITC)/propidium iodide (PI) double-staining assays, that rhein significantly inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis in HepaRG cells. Moreover, rhein treatment resulted in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and S phase cell cycle arrest. The results of Western blotting showed that rhein treatment resulted in a significant increase in the protein levels of Fas, p53, p21, Bax, cleaved caspases-3, -8, -9, and poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP). The protein expression of Bcl-2, cyclin A, and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK 2) was decreased. In conclusion, these results suggest that rhein treatment could inhibit cell viability of HepaRG cells and induce cell death through cell cycle arrest in the S phase and activation of Fas- and mitochondrial-mediated pathways of apoptosis. These findings emphasize the need to assess the risk of exposure for humans to rhein.
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18
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Ma YL, Chen F, Shi J. Rhein inhibits malignant phenotypes of human renal cell carcinoma by impacting on MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:1385-1394. [PMID: 29559796 PMCID: PMC5857153 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s153798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rhein, an anthraquinone derivative of rhubarb, is traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine. Now emerging studies suggest its antitumor properties in many human cancers. The present study aims to investigate the antitumor role of Rhein and its possible mechanism in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Materials and methods Three RCC cell lines (A489, 786-O and ACHN) were used as the cell models. We applied CCK-8, cell counting, colony formation, wound healing and Transwell assays to assess the antitumor roles of Rhein in RCC cells in vitro. The therapeutic efficacy of Rhein was further evaluated by intraperitoneal administrations in tumor formation of mice. Western blot was used to investigate the underlying mechanisms of action of Rhein. Results Rhein inhibited RCC cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. It also suppressed RCC cell migration and invasion in vitro. Moreover, Rhein was able to inhibit tumor growth in nude mice by intraperitoneal administration in vivo. Mechanistically, the protein levels of phosphorylated MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase), phosphorylated Akt and two targets of NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain enhancer of activated B cells) pathway, matrix metalloproteinase 9 and CCND1 were all markedly reduced by Rhein treatment. Conclusion Rhein processed the antitumor effects in RCC cells by inhibiting cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and these tumor-suppressing functions might be mediated by MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Li Ma
- Department of Nephrology, Huaihe Hospital Henan University, Kaifeng, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Huaihe Hospital Henan University, Kaifeng, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Shi
- Department of Nephrology, Huaihe Hospital Henan University, Kaifeng, People's Republic of China
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19
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Liu C, Sun HN, Luo YH, Piao XJ, Wu DD, Meng LQ, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Wang JR, Wang H, Xu WT, Li JQ, Liu Y, Wu YQ, Han YH, Shen GN, Jin MH, Zang YQ, Li JC, Fang NZ, Cui YD, Jin CH. Cryptotanshinone induces ROS-mediated apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:115398-115412. [PMID: 29383168 PMCID: PMC5777780 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptotanshinone (CT), isolated from the plant Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, has been reported to have potential anticancer effects on human prostate and breast cancer cells. However, the mechanisms of action of CT on gastric cancer (GC) cells are not well understood. Here we investigated the antitumor effects of CT on GC cells and its possible molecular mechanism. We found CT suppressed viability of twelve GC cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. CT induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and mitochondrial apoptosis accompanying the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Pretreatment with ROS inhibitor N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) blocked CT-induced apoptosis. CT increased p-JNK and p-p38, and decreased p-ERK and p-STAT3 protein expression, these effects were prevented by NAC. Furthermore, a xenograft assay showed that CT significantly inhibited MKN-45 cell-induced tumor growth in vivo by increasing expression of pro-apoptotic proteins (p-JNK, p-38 and cleaved-caspase-3) and reducing expression of anti-apoptotic proteins (p-ERK and p-STAT3) without adverse effects on nude mice weight. In conclusion, CT induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in GC cells via ROS-mediated MAPK and AKT signaling pathways, and this CT may be a useful compound for the developing anticancer agents for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science & Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Hu-Nan Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science & Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Ying-Hua Luo
- College of Animal Science & Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Xian-Ji Piao
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Daqing 163316, China
| | - Dan-Dan Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science & Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Ling-Qi Meng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science & Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science & Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science & Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Jia-Ru Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science & Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science & Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Wan-Ting Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science & Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Jin-Qian Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science & Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science & Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Yi-Qin Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science & Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Ying-Hao Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science & Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Gui-Nan Shen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science & Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Mei-Hua Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science & Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Yan-Qing Zang
- College of Food Science & Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Jing-Chun Li
- College of Animal Science & Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Nan-Zhu Fang
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Yanbian University, Gongyuan-jie, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Yu-Dong Cui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science & Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Cheng-Hao Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science & Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
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20
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Rhein Induces Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Mouse Blastocysts and Has Immunotoxic Effects during Embryonic Development. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18092018. [PMID: 28930172 PMCID: PMC5618666 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18092018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhein, a glucoside chemical compound found in a traditional Chinese medicine derived from the roots of rhubarb, induces cell apoptosis and is considered to have high potential as an antitumor drug. Several previous studies showed that rhein can inhibit cell proliferation and trigger mitochondria-related or endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-dependent apoptotic processes. However, the side effects of rhein on pre- and post-implantation embryonic development remain unclear. Here, we show that rhein has cytotoxic effects on blastocyst-stage mouse embryos and induces oxidative stress and immunotoxicity in mouse fetuses. Blastocysts incubated with 5-20 μM rhein showed significant cell apoptosis, as well as decreases in their inner cell mass cell numbers and total cell numbers. An in vitro development assay showed that rhein affected the developmental potentials of both pre- and post-implantation embryos. Incubation of blastocysts with 5-20 μM rhein was associated with increased resorption of post-implantation embryos and decreased fetal weight in an embryo transfer assay. Importantly, in an in vivo model, intravenous injection of dams with rhein (1, 3, and 5 mg/kg body weight/day) for four days resulted in apoptosis of blastocyst-stage embryos, early embryonic developmental injury, and decreased fetal weight. Intravenous injection of dams with 5 mg/kg body weight/day rhein significantly increased the total reactive oxygen species (ROS) content of fetuses and the transcription levels of antioxidant proteins in fetal livers. Additional work showed that rhein induced apoptosis through ROS generation, and that prevention of apoptotic processes effectively rescued the rhein-induced injury effects on embryonic development. Finally, the transcription levels of the innate-immunity related genes, CXCL1, IL-1β and IL-8, were down-regulated in the fetuses of dams that received intravenous injections of rhein. These results collectively show that rhein has the potential to induce embryonic cytotoxicity and induce oxidative stress and immunotoxicity during the development of mouse embryos.
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21
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Feng H, Zhu Y, Fu Z, Li D. Preparation, characterization, and in vivo study of rhein solid lipid nanoparticles for oral delivery. Chem Biol Drug Des 2017; 90:867-872. [PMID: 28432812 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In this study, rhein-SLNs were successfully produced by hot homogenization followed by ultrasonication. Precirol ATO5 in which rhein exhibited higher partition coefficient was selected for preparation of SLNs. In the dynamic light scattering, the rhein-SLNs showed a smaller size with a mean value of 120.8 ± 7.9 nm and with zeta potential of -16.9 ± 2.3 mV. SLNs exhibited a good stability during the period of 2 months. The SLNs indicated faster drug release with a burst release within 2 hr and followed by a sustained release with a biphasic drug-release pattern. Comparing with the same concentration (free drug), the cellular cytotoxicity of rhein-loaded SLNs increased significantly at the same incubation condition. In vivo, the AUC0-t of rhein in the form of SLNs was significantly increased and was 2.06-fold that of suspensions group. The results showed an increased oral absorption and improved the oral bioavailability of rhein by the formulation of SLNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Feng
- Colorectal Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuping Zhu
- Colorectal Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhixuan Fu
- Colorectal Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dechuan Li
- Colorectal Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
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22
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Cho JH, Chae JI, Shim JH. Rhein exhibits antitumorigenic effects by interfering with the interaction between prolyl isomerase Pin1 and c-Jun. Oncol Rep 2017; 37:1865-1872. [PMID: 28184937 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The Pin1 protein (or peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase) specifically catalyzes the cis/trans isomerization of phosphorylated serine/threonine-proline (Ser/Thr-Pro) bonds and plays an important role in many cellular events through the effects of conformational change in the function of c-Jun, its biological substrate. Pin1 expression is involved in essential cellular pathways that mediate cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, tumorigenesis and apoptosis by altering their stability and function, and it is overexpressed in various types of tumors. Pin1 phosphorylation has been regarded as a marker of Pin1 isomerase activity, and the phosphorylation of Ser/Thr-Pro on protein substrates is prerequisite for its binding activity with Pin1 and subsequent isomerization. Since phosphorylation of proteins on Ser/Thr-Pro is a key regulatory mechanism in the control of cell proliferation and transformation, Pin1 has become an attractive molecule in cancer research. Many inhibitors of Pin1 have been discovered, including several classes of both designed inhibitors and natural products. Anthraquinone compounds possess antitumor properties and have therefore been applied in human and veterinary therapeutics as active substances in medicinal products. Among the anthraquinones, rhein (4,5-dihydroxy-9,10-dioxoanthracene-2-carboxylic acid) is a monomeric anthraquinone derivative found mainly in plants in the Polygonaceae family, such as rhubarb and Polygonum cuspidatum. Recent studies have shown that rhein has numerous pharmacological activities, including antitumor effects. Here, we demonstrated the antitumorigenic effect of rhein using cell proliferation assay, anchorage-independent cell transformation, pull-down assay, luciferase promoter activity, fluorescence-activated cell sorting and western blot analysis. The rhein/Pin1 association was found to play a regulatory role in cell proliferation and neoplastic cell transformation and the binding of phosphorylated c-Jun (Ser73) with Pin1 was markedly decreased and inhibited activator protein 1 or NF-κB reporter activity by rhein. Overall, our findings and the accompanying biochemical data demonstrated the antitumorigenic effect of rhein through its interference in Pin1/c-Jun interaction and suggest the possible use of rhein in suppressing the tumor-promoting effects of Pin1. Therefore, rhein may have practical implications for cancer prevention or therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Hyoung Cho
- Department of Dental Pharmacology, School of Dentistry and Institute of Oral Bioscience, BK21 Plus, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Il Chae
- Department of Dental Pharmacology, School of Dentistry and Institute of Oral Bioscience, BK21 Plus, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hyun Shim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Natural Medicine Research Institute, Mokpo National University, Jeonnam 58554, Republic of Korea
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Lei Q, Liu X, Fu H, Sun Y, Wang L, Xu G, Wang W, Yu Z, Liu C, Li P, Feng J, Li G, Wu M. miR-101 reverses hypomethylation of the PRDM16 promoter to disrupt mitochondrial function in astrocytoma cells. Oncotarget 2016; 7:5007-22. [PMID: 26701852 PMCID: PMC4826261 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Our previous report identified PR domain containing 16 (PRDM16), a member of the PR-domain gene family, as a new methylation associated gene in astrocytoma cells. This previous study also reported that miR-101 is a tumor suppressor in glioma. The present study confirms that PRDM16 is a hypomethylated gene that can be overexpressed in astrocytoma patients and demonstrates that the hypomethylation status of the PRDM16 promoter can predict poor prognoses for astrocytoma patients. The results reported herein show that PRDM16 was inhibited by miR-101 directly and also through epigenetic regulation. PRDM16 was confirmed as a new target of miR-101 and shown to be directly inhibited by miR-101. miR-101 also decreased the expression of PRDM16 by altering the methylation status of the PRDM16 promoter. miR-101 was associated with a decrease in the methylation-related histones H3K4me2 and H3K27me3 and an increase in H3K9me3 and H4K20me3 on the PRDM16 promoter. In addition, EZH2, EED and DNMT3A were identified as direct targets of miR-101, and miR-101 suppressed PRDM16 expression by targeting DNMT3A which decreases histone H3K27me3 and H3K4me2 at the PRDM16 core promoter. The results reported here demonstrate that miR-101 disrupted cellular mitochondrial function and induced cellular apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway; for example, MMP and ATP levels decreased, while there was an increase in ADP/ATP ratios and ROS levels, levels of cleaved Caspase-9 and cleaved-PARP, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratios, and Smac release from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm. Knockdown of PRDM16 reversed the anti-apoptotic effect of miR-101 inhibition. In summary, miR-101 reversed the hypomethylation of the PRDM16 promoter which suppressed the expression of PRDM16, disrupted cellular mitochondrial function, and induced cellular apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Lei
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China.,Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Changsha 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoping Liu
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Haijuan Fu
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Changsha 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Yingnan Sun
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China.,Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Changsha 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Liping Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Hospital of Chenzhou City, 423000, Hunan, China
| | - Gang Xu
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Changsha 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Changsha 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Zhibin Yu
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Changsha 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Changhong Liu
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Changsha 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Peiyao Li
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Changsha 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Jianbo Feng
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Changsha 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Guiyuan Li
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China.,Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Changsha 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Minghua Wu
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Changsha 410078, Hunan, China
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Sun H, Luo G, Chen D, Xiang Z. A Comprehensive and System Review for the Pharmacological Mechanism of Action of Rhein, an Active Anthraquinone Ingredient. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:247. [PMID: 27582705 PMCID: PMC4987408 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhein is a major medicinal ingredient isolated from several traditional Chinese medicines, including Rheum palmatum L., Aloe barbadensis Miller, Cassia angustifolia Vahl., and Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. Rhein has various pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant, antifibrosis, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective activities. Although more than 100 articles in PubMed are involved in the pharmacological mechanism of action of rhein, only a few focus on the relationship of crosstalk among multiple pharmacological mechanisms. The mechanism of rhein involves multiple pathways which contain close interactions. From the overall perspective, the pathways which are related to the targets of rhein, are initiated by the membrane receptor. Then, MAPK and PI3K-AKT parallel signaling pathways are activated, and several downstream pathways are affected, thereby eventually regulating cell cycle and apoptosis. The therapeutic effect of rhein, as a multitarget molecule, is the synergistic and comprehensive result of the involvement of multiple pathways rather than the blocking or activation of a single signaling pathway. We review the pharmacological mechanisms of action of rhein by consulting literature published in the last 100 years in PubMed. We then summarize these pharmacological mechanisms from a comprehensive, interactive, and crosstalk perspective. In general, the molecular mechanism of action of drug must be understood from a systematic and holistic perspective, which can provide a theoretical basis for precise treatment and rational drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou, China
| | - Guangwen Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou, China
| | - Dahui Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou, China
| | - Zheng Xiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou, China
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25
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Kwon OJ, Choo BK, Lee JY, Kim MY, Shin SH, Seo BI, Seo YB, Rhee MH, Shin MR, Kim GN, Park CH, Roh SS. Protective effect of Rhei Rhizoma on reflux esophagitis in rats via Nrf2-mediated inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway. Altern Ther Health Med 2016; 16:7. [PMID: 26748627 PMCID: PMC4707002 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-015-0974-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Background Rhei Rhizoma has been widely used as a traditional herbal medicine to treat various inflammatory diseases. The present study was conducted to evaluate its anti-inflammatory activity against experimental reflux-induced esophagitis (RE) in SD rats. Methods Rhei Rhizoma was administered at 125 or 250 mg/kg body weight per day for 7 days prior to the induction of reflux esophagitis, and its effect was compared with RE control and normal rats. Results Rhei Rhizoma administration markedly ameliorated mucosal damage on histological evaluation. The elevated reactive oxygen species in the esophageal tissue of RE control rats decreased with the administration of Rhei Rhizoma. RE control rats exhibited the down-regulation of antioxidant-related proteins, such as nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression levels, in the presence of esophagitis; however, the levels with Rhei Rhizoma treatment were significantly higher than those in RE control rats. Moreover, RE control rats exhibited the up-regulation of protein expressions related to oxidative stress in the presence of esophagitis, but Rhei Rhizoma administration significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory proteins through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-related signaling pathways. The protein expressions of inflammatory mediators and cytokines by nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation were modulated through blocking the phosphorylation of inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (IκB)α. Conclusion Our findings support the therapeutic evidence for Rhei Rhizoma ameliorating the development of esophagitis via regulating inflammation through the activation of the antioxidant pathway. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0974-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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26
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Huang J, Zhang Z, Huang P, He L, Ling Y. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of rhein derivatives as anticancer agents. MEDCHEMCOMM 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6md00252h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A series of novel derivatives of rhein were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antiproliferative activity against six kinds of tumor cell lines. All derivatives displayed more potent anti-tumor activity than rhein, and most of them were even stronger than 5-FU. Compound 4v was the most promising candidate among the investigated compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junkai Huang
- School of Pharmacy
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine
- Hefei 230012
- PR China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- School of Pharmacy
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine
- Hefei 230012
- PR China
| | - Peng Huang
- School of Pharmacy
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine
- Hefei 230012
- PR China
| | - Liqin He
- School of Pharmacy
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine
- Hefei 230012
- PR China
| | - Yong Ling
- School of Pharmacy
- Nantong University
- Nantong
- PR China
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27
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Kim G, Kim TH, Kang MJ, Choi JA, Pack DY, Lee IR, Kim MG, Han SS, Kim BY, Oh SM, Lee KB, Kim DJ, Park JH. Inhibitory effect of withaferin A on Helicobacter pylori‑induced IL‑8 production and NF‑κB activation in gastric epithelial cells. Mol Med Rep 2015; 13:967-72. [PMID: 26647855 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Withaferin A (WA), a withanolide purified from Withania somnifera, has been known to exert anti-inflammatory effects. The present study sought to determine the effects of WA on Helicobacter (H.) pylori-mediated inflammation in the AGS gastric epithelial cell line. Cellular production of interleukin (IL)-8 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was measured by ELISA. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) as well as hypoxia-inducible factor 1α stabilization. Bacterial growth was also examined by measuring the optical density. Pre-treatment or co-treatment with WA efficiently reduced IL-8 production by AGS cells in response to H. pylori infection. H. pylori-induced activation of NF-κB, but not MAPKs, was also inhibited by pre-treatment of WA in the cells. However, WA did not affect VEGF production and HIF-1α stabilization induced by H. pylori in AGS cells. In addition, WA did not influence the growth of H. pylori, suggesting that the anti-inflammatory effect of WA was not due to any bactericidal effect. These findings indicate that WA is a potential preventive or therapeutic agent for H. pylori-mediated gastric inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Green Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 302‑718, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Hyoun Kim
- Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul University, Seoul 151‑742, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Jung Kang
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 302‑718, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-A Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 302‑718, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Young Pack
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 302‑718, Republic of Korea
| | - Ik-Rae Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 302‑718, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Gyu Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 302‑718, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Seop Han
- Graduate School of Pre‑Clinical Laboratory Science, Konyang University, Daejeon 302‑718, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Yeon Kim
- World Class Institute, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongwon‑Gun, Choongbuk 363‑883, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Muk Oh
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 302‑718, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Bok Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 302‑718, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Jae Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 302‑718, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Hwan Park
- World Class Institute, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongwon‑Gun, Choongbuk 363‑883, Republic of Korea
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28
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Chen KL, Bi KS, Han F, Zhu HY, Zhang XS, Mao XJ, Yin R. Evaluation of the protective effect of Zhi-Zi-da-Huang decoction on acute liver injury with cholestasis induced by α-naphthylisothiocyanate in rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2015; 172:402-409. [PMID: 26163196 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.06.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Zhi-Zi-Da-Huang decoction (ZZDHD), a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula composed of four herbal medicines, has been widely used to treat various hepatobiliary disorders for a long time in China. However, the pharmacological effect of ZZDHD on liver injury with cholestasis is unrevealed. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the hepatoprotective effect of ZZDHD against α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced liver injury with cholestasis in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS The rats were intragastrically (i.g.) given ZZDHD at doses of 1, 2 and 4 g/kg (crude drug/body weight) once a day for seven days and treated with ANIT (75 mg/kg via i.g.) to cause liver injury at 12h after the fifth administration. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (γ-GTP), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL) and total bile acid (TBA), as well as bile flow were measured at 48 h after ANIT treatment to evaluate the protective effect of ZZDHD. Moreover, the possible protective mechanisms were elucidated by assays of liver enzyme activities and component contents including malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), lipid peroxide (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT). The biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathological examination. Ultra fast liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UFLC-MS) was used for the phytochemical analysis of ZZDHD. RESULTS The high dose (4 g/kg) and middle dose (2g/kg) of ZZDHD exhibited significant and dose-dependent protective effect on ANIT-induced liver injury with cholestasis by reversing the changes in bile flow, the serum and hepatic enzymes, and histopathology of the liver tissue. Meanwhile, it was found that the low dose (1g/kg) of ZZDHD did not improve the biochemical indexes except serum TBIL, DBIL and TBA, which showed little protective effect. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of sixteen compounds in ZZDHD. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that ZZDHD exerted a hepatoprotective effect on ANIT-induced liver injury with cholestasis in rats, and the mechanism of this activity is possibly related to its antioxidant properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Lin Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Kai-Shun Bi
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Fei Han
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - He-Yun Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; School of Pharmacy, Jilin Medical College, Jilin 132013, China
| | - Xiao-Shu Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xin-Juan Mao
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Ran Yin
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
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29
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Zhu H, Zheng Z, Zhang J, Liu X, Liu Y, Yang W, Liu Y, Zhang T, Zhao Y, Liu Y, Su X, Gu X. Anticancer effect of 2,7-dihydroxy-3-methylanthraquinone on human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells in vitro and in vivo. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2015; 54:285-292. [PMID: 25853970 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2015.1033563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT 2,7-Dihydroxy-3-methylanthraquinone (DDMN) is reported to have a remarkable anticancer activity against gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to study the anticancer effect and mechanism of DDMN on SGC-7901 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS The MTT assay was used to determine the effect of DDMN on cell viability of SGC-7901 cells, and the cytotoxic effect was evaluated by the IC50 value. After treatment with different doses of DDMN (10, 20, and 40 μM) for 48 h, flow cytometry was used to investigate the apoptosis of SGC-7901 cells induced by DDMN. Further, western blotting was performed to study anticancer mechanism by assaying apoptosis-related proteins containing Mcl-1, Bcl-xl, Bcl-2, Bax, Bak, Bad, cytochrome c, caspase-3, and caspase-9. Finally, xenograft assay was used to further evaluate the effect of DDMN on SGC-7901 cells by determining body weight of nude mice, tumor volumes, and apoptosis-related proteins. RESULTS These results suggest that DDMN can significantly inhibit (IC50 value = 20.92 μM) the proliferation of SGC-7901 cells and induce apoptosis of SGC-7901 cells demonstrated by flow cytometry analysis. Additionally, the results of western blotting indicated that DDMN can suppress the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-xl and Bcl-2, increase the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, Bad (40 μM), caspase-3 and caspase-9, and evidently promote the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm. The xenograft assay further confirmed that DDMN had significant anticancer effects on SGC-7901 cells. CONCLUSION DDMN had significant anticancer effect on SGC-7901 cells in vitro and in vivo related to mitochondria-mediated apoptosis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Anthraquinones/chemistry
- Anthraquinones/isolation & purification
- Anthraquinones/pharmacology
- Anthraquinones/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/isolation & purification
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/therapeutic use
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Apoptosis/genetics
- Cell Culture Techniques
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Survival/drug effects
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification
- Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology
- Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use
- Flow Cytometry
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Hedyotis/chemistry
- Humans
- Mice, Nude
- Mitochondria/drug effects
- Mitochondria/metabolism
- Stomach Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Stomach Neoplasms/genetics
- Stomach Neoplasms/metabolism
- Stomach Neoplasms/pathology
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Zhu
- a Department of Gastric Surgery , Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute , Shenyang , PR China
| | - Zhichao Zheng
- a Department of Gastric Surgery , Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute , Shenyang , PR China
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- a Department of Gastric Surgery , Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute , Shenyang , PR China
| | - Xiaoping Liu
- a Department of Gastric Surgery , Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute , Shenyang , PR China
| | - Yang Liu
- a Department of Gastric Surgery , Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute , Shenyang , PR China
| | - Wei Yang
- a Department of Gastric Surgery , Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute , Shenyang , PR China
| | - Yong Liu
- a Department of Gastric Surgery , Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute , Shenyang , PR China
| | - Tao Zhang
- a Department of Gastric Surgery , Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute , Shenyang , PR China
| | - Yan Zhao
- a Department of Gastric Surgery , Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute , Shenyang , PR China
| | - Yanqing Liu
- a Department of Gastric Surgery , Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute , Shenyang , PR China
| | - Xiaohui Su
- a Department of Gastric Surgery , Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute , Shenyang , PR China
| | - Xiaohu Gu
- a Department of Gastric Surgery , Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute , Shenyang , PR China
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Liang YK, Yue ZZ, Li JX, Tan C, Miao ZH, Tan WF, Yang CH. Natural product-based design, synthesis and biological evaluation of anthra[2,1-d]thiazole-6,11-dione derivatives from rhein as novel antitumour agents. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 84:505-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.07.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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31
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Zhu H, Bi K, Han F, Guan J, Tang Z, Chen K, Zhao L, Li Q, Yin R, Hou X. Simultaneous determination of two iridoid glycosides, two anthraquinones and four flavonoid glycosides of Zhi-Zi-Da-Huang decoction in rat plasma by UFLC-MS/MS: Application to a comparative pharmacokinetic study in normal and cholestatic liver injury rats. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2014; 960:116-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2014.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Revised: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/13/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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32
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Yan D, Ma B, Shi R, Wang T, Ma Y. Involvement of herb–herb interactions in the influences of Radix Scutellaria and Coptis Chinensis on the bioavailability of the anthraquinones form Rhei Rhizoma in rats. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2014; 40:103-10. [DOI: 10.1007/s13318-014-0188-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Du Q, Bian XL, Xu XL, Zhu B, Yu B, Zhai Q. Role of mitochondrial permeability transition in human hepatocellular carcinoma Hep-G2 cell death induced by rhein. Fitoterapia 2013; 91:68-73. [PMID: 23994628 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2013.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Revised: 08/09/2013] [Accepted: 08/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Rhein, a compound found as a glucoside in the root of rhubarb, is currently a subject of interest for its antitumor properties. The apoptosis of tumor cell lines induced by rhein was observed, and the involvement of mitochondria was established; however, the role of mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) remains unknown. Here we report that MPT plays an important role in the apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma Hep-G2 cells induced by rhein. After adding rhein to the isolated hepatic mitochondria, swelling effects and the leakage of Ca(2+) were observed. These alterations were suppressed by cyclosporin A (CsA), an MPT inhibitor. Furthermore, in Hep-G2 cells, the decrease of ATP production, the loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MTP), the release of cytochrome c (Cyto c), and the activation of caspase 3 were also observed. These toxic effects of rhein can also be attenuated by CsA as well. Moreover, TUNEL assay confirmed that in the presence of CsA, rhein-induced apoptosis was largely inhibited. These results suggest that MPT plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of Hep-G2 cell injury induced by rhein, and imply that MPT may contribute to the anti-cancer activity of rhein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Du
- Department of Pharmacy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong-An Road, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiao-Lan Bian
- Department of Pharmacy, Luwan Branch of Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Pharmacy, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Le Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong-An Road, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Bin Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong-An Road, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong-An Road, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Qing Zhai
- Department of Pharmacy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong-An Road, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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