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Bauri AK, Dionicio IC, Arellano ES, Jeyaraj JG, Foro S, Carcache de Blanco EJ. A New Rare Halogenated Depside from Lichen and Study of its Anti-Proliferative Activity. Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202301874. [PMID: 38488665 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202301874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Lichens are a symbiotic association of algae and fungus, belonging to the family Parmeliaceae. Some lichen species are edible and used as an active ingredient for preparation of exotic spices as well as folklore medicine to cure different kinds of ailments. A specimen of lichen was collected from Munner in the Kerala State of South India for chemical profiling. Chemical analyses of the diethyl ether extract of the defatted lichen led to the isolation of six phenols 1-6 with variation of relative abundance. Amongst them, the relative abundance of compound 3 was the greatest (1 % of crude extract) and it was identified as atranorin. The structures of known compounds were confirmed by comparison of their 1H-NMR, 13C NMR, and mass data with published values available in the literature. In vitro bioassay for anti-proliferative activity of these compounds has been conducted against various human cancer cell lines in comparison with paclitaxel as control using SRB assay. Interestingly, a new compound 5 was found along with previously reported compounds from this lichen. This new compound was designated as fluoroatranorin 5 which was reported for the first time herein. The structural characterization of a new depside was determined by spectral methods such as 1H-NMR, 13C NMR, 19F NMR, IR, LC-HRESI-MS, and LC-MS/MS study. Its structure was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction study. This new compound was designated as fluoroatranorin 5 which was reported first time herein. Anti-proliferative activity of all these compounds was evaluated against six different cancer cell lines. The inhibitory activity, IC50 value of compounds 1-3 and 5 exhibited at 99.64, 102.04, 109.20, 53.0 and 2.4 μM on cancer cell lines HT-29 (colon), Hela (cervical), HT-29, HPAC (pancreas) and A2780 (ovarian cancer cell line) respectively in comparison with paclitaxel as control. The new compound 5 exhibited significant activity with IC50 value 2.4 μM on A2780 ovarian cancer cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajoy K Bauri
- Bio-Organic Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | | | | | - Jonathan G Jeyaraj
- College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Ohio, Columbus, OH-43210, USA
| | - Sabine Foro
- Institute of Materials Science, Darmstadt University of Technology, Alarich-Weiss-Strasse 2, D-64287, Darmstadt, Germany
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Dar TUH, Dar SA, Islam SU, Mangral ZA, Dar R, Singh BP, Verma P, Haque S. Lichens as a repository of bioactive compounds: an open window for green therapy against diverse cancers. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 86:1120-1137. [PMID: 34052413 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Lichens, algae and fungi-based symbiotic associations, are sources of many important secondary metabolites, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, and anticancer agents. Wide range of experiments based on in vivo and in vitro studies revealed that lichens are a rich treasure of anti-cancer compounds. Lichen extracts and isolated lichen compounds can interact with all biological entities currently identified to be responsible for tumor development. The critical ways to control the cancer development include induction of cell cycle arrests, blocking communication of growth factors, activation of anti-tumor immunity, inhibition of tumor-friendly inflammation, inhibition of tumor metastasis, and suppressing chromosome dysfunction. Also, lichen-based compounds induce the killing of cells by the process of apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis, that inturn positively modulates metabolic networks of cells against uncontrolled cell division. Many lichen-based compounds have proven to possess potential anti-cancer activity against a wide range of cancer cells, either alone or in conjunction with other anti-cancer compounds. This review primarily emphasizes on an updated account of the repository of secondary metabolites reported in lichens. Besides, we discuss the anti-cancer potential and possible mechanism of the most frequently reported secondary metabolites derived from lichens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanvir Ul Hassan Dar
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, BGSB University, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
| | - Sajad Ahmad Dar
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shahid Ul Islam
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, BGSB University, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Zahid Ahmed Mangral
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, BGSB University, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Rubiya Dar
- Centre of Research for Development, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Bhim Pratap Singh
- Department of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship & Management (NIFTEM), Sonepat, Haryana, India
| | - Pradeep Verma
- Bioprocess and Bioenergy Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
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Mohammadi M, Zambare V, Malek L, Gottardo C, Suntres Z, Christopher L. Lichenochemicals: extraction, purification, characterization, and application as potential anticancer agents. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:575-601. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1730325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Mohammadi
- Biorefining Research Institute, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vasudeo Zambare
- Biorefining Research Institute, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
- School of Sciences, Sandip University, Nashik, India
| | - Ladislav Malek
- Biorefining Research Institute, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christine Gottardo
- Department of Chemistry, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zacharias Suntres
- Biorefining Research Institute, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lew Christopher
- Biorefining Research Institute, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
- Biorefinery World, LLC, Rapid City, SD, USA
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Song Y, Yu Z, Song B, Guo S, Lei L, Ma X, Su Y. Usnic acid inhibits hypertrophic scarring in a rabbit ear model by suppressing scar tissue angiogenesis. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 108:524-530. [PMID: 30243085 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.06.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic scarring is a common condition in the Chinese population; however, there are currently no satisfactory drugs to treat the disorder. Previous studies showed that angiogenesis plays an important role in the early phase of hypertrophic scarring and inhibition of angiogenesis has been reported as an effective strategy for anti-hypertrophic scar therapy. A recent study showed that usnic acid (UA), an active compound found mainly in lichens, inhibited tumor angiogenesis both in vivo and in vitro. To investigate the therapeutic effects of UA on hypertrophic scarring and to explore the possible mechanism involved, a rabbit ear hypertrophic scar model was established. Scars were treated once a week for four weeks with UA, DMSO or triamcinolone acetonide acetate. Histological evaluation of hematoxylin and eosin staining indicated that UA significantly inhibited hypertrophic scar formation, with obvious reductions in scar height and coloration. The scar elevation index (SEI) was also evidently reduced. Masson's trichrome staining showed that UA significantly ameliorated accumulation of collagen tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis of CD31 expression showed that UA significantly inhibited scar angiogenesis. In vitro, UA inhibited endothelial cell migration and tube formation as well as the proliferation of both human umbilical vein endothelial cells and scar fibroblast cells. These results provide the first evidence of the therapeutic effectiveness of UA in hypertrophic scar formation in an animal model via a mechanism that involves suppression of scar angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajuan Song
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Zhou Yu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Baoqiang Song
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Shuzhong Guo
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Lei Lei
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Xianjie Ma
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China.
| | - Yingjun Su
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China.
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Galanty A, Koczurkiewicz P, Wnuk D, Paw M, Karnas E, Podolak I, Węgrzyn M, Borusiewicz M, Madeja Z, Czyż J, Michalik M. Usnic acid and atranorin exert selective cytostatic and anti-invasive effects on human prostate and melanoma cancer cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2017; 40:161-169. [PMID: 28095330 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2017.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES AND METHODS Lichens are an interesting source of potential anti-tumor compounds, among which usnic acid and atranorin seem to be the most promising, but their impact on invasive potential of tumor cells has not yet been comprehensively addressed. The aim of the study was focused on the impact of the two lichen metabolites, on the viability (by Trypan blue test and fluoresceine diacetate and ethidium bromide assay), proliferation (cell counting in a Bürker's chamber), apoptosis (flow cytometry analysis and Western blot) and motile activity (cell movement recording and image analysis) and actin cytoskeleton organization (immunofluorescent staining) of melanoma HTB-140, prostate cancers DU-145 and PC-3, normal human skin fibroblasts and prostate epithelial PNT2 cells, with special emphasis to their selectivity and versatility. RESULTS Both compounds exerted strong inhibitory effects on cancer cell proliferation, migration and actin cytoskeleton organization, while their effect on apoptosis process was less relevant. The impact of usnic acid on the examined cancer cells was found more efficient in comparison to atranorin. Also, selective effect of both agents on tumor cells was observed. SIGNIFICANCE The ability of usnic acid and atranorin to inhibit cancer cells motility may have future implications for development of new therapeutic strategies targeted at the interference with the metastatic cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Galanty
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical Faculty, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Cracow, Poland.
| | - Paulina Koczurkiewicz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Faculty, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Cracow, Poland; Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
| | - Dawid Wnuk
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
| | - Milena Paw
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Karnas
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
| | - Irma Podolak
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical Faculty, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Cracow, Poland
| | - Michał Węgrzyn
- Prof. Z. Czeppe Department of Polar Research and Documentation, Institute of Botany, Jagiellonian University, Kopernika 27, 31-501 Cracow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Borusiewicz
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical Faculty, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Cracow, Poland; Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Madeja
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
| | - Jarosław Czyż
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
| | - Marta Michalik
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
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Luzina OA, Salakhutdinov NF. Biological activity of usnic acid and its derivatives: Part 2. effects on higher organisms. Molecular and physicochemical aspects. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2016. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162016030109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Solár P, Hrčková G, Koptašíková L, Velebný S, Solárová Z, Bačkor M. Murine breast carcinoma 4T1 cells are more sensitive to atranorin than normal epithelial NMuMG cells in vitro: Anticancer and hepatoprotective effects of atranorin in vivo. Chem Biol Interact 2016; 250:27-37. [PMID: 26969521 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2016.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2015] [Revised: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the anticancer effect of atranorin (ATR) on murine 4T1 breast carcinoma cells and compare its sensitivity with normal mammary epithelial NMuMG cells in vitro. Anti-tumor and hepatoprotective activity of ATR-therapy was examined on mouse model of 4T1-induced cancer disease. ATR significantly reduced clonogenic ability of carcinoma 4T1 cells at the concentration of 75 μM, but clonogenicity of normal NMuMG cells was not affected by any of ATR concentrations tested. Moreover, flow cytometric and BrdU incorporation analysis did not confirm the inhibited entry into S-phase of the cell cyle after ATR incubation, and on the contrary, it induced apoptosis associated with the activation of caspase-3 and PARP cleavage in 4T1 cells. Although ATR did not cause any significant changes in Bcl-xL protein expression in NMuMG cells, an apparent depletion of Bcl-xL protein in 4T1 cells after 48 h ATR therapy was confirmed. Based on this result as well as the result of the total cell number decline, we can conclude that 4T1 cells are more sensitive to ATR therapy than NMuMG cells. ATR administration resulted in significantly longer survival time of BALB/c mice inoculated with 4T1 cells, what was associated with reduced tumor size and the higher numbers of apoptotic 4T1 cells. No differences were recorded in the number of BrdU-positive tumor cells between ATR-treated group and controls. Results indicate that ATR has rather proapoptotic than antiproliferative effect on 4T1 cells in vitro and in vivo and normal NMuMG cells are less sensitive to ATR. Furthermore, our studies revealed protective effect of ATR against oxidative stress in the livers of the tumor-bearing mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Solár
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, P.J. Šafárik University in Košice, 040 01 Košice, Slovak Republic.
| | - Gabriela Hrčková
- Parasitological Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Lenka Koptašíková
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, P.J. Šafárik University in Košice, 040 01 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Samuel Velebný
- Parasitological Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Zuzana Solárová
- Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, P.J. Šafárik University in Košice, 040 01 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Martin Bačkor
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, P.J. Šafárik University in Košice, 040 01 Košice, Slovak Republic
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Araújo AAS, de Melo MGD, Rabelo TK, Nunes PS, Santos SL, Serafini MR, Santos MRV, Quintans-Júnior LJ, Gelain DP. Review of the biological properties and toxicity of usnic acid. Nat Prod Res 2015; 29:2167-80. [DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2015.1007455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Singh N, Nambiar D, Kale RK, Singh RP. Usnic acid inhibits growth and induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human lung carcinoma A549 cells. Nutr Cancer 2014; 65 Suppl 1:36-43. [PMID: 23682781 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2013.785007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Usnic acid (UA) is a secondary metabolite abundantly found in lichens. Some studies have shown the anticancer potential of UA; however, its efficacy and associated mechanisms are yet to be fully explored. Herein, we assessed the anticancer potency and associated molecular alterations by UA in human lung carcinoma A549 cells. UA treatment (25-100 μM) for 24 and 48 h decreased total cell number by 39-67% (P < 0.01) and 68-89% (P < 0.001), respectively, and enhanced cell death by up to twofold and eightfold (P < 0.001), respectively. UA (1-10 μM) also significantly (P < 0.001) suppressed colony formation of A549 cells. The cell growth inhibition was associated with cell cycle arrest at G0/ G1 phase. UA decreased the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)4, CDK6, and cyclin D1 and increased the expression of CDK inhibitor (CDKI) p21/cip1 protein. While examining the cell death associated molecular changes, we observed that UA induces mitochondrial membrane depolarization and led to more than twofold increase (P < 0.01) in apoptotic cells. The apoptotic effect of UA was accompanied by enhanced poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. This study shows that UA inhibits cell growth involving G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest and induces cell death via mitochondrial membrane depolarization and induction of apoptosis in human lung carcinoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendra Singh
- School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, India
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Koçer S, Uruş S, Çakır A, Güllüce M, Dığrak M, Alan Y, Aslan A, Tümer M, Karadayı M, Kazaz C, Dal H. The synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial and antimutagenic activities of hydroxyphenylimino ligands and their metal complexes of usnic acid isolated from Usnea longissima. Dalton Trans 2014; 43:6148-64. [DOI: 10.1039/c3dt53624f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Novel Schiff base ligands of usnic acid isolated from Usnea longissima and their metal complexes were synthesized and characterized. Investigated their antimicrobial and antimutagenic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibel Koçer
- Department of Chemistry
- Faculty of Science and Letters
- Kilis 7 Aralık University
- Kilis, Turkey
| | - Serhan Uruş
- Department of Chemistry
- Faculty of Science and Letters
- Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University
- Kahramanmaraş, Turkey
- K. Maraş Sütçü Imam University
| | - Ahmet Çakır
- Department of Chemistry
- Faculty of Science and Letters
- Kilis 7 Aralık University
- Kilis, Turkey
| | - Medine Güllüce
- Department of Biology
- Faculty of Science
- Atatürk University
- Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Metin Dığrak
- Department of Biology
- Faculty of Science and Letters
- Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University
- Kahramanmaraş, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Alan
- Department of Biology
- Faculty of Science
- Muş Alparslan University
- Muş, Turkey
| | - Ali Aslan
- Department of Biology
- Kazım Karabekir Education Faculty
- Atatürk University
- Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Tümer
- Department of Chemistry
- Faculty of Science and Letters
- Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University
- Kahramanmaraş, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Karadayı
- Department of Biology
- Faculty of Science
- Atatürk University
- Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Cavit Kazaz
- Department of Chemistry
- Faculty of Science
- Atatürk University
- Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Hakan Dal
- Department of Chemistry
- Faculty of Science
- Anadolu University
- Eskişehir, Turkey
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Fang M, Wang H, Wu Y, Wang Q, Zhao X, Zheng X, Wang S, Zhao G. Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-Of-Flight Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Selective Determination of Usnic Acid and Application in Pharmacokinetic Study. B KOREAN CHEM SOC 2013. [DOI: 10.5012/bkcs.2013.34.6.1684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Usnic acid inhibits breast tumor angiogenesis and growth by suppressing VEGFR2-mediated AKT and ERK1/2 signaling pathways. Angiogenesis 2012; 15:421-32. [PMID: 22669534 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-012-9270-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2011] [Accepted: 04/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Tumor growth depends on angiogenesis and inducing angiogenesis is one of the most important hallmarks in the cancer development. Treatment with small molecules that inhibit angiogenesis has been an effective strategy for anti-cancer therapy. Some anti-angiogenic factors are derived from traditional Chinese herbs. Usnic acid (UA), an active compound mainly found in lichens, has shown some biological and physiological activities. However, the role and mechanism of UA in tumor angiogenesis are still unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of UA on tumor angiogenesis. In this study, we demonstrated that UA strongly inhibited in vivo angiogenesis in a chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay and vascular endothelial growth factor-induced mouse corneal angiogenesis model. In a mouse xenograft tumor model, UA suppressed Bcap-37 breast tumor growth and angiogenesis without affecting mice body weight. In an in vitro assay, UA not only significantly inhibited endothelial cell proliferation, migration and tube formation, but also induced morphological changes and apoptosis in endothelial cells. In addition, UA inhibited Bcap-37 tumor cell proliferation. Moreover, western blot analysis of cell signaling molecules indicated that UA blocked vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) 2 mediated Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2(ERK1/2) and AKT/P70S6K signaling pathways in endothelial cells. These results provided the first evidence of the biological function and molecular mechanism of UA in tumor angiogenesis.
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