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Ma Z, Woon CYN, Liu CG, Cheng JT, You M, Sethi G, Wong ALA, Ho PCL, Zhang D, Ong P, Wang L, Goh BC. Repurposing Artemisinin and its Derivatives as Anticancer Drugs: A Chance or Challenge? Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:828856. [PMID: 35035355 PMCID: PMC8758560 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.828856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer has become a global health problem, accounting for one out of six deaths. Despite the recent advances in cancer therapy, there is still an ever-growing need for readily accessible new therapies. The process of drug discovery and development is arduous and takes many years, and while it is ongoing, the time for the current lead compounds to reach clinical trial phase is very long. Drug repurposing has recently gained significant attention as it expedites the process of discovering new entities for anticancer therapy. One such potential candidate is the antimalarial drug, artemisinin that has shown anticancer activities in vitro and in vivo. In this review, major molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effect of artemisinin and its derivatives are summarised. Furthermore, major mechanisms of action and some key signaling pathways of this group of compounds have been reviewed to explore potential targets that contribute to the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells. Despite its established profile in malaria treatment, pharmacokinetic properties, anticancer potency, and current formulations that hinder the clinical translation of artemisinin as an anticancer agent, have been discussed. Finally, potential solutions or new strategies are identified to overcome the bottlenecks in repurposing artemisinin-type compounds as anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaowu Ma
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Clariis Yi-Ning Woon
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chen-Guang Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Jun-Ting Cheng
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Mingliang You
- Hangzhou Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.,Affiliated Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andrea Li-Ann Wong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Paul Chi-Lui Ho
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Daping Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Peishi Ong
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Boon-Cher Goh
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
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Artemether confers neuroprotection on cerebral ischemic injury through stimulation of the Erk1/2-P90rsk-CREB signaling pathway. Redox Biol 2021; 46:102069. [PMID: 34303216 PMCID: PMC8327154 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.102069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability among adults. Despite the economic burden of the disease, available treatment options are still very limited. With the exception of anti-thrombolytics and hypothermia, current therapies fail to reduce neuronal injury, neurological deficits and mortality rates, suggesting that the development of novel and more effective therapies against ischemic stroke is urgent. In the present study, we found that artemether, which has been used in the clinic as an anti-malarial drug, was able to improve the neurological deficits, attenuate the infarction volume and the brain water content in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) animal model. Furthermore, artemether treatment significantly suppressed cell apoptosis, stimulated cell proliferation and promoted the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), P90rsk and cAMP responsive element-binding protein (CREB). Artemether protective effect was attenuated by PD98059, an ERK1/2 inhibitor, administration. Similarly, in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/RP) cell models, artemether pre-treatment induced the suppression of the intracellular ROS, the down-regulation of LDH activity, the reduction of caspase 3 activity and of the apoptosis cell rate and reversed the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential. As with MCAO animal model, artemether promoted the activation of Erk1/2-P90rsk-CREB signaling pathway. This effect was blocked by the inhibition or knock-down of ERK1/2. The present study provides evidences of the neuroprotective effect of artemether unravelling its potential as a new therapeutic candidate for the prevention and treatment of stroke. Artemether conferred neuroprotection in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) animal model. Artemether conferred neuroprotection on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion-induced cell injury model. Artemether promoted the activation of Erk1/2-P90rsk-CREB signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo.
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Artesunate inhibits melanoma progression in vitro via suppressing STAT3 signaling pathway. Pharmacol Rep 2021; 73:650-663. [PMID: 33609273 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-021-00230-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma is a life-threatening cancer characterized with a potentially metastatic tumor of melanocytic origin. Improved methods or novel therapies are urgently needed to eliminate the development of metastases. Artesunate is a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin used for trarment of malaria and cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-cancer effect of artesunate and the role on STAT3 signaling in A375 human melanoma cell line. METHODS Melanoma cells were treated with artesunate at concentrations of 0-5 μM for 24 and 48 h. The inhibition of cell viability, colony formation, migration, invasion, adhesion, percentage of apoptotic cells, and expressions of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) and related proteins were examined. RESULTS Artesunate inhibited cellular proliferation of cancer cells by induction of apoptosis at sub-toxic doses. Cells treated with artesunate showed an inhibition in adhesion to extracellular matrix substrate matrigel and type IV collagen. Artesunate treatment showed a decreased cellular migration, invasion, and colony formation in melanoma cells. Artesunate also inhibited STAT3 and Src activations and STAT3 related protein expressions; such as metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, Mcl-1, Bxl-xL, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and Twist. Moreover, overexpression of constitutively active STAT3 in A375 cells attenuated the anti-proliferative, apoptotic and anti-invasive effects of artesunate. CONCLUSION The results obtained from this study demonstrated that the anticancer activity of artesunate occurred via STAT3 pathway and its target proteins. Therefore, it can be suggested that artesunate may be an important candidate molecule in the treatment of melanoma.
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Natural Products as Inducers of Non-Canonical Cell Death: A Weapon against Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020304. [PMID: 33467668 PMCID: PMC7830727 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Anticancer therapeutic approaches based solely on apoptosis induction are often unsuccessful due to the activation of resistance mechanisms. The identification and characterization of compounds capable of triggering non-apoptotic, also called non-canonical cell death pathways, could represent an important strategy that may integrate or offer alternative approaches to the current anticancer therapies. In this review, we critically discuss the promotion of ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis by natural compounds as a new anticancer strategy. Abstract Apoptosis has been considered the main mechanism induced by cancer chemotherapeutic drugs for a long time. This paradigm is currently evolving and changing, as increasing evidence pointed out that antitumor agents could trigger various non-canonical or non-apoptotic cell death types. A considerable number of antitumor drugs derive from natural sources, both in their naturally occurring form or as synthetic derivatives. Therefore, it is not surprising that several natural compounds have been explored for their ability to induce non-canonical cell death. The aim of this review is to highlight the potential antitumor effects of natural products as ferroptosis, necroptosis, or pyroptosis inducers. Natural products have proven to be promising non-canonical cell death inducers, capable of overcoming cancer cells resistance to apoptosis. However, as discussed in this review, they often lack a full characterization of their antitumor activity together with an in-depth investigation of their toxicological profile.
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Markowitsch SD, Schupp P, Lauckner J, Vakhrusheva O, Slade KS, Mager R, Efferth T, Haferkamp A, Juengel E. Artesunate Inhibits Growth of Sunitinib-Resistant Renal Cell Carcinoma Cells through Cell Cycle Arrest and Induction of Ferroptosis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113150. [PMID: 33121039 PMCID: PMC7692972 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common kidney malignancy. Due to development of therapy resistance, efficacy of conventional drugs such as sunitinib is limited. Artesunate (ART), a drug originating from Traditional Chinese Medicine, has exhibited anti-tumor effects in several non-urologic tumors. ART inhibited growth, reduced metastatic properties, and curtailed metabolism in sunitinib-sensitive and sunitinib–resistant RCC cells. In three of four tested cell lines, ART’s growth inhibitory effects were accompanied by cell cycle arrest and modulation of cell cycle regulating proteins. In a fourth cell line, KTCTL-26, ART evoked ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death, and exhibited stronger anti-tumor effects than in the other cell lines. The regulatory protein, p53, was only detectable in the KTCTL-26 cells, possibly making p53 a predictive marker of cancer that may respond better to ART. ART, therefore, may hold promise as an additive therapy option for selected patients with advanced or therapy-resistant RCC. Abstract Although innovative therapeutic concepts have led to better treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), efficacy is still limited due to the tumor developing resistance to applied drugs. Artesunate (ART) has demonstrated anti-tumor effects in different tumor entities. This study was designed to investigate the impact of ART (1–100 µM) on the sunitinib-resistant RCC cell lines, Caki-1, 786-O, KTCTL26, and A-498. Therapy-sensitive (parental) and untreated cells served as controls. ART’s impact on tumor cell growth, proliferation, clonogenic growth, apoptosis, necrosis, ferroptosis, and metabolic activity was evaluated. Cell cycle distribution, the expression of cell cycle regulating proteins, p53, and the occurrence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were investigated. ART significantly increased cytotoxicity and inhibited proliferation and clonogenic growth in both parental and sunitinib-resistant RCC cells. In Caki-1, 786-O, and A-498 cell lines growth inhibition was associated with G0/G1 phase arrest and distinct modulation of cell cycle regulating proteins. KTCTL-26 cells were mainly affected by ART through ROS generation, ferroptosis, and decreased metabolism. p53 exclusively appeared in the KTCTL-26 cells, indicating that p53 might be predictive for ART-dependent ferroptosis. Thus, ART may hold promise for treating selected patients with advanced and even therapy-resistant RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha D. Markowitsch
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.D.M.); (P.S.); (J.L.); (O.V.); (K.S.S.); (R.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Patricia Schupp
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.D.M.); (P.S.); (J.L.); (O.V.); (K.S.S.); (R.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Julia Lauckner
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.D.M.); (P.S.); (J.L.); (O.V.); (K.S.S.); (R.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Olesya Vakhrusheva
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.D.M.); (P.S.); (J.L.); (O.V.); (K.S.S.); (R.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Kimberly S. Slade
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.D.M.); (P.S.); (J.L.); (O.V.); (K.S.S.); (R.M.); (A.H.)
| | - René Mager
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.D.M.); (P.S.); (J.L.); (O.V.); (K.S.S.); (R.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Axel Haferkamp
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.D.M.); (P.S.); (J.L.); (O.V.); (K.S.S.); (R.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Eva Juengel
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.D.M.); (P.S.); (J.L.); (O.V.); (K.S.S.); (R.M.); (A.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-631-175-433; Fax: +49-6131-174-410
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Kiani BH, Kayani WK, Khayam AU, Dilshad E, Ismail H, Mirza B. Artemisinin and its derivatives: a promising cancer therapy. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:6321-6336. [PMID: 32710388 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05669-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The world is experiencing a cancer epidemic and an increase in the prevalence of the disease. Cancer remains a major killer, accounting for more than half a million deaths annually. There is a wide range of natural products that have the potential to treat this disease. One of these products is artemisinin; a natural product from Artemisia plant. The Nobel Prize for Medicine was awarded in 2015 for the discovery of artemisinin in recognition of the drug's efficacy. Artemisinin produces highly reactive free radicals by the breakdown of two oxygen atoms that kill cancerous cells. These cells sequester iron and accumulate as much as 1000 times in comparison with normal cells. Generally, chemotherapy is toxic to both cancerous cells and normal cells, while no significant cytotoxicity from artemisinin to normal cells has been found in more than 4000 case studies, which makes it far different than conventional chemotherapy. The pleiotropic response of artemisinin in cancer cells is responsible for growth inhibition by multiple ways including inhibition of angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, disruption of cell migration, and modulation of nuclear receptor responsiveness. It is very encouraging that artemisinin and its derivatives are anticipated to be a novel class of broad-spectrum antitumor agents based on efficacy and safety. This review aims to highlight these achievements and propose potential strategies to develop artemisinin and its derivatives as a new class of cancer therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Hafeez Kiani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan.
| | - Waqas Khan Kayani
- Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Växtskyddsvägen 1, 23053, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Asma Umer Khayam
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Erum Dilshad
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biosciences, Capital University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Hammad Ismail
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gujrat, Gujrat, 50700, Pakistan
| | - Bushra Mirza
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
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Bioactive Compounds, Pharmacological Actions, and Pharmacokinetics of Wormwood ( Artemisia absinthium). Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9060353. [PMID: 32585887 PMCID: PMC7345338 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9060353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants have been used since ancient times to cure certain infectious diseases, and some of them are now standard treatments for several diseases. Due to the side effects and resistance of pathogenic microorganisms to antibiotics and most drugs on the market, a great deal of attention has been paid to extracts and biologically active compounds isolated from plant species used in herbal medicine. Artemisia absinthium is an important perennial shrubby plant that has been widely used for the treatment of several ailments. Traditionally, A. absinthium has always been of pharmaceutical and botanical importance and used to manage several disorders including hepatocyte enlargement, hepatitis, gastritis, jaundice, wound healing, splenomegaly, dyspepsia, indigestion, flatulence, gastric pain, anemia, and anorexia. It has also been documented to possess antioxidant, antifungal, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, anti-ulcer, anticarcinogenic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antidepressant, analgesic, immunomodulatory, and cytotoxic activity. Long-term use of A. absinthium essential oil may cause toxic and mental disorders in humans with clinical manifestations including convulsions, sleeplessness, and hallucinations. Combination chemotherapies of artemisia extract or its isolated active constituents with the currently available antibabesial or anti-malarial drugs are now documented to relieve malaria and piroplasmosis infections. The current review examines the phytoconstituents, toxic and biological activities of A. absinthium.
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Kumar MS, Yadav TT, Khair RR, Peters GJ, Yergeri MC. Combination Therapies of Artemisinin and its Derivatives as a Viable Approach for Future Cancer Treatment. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:3323-3338. [PMID: 31475891 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190902155957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many anticancer drugs have been developed for clinical usage till now, but the major problem is the development of drug-resistance over a period of time in the treatment of cancer. Anticancer drugs produce huge adverse effects, ultimately leading to death of the patient. Researchers have been focusing on the development of novel molecules with higher efficacy and lower toxicity; the anti-malarial drug artemisinin and its derivatives have exhibited cytotoxic effects. METHODS We have done extensive literature search for artemisinin for its new role as anti-cancer agent for future treatment. Last two decades papers were referred for deep understanding to strengthen its role. RESULT Literature shows changes at 9, 10 position in the artemisinin structure produces anticancer activity. Artemisinin shows anticancer activity in leukemia, hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal and breast cancer cell lines. Artemisinin and its derivatives have been studied as combination therapy with several synthetic compounds, RNA interfaces, recombinant proteins and antibodies etc., for synergizing the effect of these drugs. They produce an anticancer effect by causing cell cycle arrest, regulating signaling in apoptosis, angiogenesis and cytotoxicity activity on the steroid receptors. Many novel formulations of artemisinin are being developed in the form of carbon nanotubes, polymer-coated drug particles, etc., for delivering artemisinin, since it has poor water/ oil solubility and is chemically unstable. CONCLUSION We have summarize the combination therapies of artemisinin and its derivatives with other anticancer drugs and also focussed on recent developments of different drug delivery systems in the last 10 years. Various reports and clinical trials of artemisinin type drugs indicated selective cytotoxicity along with minimal toxicity thus projecting them as promising anti-cancer agents in future cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maushmi S Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Vile Parle west, Mumbai-400056, India
| | - Tanuja T Yadav
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Vile Parle west, Mumbai-400056, India
| | - Rohan R Khair
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Vile Parle west, Mumbai-400056, India
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mayur C Yergeri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS, Vile Parle west, Mumbai-400056, India
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Antimalarial, antiproliferative, and apoptotic activity of quinoline-chalcone and quinoline-pyrazoline hybrids. A dual action. Med Chem Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-019-02435-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Mota TC, Garcia TB, Bonfim LT, Portilho AJS, Pinto CA, Burbano RMR, Bahia M. Markers of oxidative‐nitrosative stress induced by artesunate are followed by clastogenic and aneugenic effects and apoptosis in human lymphocytes. J Appl Toxicol 2019; 39:1405-1412. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.3826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiane C. Mota
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic and Genetic Toxicology, Institute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Pará (UFPA) Belém‐ Pará Brazil
| | - Tarcyane B. Garcia
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic and Genetic Toxicology, Institute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Pará (UFPA) Belém‐ Pará Brazil
| | - Laís T. Bonfim
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic and Genetic Toxicology, Institute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Pará (UFPA) Belém‐ Pará Brazil
| | - Adrhyann J. S. Portilho
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic and Genetic Toxicology, Institute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Pará (UFPA) Belém‐ Pará Brazil
| | - Camila A. Pinto
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic and Genetic Toxicology, Institute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Pará (UFPA) Belém‐ Pará Brazil
| | - Rommel M. R. Burbano
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic and Genetic Toxicology, Institute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Pará (UFPA) Belém‐ Pará Brazil
| | - Marcelo Bahia
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetic and Genetic Toxicology, Institute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Pará (UFPA) Belém‐ Pará Brazil
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Cao Y, Feng YH, Gao LW, Li XY, Jin QX, Wang YY, Xu YY, Jin F, Lu SL, Wei MJ. Artemisinin enhances the anti-tumor immune response in 4T1 breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 70:110-116. [PMID: 30798159 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is a prominent cause of death among women worldwide. Recent studies have demonstrated that artemisinin (ART) displays anti-tumor activity. Using a mouse breast cancer model, we investigated the effects of ART in vitro and in vivo to determine how it influences the anti-tumor immune response. METHODS We measured the proliferation and apoptosis of 4T1 cells in vitro after ART treatment by MTT assay and FACS. To examine the effects of ART in vivo, tumor volumes and survival rates were measured in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. FACS was used to determine the frequencies of Tregs, MDSCs, CD4+ IFN-γ+ T cells, and CTLs in the tumors and spleens of the mice. mRNA levels of the transcription factors T-bet and FOXP3 and cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α, TGF-β, and IL-10 were also determined by real-time RT-PCR. ELISA was used to measure TGF-β protein levels in the cell culture supernatants. RESULTS ART supplementation significantly increased 4T1 cell apoptosis and decreased TGF-β levels in vitro. ART also impeded tumor growth in 4T1 TB mice and extended their survival. MDSC and Treg frequencies significantly decreased in the 4T1 TB mice after ART treatment while CD4+ IFN-γ+ T cells and CTLs significantly increased. ART significantly increased T-bet, IFN-γ, and TNF-α mRNA levels within the tumor and significantly decreased TGF-β mRNA levels. CONCLUSION ART supplementation hindered 4T1 tumor growth in vivo by promoting T cell activation and quelling immunosuppression from Tregs and MDSCs in the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Cao
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology, China Medial University School of Pharmacy, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Department of Surgical Oncology and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Yong-Hui Feng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Li-Wei Gao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Ying Li
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Quan-Xiu Jin
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Department of Breast Surgery, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yu-Ying Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Department of Breast Surgery, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ying-Ying Xu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Feng Jin
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Shi-Long Lu
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology, China Medial University School of Pharmacy, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Department of Otolaryngology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Min-Jie Wei
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology, China Medial University School of Pharmacy, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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Synthesis, antimalarial, antiproliferative, and apoptotic activities of benzimidazole-5-carboxamide derivatives. Med Chem Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-018-2258-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Khan BF, Hamidullah, Dwivedi S, Konwar R, Zubair S, Owais M. Potential of bacterial culture media in biofabrication of metal nanoparticles and the therapeutic potential of the as‐synthesized nanoparticles in conjunction with artemisinin against MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:6951-6964. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Badrealam Farheen Khan
- Molecular Immunology Laboratory Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University Aligarh India
| | - Hamidullah
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR‐Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow India
| | - Sonam Dwivedi
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR‐Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow India
| | - Rituraj Konwar
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR‐Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow India
| | | | - Mohammad Owais
- Molecular Immunology Laboratory Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University Aligarh India
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14
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Prevention of carcinogenesis and metastasis by Artemisinin-type drugs. Cancer Lett 2018; 429:11-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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15
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Kapkoti DS, Singh S, Luqman S, Bhakuni RS. Synthesis of novel 1,2,3-triazole based artemisinin derivatives and their antiproliferative activity. NEW J CHEM 2018. [DOI: 10.1039/c7nj04271j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Novel artemisinin-1,2,3-triazole derivatives show significant antiproliferative activity, and induce apoptosis and ROS generation and arrest the cell cycle at the G2/M phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Singh Kapkoti
- Medicinal Chemistry Department
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
- Lucknow-226015
- India
| | - Shilpi Singh
- Molecular Bioprospection Department
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
- Lucknow-226015
- India
| | - Suaib Luqman
- Molecular Bioprospection Department
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
- Lucknow-226015
- India
| | - Rajendra Singh Bhakuni
- Medicinal Chemistry Department
- CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
- Lucknow-226015
- India
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16
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Liu R, Yu X, Su C, Shi Y, Zhao L. Nanoparticle Delivery of Artesunate Enhances the Anti-tumor Efficiency by Activating Mitochondria-Mediated Cell Apoptosis. NANOSCALE RESEARCH LETTERS 2017; 12:403. [PMID: 28610396 PMCID: PMC5468175 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-017-2169-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives were considered to exert a broad spectrum of anti-cancer activities, and they induced significant anti-cancer effects in tumor cells. Artemisinin and its derivatives could be absorbed quickly, and they were widely distributed, selectively killing tumor cells. Since low concentrations of artesunate primarily depended on oncosis to induce cell death in tumor cells, its anti-tumor effects were undesirable and limited. To obtain better anti-tumor effects, in this study, we took advantage of a new nanotechnology to design novel artesunate-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles to achieve the mitochondrial accumulation of artesunate and induce mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. The results showed that when compared with free artesunate's reliance on oncotic death, artesunate-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles showed higher cytotoxicity and their significant apoptotic effects were induced through the distribution of artesunate in the mitochondria. This finding indicated that artesunate-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles damaged the mitochondrial integrity and activated mitochondrial-mediated cell apoptosis by upregulating apoptosis-related proteins and facilitating the rapid release of cytochrome C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000 Liaoning People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiwei Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000 Liaoning People’s Republic of China
| | - Chang Su
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000 Liaoning People’s Republic of China
| | - Yijie Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000 Liaoning People’s Republic of China
| | - Liang Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000 Liaoning People’s Republic of China
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17
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Osaki T, Uto Y, Ishizuka M, Tanaka T, Yamanaka N, Kurahashi T, Azuma K, Murahata Y, Tsuka T, Itoh N, Imagawa T, Okamoto Y. Artesunate Enhances the Cytotoxicity of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid-Based Sonodynamic Therapy against Mouse Mammary Tumor Cells In Vitro. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22040533. [PMID: 28346389 PMCID: PMC6154000 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22040533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 03/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) kills tumor cells through the synergistic effects of ultrasound (US) and a sonosensitizer agent. 5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) has been used as a sonodynamic sensitizer for cancer treatment. However, studies have shown that 5-ALA-based SDT has limited efficacy against malignant tumors. In this study, we examined whether artesunate (ART) could enhance the cytotoxicity of 5-ALA-based SDT against mouse mammary tumor (EMT-6) cells in vitro. In the ART, ART + US, ART + 5-ALA, and ART + 5-ALA + US groups, the cell survival rate correlated with ART concentration, and decreased with increasing concentrations of ART. Morphologically, many apoptotic and necrotic cells were observed in the ART + 5-ALA + US group. The percentage of reactive oxygen species-positive cells in the ART + 5-ALA + US group was also significantly higher than that in the 5-ALA group (p = 0.0228), and the cell death induced by ART + 5-ALA + US could be inhibited by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. These results show that ART offers great potential in enhancing the efficacy of 5-ALA-based SDT for the treatment of cancer. However, these results are only based on in vitro studies, and further in vivo studies are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Osaki
- Joint Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan.
| | - Yoshihiro Uto
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8506, Japan.
| | | | - Tohru Tanaka
- SBI Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Tokyo 106-6020, Japan.
| | | | | | - Kazuo Azuma
- Joint Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan.
| | - Yusuke Murahata
- Joint Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan.
| | - Takeshi Tsuka
- Joint Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan.
| | - Norihiko Itoh
- Joint Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan.
| | - Tomohiro Imagawa
- Joint Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan.
| | - Yoshiharu Okamoto
- Joint Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan.
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18
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Perez DR, Smagley Y, Garcia M, Carter MB, Evangelisti A, Matlawska-Wasowska K, Winter SS, Sklar LA, Chigaev A. Cyclic AMP efflux inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents for leukemia. Oncotarget 2016; 7:33960-82. [PMID: 27129155 PMCID: PMC5085131 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptotic evasion is a hallmark of cancer. We propose that some cancers may evade cell death by regulating 3'-5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), which is associated with pro-apoptotic signaling. We hypothesize that leukemic cells possess mechanisms that efflux cAMP from the cytoplasm, thus protecting them from apoptosis. Accordingly, cAMP efflux inhibition should result in: cAMP accumulation, activation of cAMP-dependent downstream signaling, viability loss, and apoptosis. We developed a novel assay to assess cAMP efflux and performed screens to identify inhibitors. In an acute myeloid leukemia (AML) model, several identified compounds reduced cAMP efflux, appropriately modulated pathways that are responsive to cAMP elevation (cAMP-responsive element-binding protein phosphorylation, and deactivation of Very Late Antigen-4 integrin), and induced mitochondrial depolarization and caspase activation. Blocking adenylyl cyclase activity was sufficient to reduce effects of the most potent compounds. These compounds also decreased cAMP efflux and viability of B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) cell lines and primary patient samples, but not of normal primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Our data suggest that cAMP efflux is a functional feature that could be therapeutically targeted in leukemia. Furthermore, because some of the identified drugs are currently used for treating other illnesses, this work creates an opportunity for repurposing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique R. Perez
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- University of New Mexico Center for Molecular Discovery, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Yelena Smagley
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- University of New Mexico Center for Molecular Discovery, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Matthew Garcia
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- University of New Mexico Center for Molecular Discovery, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Mark B. Carter
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- University of New Mexico Center for Molecular Discovery, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Annette Evangelisti
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- University of New Mexico Center for Molecular Discovery, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Ksenia Matlawska-Wasowska
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Stuart S. Winter
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Larry A. Sklar
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- University of New Mexico Center for Molecular Discovery, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Alexandre Chigaev
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- University of New Mexico Center for Molecular Discovery, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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19
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Chen X, Chen XG, Hu X, Song T, Ou X, Zhang C, Zhang W, Zhang C. MiR-34a and miR-203 Inhibit Survivin Expression to Control Cell Proliferation and Survival in Human Osteosarcoma Cells. J Cancer 2016; 7:1057-65. [PMID: 27326248 PMCID: PMC4911872 DOI: 10.7150/jca.15061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Elevated expression of survivin is observed in a number of cancer types, including human osteosarcoma. Few studies have demonstrated that survivin expression levels can be considered an independent predictor of survival for human osteosarcoma patients. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of survivin in the process of human osteosarcoma carcinogenesis remain unclear. In the current study, we evaluated the biological effects of survivin knockdown on osteosarcoma cell proliferation, colony formation rate, and sensitivity to the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin. We found that two different osteosarcoma cell lines, U2OS and Saos-2, have relatively higher expression levels of survivin, and specific knockdown of survivin resulted in a number of effects, such as inhibition of cell proliferation, decreased colony formation rate, cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase, induction of apoptosis, and increased sensitivity to cisplatin. In addition, we identified two microRNAs, miR-34a and miR-203, that are aberrantly expressed in human osteosarcoma cells and specifically target survivin by inhibiting its expression, therefore repressing osteosarcoma cell maintenance and proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Chen
- 1. The second affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China, 710004; 2. Department of Osteology, Xi'an Hong-Hui Hospital affiliated to medical college of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China, 710054
| | - Xiao-Gang Chen
- 3. Department of Orthopaedics, the third affiliated hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China, 310005
| | - Xiaojing Hu
- 4. Departments of Cardiology, the Ninth affiliated hospital of medical college of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China, 710054
| | - Tao Song
- 2. Department of Osteology, Xi'an Hong-Hui Hospital affiliated to medical college of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China, 710054
| | - Xuehai Ou
- 2. Department of Osteology, Xi'an Hong-Hui Hospital affiliated to medical college of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China, 710054
| | - Caiguo Zhang
- 5. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA, 80045
| | - Wentao Zhang
- 2. Department of Osteology, Xi'an Hong-Hui Hospital affiliated to medical college of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China, 710054
| | - Chun Zhang
- 1. The second affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China, 710004
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20
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Tran TH, Nguyen TD, Van Nguyen H, Nguyen HT, Kim JO, Yong CS, Nguyen CN. Targeted and controlled drug delivery system loading artersunate for effective chemotherapy on CD44 overexpressing cancer cells. Arch Pharm Res 2016; 39:687-94. [DOI: 10.1007/s12272-016-0738-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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21
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Tran TH, Nguyen AN, Kim JO, Yong CS, Nguyen CN. Enhancing activity of artesunate against breast cancer cells via induced-apoptosis pathway by loading into lipid carriers. ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2016; 44:1979-1987. [DOI: 10.3109/21691401.2015.1129616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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22
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Transferrin-mediated fullerenes nanoparticles as Fe 2+ -dependent drug vehicles for synergistic anti-tumor efficacy. Biomaterials 2015; 37:353-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2014.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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23
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Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of artesunate-β-cyclodextrin conjugates as novel anti-cancer prodrugs. Carbohydr Res 2014; 400:19-25. [PMID: 25457606 DOI: 10.1016/j.carres.2014.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Revised: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A novel series of artesunate-β-cyclodextrin (ATS-β-CD) conjugates, in which artesunate (ATS) was coupled covalently to one of the primary hydroxyl groups of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) through amino bond formation, were synthesized and characterized by (1)H NMR, HRMS, 2D NMR (ROESY), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that the aqueous solubility of ATS-β-CD conjugates was 26-45 times better than that of free ATS. The cytotoxicity of the ATS-β-CD conjugates was evaluated on human colon cancer cell lines HCT116, LOVO, SW480, and HT-29, and the results indicated that ATS-2NβCD exhibited a very high cytotoxicity against HCT116, LOVO, and HT-29 with IC50 values of 0.58, 1.62, and 5.18μmol/L, respectively. In addition, the supposition of better cytotoxicity was further supported by the control experiment of fluorescent cyclodextrin.
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24
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Antiviral effects of artesunate on JC polyomavirus replication in COS-7 cells. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:6724-34. [PMID: 25155602 DOI: 10.1128/aac.03714-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The human JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) causes the fatal demyelinating disease progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). A growing number of patients with induced or acquired immunosuppression are at risk for infection, and no effective antiviral therapy is presently available. The widely used antimalarial drug artesunate has shown broad antiviral activity in vitro but limited clinical success. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of artesunate on JCPyV replication in vitro. The permissivity for JCPyV MAD-4 was first compared in four cell lines, and the monkey kidney cell line COS-7 was selected. Artesunate caused a concentration-dependent decrease in the extracellular JCPyV DNA load 96 h postinfection, with a 50% effective concentration (EC50) of 2.9 μM. This effect correlated with a decreased expression of capsid protein VP1 and a reduced release of infectious viral progeny. For concentrations of <20 μM, transient reductions in cellular DNA replication and proliferation were seen, while for higher concentrations, some cytotoxicity was detected. A selective index of 16.6 was found when cytotoxicity was calculated based on cellular DNA replication in the mock-infected cells, but interestingly, cellular DNA replication in the JCPyV-infected cells was more strongly affected. In conclusion, artesunate is efficacious in inhibiting JCPyV replication at micromolar concentrations, which are achievable in plasma. The inhibition at EC50 probably reflects an effect on cellular proteins and involves transient cytostatic effects. Our results, together with the favorable distribution of the active metabolite dihydroartemisinin to the central nervous system, suggest a potential use for artesunate in patients with PML.
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25
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Zuo W, Wang ZZ, Xue J. Artesunate induces apoptosis of bladder cancer cells by miR-16 regulation of COX-2 expression. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:14298-312. [PMID: 25196524 PMCID: PMC4159851 DOI: 10.3390/ijms150814298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the urinary tract and remains one of the major causes of cancer death worldwide. In this study, we investigated the effect and mechanism of Artesunate (ART), a traditional Chinese medicine, on inducing apoptosis of human bladder cancer cells. In vivo antitumor activity was investigated in bladder cancer in rat by subcutaneous injection of different concentration of ART. The effect of ART on growth inhibition and apoptosis of bladder cancer cells was evaluated using dimethylthiazoly-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and miR-16 expression levels were determined with real-time PCR. The concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the supernatants of bladder cancer cells were measured with an ELISA kit. The miR-16 inhibitor or mimic were transfected into cells to up- or down-regulate miR-16 expression. ART efficiently inhibited orthotopic tumor growth in the bladder cancer rat, which is accompanied with an increase of miR-16 expression and a decrease of COX-2 expression. In vitro, ART could induce cytotoxicity and apoptosis in bladder cancer cells, but presented a much lighter toxicity effect against normal human urothelial cells. ART significantly increased miR-16 expression and decreased the expression of COX-2 and the production of PGE2. More importantly, down-regulation of miR-16 expression could reverse the effect of ART on apoptosis and COX-2 expression in bladder cells. Moreover, exogenous PGE2 could inhibit apoptosis of bladder cancer cells treated with ART. In conclusion, ART can elicit an anti-tumor effect against bladder cancer by up-regulation of miR-16 expression, which resulted in the decrease of COX-2 expression and PGE2 production. Hence, ART might be an effective drug for the treatment of bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zuo
- Department of Urinary Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China.
| | - Zhen-Zhong Wang
- Department of Urinary Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China.
| | - Jun Xue
- Department of Urinary Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China.
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Artemisinin triggers a G1 cell cycle arrest of human Ishikawa endometrial cancer cells and inhibits cyclin-dependent kinase-4 promoter activity and expression by disrupting nuclear factor-κB transcriptional signaling. Anticancer Drugs 2014; 25:270-81. [PMID: 24296733 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Relatively little is known about the antiproliferative effects of artemisinin, a naturally occurring antimalarial compound from Artemisia annua, or sweet wormwood, in human endometrial cancer cells. Artemisinin induced a G1 cell cycle arrest in cultured human Ishikawa endometrial cancer cells and downregulated cyclin-dependent kinase-2 (CDK2) and CDK4 transcript and protein levels. Analysis of CDK4 promoter-luciferase reporter constructs showed that the artemisinin ablation of CDK4 gene expression was accounted for by the loss of CDK4 promoter activity. Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated that artemisinin inhibited nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) subunit p65 and p50 interactions with the endogenous Ishikawa cell CDK4 promoter. Coimmunoprecipitation revealed that artemisinin disrupts endogenous p65 and p50 nuclear translocation through increased protein-protein interactions with IκB-α, an NF-κB inhibitor, and disrupts its interaction with the CDK4 promoter, leading to a loss of CDK4 gene expression. Artemisinin treatment stimulated the cellular levels of IκB-α protein without altering the level of IκB-α transcripts. Finally, expression of exogenous p65 resulted in the accumulation of this NF-κB subunit in the nucleus of artemisinin-treated and artemisinin-untreated cells, reversed the artemisinin downregulation of CDK4 protein expression and promoter activity, and prevented the artemisinin-induced G1 cell cycle arrest. Taken together, our results demonstrate that a key event in the artemisinin antiproliferative effects in endometrial cancer cells is the transcriptional downregulation of CDK4 expression by disruption of NF-κB interactions with the CDK4 promoter.
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27
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Synergic effects of artemisinin and resveratrol in cancer cells. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2014; 140:2065-75. [DOI: 10.1007/s00432-014-1771-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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28
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ZHU SHUNQIN, LIU WANHONG, KE XIAOXUE, LI JIFU, HU RENJIAN, CUI HONGJUAN, SONG GUANBIN. Artemisinin reduces cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in neuroblastoma. Oncol Rep 2014; 32:1094-100. [DOI: 10.3892/or.2014.3323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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29
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Nguyen HT, Tran TH, Kim JO, Yong CS, Nguyen CN. Enhancing the in vitro anti-cancer efficacy of artesunate by loading into poly-D,L-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) nanoparticles. Arch Pharm Res 2014; 38:716-24. [PMID: 24968925 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-014-0424-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Artesunate (ART)-a well-known anti-malarial agent is also known to have potential anti-proliferative activities but its instability, poor aqueous solubility, and lack of relevant studies have limited its application as an effective anti-cancer drug. To overcome these problems, ART was loaded in poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles using oil/water emulsion evaporation method. PLGA nanoparticles with small particle size and high entrapment efficiency were obtained. The PLGA nanoparticles were optimized by evaluating the effects of several formulation parameters on physicochemical properties of nanoparticles. The in vitro cytotoxicity of blank PLGA, free ART, and ART-PLGA on 3 human cancer cell lines viz. A549, SCC-7, and MCF-7 was conducted using MTT assay. The particles showed nanometric size (~170 nm), large entrapment efficiency (up to 83.4%), and excellent stability (evaluated for 1 month) after lyophilization with 5% mannitol. ART was dispersed inside particle core allowing a sustained release up to 48 h. The in vitro cytotoxicity results demonstrated strong activity of ART against cancer cell lines. The ART-PLGA formulation significantly reduced cell viability than the free ART. The formulation of ART loaded PLGA nanoparticles supported a potential application of ART as an anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanh Thuy Nguyen
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, 13-15 Le Thanh Tong, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
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30
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Tan SSL, Ong B, Cheng C, Ho WE, Tam JKC, Stewart AG, Harris T, Wong WSF, Tran T. The antimalarial drug artesunate inhibits primary human cultured airway smooth muscle cell proliferation. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2014; 50:451-8. [PMID: 24066853 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2013-0273oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Airway smooth muscle (ASM) cell hyperplasia contributes to airway wall remodeling (AWR) in asthma. Glucocorticoids, which are used as first-line therapy for the treatment of inflammation in asthma, have limited impact on AWR, and protracted usage of high doses of glucocorticoids is associated with an increased risk of side effects. Moreover, patients with severe asthma often show reduced sensitivity to glucocorticoids. Artesunate, a semisynthetic artemisinin derivative used to treat malaria with minimal toxicity, attenuates allergic airway inflammation in mice, but its impact on AWR is not known. We examined the effects of artesunate on ASM proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Primary human ASM cells derived from nonasthmatic donors were treated with artesunate before mitogen stimulation. Artesunate reduced mitogen-stimulated increases in cell number and cyclin D1 protein abundance but had no significant effect on ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Artesunate, but not dexamethasone, inhibited phospho-Akt and phospho-p70(S6K) protein abundance. Artesunate, but not dexamethasone, inhibited mitogen-stimulated increases in cell number, cyclin D1, and phospho-Akt protein abundance on ASM cells derived from asthmatic donors. In a murine model of allergic asthma, artesunate reduced the area of α-smooth muscle actin-positive cells and decreased cyclin D1 protein abundance. Our study provides a basis for the future development of artesunate as a novel anti-AWR agent that targets ASM hyperplasia via the PI3K/Akt/p70(S6K) pathway and suggests that artesunate may be used as combination therapy with glucocorticoids.
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31
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Artesunate inhibits the growth of gastric cancer cells through the mechanism of promoting oncosis both in vitro and in vivo. Anticancer Drugs 2014; 24:920-7. [PMID: 23958790 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0b013e328364a109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the significance and mechanism of artesunate involved in suppressing the proliferation of gastric cancer in vitro and in vivo. In the in-vitro experiments, artesunate inhibited the growth of gastric cancer cell lines (SGC-7901, BGC-823, and AGS) with concentration-dependent activity, with no significant effect on GES-1 cells. BGC-823 cells treated with artesunate showed the typical morphologic features of oncosis rather than apoptosis. Meanwhile, we observed calcium overload, downregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor expression, and upregulation of calpain-2 expression in the artesunate-treated BGC-823 cells. In addition, the in-vivo study showed that artesunate produced a dose-dependent tumor regression in nude mice. The antitumor activity of 240 mg/kg artesunate was similar to that of 10 mg/kg docetaxel. Furthermore, compared with the control group, no significant difference was observed in the body weight of artesunate-treated nude mice other than docetaxel-treated nude mice. These observations show that artesunate has concentration-dependent inhibitory activities against gastric cancer in vitro and in vivo by promoting cell oncosis through an impact of calcium, vascular endothelial growth factor, and calpain-2 expression.
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Hooft van Huijsduijnen R, Guy RK, Chibale K, Haynes RK, Peitz I, Kelter G, Phillips MA, Vennerstrom JL, Yuthavong Y, Wells TNC. Anticancer properties of distinct antimalarial drug classes. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82962. [PMID: 24391728 PMCID: PMC3877007 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We have tested five distinct classes of established and experimental antimalarial drugs for their anticancer potential, using a panel of 91 human cancer lines. Three classes of drugs: artemisinins, synthetic peroxides and DHFR (dihydrofolate reductase) inhibitors effected potent inhibition of proliferation with IC50s in the nM- low µM range, whereas a DHODH (dihydroorotate dehydrogenase) and a putative kinase inhibitor displayed no activity. Furthermore, significant synergies were identified with erlotinib, imatinib, cisplatin, dasatinib and vincristine. Cluster analysis of the antimalarials based on their differential inhibition of the various cancer lines clearly segregated the synthetic peroxides OZ277 and OZ439 from the artemisinin cluster that included artesunate, dihydroartemisinin and artemisone, and from the DHFR inhibitors pyrimethamine and P218 (a parasite DHFR inhibitor), emphasizing their shared mode of action. In order to further understand the basis of the selectivity of these compounds against different cancers, microarray-based gene expression data for 85 of the used cell lines were generated. For each compound, distinct sets of genes were identified whose expression significantly correlated with compound sensitivity. Several of the antimalarials tested in this study have well-established and excellent safety profiles with a plasma exposure, when conservatively used in malaria, that is well above the IC50s that we identified in this study. Given their unique mode of action and potential for unique synergies with established anticancer drugs, our results provide a strong basis to further explore the potential application of these compounds in cancer in pre-clinical or and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - R. Kiplin Guy
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Kelly Chibale
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Richard K. Haynes
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | | | | | - Margaret A. Phillips
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jonathan L. Vennerstrom
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Yongyuth Yuthavong
- BIOTEC, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Thailand Science Park, Pathumthani, Thailand
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Antiviral effects of artesunate on polyomavirus BK replication in primary human kidney cells. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2013; 58:279-89. [PMID: 24145549 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01800-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyomavirus BK (BKV) causes polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PyVAN) and hemorrhagic cystitis (PyVHC) in renal and bone marrow transplant patients, respectively. Antiviral drugs with targeted activity against BKV are lacking. Since the antimalarial drug artesunate was recently demonstrated to have antiviral activity, the possible effects of artesunate on BKV replication in human primary renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (RPTECs), the host cells in PyVAN, were explored. At 2 h postinfection (hpi), RPTECs were treated with artesunate at concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 80 μM. After one viral replication cycle (approximately 72 hpi), the loads of extracellular BKV DNA, reflecting viral progeny production, were reduced in a concentration-dependent manner. Artesunate at 10 μM reduced the extracellular BKV load by 65%; early large T antigen mRNA and protein expression by 30% and 75%, respectively; DNA replication by 73%; and late VP1 mRNA and protein expression by 47% and 64%, respectively. Importantly, the proliferation of RPTECs was also inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner. At 72 hpi, artesunate at 10 μM reduced cellular DNA replication by 68% and total metabolic activity by 47%. Cell impedance and lactate dehydrogenase measurements indicated a cytostatic but not a cytotoxic mechanism. Flow cytometry and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation revealed a decreased number of cells in S phase and suggested cell cycle arrest in G0 or G2 phase. Both the antiproliferative and antiviral effects of artesunate at 10 μM were reversible. Thus, artesunate inhibits BKV replication in RPTECs in a concentration-dependent manner by inhibiting BKV gene expression and genome replication. The antiviral mechanism appears to be closely connected to cytostatic effects on the host cell, underscoring the dependence of BKV on host cell proliferative functions.
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Yang X, Wang Q, Gao Z, Zhou Z, Peng S, Chang WL, Lin HY, Zhang W, Wang H. Proprotein convertase furin regulates apoptosis and proliferation of granulosa cells in the rat ovary. PLoS One 2013; 8:e50479. [PMID: 23418414 PMCID: PMC3572104 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 10/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Folliculogenesis is tightly controlled by a series of hormones, growth factors and cytokines, many of which are secreted as proproteins and require processing by proteases before becoming functional. Furin is a member of the subtilisin-like proteases that activate large numbers of proprotein substrates and is ubiquitously expressed and implicated in many physiological and pathological processes. However, the precise role of furin during folliculogenesis has not been thoroughly investigated. The goal of the present work is to identify the role of furin in the development of granulosa cells during folliculogenesis, using immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, Western blot and functional studies in primary cultured rat granulosa cells. Our results demonstrate that furin is highly expressed in granulosa cells and oocytes of the ovary with very limited expression in other ovarian cells such as the epithelial, stromal or theca cells. Furin siRNA significantly increases apoptosis of the granulosa cells from large antral/preovulatory follicles, in part via downregulation of the anti-apoptotic proteins, XIAP and p-AKT. On the contrary, furin siRNA markedly decreases proliferation of granulosa cells based on the downregulation of proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Taken together, these data suggest that furin may play an important role in regulating apoptosis and proliferation of granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokui Yang
- Department of Human Reproductive Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qingxin Wang
- Department of Human Reproductive Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiying Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sha Peng
- Department of Human Reproductive Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Lin Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Yan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weiyuan Zhang
- Department of Human Reproductive Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (HW); (WZ)
| | - Hongmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (HW); (WZ)
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Kapoor S. Artesunate and its emerging anti-neoplastic effects: beyond its role in attenuating tumor growth in osteosarcomas. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2012; 13:1029-30. [PMID: 23225859 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b1200288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Development of artemisinin compounds for cancer treatment. Invest New Drugs 2012; 31:230-46. [DOI: 10.1007/s10637-012-9873-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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A radiosensitizing effect of artesunate in glioblastoma cells is associated with a diminished expression of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein survivin. Radiother Oncol 2012; 103:394-401. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2012.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2011] [Revised: 02/28/2012] [Accepted: 03/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Antitumor activity of artemisinin and its derivatives: from a well-known antimalarial agent to a potential anticancer drug. J Biomed Biotechnol 2011; 2012:247597. [PMID: 22174561 PMCID: PMC3228295 DOI: 10.1155/2012/247597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2011] [Accepted: 08/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Improvement of quality of life and survival of cancer patients will be greatly enhanced by the development of highly effective drugs to selectively kill malignant cells. Artemisinin and its analogs are naturally occurring antimalarials which have shown potent anticancer activity. In primary cancer cultures and cell lines, their antitumor actions were by inhibiting cancer proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. In xenograft models, exposure to artemisinins substantially reduces tumor volume and progression. However, the rationale for the use of artemisinins in anticancer therapy must be addressed by a greater understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in their cytotoxic effects. The primary targets for artemisinin and the chemical base for its preferential effects on heterologous tumor cells need yet to be elucidated. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the recent advances and new development of this class of drugs as potential anticancer agents.
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