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Li H, Li J, Zhang Y, Zhao C, Ge J, Sun Y, Fu H, Li Y. The therapeutic effect of traditional Chinese medicine on breast cancer through modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1401979. [PMID: 38783943 PMCID: PMC11111876 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1401979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer, the most prevalent malignant tumor among women globally, is significantly influenced by the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which plays a crucial role in its initiation and progression. While conventional chemotherapy, the standard clinical treatment, suffers from significant drawbacks like severe side effects, high toxicity, and limited prognostic efficacy, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides a promising alternative. TCM employs a multi-targeted therapeutic approach, which results in fewer side effects and offers a high potential for effective treatment. This paper presents a detailed analysis of the therapeutic impacts of TCM on various subtypes of breast cancer, focusing on its interaction with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Additionally, it explores the effectiveness of both monomeric and compound forms of TCM in the management of breast cancer. We also discuss the potential of establishing biomarkers for breast cancer treatment based on key proteins within the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Our aim is to offer new insights into the prevention and treatment of breast cancer and to contribute to the standardization of TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongkun Li
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiawei Li
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Chengcheng Zhao
- Experimental Teaching and Practical Training Center, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Jun Ge
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yujiao Sun
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Hui Fu
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingpeng Li
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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2
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Zhang L, Chen W, Liu S, Chen C. Targeting Breast Cancer Stem Cells. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:552-570. [PMID: 36632469 PMCID: PMC9830502 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.76187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential roles of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) in tumor initiation and recurrence have been recognized for many decades. Due to their strong capacity for self-renewal and differentiation, BCSCs are the major reasons for poor clinical outcomes and low therapeutic response. Several hypotheses on the origin of cancer stem cells have been proposed, including critical gene mutations in stem cells, dedifferentiation of somatic cells, and cell plasticity remodeling by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, the tumor microenvironment, including cellular components and cytokines, modulates the self-renewal and therapeutic resistance of BCSCs. Small molecules, antibodies, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells targeting BCSCs have been developed, and their applications in combination with conventional therapies are undergoing clinical trials. In this review, we focus on the features of BCSCs, emphasize the major factors and tumor environment that regulate the stemness of BCSCs, and discuss potential BCSC-targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering; Cancer Institutes; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai; The Shanghai paracrine Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology; The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology; Shanghai Medical College; Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wenmin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650201, China.,Kunming College of Life Sciences, the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Suling Liu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering; Cancer Institutes; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai; The Shanghai paracrine Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology; The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology; Shanghai Medical College; Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Ceshi Chen, E-mail: or Suling Liu, E-mail:
| | - Ceshi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650201, China.,Academy of Biomedical Engineering, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China.,The Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650118, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Ceshi Chen, E-mail: or Suling Liu, E-mail:
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3
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Kwiatkowska I, Hermanowicz JM, Iwinska Z, Kowalczuk K, Iwanowska J, Pawlak D. Zebrafish—An Optimal Model in Experimental Oncology. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134223. [PMID: 35807468 PMCID: PMC9268704 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A thorough understanding of cancer pathogenesis is a necessary step in the development of more effective and safer therapy. However, due to the complexity of the process and intricate interactions, studying tumor development is an extremely difficult and challenging task. In bringing this issue closer, different scientific models with various advancement levels are helpful. Cell cultures is a system that is too simple and does not allow for multidirectional research. On the other hand, rodent models, although commonly used, are burdened with several limitations. For this reason, new model organisms that will allow for the studying of carcinogenesis stages and factors reliably involved in them are urgently sought after. Danio rerio, an inconspicuous fish endowed with unique features, is gaining in importance in the world of scientific research. Including it in oncological research brings solutions to many challenges afflicting modern medicine. This article aims to illustrate the usefulness of Danio rerio as a model organism which turns out to be a powerful and unique tool for studying the stages of carcinogenesis and solving the hitherto incomprehensible processes that lead to the development of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Kwiatkowska
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (J.M.H.); (Z.I.); (J.I.); (D.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +48-8574-856-01
| | - Justyna Magdalena Hermanowicz
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (J.M.H.); (Z.I.); (J.I.); (D.P.)
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Zaneta Iwinska
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (J.M.H.); (Z.I.); (J.I.); (D.P.)
| | - Krystyna Kowalczuk
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, ul. M Skłodowskiej-Curie 7A, 15-096 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Jolanta Iwanowska
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (J.M.H.); (Z.I.); (J.I.); (D.P.)
| | - Dariusz Pawlak
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (J.M.H.); (Z.I.); (J.I.); (D.P.)
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Chen Z, Wu J, Wang L, Zhao H, He J. Tumor-associated macrophages of the M1/M2 phenotype are involved in the regulation of malignant biological behavior of breast cancer cells through the EMT pathway. Med Oncol 2022; 39:83. [DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01670-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Cascallar M, Alijas S, Pensado-López A, Vázquez-Ríos AJ, Sánchez L, Piñeiro R, de la Fuente M. What Zebrafish and Nanotechnology Can Offer for Cancer Treatments in the Age of Personalized Medicine. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092238. [PMID: 35565373 PMCID: PMC9099873 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer causes millions of deaths each year and thus urgently requires the development of new therapeutic strategies. Nanotechnology-based anticancer therapies are a promising approach, with several formulations already approved and in clinical use. The evaluation of these therapies requires efficient in vivo models to study their behavior and interaction with cancer cells, and to optimize their properties to ensure maximum efficacy and safety. In this way, zebrafish is an important candidate due to its high homology with the human genoma, its large offspring, and the ease in developing specific cancer models. The role of zebrafish as a model for anticancer therapy studies has been highly evidenced, allowing researchers not only to perform drug screenings but also to evaluate novel therapies such as immunotherapies and nanotherapies. Beyond that, zebrafish can be used as an “avatar” model for performing patient-derived xenografts for personalized medicine. These characteristics place zebrafish in an attractive position as a role model for evaluating novel therapies for cancer treatment, such as nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Cascallar
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), SERGAS, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.C.); (S.A.); (A.J.V.-R.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (L.S.)
| | - Sandra Alijas
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), SERGAS, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.C.); (S.A.); (A.J.V.-R.)
| | - Alba Pensado-López
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (L.S.)
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine & Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Campus Vida, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Abi Judit Vázquez-Ríos
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), SERGAS, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.C.); (S.A.); (A.J.V.-R.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- DIVERSA Technologies S.L., 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Laura Sánchez
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (L.S.)
- Preclinical Animal Models Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Roberto Piñeiro
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - María de la Fuente
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), SERGAS, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.C.); (S.A.); (A.J.V.-R.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- DIVERSA Technologies S.L., 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-981-955-704
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Saha T, Lukong KE. Breast Cancer Stem-Like Cells in Drug Resistance: A Review of Mechanisms and Novel Therapeutic Strategies to Overcome Drug Resistance. Front Oncol 2022; 12:856974. [PMID: 35392236 PMCID: PMC8979779 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.856974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequent type of malignancy in women worldwide, and drug resistance to the available systemic therapies remains a major challenge. At the molecular level, breast cancer is heterogeneous, where the cancer-initiating stem-like cells (bCSCs) comprise a small yet distinct population of cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) that can differentiate into cells of multiple lineages, displaying varying degrees of cellular differentiation, enhanced metastatic potential, invasiveness, and resistance to radio- and chemotherapy. Based on the expression of estrogen and progesterone hormone receptors, expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and/or BRCA mutations, the breast cancer molecular subtypes are identified as TNBC, HER2 enriched, luminal A, and luminal B. Management of breast cancer primarily involves resection of the tumor, followed by radiotherapy, and systemic therapies including endocrine therapies for hormone-responsive breast cancers; HER2-targeted therapy for HER2-enriched breast cancers; chemotherapy and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors for TNBC, and the recent development of immunotherapy. However, the complex crosstalk between the malignant cells and stromal cells in the breast TME, rewiring of the many different signaling networks, and bCSC-mediated processes, all contribute to overall drug resistance in breast cancer. However, strategically targeting bCSCs to reverse chemoresistance and increase drug sensitivity is an underexplored stream in breast cancer research. The recent identification of dysregulated miRNAs/ncRNAs/mRNAs signatures in bCSCs and their crosstalk with many cellular signaling pathways has uncovered promising molecular leads to be used as potential therapeutic targets in drug-resistant situations. Moreover, therapies that can induce alternate forms of regulated cell death including ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and immunotherapy; drugs targeting bCSC metabolism; and nanoparticle therapy are the upcoming approaches to target the bCSCs overcome drug resistance. Thus, individualizing treatment strategies will eliminate the minimal residual disease, resulting in better pathological and complete response in drug-resistant scenarios. This review summarizes basic understanding of breast cancer subtypes, concept of bCSCs, molecular basis of drug resistance, dysregulated miRNAs/ncRNAs patterns in bCSCs, and future perspective of developing anticancer therapeutics to address breast cancer drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taniya Saha
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Kiven Erique Lukong
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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Agraval H, Sharma JR, Prakash N, Yadav UCS. Fisetin suppresses cigarette smoke extract-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition of airway epithelial cells through regulating COX-2/MMPs/β-catenin pathway. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 351:109771. [PMID: 34864006 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2021.109771] [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: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Cigarette smoke exposure leads to upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an inducible enzyme that synthesizes prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and promotes airway inflammation. COX-2 overexpression is frequently implicated in inflammation, invasion, metastasis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, its detailed molecular mechanism in cigarette smoke induced EMT is not clear. Further, fisetin, a bioflavonoid, exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but its effect in modulating COX-2-mediated inflammation and downstream sequelae remains unexplored. Therefore, we have investigated the mechanism of cigarette smoke-induced COX-2-mediated EMT in airway epithelial cells and examined the role of fisetin in controlling this aberration. MTT, trypan blue staining, gelatin zymography, Western blotting, invasion, wound healing, and tumor sphere formation assays in cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and/or fisetin treated airway epithelial cells, and in-silico molecular docking studies were performed. Results revealed that CSE exposure increased the expression and activity of COX-2, MMP-2/9, and β-catenin and also enhanced expression of EMT markers leading to higher migration and invasion potential of airway epithelial cells. A specific COX-2 inhibitor NS-398 as well as fisetin treatment reversed the expression of EMT biomarkers, reduced the activity of MMP-2/9, and blocked the migration and invasion potential induced by CSE. Further, PGE2 also increased MMPs activity, invasion, and migration potential similar to CSE, which were significantly reversed by fisetin. In-silico studies showed a high binding affinity of fisetin to key EMT associated proteins, validating its anti-EMT potential. Thus, our study firstly unearths the mechanism of CSE-induced EMT in airway epithelial cells via COX-2/MMP/β-catenin pathway, and secondly, it reveals that fisetin could significantly reverse CSE-induced EMT by inhibiting COX-2, indicating that fisetin could be an effective drug candidate for cigarette smoke-induced lung dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hina Agraval
- Metabolic Disorders and Inflammatory Pathologies Laboratory (MDIPL), School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Sector 30, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382030, India
| | - Jiten R Sharma
- Metabolic Disorders and Inflammatory Pathologies Laboratory (MDIPL), School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Sector 30, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382030, India
| | - Nutan Prakash
- Department of Biotechnology, Atmiya University, Rajkot, Gujarat, 360005, India
| | - Umesh C S Yadav
- Special Center for Molecular Medicine, and Special Centre for Systems Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India.
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Kim N, Lee S, Kang J, Kwon TK, Khang D, Kim SH. Gomisin M2 alleviates psoriasis‑like skin inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory signaling pathways. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:859. [PMID: 34664681 PMCID: PMC8548952 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, is characterized by the excessive proliferation and impaired differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes and is accompanied by the increased infiltration of inflammatory cells. The condition requires long‑term treatment and has no definitive cure. Hence, supplements and therapeutic agents have been intensely investigated. Gomisin M2 (GM2), a lignan extracted from Schisandra chinensis (Turcz). Baill. (Schisandraceae; S. chinensis), has demonstrated diverse pharmacological properties, including anticancer, anti‑inflammatory and antiallergic effects. Based on these findings, the present study examined the effects of GM2 on an imiquimod (IMQ)‑induced psoriasis mouse model and on keratinocytes stimulated by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‑α and interferon‑γ. IMQ was topically applied to the back skin of mice for 7 consecutive days, and the mice were orally administered CD. These results showed that the oral administration of GM2 suppressed the symptoms of psoriasis, as evidenced by reductions in skin thickness, psoriasis area severity index scores for psoriasis lesions, transepidermal water loss and myeloperoxidase (MPO)‑associated cell infiltration. Furthermore, GM2 reduced the pathologically increased levels of immunoglobulin G2a, MPO and TNF‑α in the serum and T helper (Th)1 and Th17 cell populations in the spleen. GM2 decreased the gene expression of inflammatory‑related cytokines and chemokines and inhibited the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and nuclear factor‑κB in the activated keratinocytes. These results suggested that GM2 from S. chinensis is a potential therapeutic candidate to alleviate psoriasis‑like skin inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namkyung Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyoung Lee
- Immunoregulatory Materials Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Jeongeup, Jeollabuk-do 56212, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinjoo Kang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeg Kyu Kwon
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongwoo Khang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Yeonsu, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hyun Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
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Das A, Agarwal P, Jain GK, Aggarwal G, Lather V, Pandita D. Repurposing drugs as novel triple negative breast cancer therapeutics. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 22:515-550. [PMID: 34674627 DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666211021143255] [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: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among all the types of breast cancer (BC), triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive form having high metastasis and recurrence rate with limited treatment options. Conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy have lots of toxic side effects and also no FDA approved therapies are available till now. Repurposing of old clinically approved drugs towards various targets of TNBC is the new approach with lesser side effects and also leads to successful inexpensive drug development with less time consuming. Medicinal plants containg various phytoconstituents (flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, essential oils, tanins, glycosides, lactones) plays very crucial role in combating various types of diseases and used in drug development process because of having lesser side effects. OBJECTIVE The present review focuses in summarization of various categories of repurposed drugs against multitarget of TNBC and also summarizes the phytochemical categories that targets TNBC singly or in combination with synthetic old drugs. METHODS Literature information was collected from various databases such as Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus and Medline to understand and clarify the role and mechanism of repurposed synthetic drugs and phytoconstituents aginst TNBC by using keywords like "breast cancer", "repurposed drugs", "TNBC" and "phytoconstituents". RESULTS Various repurposed drugs and phytochemicals targeting different signaling pathways that exerts their cytotoxic activities on TNBC cells ultimately leads to apoptosis of cells and also lowers the recurrence rate and stops the metastasis process. CONCLUSION Inhibitory effects seen in different levels, which provides information and evidences to researchers towards drug developments process and thus further more investigations and researches need to be taken to get the better therapeutic treatment options against TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amiya Das
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida, 201313. India
| | - Pallavi Agarwal
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida, 201313. India
| | - Gaurav Kumar Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Pushp Vihar, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, New Delhi, 110017. India
| | - Geeta Aggarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Pushp Vihar, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, New Delhi, 110017. India
| | - Viney Lather
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida, 201313. India
| | - Deepti Pandita
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Pushp Vihar, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, New Delhi, 110017. India
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Phytomedicines Targeting Cancer Stem Cells: Therapeutic Opportunities and Prospects for Pharmaceutical Development. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14070676. [PMID: 34358102 PMCID: PMC8308767 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of small subpopulations of cells within tumor cells are known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). These cells have been the reason for metastasis, resistance with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and tumor relapse in several types of cancers. CSCs underwent to epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and resulted in the development of aggressive tumors. CSCs have potential to modulate numerous signaling pathways including Wnt, Hh, and Notch, therefore increasing the stem-like characteristics of cancer cells. The raised expression of drug efflux pump and suppression of apoptosis has shown increased resistance with anti-cancer drugs. Among many agents which were shown to modulate these, the plant-derived bioactive agents appear to modulate these key regulators and were shown to remove CSCs. This review aims to comprehensively scrutinize the preclinical and clinical studies demonstrating the effects of phytocompounds on CSCs isolated from various tumors. Based on the available convincing literature from preclinical studies, with some clinical data, it is apparent that selective targeting of CSCs with plants, plant preparations, and plant-derived bioactive compounds, termed phytochemicals, may be a promising strategy for the treatment of relapsed cancers.
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Zampedri C, Martínez-Flores WA, Melendez-Zajgla J. The Use of Zebrafish Xenotransplant Assays to Analyze the Role of lncRNAs in Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:687594. [PMID: 34123857 PMCID: PMC8190406 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.687594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer represents a great challenge since it is the first cause of death by cancer in women worldwide. LncRNAs are a newly described class of non-coding RNAs that participate in cancer progression. Their use as cancer markers and possible therapeutic targets has recently gained strength. Animal xenotransplants allows for in vivo monitoring of disease development, molecular elucidation of pathogenesis and the design of new therapeutic strategies. Nevertheless, the cost and complexities of mice husbandry makes medium to high throughput assays difficult. Zebrafishes (Danio rerio) represent a novel model for these assays, given the ease with which xenotransplantation trials can be performed and the economic and experimental advantages it offers. In this review we propose the use of xenotransplants in zebrafish to study the role of breast cancer lncRNAs using low to medium high throughput assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Zampedri
- Functional Genomics Laboratories, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genomica, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Jorge Melendez-Zajgla
- Functional Genomics Laboratories, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genomica, Mexico City, Mexico
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Jiang B, Zhu H, Tang L, Gao T, Zhou Y, Gong F, Tan Y, Xie L, Wu X, Li Y. Apatinib Inhibits Stem Properties and Malignant Biological Behaviors of Breast Cancer Stem Cells by Blocking Wnt/β-catenin Signal Pathway Through Down-regulating LncRNA ROR. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 22:1723-1734. [PMID: 33845750 DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666210412103849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells could influence tumor recurrence and metastasis. OBJECTIVE To develop a new effective treatment modality targeting breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), and to explore the role of Apatinib in BCSCs. METHODS BCSCs were isolated from MDA-MB-231 cells by immune magnetic beads method. BCSCs were treated with Apatinib, lentiviral plasmids (lncRNA ROR) and iCRT-3 (Wnt pathway inhibitors). Viability, colony numbers, sphere numbers, apoptosis, migration, invasion of BCSCs were detected by MTT, colony formation, tumor sphere, flow cytometry, wound-healing, transwell assays, respectively. The expressions of markers (ABCG2, CD44, CD90, and CD24), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related molecules (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, MMP-2, MMP-9), and Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related proteins (Wnt3a, Wnt5a, β-catenin) in breast cancer stem cells were determined by performing Western blot and qRT-PCR analysis. RESULTS Apatinib decreased the viability and colony numbers of BCSCs in a concentration-dependent manner, and it also reduced sphere numbers, suppressed migration, invasion and lncRNA ROR expression, and induced apoptosis of BCSCs. However, these results were partially reversed by lncRNA ROR overexpression. Apatinib suppressed stem property, EMT process and Wnt/β-catenin pathway in BCSCs, which was partially reversed by lncRNA ROR overexpression. Moreover, lncRNA ROR overexpression increased the colony and sphere numbers, and promoted the cell viability, apoptosis inhibition, migration and invasion of BCSCs, but these effects were partially reversed by iCRT-3. LncRNA ROR overexpression increased the stem property, EMT process and Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which were partially counteracted by iCRT-3. CONCLUSION Apatinib inhibited stem property and malignant biological behaviors of BCSCs by blocking Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway through down-regulating lncRNA ROR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohong Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China. China
| | - Hongbo Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China. China
| | - Liting Tang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China. China
| | - Ting Gao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China. China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China. China
| | - Fuqiang Gong
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China. China
| | - Yeru Tan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China. China
| | - Liming Xie
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China. China
| | - Xiaoping Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China. China
| | - Yuehua Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, No.69, Chuanshan Road, Hengyang, Hunan Province, 421001. China
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Corsinovi D, Usai A, Sarlo MD, Giannaccini M, Ori M. Zebrafish Avatar to Develop Precision Breast Cancer Therapies. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 22:748-759. [PMID: 33797388 DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666210402111634] [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: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a vertebrate that has become a popular alternative model for the cellular and molecular study of human tumors and for drug testing and validating approaches. Notably, zebrafish embryos, thanks to their accessibility, allow rapid collection of in vivo results prodromal to validation in the murine models in respect to the 3R principles. The generation of tumor xenograft in zebrafish embryos and larvae, or zebrafish avatar, represents a unique opportunity to study tumor growth, angiogenesis, cell invasion and metastatic dissemination, interaction between tumor and host in vivo avoiding immunogenic rejection, representing a promising platform for the translational research and personalized therapies. OBJECTIVE In this mini-review we report recent advances in breast cancer research and drug testing that took advantage of the zebrafish xenograft model using both breast cancer cell lines and patient's biopsy. CONCLUSION Patient derived xenograft, together with the gene editing, the omics biotechnology, the in vivo time lapse imaging and the high-throughput screening that are already set up and largely used in zebrafish, could represent a step forward towards precision and personalized medicine in the breast cancer research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Corsinovi
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa. Italy
| | - Alice Usai
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa. Italy
| | | | | | - Michela Ori
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa. Italy
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14
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Zheng Q, Zhang M, Zhou F, Zhang L, Meng X. The Breast Cancer Stem Cells Traits and Drug Resistance. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:599965. [PMID: 33584277 PMCID: PMC7876385 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.599965] [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: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance is a major challenge in breast cancer (BC) treatment at present. Accumulating studies indicate that breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are responsible for the BC drugs resistance, causing relapse and metastasis in BC patients. Thus, BCSCs elimination could reverse drug resistance and improve drug efficacy to benefit BC patients. Consequently, mastering the knowledge on the proliferation, resistance mechanisms, and separation of BCSCs in BC therapy is extremely helpful for BCSCs-targeted therapeutic strategies. Herein, we summarize the principal BCSCs surface markers and signaling pathways, and list the BCSCs-related drug resistance mechanisms in chemotherapy (CT), endocrine therapy (ET), and targeted therapy (TT), and display therapeutic strategies for targeting BCSCs to reverse drug resistance in BC. Even more importantly, more attention should be paid to studies on BCSC-targeted strategies to overcome the drug resistant dilemma of clinical therapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghui Zheng
- Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengdi Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fangfang Zhou
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Long Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuli Meng
- Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
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15
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Liu L, Borlak J. Advances in Liver Cancer Stem Cell Isolation and their Characterization. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 17:1215-1238. [PMID: 33432485 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-020-10114-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade research on cancer stem cells (CSC) significantly contributed to a better understanding of tumor biology. Given their similarity to normal stem cells, i.e. self-renewal and pluripotency the need arises to develop robust protocols for the isolation and characterization of CSCs. As with other malignancies, hepatic tumors are composed of a heterogeneous population of cells including liver cancer stem cells (LCSC). Yet, a precise understanding of why stem cells become cancerous is still lacking. There is unmet need to develop robust protocols for the successful isolation of LCSCs from human tissue resection material as to assist in the development of molecular targeted therapies. Here we review the research progress made in the isolation and characterization of LCSCs by considering a wide range of cell surface markers and sorting methods, as applied to side populations, microsphere cultures and the gradient centrifugation method. We emphasize the different fluorescence activated cell sorting methods and the possibility to enrich LCSCs by immunomagnetic beads. We review the specificity of functional assays by considering ABCG transporter and ALDH1 enzyme activities and evaluate the in vivo tumorigenicity of LCSCs in highly sensitive bioassays. Finally, we evaluate different LCSC markers in association with viral and non-viral liver disease and explore the potential of novel drug delivery systems targeting CD133, EpCAM, CD13 and CD90 for the development of molecular targeted therapies. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- Centre for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jürgen Borlak
- Centre for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
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16
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Yang Z, Zhang Q, Yu L, Zhu J, Cao Y, Gao X. The signaling pathways and targets of traditional Chinese medicine and natural medicine in triple-negative breast cancer. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 264:113249. [PMID: 32810619 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a poorer prognosis than other subtypes due to its strong invasion and higher risk of distant metastasis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and natural medicine have the unique advantages of multitargets and small side-effects and may be used as long-term complementary and alternative therapies. AIM OF THE REVIEW The present article summarizes the classical signaling pathways and potential targets by the action of TCM and natural medicine (including extracts, active constituents and formulas) on TNBC and provides evidence for its clinical efficacy. METHODS The literature information was acquired from the scientific databases PubMed, Web of Science and CNKI from January 2010 to June 2020, and it was designed to elucidate the internal mechanism and role of TCM and natural medicine in the treatment of TNBC. The search key words included "Triple negative breast cancer" or "triple negative breast carcinoma", "TNBC" and "traditional Chinese medicine" or "Chinese herbal medicine", "medicinal plant", "natural plant", and "herb". RESULTS We described the antitumor activity of TCM and natural medicine in TNBC based on different signaling pathways. Plant medicine and herbal formulas regulated the related gene and protein expression via pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, MAPK and Wnt/β-catenin, which inhibit the growth, proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis of TNBC cells. CONCLUSION The inhibitory effect of TCM and natural medicine on tumors was reflected in multiple levels and multiple pathways, providing reasonable evidence for new drug development. To make TCM and natural medicine widely and flexibly used in clinical practice, the efficacy, safety and mechanism of action need more in-depth experimental research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zimei Yang
- Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China.
| | - Qiuhua Zhang
- Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China.
| | - Linghong Yu
- Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China.
| | - Jiayan Zhu
- Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China.
| | - Yi Cao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, NO. 54 Youdian Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China.
| | - Xiufei Gao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, NO. 54 Youdian Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China.
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17
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Zhou Y, Men L, Sun Y, Wei M, Fan X. Pharmacodynamic effects and molecular mechanisms of lignans from Schisandra chinensis Turcz. (Baill.), a current review. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 892:173796. [PMID: 33345853 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fruit of Schisandra chinensis Turcz. (Baill.) (S. chinensis) is a traditional herbal medicine widely used in China, Korea, and many other east Asian countries. At present, S. chinensis commonly forms Chinese medicinal formulae with other herbal medicines to treat liver disease and neurological disease in clinical. Modern researches indicated that lignans were the main active ingredients of S. chinensis with high content and novel dibenzocyclooctadiene skeletal structure, exhibited considerable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Additionally, some of these lignans also showed certain potentials in anti-cancer, anti-fibrosis, and other effects. In the current review, we summarize literature reported lignans from S. chinensis in the past five years, and highlight the molecular mechanisms of lignans in exerting their biological functions. Also, we point out some deficiencies of existing researches and discuss the future direction of lignans study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Lihui Men
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yunxia Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Mengying Wei
- Natural Medicine Institute of Zhejiang YangShengTang Co., Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Xiang Fan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
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