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Raja Soh RSS, Hapidin H, Kasiram MZ. A Scoping Review on Cucumis melo and Its Anti-Cancer Properties. Malays J Med Sci 2024; 31:63-77. [PMID: 39247112 PMCID: PMC11377003 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.4.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Cucumis melo L., better known by its popular cultivar cantaloupe, is an economically significant crop in the Cucurbitaceae family. Melon peel and seeds have shown medicinal potential due to their numerous biological qualities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antibacterial, hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effects to treat cardiovascular disease, diabetes and oedema. This scoping review aims to broaden the research scope on the cancer-fighting abilities of melon extract and its half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). Three databases which are Scopus, ScienceDirect and PubMed were used to locate relevant publications utilising the keywords 'melon', 'Cucumis melo', 'inhibitory activity', 'cancer' and 'anti-cancer'. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) framework was used in conducting this study. Out of 904 articles, 14 articles met the inclusion criteria and were used in this analysis. These articles were published in English between 2000 and 2023 with full text accessibility, specifically addressed the fruit cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) or melon and reported on any type of cancer. Cucumis melo extract showed promising anti-cancer action in both in vitro and in vivo investigations on eight different cancer types: cervical, colon, prostate, leukaemia, multiple myeloma, breast, hepatoma and ovarian cancer. A thorough analysis shows that some of the IC50 values were significantly low, especially in cases of colon and prostate cancer, indicating a significant anti-cancer effect. The substantial anti-cancer benefits of Cucumis melo fruit extracts point to the necessity for additional investigation into their potential for cancer therapy on each form of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raja Siti Syazana Raja Soh
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kulliyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Hermizi Hapidin
- Biomedicine Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Zahid Kasiram
- Biomedicine Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
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Wang PC, Chen ST, Yang ZM. Effects of Aurora kinase A on mouse decidualization via Stat3-plk1-cdk1 pathway. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:162. [PMID: 34715887 PMCID: PMC8557062 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00847-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decidualization is essential to the successful pregnancy in mice. The molecular mechanisms and effects of Aurora kinase A (Aurora A) remain poorly understood during pregnancy. This study is the first to investigate the expression and role of Aurora A during mouse decidualization. METHODS Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and in situ hybridization were used to determine the expression of Aurora A in mouse uteri. Aurora A activity was inhibited by Aurora A inhibitor to explore the role of Aurora A on decidualization via regulating the Aurora A/Stat3/Plk1/Cdk1 signaling pathway. RESULTS Aurora A was strongly expressed at implantation sites compared with inter-implantation sites. Furthermore, Aurora A was also significantly increased in oil-induced deciduoma compared with control. Both Aurora A mRNA and protein were significantly increased under in vitro decidualization. Under in vitro decidualization, Prl8a2, a marker of mouse decidualization, was significantly decreased by TC-S 7010, an Aurora A inhibitor. Additionally, Prl8a2 was reduced by Stat3 inhibitor, Plk1 inhibitor and Cdk1 inhibitor, respectively. Moreover, the protein levels of p-Stat3, p-Plk1 and p-Cdk1 were suppressed by TC-S 7010. The protein levels of p-Stat3, p-Plk1 and p-Cdk1 were also suppressed by S3I-201, a Stat3 inhibitor). SBE 13 HCl (Plk1 inhibitor) could reduce the protein levels of p-Plk1 and p-Cdk1. Collectively, Aurora A could regulate Stat3/Plk1/Cdk1 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Our study shows that Aurora A is expressed in decidual cells and should be important for mouse decidualization. Aurora A/Stat3/Plk1/Cdk1 signaling pathway may be involved in mouse decidualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Chao Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801 China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642 China
| | - Si-Ting Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642 China
| | - Zeng-Ming Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642 China
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Wang D, Tabti R, Elderwish S, Djehal A, Chouha N, Pinot F, Yu P, Nebigil CG, Désaubry L. SFPH proteins as therapeutic targets for a myriad of diseases. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:127600. [PMID: 33035678 PMCID: PMC7536521 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The stomatin/prohibitin/flotillin/HflK/HflC (SPFH) domain is present in an evolutionarily conserved family of proteins that regulate a myriad of signaling pathways in archaea, bacteria and eukaryotes. The most studied SPFH proteins, prohibitins, have already been targeted by different families of small molecules to induce anticancer, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antiosteoporotic activities. Ligands of other SPFH proteins have also been identified and shown to act as anesthetics, anti-allodynia, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory agents. These findings indicate that modulators of human or bacterial SPFH proteins can be developed to treat a wide variety of human disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- Sino-French Joint Lab of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Redouane Tabti
- INSERM-University of Strasbourg, Regenerative Nanomedicine Laboratory (UMR1260), Faculty of Medicine, FMTS, Strasbourg, France
| | - Sabria Elderwish
- INSERM-University of Strasbourg, Regenerative Nanomedicine Laboratory (UMR1260), Faculty of Medicine, FMTS, Strasbourg, France
| | - Amel Djehal
- Superior National School Biotechnology Taoufik Khaznadar, Constantine, Algeria
| | - Nora Chouha
- University of Batna 2, Faculty of Biology, Batna, Algeria
| | - Franck Pinot
- University of Strasbourg, CNRS, IBMP UPR 2357, Strasbourg, France
| | - Peng Yu
- Sino-French Joint Lab of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Canan G Nebigil
- INSERM-University of Strasbourg, Regenerative Nanomedicine Laboratory (UMR1260), Faculty of Medicine, FMTS, Strasbourg, France
| | - Laurent Désaubry
- Sino-French Joint Lab of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China; INSERM-University of Strasbourg, Regenerative Nanomedicine Laboratory (UMR1260), Faculty of Medicine, FMTS, Strasbourg, France.
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4
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STAT3 transcription factor as target for anti-cancer therapy. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 72:1101-1124. [PMID: 32880101 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00156-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
STATs constitute a large family of transcription activators and transducers of signals that have an important role in many cell functions as regulation of proliferation and differentiation of the cell also regulation of apoptosis and angiogenesis. STAT3 as a member of that family, recently was discovered to have a vital role in progression of different types of cancers. The activation of STAT3 was observed to regulate multiple gene functions during cancer-like cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, metastasis, inflammation, immunity, cell survival, and angiogenesis. The inhibition of STAT3 activation has been an important target for cancer therapy. Inhibitors of STAT3 have been used for a long time for treatment of many types of cancers like leukemia, melanoma, colon, and renal cancer. In this review article, we summarize and discuss different drugs inhibiting the action of STAT3 and used in treatment of different types of cancer.
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Tse C, Warner A, Farook R, Cronin JG. Phytochemical Targeting of STAT3 Orchestrated Lipid Metabolism in Therapy-Resistant Cancers. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10081118. [PMID: 32731620 PMCID: PMC7464013 DOI: 10.3390/biom10081118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipids are critical for maintaining homeostasis and cellular metabolism. However, the dysregulation of lipid metabolism contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases and is a hallmark of several cancer types. Tumours exist in a microenvironment of poor vascularization-depleted oxygen and restricted nutrients. Under these conditions, tumours have been shown to increasingly depend on the metabolism of fatty acids for sustained proliferation and survival. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a key role in cellular processes such as cell growth, apoptosis and lipid metabolism. Aberrant STAT3 activity, as seen in several cancer types, is associated with tumour progression and malignancy, in addition to propagating crosstalk between tumour cells and the microenvironment. Furthermore, STAT3-regulated lipid metabolism is critical for cancer stem cell self-renewal and therapy resistance. Plant-derived compounds known as phytochemicals are a potential source for novel cancer therapeutic drugs. Dietary phytochemicals are known to modulate key cellular signalling pathways involved in lipid homeostasis and metabolism, including the STAT3 signalling pathways. Targeting STAT3 orchestrated lipid metabolism has shown therapeutic promise in human cancer models. In this review, we summarize the antitumour activity of phytochemicals with an emphasis placed on their effect on STAT3-regulated lipid metabolism and their role in abrogating therapy resistance.
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Zhong Y, Xu H, Zhong Y, Zhang X, Zeng T, Li L, Xu G, Li M, Liu J, Yang T. Identification and characterization of the Cucurbitacins, a novel class of small-molecule inhibitors of Tropomyosin receptor kinase a. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 19:295. [PMID: 31694615 PMCID: PMC6836411 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2709-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background NGF-TrkA is well known to play a key role in propagating and sustaining pruritogenic signals, which form the pathology of chronic pruritus. Inhibition of NGF-TrkA is a known strategy for the treatment of pruritus. In the present paper, we describe the identification, in vitro characterization, structure–activity analysis, and inhibitory evaluation of a novel TrkA inhibitory scaffold exemplified by Cucurbitacins (Cus). Methods Cus were identified as TrkA inhibitors in a large-scale kinase library screen. To obtain structural models of Cus as TrkA inhibitors, AutoDock was used to explore their binding to TrkA. Furthermore, PC12 cell culture systems have been used to study the effects of Cus and traditional Chinese medicinal plants (Tian Gua Di and bitter gourd leaf) extracts on the kinase activity of TrkA. Results Cus block the phosphorylation of TrkA on several tyrosine sites, including Tyr490, Tyr674/675, and Tyr785, and inhibit downstream Akt and MAPK phosphorylation in response to NGF in PC12 cell model systems. Furthermore, traditional Chinese medicinal plants (Tian Gua Di and bitter gourd leaf) containing Cu extracts were shown to inhibit the phosphorylation of TrkA and Akt. These data reveal mechanisms, at least partly, of the anti-pruritus bioactivity of Cus. Conclusion Taken together, with the recent discovery of the important role of TrkA as a therapeutic target, Cus could be the basis for the design of improved TrkA kinase inhibitors, which could someday help treat pruritus.
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Zhou B, Zong S, Zhong W, Tian Y, Wang L, Zhang Q, Zhang R, Li L, Wang W, Zhao J, Chen X, Feng Y, Zhai B, Sun T, Liu Y. Interaction between laminin-5γ2 and integrin β1 promotes the tumor budding of colorectal cancer via the activation of Yes-associated proteins. Oncogene 2019; 39:1527-1542. [PMID: 31676872 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-1082-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common cancer type and a threat to human health. Tumor budding (TB) is the presence of a single cancer cell or clusters of up to five cancer cells prior to the invasive front of an aggressive carcinoma and is an independent prognosis factor for CRC. The molecular mechanism of TB is still unclear, and drugs that inhibit this process are still in the blank stage. This study found that TBs exhibit characteristics of partial EMT with a decreased expression of E-cadherin and no substantial differences in the expression of N-cadherin and vimentin. We also observed the interaction of integrin with extracellular matrix components, laminin-5γ2 (LN-5γ2), play essential roles in the TB of CRC. We then verified that the interaction between LN-5γ2 and integrin β1 promotes the TB of CRC via the activation of FAK and Yes-associated proteins (YAP). A natural drug monomer, cucurbitacin B, was screened using virtual screening methods for the interaction interface of proteins. We found that this monomer could block the interaction interface between LN-5γ2 and integrin β1 and substantially inhibit the TB of CRC cells via inactivation of YAP. This study provides new insights into the mechanism of TB mechanism and the development of drugs targeting the TB of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijiao Zhou
- Molecular Pathology Institute of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272029, Shandong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Early Druggability Evaluation of Innovative Drugs and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Shumin Zong
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Early Druggability Evaluation of Innovative Drugs and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Weilong Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Yixuan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Early Druggability Evaluation of Innovative Drugs and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Lumeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Early Druggability Evaluation of Innovative Drugs and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Early Druggability Evaluation of Innovative Drugs and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Renya Zhang
- Molecular Pathology Institute of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272029, Shandong, China
| | - Lei Li
- Molecular Pathology Institute of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272029, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Molecular Pathology Institute of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272029, Shandong, China
| | - Jianmin Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Hospital of Shun Yi District, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Early Druggability Evaluation of Innovative Drugs and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Yaju Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Early Druggability Evaluation of Innovative Drugs and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Binghui Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Early Druggability Evaluation of Innovative Drugs and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Tao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China. .,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Early Druggability Evaluation of Innovative Drugs and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, 300457, China.
| | - Yanrong Liu
- Molecular Pathology Institute of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272029, Shandong, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China. .,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Early Druggability Evaluation of Innovative Drugs and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, 300457, China.
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Biswas T, Dwivedi UN. Plant triterpenoid saponins: biosynthesis, in vitro production, and pharmacological relevance. PROTOPLASMA 2019; 256:1463-1486. [PMID: 31297656 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-019-01411-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The saponins are a diverse class of natural products, with a broad scale distribution across different plant species. Chemically characterized as triterpenoid glycosides, they posses a 30C oxidosqualene precursor-based aglycone moiety (sapogenin), to which glycosyl residues are subsequently attached to yield the corresponding saponin. Based on the chemically distinct aglycone moieties, broadly, they are divided into triterpenoid saponins (dammaranes, ursanes, oleananes, lupanes, hopanes, etc.) and the sterol glycosides. This review aims to present in detail the biosynthesis patterns of the different aglycones from a common precursor and their glycosylation patterns to yield the functionally active glycoside. The review also presents recent advances in the pharmacological activities of these saponins, particularly as potent anti-neoplastic pharmacophores, antioxidants, or anti-viral/antibacterial agents. Since alternate production pedestals for these pharmacologically important triterpenes via cell and tissue cultures are an attractive option for their sustainable production, recent trends in the variety and scale of in vitro production of plant triterpenoids have also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Biswas
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, 226007, India
| | - Upendra N Dwivedi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, 226007, India.
- Institute for Development of Advanced Computing, ONGC Centre for Advanced Studies, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, 226007, India.
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Role of Phytochemicals in Cancer Prevention. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20204981. [PMID: 31600949 PMCID: PMC6834187 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20204981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of synthetic, natural, or biological agents to minimize the occurrence of cancer in healthy individuals is defined as cancer chemoprevention. Chemopreventive agents inhibit the development of cancer either by impeding DNA damage, which leads to malignancy or by reversing or blocking the division of premalignant cells with DNA damage. The benefit of this approach has been demonstrated in clinical trials of breast, prostate, and colon cancer. The continuous increase in cancer cases, failure of conventional chemotherapies to control cancer, and excessive toxicity of chemotherapies clearly demand an alternative approach. The first trial to show benefit of chemoprevention was undertaken in breast cancer patients with the use of tamoxifen, which demonstrated a significant decrease in invasive breast cancer. The success of using chemopreventive agents for protecting the high risk populations from cancer indicates that the strategy is rational and promising. Dietary components such as capsaicin, cucurbitacin B, isoflavones, catechins, lycopenes, benzyl isothiocyanate, phenethyl isothiocyanate, and piperlongumine have demonstrated inhibitory effects on cancer cells indicating that they may serve as chemopreventive agents. In this review, we have addressed the mechanism of chemopreventive and anticancer effects of several natural agents.
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Song H, Wang Y, Li L, Sui H, Wang P, Wang F. Cucurbitacin E Inhibits Proliferation and Migration of Intestinal Epithelial Cells via Activating Cofilin. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1090. [PMID: 30131725 PMCID: PMC6090878 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The proliferation and migration of intestinal epithelial cell is important to the barrier integrity of intestinal epithelium. Cucurbitacin E (CuE) is one of the tetracyclic triterpenoids extracted from the cucurbitaceae that has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth, tumor angiogenesis and inflammatory response. Nevertheless, the role of Cucurbitacin E in regulating the proliferation and migration of intestinal epithelial cells remain unclear. In this study, the human intestinal epithelial cell line Caco-2 was treated with CuE and the effects of CuE on cell cycle, proliferation, migration and actin dynamics in Caco-2 cells were investigated successively. We found that CuE significantly inhibited the cell proliferation and migration, inducing the cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase and disrupting the actin dynamic balance in Caco-2 cells. Finally, we showed that CuE inhibited cofilin phosphorylation by suppressing the phosphorylation of both LIM kinase (LIMK)1 and LIMK2 in vitro, resulting in the activation of cofilin, which is closely associated with cell proliferation and migration. Therefore, our studies provided the first evidence that CuE inhibited the proliferation and migration of intestinal epithelial cells via activating cofilin, and CuE is a potential candidate in intestinal disease therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huapei Song
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Institute of Burn Research, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Institute of Burn Research, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Hehuan Sui
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Institute of Burn Research, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Pei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Institute of Burn Research, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Fengjun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Institute of Burn Research, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
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Constitutive Activation of STAT3 in Myeloma Cells Cultured in a Three-Dimensional, Reconstructed Bone Marrow Model. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10060206. [PMID: 29914181 PMCID: PMC6024941 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10060206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant cells cultured in three-dimensional (3D) models have been found to be phenotypically and biochemically different from their counterparts cultured conventionally. Since most of these studies employed solid tumor types, how 3D culture affects multiple myeloma (MM) cells is not well understood. Here, we compared MM cells (U266 and RPMI8226) in a 3D culture model with those in conventional culture. While the conventionally cultured cells were present in single cells or small clusters, MM-3D cells grew in large spheroids. We discovered that STAT3 was the pathway that was more activated in 3D in both cell lines. The active form of STAT3 (phospho-STAT3 or pSTAT3), which was absent in MM cells cultured conventionally, became detectable after 1–2 days in 3D culture. This elevated pSTAT3 level was dependent on the 3D environment, since it disappeared after transferring to conventional culture. STAT3 inhibition using a pharmacological agent, Stattic, significantly decreased the cell viability of MM cells and sensitized them to bortezomib in 3D culture. Using an oligonucleotide array, we found that 3D culture significantly increased the expression of several known STAT3 downstream genes implicated in oncogenesis. Since most primary MM tumors are naturally STAT3-active, studies of MM in 3D culture can generate results that are more representative of the disease.
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Integration of phytochemicals and phytotherapy into cancer precision medicine. Oncotarget 2018; 8:50284-50304. [PMID: 28514737 PMCID: PMC5564849 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Concepts of individualized therapy in the 1970s and 1980s attempted to develop predictive in vitro tests for individual drug responsiveness without reaching clinical routine. Precision medicine attempts to device novel individual cancer therapy strategies. Using bioinformatics, relevant knowledge is extracted from huge data amounts. However, tumor heterogeneity challenges chemotherapy due to genetically and phenotypically different cell subpopulations, which may lead to refractory tumors. Natural products always served as vital resources for cancer therapy (e.g., Vinca alkaloids, camptothecin, paclitaxel, etc.) and are also sources for novel drugs. Targeted drugs developed to specifically address tumor-related proteins represent the basis of precision medicine. Natural products from plants represent excellent resource for targeted therapies. Phytochemicals and herbal mixtures act multi-specifically, i.e. they attack multiple targets at the same time. Network pharmacology facilitates the identification of the complexity of pharmacogenomic networks and new signaling networks that are distorted in tumors. In the present review, we give a conceptual overview, how the problem of drug resistance may be approached by integrating phytochemicals and phytotherapy into academic western medicine. Modern technology platforms (e.g. “-omics” technologies, DNA/RNA sequencing, and network pharmacology) can be applied for diverse treatment modalities such as cytotoxic and targeted chemotherapy as well as phytochemicals and phytotherapy. Thereby, these technologies represent an integrative momentum to merge the best of two worlds: clinical oncology and traditional medicine. In conclusion, the integration of phytochemicals and phytotherapy into cancer precision medicine represents a valuable asset to chemically synthesized chemicals and therapeutic antibodies.
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Cucurbitacin I Protects H9c2 Cardiomyoblasts against H 2O 2-Induced Oxidative Stress via Protection of Mitochondrial Dysfunction. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2018; 2018:3016382. [PMID: 29682157 PMCID: PMC5845511 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3016382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cucurbitacin I, a triterpenoid natural compound, exhibits various pharmacological properties, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties. However, antioxidant effects of cucurbitacin I in cardiac cells are currently unknown. In the present study, we assessed the preventive effects of cucurbitacin I against the oxidative stress in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. To evaluate antioxidant effects of cucurbitacin I in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts, H2O2-treated H9c2 cells were pretreated with various concentrations of the cucurbitacin I. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and apoptosis were determined to elucidate the protective effects of cucurbitacin I against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in H9c2 cells. In addition, we assessed the mitochondrial functions and protein expression levels of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Cucurbitacin I prevented the cells against cell death and ROS production and elevated the antioxidant protein levels upon oxidative stress. Furthermore, cucurbitacin I preserved the mitochondrial functions and inhibited the apoptotic responses in H2O2-treated cells. Cucurbitacin I also suppressed the activation of MAPK proteins (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38). Collectively, cucurbitacin I potentially protects the H9c2 cardiomyoblasts against oxidative stress and further suggests that it can be utilized as a therapeutic agent for the prevention of oxidative stress in cardiac injury.
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14
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Garg S, Kaul SC, Wadhwa R. Cucurbitacin B and cancer intervention: Chemistry, biology and mechanisms (Review). Int J Oncol 2017; 52:19-37. [PMID: 29138804 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2017.4203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most important healthcare matters, with the worst prognosis but the best possibilities for scientific development. It is likely to increase in the future and cause global havoc designating it as an epidemic. Cancer development requires urgent intervention. Past few decades have witnessed extensive research to challenge carcinogenesis. Treatment involving synthetic discipline is often associated with severe adverse effects, or even worsened prognosis. Accordingly, newer economic and patient friendly molecules are warranted. Many natural substances have proved their potential so far. Cucurbitacin B against cancer and other diseases has achieved towering popularity among the researchers around the world, as detailed in the below sections with summarized tables. In line with the fascinating role of cucurbitacin B against various types of cancers, through various molecular signaling pathways, it is justifiable to propose cucurbitacin B as a mainline chemotherapy before the onset and after the diagnosis of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukant Garg
- Drug Discovery and Assets Innovation Lab, DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan
| | - Sunil C Kaul
- Drug Discovery and Assets Innovation Lab, DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan
| | - Renu Wadhwa
- Drug Discovery and Assets Innovation Lab, DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan
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15
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Xiao Y, Yang Z, Wu QQ, Jiang XH, Yuan Y, Chang W, Bian ZY, Zhu JX, Tang QZ. Cucurbitacin B Protects Against Pressure Overload Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy. J Cell Biochem 2017; 118:3899-3910. [PMID: 28390176 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Lack of effective anti-cardiac hypertrophy drugs creates a major cause for the increasing prevalence of heart failure. In the present study, we determined the anti-hypertrophy and anti-fibrosis potential of a natural plant triterpenoid, Cucurbitacin B both in vitro and in vivo. Aortic banding (AB) was performed to induce cardiac hypertrophy. After 1 week of surgery, mice were receive cucurbitacin B treatment (Gavage, 0.2 mg/kg body weight/2 day). After 4 weeks of AB, cucurbitacin B demonstrated a strong anti-hypertrophy and -fibrosis ability as evidenced by decreased of heart weight, myocardial cell cross-sectional area and interstitial fibrosis, ameliorated of systolic and diastolic abnormalities, normalized in gene expression of hypertrophic and fibrotic markers, reserved microvascular density in pressure overload induced hypertrophic mice. Cucurbitacin B also showed significant hypertrophy inhibitory effect in phenylephrine stimulated cardiomyocytes. The Cucurbitacin B-mediated mitigated cardiac hypertrophy was attributable to the increasing level of autophagy, which was associated with the blockade of Akt/mTOR/FoxO3a signal pathway, validated by SC79, MK2206, and 3-MA, the Akt agonist, inhibitor and autophagy inhibitor in vitro. The overexpression of constitutively active Akt completely abolished the Cucurbitacin B-mediated protection of cardiac hypertrophy in human cardiomyocytes AC16. Collectively, our findings suggest that cucurbitacin B protects against cardiac hypertrophy through increasing the autophagy level in cardiomyocytes, which is associated with the inhibition of Akt/mTOR/FoxO3a signal axis. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3899-3910, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xiao
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Zheng Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Qing-Qing Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Xiao-Han Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Wei Chang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Zhou Yan Bian
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Jin Xiu Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Qi-Zhu Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
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