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Garcia MR, Andrade PB, Lefranc F, Gomes NGM. Marine-Derived Leads as Anticancer Candidates by Disrupting Hypoxic Signaling through Hypoxia-Inducible Factors Inhibition. Mar Drugs 2024; 22:143. [PMID: 38667760 PMCID: PMC11051506 DOI: 10.3390/md22040143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The inadequate vascularization seen in fast-growing solid tumors gives rise to hypoxic areas, fostering specific changes in gene expression that bolster tumor cell survival and metastasis, ultimately leading to unfavorable clinical prognoses across different cancer types. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF-1 and HIF-2) emerge as druggable pivotal players orchestrating tumor metastasis and angiogenesis, thus positioning them as prime targets for cancer treatment. A range of HIF inhibitors, notably natural compounds originating from marine organisms, exhibit encouraging anticancer properties, underscoring their significance as promising therapeutic options. Bioprospection of the marine environment is now a well-settled approach to the discovery and development of anticancer agents that might have their medicinal chemistry developed into clinical candidates. However, despite the massive increase in the number of marine natural products classified as 'anticancer leads,' most of which correspond to general cytotoxic agents, and only a few have been characterized regarding their molecular targets and mechanisms of action. The current review presents a critical analysis of inhibitors of HIF-1 and HIF-2 and hypoxia-selective compounds that have been sourced from marine organisms and that might act as new chemotherapeutic candidates or serve as templates for the development of structurally similar derivatives with improved anticancer efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rita Garcia
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (M.R.G.); (P.B.A.)
- 1H-TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula B. Andrade
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (M.R.G.); (P.B.A.)
| | - Florence Lefranc
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B), CUB Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Nelson G. M. Gomes
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (M.R.G.); (P.B.A.)
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Li Q, Zhang D, Sui X, Song T, Hu L, Xu X, Wang X, Wang F. The Warburg effect drives cachectic states in patients with pancreatobiliary adenocarcinoma. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23144. [PMID: 37584661 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300649r] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
We have studied whether the Warburg effect (uncontrolled glycolysis) in pancreatobiliary adenocarcinoma triggers cachexia in the patient. After 74 pancreatobiliary adenocarcinomas were removed by surgery, their glucose transporter-1 and four glycolytic enzymes were quantified using Western blotting. Based on the resulting data, the adenocarcinomas were equally divided into a group of low glycolysis (LG) and a group of high glycolysis (HG). Energy homeostasis was assessed in these cancer patients and in 74 non-cancer controls, using serum albumin and C-reactive protein and morphometrical analysis of abdominal skeletal muscle and fat on computed tomography scans. Some removed adenocarcinomas were transplanted in nude mice to see their impacts on host energy homeostasis. Separately, nude mice carrying tumor grafts of MiaPaCa-2 pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells were treated with the glycolytic inhibitor 3-bromopyruvate and with emodin that inhibited glycolysis by decreasing hypoxia-inducible factor-1α. Adenocarcinomas in both group LG and group HG impaired energy homeostasis in the cancer patients, compared to the non-cancer reference. The impaired energy homeostasis induced by the adenocarcinomas in group HG was more pronounced than that by the adenocarcinomas in group LG. When original adenocarcinomas were grown in nude mice, their glycolytic abilities determined the levels of hepatic gluconeogenesis, skeletal muscle proteolysis, adipose-tissue lipolysis, and weight loss in the mice. When MiaPaCa-2 cells were grown as tumors in nude mice, 3-bromopyruvate and emodin decreased tumor-induced glycolysis and cachexia, with the best effects being seen when the drugs were administered in combination. In conclusion, the Warburg effect in pancreatobiliary adenocarcinoma triggers cancer cachexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuju Li
- The Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Dapeng Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Nankai Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaojun Sui
- Tianjin Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Nankai Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Song
- Tianjin Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Nankai Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Lijuan Hu
- Tianjin Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Nankai Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoqing Xu
- The Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ximo Wang
- Tianjin Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Nankai Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Haihe Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Tianjin Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Nankai Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Zhang H, Cao K, Xiang J, Zhang M, Zhu M, Xi Q. Hypoxia induces immunosuppression, metastasis and drug resistance in pancreatic cancers. Cancer Lett 2023; 571:216345. [PMID: 37558084 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the common malignant tumors of the digestive system and is known as the "king of cancers". It is extremely difficult to diagnose at an early stage, the disease progresses rapidly, and the effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy is poor, so the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients is very poor. Numerous studies have suggested that hypoxia is closely related to the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. Inadequate blood supply and desmoplasia in the microenvironment of pancreatic cancer can result in its extreme hypoxia. This hypoxic microenvironment can further contribute to angiogenesis and desmoplasia. Hypoxia is mediated by the complex hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) signaling pathway and plays an important role in the formation of a highly immunosuppressive microenvironment and the metastasis of pancreatic cancer. Further work on the hypoxic microenvironment will help clarify the specific mechanisms of the role of hypoxia in pancreatic cancer and provide a basis for the realization of hypoxia-targeted therapeutic and diagnostic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Kailei Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jingrong Xiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Mengting Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Mengxin Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Qinhua Xi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Ren P, Yu X, Tang Q, Huan Y, Xu J, Wang Y, Xue C. Astaxanthin Supplementation Assists Sorafenib in Slowing Skeletal Muscle Atrophy in H22 Tumor-Bearing Mice via Reversing Abnormal Glucose Metabolism. Mol Nutr Food Res 2023; 67:e2300076. [PMID: 37177891 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202300076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
SCOPE Cachexia, which is often marked by skeletal muscular atrophy, is one of the leading causes of death in cancer patients. Astaxanthin, a carotenoid obtained from marine organisms that can aid in the prevention and treatment of a variety of disorders. In this study, to assess whether astaxanthin ameliorates weight loss and skeletal muscle atrophy in sorafenib-treated hepatocellular carcinoma mice is aimed. METHODS AND RESULTS H22 mice are treated with 30 mg kg-1 day-1 of sorafenib and 60 mg kg-1 day-1 of astaxanthin by gavage lasted for 18 days. Sorafenib does not delay skeletal muscle atrophy and weight loss, although it does not reduce tumor burden. Astaxanthin dramatically delays weight loss and skeletal muscle atrophy in sorafenib-treating mice, without affecting the food intake. Astaxanthin inhibits the tumor glycolysis, slows down gluconeogenesis, and improves insulin resistance in tumor-bearing mice. Astaxanthin increases glucose competition in skeletal muscle by targeting the PI3K/Akt/GLUT4 signaling pathway, and enhances glucose utilization efficiency in skeletal muscle, thereby slowing skeletal muscle atrophy. CONCLUSION The findings show the significant potential of astaxanthin as nutritional supplements for cancer patients, as well as the notion that nutritional interventions should be implemented at the initiation of cancer treatment, as instead of waiting until cachexia sets in.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Ren
- Laboratory of Food Science and Human Health, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, China
| | - Xinyue Yu
- Laboratory of Food Science and Human Health, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, China
| | - Qingjuan Tang
- Laboratory of Food Science and Human Health, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, China
| | - Yuchen Huan
- Laboratory of Food Science and Human Health, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Laboratory of Food Science and Human Health, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, China
| | - Yuming Wang
- Laboratory of Food Science and Human Health, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, China
- Laboratory of Marine Drugs and Biological Products, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, 266235, China
| | - Changhu Xue
- Laboratory of Food Science and Human Health, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, China
- Laboratory of Marine Drugs and Biological Products, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, 266235, China
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Hu Y, Yang L, Lai Y. Recent findings regarding the synergistic effects of emodin and its analogs with other bioactive compounds: Insights into new mechanisms. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114585. [PMID: 36989724 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Emodin is a natural bioactive ingredient mainly extracted from traditional Chinese herbs. Increasing lines of evidence suggest that emodin and its analogs exert notable synergistic pharmacological effects with other bioactive compounds. OBJECTIVE This review provides an overview of the pharmacological activity of emodin and its analogs in combination with other physiologically active substances, describes the related molecular mechanisms, and discusses future prospects in this field. METHODS Information from multiple scientific databases, such as PubMed, the China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Baidu Scholar, was collected between January 2006 and August 2022. The subject terms used in the literature search were emodin, pharmaceutical activities, analogs, aloe emodin, rhein, and synergistic effects. RESULTS The comprehensive literature analysis suggested that combinations of emodin or its analogs with other bioactive compounds exert notable synergistic anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects and that such combinations improve glucose and lipid metabolism and central nervous system diseases. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Further assessments of the dose-effect relationship and the differences in the efficacy of emodin or its analogs with other bioactive compounds among various modes of administration are needed, and a drug safety evaluation of these combinations needs to be carefully performed. Future studies should also focus on determining the optimal drug combinations for specific diseases.
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Li X, Zhou J, Wang X, Li C, Ma Z, Wan Q, Peng F. New advances in the research of clinical treatment and novel anticancer agents in tumor angiogenesis. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 163:114806. [PMID: 37163782 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In 1971, Folkman proposed that tumors could be limited to very small sizes by blocking angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is the generation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels, considered to be one of the important processes in tumor growth and metastasis. Angiogenesis is a complex process regulated by various factors and involves many secreted factors and signaling pathways. Angiogenesis is important in the transport of oxygen and nutrients to the tumor during tumor development. Therefore, inhibition of angiogenesis has become an important strategy in the clinical management of many solid tumors. Combination therapies of angiogenesis inhibitors with radiotherapy and chemotherapy are often used in clinical practice. In this article, we will review common targets against angiogenesis, the most common and up-to-date anti-angiogenic drugs and clinical treatments in recent years, including active ingredients from chemical and herbal medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jianbo Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chunxi Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zifan Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qiaoling Wan
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Fu Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Cui Y, Li C, Sang F, Cao W, Qin Z, Zhang P. Natural products targeting glycolytic signaling pathways-an updated review on anti-cancer therapy. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1035882. [PMID: 36339566 PMCID: PMC9631946 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1035882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycolysis is a complex metabolic process that occurs to convert glucose into pyruvate to produce energy for living cells. Normal cells oxidized pyruvate into adenosine triphosphate and carbon dioxide in the presence of oxygen in mitochondria while cancer cells preferentially metabolize pyruvate to lactate even in the presence of oxygen in order to maintain a slightly acidic micro-environment of PH 6.5 and 6.9, which is beneficial for cancer cell growth and metastasis. Therefore targeting glycolytic signaling pathways provided new strategy for anti-cancer therapy. Natural products are important sources for the treatment of diseases with a variety of pharmacologic activities. Accumulated studies suggested that natural products exhibited remarkable anti-cancer properties both in vitro and in vivo. Plenty of studies suggested natural products like flavonoids, terpenoids and quinones played anti-cancer properties via inhibiting glucose metabolism targets in glycolytic pathways. This study provided an updated overview of natural products controlling glycolytic pathways, which also provide insight into druggable mediators discovery targeting cancer glucose metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Cui
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Chuang Li
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Feng Sang
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Weiling Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Luohu People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- *Correspondence: Weiling Cao, ; Zhuo Qin, ; Peng Zhang,
| | - Zhuo Qin
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Luohu People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- *Correspondence: Weiling Cao, ; Zhuo Qin, ; Peng Zhang,
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Luohu People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- *Correspondence: Weiling Cao, ; Zhuo Qin, ; Peng Zhang,
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Mechanism of Emodin in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:9482570. [PMID: 36225183 PMCID: PMC9550445 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9482570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, and autoimmune disease, and its main pathological changes are inflammatory cell infiltration accompanied by the secretion and accumulation of a variety of related cytokines, which induce the destruction of cartilage and bone tissue. Therefore, the modulation of inflammatory cells and cytokines is a key therapeutic target for controlling inflammation in RA. This review details the effects of emodin on the differentiation and maturation of T lymphocytes, dendritic cells, and regulatory T cells. In addition, the systematic introduction of emodin directly or indirectly affects proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1, IL-1β, IL-17, IL-19, and M-CSF) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (the secretion of IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, and TGF-β) through the coregulation of a variety of inflammatory cytokines to inhibit inflammation in RA and promote recovery. Understanding the potential mechanism of emodin in the treatment of RA in detail provides a systematic theoretical basis for the clinical application of emodin in the future.
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Yao C, Wang F. Inhibition of hypoxia-induced HIF-1α-mediated autophagy enhances the in vitro anti-tumor activity of rhein in pancreatic cancer cells. J Appl Toxicol 2022; 42:1937-1947. [PMID: 35853845 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A hypoxic microenvironment results in significantly elevated hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) level in pancreatic cancer. HIF-1 functions to maintain the survival of cancer cells. The present study was performed to investigate whether inhibition of HIF-1α expression was involved in the in vitro anti-tumor effect of rhein in pancreatic cancer cells and to explore the underlying mechanism. sh-RNA knockout technique and western blotting were used to investigate the role of HIF-1α in autophagy activation in MiaPaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells. The survival and glycolysis were assessed using MTT assay and colorimetric kits, respectively. Apoptosis was evaluated by detecting the levels of apoptosis-related proteins using western blotting. Among the five pancreatic cancer cell lines, MiaPaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells were more sensitive to hypoxia-induced autophagy. HIF-1α regulated hypoxia-induced autophagy in MiaPaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells. Treatment with rhein inhibited the survival and suppressed glycolysis in MiaPaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells exposed to hypoxia. Bafilomycin A1 enhanced the suppressive effects of rhein on cell survival and glycolysis under hypoxia. Treatment with rhein, but not bafilomycin A1, significantly reduced HIF-1α expression. In conclusion, inhibition of HIF-1α-mediated autophagy enhances the in vitro anti-tumor activity of rhein in pancreatic cancer cells under hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanshan Yao
- The Medical School, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Oncology, Nanyang First People's Hospital, Henan, China
| | - Feng Wang
- The Medical School, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,The Laboratory of Acute Abdomen Disease Associated Organ Injury and Repair, Nankai Hospital Affiliated to Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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Polygonum cuspidatum Extract (Pc-Ex) Containing Emodin Suppresses Lung Cancer-Induced Cachexia by Suppressing TCF4/TWIST1 Complex-Induced PTHrP Expression. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14071508. [PMID: 35406121 PMCID: PMC9002362 DOI: 10.3390/nu14071508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cachexia, which is characterised by the wasting of fat and skeletal muscles, is the most common risk factor for increased mortality rates among patients with advanced lung cancer. PTHLH (parathyroid hormone-like hormone) is reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of cancer cachexia. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of PTHLH expression and the inhibitors of PTHLH have not yet been identified. The PTHLH mRNA levels were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, while the PTHrP (parathyroid hormone-related protein) expression levels were measured using Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The interaction between TCF4 (Transcription Factor 4) and TWIST1 and the binding of the TCF4–TWIST1 complex to the PTHLH promoter were analysed using co-immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation. The results of the mammalian two-hybrid luciferase assay revealed that emodin inhibited TCF4–TWIST1 interaction. The effects of Polygonum cuspidatum extract (Pc-Ex), which contains emodin, on cachexia were investigated in vivo using A549 tumour-bearing mice. Ectopic expression of TCF4 upregulated PTHLH expression. Conversely, TCF4 knockdown downregulated PTHLH expression in lung cancer cells. The expression of PTHLH was upregulated in cells ectopically co-expressing TCF4 and TWIST1 when compared with that in cells expressing TCF4 or TWIST1 alone. Emodin inhibited the interaction between TCF4 and TWIST1 and consequently suppressed the TCF4/TWIST1 complex-induced upregulated mRNA and protein levels of PTHLH and PTHrP. Meanwhile, emodin-containing Pc-Ex significantly alleviated skeletal muscle atrophy and downregulated fat browning-related genes in A549 tumour-bearing mice. Emodin-containing Pc-Ex exerted therapeutic effects on lung cancer-associated cachexia by inhibiting TCF4/TWIST1 complex-induced PTHrP expression.
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Kooshki L, Mahdavi P, Fakhri S, Akkol EK, Khan H. Targeting lactate metabolism and glycolytic pathways in the tumor microenvironment by natural products: A promising strategy in combating cancer. Biofactors 2022; 48:359-383. [PMID: 34724274 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Anticancer drugs are not purely effective because of their toxicity, side effects, high cost, inaccessibility, and associated resistance. On the other hand, cancer is a complex public health problem that could intelligently adopt different signaling pathways and alter the body's metabolism to escape from the immune system. One of the cancer strategies to metastasize is modifying pH in the tumor microenvironment, ranging between 6.5 and 6.9. As a powerful determiner, lactate is responsible for this acidosis. It is involved in immune stimulation, including innate and adaptive immunity, apoptotic-related factors (Bax/Bcl-2, caspase), and glycolysis pathways (e.g., GLUT-1, PKM2, PFK, HK2, MCT-1, and LDH). Lactate metabolism, in turn, is interconnected with several dysregulated signaling mediators, including PI3K/Akt/mTOR, AMPK, NF-κB, Nrf2, JAK/STAT, and HIF-1α. Because of lactate's emerging and critical role, targeting lactate production and its transporters is important for preventing and managing tumorigenesis. Hence, exploring and developing novel promising anticancer agents to minimize human cancers is urgent. Based on numerous studies, natural secondary metabolites as multi-target alternative compounds with health-promoting properties possess more high effectiveness and low side effects than conventional agents. Besides, the mechanism of multi-targeted natural sources is related to lactate production and cancer-associated cross-talked factors. This review focuses on targeting the lactate metabolism/transporters, and lactate-associated mediators, including glycolytic pathways. Besides, interconnected mediators to lactate metabolism are also targeted by natural products. Accordingly, plant-derived secondary metabolites are introduced as alternative therapies in combating cancer through modulating lactate metabolism and glycolytic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Kooshki
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- USERN Office, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Parisa Mahdavi
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Esra Küpeli Akkol
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
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Bouhamida E, Morciano G, Perrone M, Kahsay AE, Della Sala M, Wieckowski MR, Fiorica F, Pinton P, Giorgi C, Patergnani S. The Interplay of Hypoxia Signaling on Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Inflammation in Cardiovascular Diseases and Cancer: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Approaches. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11020300. [PMID: 35205167 PMCID: PMC8869508 DOI: 10.3390/biology11020300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The regulation of hypoxia has recently emerged as having a central impact in mitochondrial function and dysfunction in various diseases, including the major disorders threatening worldwide: cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Despite the studies in this matter, its effective role in protection and disease progression even though its direct molecular mechanism in both disorders is still to be elucidated. This review aims to cover the current knowledge about the effect of hypoxia on mitochondrial function and dysfunction, and inflammation, in cardiovascular diseases and cancer, and reports further therapeutic strategies based on the modulation of hypoxic pathways. Abstract Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and cancer continue to be the primary cause of mortality worldwide and their pathomechanisms are a complex and multifactorial process. Insufficient oxygen availability (hypoxia) plays critical roles in the pathogenesis of both CVDs and cancer diseases, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), the main sensor of hypoxia, acts as a central regulator of multiple target genes in the human body. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that mitochondria are the major target of hypoxic injury, the most common source of reactive oxygen species during hypoxia and key elements for inflammation regulation during the development of both CVDs and cancer. Taken together, observations propose that hypoxia, mitochondrial abnormality, oxidative stress, inflammation in CVDs, and cancer are closely linked. Based upon these facts, this review aims to deeply discuss these intimate relationships and to summarize current significant findings corroborating the molecular mechanisms and potential therapies involved in hypoxia and mitochondrial dysfunction in CVDs and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmaa Bouhamida
- Department of Medical Sciences and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.B.); (G.M.); (M.P.); (A.E.K.); (M.D.S.); (P.P.)
- Translational Research Center, Maria Cecilia Hospital GVM Care & Research, 48022 Cotignola, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Morciano
- Department of Medical Sciences and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.B.); (G.M.); (M.P.); (A.E.K.); (M.D.S.); (P.P.)
- Translational Research Center, Maria Cecilia Hospital GVM Care & Research, 48022 Cotignola, Italy
| | - Mariasole Perrone
- Department of Medical Sciences and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.B.); (G.M.); (M.P.); (A.E.K.); (M.D.S.); (P.P.)
| | - Asrat E. Kahsay
- Department of Medical Sciences and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.B.); (G.M.); (M.P.); (A.E.K.); (M.D.S.); (P.P.)
| | - Mario Della Sala
- Department of Medical Sciences and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.B.); (G.M.); (M.P.); (A.E.K.); (M.D.S.); (P.P.)
| | - Mariusz R. Wieckowski
- Laboratory of Mitochondrial Biology and Metabolism, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Francesco Fiorica
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, AULSS 9 Scaligera, Ospedale Mater Salutis di Legnago, 37045 Verona, Italy;
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Department of Medical Sciences and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.B.); (G.M.); (M.P.); (A.E.K.); (M.D.S.); (P.P.)
- Translational Research Center, Maria Cecilia Hospital GVM Care & Research, 48022 Cotignola, Italy
| | - Carlotta Giorgi
- Department of Medical Sciences and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.B.); (G.M.); (M.P.); (A.E.K.); (M.D.S.); (P.P.)
- Correspondence: (C.G.); (S.P.)
| | - Simone Patergnani
- Department of Medical Sciences and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.B.); (G.M.); (M.P.); (A.E.K.); (M.D.S.); (P.P.)
- Translational Research Center, Maria Cecilia Hospital GVM Care & Research, 48022 Cotignola, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.G.); (S.P.)
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13
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McDonald SJ, VanderVeen BN, Velazquez KT, Enos RT, Fairman CM, Cardaci TD, Fan D, Murphy EA. Therapeutic Potential of Emodin for Gastrointestinal Cancers. Integr Cancer Ther 2022; 21:15347354211067469. [PMID: 34984952 PMCID: PMC8738880 DOI: 10.1177/15347354211067469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers cause one-third of all cancer-related deaths worldwide. Natural compounds are emerging as alternative or adjuvant cancer therapies given their distinct advantage of manipulating multiple pathways to both suppress tumor growth and alleviate cancer comorbidities; however, concerns regarding efficacy, bioavailability, and safety are barriers to their development for clinical use. Emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone), a Chinese herb-derived anthraquinone, has been shown to exert anti-tumor effects in colon, liver, and pancreatic cancers. While the mechanisms underlying emodin's tumoricidal effects continue to be unearthed, recent evidence highlights a role for mitochondrial mediated apoptosis, modulated stress and inflammatory signaling pathways, and blunted angiogenesis. The goals of this review are to (1) highlight emodin's anti-cancer properties within GI cancers, (2) discuss the known anti-cancer mechanisms of action of emodin, (3) address emodin's potential as a treatment complementary to standard chemotherapeutics, (4) assess the efficacy and bioavailability of emodin derivatives as they relate to cancer, and (5) evaluate the safety of emodin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Daping Fan
- University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- AcePre, LLC, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - E. Angela Murphy
- University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- AcePre, LLC, Columbia, SC, USA
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An Investigation of the Antigastric Cancer Effect in Tumor Microenvironment of Radix Rhei Et Rhizome: A Network Pharmacology Study. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:9913952. [PMID: 34257692 PMCID: PMC8249119 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9913952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Tumor microenvironment (TME) takes a vital effect on the occurrence and development of cancer. Radix Rhei Et Rhizome (RRER, Da-Huang in pinyin), a classical Chinese herb, has been widely used in gastric cancer (GC) for many years in China. However, inadequate systematic studies have focused on the anti-GC effect of RRER in TME. This study intended to uncover the mechanism of it by network pharmacology. Methods We collected compounds and targets of RRER from traditional Chinese medicine system pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP) and SwissTargetPrediction. GC targets were obtained from GeneCards. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and RRER-GC-target network were built by STRING and Cytoscape 3.2.1. Furthermore, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were performed using Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). Results We obtained 92 compounds of RRER. A total of 10 key compounds and 20 key targets were selected by “RRER-GC-target network” topological analysis. GO analysis showed that the biological process mainly involved in response to the tumor necrosis factor, positive regulation of fibroblast proliferation, and DNA damage response, signal transduction by p53 class mediator resulting in cell cycle arrest. Molecular functions included cyclin-dependent protein serine/threonine kinase activity, RNA polymerase II transcription factor activity, ligand-activated sequence-specific DNA binding, and transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase activity. Cellular components mainly were centrosome, cell surface, and membrane. KEGG pathway enrichment results mainly involved in the p53 signaling pathway, estrogen signaling pathway, and regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes. Conclusion This study explored the anti-GC mechanism of RRER from the perspective of TME based on network pharmacology, which contributed to the development and application of RRER.
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Wang S, Fu JL, Hao HF, Jiao YN, Li PP, Han SY. Metabolic reprogramming by traditional Chinese medicine and its role in effective cancer therapy. Pharmacol Res 2021; 170:105728. [PMID: 34119622 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming, characterized by alterations of cellular metabolic patterns, is fundamentally important in supporting the malignant behaviors of cancer cells. It is considered as a promising therapeutic target against cancer. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and its bioactive components have been used in cancer therapy for an extended period, and they are well-known for their multi-target pharmacological functions and fewer side effects. However, the detailed and advanced mechanisms underlying the anticancer activities of TCM remain obscure. In this review, we summarized the critical processes of cancer cell metabolic reprogramming, including glycolysis, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, glutaminolysis, and fatty acid biosynthesis. Moreover, we systemically reviewed the regulatory effects of TCM and its bioactive ingredients on metabolic enzymes and/or signal pathways that may impede cancer progress. A total of 46 kinds of TCMs was reported to exert antitumor effects and/or act as chemosensitizers via regulating metabolic processes of cancer cells, and multiple targets and signaling pathways were revealed to contribute to the metabolic-modulating functions of TCM. In conclusion, TCM has its advantages in ameliorating cancer cell metabolic reprogramming by its poly-pharmacological actions. This review may shed some new light on the explicit recognition of the mechanisms of anticancer actions of TCM, leading to the development of natural antitumor drugs based on reshaping cancer cell metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, PR China
| | - Jia-Lei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, PR China
| | - Hui-Feng Hao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, PR China
| | - Yan-Na Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, PR China
| | - Ping-Ping Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, PR China.
| | - Shu-Yan Han
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, PR China.
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Djamgoz MBA, Jentzsch V. Integrative Management of Pancreatic Cancer (PDAC): Emerging Complementary Agents and Modalities. Nutr Cancer 2021; 74:1139-1162. [PMID: 34085871 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2021.1934043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease. The standard first-line treatment for PDAC is gemcitabine chemotherapy which, unfortunately, offers only limited chance of a lasting cure. This review further evaluates the hypothesis that the effectiveness of gemcitabine can be improved by combining it with evidence-based complementary measures. Previously, supported by clinical trial data, we suggested that a number of dietary factors and nutraceuticals can be integrated with gemcitabine therapy. Here, we evaluate a further 10 agents for which no clinical trials have (yet) been carried out but there are promising data from in vivo and/or in vitro studies including experiments involving combined treatments with gemcitabine. Two groups of complementary agents are considered: Dietary factors (resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, vitamin B9, capsaicin, quercetin and sulforaphane) and nutraceutical agents (artemisinin, garcinol, thymoquinone and emodin). In addition, we identified seven promising agents for which there is currently only basic (mostly in vitro) data. Finally, as a special case of combination therapy, we highlighted synergistic drug combinations involving gemcitabine with "repurposed" aspirin or metformin. We conclude overall that integrated management of PDAC currently is likely to produce the best outcome for patients and for this a wide range of complementary measures is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa B A Djamgoz
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Biotechnology Research Centre, Cyprus International University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Valerie Jentzsch
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
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Tuli HS, Aggarwal V, Tuorkey M, Aggarwal D, Parashar NC, Varol M, Savla R, Kaur G, Mittal S, Sak K. Emodin: A metabolite that exhibits anti-neoplastic activities by modulating multiple oncogenic targets. Toxicol In Vitro 2021; 73:105142. [PMID: 33722736 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2021.105142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Is Emodin with Anticancer Effects Completely Innocent? Two Sides of the Coin. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112733. [PMID: 34073059 PMCID: PMC8198870 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many anticancer active compounds are known to have the capacity to destroy pathologically proliferating cancer cells in the body, as well as to destroy rapidly proliferating normal cells. Despite remarkable advances in cancer research over the past few decades, the inclusion of natural compounds in researches as potential drug candidates is becoming increasingly important. However, the perception that the natural is reliable is an issue that needs to be clarified. Among the various chemical classes of natural products, anthraquinones have many biological activities and have also been proven to exhibit a unique anticancer activity. Emodin, an anthraquinone derivative, is a natural compound found in the roots and rhizomes of many plants. The anticancer property of emodin, a broad-spectrum inhibitory agent of cancer cells, has been detailed in many biological pathways. In cancer cells, these molecular mechanisms consist of suppressing cell growth and proliferation through the attenuation of oncogenic growth signaling, such as protein kinase B (AKT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), HER-2 tyrosine kinase, Wnt/-catenin, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). However, it is known that emodin, which shows toxicity to cancer cells, may cause kidney toxicity, hepatotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity especially at high doses and long-term use. At the same time, studies of emodin, which has poor oral bioavailability, to transform this disadvantage into an advantage with nano-carrier systems reveal that natural compounds are not always directly usable compounds. Consequently, this review aimed to shed light on the anti-proliferative and anti-carcinogenic properties of emodin, as well as its potential toxicities and the advantages of drug delivery systems on bioavailability.
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Gu Y, Wu X, Zhang J, Fang Y, Pan Y, Shu Y, Ma P. The evolving landscape of N 6-methyladenosine modification in the tumor microenvironment. Mol Ther 2021; 29:1703-1715. [PMID: 33839323 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME), controlled by intrinsic mechanisms of carcinogenesis and epigenetic modifications, has, in recent years, become a heavily researched topic. The TME can be described in terms of hypoxia, metabolic dysregulation, immune escape, and chronic inflammation. RNA methylation, an epigenetic modification, has recently been found to have a pivotal role in shaping the TME. The N6-methylation of adenosine (m6A) modification is the most common type of RNA methylation that occurs in the N6-position of adenosine, which is the primary internal modification of eukaryotic mRNA. Compelling evidence has demonstrated that m6A regulates transcriptional and protein expression through splicing, translation, degradation, and export, thereby mediating the biological processes of cancer cells and/or stromal cells and characterizing the TME. The TME also has a crucial role in the complicated regulatory network of m6A modifications and, subsequently, influences tumor initiation, progression, and therapy responses. In this review, we describe the features of the TME and how the m6A modification modulates and interacts with it. We also focus on various factors and pathways involved in m6A methylation. Finally, we discuss potential therapeutic strategies and prognostic biomarkers with respect to the TME and m6A modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunru Gu
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Wu
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingxin Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Clinic School of Nanjing Medical University, Zhenjiang 212002, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Fang
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Yutian Pan
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongqian Shu
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, People's Republic of China.
| | - Pei Ma
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China.
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Zhang Y, Khan AR, Yang X, Shi Y, Zhao X, Zhai G. A sonosensitiser-based polymeric nanoplatform for chemo-sonodynamic combination therapy of lung cancer. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:57. [PMID: 33632266 PMCID: PMC7905889 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-00804-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer is the most common type of tumour worldwide. Its relative lethality is considerably high. However, since the tumour tissues are located deep within the human body, traditional technologies, such as photodynamic therapy, do not have the desired effect. Sonosensitisers can penetrate deeply into tissues, and sonodynamic therapy (SDT) effectively inhibits tumours by generating reactive oxygen species. Ultrasound can also penetrate deeply, with a favourable tumour inhibition effect. RESULTS A redox/ultrasound-responsive Rhein-chondroitin sulphate-based nano-preparation encapsulating docetaxel was fabricated. The nanoparticles displayed increased cellular uptake with quick drug release, good stability, and a monodispersed form in the physiological environment. Rhein induced apoptosis and altered mitochondrial membrane potential, which enhanced the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. SDT inhibited the metastasis and angiogenesis of cancer cells and activated anti-tumour capacity by reducing the expression of M2 macrophages. CONCLUSIONS The potential of Rhein for SDT was demonstrated. Production of reaction oxygen species was markedly enhanced after ultrasound treatment. The nanoplatform enhanced the synergistic anti-tumour effects of SDT and chemotherapeutic efficacy. The approach was biocompatibility. The findings could inform investigations of chemo-SDT for different cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Abdur Rauf Khan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoye Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Yikang Shi
- National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Xiaogang Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, Shandong, China.
| | - Guangxi Zhai
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China.
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Liu Y, Shi C, He Z, Zhu F, Wang M, He R, Zhao C, Shi X, Zhou M, Pan S, Gao Y, Li X, Qin R. Inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling via ROS regulation is involved in Rhein-induced apoptosis and enhancement of oxaliplatin sensitivity in pancreatic cancer cells. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:589-602. [PMID: 33613115 PMCID: PMC7893580 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.49514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Several natural products have been demonstrated to both enhance the anti-tumor efficacy and alleviate the side effects of conventional chemotherapy drugs. Rhein, a main constituent of the Chinese herb rhubarb, has been shown to induce apoptosis in various cancer types. However, the exact pharmacological mechanisms controlling the influence of Rhein on chemotherapy drug effects in pancreatic cancer (PC) remain largely undefined. In this study, we found that Rhein inhibited the growth and proliferation of PC cells through G1 phase cell cycle arrest. Moreover, Rhein induced caspase-dependent mitochondrial apoptosis of PC cells through inactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Combination treatment of Rhein and oxaliplatin synergistically enhanced apoptosis of PC cells through increased generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Pre-treatment with the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine attenuated the combined treatment-induced apoptosis and restored the level of phosphorylated AKT, indicating that ROS is an upstream regulator of the PI3K/AKT pathway. The combination therapy also exhibited stronger anti-tumor effects compared with single drug treatments in vivo. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Rhein can induce apoptosis and enhance the oxaliplatin sensitivity of PC cells, suggesting that Rhein may be an effective strategy to overcome drug resistance in the chemotherapeutic treatment of PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhui Liu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chengjian Shi
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zheng He
- Department of General Surgery, Shiyan People's Hospital of Bao'an Distict, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ruizhi He
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chunle Zhao
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiuhui Shi
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shutao Pan
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xu Li
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Renyi Qin
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Li RL, He LY, Zhang Q, Liu J, Lu F, Duan HXY, Fan LH, Peng W, Huang YL, Wu CJ. HIF-1α is a Potential Molecular Target for Herbal Medicine to Treat Diseases. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2020; 14:4915-4949. [PMID: 33235435 PMCID: PMC7680173 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s274980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
HIF-1α is an important factor regulating oxygen balance in mammals, and its expression is closely related to various physiological and pathological conditions of the body. Because HIF-1α plays an important role in the occurrence and development of cancer and other diseases, it has become an enduring research hotspot. At the same time, natural medicines and traditional Chinese medicine compounds have amazing curative effects in various diseases related to HIF-1 subtype due to their unique pharmacological effects and more effective ingredients. Therefore, in this article, we first outline the structure of HIF-1α and the regulation related to its expression, then introduce various diseases closely related to HIF-1α, and finally focus on the regulation of natural medicines and compound Chinese medicines through various pathways. This will help us understand HIF-1α systematically, and use HIF-1α as a target to discover more natural medicines and traditional Chinese medicines that can treat related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruo-Lan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Ying He
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, People's Republic of China
| | - Hu-Xin-Yue Duan
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin-Hong Fan
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong-Liang Huang
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Jie Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, People's Republic of China
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Cui Y, Chen LJ, Huang T, Ying JQ, Li J. The pharmacology, toxicology and therapeutic potential of anthraquinone derivative emodin. Chin J Nat Med 2020; 18:425-435. [PMID: 32503734 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(20)30050-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Emodin (1, 3, 8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone) is a derived anthraquinone compound extracted from roots and barks of pharmaceutical plants, including Rheum palmatum, Aloe vera, Giant knotweed, Polygonum multiflorum and Polygonum cuspidatum. The review aims to provide a scientific summary of emodin in pharmacological activities and toxicity in order to identify the therapeutic potential for its use in human specific organs as a new medicine. Based on the fundamental properties, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antivirs, anti-diabetes, immunosuppressive and osteogenesis promotion, emodin is expected to become an effective preventive and therapeutic drug of cancer, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, diabetes, acute pancreatitis, asthma, periodontitis, fatty livers and neurodegenerative diseases. This article intends to provide a novel insight for further development of emodin, hoping to reveal the potential of emodin and necessity of further studies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Cui
- State Key laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of orthodontics, West China School of Stomatology Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Liu-Jing Chen
- State Key laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of orthodontics, West China School of Stomatology Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Tu Huang
- State Key laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of orthodontics, West China School of Stomatology Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jian-Qiong Ying
- West China Hospital of Clinical Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Juan Li
- State Key laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of orthodontics, West China School of Stomatology Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Gao Y, Chen S, Sun J, Su S, Yang D, Xiang L, Meng X. Traditional Chinese medicine may be further explored as candidate drugs for pancreatic cancer: A review. Phytother Res 2020; 35:603-628. [PMID: 32965773 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a disease with a high mortality rate. Although survival rates for different types of cancers have improved in recent years, the five-year survival rate of pancreatic cancer stands at 8%. Moreover, the current first-line therapy, gemcitabine, results in low remission rates and is associated with drug resistance problems. Alternative treatments for pancreatic cancer such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy provide marginal remission and survival rates. This calls for the search of more effective drugs or treatments. Traditional Chinese medicine contains numerous bioactive ingredients some of which show activity against pancreatic cancer. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of five types of traditional Chinese medicine monomers. In so-doing, we provide new potential drug candidates for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Gao
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiyu Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiayi Sun
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Siyu Su
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Dong Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Xiang
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianli Meng
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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25
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VanderVeen BN, Murphy EA, Carson JA. The Impact of Immune Cells on the Skeletal Muscle Microenvironment During Cancer Cachexia. Front Physiol 2020; 11:1037. [PMID: 32982782 PMCID: PMC7489038 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.01037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Progressive weight loss combined with skeletal muscle atrophy, termed cachexia, is a common comorbidity associated with cancer that results in adverse consequences for the patient related to decreased chemotherapy responsiveness and increased mortality. Cachexia's complexity has provided a barrier for developing successful therapies to prevent or treat the condition, since a large number of systemic disruptions that can regulate muscle mass are often present. Furthermore, considerable effort has focused on investigating how tumor derived factors and inflammatory mediators directly signal skeletal muscle to disrupt protein turnover regulation. Currently, there is developing appreciation for understanding how cancer alters skeletal muscle's complex microenvironment and the tightly regulated interactions between multiple cell types. Skeletal muscle microenvironment interactions have established functions in muscle response to regeneration from injury, growth, aging, overload-induced hypertrophy, and exercise. This review explores the growing body of evidence for immune cell modulation of the skeletal muscle microenvironment during cancer-induced muscle wasting. Emphasis is placed on the regulatory network that integrates physiological responses between immune cells with other muscle cell types including satellite cells, fibroblast cells, and endothelial cells to regulate myofiber size and plasticity. The overall goal of this review is to provide an understanding of how different cell types that constitute the muscle microenvironment and their signaling mediators contribute to cancer and chemotherapy-induced muscle wasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon N. VanderVeen
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
- AcePre, LLC, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - E. Angela Murphy
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
- AcePre, LLC, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - James A. Carson
- Integrative Muscle Biology Laboratory, Division of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health Professions, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
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Shah VM, Sheppard BC, Sears RC, Alani AW. Hypoxia: Friend or Foe for drug delivery in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer Lett 2020; 492:63-70. [PMID: 32822815 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.07.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most lethal solid tumors with an overall five-year survival rate of that has only just reached 10%. The tumor microenvironment of PDAC is characterized by desmoplasia, which consist of dense stroma of fibroblasts and inflammatory cells, resulting in a hypoxic environment due to limited oxygen diffusion through the tumor. Hypoxia contributes to the aggressive tumor biology by promoting tumor progression, malignancy, and promoting resistance to conventional and targeted therapeutic agents. In depth research in the area has identified that hypoxia modulates the tumor biology through hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs), which not only are the key determinant of pancreatic malignancy but also an important target for therapy. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in understanding hypoxia driven phenotypes, which are responsible for the highly aggressive and metastatic characteristics of pancreatic cancer, and how hypoxia can be exploited as a target for drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidhi M Shah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University/OHSU, 2730 SW Moody Ave., Portland, OR, 97201, USA; Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 S. W. Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Brett C Sheppard
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 S.W Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; OHSU Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Rosalie C Sears
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 S.W Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 S. W. Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR, 97239, USA; OHSU Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Adam Wg Alani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University/OHSU, 2730 SW Moody Ave., Portland, OR, 97201, USA; OHSU Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
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Hu L, Chen X, Qiu S, Yang J, Liu H, Zhang J, Zhang D, Wang F. Intra-Pancreatic Insulin Nourishes Cancer Cells: Do Insulin-Receptor Antagonists such as PGG and EGCG Play a Role? THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2020; 48:1005-1019. [PMID: 32468825 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x20500482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Harboring insulin-producing cells, the pancreas has more interstitial insulin than any other organ. In vitro, insulin activates both insulin receptor (IR) and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) to stimulate pancreatic cancer cells. Whether intra-pancreatic insulin nourishes pancreatic cancer cells in vivo remains uncertain. In the present studies, we transplanted human pancreatic cancer cells orthotopically in euglycemic athymic mice whose intra-pancreatic insulin was intact or was decreased following pretreatment with streptozotocin (STZ). In the next eight weeks, the tumor carriers were treated with one of the IR/IGF1R antagonists penta-O-galloyl-[Formula: see text]-D-glucose (PGG) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) or treated with vehicle. When pancreatic tumors were examined, their fraction occupied with living cells was decreased following STZ pretreatment and/or IR/IGF1R antagonism. Using Western blot, we examined tumor grafts for IR/IGF1R expression and activity. We also determined proteins that were downstream to IR/IGF1R and responsible for signal transduction, glycolysis, angiogenesis, and apoptosis. We demonstrated that STZ-induced decrease in intra-pancreatic insulin reduced IR/IGF1R expression and activity, decreased the proteins that promoted cell survival, and increased the proteins that promoted apoptosis. These suggest that intra-pancreatic insulin supported local cancer cells. When tumor carriers were treated with PGG or EGCG, the results were similar to those seen following STZ pretreatment. Thus, the biggest changes in examined proteins were usually seen when STZ pretreatment and PGG/EGCG treatment concurred. This suggests that intra-pancreatic insulin normally combated pharmacologic effects of PGG and EGCG. In conclusion, intra-pancreatic insulin nourishes pancreatic cancer cells and helps the cells resist IR/IGF1R antagonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Hu
- The Laboratory of Acute Abdomen Disease Associated, Organ Injury and Repair, Nankai Hospital Affiliated to Nankai University, Tianjin 300100, P. R. China
| | - Xijuan Chen
- The Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, P. R. China
| | - Shuai Qiu
- The Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, P. R. China
| | - Jing Yang
- The Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, P. R. China
| | - Hongyi Liu
- The Laboratory of Acute Abdomen Disease Associated, Organ Injury and Repair, Nankai Hospital Affiliated to Nankai University, Tianjin 300100, P. R. China
| | - Jie Zhang
- The Laboratory of Acute Abdomen Disease Associated, Organ Injury and Repair, Nankai Hospital Affiliated to Nankai University, Tianjin 300100, P. R. China
| | - Dapeng Zhang
- The Laboratory of Acute Abdomen Disease Associated, Organ Injury and Repair, Nankai Hospital Affiliated to Nankai University, Tianjin 300100, P. R. China
| | - Feng Wang
- The Laboratory of Acute Abdomen Disease Associated, Organ Injury and Repair, Nankai Hospital Affiliated to Nankai University, Tianjin 300100, P. R. China
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Henamayee S, Banik K, Sailo BL, Shabnam B, Harsha C, Srilakshmi S, VGM N, Baek SH, Ahn KS, Kunnumakkara AB. Therapeutic Emergence of Rhein as a Potential Anticancer Drug: A Review of Its Molecular Targets and Anticancer Properties. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25102278. [PMID: 32408623 PMCID: PMC7288145 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25102278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second-highest cause of mortality in the world, and it kills nearly 9.6 million people annually. Besides the fatality of the disease, poor prognosis, cost of conventional therapies, and associated side-effects add more burden to patients, post-diagnosis. Therefore, the search for alternatives for the treatment of cancer that are safe, multi-targeted, effective, and cost-effective has compelled us to go back to ancient systems of medicine. Natural herbs and plant formulations are laden with a variety of phytochemicals. One such compound is rhein, which is an anthraquinone derived from the roots of Rheum spp. and Polygonum multiflorum. In ethnomedicine, these plants are used for the treatment of inflammation, osteoarthritis, diabetes, and bacterial and helminthic infections. Increasing evidence suggests that this compound can suppress breast cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, etc. in both in vitro and in vivo settings. Recent studies have reported that this compound modulates different signaling cascades in cancer cells and can prevent angiogenesis and progression of different types of cancers. The present review highlights the cancer-preventing and therapeutic properties of rhein based on the available literature, which will help to extend further research to establish the chemoprotective and therapeutic roles of rhein compared to other conventional drugs. Future pharmacokinetic and toxicological studies could support this compound as an effective anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahu Henamayee
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Assam 781039, India; (S.H.); (K.B.); (B.L.S.); (B.S.); (C.H.)
| | - Kishore Banik
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Assam 781039, India; (S.H.); (K.B.); (B.L.S.); (B.S.); (C.H.)
| | - Bethsebie Lalduhsaki Sailo
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Assam 781039, India; (S.H.); (K.B.); (B.L.S.); (B.S.); (C.H.)
| | - Bano Shabnam
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Assam 781039, India; (S.H.); (K.B.); (B.L.S.); (B.S.); (C.H.)
| | - Choudhary Harsha
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Assam 781039, India; (S.H.); (K.B.); (B.L.S.); (B.S.); (C.H.)
| | - Satti Srilakshmi
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER, Guwahati), Assam 781125, India; (S.S.); (N.V.)
| | - Naidu VGM
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER, Guwahati), Assam 781125, India; (S.S.); (N.V.)
| | - Seung Ho Baek
- College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 10326, Korea;
| | - Kwang Seok Ahn
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 24 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea
- Correspondence: (K.S.A.); or (A.B.K.); Tel.: +82-2-961-2316 (K.S.A.)
| | - Ajaikumar B Kunnumakkara
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Laboratory for Advanced Biomedicine (DAILAB), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Assam 781039, India; (S.H.); (K.B.); (B.L.S.); (B.S.); (C.H.)
- Correspondence: (K.S.A.); or (A.B.K.); Tel.: +82-2-961-2316 (K.S.A.)
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Abstract
During nearly 100 years of research on cancer cachexia (CC), science has been reciting the same mantra: it is a multifactorial syndrome. The aim of this paper is to show that the symptoms are many, but they have a single cause: anoxia. CC is a complex and devastating condition that affects a high proportion of advanced cancer patients. Unfortunately, it cannot be reversed by traditional nutritional support and it generally reduces survival time. It is characterized by significant weight loss, mainly from fat deposits and skeletal muscles. The occurrence of cachexia in cancer patients is usually a late phenomenon. The conundrum is why do similar patients with similar tumors, develop cachexia and others do not? Even if cachexia is mainly a metabolic dysfunction, there are other issues involved such as the activation of inflammatory responses and crosstalk between different cell types. The exact mechanism leading to a wasting syndrome is not known, however there are some factors that are surely involved, such as anorexia with lower calorie intake, increased glycolytic flux, gluconeogenesis, increased lipolysis and severe tumor hypoxia. Based on this incomplete knowledge we put together a scheme explaining the molecular mechanisms behind cancer cachexia, and surprisingly, there is one cause that explains all of its characteristics: anoxia. With this different view of CC we propose a treatment based on the physiopathology that leads from anoxia to the symptoms of CC. The fundamentals of this hypothesis are based on the idea that CC is the result of anoxia causing intracellular lactic acidosis. This is a dangerous situation for cell survival which can be solved by activating energy consuming gluconeogenesis. The process is conducted by the hypoxia inducible factor-1α. This hypothesis was built by putting together pieces of evidence produced by authors working on related topics.
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Ramakrishnan P, Loh WM, Gopinath SC, Bonam SR, Fareez IM, Mac Guad R, Sim MS, Wu YS. Selective phytochemicals targeting pancreatic stellate cells as new anti-fibrotic agents for chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Acta Pharm Sin B 2020; 10:399-413. [PMID: 32140388 PMCID: PMC7049637 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2019.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) have been widely accepted as a key precursor of excessive pancreatic fibrosis, which is a crucial hallmark of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and its formidable associated disease, pancreatic cancer (PC). Hence, anti-fibrotic therapy has been identified as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating CP and PC by targeting PSCs. Most of the anti-fibrotic agents have been limited to phase I/II clinical trials involving vitamin analogs, which are abundant in medicinal plants and have proved to be promising for clinical application. The use of phytomedicines, as new anti-fibrotic agents, has been applied to a variety of complementary and alternative approaches. The aim of this review was to present a focused update on the selective new potential anti-fibrotic agents, including curcumin, resveratrol, rhein, emodin, green tea catechin derivatives, metformin, eruberin A, and ellagic acid, in combating PSC in CP and PC models. It aimed to describe the mechanism(s) of the phytochemicals used, either alone or in combination, and the associated molecular targets. Most of them were tested in PC models with similar mechanism of actions, and curcumin was tested intensively. Future research may explore the issues of bioavailability, drug design, and nano-formulation, in order to achieve successful clinical outcomes with promising activity and tolerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puvanesswaray Ramakrishnan
- Ageing and Age-Associated Disorders Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Wei Mee Loh
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Subash C.B. Gopinath
- School of Bioprocess Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Arau 02600, Malaysia
- Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Kangar 01000, Malaysia
| | - Srinivasa Reddy Bonam
- UMR 7242, CNRS-University of Strasbourg, Biotechnology and Cell Signaling/Laboratory of Excellence Medalis, Illkirch 67400, France
| | - Ismail M. Fareez
- Department of Oral Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Selangor 42610, Malaysia
| | - Rhanye Mac Guad
- Department of Biomedical Science and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Malaysia
| | - Maw Shin Sim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Life Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +60 3 51022709 (Yuan Seng Wu); +60 3 79675749 (Maw Shin Sim).
| | - Yuan Seng Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Selangor 42610, Malaysia
- Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +60 3 51022709 (Yuan Seng Wu); +60 3 79675749 (Maw Shin Sim).
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Zhang J, Wang Q, Wang Q, Guo P, Wang Y, Xing Y, Zhang M, Liu F, Zeng Q. Chrysophanol exhibits anti-cancer activities in lung cancer cell through regulating ROS/HIF-1a/VEGF signaling pathway. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2019; 393:469-480. [PMID: 31655854 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-019-01746-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we explored the anti-tumor and anti-angiogenesis effects of chrysophanol, and to investigate the underlying mechanism of the chrysophanol on anti-tumor and anti-angiogenesis in human lung cancer. The viability of cells was measured by CCK-8 assay, cell apoptosis was measured by Annexin-FITC/PI staining assay, and the cell migration and invasion were analyzed by wound-healing assay and transwell assay. ROS generation and mitochondrial membrane potential were analyzed by DCFH-DA probe and mitochondrial staining kit. Angiogenesis was analyzed by tube formation assay. The expression of CD31 was analyzed by immunofluorescence. The levels of proteins were measured by western blot assay. The anti-tumor effects of chrysophanol in vivo were detected by established xenograft mice model. In this study, we found that the cell proliferation, migration, invasion, tube formation, the mitochondrial membrane potential, and the expression of CD31 were inhibited by chrysophanol in a dose-dependent manner, but cell apoptotic ratios and ROS levels were increased by chrysophanol in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the effects of chrysophanol on A549, H738, and HUVEC cell apoptotic rates were reversed by the ROS inhibitor NAC. Besides, the effects of chrysophanol on HUVEC cell tube formation were reversed by the HIF-1α inhibitor KC7F2 and the VEGF inhibitor axitinib in vitro. Moreover, tumor growth was reduced by chrysophanol, and the expression of CD31, CD34, and angiogenin was suppressed by chrysophanol in vivo. Our finding demonstrated that chrysophanol is a highly effective and low-toxic drug for inhibition of tumor growth especially in high vascularized lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.,Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250011, Shandong, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Peng Guo
- Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Yuqing Xing
- Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Fujun Liu
- Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Qingyun Zeng
- Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250011, Shandong, China.
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32
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Yang J, Wang F, Chen X, Qiu S, Cui L, Hu L. β-Pentagalloyl-Glucose Sabotages Pancreatic Cancer Cells and Ameliorates Cachexia in Tumor-Bearing Mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2019; 47:675-689. [PMID: 30966770 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x19500356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer cells overexpress the insulin receptor (IR) and the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R). Activating these receptors, insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 increase the growth and glycolysis of pancreatic cancer cells. The high glycolysis in pancreatic cancer cells increases whole-body energy expenditure and is therefore involved in the pathogenesis of cancer cachexia. The antagonism of IR and IGF1R may sabotage pancreatic cancer cells and attenuate cancer cachexia. Previous studies have shown that the intracellular regulating system of IR/IGF1R may be functionally interrelated to another intracellular system whose master regulator is hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1). In this study, we investigated how the IR/IGF1R and HIF-1 systems are interrelated in pancreatic cancer cells. We also investigated whether a phytochemical, penta-O-galloyl- β -D-glucose ( β -PGG), antagonizes IR/IGF1R, sabotages pancreatic cancer cells and alleviates cancer cachexia. We found in MiaPaCa2 pancreatic cancer cells that IR/IGF1R activation increased both the α -subunit of HIF-1 and caveolin-1. This result suggests that IR/IGF1R, HIF-1 α , and caveolin-1 may constitute a feed-forward loop to mediate the effect of IR/IGF1R activation. β -PGG inhibited IR/IGF1R activity and decreased glycolytic enzymes in MiaPaCa2 and Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cells. When MiaPaCa2 cells were transplanted in athymic mice, their growth was inhibited by β -PGG or by a HIF-1 α inhibitor, rhein. β -PGG and rhein also decreased glycolytic enzymes in the tumor grafts and reduced liver gluconeogenesis, skeletal-muscle proteolysis and fat lipolysis in the tumor carriers. Cancer-induced body-weight loss, however, was prevented by β -PGG but not rhein. In conclusion, β -PGG combats pancreatic cancer cells and cures cancer cachexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- * The Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, P. R. China.,† The Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Nankai Hospital, Tianjin 300100, P. R. China
| | - Feng Wang
- † The Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Nankai Hospital, Tianjin 300100, P. R. China
| | - Xijuan Chen
- * The Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, P. R. China.,† The Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Nankai Hospital, Tianjin 300100, P. R. China
| | - Shuai Qiu
- * The Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, P. R. China.,† The Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Nankai Hospital, Tianjin 300100, P. R. China
| | - Lihua Cui
- † The Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Nankai Hospital, Tianjin 300100, P. R. China
| | - Lijuan Hu
- † The Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Nankai Hospital, Tianjin 300100, P. R. China
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33
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Yuan X, Tian W, Hua Y, Hu L, Yang J, Xie J, Hu J, Wang F. Rhein enhances the cytotoxicity of effector lymphocytes in colon cancer under hypoxic conditions. Exp Ther Med 2018; 16:5350-5358. [PMID: 30542494 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.6855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment limits the application of adoptive immunotherapy for solid tumors. Hypoxia is closely associated with the formation of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is an oxygen-sensitive transcriptional activator that drives the transcription of several immunosuppressive molecules. In addition, previous studies confirmed that rhein downregulated the expression of HIF-1α, a subunit of HIF-1, in pancreatic cancer cells. The present study established correlations between mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α and six immunosuppressive molecules in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissue samples. This study examined the effect of rhein on the expression levels of HIF-1α and six immunosuppressive molecules in CRC cell lines under hypoxic conditions by western blot analysis and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. This study demonstrated that rhein downregulated the expression of HIF-1α and immunosuppressive molecules in CRC cells under hypoxic conditions. In addition, the present study analyzed the cytotoxicity of peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro using a non-toxic cytotoxicity assay. This study demonstrated that in vitro, rhein enhanced the cytotoxicity of effector lymphocytes toward tumor cells under hypoxic conditions, and therefore rhein may be used in combination with effector lymphocytes for the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangfei Yuan
- Tianjin Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin 300100, P.R. China
| | - Wencong Tian
- Tianjin Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin 300100, P.R. China
| | - Yang Hua
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin 300121, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Hu
- Tianjin Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin 300100, P.R. China
| | - Jing Yang
- Tianjin Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin 300100, P.R. China
| | - Junmuzi Xie
- Tianjin Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin 300100, P.R. China
| | - Jiacai Hu
- Tianjin Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin 300100, P.R. China
| | - Feng Wang
- Tianjin Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin 300100, P.R. China
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Safflower yellow promotes angiogenesis through p-VHL/ HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway in the process of osteogenic differentiation. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 107:1736-1743. [PMID: 30257392 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.06.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Safflower yellow (SY) is an active component ofCarthamus tinctorius L. that is widely used in orthopedics. This study aimed to evaluate the role of SY in angiogenesis and osteogenic differentiation. METHODS The migration and in vitro angiogenesis of SY (4.5, 9.0, 18 μg/ml)-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC-12) were assessed by transwell and tube formation assay, respectively. Osteogenic differentiation ability was detected by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin Red S staining. The mRNA and protein expressions of related markers were determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot. RESULTS The migration and tube formation ability of HUVEC-12 were promoted by SY. Furthermore, SY facilitated the angiogenesis and osteogenic differentiation in the co-culture of HUVEC-12 and BMSCs by increasing hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), ALP, runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and osteopontin-1 (OPN-1) levels. Inhibition of HIF-1α expression by 3-(5-hydroxymethl-2-furyl)-1-benzylindazole (YC-1), restrained SY-induced proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of HUVEC-12 and the increased protein levels of VEGF, Ang-2, ALP, Runx2 and OPN-1. Finally, WD repeat and SOCS box-containing protein-1 (WSB-1)/Von Hippel-Lindau protein (p-VHL) pathway was involved in the beneficial effect of SY. CONCLUSION SY promotes osteogenic differentiation via enhancing angiogenesis by regulating pVHL/HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway.
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Li N, Wang C, Zhang P, You S. Emodin inhibits pancreatic cancer EMT and invasion by up‑regulating microRNA‑1271. Mol Med Rep 2018; 18:3366-3374. [PMID: 30066876 PMCID: PMC6102704 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Emodin has a direct inhibitory effect on the growth and metastasis of a variety of malignant tumor cells. MicroRNA-1271 (miR-1271) has an extensive tumor-suppression effect by inhibiting epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor cells and induces tumor cell apoptosis. Proceeding with the EMT regulatory mechanism of pancreatic carcinoma, the present study aimed to examine the inhibitory effect of miR-1271 and emodin against invasion and metastasis of pancreatic carcinoma. The expression of EMT-related markers (E-cadherin, ZEB1 and TWIST1) was analyzed by western blotting. mRNA levels of miR-1271, E-cadherin, ZEB1 and TWIST1 in pancreatic tumor cells (SW1990) were measured through reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and cell invasiveness was detected using Transwell assays. In addition, a liver metastatic model was established with an implantation of pancreatic tumor tissue into the spleens of nude mice to study the effect of emodin on pancreatic cancer liver metastasis. In the present study, it was demonstrated that miR-1271 significantly decreased in pancreatic cancer cells and tissues. Twist1 may be a target gene of miR-1271. Emodin could inhibit the proliferation ability of pancreatic cancer cells and increased miR-1271 expression level. Further, we found that miR-1271 significantly inhibited SW1990 cell EMT and invasive ability. We also provided the evidence that emodin inhibited SW1990 cell EMT by raising the level of miR-1271. Moreover, the in vivo experiments have verified the inhibiting effect of emodin against liver metastasis of pancreatic cancer. The data in the present study indicated that emodin inhibited pancreatic cancer EMT and invasion by increasing the content of miR-1271.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Li
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Chunli Wang
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Shengyi You
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
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Wang F, Liu H, Hu L, Liu Y, Duan Y, Cui R, Tian W. The Warburg effect in human pancreatic cancer cells triggers cachexia in athymic mice carrying the cancer cells. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:360. [PMID: 29609556 PMCID: PMC5880080 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4271-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer cachexia is a cancer-induced metabolic disorder and a major cause of cancer-induced death. The constituents of cancer cachexia include an increase in energy expenditure, hepatic gluconeogenesis, fat lipolysis, and skeletal-muscle proteolysis and a decrease in body weight. The aetiology of cancer cachexia is unclear and may involve cancer-cell metabolism and secretion. In this study, we investigated whether the high glycolysis in cancer cells (the Warburg effect) triggers cachexia in athymic mice carrying pancreatic cancer cells. Methods First, we examined five human pancreatic cancer cell lines for glycolysis and cachectic-cytokine secretion. Consequently, MiaPaCa2 and AsPC1 cells were selected for the present study, because the glycolysis in MiaPaCa2 cells was typically high and that in AsPC1 cells was exceptionally low. In addition, both MiaPaCa2 and AsPC1 cells were competent in the secretion of examined cytokines. Next, we transplanted MiaPaCa2 and AsPC1 cells subcutaneously in different athymic mice for 8 weeks, using intact athymic mice for control. In another experiment, we treated normal mice with the supernatants of MiaPaCa2 or AsPC1 cells for 7 days, using vehicle-treated mice for control. In both models, we measured food intake and body weight, assayed plasma glucose, triglycerides, and TNF-α and used Western blot to determine the proteins that regulated hepatic gluconeogenesis, fat lipolysis, and skeletal-muscle proteolysis in the corresponding tissues. We also studied the effect of MiaPaCa2-cell supernatants on the proteolysis of C2C12 skeletal-muscle cells in vitro. Results The athymic mice carrying high-glycolytic MiaPaCa2 cells had anorexia and also showed evidence for cachexia, including increased hepatic gluconeogenesis, fat lipolysis and skeletal-muscle proteolysis and decreased body weight. The athymic mice carrying low-glycolytic AsPC1 cells had anorexia but did not show the above-mentioned evidence for cachexia. When normal mice were treated with the supernatants of MiaPaCa2 or AsPC1 cells, their energy homeostasis was largely normal. Thus, the cachexia in the athymic mice carrying MiaPaCa2 cells may not result from humeral factors released by the cancer cells. In vitro, MiaPaCa2-cell supernatants did not induce proteolysis in C2C12 cells. Conclusion The Warburg effect in pancreatic cancer cells is an independent aetiological factor for pancreatic cancer-induced cachexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- The Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Nankai Hospital, No. 6, Changjiang Road, Nankai, Tianjin, 300100, China.
| | - Hongyi Liu
- The Post-doctoral Working Station, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Lijuan Hu
- The Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Nankai Hospital, No. 6, Changjiang Road, Nankai, Tianjin, 300100, China
| | - Yunfei Liu
- The Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Nankai Hospital, No. 6, Changjiang Road, Nankai, Tianjin, 300100, China
| | - Yijie Duan
- The Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Nankai Hospital, No. 6, Changjiang Road, Nankai, Tianjin, 300100, China.,Present Address: The Centre of Disease Control, Dagang, Tianjin, 300270, China
| | - Rui Cui
- The Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Nankai Hospital, No. 6, Changjiang Road, Nankai, Tianjin, 300100, China
| | - Wencong Tian
- The Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Nankai Hospital, No. 6, Changjiang Road, Nankai, Tianjin, 300100, China
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