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Sharma R, Yadav V, Jha S, Dighe S, Jain S. Unveiling the potential of ursolic acid modified hyaluronate nanoparticles for combination drug therapy in triple negative breast cancer. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 338:122196. [PMID: 38763723 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122196] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents the most aggressive and heterogenous disease, and combination therapy holds promising potential. Here, an enzyme-responsive polymeric prodrug with self-assembly properties was synthesized for targeted co-delivery of paclitaxel (PTX) and ursolic acid (UA). Hyaluronic acid (HA) was conjugated with UA, yielding an amphiphilic prodrug with 13.85 mol% UA and a CMC of 32.3 μg/mL. The HA-UA conjugate exhibited ∼14 % and 47 % hydrolysis at pH 7.4 and in tumor cell lysate. HA-UA/PTX NPs exhibited a spherical structure with 173 nm particle size, and 0.15 PDI. The nanoparticles showed high drug loading (11.58 %) and entrapment efficiency (76.87 %) of PTX. Release experiments revealed accelerated drug release (∼78 %) in the presence of hyaluronidase enzyme. Cellular uptake in MDA-MB-231 cells showed enhanced uptake of HA-UA/PTX NPs through CD44 receptor-mediated endocytosis. In vitro, HA-UA/PTX NPs exhibited higher cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and mitochondrial depolarization compared to PTX alone. In vivo, HA-UA/PTX NPs demonstrated improved pharmacokinetic properties, with 2.18, 2.40, and 2.35-fold higher AUC, t1/2, and MRT compared to free PTX. Notably, HA-UA/PTX NPs exhibited superior antitumor efficacy with a 90 % tumor inhibition rate in 4T1 tumor model and low systemic toxicity, showcasing their significant potential as carriers for TNBC combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reena Sharma
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Vivek Yadav
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Shikha Jha
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Sayali Dighe
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Sanyog Jain
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab 160062, India.
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Hameed H, Khan MA, Paiva-Santos AC, Faheem S, Khalid A, Majid MS, Adnan A, Rana F. Liposomes like advanced drug carriers: from fundamentals to pharmaceutical applications. J Microencapsul 2024:1-23. [PMID: 38990129 DOI: 10.1080/02652048.2024.2376116] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
AIMS There are around 24 distinct lipid vesicles described in the literature that are similar to vesicular systems such as liposomes. Liposome-like structures are formed by combining certain amphiphilic lipids with a suitable stabiliser. Since their discovery and classification, self-assembled liposome-like structures as active drug delivery vehicles captured researchers' curiosity. METHODOLOGY This comprehensive study included an in-depth literature search using electronic databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar, focusing on studies on liposome and liposomes like structure, discussed in literature till 2024, their sizes, benefits, drawback, method of preparation, characterisation and pharmaceutical applications. RESULTS Pharmacosomes, cubosomes, ethosomes, transethosomes, and genosomes, all liposome-like structures, have the most potential due to their smaller size with high loading capacity, ease of absorption, and ability to treat inflammatory illnesses. Genosomes are futuristic because of its affinity for DNA/gene transport, which is an area of focus in today's treatments. CONCLUSION This review will critically analyse the composition, preparation procedures, drug encapsulating technologies, drug loading, release mechanism, and related applications of all liposome-like structures, highlighting their potential benefits with enhanced efficacy over each other and over traditional carriers by paving the way for exploring novel drug delivery systems in the Pharma industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huma Hameed
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Mahtab Ahmad Khan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ana Cláudia Paiva-Santos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Saleha Faheem
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Aleena Khalid
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Aiman Adnan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Fizza Rana
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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Herman H, Rata DM, Cadinoiu AN, Atanase LI, Hermenean A. Colloidal and Biological Characterization of Dual Drug-Loaded Smart Micellar Systems. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1189. [PMID: 38732658 PMCID: PMC11085147 DOI: 10.3390/polym16091189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Smart polymeric micelles (PMs) are of great interest in drug delivery owing to their low critical micellar concentration and sizes. In the present study, two different pH-sensitive poly(2-vinyl pyridine)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (P2VP-b-PEO) copolymer samples were used for the encapsulation of paclitaxel (PTX), ursolic acid (UA), and dual loading of PTX and UA. Based on the molecular features of copolymers, spherical PMs with sizes of around 35 nm and 140 nm were obtained by dialysis for P2VP55-b-PEO284 and P2VP274-b-PEO1406 samples, respectively. The micellar sizes increased after loading of both drugs. Moreover, drug encapsulation and loading efficiencies varied from 53 to 94% and from 3.2 to 18.7% as a function of the copolymer/drug ratio, molar mass of copolymer sample, and drug type. By FT-IR spectroscopy, it was possible to demonstrate the drug loading and the presence of some interactions between the polymer matrix and loaded drugs. In vitro viability was studied on 4T1 mammary carcinoma mouse cells as a function of time and concentration of drug-loaded PMs. UA-PMs and free PMs alone were not effective in inhibiting the tumor cell growth whereas a viability of 40% was determined for cells treated with both PTX- and PTX/UA-loaded PMs. A synergic effect was noticed for PTX/UA-loaded PMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hildegard Herman
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, Rebreanu Street, No. 86, 310414 Arad, Romania; (H.H.); (A.H.)
| | - Delia M. Rata
- Faculty of Medicine, “Apollonia” University of Iasi, Pacurari Street, No. 11, 700511 Iasi, Romania; (D.M.R.); (A.N.C.)
| | - Anca N. Cadinoiu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Apollonia” University of Iasi, Pacurari Street, No. 11, 700511 Iasi, Romania; (D.M.R.); (A.N.C.)
| | - Leonard I. Atanase
- Faculty of Medicine, “Apollonia” University of Iasi, Pacurari Street, No. 11, 700511 Iasi, Romania; (D.M.R.); (A.N.C.)
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 050045 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, Rebreanu Street, No. 86, 310414 Arad, Romania; (H.H.); (A.H.)
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Potential of siRNA-Bearing Subtilosomes in the Treatment of Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28052191. [PMID: 36903437 PMCID: PMC10004640 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutics, based on small interfering RNA (siRNA), have demonstrated tremendous potential for treating cancer. However, issues such as non-specific targeting, premature degradation, and the intrinsic toxicity of the siRNA, have to be solved before they are ready for use in translational medicines. To address these challenges, nanotechnology-based tools might help to shield siRNA and ensure its specific delivery to the target site. Besides playing a crucial role in prostaglandin synthesis, the cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme has been reported to mediate carcinogenesis in various types of cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We encapsulated COX-2-specific siRNA in Bacillus subtilis membrane lipid-based liposomes (subtilosomes) and evaluated their potential in the treatment of diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. Our findings suggested that the subtilosome-based formulation was stable, releasing COX-2 siRNA in a sustained manner, and has the potential to abruptly release encapsulated material at acidic pH. The fusogenic property of subtilosomes was revealed by FRET, fluorescence dequenching, content-mixing assay, etc. The subtilosome-based siRNA formulation was successful in inhibiting TNF-α expression in the experimental animals. The apoptosis study indicated that the subtilosomized siRNA inhibits DEN-induced carcinogenesis more effectively than free siRNA. The as-developed formulation also suppressed COX-2 expression, which in turn up-regulated the expression of wild-type p53 and Bax on one hand and down-regulated Bcl-2 expression on the other. The survival data established the increased efficacy of subtilosome-encapsulated COX-2 siRNA against hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Sandhu SS, Rouz SK, Kumar S, Swamy N, Deshmukh L, Hussain A, Haque S, Tuli HS. Ursolic acid: a pentacyclic triterpenoid that exhibits anticancer therapeutic potential by modulating multiple oncogenic targets. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2023:1-31. [PMID: 36600517 DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2022.2162257] [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: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The world is currently facing a global challenge against neoplastic diseases. Chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, surgery, and radiation therapy are some approaches used to treat cancer. However, these treatments are frequently causing side effects in patients, such as multidrug resistance, fever, weakness, and allergy, among others side effects. As a result, current research has focused on phytochemical compounds isolated from plants to treat deadly cancers. Plants are excellent resources of bioactive molecules, and many natural molecules have exceptional anticancer properties. They produce diverse anticancer derivatives such as alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, pigments, and tannins, which have powerful anticancer activities against various cancer cell lines and animal models. Because of their safety, eco-friendly, and cost-effective nature, research communities have recently focused on various phytochemical bioactive molecules. Ursolic acid (UA) and its derivative compounds have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, apoptosis induction, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-breast cancer proliferation properties. Ursolic acid (UA) can improve the clinical management of human cancer because it inhibits cancer cell viability and proliferation, preventing tumour angiogenesis and metastatic activity. Therefore, the present article focuses on numerous bioactivities of Ursolic acid (UA), which can inhibit cancer cell production, mechanism of action, and modulation of anticancer properties via regulating various cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sharareh Khorami Rouz
- School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Suneel Kumar
- Bio-Design Innovation Centre, Rani Durgavati University, Jabalpur, India
| | - Nitin Swamy
- Fungal Biotechnology and Invertebrate Pathology Laboratory Department of Biological Sciences, Rani Durgavati University, Jabalpur, India
| | - Loknath Deshmukh
- School of Life and Allied Science, ITM University, Raipur, India
| | - Arif Hussain
- School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Arabia and Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hardeep Singh Tuli
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India
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Ursolic Acid Analogs as Potential Therapeutics for Cancer. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27248981. [PMID: 36558113 PMCID: PMC9785537 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a pentacyclic triterpene isolated from a large variety of vegetables, fruits and many traditional medicinal plants. It is a structural isomer of Oleanolic Acid. The medicinal application of UA has been explored extensively over the last two decades. The diverse pharmacological properties of UA include anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-proliferative, etc. Especially, UA holds a promising position, potentially, as a cancer preventive and therapeutic agent due to its relatively non-toxic properties against normal cells but its antioxidant and antiproliferative activities against cancer cells. Cell culture studies have shown interference of UA with multiple pharmacological and molecular targets that play a critical role in many cells signaling pathways. Although UA is considered a privileged natural product, its clinical applications are limited due to its low absorption through the gastro-intestinal track and rapid elimination. The low bioavailability of UA limits its use as a therapeutic drug. To overcome these drawbacks and utilize the importance of the scaffold, many researchers have been engaged in designing and developing synthetic analogs of UA via structural modifications. This present review summarizes the synthetic UA analogs and their cytotoxic antiproliferative properties reported in the last two decades.
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Meng RY, Jin H, Nguyen TV, Chai OH, Park BH, Kim SM. Ursolic Acid Accelerates Paclitaxel-Induced Cell Death in Esophageal Cancer Cells by Suppressing Akt/FOXM1 Signaling Cascade. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11486. [PMID: 34768915 PMCID: PMC8584129 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid extracted from various plants, inhibits cell growth, metastasis, and tumorigenesis in various cancers. Chemotherapy resistance and the side effects of paclitaxel (PTX), a traditional chemotherapy reagent, have limited the curative effect of PTX in esophageal cancer. In this study, we investigate whether UA promotes the anti-tumor effect of PTX and explore the underlying mechanism of their combined effect in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Combination treatment with UA and PTX inhibited cell proliferation and cell growth more effectively than either treatment alone by inducing more significant apoptosis, as indicated by increased sub-G1 phase distribution and protein levels of cleaved-PARP and cleaved caspase-9. Similar to the cell growth suppressive effect, the combination of UA and PTX significantly inhibited cell migration by targeting uPA, MMP-9, and E-cadherin in ESCC cells. In addition, combination treatment with UA and PTX significantly activated p-GSK-3β and suppressed the activation of Akt and FOXM1 in ESCC cells. Those effects were enhanced by the Akt inhibitor LY2940002 and inverted by the Akt agonist SC79. In an in vivo evaluation of a murine xenograft model of esophageal cancer, combination treatment with UA and PTX suppressed tumor growth significantly better than UA or PTX treatment alone. Thus, UA effectively potentiates the anti-tumor efficacy of PTX by targeting the Akt/FOXM1 cascade since combination treatment shows significantly more anti-tumor potential than PTX alone both in vitro and in vivo. Combination treatment with UA and PTX could be a new strategy for curing esophageal cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruo Yu Meng
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Medical Sciences, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea;
| | - Hua Jin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China;
| | - Thi Van Nguyen
- Department of Anatomy, Institute for Medical Sciences, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea; (T.V.N.); (O.-H.C.)
| | - Ok-Hee Chai
- Department of Anatomy, Institute for Medical Sciences, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea; (T.V.N.); (O.-H.C.)
| | - Byung-Hyun Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea;
| | - Soo Mi Kim
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Medical Sciences, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea;
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Dan VM, Raveendran RS, Baby S. Resistance to Intervention: Paclitaxel in Breast Cancer. Mini Rev Med Chem 2021; 21:1237-1268. [PMID: 33319669 DOI: 10.2174/1389557520999201214234421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer stands as the most prevalent cancer in women globally, and contributes to the highest percentage of mortality due to cancer-related deaths in women. Paclitaxel (PTX) is heavily relied on as a frontline chemotherapy drug in breast cancer treatment, especially in advanced metastatic cancer. Generation of resistance to PTX often derails clinical management and adversely affects patient outcomes. Understanding the molecular mechanism of PTX resistance is necessary to device methods to aid in overcoming the resistance. Recent studies exploring the mechanism of development of PTX resistance have led to unveiling of a range novel therapeutic targets. PTX resistance pathways that involve major regulatory proteins/RNAs like RNF8/Twist/ROR1, TLR, ErbB3/ErbB2, BRCA1- IRIS, MENA, LIN9, MiRNA, FoxM1 and IRAK1 have expanded the complexity of resistance mechanisms, and brought newer insights into the development of drug targets. These resistance-related targets can be dealt with synthetic/natural therapeutics in combination with PTX. The present review encompasses the recent understanding of PTX resistance mechanisms in breast cancer and possible therapeutic combinations to overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipin Mohan Dan
- Microbiology Division, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Pacha-Palode 695562, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Reji Saradha Raveendran
- Microbiology Division, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Pacha-Palode 695562, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Sabulal Baby
- Phytochemistry and Phytopharmacology Division, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Pacha-Palode 695562, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
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Sun MX, He XP, Huang PY, Qi Q, Sun WH, Liu GS, Hua J. Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of gastric cancer cells through the phosphatase and tensin homolog /Akt/ cyclooxygenase-2 signaling pathway. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:5822-5835. [PMID: 33132637 PMCID: PMC7579763 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i38.5822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive system worldwide, posing a serious danger to human health. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 plays an important role in the carcinogenesis and progression of gastric cancer. Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) is a promising drug for cancer therapy, but its effects and mechanism of action on human gastric cancer remain unclear.
AIM To evaluate whether the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/Akt/COX-2 signaling pathway is involved in the anti-tumor effect of AKBA in gastric cancer.
METHODS Human poorly differentiated BGC823 and moderately differentiated SGC7901 gastric cancer cells were routinely cultured in Roswell Park Memorial Institute 1640 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and 1% penicillin/streptomycin. Gastric cancer cell proliferation was determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium colorimetric assay. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. Cell migration was assessed using the wound-healing assay. Expression of Bcl-2, Bax, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, PTEN, p-Akt, and COX-2 were detected by Western blot analysis. A xenograft nude mouse model of human gastric cancer was established to evaluate the anti-cancer effect of AKBA in vivo.
RESULTS AKBA significantly inhibited the proliferation of gastric cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, inhibited migration in a time-dependent manner, and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in vitro; it also inhibited tumor growth in vivo. AKBA up-regulated the expression of PTEN and Bax, and down-regulated the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, Bcl-2, p-Akt, and COX-2 in a dose-dependent manner. The PTEN inhibitor bpv (Hopic) reversed the high expression of PTEN and low expression of p-Akt and COX-2 that were induced by AKBA. The Akt inhibitor MK2206 combined with AKBA down- regulated the expression of p-Akt and COX-2, and the combined effect was better than that of AKBA alone.
CONCLUSION AKBA inhibits the proliferation and migration and promotes the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells through the PTEN/Akt/COX-2 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Xue Sun
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Pu He
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Pei-Yun Huang
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qi Qi
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei-Hao Sun
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Gao-Shuang Liu
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jie Hua
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu Province, China
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Khwaza V, Oyedeji OO, Aderibigbe BA. Ursolic Acid-Based Derivatives as Potential Anti-Cancer Agents: An Update. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5920. [PMID: 32824664 PMCID: PMC7460570 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid is a pharmacologically active pentacyclic triterpenoid derived from medicinal plants, fruit, and vegetables. The pharmacological activities of ursolic acid have been extensively studied over the past few years and various reports have revealed that ursolic acid has multiple biological activities, which include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, etc. In terms of cancer treatment, ursolic acid interacts with a number of molecular targets that play an essential role in many cell signaling pathways. It suppresses transformation, inhibits proliferation, and induces apoptosis of tumor cells. Although ursolic acid has many benefits, its therapeutic applications in clinical medicine are limited by its poor bioavailability and absorption. To overcome such disadvantages, researchers around the globe have designed and developed synthetic ursolic acid derivatives with enhanced therapeutic effects by structurally modifying the parent skeleton of ursolic acid. These structurally modified compounds display enhanced therapeutic effects when compared to ursolic acid. This present review summarizes various synthesized derivatives of ursolic acid with anti-cancer activity which were reported from 2015 to date.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Blessing A. Aderibigbe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, Alice 5700, Eastern Cape, South Africa; (V.K.); (O.O.O.)
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Kim GH, Kan SY, Kang H, Lee S, Ko HM, Kim JH, Lim JH. Ursolic Acid Suppresses Cholesterol Biosynthesis and Exerts Anti-Cancer Effects in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4767. [PMID: 31561416 PMCID: PMC6802365 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormally upregulated cholesterol and lipid metabolism, observed commonly in multiple cancer types, contributes to cancer development and progression through the activation of oncogenic growth signaling pathways. Although accumulating evidence has shown the preventive and therapeutic benefits of cholesterol-lowering drugs for cancer management, the development of cholesterol-lowering drugs is needed for treatment of cancer as well as metabolism-related chronic diseases. Ursolic acid (UA), a natural pentacyclic terpenoid, suppresses cancer growth and metastasis, but the precise underlying molecular mechanism for its anti-cancer effects is poorly understood. Here, using sterol regulatory element (SRE)-luciferase assay-based screening on a library of 502 natural compounds, this study found that UA activates sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2). The expression of cholesterol biosynthesis-related genes and enzymes increased in UA-treated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. The UA increased cell cycle arrest and apoptotic death in HCC cells and reduced the activation of oncogenic growth signaling factors, all of which was significantly reversed by cholesterol supplementation. As cholesterol supplementation successfully reversed UA-induced attenuation of growth in HCC cells, it indicated that UA suppresses HCC cells growth through its cholesterol-lowering effect. Overall, these results suggested that UA is a promising cholesterol-lowering nutraceutical for the prevention and treatment of patients with HCC and cholesterol-related chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geon-Hee Kim
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Konkuk University, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
- Diabetes and Bio-Research Center, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
| | - Sang-Yeon Kan
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Konkuk University, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
- Diabetes and Bio-Research Center, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
| | - Hyeji Kang
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Konkuk University, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
- Diabetes and Bio-Research Center, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
| | - Sujin Lee
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Konkuk University, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
- Diabetes and Bio-Research Center, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
| | - Hyun Myung Ko
- Department of Life Science, College of Science and Technology, Woosuk University, 66 Daehak-ro, Jincheon-eup, Chungcheongbuk-do 27841, Korea.
| | - Ji Hyung Kim
- College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea.
| | - Ji-Hong Lim
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Konkuk University, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
- Diabetes and Bio-Research Center, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
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Kim SH, Jin H, Meng RY, Kim DY, Liu YC, Chai OH, Park BH, Kim SM. Activating Hippo Pathway via Rassf1 by Ursolic Acid Suppresses the Tumorigenesis of Gastric Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4709. [PMID: 31547587 PMCID: PMC6801984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hippo pathway is often dysregulated in many carcinomas, which results in various stages of tumor progression. Ursolic acid (UA), a natural compound that exists in many herbal plants, is known to obstruct cancer progression and exerts anti-carcinogenic effect on a number of human cancers. In this study, we aimed to examine the biological mechanisms of action of UA through the Hippo pathway in gastric cancer cells. MTT assay showed a decreased viability of gastric cancer cells after treatment with UA. Following treatment with UA, colony numbers and the sizes of gastric cancer cells were significantly diminished and apoptosis was observed in SNU484 and SNU638 cells. The invasion and migration rates of gastric cancer cells were suppressed by UA in a dose-dependent manner. To further determine the gene expression patterns that are related to the effects of UA, a microarray analysis was performed. Gene ontology analysis revealed that several genes, such as the Hippo pathway upstream target gene, ras association domain family (RASSF1), and its downstream target genes (MST1, MST2, and LATS1) were significantly upregulated by UA, while the expression of YAP1 gene, together with oncogenes (FOXM1, KRAS, and BATF), were significantly decreased. Similar to the gene expression profiling results, the protein levels of RASSF1, MST1, MST2, LATS1, and p-YAP were increased, whereas those of CTGF were decreased by UA in gastric cancer cells. The p-YAP expression induced in gastric cancer cells by UA was reversed with RASSF1 silencing. In addition, the protein levels in the Hippo pathway were increased in the UA-treated xenograft tumor tissues as compared with that in the control tumor tissues; thus, UA significantly inhibited the tumorigenesis of gastric cancer in vivo in xenograft animals. Collectively, UA diminishes the proliferation and metastasis of gastric cancer via the regulation of Hippo pathway through Rassf1, which suggests that UA can be used as a potential chemopreventive and therapeutic agent for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Hun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea.
| | - Hua Jin
- Department of Physiology, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea.
| | - Ruo Yu Meng
- Department of Physiology, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea.
| | - Da-Yeah Kim
- Department of Physiology, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea.
| | - Yu Chuan Liu
- Department of Physiology, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea.
| | - Ok Hee Chai
- Department of Anatomy and Institute for Medical Sciences, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea.
| | - Byung Hyun Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea.
| | - Soo Mi Kim
- Department of Physiology, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea.
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 54907, Korea.
- Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju 54907, Korea.
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Lin CW, Chin HK, Lee SL, Chiu CF, Chung JG, Lin ZY, Wu CY, Liu YC, Hsiao YT, Feng CH, Bai LY, Weng JR. Ursolic acid induces apoptosis and autophagy in oral cancer cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2019; 34:983-991. [PMID: 31062913 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the fifth common cause of cancer mortality in Taiwan with high incidence and recurrence and needs new therapeutic strategies. In this study, ursolic acid (UA), a triterpenoid, was examined the antitumor potency in OSCC cells. Our results showed that UA inhibited the proliferation of OSCC cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner in both Ca922 and SCC2095 oral cancer cells. UA induced caspase-dependent apoptosis accompanied with the modulation of various biological biomarkers including downregulating Akt/mTOR/NF-κB signaling, ERK, and p38. In addition, UA inhibited angiogenesis as evidenced by abrogation of migration/invasion and blocking MMP-2 secretion in Ca922 cells. Interestingly, UA induced autophagy in OSCC cells, as manifested by LC3B-II conversion and increased p62 expression and accumulation of autophagosomes. Inhibition by autophagy inhibitor enhanced UA-mediated apoptosis in Ca922 cells. The experiment provides a rationale for using triterpenoid in the treatment of OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Wen Lin
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Wufeng, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Kuo Chin
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shou-Lun Lee
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Fang Chiu
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Cancer Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Gung Chung
- Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Wufeng, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Zi-Yin Lin
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yung Wu
- Cancer Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chen Liu
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Ting Hsiao
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsien Feng
- Department of Fragrance and Cosmetic Science, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Yuan Bai
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Ru Weng
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Xiang F, Fan Y, Ni Z, Liu Q, Zhu Z, Chen Z, Hao W, Yue H, Wu R, Kang X. Ursolic Acid Reverses the Chemoresistance of Breast Cancer Cells to Paclitaxel by Targeting MiRNA-149-5p/MyD88. Front Oncol 2019; 9:501. [PMID: 31259152 PMCID: PMC6587017 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Paclitaxel (PTX) is widely used as a front-line chemotherapy for breast cancer treatment. However, its clinical applications are limited by the development of chemoresistance. The objective of this study was to investigate the reversal effects of ursolic acid (UA) on PTX resistance and the possible mechanisms in breast cancer. The role of miRNA-149-5p/MyD88 in the regulation of PTX resistance was investigated by the transfection of breast cancer cells with MDA-MB-231 (231) and MDA-MB-231/PTX-resistance (231/PTX) with lentiviruses carrying the MyD88 gene, shRNA specific for MyD88, the miR-149-5p gene, and shRNA specific for miR-149-5p. The PTX sensitivity was assessed by a CCK-8 assay. qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses were used to detect changes in the mRNA and protein levels. Flow cytometry was used to measure the rate of cell apoptosis. A luciferase activity assay was used to detect the binding site of miR-149-5p on the 3'UTR of MyD88. 231/PTX cells were injected into the flanks of female athymic nude mice, and the mice were randomly divided into the five following groups: PBS, PTX (low), PTX (high), UA, and PTX+UA. Our data show that UA reversed the resistance of breast cancer 231/PTX cells to PTX in vitro and in vivo. UA treatment significantly increased the expression of miR-149-5p, which was lower in 231/PTX cells than in 231 cells. Furthermore, the overexpression of miR-149-5p increased the sensitivity of 231/PTX cells to PTX treatment, whereas the knockdown of the miR-149-5p gene attenuated the effects of UA on the regulation of PTX sensitivity. A luciferase assay demonstrated that miR-149-5p could directly regulate the transcriptional activity of MyD88, a known PTX-resistance gene, by targeting the 3'UTR of MyD88. Meanwhile, the downregulation of MyD88 through the overexpression of miR-149-5p or UA treatment inhibited the activation of the Akt signaling pathway in 231/PTX cells. Thus, our data indicate that UA can reverse PTX resistance by targeting the miRNA-149-5p/MyD88 axis in breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenfen Xiang
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Fan
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenhua Ni
- Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiaoli Liu
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaowei Zhu
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zixi Chen
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenbin Hao
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Honghong Yue
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Wu
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangdong Kang
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Hashemi Goradel N, Najafi M, Salehi E, Farhood B, Mortezaee K. Cyclooxygenase-2 in cancer: A review. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:5683-5699. [PMID: 30341914 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 439] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is frequently expressed in many types of cancers exerting a pleiotropic and multifaceted role in genesis or promotion of carcinogenesis and cancer cell resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy. COX-2 is released by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), macrophage type 2 (M2) cells, and cancer cells to the tumor microenvironment (TME). COX-2 induces cancer stem cell (CSC)-like activity, and promotes apoptotic resistance, proliferation, angiogenesis, inflammation, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells. COX-2 mediated hypoxia within the TME along with its positive interactions with YAP1 and antiapoptotic mediators are all in favor of cancer cell resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. COX-2 exerts most of the functions through its metabolite prostaglandin E2. In some and limited situations, COX-2 may act as an antitumor enzyme. Multiple signals are contributed to the functions of COX-2 on cancer cells or its regulation. Members of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and nuclear factor-κβ are main upstream modulators for COX-2 in cancer cells. COX-2 also has interactions with a number of hormones within the body. Inhibition of COX-2 provides a high possibility to exert therapeutic outcomes in cancer. Administration of COX-2 inhibitors in a preoperative setting could reduce the risk of metastasis in cancer patients. COX-2 inhibition also sensitizes cancer cells to treatments like radio- and chemotherapy. Chemotherapeutic agents adversely induce COX-2 activity. Therefore, choosing an appropriate chemotherapy drugs along with adjustment of the type and does for COX-2 inhibitors based on the type of cancer would be an effective adjuvant strategy for targeting cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasser Hashemi Goradel
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Eniseh Salehi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bagher Farhood
- Departments of Medical Physics and Radiology, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Keywan Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
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Jiang T, Guo J, Hu Z, Zhao M, Gu Z, Miao S. Identification of Potential Prostate Cancer-Related Pseudogenes Based on Competitive Endogenous RNA Network Hypothesis. Med Sci Monit 2018; 24:4213-4239. [PMID: 29923546 PMCID: PMC6042310 DOI: 10.12659/msm.910886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been revealed to function as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), which can seclude the common microRNAs (miRNAs) and hence prevent the miRNAs from binding to their ancestral gene. Nonetheless, the role of lncRNA-mediated ceRNAs in prostate cancer has not yet been elucidated. MATERIAL AND METHODS Using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA profiles from 499 prostate cancer tissues and 52 normal prostate tissues were analyzed with the R package "DESeq" to identify the differentially expressed RNAs. GO and KEGG pathway analyses were performed using "DAVID6.8" and R packages "Clusterprofile." The ceRNA network in prostate cancer was constructed using miRDB, miRTarBase, and TargetScan databases. Survival analysis was performed with Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS A total of 376 lncRNAs, 33 miRNAs, and 687 mRNAs were identified as significant factors in tumorigenesis. Based on the hypothesis that the ceRNA network (lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axis) is involved in prostate cancer and forms competitive interrelations between miRNA and mRNA or lncRNA, we constructed a ceRNA network that included 23 lncRNAs, 6 miRNAs, and 2 mRNAs that were differentially expressed in prostate cancer. Only 3 lncRNAs (LINC00308, LINC00355, and OSTN-AS1) had a significant association with survival (P<0.05). The 3 prostate cancer-specific lncRNA were validated in prostate cancer cell lines PC3 and DU145 using qRT-PCR. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated the differential lncRNA expression profiles in prostate cancer, which provides new insights for future studies of the ceRNA network and its regulatory mechanisms in prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Jiang
- Department of Urology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang, China (mainland)
| | - Junjie Guo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang, China (mainland)
| | - Zhongchun Hu
- Department of Urology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang, China (mainland)
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Urology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang, China (mainland)
| | - Zhenggang Gu
- Department of Urology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang, China (mainland)
| | - Shu Miao
- Department of Pharmacology, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang, China (mainland)
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