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Wang W, Fan J, Li F, Gan S, Zhang J, Wang Y, Li Y, Li W, He Z, Ding H, Sun Y, Zhang T, Jiang Q. Design, synthesis and evaluation of carbamate-bridged amino acid prodrugs of cycloicaritin with improved antitumor activity, aqueous solubility and phase II metabolic stability. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 276:116646. [PMID: 38972080 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116646] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Cycloicaritin (CICT), a bioactive flavonoid derived from the genus Epimedium, exhibits a variety of beneficial biological activities, including promising anticancer effects. However, its poor oral bioavailability is attributed to its extremely low aqueous solubility and rapid elimination via phase II conjugative metabolism. To overcome these limitations, we designed and synthesized a series of carbamate-bridged prodrugs, protecting the hydroxyl group at the 3-position of cycloicaritin by binding with the N-terminus of a natural amino acid. The optimal prodrug 4b demonstrated a significant increase in aqueous solubility as compared to CICT, as well as improved stability in phase II metabolism, while allowing for a rapid release of CICT in the blood upon gastrointestinal absorption. The prodrug 4b also facilitated oral absorption through organic anion-transporting polypeptide 2B1-mediated transport and exhibited moderate cytotoxicity. Importantly, the prodrug enhanced the oral bioavailability of CICT and displayed dose-dependent antitumor activity with superior safety. In summary, the prodrug 4b is a novel potential antitumor drug candidate, and the carbamate-bridged amino acid prodrug approach is a promising strategy for the oral delivery of CICT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiping Wang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Jiaqi Fan
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Fengxiao Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Shuo Gan
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Jiaming Zhang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Yanfang Wang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Yingchao Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Wenchao Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Zhonggui He
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Huaiwei Ding
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Yongbing Sun
- Division of Pharmaceutics, National Pharmaceutical Engineering Center for Solid Preparation in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, China.
| | - Tianhong Zhang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Qikun Jiang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
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2
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Ming Y, Gong Y, Fu X, Ouyang X, Peng Y, Pu W. Small-molecule-based targeted therapy in liver cancer. Mol Ther 2024; 32:3260-3287. [PMID: 39113358 PMCID: PMC11489561 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.08.001] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors worldwide. According to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging criteria, clinical guidelines provide tutorials to clinical management of liver cancer at their individual stages. However, most patients diagnosed with liver cancer are at advanced stage; therefore, many researchers conduct investigations on targeted therapy, aiming to improve the overall survival of these patients. To date, small-molecule-based targeted therapies are highly recommended (first line: sorafenib and lenvatinib; second line: regorafenib and cabozantinib) by current the clinical guidelines of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, European Society for Medical Oncology, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Herein, we summarize the small-molecule-based targeted therapies in liver cancer, including the approved and preclinical therapies as well as the therapies under clinical trials, and introduce their history of discovery, clinical trials, indications, and molecular mechanisms. For drug resistance, the revealed mechanisms of action and the combination therapies are also discussed. In fact, the known small-molecule-based therapies still have limited clinical benefits to liver cancer patients. Therefore, we analyze the current status and give our ideas for the urgent issues and future directions in this field, suggesting clues for novel techniques in liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ming
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Yanqiu Gong
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of General Practice, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xuewen Fu
- Jinhua Huanke Environmental Technology Co., Ltd., Jinhua 321000, China
| | - Xinyu Ouyang
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yong Peng
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu 610212, China.
| | - Wenchen Pu
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China; West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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3
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Wang J, Chen C, Guo Q, Gu Y, Shi TQ. Advances in Flavonoid and Derivative Biosynthesis: Systematic Strategies for the Construction of Yeast Cell Factories. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:2667-2683. [PMID: 39145487 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00383] [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] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Flavonoids, a significant group of natural polyphenolic compounds, possess a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects. Recent advances in the systematic metabolic engineering of yeast cell factories (YCFs) provide new opportunities for enhanced flavonoid production. Herein, we outline the latest research progress on typical flavonoid products in YCFs. Advanced engineering strategies involved in flavonoid biosynthesis are discussed in detail, including enhancing precursor supply, cofactor engineering, optimizing core pathways, eliminating competitive pathways, relieving transport limitations, and dynamic regulation. Additionally, we highlight the existing problems in the biosynthesis of flavonoid glucosides in yeast, such as endogenous degradation of flavonoid glycosides, substrate promiscuity of UDP-glycosyltransferases, and an insufficient supply of UDP-sugars, with summaries on the corresponding solutions. Discussions also cover other typical postmodifications like prenylation and methylation, and the recent biosynthesis of complex flavonoid compounds in yeast. Finally, a series of advanced technologies are envisioned, i.e., semirational enzyme engineering, ML/DL algorithn, and systems biology, with the aspiration of achieving large-scale industrial production of flavonoid compounds in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, 2 Xuelin Road, Qixia District, Nanjing 210046, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Chen
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, 2 Xuelin Road, Qixia District, Nanjing 210046, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Guo
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, 2 Xuelin Road, Qixia District, Nanjing 210046, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Gu
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, 2 Xuelin Road, Qixia District, Nanjing 210046, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian-Qiong Shi
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, 2 Xuelin Road, Qixia District, Nanjing 210046, People's Republic of China
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4
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Cui J, Lin L, Hao F, Shi Z, Gao Y, Yang T, Yang C, Wu X, Gao R, Ru Y, Li F, Xiao C, Gao Y, Wang Y. Comprehensive review of the traditional uses and the potential benefits of epimedium folium. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1415265. [PMID: 39323630 PMCID: PMC11422139 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1415265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Epimedium Folium has been extensively utilized for medicinal purposes in China for a significant period. This review undertakes a comprehensive examination of literature pertaining to Epimedium and its metabolites over the past decade, drawing from databases such as PubMed. Through meticulous organization and synthesis of pertinent research findings, including disease models, pharmacological effects, and related aspects, this narrative review sheds light on the principal pharmacological activities and associated mechanisms of Epimedium in safeguarding the reproductive system, promoting bone health, mitigating inflammation, and combating tumors and viral infections. Consequently, this review contributes to a more profound comprehension of the recent advances in Epimedium research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialu Cui
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Lin Lin
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Feiran Hao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuo Shi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yehui Gao
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Tingyu Yang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Chunqi Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangjun Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Rong Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Ru
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fangyang Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengrong Xiao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Gao
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yuguang Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
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5
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Xu C, Fan X, Shen G, Guo B. Genome-wide identification of the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase gene from Epimedium Pubescens Maxim. (Berberidaceae): novel insight into the evolution of the PAL gene family. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:831. [PMID: 39232677 PMCID: PMC11373271 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05480-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) serves as a key gateway enzyme, bridging primary metabolism and the phenylpropanoid pathway, and thus playing an indispensable role in flavonoid, anthocyanin and lignin biosynthesis. PAL gene families have been extensively studied across species using public genomes. However, a comprehensive exploration of PAL genes in Epimedium species, especially those involved in prenylated flavonol glycoside, anthocyanin, or lignin biosynthesis, is still lacking. Moreover, an in-depth investigation into PAL gene family evolution is warranted. RESULTS Seven PAL genes (EpPAL1-EpPAL7) were identified. EpPAL2 and EpPAL3 exhibit low sequence identity to other EpPALs (ranging from 61.09 to 64.38%) and contain two unique introns, indicating distinct evolutionary origins. They evolve at a rate ~ 10 to ~ 54 times slower compared to EpPAL1 and EpPAL4-7, suggesting strong purifying selection. EpPAL1 evolved independently and is another ancestral gene. EpPAL1 formed EpPAL4 through segmental duplication, which lead to EpPAL5 and EpPAL6 through tandem duplications, and EpPAL7 through transposed duplication, shaping modern EpPALs. Correlation analysis suggests EpPAL1, EpPAL2 and EpPAL3 play important roles in prenylated flavonol glycosides biosynthesis, with EpPAL2 and EpPAL3 strongly correlated with both Epimedin C and total prenylated flavonol glycosides. EpPAL1, EpPAL2 and EpPAL3 may play a role in anthocyanin biosynthesis in leaves. EpPAL2, EpPAL3, EpPAL6, and EpPAL7 might be engaged in anthocyanin production in petals, and EpPAL2 and EpPAL3 might also contribute to anthocyanin synthesis in sepals. Further experiments are needed to confirm these hypotheses. Novel insights into the evolution of PAL gene family suggest that it might have evolved from a monophyletic group in bryophytes to large-scale sequence differentiation in gymnosperms, basal angiosperms, and Magnoliidae. Ancestral gene duplications and vertical inheritance from gymnosperms to angiosperms likely occurred during PAL evolution. Most early-diverging eudicotyledons and monocotyledons have distinct histories, while modern angiosperm PAL gene families share similar patterns and lack distant gene types. CONCLUSIONS EpPAL2 and EpPAL3 may play crucial roles in biosynthesis of prenylated flavonol glycosides and anthocyanins in leaves and flowers. This study provides novel insights into PAL gene family evolution. The findings on PAL genes in E. pubescens will aid in synthetic biology research on prenylated flavonol glycosides production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoqun Xu
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicines, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.151 MaLianWa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xuelan Fan
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicines, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.151 MaLianWa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193, China
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, China
| | - Guoan Shen
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicines, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.151 MaLianWa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Baolin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicines, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.151 MaLianWa North Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193, China.
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6
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Eshaq AM, Flanagan TW, Hassan SY, Al Asheikh SA, Al-Amoudi WA, Santourlidis S, Hassan SL, Alamodi MO, Bendhack ML, Alamodi MO, Haikel Y, Megahed M, Hassan M. Non-Receptor Tyrosine Kinases: Their Structure and Mechanistic Role in Tumor Progression and Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2754. [PMID: 39123481 PMCID: PMC11311543 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16152754] [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: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) function as key molecules in the signaling pathways in addition to their impact as a therapeutic target for the treatment of many human diseases, including cancer. PTKs are characterized by their ability to phosphorylate serine, threonine, or tyrosine residues and can thereby rapidly and reversibly alter the function of their protein substrates in the form of significant changes in protein confirmation and affinity for their interaction with protein partners to drive cellular functions under normal and pathological conditions. PTKs are classified into two groups: one of which represents tyrosine kinases, while the other one includes the members of the serine/threonine kinases. The group of tyrosine kinases is subdivided into subgroups: one of them includes the member of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), while the other subgroup includes the member of non-receptor tyrosine kinases (NRTKs). Both these kinase groups function as an "on" or "off" switch in many cellular functions. NRTKs are enzymes which are overexpressed and activated in many cancer types and regulate variable cellular functions in response to extracellular signaling-dependent mechanisms. NRTK-mediated different cellular functions are regulated by kinase-dependent and kinase-independent mechanisms either in the cytoplasm or in the nucleus. Thus, targeting NRTKs is of great interest to improve the treatment strategy of different tumor types. This review deals with the structure and mechanistic role of NRTKs in tumor progression and resistance and their importance as therapeutic targets in tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz M. Eshaq
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA;
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.A.A.); (W.A.A.-A.); (M.O.A.); (M.O.A.)
| | - Thomas W. Flanagan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Sofie-Yasmin Hassan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany;
| | - Sara A. Al Asheikh
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.A.A.); (W.A.A.-A.); (M.O.A.); (M.O.A.)
| | - Waleed A. Al-Amoudi
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.A.A.); (W.A.A.-A.); (M.O.A.); (M.O.A.)
| | - Simeon Santourlidis
- Institute of Cell Therapeutics and Diagnostics, University Medical Center of Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany;
| | - Sarah-Lilly Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany;
| | - Maryam O. Alamodi
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.A.A.); (W.A.A.-A.); (M.O.A.); (M.O.A.)
| | - Marcelo L. Bendhack
- Department of Urology, Red Cross University Hospital, Positivo University, Rua Mauá 1111, Curitiba 80030-200, Brazil;
| | - Mohammed O. Alamodi
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.A.A.); (W.A.A.-A.); (M.O.A.); (M.O.A.)
| | - Youssef Haikel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France;
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Pôle de Médecine et Chirurgie Bucco-Dentaire, Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaire de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Mossad Megahed
- Clinic of Dermatology, University Hospital of Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Mohamed Hassan
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France;
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Research Laboratory of Surgery-Oncology, Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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Reyes-Hernández OD, Figueroa-González G, Quintas-Granados LI, Hernández-Parra H, Peña-Corona SI, Cortés H, Kipchakbayeva A, Mukazhanova Z, Habtemariam S, Leyva-Gómez G, Büsselberg D, Sharifi-Rad J. New insights into the anticancer therapeutic potential of icaritin and its synthetic derivatives. Drug Dev Res 2024; 85:e22175. [PMID: 38567708 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Icaritin is a natural prenylated flavonoid derived from the Chinese herb Epimedium. The compound has shown antitumor effects in various cancers, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Icaritin exerts its anticancer activity by modulating multiple signaling pathways, such as IL-6/JAK/STAT3, ER-α36, and NF-κB, affecting the tumor microenvironment and immune system. Several clinical trials have evaluated the safety and efficacy of icaritin in advanced HCC patients with poor prognoses, who are unsuitable for conventional therapies. The results have demonstrated that icaritin can improve survival, delay progression, and produce clinical benefits in these patients, with a favorable safety profile and minimal adverse events. Moreover, icaritin can enhance the antitumor immune response by regulating the function and phenotype of various immune cells, such as CD8+ T cells, MDSCs, neutrophils, and macrophages. These findings suggest that icaritin is a promising candidate for immunotherapy in HCC and other cancers. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and optimal dosing regimens of icaritin and its potential synergistic effects with other agents. Therefore, this comprehensive review of the scientific literature aims to summarize advances in the knowledge of icaritin in preclinical and clinical studies as well as the pharmacokinetic, metabolism, toxicity, and mechanisms action to recognize the main challenge, gaps, and opportunities to develop a medication that cancer patients can use. Thus, our main objective was to clarify the current state of icaritin for use as an anticancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Octavio Daniel Reyes-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular del Cáncer, UMIEZ, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Figueroa-González
- Laboratorio de Farmacogenética, UMIEZ, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Laura Itzel Quintas-Granados
- Colegio de Ciencias y Humanidades, Plantel Cuautepec, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México. Ciudad de México, México, México
| | - Hector Hernández-Parra
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Departamento de Farmacología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Sheila I Peña-Corona
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Hernán Cortés
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genómica, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Aliya Kipchakbayeva
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Zhazira Mukazhanova
- Higher School of IT and Natural Sciences, Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan
| | - Solomon Habtemariam
- Pharmacognosy Research & Herbal Analysis Services UK, Central Avenue, Chatham-Maritime, London, UK
| | - Gerardo Leyva-Gómez
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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8
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Song B, Wei F, Peng J, Wei X, Liu M, Nie Z, Ma Y, Peng T. Icariin Regulates EMT and Stem Cell-Like Character in Breast Cancer through Modulating lncRNA NEAT1/TGFβ/SMAD2 Signaling Pathway. Biol Pharm Bull 2024; 47:399-410. [PMID: 38220208 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b23-00668] [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] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Metastases and drug resistance are the major risk factors associated with breast cancer (BC), which is the most common type of tumor affecting females. Icariin (ICA) is a traditional Chinese medicine compound that possesses significant anticancer properties. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in a wide variety of biological and pathological processes and have been shown to modulate the effectiveness of certain drugs in cancer. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential effect of ICA on epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness articulation in BC cells, as well as the possible relationship between its inhibitory action on EMT and stemness with the NEAT1/transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)/SMAD2 pathway. The effect of ICA on the proliferation (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and colony assays), EMT (Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and wound healing), and stemness (mammosphere formation assays, Western blotting) of BC cells were examined. According to the findings, ICA suppressed the proliferation, EMT, and stem cell-like in MDA-MB-231 cells, and exerted its inhibitory impact by downregulating the TGFβ/SMAD2 signaling pathway. ICA could significantly downregulate the expression of lncRNA NEAT1, and silencing NEAT1 enhanced the effect of ICA in suppressing EMT and expression of different stem cell markers. In addition, silencing NEAT1 was found to attenuate the TGFβ/SMAD2 signaling pathway, thereby improving the inhibitory impact of ICA on stemness and EMT in BC cells. In conclusion, ICA can potentially inhibit the metastasis of BC via affecting the NEAT1/TGFβ/SMAD2 pathway, which provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the mechanisms involved in potential application of ICA for BC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Song
- School of Third Clinical Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Fuxia Wei
- School of Third Clinical Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Jiehao Peng
- School of Third Clinical Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Xiuhong Wei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Mingran Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Zhongbiao Nie
- Pharmaceutical Department, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University
| | - Yanmiao Ma
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Tao Peng
- Famous Chinese Medicine Studio, Shanxi Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Classical Prescription Strengthening Yang, Shanxi Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
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9
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Manoharan S, Saha S, Murugesan K, Santhakumar A, Perumal E. Natural bioactive compounds and STAT3 against hepatocellular carcinoma: An update. Life Sci 2024; 337:122351. [PMID: 38103726 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122351] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a challenging and very fatal liver cancer. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway is a crucial regulator of tumor development and are ubiquitously active in HCC. Therefore, targeting STAT3 has emerged as a promising approach for preventing and treating HCC. Various natural bioactive compounds (NBCs) have been proven to target STAT3 and have the potential to prevent and treat HCC as STAT3 inhibitors. Numerous kinds of STAT3 inhibitors have been identified, including small molecule inhibitors, peptide inhibitors, and oligonucleotide inhibitors. Due to the undesirable side effects of the conventional therapeutic drugs against HCC, the focus is shifted to NBCs derived from plants and other natural sources. NBCs can be broadly classified into the categories of terpenes, alkaloids, carotenoids, and phenols. Most of the compounds belong to the family of terpenes, which prevent tumorigenesis by inhibiting STAT3 nuclear translocation. Further, through STAT3 inhibition, terpenes downregulate matrix metalloprotease 2 (MMP2), matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP9) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), modulating metastasis. Terpenes also suppress the anti-apoptotic proteins and cell cycle markers. This review provides comprehensive information related to STAT3 abrogation by NBCs in HCC with in vitro and in vivo evidences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suryaa Manoharan
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, India
| | - Shreejit Saha
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, India
| | - Krishnasanthiya Murugesan
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, India
| | - Aksayakeerthana Santhakumar
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, India
| | - Ekambaram Perumal
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, India.
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Zarezadeh SM, Sharafi AM, Erabi G, Tabashiri A, Teymouri N, Mehrabi H, Golzan SA, Faridzadeh A, Abdollahifar Z, Sami N, Arabpour J, Rahimi Z, Ansari A, Abbasi MR, Azizi N, Tamimi A, Poudineh M, Deravi N. Natural STAT3 Inhibitors for Cancer Treatment: A Comprehensive Literature Review. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 2024; 19:403-502. [PMID: 37534488 DOI: 10.2174/1574892818666230803100554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide, affecting millions of people physically and financially every year. Over time, many anticancer treatments have been proposed and studied, including synthetic compound consumption, surgical procedures, or grueling chemotherapy. Although these treatments have improved the daily life quality of patients and increased their survival rate and life expectancy, they have also shown significant drawbacks, including staggering costs, multiple side effects, and difficulty in compliance and adherence to treatment. Therefore, natural compounds have been considered a possible key to overcoming these problems in recent years, and thorough research has been done to assess their effectiveness. In these studies, scientists have discovered a meaningful interaction between several natural materials and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 molecules. STAT3 is a transcriptional protein that is vital for cell growth and survival. Mechanistic studies have established that activated STAT3 can increase cancer cell proliferation and invasion while reducing anticancer immunity. Thus, inhibiting STAT3 signaling by natural compounds has become one of the favorite research topics and an attractive target for developing novel cancer treatments. In the present article, we intend to comprehensively review the latest knowledge about the effects of various organic compounds on inhibiting the STAT3 signaling pathway to cure different cancer diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mahdi Zarezadeh
- Students' Scientific Research Center, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Mohammad Sharafi
- Students' Scientific Research Center, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gisou Erabi
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Arefeh Tabashiri
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Teymouri
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hoda Mehrabi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Seyyed Amirhossein Golzan
- Student Research Committee, Department of Food Science and Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Faculty of Nutrition Science and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arezoo Faridzadeh
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zahra Abdollahifar
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Sami
- Student Research Committee, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University Medical Branch of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Arabpour
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of New Sciences, Islamic Azad University Medical Branch of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Rahimi
- School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences Zanjan, Iran
| | - Arina Ansari
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | | | - Nima Azizi
- Students' Scientific Research Center, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Niloofar Deravi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Nenu I, Toadere TM, Topor I, Țichindeleanu A, Bondor DA, Trella ȘE, Sparchez Z, Filip GA. Interleukin-6 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Dualistic Point of View. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2623. [PMID: 37892997 PMCID: PMC10603956 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102623] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a pressing health concern, demanding a deep understanding of various mediators' roles in its development for therapeutic progress. Notably, interleukin-6 (IL-6) has taken center stage in investigations due to its intricate and context-dependent functions. This review delves into the dual nature of IL-6 in HCC, exploring its seemingly contradictory roles as both a promoter and an inhibitor of disease progression. We dissect the pro-tumorigenic effects of IL-6, including its impact on tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Concurrently, we examine its anti-tumorigenic attributes, such as its role in immune response activation, cellular senescence induction, and tumor surveillance. Through a comprehensive exploration of the intricate interactions between IL-6 and the tumor microenvironment, this review highlights the need for a nuanced comprehension of IL-6 signaling in HCC. It underscores the importance of tailored therapeutic strategies that consider the dynamic stages and diverse surroundings within the tumor microenvironment. Future research directions aimed at unraveling the multifaceted mechanisms of IL-6 in HCC hold promise for developing more effective treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuliana Nenu
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Gastroenterology, "Prof. Dr. O. Fodor" Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Teodora Maria Toadere
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioan Topor
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andra Țichindeleanu
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Daniela Andreea Bondor
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Șerban Ellias Trella
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Zeno Sparchez
- Department of Gastroenterology, "Prof. Dr. O. Fodor" Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Internal Medicine, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gabriela Adriana Filip
- Department of Physiology, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Hu Y, Huang Y, Xie X, Li L, Zhang Y, Zhang X. ARF6 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation through activating STAT3 signaling. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:205. [PMID: 37716993 PMCID: PMC10505330 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03053-y] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) possesses the high mortality in cancers worldwide. Nevertheless, the concrete mechanism underlying HCC proliferation remains obscure. In this study, we show that high expression of ARF6 is associated with a poor clinical prognosis, which could boost the proliferation of HCC. METHODS Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to detect the expression level of ARF6 in HCC tissues. We analyzed the clinical significance of ARF6 in primary HCC patients. We estimated the effect of ARF6 on tumor proliferation with in vitro CCK8, colony formation assay, and in vivo nude mouse xenograft models. Immunofluorescence was conducted to investigate the ARF6 localization. western blotting was used to detect the cell cycle-related proteins with. Additionally, we examined the correlation between ARF6 and STAT3 signaling in HCC with western blotting, immunohistochemistry and xenograft assay. RESULTS ARF6 was upregulated in HCC tissues compared to adjacent normal liver tissues. The increased expression of ARF6 correlated with poor tumor differentiation, incomplete tumor encapsulation, advanced tumor TNM stage and poor prognosis. ARF6 obviously promoted HCC cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell cycle progression. In vivo nude mouse xenograft models showed that ARF6 enhanced tumor growth. Furthermore, ARF6 activated the STAT3 signaling and ARF6 expression was positively correlated with phosphorylated STAT3 level in HCC tissues. Furthermore, after intervening of STAT3, the effect of ARF6 on tumor-promoting was weakened, which demonstrated ARF6 functioned through STAT3 signaling in HCC. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that ARF6 promotes HCC proliferation through activating STAT3 signaling, suggesting that ARF6 may serve as potential prognostic and therapeutic targets for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yabing Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wuhan No.1 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongchu Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaohang Xie
- Department of Dermatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Longshan Li
- Department of Dermatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaochao Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Jin YB, Liang XC, Cai JH, Wang K, Wang CY, Wang WH, Chen XL, Bao S. Mechanism of action of icaritin on uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma based on network pharmacology and experimental evaluation. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1205604. [PMID: 37538114 PMCID: PMC10394632 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1205604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) belongs to a group of epithelial malignant tumors. Icaritin is the main active compound of Epimedii Folium. Icaritin has been utilized to induce UCEC cells to death. Methods We wished to identify potential targets for icaritin in the treatment of UCEC, as well as to provide a groundwork for future studies into its pharmacologic mechanism of action. Network pharmacology was employed to conduct investigations on icaritin. Target proteins were chosen from the components of icaritin for UCEC treatment. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established using overlapping genes. Analyses of enrichment of function and signaling pathways were undertaken using the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases, respectively, to select "hub genes". Finally, experiments were carried out to ascertain the effect of icaritin on endometrial cancer (HEC-1-A) cells. Results We demonstrated that icaritin has bioactive components and putative targets that are therapeutically important. Icaritin treatment induced sustained activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt pathway) and inhibited growth of HEC-1-A cells. Conclusion Our data provide a rationale for preclinical and clinical evaluations of icaritin for UCEC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Bin Jin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Diseases Research and Translation (Hainan Medical University), Ministry of Education, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Medical Laboratory Center, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Xiao-Chen Liang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Diseases Research and Translation (Hainan Medical University), Ministry of Education, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Medical Laboratory Center, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Jun-Hong Cai
- Medical Laboratory Center, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Kang Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Chen-Yang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wen-Hua Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiu-Li Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Diseases Research and Translation (Hainan Medical University), Ministry of Education, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Medical Laboratory Center, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Shan Bao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Diseases Research and Translation (Hainan Medical University), Ministry of Education, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Medical Laboratory Center, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
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14
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Tang X, Zhang Y, Dong X, Jiang G, Hong D, Liu X. The Synergy of Gene Targeting Drug Icaritin Soft Capsule with Immunomodulator and TACE Brings New Hope for Drug Combination in Patients with Advanced Liver Cancer: A Case Report and Literature Review. Cancer Manag Res 2023; 15:707-717. [PMID: 37485037 PMCID: PMC10362861 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s414487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
At present, the average five-year survival rate of liver cancer in China is only 12.1%. The reason for this association lies in the diagnosis at its middle or/and advanced stage of liver cancer for lacking special clinical symptoms in almost 70% of patients without the chance of effective surgical resection. Epidemiological studies have shown that there are only 30% of patients with an initial diagnosis of liver cancer have the opportunity to undergo radical surgery. Therefore, systematic and comprehensive treatment would play an important role in liver cancer treatment at its middle or/and advanced stage, and the related therapeutic schedule still needs further improvement and optimization. We applied a gene-targeted drug of Icaritin soft capsule in the treatment of a liver cancer patient at its advanced stage. And the level of AFP was found to decrease to 6.4ng/mL from 10.86ng/mL; meanwhile, MRI showed that the primary tumor significantly reduced in size, with shrinking of the hepatogastric space, hepatic aortic side, and renal artery side lymph nodes. After treatment with TACE and Icaritin, the patient had no discomfort and no longer experienced abdominal pain and bloating and gained three kilograms of weight. The therapeutic effect of Icaritin-targeted drugs was completely demonstrated during the later treatment follow-up. That is to say, the multiple anti-tumor characteristics of Icaritin with good safety were fully displayed in this case, and it can be used in combination with other drugs to treat hepatocellular carcinoma in the clinical setting. The results show that Icaritin can put some effects on the combined treatment of patients with liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Tang
- Operating Room, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yizhuo Zhang
- General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinyu Dong
- General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guixing Jiang
- General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Defei Hong
- General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
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15
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Huong NT, Son NT. Icaritin: A phytomolecule with enormous pharmacological values. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2023:113772. [PMID: 37356700 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacological studies on flavonoids have always drawn much interest for many years. Icaritin (ICT), a representative flavone containing an 8-prenyl group, is a principal compound detected in medicinal plants of the genus Epimedum, the family Berberidaceae. Experimental results in the phytochemistry and pharmacology of this molecule are abundant now, but a deep overview has not been carried out. The goal of this review is to provide an insight into the natural observation, biosynthesis, biotransformation, synthesis, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics of prenyl flavone ICT. The relevant data on ICT was collected from bibliographic sources, like Google Scholar, Web of Science, Sci-Finder, and various published journals. "Icaritin" alone or in combination is the main keyword to seek for references, and references have been updated till now. ICT is among the characteristic phytomolecules of Epimedum plants. Bacteria monitored its biosynthesis and biotransformation, while this agent was rapidly synthesized from phloroglucinol by microwave-assistance Claisen rearrangement. ICT is a potential agent in numerous in vitro and in vivo pharmacological records, which demonstrated its role in cancer treatments via apoptotic-related mechanisms. It also brings in various health benefits since it reduced harmful effects on the liver, lung, heart, bone, blood, and skin, and improved immune responses. Pharmacokinetic outcomes indicated that its metabolic pathway involved hydration, hydroxylation, dehydrogenation, glycosylation, and glucuronidation. Molecule mechanisms of action at a cellular level are predominant, but clinical studies are expected to get more. Structure-activity relationship records seem insufficient, and the studies on nano-combined approaches to improve its soluble property in living bodied medium are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Thi Huong
- Faculty of Chemical Technology, Hanoi University of Industry, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Ninh The Son
- Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Caugiay, Hanoi, Viet Nam.
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16
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Xu C, Liu X, Shen G, Fan X, Zhang Y, Sun C, Suo F, Guo B. Time-series transcriptome provides insights into the gene regulation network involved in the icariin-flavonoid metabolism during the leaf development of Epimedium pubescens. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1183481. [PMID: 37377796 PMCID: PMC10291196 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1183481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Herba Epimedii (Epimedium) leaves are rich in prenylated flavonol glycosides (PFGs) with high medicinal value. However, the dynamics and regulatory network of PFG biosynthesis remain largely unclear. Here, we combined metabolite profiling (targeted to PFGs) and a high-temporal-resolution transcriptome to elucidate PFGs' regulatory network in Epimedium pubescens and identified key candidate structural genes and transcription factors (TFs) involved in PFG accumulation. Chemical profile analysis revealed that PFG content was quite different between buds and leaves and displayed a continuous decline with leaf development. The structural genes are the determinant reasons, and they are strictly regulated by TFs under temporal cues. We further constructed seven time-ordered gene co-expression networks (TO-GCNs) of PFG biosynthesis genes (including EpPAL2, EpC4H, EpCHS2, EpCHI2, EpF3H, EpFLS3, and EpPT8), and three flavonol biosynthesis routines were then predicted. The TFs involved in TO-GCNs were further confirmed by WGCNA analysis. Fourteen hub genes, comprising 5 MYBs, 1 bHLH, 1 WD40, 2 bZIPs, 1 BES1, 1 C2H2, 1 Trihelix, 1 HD-ZIP, and 1 GATA were identified as candidate key TFs. The results were further validated by TF binding site (TFBS) analysis and qRT-PCR. Overall, these findings provide valuable information for understanding the molecular regulatory mechanism of PFGs biosynthesis, enriching the gene resources, which will guide further research on PFG accumulation in Epimedium.
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17
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The role of BMI1 in endometrial cancer and other cancers. Gene 2023; 856:147129. [PMID: 36563713 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.147129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the third leading gynecological malignancy, and its treatment remains challenging. B cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration site-1 (BMI1) is one of the core members of the polycomb group (PcG) family, which plays a promoting role in the occurrence and development of various tumors. Notably, BMI1 has been found to be frequently upregulated in endometrial cancer (EC) and promote the occurrence of EC through promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and AKT/PI3K pathways. This review summarizes the structure and upstream regulatory mechanisms of BMI1 and its role in EC. In addition, we focused on the role of BMI1 in chemoradiotherapy resistance and summarized the current drugs that target BMI1.
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18
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Icaritin Derivative IC2 Induces Cytoprotective Autophagy of Breast Cancer Cells via SCD1 Inhibition. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031109. [PMID: 36770781 PMCID: PMC9920188 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies and the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality in China. Icaritin (ICT), a prenyl flavonoid derived from the Epimedium Genus, has been proven to inhibit the proliferation and stemness of breast cancer cells. Our previous study demonstrated that IC2, a derivative of ICT, could induce breast cancer cell apoptosis by Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) inhibition. The present study further investigated the mechanism of the inhibitory effects of IC2 on breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Our results proved that IC2 could stimulate autophagy in breast cancer cells with the activation of adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Combination treatment of the AMPK inhibitor decreased IC2-induced autophagy while it markedly enhanced IC2-induced apoptosis. In common with IC2-induced apoptosis, SCD1 overexpression or the addition of exogenous oleic acid (OA) could also alleviate IC2-induced autophagy. In vivo assays additionally demonstrated that IC2 treatment markedly inhibited tumor growth in a mouse breast cancer xenograft model. Overall, our study was the first to demonstrate that IC2 induced cytoprotective autophagy by SCD1 inhibition in breast cancer cells and that the autophagy inhibitor markedly enhanced the anticancer activity of IC2. Therefore, IC2 was a potential candidate compound in combination therapy for breast cancer.
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19
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Huang B, Lang X, Li X. The role of IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in cancers. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1023177. [PMID: 36591515 PMCID: PMC9800921 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1023177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in immune regulation. It can activate janus kinase 2 (JAK2)-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. As one of the important signal transduction pathways in cells, JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway plays a critical role in cell proliferation and differentiation by affecting the activation state of downstream effector molecules. The activation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway is involved in tumorigenesis and development. It contributes to the formation of tumor inflammatory microenvironment and is closely related to the occurrence and development of many human tumors. This article focuses on the relationship between IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and liver cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer and ovarian cancer, hoping to provide references for the research of cancer treatment targeting key molecules in IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Huang
- Operational Management Office, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoling Lang
- Operational Management Office, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Xiaoling Lang, ; Xihong Li,
| | - Xihong Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China,Emergency Department, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Xiaoling Lang, ; Xihong Li,
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20
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Lu Y, Gao Y, Yang H, Hu Y, Li X. Nanomedicine-boosting icaritin-based immunotherapy of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Mil Med Res 2022; 9:69. [PMID: 36503490 PMCID: PMC9743634 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-022-00433-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional treatments for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), such as surgical resection, transplantation, radiofrequency ablation, and chemotherapy are unsatisfactory, and therefore the exploration of powerful therapeutic strategies is urgently needed. Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy for advanced HCC treatment due to its minimal side effects and long-lasting therapeutic memory effects. Recent studies have demonstrated that icaritin could serve as an immunomodulator for effective immunotherapy of advanced HCC. Encouragingly, in 2022, icaritin soft capsules were approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China for the immunotherapy of advanced HCC. However, the therapeutic efficacy of icaritin in clinical practice is impaired by its poor bioavailability and unfavorable in vivo delivery efficiency. Recently, functionalized drug delivery systems including stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, cell membrane-coated nanocarriers, and living cell-nanocarrier systems have been designed to overcome the shortcomings of drugs, including the low bioavailability and limited delivery efficiency as well as side effects. Taken together, the development of icaritin-based nanomedicines is expected to further improve the immunotherapy of advanced HCC. Herein, we compared the different preparation methods for icaritin, interpreted the HCC immune microenvironment and the mechanisms underlying icaritin for treatment of advanced HCC, and discussed both the design of icaritin-based nanomedicines with high icaritin loading and the latest progress in icaritin-based nanomedicines for advanced HCC immunotherapy. Finally, the prospects to promote further clinical translation of icaritin-based nanomedicines for the immunotherapy of advanced HCC were proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Lu
- Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804 China
- Institute of Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Yue Gao
- DWI-Leibniz-Institute for Interactive Materials e.V., 52056 Aachen, Germany
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620 China
| | - Huan Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013 Jiangsu China
| | - Yong Hu
- Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804 China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804 China
- DWI-Leibniz-Institute for Interactive Materials e.V., 52056 Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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21
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Arifian H, Maharani R, Megantara S, Gazzali AM, Muchtaridi M. Amino-Acid-Conjugated Natural Compounds: Aims, Designs and Results. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27217631. [PMID: 36364457 PMCID: PMC9654077 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein is one of the essential macronutrients required by all living things. The breakdown of protein produces monomers known as amino acids. The concept of conjugating natural compounds with amino acids for therapeutic applications emerged from the fact that amino acids are important building blocks of life and are abundantly available; thus, a greater shift can result in structural modification, since amino acids contain a variety of sidechains. This review discusses the data available on amino acid–natural compound conjugates that were reported with respect to their backgrounds, the synthetic approach and their bioactivity. Several amino acid–natural compound conjugates have shown enhanced pharmacokinetic characteristics, including absorption and distribution properties, reduced toxicity and increased physiological effects. This approach could offer a potentially effective system of drug discovery that can enable the development of pharmacologically active and pharmacokinetically acceptable molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanggara Arifian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang 45363, Indonesia
- Department of Pharmacochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Mulawarman, Samarinda 75119, Indonesia
| | - Rani Maharani
- Research Collaboration Centre for Theranostic Radiopharmaceuticals, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jakarta 10340, Indonesia
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor 45363, Indonesia
| | - Sandra Megantara
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang 45363, Indonesia
- Research Collaboration Centre for Theranostic Radiopharmaceuticals, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jakarta 10340, Indonesia
| | - Amirah Mohd Gazzali
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Saisn Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | - Muchtaridi Muchtaridi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang 45363, Indonesia
- Research Collaboration Centre for Theranostic Radiopharmaceuticals, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jakarta 10340, Indonesia
- Correspondence:
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22
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Qiu C, Liu Y, Wu Y, Zhao L, Pei J. Functional Characterization and Screening of Promiscuous Kinases and Isopentenyl Phosphate Kinases for the Synthesis of DMAPP via a One-Pot Enzymatic Cascade. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12904. [PMID: 36361694 PMCID: PMC9654404 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) is a key intermediate metabolite in the synthesis of isoprenoids and is also the prenyl donor for biosynthesizing prenylated flavonoids. However, it is difficult to prepare DMAPP via chemical and enzymatic methods. In this study, three promiscuous kinases from Shigella flexneri (SfPK), Escherichia coli (EcPK), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ScPK) and three isopentenyl phosphate kinases from Methanolobus tindarius (MtIPK), Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus str. Delta H (MthIPK), and Arabidopsis thaliana (AtIPK) were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The enzymatic properties of recombinant enzymes were determined. The Kcat/Km value of SfPK for DMA was 6875 s-1 M-1, which was significantly higher than those of EcPK and ScPK. The Kcat/Km value of MtIPK for DMAP was 402.9 s-1 M-1, which was ~400% of that of MthIPK. SfPK was stable at pH 7.0-9.5 and had a 1 h half-life at 65 °C. MtIPK was stable at pH 6.0-8.5 and had a 1 h half-life at 50 °C. The stability of SfPK and MtIPK was better than that of the other enzymes. Thus, SfPK and MtIPK were chosen to develop a one-pot enzymatic cascade for producing DMAPP from DMA because of their catalytic efficiency and stability. The optimal ratio between SfPK and MtIPK was 1:8. The optimal pH and temperature for the one-pot enzymatic cascade were 7.0 and 35 °C, respectively. The optimal concentrations of ATP and DMA were 10 and 80 mM, respectively. Finally, maximum DMAPP production reached 1.23 mM at 1 h under optimal conditions. Therefore, the enzymatic method described herein for the biosynthesis of DMAPP from DMA can be widely used for the synthesis of isoprenoids and prenylated flavonoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Qiu
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Biomass-Based Green Fuels and Chemicals, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Biomass-Based Green Fuels and Chemicals, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yangbao Wu
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Biomass-Based Green Fuels and Chemicals, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Linguo Zhao
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Biomass-Based Green Fuels and Chemicals, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Jianjun Pei
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Biomass-Based Green Fuels and Chemicals, Nanjing 210037, China
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Pu Q, Yu L, Wang X, Yan H, Xie Y, Jiang Y, Yang Z. Immunomodulatory Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Combined with Systemic Therapy on Patients with Liver Cancer: A Systemic Review and Network Meta-analysis. J Cancer 2022; 13:3280-3296. [PMID: 36118529 PMCID: PMC9475362 DOI: 10.7150/jca.74829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: As immune combination therapy in the treatment of liver cancer made significant achievements, and the modulating effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) on immunity gradually appeared. The main purpose of this study was to study the effect of different TCM combined with systemic therapy (ST) on immune regulation in patients with liver cancer, as well as the efficacy and safety of combined therapy, and to find the best combined application scheme by ranking. Methods: Nine electronic databases were searched from January 1, 2010, to November 12, 2021, to search for RCTs of TCM combined ST in the field of liver cancer for literature screening, quality evaluation and data extraction. STATA 15.0 and RevMan 5.3 software were used to conduct network meta-analysis to analyze and explore the significance of TCM combined ST in immune regulation, efficacy and safety in clinical application. The probability value of the surface under the cumulative ranking curve was used to rank the processing studied. Results: A total of 25 studies involving 2,152 participants were included in the network meta-analysis, including six traditional Chinese medicine injections and seven proprietary Chinese medicines. The results showed that Dahuang Zhechong Wan and Kangai injection combined with ST were the best choices for immune regulation. Moreover, the Huaier granule was the best choice to reduce vascular endothelial growth factors. Conclusion: For patients with liver cancer, TCM combined with ST was better than that of ST alone and can significantly improve the immune function of patients as well as the efficacy and safety of treatment. However, given the limited sample size and methodological quality of the trials that we included in our study, more centralized and randomized controlled trials with a large sample size are required to verify our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Pu
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lihua Yu
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinhui Wang
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Huiwen Yan
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqing Xie
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuyong Jiang
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyun Yang
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Investigation into Antiepileptic Effect of Ganoderic Acid A and Its Mechanism in Seizure Rats Induced by Pentylenetetrazole. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:5940372. [PMID: 36093409 PMCID: PMC9458365 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5940372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Ganoderic acid A (GAA) exhibited neuron protection in in vitro epilepsy study, but no study has been done in vivo. Rats were administered (i.p.) pentylenetetrazole daily for 28 days to induce seizure. Rats with grade II or above of epileptic score were divided into three groups and given placebo, sodium valproate, or GAA treatment, respectively, for 7 days. The electrical signals of brain were monitored with electroencephalography (EGG); epileptic behavior was assessed using the Racine scale; morphological changes and apoptosis rate of cortical neurons were assessed with H&E staining and TUNEL staining, respectively. Protein expression of calcium-sensing receptor, p-ERK, p-JNK, and p-p38 in hippocampal tissue and Bcl-2, cleaved caspase-3, and Bax in cortical tissues was observed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry assay, respectively. After GAA treatment, apparent seizure-like EEG with significant arrhythmic disorder and spike waves was reduced or disappeared, and wave amplitude of EEG was reduced significantly. GAA showed similar effect with sodium valproate treatments on epilepsy. There were an apparent improvement of the epileptic behavior and a significant increase in the epileptic latency and shortening of the epileptic duration in the treatment group compared to control. GAA treatment ameliorated the nuclear pyknosis of neurons which appeared seriously in the epilepsy group. GAA treatment significantly reduced the cortical neuron apoptosis of epilepsy and the expression of calcium-sensing receptor, p-P38, p-JNK, cleaved caspase-3, and Bax but increased the expression of both p-ERK and Bcl-2. In conclusion, GAA treatment showed strong antiepileptic effect by decreasing apoptosis in cortical neuron and the expression of calcium-sensing receptor and stimulating the MAPK pathway.
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Yang C, Jin YY, Mei J, Hu D, Jiao X, Che HL, Tang CL, Zhang Y, Wu GS. Identification of icaritin derivative IC2 as an SCD-1 inhibitor with anti-breast cancer properties through induction of cell apoptosis. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:202. [PMID: 35642041 PMCID: PMC9153146 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02621-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer is the most common malignancy affecting women, yet effective targets and related candidate compounds for breast cancer treatment are still lacking. The lipogenic enzyme, stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1), has been considered a potential target for breast cancer treatment. Icaritin (ICT), a prenylflavonoid derivative from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Epimedii Herba, has been reported to exert anticancer effects in various types of cancer. The purpose of the present study was to explore the effect of the new ICT derivative, IC2, targeting SCD1 on breast cancer cells and to explore the specific mechanism. Methods Immunohistochemistry and semiquantitative evaluation were performed to detect the expression level of SCD1 in normal and tumor samples. Computer-aided drug design (CADD) technology was used to target SCD1 by molecular docking simulation, and several new ICT derivatives were prepared by conventional chemical synthesis. Cell viability was evaluated by an MTT assay and dead cell staining. SCD1 expression in cancer cells was determined by Western blot and qRT-PCR analyses. The enzymatic activity of SCD1 was evaluated by detecting the conversion rate of [d31] palmitic acid (PA) using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). DAPI staining, flow cytometry and Western blot were used to detect cell apoptosis. Mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays were used to determine cell mitochondrial function. Lentiviral transduction was utilized to generate SCD1-overexpressing cell lines. Results We found that SCD1 was overexpressed and correlated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. Among a series of ICT derivatives, in vitro data showed that IC2 potentially inhibited the viability of breast cancer cells, and the mechanistic study revealed that IC2 treatment resulted in ROS activation and cellular apoptosis. We demonstrated that IC2 inhibited SCD1 activity and expression in breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, SCD1 overexpression alleviated IC2-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Conclusions The new ICT derivative, IC2, was developed to induce breast cancer cell apoptosis by inhibiting SCD1, which provides a basis for the development of IC2 as a potential clinical compound for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Yang
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi-Yuan Jin
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214000, Jiangsu, China.,Taizhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Taizhou, 318000, China
| | - Jie Mei
- Department of Oncology, Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214000, China.,Wuxi Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214000, China
| | - Die Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials & Technology, School of Petrochemical Engineering, Changzhou, 213164, China
| | - Xiaoyu Jiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214000, China
| | - Hui-Lian Che
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chun-Lei Tang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214000, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214000, China
| | - Guo-Sheng Wu
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214000, Jiangsu, China.
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Darwish NM, Elshaer MMA, Almutairi SM, Chen TW, Mohamed MO, Ghaly WBA, Rasheed RA. Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Provoke Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma through Knocking Down the STAT3 Activated Signaling Pathway: In Vivo and In Vitro Study. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27093032. [PMID: 35566382 PMCID: PMC9103886 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27093032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common type of liver cancer and is a leading cause of death worldwide. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is involved in HCC progression, migration, and suppression of apoptosis. This study investigates the apoptotic effect of the dietary antioxidant (n-3 PUFAs) on HepG2 cells and analyzes the underlying molecular mechanisms of this effect both in vivo and in vitro. In vivo study: Seventy-five adult male albino rats were divided into three groups (n = 25): Group I (control): 0.9% normal saline, intraperitoneal. Group II: N-Nitrosodiethylamine (200 mg/kg b.wt) intraperitoneal, followed by phenobarbital 0.05% in drinking water. Group III: as group II followed by n-3 PUFAs intubation (400 mg/kg/day). In vivo study: liver specimens for biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical examination. In vitro study: MTT assay, cell morphology, PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemical analysis. n-3 PUFAs significantly improved the histopathologic features of HCC and decreased the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins. Further, HepG2 cells proliferation was suppressed through inhibition of the STAT3 signaling pathway, cyclin D1, and Bcl-2 activity. Here we report that n-3 PUFAs may be an ideal cancer chemo-preventive candidate by targeting STAT3 signaling, which is involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noura M. Darwish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
- Ministry of Health Laboratories, Tanta 16335, Egypt
- Correspondence: (N.M.D.); (R.A.R.); Tel.: +20-1096264335 (N.M.D.); +20-1001022257 (R.A.R.)
| | - Mohamed M. A. Elshaer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt;
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, King Salman International University, South Sinai 46511, Egypt
| | - Saeedah Musaed Almutairi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Tse-Wei Chen
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK;
| | - Mohamed Othman Mohamed
- Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Salman International University, South Sinai 46511, Egypt;
| | - Wael B. A. Ghaly
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum 63511, Egypt;
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Salman International University, South Sinai 46511, Egypt
| | - Rabab Ahmed Rasheed
- Histology & Cell Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Salman International University, South Sinai 46511, Egypt
- Correspondence: (N.M.D.); (R.A.R.); Tel.: +20-1096264335 (N.M.D.); +20-1001022257 (R.A.R.)
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27
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Li K, Xiao K, Zhu S, Wang Y, Wang W. Chinese Herbal Medicine for Primary Liver Cancer Therapy: Perspectives and Challenges. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:889799. [PMID: 35600861 PMCID: PMC9117702 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.889799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer (PLC) is one of the most common solid malignancies. However, PLC drug development has been slow, and first-line treatments are still needed; thus, studies exploring and developing alternative strategies for effective PLC treatment are urgently needed. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has long been applied in the clinic due to its advantages of low toxicity and targeting of multiple factors and pathways, and it has great potential for the development of novel natural drugs against PLC. Purpose: This review aims to provide an update on the pharmacological mechanisms of Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) and the latest CHM-derived compounds for the treatment of PLC and relevant clinical evaluations. Materials and Methods: A systematic search of English literature databases, Chinese literature, the Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry for studies of CHMs for PLC treatment was performed. Results: In this review, we summarize the clinical trials and mechanisms of CPMs for PLC treatment that have entered the clinic with the approval of the Chinese medicine regulatory authority. These CPMs included Huaier granules, Ganfule granules, Fufang Banmao capsules, Jinlong capsules, Brucea javanica oil emulsions, and compound kushen injections. We also summarize the latest in vivo, in vitro, and clinical studies of CHM-derived compounds against PLC: icaritin and ginsenoside Rg3. Dilemmas facing the development of CHMs, such as drug toxicity and low oral availability, and future developments are also discussed. Conclusion: This review provides a deeper the understanding of CHMs as PLC treatments and provides ideas for the development of new natural drugs against PLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Li
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Kunmin Xiao
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Department of Oncology, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shijie Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yong Wang, ; Wei Wang,
| | - Wei Wang
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Institute of Prescription and Syndrome, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provinvial Key Laboratory of TCM Pathogenesis and Prescriptions of Heart and Spleen Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yong Wang, ; Wei Wang,
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28
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Geh D, Leslie J, Rumney R, Reeves HL, Bird TG, Mann DA. Neutrophils as potential therapeutic targets in hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:257-273. [PMID: 35022608 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-021-00568-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The success of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab treatment contributed to a shift in systemic therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) towards combinations that include cancer immunotherapeutic agents. Thus far, the principal focus of cancer immunotherapy has been on interrupting immune checkpoints that suppress antitumour lymphocytes. As well as lymphocytes, the HCC environment includes numerous other immune cell types, among which neutrophils are emerging as an important contributor to the pathogenesis of HCC. A growing body of evidence supports neutrophils as key mediators of the immunosuppressive environment in which some cancers develop, as well as drivers of tumour progression. If neutrophils have a similar role in HCC, approaches that target or manipulate neutrophils might have therapeutic benefits, potentially including sensitization of tumours to conventional immunotherapy. Several neutrophil-directed therapies for patients with HCC (and other cancers) are now entering clinical trials. This Review outlines the evidence in support of neutrophils as drivers of HCC and details their mechanistic roles in development, progression and metastasis, highlighting the reasons that neutrophils are well worth investigating despite the challenges associated with studying them. Neutrophil-modulating anticancer therapies entering clinical trials are also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Geh
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jack Leslie
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Rob Rumney
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Helen L Reeves
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- The Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Multidisciplinary Team, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Thomas G Bird
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Derek A Mann
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Rah B, Rather RA, Bhat GR, Baba AB, Mushtaq I, Farooq M, Yousuf T, Dar SB, Parveen S, Hassan R, Mohammad F, Qassim I, Bhat A, Ali S, Zargar MH, Afroze D. JAK/STAT Signaling: Molecular Targets, Therapeutic Opportunities, and Limitations of Targeted Inhibitions in Solid Malignancies. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:821344. [PMID: 35401182 PMCID: PMC8987160 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.821344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
JAK/STAT signaling pathway is one of the important regulatory signaling cascades for the myriad of cellular processes initiated by various types of ligands such as growth factors, hormones, and cytokines. The physiological processes regulated by JAK/STAT signaling are immune regulation, cell proliferation, cell survival, apoptosis and hematopoiesis of myeloid and non-myeloid cells. Dysregulation of JAK/STAT signaling is reported in various immunological disorders, hematological and other solid malignancies through various oncogenic activation mutations in receptors, downstream mediators, and associated transcriptional factors such as STATs. STATs typically have a dual role when explored in the context of cancer. While several members of the STAT family are involved in malignancies, however, a few members which include STAT3 and STAT5 are linked to tumor initiation and progression. Other STAT members such as STAT1 and STAT2 are pivotal for antitumor defense and maintenance of an effective and long-term immune response through evolutionarily conserved programs. The effects of JAK/STAT signaling and the persistent activation of STATs in tumor cell survival; proliferation and invasion have made the JAK/STAT pathway an ideal target for drug development and cancer therapy. Therefore, understanding the intricate JAK/STAT signaling in the pathogenesis of solid malignancies needs extensive research. A better understanding of the functionally redundant roles of JAKs and STATs may provide a rationale for improving existing cancer therapies which have deleterious effects on normal cells and to identifying novel targets for therapeutic intervention in solid malignancies.
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Zhang J, Xiong W, Wen Y, Fu X, Lu X, Zhang G, Wang C. Magnesium dicarboxylates promote the prenylation of phenolics that is extended to the total synthesis of icaritin. Org Biomol Chem 2022; 20:1117-1124. [PMID: 35040468 DOI: 10.1039/d1ob02228h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The prenylation of phenolic substrates promoted by magnesium dicarboxylates was developed. An investigation of the scope demonstrated that substrates with electron-donating group(s) gave better yields than those with electron-withdrawing group(s). Although the conversions of all substrates were higher in MeCN than in DMF, DMF was still the favorable solvent for polyphenolic substrates since MeCN would cause the generation of cyclized by-products (6) and reduce the yield of 3. The regio-selectivity of ortho- vs. para-prenylation (3'vs.3'') for those para-unoccupied substrates was also solvent dependant. DMF produced mainly ortho-products but with poor conversions. On the other hand, MeCN generated mainly para-products, along with minor ortho-products. Mechanistic study of the prenylation provided evidence for the nucleophilic addition/substitution of the phenolic substrate to the alkyl halide in the presence of the magnesium dicarboxylates. The proto application of this method in the total synthesis of icaritin through the prenylation of 2,4,6-trihydroxyacetophenone, followed by the reaction with benzaldehyde to afford the flavonol, was successful, with a total yield of 33%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jichao Zhang
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Yongju Wen
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Xuewen Fu
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Xiaoxia Lu
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Guolin Zhang
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Chun Wang
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Xu J, Lin H, Wu G, Zhu M, Li M. IL-6/STAT3 Is a Promising Therapeutic Target for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:760971. [PMID: 34976809 PMCID: PMC8714735 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.760971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor of which the occurrence and development, the tumorigenicity of HCC is involving in multistep and multifactor interactions. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a multifunctional inflammatory cytokine, has increased expression in HCC patients and is closely related to the occurrence of HCC and prognosis. IL-6 plays a role by binding to the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) and then triggering the Janus kinase (JAK) associated with the receptor, stimulating phosphorylation and activating signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) to initiate downstream signals, participating in the processes of anti-apoptosis, angiogenesis, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance of cancer cells. IL-6/STAT3 signal axes elicit an immunosuppressive in tumor microenvironment, it is important to therapy HCC by blocking the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway. Recent, some inhibitors of IL-6/STAT3 have been development, such as S31-201 or IL-6 neutralizing monoclonal antibody (IL-6 mAb), Madindoline A (Inhibits the dimerization of IL-6/IL-6R/gpl30 trimeric complexes), C188-9 and Curcumin (Inhibits STAT3 phosphorylation), etc. for treatment of cancers. Overall, consideration of the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway, and its role in the carcinogenesis and progression of HCC will contribute to the development of potential drugs for targeting treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junnv Xu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Haifeng Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Gang Wu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
- Institution of Tumour, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
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Meerson A, Khatib S, Mahajna J. Natural Products Targeting Cancer Stem Cells for Augmenting Cancer Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222313044. [PMID: 34884848 PMCID: PMC8657727 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222313044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSC) have been identified in several types of solid tumors. In some cases, CSC may be the source of all the tumor cells, the cause of the tumor's resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, and the source of metastatic cells. Thus, a combination therapy targeting non-CSC tumor cells as well as specifically targeting CSCs holds the potential to be highly effective. Natural products (NPs) have been a historically rich source of biologically active compounds and are known for their ability to influence multiple signaling pathways simultaneously with negligible side effects. In this review, we discuss the potential of NPs in targeting multiple signaling pathways in CSC and their potential to augment the efficacy of standard cancer therapy. Specifically, we focus on the anti-CSC activities of flavonoids, FDA-approved drugs originating from natural sources. Additionally, we emphasize the potential of NPs in targeting microRNA-mediated signaling, given the roles of microRNA in the maintenance of the CSC phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ari Meerson
- Department of Natural Products and Nutrition, MIGAL—Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona 11016, Israel; (A.M.); (S.K.)
- Faculty of Sciences, Tel Hai Academic College, Qiryat Shemona 12208, Israel
| | - Soliman Khatib
- Department of Natural Products and Nutrition, MIGAL—Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona 11016, Israel; (A.M.); (S.K.)
- Faculty of Sciences, Tel Hai Academic College, Qiryat Shemona 12208, Israel
| | - Jamal Mahajna
- Department of Natural Products and Nutrition, MIGAL—Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona 11016, Israel; (A.M.); (S.K.)
- Faculty of Sciences, Tel Hai Academic College, Qiryat Shemona 12208, Israel
- Correspondence:
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Bioactive Flavonoids Icaritin and Icariin Protect against Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion-Associated Apoptosis and Extracellular Matrix Accumulation in an Ischemic Stroke Mouse Model. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9111719. [PMID: 34829948 PMCID: PMC8615444 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke, which is the second leading cause of mortality in the world, is urgently needed to explore the medical strategies for ischemic stroke treatment. Both icariin (ICA) and icaritin (ICT) are the major active flavonoids extracted from Herba epimedii that have been regarded as the neuroprotective agents in disease models. In this study, we aimed to investigate and compare the neuroprotective effects of ICA and ICT in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model. Male ICR mice were pretreated with both ICA and ICT, which ameliorated body weight loss, neurological injury, infarct volume, and pathological change in acute ischemic stroke mice. Furthermore, administration of both ICA and ICT could also protect against neuronal cell apoptotic death, oxidative and nitrosative stress, lipid peroxidation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation in the brains. The neuroprotective effects of ICT are slightly better than that of ICA in acute cerebral ischemic stroke mice. These results suggest that pretreatment with both ICA and ICT improves the neuronal cell apoptosis and responses of oxidative/nitrosative stress and counteracts the ECM accumulation in the brains of acute cerebral ischemic stroke mice. Both ICA and ICT treatment may serve as a useful therapeutic strategy for acute ischemic stroke.
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Rodriguez S, Skeet K, Mehmetoglu-Gurbuz T, Goldfarb M, Karri S, Rocha J, Shahinian M, Yazadi A, Poudel S, Subramani R. Phytochemicals as an Alternative or Integrative Option, in Conjunction with Conventional Treatments for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225753. [PMID: 34830907 PMCID: PMC8616323 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is globally ranked as the sixth most diagnosed cancer, and the second most deadly cancer. To worsen matters, there are only limited therapeutic options currently available; therefore, it is necessary to find a reservoir from which new HCC treatments may be acquired. The field of phytomedicine may be the solution to this problem, as it offers an abundance of plant-derived molecules, which show capabilities of being effective against HCC proliferation, invasion, migration, and metastasis. In our review, we collect and analyze current evidence regarding these promising phytochemical effects on HCC, and delve into their potential as future chemotherapies. Additionally, information on the signaling behind these numerous phytochemicals is provided, in an attempt to understand their mechanisms. This review makes accessible the current body of knowledge pertaining to phytochemicals as HCC treatments, in order to serve as a reference and inspiration for further research into this subject. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most abundant form of liver cancer. It accounts for 75–85% of liver cancer cases and, though it ranks globally as the sixth most common cancer, it ranks second in cancer-related mortality. Deaths from HCC are usually due to metastatic spread of the cancer. Unfortunately, there are many challenges and limitations with the latest HCC therapies and medications, making it difficult for patients to receive life-prolonging care. As there is clearly a high demand for alternative therapy options for HCC, it is prudent to turn to plants for the solution, as their phytochemicals have long been used and revered for their many medicinal purposes. This review explores the promising phytochemical compounds identified from pre-clinical and clinical trials being used either independently or in conjunction with already existing cancer therapy treatments. The phytochemicals discussed in this review were classified into several categories: lipids, polyphenols, alkaloids, polysaccharides, whole extracts, and phytochemical combinations. Almost 80% of the compounds failed to progress into clinical studies due to lack of information regarding the toxicity to normal cells and bioavailability. Although large obstacles remain, phytochemicals can be used either as an alternative or integrative therapy in conjunction with existing HCC chemotherapies. In conclusion, phytochemicals have great potential as treatment options for hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheryl Rodriguez
- Center of Emphasis in Cancer Research, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (S.R.); (T.M.-G.); (S.P.)
| | - Kristy Skeet
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (K.S.); (J.R.); (M.S.); (A.Y.)
| | - Tugba Mehmetoglu-Gurbuz
- Center of Emphasis in Cancer Research, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (S.R.); (T.M.-G.); (S.P.)
| | - Madeline Goldfarb
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (M.G.); (S.K.)
| | - Shri Karri
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (M.G.); (S.K.)
| | - Jackelyn Rocha
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (K.S.); (J.R.); (M.S.); (A.Y.)
| | - Mark Shahinian
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (K.S.); (J.R.); (M.S.); (A.Y.)
| | - Abdallah Yazadi
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (K.S.); (J.R.); (M.S.); (A.Y.)
| | - Seeta Poudel
- Center of Emphasis in Cancer Research, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (S.R.); (T.M.-G.); (S.P.)
| | - Ramadevi Subramani
- Center of Emphasis in Cancer Research, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (S.R.); (T.M.-G.); (S.P.)
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX 79905, USA; (K.S.); (J.R.); (M.S.); (A.Y.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-915-215-6851
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Wang P, Li C, Li X, Huang W, Wang Y, Wang J, Zhang Y, Yang X, Yan X, Wang Y, Zhou Z. Complete biosynthesis of the potential medicine icaritin by engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2021; 66:1906-1916. [PMID: 36654400 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Icaritin is a prenylflavonoid present in the Chinese herbal medicinal plant Epimedium spp. and is under investigation in a phase III clinical trial for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Here, we report the biosynthesis of icaritin from glucose by engineered microbial strains. We initially designed an artificial icaritin biosynthetic pathway by identifying a novel prenyltransferase from the Berberidaceae-family species Epimedium sagittatum (EsPT2) that catalyzes the C8 prenylation of kaempferol to yield 8-prenlykaempferol and a novel methyltransferase GmOMT2 from soybean to transfer a methyl to C4'-OH of 8-prenlykaempferol to produce icaritin. We next introduced 11 heterologous genes and modified 12 native yeast genes to construct a yeast strain capable of producing 8-prenylkaempferol with high efficiency. GmOMT2 was sensitive to low pH and lost its activity when expressed in the yeast cytoplasm. By relocating GmOMT2 into mitochondria (higher pH than cytoplasm) of the 8-prenylkaempferol-producing yeast strain or co-culturing the 8-prenylkaempferol-producing yeast with an Escherichia coli strain expressing GmOMT2, we obtained icaritin yields of 7.2 and 19.7 mg/L, respectively. Beyond the characterizing two previously unknown plant enzymes and conducting the first biosynthesis of icaritin from glucose, we describe two strategies of overcoming the widespread issue of incompatible pH conditions encountered in basic and applied bioproduction research. Our findings will facilitate industrial-scale production of icaritin and other prenylflavonoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Wang
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chaojing Li
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenjun Huang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Yan Wang
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiali Wang
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475001, China
| | - Yanjun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xiaoman Yang
- Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement, Center of Economic Botany/Core Botanical Gardens, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Xing Yan
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Ying Wang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement, Center of Economic Botany/Core Botanical Gardens, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China.
| | - Zhihua Zhou
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Lee J, Han Y, Wang W, Jo H, Kim H, Kim S, Yang KM, Kim SJ, Dhanasekaran DN, Song YS. Phytochemicals in Cancer Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1107. [PMID: 34439774 PMCID: PMC8393583 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction of immune checkpoint molecules in the tumor microenvironment reduces the anti-tumor immune response by suppressing the recognition of T cells to tumor cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is emerging as a promising therapeutic option for cancer treatment. However, modulating the immune system with ICIs still faces obstacles with severe immunogenic side effects and a lack of response against many cancer types. Plant-derived natural compounds offer regulation on various signaling cascades and have been applied for the treatment of multiple diseases, including cancer. Accumulated evidence provides the possibility of efficacy of phytochemicals in combinational with other therapeutic agents of ICIs, effectively modulating immune checkpoint-related signaling molecules. Recently, several phytochemicals have been reported to show the modulatory effects of immune checkpoints in various cancers in in vivo or in vitro models. This review summarizes druggable immune checkpoints and their regulatory factors. In addition, phytochemicals that are capable of suppressing PD-1/PD-L1 binding, the best-studied target of ICI therapy, were comprehensively summarized and classified according to chemical structure subgroups. It may help extend further research on phytochemicals as candidates of combinational adjuvants. Future clinical trials may validate the synergetic effects of preclinically investigated phytochemicals with ICI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juwon Lee
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.L.); (Y.H.); (W.W.); (H.J.); (H.K.)
- WCU Biomodulation, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Youngjin Han
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.L.); (Y.H.); (W.W.); (H.J.); (H.K.)
- SK Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Seongnam-si 13494, Korea
| | - Wenyu Wang
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.L.); (Y.H.); (W.W.); (H.J.); (H.K.)
- Interdisciplinary Program in Cancer Biology, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - HyunA Jo
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.L.); (Y.H.); (W.W.); (H.J.); (H.K.)
- WCU Biomodulation, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Heeyeon Kim
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.L.); (Y.H.); (W.W.); (H.J.); (H.K.)
- WCU Biomodulation, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Soochi Kim
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94304, USA;
| | - Kyung-Min Yang
- MedPacto Inc., 92, Myeongdal-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06668, Korea; (K.-M.Y.); (S.-J.K.)
| | - Seong-Jin Kim
- MedPacto Inc., 92, Myeongdal-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06668, Korea; (K.-M.Y.); (S.-J.K.)
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon 16229, Korea
- Department of Transdisciplinary Studies, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon 16229, Korea
| | - Danny N. Dhanasekaran
- Department of Cell Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
- Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Yong Sang Song
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.L.); (Y.H.); (W.W.); (H.J.); (H.K.)
- WCU Biomodulation, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Cancer Biology, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
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Treatment for liver cancer: From sorafenib to natural products. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 224:113690. [PMID: 34256124 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer most commonly develops in patients with chronic liver disease, the etiology of which includes viral hepatitis (B and C), alcohol, obesity, dietary carcinogens, and so forth. The current treatment modalities, including surgical resection and liver transplantation, have been found far from effective. Hence, there is an obvious critical need to develop alternative strategies for the treatment of it. In this review, we discuss the formation process and therapeutic targets of liver cancer. Currently, targeted therapy is limited to sorafenib, lenvatinib, regorafenib, ramucirumab and cabozantinib which leads to a survival benefit in patients, but on the other hand is hampered by the occurrence of drug resistance. Pleasingly and importantly, there are multiple natural products undergoing clinical evaluation in liver cancer, such as polyphenols like icaritin, resveratrol, and silybin, saponins including ginsenoside Rg3 and glycyrrhizinate, alkaloid containing irinotecan and berberine and inorganic compound arsenic trioxide at present. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that these compounds inhibit liver cancer formation owing to the influence on the anti-viral, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant, anti-angiogenesis and anti-metastasis activity. Furthermore, a series of small molecule derivatives inspired by the aforementioned compounds are designed and synthesized according to structure-activity relationship studies. Drug combination and novel type of drug-targeted delivery system thereof have been well developed. This article is ended by a perspective remark of futuristic development of natural product-based therapeutic regimen for liver cancer treatment. We expect that this review is an account for current status of natural products as promising anti-liver cancer treatments and should contribute to its understanding.
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Li H, Li Y, Ao H, Fu J, Guo Y, Han M, Yan X, Chen X, Wang X. A comparative study on the in vitro and in vivo antitumor efficacy of icaritin and hydrous icaritin nanorods. Drug Deliv 2021; 27:1176-1187. [PMID: 32762483 PMCID: PMC7470086 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2020.1801892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Icaritin (ICT) and hydrous icaritin (HICT) are two similar flavonoids compounds isolated from Epimedium Genus. This is the first comparative study on their in vitro and in vivo antitumor effects. Nanorods (NRs) were prepared for ICT and HICT by anti-solvent precipitation method using D-alpha tocopherol acid polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) as a stabilizer. The prepared ICT-NRs and HICT-NRs had similar diameter (155.5 nm and 201.7 nm), high drug loading content (43.30 ± 0.22% and 41.08 ± 0.19%), excellent stability and a similar sustaining drug release manner. Nanorods improved the in vitro toxicity against 4 different cancer cells in contrast to free ICT or free HICT; however, no significant difference was observed in this regard between ICT-NRs and HICT NRs. In the in vivo study on the anticancer efficacy on MCF-7 and PLC/PRE/5 tumor-bearing mice model, HICR-NRs displayed certain advantage over ICT NRs with higher tumor inhibition rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haowen Li
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yijing Li
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Hui Ao
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jingxin Fu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yifei Guo
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Meihua Han
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xueying Yan
- College of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, PR China
| | - Xi Chen
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xiangtao Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
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Microbiome analysis combined with targeted metabolomics reveal immunological anti-tumor activity of icariside I in a melanoma mouse model. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 140:111542. [PMID: 34088571 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies report that the gut microbiome can enhance systemic and antitumor immunity by modulating responses to antibody immunotherapy in melanoma patients. In this study, we found that icariside I, a novel anti-cancer agent isolated from Epimedium, significantly inhibited B16F10 melanoma growth in vivo through regulation of gut microbiota and host immunity. Oral administration of icariside I improved the microbiota community structure with marked restoration of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. abundance in the cecal contents of tumor-bearing mice. We also found that icariside I improves the levels of microbiota-derived metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and indole derivatives, consequently promoting repair of the intestinal barrier and reducing systemic inflammation of tumor-bearing mice. Icariside I exhibited strong immunological anti-tumor activity, directly manifested by up-regulation of multiple lymphocyte subsets including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells or NK and NKT cells in peripheral blood of tumor-bearing mice. Collectively, these results suggest that icariside I, via its microbiome remodeling and host immune regulation properties, may be developed as an anticancer drug.
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Luo XY, Wu KM, He XX. Advances in drug development for hepatocellular carcinoma: clinical trials and potential therapeutic targets. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:172. [PMID: 34006331 PMCID: PMC8130401 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01968-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest health burdens worldwide, few drugs are available for its clinical treatment. However, in recent years, major breakthroughs have been made in the development of new drugs due to intensive fundamental research and numerous clinical trials in HCC. Traditional systemic therapy schemes and emerging immunotherapy strategies have both advanced. Between 2017 and 2020, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a variety of drugs for the treatment of HCC, including multikinase inhibitors (regorafenib, lenvatinib, cabozantinib, and ramucirumab), immune checkpoint inhibitors (nivolumab and pembrolizumab), and bevacizumab combined with atezolizumab. Currently, there are more than 1000 ongoing clinical trials involving HCC, which represents a vibrant atmosphere in the HCC drug research and development field. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine approaches are being gradually optimized. This review summarizes FDA-approved agents for HCC, elucidates promising agents evaluated in clinical phase I/II/III trials and identifies emerging targets for HCC treatment. In addition, we introduce the development of HCC drugs in China. Finally, we discuss potential problems in HCC drug therapy and possible future solutions and indicate future directions for the development of drugs for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Yuan Luo
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Kong-Ming Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, China
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xing-Xing He
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Tang C, Meng K, Chen X, Yao H, Kong J, Li F, Yin H, Jin M, Liang H, Yuan Q. Preparation, Characterization, and In Vivo Evaluation of Amorphous Icaritin Nanoparticles Prepared by a Reactive Precipitation Technique. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26102913. [PMID: 34068926 PMCID: PMC8155890 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26102913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Icaritin is a promising anti-hepatoma drug that is currently being tested in a phase-III clinical trial. A novel combination of amorphization and nanonization was used to enhance the oral bioavailability of icaritin. Amorphous icaritin nanoparticles (AINs) were prepared by a reactive precipitation technique (RPT). Fourier transform infrared spectrometry was used to investigate the mechanism underlying the formation of amorphous nanoparticles. AINs were characterized via scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry. Our prepared AINs were also evaluated for their dissolution rates in vitro and oral bioavailability. The resultant nanosized AINs (64 nm) were amorphous and exhibited a higher dissolution rate than that derived from a previous oil-suspension formulation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that the C=O groups from the hydrophilic chain of polymers and the OH groups from icaritin formed hydrogen bonds that inhibited AIN crystallization and aggregation. Furthermore, an oral administration assay in beagle dogs showed that Cmax and AUClast of the dried AINs formulation were 3.3-fold and 4.5-fold higher than those of the oil-suspension preparation (p < 0.01), respectively. Our results demonstrate that the preparation of amorphous drug nanoparticles via our RPT may be a promising technique for improving the oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Tang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China;
| | - Kun Meng
- Beijing Shenogen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, China; (K.M.); (X.C.); (H.Y.); (J.K.); (F.L.); (H.Y.); (M.J.)
| | - Xiaoming Chen
- Beijing Shenogen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, China; (K.M.); (X.C.); (H.Y.); (J.K.); (F.L.); (H.Y.); (M.J.)
| | - Hua Yao
- Beijing Shenogen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, China; (K.M.); (X.C.); (H.Y.); (J.K.); (F.L.); (H.Y.); (M.J.)
| | - Junqiong Kong
- Beijing Shenogen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, China; (K.M.); (X.C.); (H.Y.); (J.K.); (F.L.); (H.Y.); (M.J.)
| | - Fusu Li
- Beijing Shenogen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, China; (K.M.); (X.C.); (H.Y.); (J.K.); (F.L.); (H.Y.); (M.J.)
| | - Haiyan Yin
- Beijing Shenogen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, China; (K.M.); (X.C.); (H.Y.); (J.K.); (F.L.); (H.Y.); (M.J.)
| | - Mingji Jin
- Beijing Shenogen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, China; (K.M.); (X.C.); (H.Y.); (J.K.); (F.L.); (H.Y.); (M.J.)
| | - Hao Liang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China;
- Correspondence: (H.L.); (Q.Y.)
| | - Qipeng Yuan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China;
- Correspondence: (H.L.); (Q.Y.)
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Xu Q, Deng H, Li X, Quan ZS. Application of Amino Acids in the Structural Modification of Natural Products: A Review. Front Chem 2021; 9:650569. [PMID: 33996749 PMCID: PMC8118163 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.650569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural products and their derivatives are important sources for drug discovery; however, they usually have poor solubility and low activity and require structural modification. Amino acids are highly soluble in water and have a wide range of activities. The introduction of amino acids into natural products is expected to improve the performance of these products and minimize their adverse effects. Therefore, this review summarizes the application of amino acids in the structural modification of natural products and provides a theoretical basis for the structural modification of natural products in the future. The articles were divided into six types based on the backbone structures of the natural products, and the related applications of amino acids in the structural modification of natural products were discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Affiliated Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
| | - Hao Deng
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Affiliated Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
| | - Xiaoting Li
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Affiliated Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhe-Shan Quan
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Affiliated Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Jilin, China
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Cao Z, Cheng Y, Wang J, Liu Y, Yang R, Jiang W, Li H, Zhang X. HBP1-mediated transcriptional repression of AFP inhibits hepatoma progression. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:118. [PMID: 33794968 PMCID: PMC8015059 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01881-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Background Hepatoma is a common malignancy of the liver. The abnormal high expression of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is intimately associated with hepatoma progress, but the mechanism of transcriptional regulation and singularly activation of AFP gene in hepatoma is not clear. Methods The expression of transcription factor HBP1 and AFP and clinical significance were further analyzed in hepatoma tissues from the patients who received surgery or TACE and then monitored for relapse for up 10 years. HBP1-mediated transcriptional regulation of AFP was analyzed by Western blotting, Luciferase assay, Realtime-PCR, ChIP and EMSA. After verified the axis of HBP-AFP, its impact on hepatoma was measured by MTT, Transwell and FACS in hepatoma cells and by tumorigenesis in HBP1−/− mice. Results The relative expressions of HBP1 and AFP correlated with survival and prognosis in hepatoma patients. HBP1 repressed the expression of AFP gene by directly binding to the AFP gene promoter. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-encoded protein HBx promoted malignancy in hepatoma cells through binding to HBP1 directly. Icaritin, an active ingredient of Chinese herb epimedium, inhibited malignancy in hepatoma cells through enhancing HBP1 transrepression of AFP. The repression of AFP by HBP1 attenuated AFP effect on PTEN, MMP9 and caspase-3, thus inhibited proliferation and migration, and induced apoptosis in hepatoma cells. The deregulation of AFP by HBP1 contributed to hepatoma progression in mice. Conclusions Our data clarify the mechanism of HBP1 in inhibiting the expression of AFP and its suppression in malignancy of hepatoma cells, providing a more comprehensive theoretical basis and potential solutions for the diagnosis and treatment of hepatoma. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-01881-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyi Cao
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, Xueyuan Road 38, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China.,Department of Hematology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Yinghua East Street, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuning Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, Xueyuan Road 38, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiyin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, Xueyuan Road 38, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujuan Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, Xueyuan Road 38, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruixiang Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, Xueyuan Road 38, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, Xueyuan Road 38, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, Xueyuan Road 38, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, Xueyuan Road 38, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China.
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Guo J, Zeng H, Liu Y, Shi X, Liu Y, Liu C, Chen Y. Multicomponent thermosensitive lipid complexes enhance desmoplastic tumor therapy through boosting anti-angiogenesis and synergistic strategy. Int J Pharm 2021; 601:120533. [PMID: 33781886 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Currently, the chemotherapy drugs-loaded thermosensitive liposomes have not shown an over standard of clinical effects compared to preclinical trials. In addition to the limiting factors of clinical trial design and heating device, abnormal angiogenesis in desmoplastic tumor is a key factor for unexpected clinical efficacy. Malformed tumor vasculature may result in reduced vascular transport and the heterogeneous distribution of thermosensitive liposomes in tumor. Here, we report an anti-angiogenesis strategy through hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF)-1α-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) axis based on icaritin and coix seed oil dual loaded multicomponent thermosensitive lipid complexes (IC-ML). IC-ML could downregulate the HIF-1α expression in HepG2 cells with a synergetic antitumor effect. In addition, HepG2 + LX-2 cells co-cultured 3D tumor spheres administered IC-ML showed the strongest penetration and inhibition of growth. Accordingly, IC-ML displayed improved tumor penetration and superior synergistic antitumor efficacy with HIF-1α-VEGF downregulation in vivo under mild hyperthermia. The improvement of antitumor efficacy of IC-ML comes from the anti-angiogenesis strategy and comprehensive tumor microenvironment remodeling, including depletion of cancer-associated fibroblasts as well as inhibition of M2-type tumor associated macrophage infiltration in desmoplastic tumor. This study proposes a novel multicomponent synergistic antitumor strategy to improve the therapeutic potential of thermosensitive lipid complexes for hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Guo
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China; Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Huating Zeng
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China; Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Yimin Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China; Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Xinmeng Shi
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China; Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Yuping Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China; Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Congyan Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China; Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China; Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, China.
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Li H, Liu Y, Jiang W, Xue J, Cheng Y, Wang J, Yang R, Zhang X. Icaritin promotes apoptosis and inhibits proliferation by down-regulating AFP gene expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:318. [PMID: 33765973 PMCID: PMC7992931 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08043-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Icaritin, an active ingredient of the Chinese herb Epimedium, plays an anti-tumor role in liver cancer by inhibiting the proliferation of hepatocellular cells and promoting their apoptosis. In China, phase II and a large phase III clinical trial of icaritin reagent for the treatment of hepatocellular cancer is under-going, but the specific mechanism of icaritin action was unclear. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), an oncofetal protein, produced in the healthy fetal liver and yolk sac. Intracellular AFP promoted cellular proliferation and inhibited cellular apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The study was aimed to investigate the effect of icaritin on HCC through p53/AFP pathway. Methods Real-time RT PCR and western blot were used to detect p53 and AFP expression levels in HCC cells treated with icaritin. The mechanism of icaritin affecting p53 expression was verified by ubiquitination experiment, and the binding activity of icaritin on p53 in AFP promoter region was verified by luciferase experiment. EdU, MTT and flow cytometry were used to determine whether icaritin affected HCC cellular proliferation and apoptosis through p53/ AFP pathway. Expression levels of p53 and AFP in xenograft mouse model were determined by western blotting. Results Our results showed icaritin inhibited AFP expression at mRNA and protein level. AFP was also identified as the target gene of the p53 transcription factor. Icaritin abrogated murine double minute (Mdm) 2-mediated p53 ubiquitination degradation to improve the stability of p53. Up-regulated p53 protein levels then transcriptionally inhibited the AFP promoter. Icaritin-mediated decrease of AFP through Mdm2/p53 pathways inhibited HCC cellular proliferation and promoted HCC cellular apoptosis. Conclusion Our findings revealed the mechanism of icaritin in promoting apoptosis and inhibiting proliferation in liver cancer cells. The regulatory mechanism of icaritin in AFP protein down-regulation provides a theoretical and experimental basis for further research into new drugs for the treatment of liver cancer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08043-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yujuan Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Junhui Xue
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuning Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiyin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruixiang Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Dai S, Liang T, Shi X, Luo Z, Yang H. Salvianolic Acid B Protects Intervertebral Discs from Oxidative Stress-Induced Degeneration via Activation of the JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:6672978. [PMID: 33628378 PMCID: PMC7896869 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6672978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the influence of salvianolic acid B (SAB), an antioxidant derived from Danshen, on intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and its possible molecular mechanisms. METHODS Sixty adult rats were randomly grouped (control, IDD, and SAB IDD groups). IDD was induced using needle puncture. The rats received daily administration of SAB (20 mg/kg) in the SAB IDD group while the other two groups received only distilled water. The extent of IDD was evaluated using MRI after 3 and 6 weeks and histology after 6 weeks. Oxidative stress was assessed using the ELISA method. In in vitro experiments, nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) were treated with H2O2 (100 μM) or SAB+H2O2, and levels of oxidative stress were measured. Cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry, expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 proteins. Cell proliferation rate was assessed by EdU analysis. Pathway involvement was determined by Western blotting while the influence of the pathway on NPCs was explored using the pathway inhibitor AG490. RESULTS The data demonstrate that SAB attenuated injury-induced IDD and oxidative stress, caused by activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in vivo. Oxidative stress induced by H2O2 was reversed by SAB in vitro. SAB reduced the increased cell apoptosis, cleaved caspase-3 expression, and caspase-3 activity induced by H2O2. Reduced cell proliferation and decreased Bcl-2/Bax ratio induced by H2O2 were rescued by SAB. Additionally, the JAK2/STAT3 pathway was activated by SAB, while AG490 counteracted this effect. CONCLUSION The results suggest that SAB protects intervertebral discs from oxidative stress-induced degeneration by enhancing proliferation and attenuating apoptosis via activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shouqian Dai
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedics Institute of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ting Liang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedics Institute of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiu Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zongping Luo
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedics Institute of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huilin Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedics Institute of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Mahboobifard F, Dargahi L, Jorjani M, Ramezani Tehrani F, Pourgholami MH. The role of ERα36 in cell type-specific functions of estrogen and cancer development. Pharmacol Res 2021; 163:105307. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Tao H, Liu M, Wang Y, Luo S, Xu Y, Ye B, Zheng L, Meng K, Li L. Icaritin Induces Anti-tumor Immune Responses in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Inhibiting Splenic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Generation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:609295. [PMID: 33717093 PMCID: PMC7952329 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.609295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that splenic extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is an important mechanism for the accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in tumor tissues, and thus contributes to disease progression. Icaritin, a prenylflavonoid derivative from plants of the Epimedium genus, has been implicated as a novel immune-modulator that could prolong the survival of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, it is unclear whether icaritin achieves its anti-tumor effects via the regulation of MDSCs generated by EMH in HCC. Here, we investigated the anti-tumor potential of icaritin and its mechanism of action in murine HCC. Icaritin suppressed tumor progression and significantly prolonged the survival of mice-bearing orthotopic and subcutaneous HCC tumors. Rather than exerting direct cytotoxic activity against tumor cells, icaritin significantly reduced the accumulation and activation of tumoral and splenic MDSCs, and increased the number and activity of cytotoxic T cells. Mechanistically, icaritin downregulates the tumor-associated splenic EMH, thereby reducing the generation and activation of MDSCs. The inhibitory effects of icaritin on human MDSCs in vitro were verified in short-term culture with cord-blood derived hematopoietic precursors. Furthermore, icaritin synergistically enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade therapy in HCC mice. These findings revealed that icaritin dampens tumoral immunosuppression to elicit anti-tumor immune responses by preventing MDSC generation via the attenuation of EMH. Thus, icaritin may serve as a novel adjuvant or even a stand-alone therapeutic agent for the effective treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Tao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Medicine, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingyu Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shufeng Luo
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongquan Xu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Ye
- Beijing Shenogen Biomedical Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Limin Zheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kun Meng
- Beijing Shenogen Biomedical Ltd, Beijing, China
- Kun Meng
| | - Lian Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Lian Li
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Zhang Q, Han Z, Zhu Y, Chen J, Li W. The Role and Specific Mechanism of OCT4 in Cancer Stem Cells: A Review. Int J Stem Cells 2020; 13:312-325. [PMID: 32840233 PMCID: PMC7691851 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc20097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, evidences show that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a type of cancer cell group with self-renewal and play a huge role in tumor recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. Finding new treatment directions and targets for cancer prognosis and reducing mortality has become a top priority. OCT4, as a transcription factor, participates in maintaining the stem characteristics of CSCs, but the mechanism of OCT4 is often overlooked. In this review, we try to illustrate the mechanism by which OCT4 plays a role in CSCs from the perspective of genetic modification of OCT4, non-coding RNA, complexes and signaling pathways associated with OCT4. Our ultimate goal is to provide new targets for cancer treatment to prolong the survival of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhenzhen Han
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yanbo Zhu
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingcheng Chen
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Li
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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50
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Qin SK, Li Q, Ming Xu J, Liang J, Cheng Y, Fan Y, Jiang J, Ye H, Tao H, Li L, Zheng L, Wei Z, Li S, Meng K, Ye B, Sun Y. Icaritin-induced immunomodulatory efficacy in advanced hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma: Immunodynamic biomarkers and overall survival. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:4218-4231. [PMID: 32889778 PMCID: PMC7648021 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma HCC with poor prognosis is often associated with chronic inflammation, immune tolerance, and marked heterogeneity. The interleukin-6 (IL-6)/JAK/STAT3 signal pathways play multiple regulatory roles in modulating inflammation and immunity in cancers. Polarization of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) is involved in HBV-related immunosuppression and CD8+ T-cell activation through ERK/IL-6/STAT3. Icaritin is a small molecule that has displayed anticancer activities through IL-6/JAK/STAT3 pathways in tumor cells and immune cells including CD8+ T cells, MDSCs, neutrophils, and macrophages. This study aimed to confirm icaritin immunomodulation in advanced HBV-related HCC patients with poor prognosis. Immunomodulation of MDSCs was evaluated in BALB/c mice in vivo. Immunomodulation of serum cytokines and a panel of immune checkpoint proteins were assessed in HBV-related, histologically confirmed HCC patients. Poor prognostic characteristics included HBV infection, bulky tumors, Child-Pugh B classification, and metastasis. Clinical end-points included safety, tumor response, and overall survival (OS). Icaritin treatment-induced dynamics of serum cytokines IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α, and soluble immune checkpoint proteins TIM3, LAG3, CD28, CD80, and CTLA-4 were assessed. No grade III/IV treatment-related adverse events were observed. Time-to-progression was significantly associated with the prognostic factors. Improved survival was observed in the advanced HCC patients with dynamic changes of cytokines, immune checkpoint proteins, and immune cells. Median OS (329-565 days) was significantly correlated with baseline hepatitis B surface antigen positivity, cytokines, tumor neoantigens, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infection. Composite biomarker scores of high-level α-fetoprotein and T helper type I (Th1)/Th2 cytokines associated with favorable survival warrant further clinical development of icaritin as an alternative immune-modulatory regimen to treat advanced HCC patients with poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Kui Qin
- Clinical Oncology Department, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Qing Li
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Ming Xu
- The 5th Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Liang
- Clinical Oncology Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ying Cheng
- Clinical Oncology Department, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Ying Fan
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Jiang
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Ye
- Research & Development Department, SinoTech Genomics, Shanghai, China
| | - Huimin Tao
- School of Life Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lian Li
- School of Life Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Limin Zheng
- School of Life Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaohui Wei
- Biostatistical Department, Tigermed Consulting Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Shu Li
- Research & Clinical Development, Shenogen Pharma Group, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Meng
- Research & Clinical Development, Shenogen Pharma Group, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Ye
- Research & Clinical Development, Shenogen Pharma Group, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Sun
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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