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Farzan M, Farzan M, Shahrani M, Navabi SP, Vardanjani HR, Amini-Khoei H, Shabani S. Neuroprotective properties of Betulin, Betulinic acid, and Ursolic acid as triterpenoids derivatives: a comprehensive review of mechanistic studies. Nutr Neurosci 2024; 27:223-240. [PMID: 36821092 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2023.2180865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive deficits are the main outcome of neurological disorders whose occurrence has risen over the past three decades. Although there are some pharmacologic approaches approved for managing neurological disorders, it remains largely ineffective. Hence, exploring novel nature-based nutraceuticals is a pressing need to alleviate the results of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative disorders. Some triterpenoids and their derivates can be considered potential therapeutics against neurological disorders due to their neuroprotective and cognitive-improving effects. Betulin (B), betulinic acid (BA), and ursolic acid (UA) are pentacyclic triterpenoid compounds with a variety of biological activities, including antioxidative, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. This review focuses on the therapeutic efficacy and probable molecular mechanisms of triterpenoids in damage prevention to neurons and restoring cognition in neurodegenerative diseases. Considering few studies on this concept, the precise mechanisms that mediate the effect of these compounds in neurodegenerative disorders have remained unknown. The findings can provide sufficient information about the advantages of these compounds against neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahan Farzan
- Student Research Committee, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
- PhytoPharmacology Interest Group (PPIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahour Farzan
- Student Research Committee, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
- Neuroscience Research Group (NRG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Shahrani
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Parisa Navabi
- Persian Gulf Physiology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hossien Rajabi Vardanjani
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hossein Amini-Khoei
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Sahreh Shabani
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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Huang X, Lowrie DB, Fan XY, Hu Z. Natural products in anti-tuberculosis host-directed therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116087. [PMID: 38171242 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116087] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Given that the disease progression of tuberculosis (TB) is primarily related to the host's immune status, it has been gradually realized that chemotherapy that targets the bacteria may never, on its own, wholly eradicate Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB. The concept of host-directed therapy (HDT) with immune adjuvants has emerged. HDT could potentially interfere with infection and colonization by the pathogens, enhance the protective immune responses of hosts, suppress the overwhelming inflammatory responses, and help to attain a state of homeostasis that favors treatment efficacy. However, the HDT drugs currently being assessed in combination with anti-TB chemotherapy still face the dilemmas arising from side effects and high costs. Natural products are well suited to compensate for these shortcomings by having gentle modulatory effects on the host immune responses with less immunopathological damage at a lower cost. In this review, we first summarize the profiles of anti-TB immunology and the characteristics of HDT. Then, we focus on the rationale and challenges of developing and implementing natural products-based HDT. A succinct report of the medications currently being evaluated in clinical trials and preclinical studies is provided. This review aims to promote target-based screening and accelerate novel TB drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejiao Huang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center & Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Douglas B Lowrie
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center & Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Xiao-Yong Fan
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center & Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China.
| | - Zhidong Hu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center & Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China.
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Limami Y, Pinon A, Wahnou H, Oudghiri M, Liagre B, Simon A, Duval RE. Ursolic Acid's Alluring Journey: One Triterpenoid vs. Cancer Hallmarks. Molecules 2023; 28:7897. [PMID: 38067626 PMCID: PMC10707789 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a multifactorial disease characterized by various hallmarks, including uncontrolled cell growth, evasion of apoptosis, sustained angiogenesis, tissue invasion, and metastasis, among others. Traditional cancer therapies often target specific hallmarks, leading to limited efficacy and the development of resistance. Thus, there is a growing need for alternative strategies that can address multiple hallmarks concomitantly. Ursolic acid (UA), a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid, has recently emerged as a promising candidate for multitargeted cancer therapy. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the anticancer properties of UA, focusing on its ability to modulate various cancer hallmarks. The literature reveals that UA exhibits potent anticancer effects through diverse mechanisms, including the inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, suppression of angiogenesis, inhibition of metastasis, and modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, UA has demonstrated promising activity against different cancer types (e.g., breast, lung, prostate, colon, and liver) by targeting various cancer hallmarks. This review discusses the molecular targets and signaling pathways involved in the anticancer effects of UA. Notably, UA has been found to modulate key signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, MAPK/ERK, NF-κB, and Wnt/β-catenin, which play crucial roles in cancer development and progression. Moreover, the ability of UA to destroy cancer cells through various mechanisms (e.g., apoptosis, autophagy, inhibiting cell growth, dysregulating cancer cell metabolism, etc.) contributes to its multitargeted effects on cancer hallmarks. Despite promising anticancer effects, this review acknowledges hurdles related to UA's low bioavailability, emphasizing the need for enhanced therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youness Limami
- Laboratory of Health Sciences and Technologies, Higher Institute of Health Sciences, Hassan First University of Settat, Settat 26000, Morocco
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biodiversity, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Hassan II University, B.P. 2693, Maarif, Casablanca 20100, Morocco; (H.W.); (M.O.)
| | - Aline Pinon
- Univ. Limoges, LABCiS, UR 22722, F-87000 Limoges, France; (A.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Hicham Wahnou
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biodiversity, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Hassan II University, B.P. 2693, Maarif, Casablanca 20100, Morocco; (H.W.); (M.O.)
| | - Mounia Oudghiri
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biodiversity, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Hassan II University, B.P. 2693, Maarif, Casablanca 20100, Morocco; (H.W.); (M.O.)
| | - Bertrand Liagre
- Univ. Limoges, LABCiS, UR 22722, F-87000 Limoges, France; (A.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Alain Simon
- Univ. Limoges, LABCiS, UR 22722, F-87000 Limoges, France; (A.P.); (B.L.)
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Liao Y, Gui Y, Li Q, An J, Wang D. The signaling pathways and targets of natural products from traditional Chinese medicine treating gastric cancer provide new candidate therapeutic strategies. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188998. [PMID: 37858623 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188998] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the severe malignancies with high incidence and mortality, especially in Eastern Asian countries. Significant advancements have been made in diagnosing and treating GC over the past few decades, resulting in tremendous improvements in patient survival. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has garnered considerable attention as an alternative therapeutic approach for GC due to its multicomponent and multitarget characteristics. Consequently, natural products found in TCM have attracted researchers' attention, as growing evidence suggests that these natural products can impede GC progression by regulating various biological processes. Nevertheless, their molecular mechanisms are not systematically uncovered. Here, we review the major signaling pathways involved in GC development. Additionally, clinical GC samples were analyzed. Moreover, the anti-GC effects of natural products, their underlying mechanisms and potential targets were summarized. These summaries are intended to facilitate further relevant research, and accelerate the clinical applications of natural products in GC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yile Liao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yu Gui
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Qingzhou Li
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Jun An
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Dong Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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Liu G, Qin P, Cheng X, Wu L, Wang R, Gao W. Ursolic acid: biological functions and application in animal husbandry. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1251248. [PMID: 37964910 PMCID: PMC10642196 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1251248] [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: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a plant-derived pentacyclic triterpenoid with 30 carbon atoms. UA has anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antimicrobial, hepato-protective, anticancer, and other biological activities. Most studies on the biological functions of UA have been performed in mammalian cell (in vitro) and rodent (in vivo) models. UA is used in animal husbandry as an anti-inflammatory and antiviral agent, as well as for enhancing the integrity of the intestinal barrier. Although UA has been shown to have significant in vitro bacteriostatic effects, it is rarely used in animal nutrition. The use of UA as a substitute for oral antibiotics or as a novel feed additive in animal husbandry should be considered. This review summarizes the available data on the biological functions of UA and its applications in animal husbandry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanhui Liu
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Peng Qin
- Chenguang Biotechnology Group Handan Co., Ltd., Handan, China
| | - Xinying Cheng
- Chenguang Biotechnology Group Handan Co., Ltd., Handan, China
| | - Lifei Wu
- Hebei Plant Extraction Innovation Center Co., Ltd., Handan, China
- Hebei Province Plant Source Animal Health Products Technology Innovation Center, Handan, China
| | - Ruoning Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Hebei Plant Extraction Innovation Center Co., Ltd., Handan, China
- Hebei Province Plant Source Animal Health Products Technology Innovation Center, Handan, China
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Zhang X, Li L, Chen J, Hu M, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Lu Y. Investigation of anti-depression effects and potential mechanisms of the ethyl acetate extract of Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. through the integration of in vivo experiments, LC-MS/MS chemical analysis, and a systems biology approach. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1239197. [PMID: 37954847 PMCID: PMC10634308 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1239197] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. has long been used as an anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and anti-aging agent in traditional Chinese medicine in Asia. Its ethyl acetate extract (ECS) has been identified as the main antioxidant component with neuroprotective and estrogen-like effects. However, the potential of ECS in treating depression has not been explored yet. Methods: We identified the primary metabolites in ECS in this study using liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Network analysis was used to find the potential targets and pathways associated with the anti-neuroinflammatory depression action of the ECS. In addition, we established a corticosterone (CORT)-induced depression mouse model to assess ECS's antidepressant effects by monitoring various behavioral changes (e.g., sucrose preference, forced swimming, tail suspension, and open field tests) and biochemical indices of the hippocampus, and validating the network analysis results. Significant pathways underwent verification through western blotting based on network analysis prediction. Results: Our study demonstrates that ECS possesses significant antidepressant activity. The LC-MS/MS analysis of ECS identified 30 main metabolites, including phloridzin, phlorizin, ursolic acid, and naringenin, as well as other flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids. These metabolites were found to be associated with 64 candidate target proteins related to neuroinflammatory depression from the database, and ten hub proteins were identified through filtration: CXCL8, ICAM1, NOS2, SELP, TNF, IL6, APP, ACHE, MAOA and ADA. Functional enrichment analyses of the candidate targets revealed their primary roles in regulating cytokine production, inflammatory response, cytokine activity, and tumor necrosis factor receptor binding. In vivo, ECS improved hippocampal neuroinflammation in the mouse model. Specifically, ECS reduced the expression of inflammatory factors in the hippocampus, inhibited M1 microglial cell polarization, and alleviated depression through the regulation of the NF-κB-NLRP3 inflammation pathway. Conclusion: Based on experimental and network analysis, this study revealed for the first time that ECS exerted antidepression effect via anti-neuroinflammation. Our research provides valuable information on the use of ECS as an alternative therapeutic approach for depression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yi Lu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Qiang R, Li Y, Dai X, Lv W. NLRP3 inflammasome in digestive diseases: From mechanism to therapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:978190. [PMID: 36389791 PMCID: PMC9644028 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.978190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Digestive system diseases remain a formidable challenge to human health. NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is the most characteristic multimeric protein complex and is involved in a wide range of digestive diseases as intracellular innate immune sensors. It has emerged as a research hotspot in recent years. In this context, we provide a comprehensive review of NLRP3 inflammasome priming and activation in the pathogenesis of digestive diseases, including clinical and preclinical studies. Moreover, the scientific evidence of small-molecule chemical drugs, biologics, and phytochemicals, which acts on different steps of the NLRP3 inflammasome, is reviewed. Above all, deep interrogation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is a better insight of the pathomechanism of digestive diseases. We believe that the NLRP3 inflammasome will hold promise as a novel valuable target and research direction for treating digestive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Qiang
- *Correspondence: Rui Qiang, ; Yanbo Li, ; Wenliang Lv,
| | - Yanbo Li
- *Correspondence: Rui Qiang, ; Yanbo Li, ; Wenliang Lv,
| | | | - Wenliang Lv
- *Correspondence: Rui Qiang, ; Yanbo Li, ; Wenliang Lv,
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Gohari Z, Baghaei A, Mahboudi H, Hashemi J, Rahmati M, Islami M, Mansouri V. Ursolic acid incorporated nanofibers improves chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. POLYM ADVAN TECHNOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pat.5830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Gohari
- Department of Animal Science, School of Biology, Faculty of Science University of Tehran Tehran Iran
| | - Ahmadali Baghaei
- Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad Branch Islamic Azad University Mashhad Iran
| | - Hossein Mahboudi
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy Alborz University of Medical Sciences karaj Iran
| | - Javad Hashemi
- Department of Pathobiology and Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medicine North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences Bojnurd Iran
| | - Mohammad Rahmati
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Paramedicine Guilan University of Medical Sciences Rasht Iran
| | - Maryam Islami
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Medicine Alborz University of Medical Science Karaj Iran
| | - Vahid Mansouri
- Proteomics Research Center, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
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Ursolic acid and SARS-CoV-2 infection: a new horizon and perspective. Inflammopharmacology 2022; 30:1493-1501. [PMID: 35922738 PMCID: PMC9362167 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-022-01038-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2) has been identified as the source of a world coronavirus pandemic in 2019. Covid-19 is considered a main respiratory disease-causing viral pneumonia and, in severe cases, leads to acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Although, extrapulmonary manifestations of Covid-19 like neurological, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal have been confirmed. Exaggerated immune response and release of a high amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines may progress, causing a cytokine storm. Consequently, direct and indirect effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection can evolve into systemic complications due to the progression of hyper inflammation, oxidative stress and dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Therefore, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents could be efficient in alleviating these disorders. Ursolic acid has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral effects; it reduces the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, improves anti-inflammatory cytokines, and inhibits the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In virtue of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, ursolic acid may minimize SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced complications. Also, by regulating RAS and inflammatory signaling pathways, ursolic acid might effectively reduce the development of ALI in ARDS in Covid-19. In this state, this perspective discusses how ursolic acid can mitigate hyper inflammation and oxidative stress in Covid-19.
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Vanrell MC, Martinez SJ, Muñoz LI, Salassa BN, Gambarte Tudela J, Romano PS. Induction of Autophagy by Ursolic Acid Promotes the Elimination of Trypanosoma cruzi Amastigotes From Macrophages and Cardiac Cells. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:919096. [PMID: 36004334 PMCID: PMC9394444 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.919096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is an infectious illness endemic to Latin America and still lacks an effective treatment for the chronic stage. In a previous study in our laboratory, we established the protective role of host autophagy in vivo during T. cruzi infection in mice and proposed this process as one of the mechanisms involved in the innate immune response against this parasite. In the search for an autophagy inducer that increases the anti-T. cruzi response in the host, we found ursolic acid (UA), a natural pentacyclic triterpene with many biological actions including autophagy induction. The aim of this work was to study the effect of UA on T. cruzi infection in vitro in the late infection stage, when the nests of intracellular parasites are forming, in both macrophages and cardiac cells. To test this effect, the cells were infected with T. cruzi for 24 h and then treated with UA (5–10 µM). The data showed that UA significantly decreased the number of amastigotes found in infected cells in comparison with non-treated cells. UA also induced the autophagy response in both macrophages and cardiac cells under the studied conditions, and the inhibition of this pathway during UA treatment restored the level of infection. Interestingly, LC3 protein, the main marker of autophagy, was recruited around amastigotes and the acidic probe LysoTracker localized with them, two key features of xenophagy. A direct cytotoxic effect of UA was also found on trypomastigotes of T. cruzi, whereas epimastigotes and amastigotes displayed more resistance to this drug at the studied concentrations. Taken together, these data showed that this natural compound reduces T. cruzi infection in the later stages by promoting parasite damage through the induction of autophagy. This action, in addition to the effect of this compound on trypomastigotes, points to UA as an interesting lead for Chagas disease treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Cristina Vanrell
- Laboratorio de biología de Trypanosoma cruzi y la célula hospedadora, Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza, Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IHEM-CONICET)-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- *Correspondence: María Cristina Vanrell, ; Patricia Silvia Romano,
| | - Santiago José Martinez
- Laboratorio de biología de Trypanosoma cruzi y la célula hospedadora, Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza, Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IHEM-CONICET)-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Lucila Ibel Muñoz
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad Juan Agustín Maza, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Betiana Nebaí Salassa
- Laboratorio de biología de Trypanosoma cruzi y la célula hospedadora, Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza, Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IHEM-CONICET)-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | | | - Patricia Silvia Romano
- Laboratorio de biología de Trypanosoma cruzi y la célula hospedadora, Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza, Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IHEM-CONICET)-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- *Correspondence: María Cristina Vanrell, ; Patricia Silvia Romano,
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Ma W, Chang N, Yu Y, Su Y, Chen G, Cheng W, Wu Y, Li C, Chang W, Yang J. Ursolic acid silences CYP19A1/aromatase to suppress gastric cancer growth. Cancer Med 2022; 11:2824-2835. [PMID: 35545835 PMCID: PMC9302273 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gastric cancer (GCa) is a malignancy with few effective treatments. Ursolic acid (UA), a bioactive triterpenoid enriched in Hedyotis diffusa Willd, known to suppress GCa without identified target. CYP19A1 (cytochrome P450 family 19A1; also known as aromatase, Ar) was correlated to GCa prognosis. Relatedly, Ar silencers, which halt the expression of Ar exhibited anti-GCa effects in experimental models, are currently being investigated. METHOD The docking simulation score of UA was compared with Ar inhibitors, e.g., letrozole, exemestane, in Ar protein crystallization. Hedyotis diffusa Willd ethanol extract, UA, or 5-fluracil were applied onto AGS, SC-M1, MKN45 GCa cells for cancer inhibition tests. Immunoblot for measuring gene expressions upon drug treatments, or gene knockdown/overexpression. Treatments were also applied in a MKN45 implantation tumor model. A web-based GCa cohort for Ar expression association with prognosis was performed. RESULT The ethanol extracts of Hedyotis diffusa Willd, enrich with UA, exhibited cytotoxic activity against GCa cells. Molecular docking simulations with the 3D Ar structure revealed an excellent fitting score for UA. UA increase cytotoxic, and suppressed colony, in addition to its Ar silencing capacity. Moreover, UA synergistically facilitated 5-FU, (a standard GCa treatment) regimen in vitro. Consistent with those results, adding estradiol did not reverse the cancer-suppressing effects of UA, which confirmed UA acts as an Ar silencer. Furthermore, UA exhibited tumor-suppressing index (TSI) score of 90% over a 6-week treatment term when used for single dosing in xenograft tumor model. In the clinical setting, Ar expression was found to be higher in GCa tumors than normal parental tissue from the TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) cohort, while high Ar expression associated with poor prognosis. Together, the results indicate UA could be used to treat GCa by silencing Ar expression in GCa. Hedyotis diffusa Willd ethanol extract could be an functional food supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen‐Lung Ma
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical SciencesCenter for Tumor BiologyDepartment of PharmacologyChinese Medicine Research CenterDrug Development Center, and Graduate Institute of Chinese MedicineGraduate Institute of Integrated MedicineSchool of MedicineChina Medical UniversityTaichungTaiwan
- Department of Medical ResearchChinese Medicine Research and Development Center, and Department of Obstetrics & GynecologyChina Medical University HospitalTaichungTaiwan
- Department of NursingDepartment of BiotechnologyCollege of Medical and Health ScienceAsia UniversityTaichungTaiwan
| | - Ning Chang
- Department of Medical ResearchChinese Medicine Research and Development Center, and Department of Obstetrics & GynecologyChina Medical University HospitalTaichungTaiwan
| | - Yingchun Yu
- Department of Medical ResearchChinese Medicine Research and Development Center, and Department of Obstetrics & GynecologyChina Medical University HospitalTaichungTaiwan
| | - Yu‐Ting Su
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical SciencesCenter for Tumor BiologyDepartment of PharmacologyChinese Medicine Research CenterDrug Development Center, and Graduate Institute of Chinese MedicineGraduate Institute of Integrated MedicineSchool of MedicineChina Medical UniversityTaichungTaiwan
- Department of Medical ResearchChinese Medicine Research and Development Center, and Department of Obstetrics & GynecologyChina Medical University HospitalTaichungTaiwan
| | - Guan‐Yu Chen
- Department of Medical ResearchChinese Medicine Research and Development Center, and Department of Obstetrics & GynecologyChina Medical University HospitalTaichungTaiwan
| | - Wei‐Chung Cheng
- Department of Medical ResearchChinese Medicine Research and Development Center, and Department of Obstetrics & GynecologyChina Medical University HospitalTaichungTaiwan
| | - Yang‐Chang Wu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical SciencesCenter for Tumor BiologyDepartment of PharmacologyChinese Medicine Research CenterDrug Development Center, and Graduate Institute of Chinese MedicineGraduate Institute of Integrated MedicineSchool of MedicineChina Medical UniversityTaichungTaiwan
- Department of Medical ResearchChinese Medicine Research and Development Center, and Department of Obstetrics & GynecologyChina Medical University HospitalTaichungTaiwan
- Department of NursingDepartment of BiotechnologyCollege of Medical and Health ScienceAsia UniversityTaichungTaiwan
| | - Ching‐Chia Li
- Graduate Institute of Clinical MedicineCollege of MedicineKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
- Department of UrologyKaohsiung Medical University HospitalKaohsiungTaiwan
- Department of UrologySchool of MedicineCollege of MedicineKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
| | - Wei‐Chun Chang
- Department of Medical ResearchChinese Medicine Research and Development Center, and Department of Obstetrics & GynecologyChina Medical University HospitalTaichungTaiwan
- Department of NursingDepartment of BiotechnologyCollege of Medical and Health ScienceAsia UniversityTaichungTaiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyAsia University HospitalTaichungTaiwan
| | - Juan‐Cheng Yang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical SciencesCenter for Tumor BiologyDepartment of PharmacologyChinese Medicine Research CenterDrug Development Center, and Graduate Institute of Chinese MedicineGraduate Institute of Integrated MedicineSchool of MedicineChina Medical UniversityTaichungTaiwan
- School of Chinese MedicineChina Medical UniversityTaichungTaiwan
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12
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Li L, Lu Y, Liu Y, Wang D, Duan L, Cheng S, Liu G. Network Pharmacology Analysis of Huangqi Jianzhong Tang Targets in Gastric Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:882147. [PMID: 35462892 PMCID: PMC9024123 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.882147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The Chinese medicine, Huangqi Jianzhong Tang (HJT), is widely used to treat gastric cancer (GC). In this study, network pharmacological methods were used to analyze the potential therapeutic targets and pharmacological mechanisms of HJT in GC. Methods: Bioactive components and targets of HJT and GC-related targets were identified using public databases. The protein-protein interaction network of potential targets of HJT in GC was constructed using the Cytoscape plug-in (v3.8.0), CytoHubba. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed, in addition to molecular docking and animal experiments to verify the results of network pharmacology analysis. Results: A total of 538 GC-related targets were identified. The bioactive components of HJT were selected for drug-likeness evaluation and binomial statistical model screening, which revealed 63 bioactive components and 72 targets. Based on GO enrichment analysis, all targets in the protein-protein interaction network were mainly involved in the response to oxidative stress and neuronal death. Further, KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that the treatment of GC with HJT mainly involved the Wnt signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway, thereby providing insights into the mechanism of the effects of HJT on GC. Conclusion: This study revealed the potential bioactive components and molecular mechanisms of HJT, which may be useful for the treatment of GC, and provided insights into the development of new drugs for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Li
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yizhuo Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Institute of Gastrointestinal Oncology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yanling Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Dan Wang
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Linshan Duan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shuyu Cheng
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Guoyan Liu
- Institute of Gastrointestinal Oncology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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13
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Jia Z, Li W, Bian P, Yang L, Liu H, Pan D, Dou Z. Ursolic acid treats renal tubular epithelial cell damage induced by calcium oxalate monohydrate via inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation. Bioengineered 2021; 12:5450-5461. [PMID: 34506233 PMCID: PMC8806476 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1955176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) has been proved to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, it is not clear whether it has a protective impact on kidney damage induced by crystals of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM). This work aimed to make clear the potential mechanism of UA protecting COM-induced kidney damage. The results manifested that high- and low-dose UA reduced COM crystals in COM rats' kidney, down-regulated urea, creatinine, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels in rat plasma, declined kidney tissue and HK-2 cell apoptosis, inhibited Bax expression but elevated Bcl-2 expression. Additionally, UA alleviated renal fibrosis in COM rats, repressed α-SMA and collagen I protein expressions in the kidney and COM rats' HK-2 cells, depressed COM-induced oxidative damage in vivo and in vitro via up-regulating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, up-regulated SOD levels and reduced MDA levels, down-regulated TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels in vivo and in vitro via suppressing activation of TLR4/NF-κB pathway. In summary, the results of this study suggest that COM-induced renal injury can be effectively improved via UA, providing powerful data support for the development of effective clinical drugs for renal injury in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Jia
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang City, Henan Province, China
| | - Wensheng Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang City, Henan Province, China
| | - Pan Bian
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang City, Henan Province, China
| | - Liuyang Yang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang City, Henan Province, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang City, Henan Province, China
| | - Dong Pan
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang City, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhongling Dou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang City, Henan Province, China
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14
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Li W, Yin X, Yan Y, Liu C, Li G. STEAP4 knockdown inhibits the proliferation of prostate cancer cells by activating the cGMP-PKG pathway under lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory microenvironment. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 101:108311. [PMID: 34768126 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 4 (STEAP4) is involved in the development of human cancers. However, the role of STEAP4 in prostate cancer remains largely unknown. The purpose of this research is to explore the role and action mechanism of STEAP4 in prostate cancer development under lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory microenvironment. STEAP4 expression was analyzed by Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), UALCAN and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), and its prognostic value was analyzed by LinkedOmics. STEAP4-correlated genes were analyzed by LinkedOmics and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. STEAP4 level was detected by Western blotting or qRT-PCR. Proliferation was investigated by CCK-8 and EdU staining. Inflammatory cytokine levels were detected by ELISA. The cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-protein kinase G (PKG) pathway was detected by ELISA and Western blotting. STEAP4 level was increased in prostate cancer tissues, and high expression of STEAP4 was associated with the poor overall survival. LPS promoted cell viability and STEAP4 expression. STEAP4 knockdown attenuated LPS-induced inflammation in prostate cancer cells. STEAP4 downregulation mitigated LPS-induced tumorigenesis by decreasing cell proliferation. STEAP4 silencing reversed LPS-induced inactivation of the cGMP-PKG pathway. Inhibition of the cGMP-PKG pathway using inhibitor KT5823 relieved STEAP4 silencing-mediated suppression of cell proliferation and inflammation in LPS-stimulated cells. In conclusion, STEAP4 silencing inhibits LPS-induced proliferation of prostate cancer cells by activating the cGMP-PKG pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Maternal and Child Care Center of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao 066000, China
| | - Xiurong Yin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Maternal and Child Care Center of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao 066000, China
| | - Yani Yan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Maternal and Child Care Center of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao 066000, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Maternal and Child Care Center of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao 066000, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Surgical Anesthesiology, Maternal and Child Care Center of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao 066000, China.
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15
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Zhu Z, Zhu Q, Cai D, Chen L, Xie W, Bai Y, Luo K. Golgi phosphoprotein 3 promotes the proliferation of gallbladder carcinoma cells via regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Oncol Rep 2021; 45:113. [PMID: 33907835 PMCID: PMC8107641 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.8064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) has been demonstrated to promote tumor progression in various gastrointestinal malignancies. However, its effects in gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) remain unknown. In the present study, the expression levels of GOLPH3 and nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) in human GBC tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the clinical data and survival of these patients were analyzed. Next, whether GOLPH3 could affect tumor proliferation via regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome was investigated in vitro. The results demonstrated that GOLPH3 could promote GBC cell proliferation, and that it regulated protein expression levels of NLRP3, as well as Caspase-1 P10. Conversely, knockdown of NLRP3 reversed the effects of GOLPH3 overexpression on GBC cell proliferation. GOLPH3 and NLRP3 expression levels were found to be upregulated in GBC tissues and their expression was positively correlated. The expression of GOLPH3 and NLRP3 was associated with the expression of the proliferative marker Ki-67 in tissues, and associated with poor survival, tumor stage, degree of differentiation, depth of invasion, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and C-reactive protein levels in patients with GBC. In summary, these results indicate that GOLPH3 promotes GBC cell proliferation via a NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway. GOLPH3 and NLRP3 participate in the process of human GBC growth and may serve as a potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhencheng Zhu
- Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Qingzhou Zhu
- Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Dongping Cai
- Department of Laboratory, The 904th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of PLA, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214044, P.R. China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The 904th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of PLA, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214044, P.R. China
| | - Weixuan Xie
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The 904th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of PLA, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214044, P.R. China
| | - Yang Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The 904th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of PLA, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214044, P.R. China
| | - Kunlun Luo
- Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
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