1
|
Wu YT, Lin CH, Chiu WC, Hsieh TJ, Chang SJ, Chang YC, Lan YY. Treatment with autophagic inhibitors enhances oligonol‑induced apoptotic effects in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Biomed Rep 2024; 21:143. [PMID: 39161943 PMCID: PMC11332131 DOI: 10.3892/br.2024.1831] [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: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy has increased the survival rate of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), certain patients do not respond well to the treatment and have a poor prognosis. Therefore, novel therapeutic drugs and strategies to improve prognosis of patients with NPC are required. As certain plant extracts can suppress the viability of cancer cells, the present study investigated whether oligonol, a polyphenolic compound primarily found in lychee fruit, exerts anticancer activities in NPC cells. MTT, ELISA and immunoblotting were performed to investigate cell survival, cytokeratin-18 fragment release, and the expression of apoptosis and autophagy markers, respectively. Oligonol decreased the viability of NPC-TW01 and NPC/HK1NPC cell lines. Oligonol increased the protein expression of several apoptosis markers, including cleaved caspase-8 and -3, cleaved PARP and cytokeratin 18 fragment. Moreover, it also increased expression of autophagy markers Beclin 1 and LC3-II, as well as LC3-II/LC3-I ratio in both NPC cell lines. Furthermore, treatment with autophagy inhibitors 3-methyladenine or LY294002 significantly increased oligonol-induced viability inhibition in NPC-TW01 cells. Combined treatment of oligonol + LY294002 reduced LC3-II expression and the LC3II/LC3I ratio while increasing cleaved caspase-8 and -3, cleaved PARP and cytokeratin 18 fragment expression in NPC-TW01 cells. These findings indicated autophagy inhibitors could enhance viability inhibition and apoptotic effects induced by oligonol in NPC cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Ting Wu
- Department of Pathology, Golden Hospital, Pingtung 90049, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Department of Physical Therapy, Shu-Zen Junior College of Medicine and Management, Kaohsiung 82144, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Cheng-Han Lin
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wen-Chin Chiu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Tsung-Jen Hsieh
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Sue-Joan Chang
- Department of Life Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yun-Ching Chang
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yu-Yan Lan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan, R.O.C
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
He R, Zhou W. Application and research progress of cordycepin in the treatment of tumours (Review). Mol Med Rep 2024; 30:161. [PMID: 38994776 PMCID: PMC11258602 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2024.13285] [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: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cordycepin is a nucleoside molecule found in Cordyceps sinensis and can be obtained through chemical synthesis and biotransformation. Cordycepin has been extensively studied and has been shown to have antitumour activity. This activity includes effects on the autophagy process and inhibition of the MAPK/ERK and Hedgehog pathways. Ultimately, the inhibitory effect of cordycepin on tumour cells is due to the interplay of these effects. Cordycepin was shown to enhance the therapeutic effects of radiotherapy. There is increasing evidence indicating that cordycepin plays an anticancer role in the treatment of various cancers. The present review aims to provide a clear understanding of the antitumour mechanisms of cordycepin and discuss its present application in the treatment of tumours. This information can be an important theoretical basis and provide clinical guidance for the further development of cordycepin as an antitumour drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ru He
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Wence Zhou
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang J, Yang Z, Zhao Z, Zhang N. Structural and pharmacological insights into cordycepin for neoplasms and metabolic disorders. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1367820. [PMID: 38953102 PMCID: PMC11215060 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1367820] [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: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic adenosine analogues were among the earliest chemotherapeutic agents utilised in cancer treatment. Cordycepin, a natural derivative of adenosine discovered in the fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis, directly inhibits tumours not only by impeding biosynthesis, inducing apoptosis or autophagy, regulating the cell cycle, and curtailing tumour invasion and metastasis but also modulates the immune response within the tumour microenvironment. Furthermore, extensive research highlights cordycepin's significant therapeutic potential in alleviating hyperlipidaemia and regulating glucose metabolism. This review comprehensively analyses the structure-activity relationship of cordycepin and its analogues, outlines its pharmacokinetic properties, and strategies to enhance its bioavailability. Delving into the molecular biology, it explores the pharmacological mechanisms of cordycepin in tumour suppression and metabolic disorder treatment, thereby underscoring its immense potential in drug development within these domains and laying the groundwork for innovative treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinming Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ziling Yang
- Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhuo Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Min Y, Ding Y, Huang Q, Xu Y, Li J. Cordycepin inhibited the retinoblastoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion as well as lung metastasis via modulating c-Myc/cyclin D1 pathway. Chem Biol Drug Des 2023; 101:605-613. [PMID: 36178076 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to investigate cordycepin's effects on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of retinoblastoma (RB) cells and its regulatory mechanism. In this study, it was found that cordycepin inhibited RB cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, and pulmonary metastasis in vivo. c-Myc was a downstream target of cordycepin, and cordycepin significantly suppressed c-Myc expression, and c-Myc overexpression markedly counteracted the impacts of cordycepin on RB cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. c-Myc was positively correlated with the cell cycle pathway. Cordycepin restrained cyclin D1 expression, and c-Myc overexpression rescued this effect. In conclusion, cordycepin targets the c-Myc/cyclin D1 pathway, thereby suppressing the malignant biological behaviors of RB cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Min
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnosis of Hubei Province, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnosis of Hubei Province, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnosis of Hubei Province, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ya Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnosis of Hubei Province, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnosis of Hubei Province, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shi L, Cao H, Fu S, Jia Z, Lu X, Cui Z, Yu D. Cordycepin enhances hyperthermia-induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by modulating the MAPK pathway in human lymphoma U937 cells. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:8673-8683. [PMID: 35763180 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07705-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperthermia induces cancer cell death. However, the cytotoxic effect of hyperthermia is not sufficient. Cordycepin can also induce apoptosis in cancer cells and enhance the antitumoral activity of irradiation. To examine cordycepin-mediated enhancement of hyperthermia-induced apoptosis, this study investigated the combined effects and apoptotic mechanisms of hyperthermia and cordycepin on human leukemia U937 cells. METHODS Cell viability and apoptosis were measured using MTT assays, Hoechst 33342 staining and Annexin V/PI double staining. The distribution of the cell cycle and sub-G1 phase, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were examined by flow cytometry. The expression of related proteins was analyzed by western blotting. RESULTS Combined treatment with hyperthermia and cordycepin markedly augmented apoptosis by upregulating Bax and suppressing Bcl-2, Bid and activated caspase 3 and 8 expression, and apoptosis was decreased by Z-VAD-fmk (a pan caspase inhibitor). We also found that the MMP was significantly decreased and excessive ROS generation occurred. The combination treatment also induced arrest in the G2/M phase by downregulating cyclin dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) and cyclin B1 protein expression. Furthermore, it was observed that mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway including ERK, JNK and p38 signals was involved in the induction of apoptosis. The phosphorylated p38 and JNK were increased and ERK phosphorylation was decreased by the combined treatment. In addition, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) significantly protected the cells by restoring ROS levels and the activity of caspase-3, inactivating the MAPK pathway. CONCLUSION Cordycepin significantly enhanced hyperthermia-induced apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest in U937 cells. The combined treatment enhanced apoptosis through the MAPK pathway and mitochondrial dysfunction, and these effects could be rescued by NAC. We report for the first time that cordycepin can be used as a hyperthermia sensitizer to treat leukemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liying Shi
- The School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University, Dalian, 116622, People's Republic of China
| | - He Cao
- The School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University, Dalian, 116622, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyu Fu
- The School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University, Dalian, 116622, People's Republic of China
| | - Zixian Jia
- The School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University, Dalian, 116622, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan Lu
- The School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University, Dalian, 116622, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengguo Cui
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Fukui School of Medical Science, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, 910-1193, Japan.
| | - Dayong Yu
- The School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University, Dalian, 116622, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Xu J, Shen X, Sun D, Zhu Y. Cordycepin Suppresses The Malignant Phenotypes of Colon Cancer Cells through The GSK3ß/ß-catenin/cyclin D1 Signaling Pathway. CELL JOURNAL 2022; 24:255-260. [PMID: 35717567 PMCID: PMC9445518 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2022.8160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cordycepin, also known as 3'-deoxyadenosine, is the main bioactive ingredient of Cordyceps militaris and possesses various pharmacological effects. This study was performed to investigate the role of cordycepin in regulating the biological behaviors of colon cancer cells and the potential mechanism behind it. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, after treatment of colon cancer cells with different concentrations of cordycepin, inhibition of proliferation was detected by the 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Colon cancer cell migration and invasion abilities were analyzed by wound healing and Transwell assays. Flow cytometry was performed to detect cell apoptosis. A lung metastasis model in nude mice was utilized to examine the effect of cordycepin on the metastasis of colon cancer cells in in vivo. Western blot was used to quantify GSK3β, β-catenin and cyclin D1 expression levels. RESULTS Cordycepin inhibited colon cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion, induced apoptosis in vitro, and inhibited lung metastasis of colon cancer cells in vivo. GSK-3β inhibitor (CHIR99021) treatment abolished the effects of cordycepin on cell viability, migration, invasion and apoptosis. Additionally, cordycepin promoted the expressions of GSK3β, and inhibited β-catenin and cyclin D1 in colon cancer cells, while co-treatment with CHIR99021 reversed the above effects. CONCLUSION Cordycepin suppresses the malignant phenotypes of colon cancer through the GSK3β/β-catenin/cyclin D1 signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Zhejiang Greentown Cardiovascular Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xia Shen
- Department of Emergency, Zhejiang Greentown Cardiovascular Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Daozhong Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Zhejiang Greentown Cardiovascular Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanjie Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second People's Hospital of Yuhang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,Department of DermatologyThe Second People's Hospital of Yuhang DistrictHangzhouZhejiangChina
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Prospects of Cordycepin and Polysaccharides Produced by Cordyceps. Fungal Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-8877-5_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
8
|
Radhi M, Ashraf S, Lawrence S, Tranholm AA, Wellham PAD, Hafeez A, Khamis AS, Thomas R, McWilliams D, de Moor CH. A Systematic Review of the Biological Effects of Cordycepin. Molecules 2021; 26:5886. [PMID: 34641429 PMCID: PMC8510467 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted a systematic review of the literature on the effects of cordycepin on cell survival and proliferation, inflammation, signal transduction and animal models. A total of 1204 publications on cordycepin were found by the cut-off date of 1 February 2021. After application of the exclusion criteria, 791 papers remained. These were read and data on the chosen subjects were extracted. We found 192 papers on the effects of cordycepin on cell survival and proliferation and calculated a median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 135 µM. Cordycepin consistently repressed cell migration (26 papers) and cellular inflammation (53 papers). Evaluation of 76 papers on signal transduction indicated consistently reduced PI3K/mTOR/AKT and ERK signalling and activation of AMPK. In contrast, the effects of cordycepin on the p38 and Jun kinases were variable, as were the effects on cell cycle arrest (53 papers), suggesting these are cell-specific responses. The examination of 150 animal studies indicated that purified cordycepin has many potential therapeutic effects, including the reduction of tumour growth (37 papers), repression of pain and inflammation (9 papers), protecting brain function (11 papers), improvement of respiratory and cardiac conditions (8 and 19 papers) and amelioration of metabolic disorders (8 papers). Nearly all these data are consistent with cordycepin mediating its therapeutic effects through activating AMPK, inhibiting PI3K/mTOR/AKT and repressing the inflammatory response. We conclude that cordycepin has excellent potential as a lead for drug development, especially for age-related diseases. In addition, we discuss the remaining issues around the mechanism of action, toxicity and biodistribution of cordycepin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masar Radhi
- Pain Centre Versus Arthritis, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (M.R.); (A.A.T.); (D.M.)
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (S.L.); (P.A.D.W.); (A.H.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Sadaf Ashraf
- Aberdeen Centre for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Health, Institute of Medical Sciences, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK;
| | - Steven Lawrence
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (S.L.); (P.A.D.W.); (A.H.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Asta Arendt Tranholm
- Pain Centre Versus Arthritis, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (M.R.); (A.A.T.); (D.M.)
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (S.L.); (P.A.D.W.); (A.H.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Peter Arthur David Wellham
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (S.L.); (P.A.D.W.); (A.H.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Abdul Hafeez
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (S.L.); (P.A.D.W.); (A.H.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Ammar Sabah Khamis
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (S.L.); (P.A.D.W.); (A.H.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Robert Thomas
- The Primrose Oncology Unit, Bedford Hospital NHS Trust, Bedford MK42 9DJ, UK;
- Department of Oncology, Addenbrooke’s Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Daniel McWilliams
- Pain Centre Versus Arthritis, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (M.R.); (A.A.T.); (D.M.)
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Cornelia Huiberdina de Moor
- Pain Centre Versus Arthritis, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (M.R.); (A.A.T.); (D.M.)
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (S.L.); (P.A.D.W.); (A.H.); (A.S.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
The Role of Autophagy in Anti-Cancer and Health Promoting Effects of Cordycepin. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26164954. [PMID: 34443541 PMCID: PMC8400201 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26164954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cordycepin is an adenosine derivative isolated from Cordyceps sinensis, which has been used as an herbal complementary and alternative medicine with various biological activities. The general anti-cancer mechanisms of cordycepin are regulated by the adenosine A3 receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β, leading to cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. Notably, cordycepin also induces autophagy to trigger cell death, inhibits tumor metastasis, and modulates the immune system. Since the dysregulation of autophagy is associated with cancers and neuron, immune, and kidney diseases, cordycepin is considered an alternative treatment because of the involvement of cordycepin in autophagic signaling. However, the profound mechanism of autophagy induction by cordycepin has never been reviewed in detail. Therefore, in this article, we reviewed the anti-cancer and health-promoting effects of cordycepin in the neurons, kidneys, and the immune system through diverse mechanisms, including autophagy induction. We also suggest that formulation changes for cordycepin could enhance its bioactivity and bioavailability and lower its toxicity for future applications. A comprehensive understanding of the autophagy mechanism would provide novel mechanistic insight into the anti-cancer and health-promoting effects of cordycepin.
Collapse
|