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Ghosh S, Das SK, Sinha K, Ghosh B, Sen K, Ghosh N, Sil PC. The Emerging Role of Natural Products in Cancer Treatment. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:2353-2391. [PMID: 38795134 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03786-3] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
The exploration of natural products as potential agents for cancer treatment has garnered significant attention in recent years. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the diverse array of natural compounds, including alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, lignans, polyketides, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids, highlighting their emerging roles in cancer therapy. These compounds, derived from various botanical sources, exhibit a wide range of mechanisms of action, targeting critical pathways involved in cancer progression such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Through a meticulous examination of preclinical and clinical studies, we provide insights into the therapeutic potential of these natural products across different cancer types. Furthermore, we discuss the advantages and challenges associated with their use in cancer treatment, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize their efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and delivery methods. Overall, this review underscores the importance of natural products in advancing cancer therapeutics and paves the way for future investigations into their clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Ghosh
- Department of Zoology, Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira, Belur Math, Howrah, 711202, India
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, 700054, India
| | - Sanjib Kumar Das
- Department of Zoology, Jhargram Raj College, Jhargram, 721507, India
| | - Krishnendu Sinha
- Department of Zoology, Jhargram Raj College, Jhargram, 721507, India.
| | - Biswatosh Ghosh
- Department of Zoology, Bidhannagar College, Kolkata, 700064, India
| | - Koushik Sen
- Department of Zoology, Jhargram Raj College, Jhargram, 721507, India
| | - Nabanita Ghosh
- Department of Zoology, Maulana Azad College, Kolkata, 700013, India
| | - Parames C Sil
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, 700054, India.
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Kluz N, Kowalczyk E, Wasilewska M, Gil-Kulik P. Diagnostic Value and Molecular Function of MicroRNAs in Endometrial Diseases: A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2416. [PMID: 39001478 PMCID: PMC11240806 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16132416] [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: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The human endometrium experiences significant cyclic morphological and biochemical changes throughout the menstrual cycle to prepare for embryo implantation. These processes are meticulously regulated by ovarian steroids and various locally expressed genes, encompassing inflammatory reactions, apoptosis, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, differentiation (tissue formation), and tissue remodeling. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been recognized as crucial regulators of gene expression, with their altered expression being linked to the onset and progression of various disorders, including cancer. This review examines the expression of miRNAs in the endometrium and their potential regulatory roles under pathological conditions such as endometriosis, recurrent implantation failure and endometrial cancer. Given miRNAs' critical role in maintaining gene expression stability, understanding the regulatory mechanisms of endometrial miRNAs and identifying their specific target genes could pave the way for developing preventive and therapeutic strategies targeting specific genes associated with these reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Kluz
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Emilia Kowalczyk
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Wasilewska
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Maria Curie-Sklodowska Sq. 3, 20-031 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Paulina Gil-Kulik
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland;
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Ahmadi F, Kariman K, Mousavi M, Rengel Z. Echinacea: Bioactive Compounds and Agronomy. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1235. [PMID: 38732450 PMCID: PMC11085449 DOI: 10.3390/plants13091235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
For centuries, medicinal plants have been used as sources of remedies and treatments for various disorders and diseases. Recently, there has been renewed interest in these plants due to their potential pharmaceutical properties, offering natural alternatives to synthetic drugs. Echinacea, among the world's most important medicinal plants, possesses immunological, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Nevertheless, there is a notable lack of thorough information regarding the echinacea species, underscoring the vital need for a comprehensive review paper to consolidate existing knowledge. The current review provides a thorough analysis of the existing knowledge on recent advances in understanding the physiology, secondary metabolites, agronomy, and ecology of echinacea plants, focusing on E. purpurea, E. angustifolia, and E. pallida. Pharmacologically advantageous effects of echinacea species on human health, particularly distinguished for its ability to safeguard the nervous system and combat cancer, are discussed. We also highlight challenges in echinacea research and provide insights into diverse approaches to boost the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites of interest in echinacea plants and optimize their large-scale farming. Various academic databases were employed to carry out an extensive literature review of publications from 2001 to 2024. The medicinal properties of echinacea plants are attributed to diverse classes of compounds, including caffeic acid derivatives (CADs), chicoric acid, echinacoside, chlorogenic acid, cynarine, phenolic and flavonoid compounds, polysaccharides, and alkylamides. Numerous critical issues have emerged, including the identification of active metabolites with limited bioavailability, the elucidation of specific molecular signaling pathways or targets linked to echinacoside effects, and the scarcity of robust clinical trials. This raises the overarching question of whether scientific inquiry can effectively contribute to harnessing the potential of natural compounds. A systematic review and analysis are essential to furnish insights and lay the groundwork for future research endeavors focused on the echinacea natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Ahmadi
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; (K.K.); (M.M.); (Z.R.)
| | - Khalil Kariman
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; (K.K.); (M.M.); (Z.R.)
| | - Milad Mousavi
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; (K.K.); (M.M.); (Z.R.)
| | - Zed Rengel
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; (K.K.); (M.M.); (Z.R.)
- Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, 21000 Split, Croatia
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Haddish K, Yun JW. Echinacoside stimulates myogenesis and ATP-dependent thermogenesis in the skeletal muscle via the activation of D1-like dopaminergic receptors. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 752:109886. [PMID: 38215960 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.109886] [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: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that some natural compounds from plants prevent obesity and related disorders, including the loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. In this study, we investigated the effect of echinacoside (ECH), a caffeic acid glycoside from the phenylpropanoid class, on myogenesis and ATP-dependent thermogenesis in the skeletal muscle and its interaction with the dopaminergic receptors 1 and 5 (DRD1 and DRD5). We applied RT-PCR, immunoblot analysis, a staining method, and an assay kit to determine the effects of ECH on diverse target genes and proteins involved in skeletal muscle myogenesis and ATP-consuming futile processes. Our study demonstrated that ECH enhanced myogenic differentiation, glucose, and fatty acid uptake, as well as lipid catabolism, and induced ATP-dependent thermogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, ECH upregulated mitochondrial biogenesis proteins, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes, and intracellular Ca2+ signaling as well as thermogenic proteins. These findings were further elucidated by mechanistic studies which showed that ECH mediates myogenesis via the DRD1/5 in C2C12 muscle cells. In addition, ECH stimulates α1-AR-mediated ATP-dependent thermogenesis via the DRD1/5/cAMP/SLN/SERCA1a pathway in C2C12 muscle cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that demonstrates the myogenic and thermogenic potential of ECH activity through the dopaminergic receptors. Understanding the novel functions of ECH in terms of its ability to prevent skeletal muscle loss and energy expenditure via ATP-consuming futile processes could help to develop potential alternative strategies to address muscle-related diseases, including combating obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiros Haddish
- Department of Biotechnology, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 38453, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Won Yun
- Department of Biotechnology, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 38453, Republic of Korea.
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Liang H, Yin G, Shi G, Liu Z, Liu X, Li J. Echinacoside regulates PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α/VEGF cross signaling axis in proliferation and apoptosis of breast cancer. Anal Biochem 2024; 684:115360. [PMID: 37865269 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115360] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Echinacoside (ECH) is a natural anti-cancer compound and is of great value in cancer treatment. However, the mechanism underlying this effect on breast cancer (BC) was unclear. OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of ECH treating BC by network pharmacology and experimental validation. MATERIALS & METHODS Several databases were searched to screen potential targets of ECH and obtain information on targets related to BC. STRING was applied to construct a Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. DAVID was applied for Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) was searched for the relationship between the expression profile and overall survival of major targets in normal breast and BC tissues. Finally, the results of network pharmacology analysis were validated by experiments. RESULTS Seventeen targets of ECH overlapped with targets in BC. Ten hub targets were determined through PPI. By GO and KEGG analysis 15 entries and 25 pathways were obtained, in which phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) played greater roles. Validation of key targets in the GEPIA database showed that PIK3R1 and PIK3CD remained consistent with the results of the study. Experiments in vitro showed ECH inhibited proliferation, induced apoptosis and reduced mRNA levels and protein expression of PI3K, AKT, hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, experiments in vivo revealed that ECH significantly reduced tumor growth, promoted apoptosis and decreased the related mRNA levels and protein expression, suggesting ECH works on BC by regulating PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION In summary, ECH played an important role in anti-BC by regulating PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway. Furthermore, ECH had multi-target and multi-pathway effects, which may be a promising natural compound for treating BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyi Liang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoliang Yin
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangxi Shi
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyong Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofei Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jingwei Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
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Wang W, Jiang S, Zhao Y, Zhu G. Echinacoside: A promising active natural products and pharmacological agents. Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106951. [PMID: 37804927 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Echinacoside, a natural phenylethanoid glycoside, was discovered and isolated from the garden plant Echinacea angustifolia DC., belonging to the Compositae family, approximately sixty years ago. Extensive investigations have revealed that it possesses a wide array of pharmacologically beneficial activities for human health, particularly notable for its neuroprotective and anticancer activity. Several crucial concerns surfaced, encompassing the recognition of active metabolites that exhibited inadequate bioavailability in their prototype form, the establishment of precise molecular signal pathways or targets associated with the aforementioned effects of echinacoside, and the scarcity of dependable clinical trials. Hence, the question remains unanswered as to whether scientific research can effectively utilize this natural compound. To support future studies on this natural product, it is imperative to provide a systematic overview and insights into potential future prospects. The current review provides a comprehensive analysis of the existing knowledge on echinacoside, encompassing its wide distribution, structural diversity and metabolism, diverse therapeutic applications, and improvement of echinacoside bioavailability for its potential utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Wang
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shujun Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Guoxue Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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Haddish K, Yun JW. Echinacoside Induces UCP1- and ATP-Dependent Thermogenesis in Beige Adipocytes via the Activation of Dopaminergic Receptors. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 33:1268-1280. [PMID: 37463854 PMCID: PMC10619551 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2306.06041] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Echinacoside (ECH) is a naturally occurring phenylethanoid glycoside, isolated from Echinacea angustifolia, and this study aimed to analyze its effect on thermogenesis and its interaction with dopaminergic receptors 1 and 5 (DRD1 and DRD5) in 3T3-L1 white adipocytes and mice models. We employed RT-PCR, immunoblot, immunofluorescence, a staining method, and an assay kit to determine its impact. ECH showed a substantial increase in browning signals in vitro and a decrease in adipogenic signals in vivo. Additionally, analysis of the iWAT showed that the key genes involved in beiging, mitochondrial biogenesis, and ATP-dependent thermogenesis were upregulated while adipogenesis and lipogenesis genes were downregulated. OXPHOS complexes, Ca2+ signaling proteins as well as intracellular Ca2+ levels were also upregulated in 3T3-L1 adipocytes following ECH treatment. This was collectively explained by mechanistic studies which showed that ECH mediated the beiging process via the DRD1/5-cAMP-PKA and subsequent downstream molecules, whereas it co-mediated the α1-AR-signaling thermogenesis via the DRD1/5/SERCA2b/RyR2/CKmt pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Animal experiments revealed that there was a 12.28% reduction in body weight gain after the ECH treatment for six weeks. The effects of ECH treatment on adipose tissue can offer more insights into the treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiros Haddish
- Department of Biotechnology, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38453, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Won Yun
- Department of Biotechnology, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38453, Republic of Korea
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Alshehri A, Albuhayri A, Alanazi M, Althubaiti MA, Aljehani RF, Alsharif FI, Alatawi TM, Albalawi SS, Khodir AE, Al-Gayyar MM. Effects of Echinacoside on Ehrlich Carcinoma in Rats by Targeting Proliferation, Hypoxia and Inflammation. Cureus 2023; 15:e46800. [PMID: 37822691 PMCID: PMC10564261 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives Ehrlich solid carcinoma (ESC) is a type of tumor originating from a spontaneous mammary adenocarcinoma in mice. It is highly aggressive and fast-growing and can create a solid undifferentiated mass when inserted under the skin. This makes it an ideal model for assessing cancer biology and tumor immunology. Echinacoside is a natural phenylethanoid glycoside with anti-inflammatory, anti-endoplasmic reticulum stress, anti-oxidative stress, and other beneficial properties. This study explored the potential anti-cancer benefits of echinacoside in rats with ESC. The study also analyzed its effects on tumor cell proliferation, differentiation, motility, and inflammation. Methods The study involved injecting rats with tumors in their left hind limb using an intramuscular injection of 2×106 cells. After 14 days, some rats were given a daily intraperitoneal dose of 30 mg/kg echinacoside for three weeks. Muscle samples were then analyzed under an electron microscope. In addition, gene expression and protein levels of various factors such as phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and nuclear factor (NF)κB were evaluated in another part of the muscle samples. Results After being treated with echinacoside, the ESC rats experienced a significant increase in their mean survival time from 27 days to 48 days. This treatment also resulted in a decrease in the volume and weight of the tumor. Upon examining the tumor tissue under an electron microscope, signs of damage such as pleomorphic cells, necrosis, nuclear fragmentation, membrane damage with cytoplasmic content spilling, and loss of cellular junction were observed. However, the treatment with echinacoside was effective in improving these effects. Furthermore, the expression of PI3K, mTOR, HIF-1α, cyclin D1, CDK2, TNF-α, and NFκB was significantly reduced due to the echinacoside treatment. Conclusions Our research found that echinacoside has antitumor properties that resulted in a substantial decrease in tumor size and weight, leading to an increase in the average survival time of rats and an improvement in muscle structure. Additionally, echinacoside was shown to ameliorate hypoxia by suppressing HIF-1α, reduce inflammation by decreasing NFκB and TNF-α, decrease proliferation by reducing PI3K, and block cyclin D1 and CDK2 to inhibit differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afnan Alshehri
- PharmD Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, SAU
| | | | - May Alanazi
- PharmD Program, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, SAU
| | | | - Raghad F Aljehani
- PharmD Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, SAU
| | - Fai I Alsharif
- PharmD Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, SAU
| | | | - Shouq S Albalawi
- PharmD Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, SAU
| | - Ahmed E Khodir
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, Horus University, New Damietta, EGY
| | - Mohammed M Al-Gayyar
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, SAU
- Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EGY
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