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Cordycepin inhibits the proliferation and progression of NPC by targeting the MAPK/ERK and β-catenin pathways. Oncol Lett 2021; 23:20. [PMID: 34858524 PMCID: PMC8617562 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.13138] [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: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cordycepin is an extract from the Cordyceps genus of ascomycete fungi. In the present study, the anticancer potential of cordycepin against nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and the potential underlying mechanisms, were investigated. Using Cell Counting Kit 8, wound-healing and Transwell assays, cordycepin was found to reduce the viability and inhibit the migration of C666-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, in colony formation assays, co-treatment with cordycepin and cisplatin inhibited the proliferation of C666-1 cells. Furthermore, RNA sequencing analysis identified 72 significantly differentially expressed genes and different signaling pathways that may be regulated by cordycepin. After treatment with cordycepin, the expression levels of ERK1/2, phosphorylated ERK1/2 and β-catenin were significantly downregulated. Therefore, cordycepin may be a novel candidate for NPC treatment or a co-treatment candidate with cisplatin in chemotherapy.
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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.
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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.)
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3
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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.
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Lee D, Lee WY, Jung K, Kwon YS, Kim D, Hwang GS, Kim CE, Lee S, Kang KS. The Inhibitory Effect of Cordycepin on the Proliferation of MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells, and its Mechanism: An Investigation Using Network Pharmacology-Based Analysis. Biomolecules 2019; 9:E414. [PMID: 31454995 PMCID: PMC6770402 DOI: 10.3390/biom9090414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cordyceps militaris is a well-known medicinal mushroom. It is non-toxic and has clinical health benefits including cancer inhibition. However, the anticancer effects of C. militaris cultured in brown rice on breast cancer have not yet been reported. In this study, we simultaneously investigated the anticancer effects of cordycepin and an extract of C. militaris cultured in brown rice on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells using a cell viability assay, cell staining with Hoechst 33342, and an image-based cytometric assay. The C. militaris concentrate exhibited significant MCF-7 cell inhibitory effects, and its IC50 value was 73.48 µg/mL. Cordycepin also exhibited significant MCF-7 cell inhibitory effects, and its IC50 value was 9.58 µM. We applied network pharmacological analysis to predict potential targets and pathways of cordycepin. The gene set enrichment analysis showed that the targets of cordycepin are mainly associated with the hedgehog signaling, apoptosis, p53 signaling, and estrogen signaling pathways. We further verified the predicted targets related to the apoptosis pathway using western blot analysis. The C. militaris concentrate and cordycepin exhibited the ability to induce apoptotic cell death by increasing the cleavage of caspase-7 -8, and -9, increasing the Bcl-2-associated X protein/ B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bax/Bcl-2) protein expression ratio, and decreasing the protein expression of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) in MCF-7 cells. Consequently, the C. militaris concentrate and cordycepin exhibited significant anticancer effects through their ability to induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahae Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Won-Yung Lee
- College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Korea
| | - Kiwon Jung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, CHA University, Sungnam 13844, Korea
| | - Yong Sam Kwon
- Dong-A Pharmaceutical Co., LTD., Yongin 17073, Korea
| | - Daeyoung Kim
- Department of Life Science, College of Bio-Nano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam, 13120, Korea
| | - Gwi Seo Hwang
- College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Korea
| | - Chang-Eop Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Korea
| | - Sullim Lee
- Department of Life Science, College of Bio-Nano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam, 13120, Korea.
| | - Ki Sung Kang
- College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Korea.
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Bi Y, Li H, Yi D, Sun Y, Bai Y, Zhong S, Song Y, Zhao G, Chen Y. Cordycepin Augments the Chemosensitivity of Human Glioma Cells to Temozolomide by Activating AMPK and Inhibiting the AKT Signaling Pathway. Mol Pharm 2018; 15:4912-4925. [PMID: 30336060 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.8b00551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most commonly encountered subtype of deadly brain cancer in human adults. It has a high recurrence rate and shows aggressive proliferation. The novel cytotoxic agent temozolomide (TMZ) is now frequently applied as the first-line chemotherapeutic treatment for GBM; however, a considerable number of patients treated with TMZ turn out to be refractory to this drug. Hence, a more effective therapeutic approach is urgently required to overcome this critical issue. Accumulating evidence has shown that both AMPK and AKT are activated by TMZ, while only AMPK contributes to apoptosis via mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibition. Accordingly, AKT increases the tumorigenicity and chemoresistance of various tumor cells. In addition, AKT overexpression increases the resistance of glioma cells to TMZ. Cordycepin, a major bioactive component in Cordyceps militaris, exhibits immunomodulatory, anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, among other therapeutic effects. To date, whether GBM sensitivity to TMZ can be enhanced by cordycepin largely remains unknown. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of the combined use of cordycepin and TMZ in the treatment of GBM and explored the molecular mechanisms. Notably, we found that treatment with cordycepin led to inhibition of cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion as well as cellular apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in glioma cell lines in vitro. Likewise, the combined treatment with both cordycepin and TMZ synergistically resulted in inhibition of cellular growth, migration, and tumor metastasis as well as induction of cellular apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Moreover, we also demonstrated that cordycepin effectively enhanced the activation of AMPK and suppressed the activity of AKT, whose activation was only induced by TMZ. Furthermore, there was an apparent reduction in the expression levels of p-mTOR, p-p70S6K, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and MMP-9 in the group treated with both cordycepin and TMZ, in comparison with those in the groups treated with either cordycepin or TMZ alone. In vivo, the combination therapy also obviously reduced the tumor volume as well as prolonged the median survival time of xenograft models. In brief, our results suggested that cordycepin augments TMZ sensitivity in human glioma cells at least partially through activation of AMPK and suppression of the AKT signaling pathway. Overall, the combination therapy of cordycepin and TMZ potentially provides a novel option for a better prognosis of patients with GBM in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Bi
- Department of Neurosurgery , The First Hospital of Jilin University , 130000 Changchun , China
| | - Han Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine , The Second Hospital of Jilin University , 130000 Changchun , China
| | - Dazhuang Yi
- Department of Neurosurgery , The First Hospital of Jilin University , 130000 Changchun , China
| | - Yuxue Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery , The First Hospital of Jilin University , 130000 Changchun , China
| | - Yang Bai
- Department of Neurosurgery , The First Hospital of Jilin University , 130000 Changchun , China
| | - Sheng Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery , The First Hospital of Jilin University , 130000 Changchun , China
| | - Yang Song
- Department of Neurosurgery , The First Hospital of Jilin University , 130000 Changchun , China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery , The First Hospital of Jilin University , 130000 Changchun , China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery , The First Hospital of Jilin University , 130000 Changchun , China
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Xie W, Zhang Z, Song L, Huang C, Guo Z, Hu X, Bi S, Yu R. Cordyceps militaris Fraction induces apoptosis and G2/M Arrest via c-Jun N-Terminal kinase signaling pathway in oral squamous carcinoma KB Cells. Pharmacogn Mag 2018; 14:116-123. [PMID: 29576711 PMCID: PMC5858231 DOI: 10.4103/pm.pm_63_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cordyceps militaris fraction (CMF) has been shown to possess in vitro antitumor activity against human chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cells in our previous research. Materials and Methods: The in vitro inhibitory activities of CMF on the growth of KB cells were evaluated by viability assay. The apoptotic and cell cycle influences of CMF were detected by 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining and flow cytometry assay. The expression of different apoptosis-associated proteins and cell cycle regulatory proteins was examined by Western blot assay. The nuclear localization of c-Jun was observed by fluorescence staining. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the antiproliferative effect of CMF as well as the mechanism underlying the apoptosis and cell cycle arrest it induces in KB cells. Results: CMF suppressed KB cells’ proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that CMF induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Western blot analysis revealed that CMF induced caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP cleavages, and increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. CMF also led to increased expression of p21, decreased expression of cyclin B1, mitotic phosphatase cdc25c, and mitotic kinase cdc2, as well as unchanged expression of p53. In addition, CMF stimulated c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) protein phosphorylations, resulting in upregulated expression of c-Jun and nuclear localization of c-Jun. Pretreatment with JNK inhibitor SP600125 suppressed CMF-induced apoptosis and G2/M arrest. Conclusions: CMF is capable of modulating c-Jun caspase and Bcl-2 family proteins through JNK-dependent apoptosis, which results in G2/M phase arrest in KB cells. CMF could be developed as a promising candidate for the new antitumor agents. SUMMARY CMF exhibited strong anticancer activity against oral squamous carcinoma KB cells CMF inhibited KB cells’ proliferation via induction of apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest CMF activated JNK signaling pathway and promoted the nuclear localization of c-Jun CMF regulated the apoptosis- and cell cycle-related proteins in a manner dependent on JNK/c-Jun pathway.
Abbreviations used: CMF: Cordyceps militaris fraction; OSCC: Oral squamous cell carcinoma; JNK: c-Jun N-terminal kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangshi Xie
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, China
| | - Zhang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, China
| | - Liyan Song
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, China
| | - Chunhua Huang
- Biotechnological Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongyi Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, China
| | - Xianjing Hu
- Biotechnological Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sixue Bi
- Biotechnological Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongmin Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, China.,Biotechnological Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Cheng MF, Lin SR, Tseng FJ, Huang YC, Tsai MJ, Fu YS, Weng CF. The autophagic inhibition oral squamous cell carcinoma cancer growth of 16-hydroxy-cleroda-3,14-dine-15,16-olide. Oncotarget 2017; 8:78379-78396. [PMID: 29108236 PMCID: PMC5667969 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
16-hydroxycleroda-3, 13-dine-15, 16-olide (HCD) isolated from Polyalthia longifolia possesses numerous biological activities. Previous studies have reported that HCD can block phosphorylation activity of cancer cells to inhibit tumor cell growth, but the anti-tumor activity in oral squamous cell carcinoma is unrevealed. This study investigates the inhibiting effect of HCD on human OSCC cell growth; thereby, developing a new oral cancer drug. In in vitro cultured human OSCC cells (OECM1 and SAS) were employed to test the inhibitory growth of HCD via cell cytotoxic effect using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, Western blotting, and further determining of the inhibitory efficacy of tumor growth by a xenograft tumor on BALB/c male nude mice (in vivo test). Under various concentrations of HCD and time course treatments were shown to effectively cause cell death and cell-cycle arrest in OECM1 and SAS cells, which was confirmed via a clinical drug (cisplatin) as a positive control. In addition, HCD induced the autophagic cell death in OECM1 and SAS cells by LC3-mediated LC3-I/LC3-II/p62 pathway at the in vitro level. An in vivo assay indicated that HCD could treat oral cancer by deferring tumor growth. These findings provide a favorable assessment for further elucidating the role of HCD that targets autophagic cell death pathways as a potential agent for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Fang Cheng
- Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Histological and Clinical Pathology, Hualian Armed Forces General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Shian-Ren Lin
- Department of Life Science and Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Fong-Jen Tseng
- Department of Life Science and Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan.,Department of Orthopedics, Hualien Armed Forces General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chao Huang
- Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - May-Jywan Tsai
- Neural Regeneration Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yaw-Syan Fu
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Feng Weng
- Department of Life Science and Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan
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Su NW, Wu SH, Chi CW, Liu CJ, Tsai TH, Chen YJ. Metronomic Cordycepin Therapy Prolongs Survival of Oral Cancer-Bearing Mice and Inhibits Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Molecules 2017; 22:E629. [PMID: 28406456 PMCID: PMC6154290 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22040629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) is a natural compound abundantly found in Cordyceps sinesis in natural and fermented sources. In this study, we examined the effects of cordycepin in a human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) xenograft model. Cordycepin was administered in a regular, low-dose and prolonged schedule metronomic therapy. Two doses of cordycepin (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg) were administrated five days a week for eight consecutive weeks. The tumor volumes were reduced and survival time was significantly prolonged from 30.3 ± 0.9 days (control group) to 56 days (50 mg/kg group, the day of tumor-bearing mice were sacrificed for welfare consideration). The weights of mice did not change and liver, renal, and hematologic functions were not compromised. Cordycepin inhibited the OSCC cell viability in vitro (IC50 122.4-125.2 μM). Furthermore, morphological characteristics of apoptosis, increased caspase-3 activity and G2/M cell cycle arrest were observed. In wound healing assay, cordycepin restrained the OSCC cell migration. Cordycepin upregulated E-cadherin and downregulated N-cadherin protein expression, implying inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The immunohistochemical staining of xenograft tumor with E-cadherin and vimentin validated in vitro results. In conclusion, metronomic cordycepin therapy showed effective tumor control, prolonged survival and low toxicities. Cytotoxicity against cancer cells with apoptotic features and EMT inhibition were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nai-Wen Su
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 11094, Taiwan.
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan.
| | - Shu-Hua Wu
- Department of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 25160, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-Wen Chi
- Department of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 25160, Taiwan.
| | - Chung-Ji Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 11094, Taiwan.
- Institute of Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan.
| | - Tung-Hu Tsai
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National United University, Miaoli 36063, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Jen Chen
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 25160, Taiwan.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 25160, Taiwan.
- Research Center for Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan.
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9
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Zulkapli R, Abdul Razak F, Zain RB. Vitamin E (α-Tocopherol) Exhibits Antitumour Activity on Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cells ORL-48. Integr Cancer Ther 2016; 16:414-425. [PMID: 28818030 PMCID: PMC5759939 DOI: 10.1177/1534735416675950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancers involving the oral cavity, head, and neck regions are often treated with cisplatin. In cancer therapy, the main target is to eliminate unwanted cancerous cells. However, reports on the nonselective nature of this drug have raised few concerns. Incorrect nutritional habits and lifestyle practices have been directly linked to cancer incidence. Nutrients with antioxidant activity inhibit cancer cells development, destroying them through oxidative stress and apoptosis. α-tocopherol, the potent antioxidant form of vitamin E is a known scavenger of free radicals. In vitro study exhibited effective antitumor activity of α-tocopherol on ORL-48 at 2.5 ± 0.42 µg/mL. Cisplatin exhibited stronger activity at 1.0 ± 0.15 µg/mL, but unlike α-tocopherol it exhibited cytotoxicity on normal human epidermal keratinocytes at very low concentration (<0.1 µg/mL). Despite the lower potency of α-tocopherol, signs of apoptosis such as the shrinkage of cells and appearance of apoptotic bodies were observed much earlier than cisplatin in time lapse microscopy. No apoptotic vesicles were formed with cisplatin, instead an increased population of cells in the holoclone form which may suggest different induction mechanisms between both agents. High accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase were observed through TUNEL and annexin V-biotin assays, while the exhibition of ultrastructural changes of the cellular structures verified the apoptotic mode of cell death by both agents. Both cisplatin and α-tocopherol displayed cell cycle arrest at the Sub G0 phase. α-tocopherol thus, showed potential as an antitumour agent for the treatment of oral cancer and merits further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahayu Zulkapli
- 1 Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,2 Centre of Preclinical Science Study, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Fathilah Abdul Razak
- 1 Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rosnah Binti Zain
- 3 Department of Oro-maxillofacial Surgical & Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,4 Oral Cancer Research and Coordinating Centre, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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10
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Shao LW, Huang LH, Yan S, Jin JD, Ren SY. Cordycepin induces apoptosis in human liver cancer HepG2 cells through extrinsic and intrinsic signaling pathways. Oncol Lett 2016; 12:995-1000. [PMID: 27446383 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.4706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cordycepin, also termed 3'-deoxyadenosine, is a nucleoside analogue from Cordyceps sinensis and has been reported to demonstrate numerous biological and pharmacological properties. Our previous study illustrated that the anti-tumor effect of cordycepin may be associated with apoptosis. In the present study, the apoptotic effect of cordycepin on HepG2 cells was investigated using 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide and propidium iodide staining analysis and flow cytometry. The results showed that cordycepin exhibited the ability to inhibit HepG2 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner when cells produced typical apoptotic morphological changes, including chromatin condensation, the accumulation of sub-G1 cells and change mitochondrial permeability. A potential mechanism for cordycepin-induced apoptosis of human liver cancer HepG2 cells may occur through the extrinsic signaling pathway mediated by the transmembrane Fas-associated with death domain protein. Apoptosis was also associated with Bcl-2 family protein regulation, leading to altered mitochondrial membrane permeability and resulting in the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol. The activation of the caspase cascade is responsible for the execution of apoptosis. In conclusion, cordycepin-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells involved the extrinsic and intrinsic signaling pathway and was primarily regulated by the Bcl-2 family proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le-Wen Shao
- Nursing Department, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Li-Hua Huang
- Nursing Department, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Sheng Yan
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Di Jin
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Shao-Yan Ren
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
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Zhang ZY, Fu SL, Xu SQ, Zhou X, Liu XS, Xu YJ, Zhao JP, Wei S. By downregulating Ku80, hsa-miR-526b suppresses non-small cell lung cancer. Oncotarget 2015; 6:1462-77. [PMID: 25596743 PMCID: PMC4359307 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ku80 is involved in DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) repair. Ku80 is overexpressed in lung cancer tissues, yet, molecular mechanisms have not been examined. We identified that miRNA, hsa-miR-526b, is bound to the 3′-UTR of Ku80 mRNA, thus decreasing Ku80 expression in NSCLC cells. Hsa-miR-526b was downregulated in NSCLC tissues compared with corresponding non-tumorous tissues, and its expression was inversely correlated with Ku80 upregulation. Overexpression of Ku80 and downregulation of hsa-miR-526b were associated with poor clinical outcomes of NSCLC patients. Hsa-miR-526b suppressed NSCLC cell proliferation, clonogenicity, and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Hsa-miR-526b inhibited xenografts and orthotopic lung tumor growth. Further, Ku80 knockdown in NSCLC cells suppressed tumor properties in vitro and in vivo similar to hsa-miR-526b overexpression. In agreement, Ku80 restoration partially reversed cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induced by hsa-miR-526b in NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, hsa-miR-526b overexpression or Ku80 knockdown increased p53 and p21CIP1/WAF1 expression. These findings reveal that hsa-miR-526b is a potential target in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zun-yi Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Sheng-ling Fu
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Su-qin Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiao Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xian-shen Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yong-jian Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jian-ping Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shuang Wei
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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Kang FC, Chen PJ, Pan BS, Lai MS, Chen YC, Huang BM. Apoptotic effect of cordycepin combined with cisplatin and/or paclitaxel on MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells. Onco Targets Ther 2015; 8:2345-60. [PMID: 26366090 PMCID: PMC4562734 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s87010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chemotherapy is not limited to a single treatment, and the evidence demonstrates that different drug combinations can have positive results in patients. In this study, we sought to determine whether cordycepin combined with cisplatin and/or paclitaxel would have an additive effective on inducing apoptosis in mouse Leydig tumor cells, and the mechanisms were also briefly examined. Methods The additive effects of cordycepin combined with cisplatin and/or paclitaxel on apoptosis in MA-10 cells were investigated by monitoring changes in morphological characteristics and examining cell viability, flow cytometry assays, and Western blot analyses. Results Combination of cordycepin plus cisplatin and/or paclitaxel for 12 and 24 hours induced apoptotic features in MA-10 cells. The MTT assay showed that the combination treatment reduced the viability of MA-10 cells in a dose-dependent manner, with additive effects. Cell cycle analysis showed that combination treatment significantly increased subG1 phase cell numbers in MA-10 cells, indicating apoptosis. Moreover, cordycepin plus cisplatin and/or paclitaxel significantly induced cleavage of caspase-8, caspase-9, caspase-3, and poly ADP-ribose polymerase, and phosphorylation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38, and p53 proteins in MA-10 cells. Conclusion Cordycepin plus cisplatin and/or paclitaxel can have an additive effect on apoptosis in MA-10 cells, with activation of caspase, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and p53 signal pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Chi Kang
- Department of Anesthesia, Chi Mei Medical Center, Chiali, Republic of China
| | - Pei-Jung Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Republic of China
| | - Bo-Syong Pan
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Republic of China ; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Republic of China
| | - Meng-Shao Lai
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Republic of China ; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Republic of China
| | - Yung-Chia Chen
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Bu-Miin Huang
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Republic of China ; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Republic of China
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Tian X, Li Y, Shen Y, Li Q, Wang Q, Feng L. Apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation of cancer cells induced by cordycepin. Oncol Lett 2015; 10:595-599. [PMID: 26622539 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2015.3273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cordycepin, a 3-deoxyadenosine, is the predominant functional component of the fungus Cordyceps militaris, a traditional Chinese medicine. Previous studies investigating the inhibition of cancer cells by cordycepin identified that it not only promotes cell apoptosis, but also controls cell proliferation. Furthermore, studies have elucidated the molecular mechanisms of inhibiting cell proliferation by cordycepin binding the A3 adenosine receptor, activating G protein, inhibiting cAMP formation, decreasing glycogen synthase kinase-3β/β-catenin activation and suppressing cyclin D1 and c-myc expression. The most significant signaling pathway in which cell apoptosis is induced by cordycepin is the caspase pathway. Cordycepin induces cell apoptosis via binding the DR3 receptor and consequently activating caspase-8/-3. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that cordycepin may be used as a natural medicine, as it can not only control tumor cell proliferation, but also induce cancer cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewen Tian
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, P.R. China ; Sports Science Research Center of Shandong, Jinan, Shandong 250102, P.R. China
| | - Yujian Li
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering and Technology of Shandong High School, Shandong Wanjie Medical College, Zibo, Shandong 255213, P.R. China
| | - Yinyu Shen
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering and Technology of Shandong High School, Shandong Wanjie Medical College, Zibo, Shandong 255213, P.R. China
| | - Qiaoqiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering and Technology of Shandong High School, Shandong Wanjie Medical College, Zibo, Shandong 255213, P.R. China
| | - Qinglu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering and Technology of Shandong High School, Shandong Wanjie Medical College, Zibo, Shandong 255213, P.R. China
| | - Lianshi Feng
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, P.R. China ; Biology Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing 100061, P.R. China
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Longchar A, Prasad SB. Biochemical changes associated with ascorbic acid-cisplatin combination therapeutic efficacy and protective effect on cisplatin-induced toxicity in tumor-bearing mice. Toxicol Rep 2015; 2:489-503. [PMID: 28962385 PMCID: PMC5598450 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2015.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Revised: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin is one of the well-established anticancer drugs being used against a wide spectrum of cancers. However, full therapeutic efficacy of the drug is limited due to development of various toxicities in the host. This study examines the comparative therapeutic effectiveness and toxicities of cisplatin alone and in combination of dietary ascorbic acid (AA) in ascites Dalton's lymphoma-bearing mice. The findings show that the combination treatment of mice with ascorbic acid plus cisplatin has much better therapeutic efficacy against murine ascites Dalton's lymphoma (DL) in comparison to cisplatin alone and this may involve a decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase activity and increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) in Dalton's lymphoma tumor cells. At the same time, combination treatment indicates a protective role of ascorbic acid against cisplatin-induced tissue toxicities (side effects) in the hosts. Cisplatin-induced histopathological changes in liver, kidney and testes were decreased after combination treatment. The analysis of renal function test (RFT), liver function test (LFT) and sperm abnormalities also suggest an improvement in these parameters after combination treatment. Therefore, it may be concluded that the increased GSH level, catalase activity and decreased LPO in the tissues, i.e., liver, kidney and testes after combination treatment may be involved in its protective ability against cisplatin-induced tissue toxicities in the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amenla Longchar
- Cell and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793 022, India
| | - Surya Bali Prasad
- Cell and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793 022, India
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