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Zhu X, Chen X, Qiu L, Zhu J, Wang J. Norcantharidin induces ferroptosis via the suppression of NRF2/HO‑1 signaling in ovarian cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2022; 24:359. [PMID: 36168316 PMCID: PMC9478624 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence has indicated a crucial role of ferroptosis in ovarian cancer (OC). Norcantharidin (NCTD), a normethyl compound of cantharidin, is extensively used in clinical practice as an optional anticancer drug. However, whether NCTD leads to ferroptosis in OC has not been previously explored, at least to the best of our knowledge. In the present study, the effect of NCTD on SKOV3 and OVCAR-3 cells was evaluated. The experimental data of the present study revealed that NCTD significantly suppressed SKOV3 and OVCAR-3 cell viability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The results of Cell Counting Kit-8 assay revealed that NCTD treatment decreased SKOV3 and OVCAR-3 cell viability. In comparison, pre-incubation with ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) significantly reversed the NCTD-induced reduction in SKOV3 and OVCAR-3 cell viability; however, no changes in cell viability were observed when the SKOV3 and OVCAR-3 cells were treated with NCTD, in combination with the apoptosis inhibitor, Z-VAD-FMK, the ferroptosis inhibitor, necrostatin-1, and the autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine. Additionally, it was observed that NCTD markedly enhanced reactive oxygen species production and malondialdehyde and ferrous ion levels in the SKOV3 and OVCAR-3 cells; however, pre-incubation with Fer-1 abolished these effects. Flow cytometry also demonstrated a significant increase in cell death following treatment of the SKOV3 and OVCAR-3 cells with NCTD; however, pre-incubation with Fer-1 also reversed these effects. In vivo experiments demonstrated that NCTD significantly reduced tumor volume and weight. More importantly, it was revealed that nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (xCT) expression levels were significantly decreased following NCTD treatment. Collectively, NCTD may represent a potent anticancer agent in OC cells, and NCTD-induced ferroptotic cell death may be achieved by inhibiting the NRF2/HO-1/GPX4/xCT axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jianhu Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224700, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohong Chen
- Department of Gynecology, People's Hospital of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Longshan Qiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jianhu Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224700, P.R. China
| | - Jianhua Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jianhu Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224700, P.R. China
| | - Jiancai Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jianhu Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224700, P.R. China
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Yu C, Li Y, Chen G, Wu C, Wang X, Zhang Y. Bioactive constituents of animal-derived traditional Chinese medicinal materials for breast cancer: opportunities and challenges. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2022; 23:547-563. [PMID: 35794685 PMCID: PMC9264107 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2101019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is globally the most common invasive cancer in women and remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and endocrine therapy are currently the main treatments for this cancer type. However, some breast cancer patients are prone to drug resistance related to chemotherapy or immunotherapy, resulting in limited treatment efficacy. Consequently, traditional Chinese medicinal materials (TCMMs) as natural products have become an attractive source of novel drugs. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge on the active components of animal-derived TCMMs, including Ophiocordycepssinensis-derived cordycepin, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of O.sinensis, norcantharidin (NCTD), Chansu, bee venom, deer antlers, Ostreagigas, and scorpion venom, with reference to marked anti-breast cancer effects due to regulating cell cycle arrest, proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and drug resistance. In future studies, the underlying mechanisms for the antitumor effects of these components need to be further investigated by utilizing multi-omics technologies. Furthermore, large-scale clinical trials are necessary to validate the efficacy of bioactive constituents alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaochao Yu
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Guopeng Chen
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chaoyan Wu
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiuping Wang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yingwen Zhang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
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Norcantharidin combined with 2-deoxy-d-glucose suppresses the hepatocellular carcinoma cells proliferation and migration. 3 Biotech 2021; 11:142. [PMID: 33708465 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-021-02688-w] [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: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Present study aims to investigate the combined effect of anticancer drug, norcantharidin (NCTD) in combination with glycolytic inhibitor, i.e. 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG) in liver cancer (HepG2 and Hepa 1-6) cells. Cell viability of NCTD and 2-DG exposed cells was determined by MTT assay, whereas, colony-forming efficiency and migration rate was determined by clonogenic assay and wound healing assay, respectively. Nuclear DAPI staining and Annexin V FITC-PI staining were used to study the apoptosis induction in cells. Fluorescence microscopy imaging was performed to detect the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial membrane potential by staining with DCFDA and JC-1 dye, respectively. Cell viability assay revealed that NCTD and 2-DG exposure in combination displays more cytotoxic effect than a single drug. Additionally, cells lose their colony formation efficiency, as well as the reduced migration rate ability was also observed upon combined exposure. Increased nuclear condensation and mitochondrial membrane depolarization are considered as key features for apoptosis induction in cancerous cells. Furthermore, oxidative stress produced in cells due to enhanced intracellular ROS generation is also major probability for cellular damage. Thus, from the initial data it can be concluded that further preclinical studies will be needed to prove the efficacy of NCTD and 2-DG in hepatocellular carcinoma therapy.
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Zhang S, Yang Y, Hua Y, Hu C, Zhong Y. NCTD elicits proapoptotic and antiglycolytic effects on colorectal cancer cells via modulation of Fam46c expression and inhibition of ERK1/2 signaling. Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:774-782. [PMID: 32468032 PMCID: PMC7339822 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is a digestive tract malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer‑related mortality worldwide. Norcantharidin (NCTD), the demethylated form of cantharidin, has been reported to possess anticancer properties. Family‑with‑sequence‑similarity‑46c (Fam46c), a non‑canonical poly(A) polymerase, has been reported to be critical in NCTD‑mediated effects in numerous types of cancer, including hepatoma. In the current study, it was found that Fam46c expression was reduced in colorectal cancer tissues and cells. Treatment with NCTD was observed to significantly enhance apoptosis and inhibit glycolysis in colorectal cancer cells. In addition, Fam46c and cleaved caspase 3 expression levels were found to be increased in response to NCTD treatment, in contrast to tumor‑specific pyruvate kinase M2 and phosphorylated ERK expression, which was reduced. Importantly, overexpression of Fam46c exerted similar effects as NCTD treatment on the apoptosis and glycolysis of colorectal cancer cells, whereas Fam46c knockdown strongly attenuated the effect of NCTD. Moreover, epidermal growth factor, which acts as an agonist of ERK1/2 signaling, weakened the effects of NCTD on colorectal cancer cells. Taken together, the results indicated that NCTD promotes apoptosis and suppresses glycolysis in colorectal cancer cells by possibly targeting Fam46c and inhibiting ERK1/2 signaling, hence suggesting that Fam46c may act as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer. Thus, the present study identified a novel therapeutic target of NCTD in the clinical treatment of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqiang Zhang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
| | - Yun Yang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
| | - Yunwei Hua
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
| | - Chen Hu
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
| | - Yi Zhong
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
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5
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Pan MS, Cao J, Fan YZ. Insight into norcantharidin, a small-molecule synthetic compound with potential multi-target anticancer activities. Chin Med 2020; 15:55. [PMID: 32514288 PMCID: PMC7260769 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-020-00338-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD) is a demethylated derivative of cantharidin, which is an anticancer active ingredient of traditional Chinese medicine, and is currently used clinically as a routine anti-cancer drug in China. Clarifying the anticancer effect and molecular mechanism of NCTD is critical for its clinical application. Here, we summarized the physiological, chemical, pharmacokinetic characteristics and clinical applications of NCTD. Besides, we mainly focus on its potential multi-target anticancer activities and underlying mechanisms, and discuss the problems existing in clinical application and scientific research of NCTD, so as to provide a potential anticancer therapeutic agent for human malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Su Pan
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jin Cao
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue-Zu Fan
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065 People’s Republic of China
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He Q, Xue S, Tan Y, Zhang L, Shao Q, Xing L, Li Y, Xiang T, Luo X, Ren G. Dual inhibition of Akt and ERK signaling induces cell senescence in triple-negative breast cancer. Cancer Lett 2019; 448:94-104. [PMID: 30742942 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Activated Akt and ERK signaling pathways are closely related to breast cancer progression, and Akt or ERK inhibition induces cell senescence. However, the crosstalk between the Akt and ERK signaling pathways in cell senescence and how to simultaneously suppress Akt and ERK signaling in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) are undefined. In this study, we found that norcantharidin (NCTD) effectively induced cell senescence and cell cycle arrest in TNBC in vitro, which was accompanied by a decline in phosphorylated Akt and ERK1/2 and a rise in p21 and p16. The inhibitors LY294002 and U0126 imitated the effect of NCTD when these two inhibitors were combined regardless of crosstalk between these two signaling pathways. In addition, NCTD inhibited the growth of xenografts via downregulation of phosphorylated Akt and ERK1/2 and upregulation of p21 in vivo. However, NCTD upregulated the level of soluble signaling factors of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in a NF-κB-independent manner. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that NCTD induced cell senescence and cell cycle arrest mainly by simultaneously blocking Akt and ERK signaling in TNBC, suggesting that NCTD may be used as a potential adjuvant therapy in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang He
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | | | - Yiqing Tan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Shao
- Breast Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital & Chongqing Cancer Institute & Chongqing Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Xing
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yunhai Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingxiu Xiang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinrong Luo
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Guosheng Ren
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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7
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Ye K, Wei Q, Gong Z, Huang Y, Liu H, Li Y, Peng X. Effect of norcantharidin on the proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle of human mesangial cells. Ren Fail 2017; 39:458-464. [PMID: 28393592 PMCID: PMC6014529 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2017.1308257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Norcantharidin (NCTD) regulates immune system function and reduces proteinuria. We sought to investigate the effect of NCTD on proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle of cultured human mesangial cells (HMC) in vitro. METHODS HMC cells were divided into a normal control group, and various concentrations of NCTD group (2.5, 5, 10, 20, or 40 μg/mL). Cell proliferation was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, apoptosis was detected by Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) assays, and morphological analysis was performed by Hoechest 33258 staining. Finally, cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS NCTD dose and time dependently inhibits HMC proliferation significantly (p < .05). Apoptosis dose and time dependently increased after NCTD treatment. Cell-cycle analysis revealed that the number of cells in the G2 phase increased significantly, whereas the fraction of cells in the S phase decreased, especially 24 h after 5 μg/ml NCTD treatment. CONCLUSION NCTD inhibits HMC cell proliferation, induces apoptosis, and affects the cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Ye
- a Department of Nephrology , The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Guangxi , China
| | - Qiaoyu Wei
- a Department of Nephrology , The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Guangxi , China
| | - Zhifeng Gong
- a Department of Nephrology , The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Guangxi , China
| | - Yunfeng Huang
- a Department of Nephrology , The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Guangxi , China
| | - Hong Liu
- b Department of Nephrology , The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University , Hunan , China
| | - Ying Li
- b Department of Nephrology , The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University , Hunan , China
| | - Xiaomei Peng
- a Department of Nephrology , The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Guangxi , China
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Wang HW, Wang LY, Jiang L, Tian SM, Zhong TD, Fang XM. Amide-linked local anesthetics induce apoptosis in human non-small cell lung cancer. J Thorac Dis 2016; 8:2748-2757. [PMID: 27867550 DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2016.09.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing cancer surgery suggested that using local anesthetics could reduce cancer recurrence and improve survival rate. Previous studies have indicated that local anesthetics may induce apoptosis in several kinds of cells in vitro, but the mechanism is unclear. METHODS Cell viability was analyzed by MTS; reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP, ∆Ψm), cell cycle distribution, and cell apoptosis assay were detected by flow cytometry; DNA damage was measured by comet assay; cell invasion and migration were observed by microscopy; The expression level of related proteins was detected by western blot assay. RESULTS The results indicated that lidocaine and ropivacaine could decrease viability, induce G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells A549 and H520. Invasion and migration were suppressed. Western blot indicated the related apoptotic pathways proteins changed accordingly. Additionally, lidocaine and ropivacaine downregulated ∆Ψm, provoked DNA damage, upregulated ROS production and activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in A549 and H520 cells. CONCLUSIONS The cytotoxic effect of amide-linked local anesthetics on NSCLC cells were mainly due to apoptosis. The antitumor mechanism of lidocaine and ropivacaine may involve apoptotic pathways and MAPK pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Wei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Le-Yi Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Li Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Su-Ming Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Tai-Di Zhong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Xiang-Ming Fang
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
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9
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Zeng L, Zhang Y. Development, optimization and in vitro evaluation of norcantharidin loadedself-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (NCTD-SNEDDS). Pharm Dev Technol 2016; 22:399-408. [PMID: 27487261 DOI: 10.1080/10837450.2016.1219915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This study focused on developing a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) containing bioactive surfactants under an efficient screening approach for overcoming problems associated with the delivery of norcantharidin (NCTD), a high dose chemotherapy agent having pH dependent solubility. Preliminary screening was implemented to select proper components combination. Besides the solubility of NCTD in the oil phase, emulsifying efficiency, droplet size and size distribution were also employed to select components of the SNEDDS. Moreover, the influence of surfactant and co-surfactant on the interfacial tension and droplets of nanoemulsions were investigated to further understand the mechanism of spontaneous emulsification. Co-surfactant addition promoted the emulsification via reducing the water/oil interfacial tension and viscosity. Ternary phase diagrams were constructed to investigate the phase behavior and designate the optimum systems. The alternative formulations were characterized for cloud point, dilution robustness, droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In vitro dissolution study showed that the dissolution rate of optimized formulation (NCTD 10 mg/g, EO 50 wt.%, Cremophor EL 35 wt.%, ethylene glycol 15 wt.%) was slower than drug suspension under the same conditions, confirming that the developed SNEDDS formulation would exhibit sustained release potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Zeng
- a Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, Ministry of Education , College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University , Yangling , China
| | - Yalin Zhang
- a Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, Ministry of Education , College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University , Yangling , China
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Khabour OF, Enaya FM, Alzoubi K, Al-Azzam SI. Evaluation of DNA damage induced by norcantharidin in human cultured lymphocytes. Drug Chem Toxicol 2015; 39:303-6. [PMID: 26599593 DOI: 10.3109/01480545.2015.1113988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD) is currently used in the treatment of several cancers such as leukemia, melanoma and hepatoma. The mechanism of action of NCTD is suggested to involve induction of apoptosis of cancer cells via production of reactive oxygen species. In this study, the genotoxic effect of different concentrations of NCTD (1, 10 and 20 μm) in human lymphocytes was investigated using sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) and chromosomal aberrations (CAs) assays. The results revealed that NCTD significantly increased the rate of SCEs (p < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, NCTD significantly increased the number of high-frequency cells (SCEs ≥ 8, p < 0.05). However, NCTD did not have any significant effect on the rate of CAs (p > 0.05). In addition, no significant differences were detected in the mitotic index or proliferative index at examined doses (up to 20 μm). In conclusion, NCTD is genotoxic to human cultured lymphocytes as measured by SCE assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar F Khabour
- a Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences , Jordan University of Science and Technology , Irbid , Jordan .,b Biology Department , Faculty of Science, Taibah University , Almedina , Saudi Arabia , and
| | - Fatima M Enaya
- a Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences , Jordan University of Science and Technology , Irbid , Jordan
| | - Karem Alzoubi
- c Department of Clinical Pharmacy , Jordan University of Science and Technology , Irbid , Jordan
| | - Sayer I Al-Azzam
- c Department of Clinical Pharmacy , Jordan University of Science and Technology , Irbid , Jordan
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11
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Khan IS, Odom M, Ehtesham M, Colvin D, Quarles CC, McLaughlin B, Singer RJ. Intraarterial administration of norcantharidin attenuates ischemic stroke damage in rodents when given at the time of reperfusion: novel uses of endovascular capabilities. J Neurosurg 2015; 125:152-9. [PMID: 26544777 DOI: 10.3171/2015.4.jns142400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT Matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) plays a critical role in infarct progression, blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, and vasogenic edema. While systemic administration of MMP-9 inhibitors has shown neuroprotective promise in ischemic stroke, there has been little effort to incorporate these drugs into endovascular modalities. By modifying the rodent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model to allow local intraarterial delivery of drugs, one has the ability to mimic endovascular delivery of therapeutics. Using this model, the authors sought to maximize the protective potential of MMP-9 inhibition by intraarterial administration of an MMP-9 inhibitor, norcantharidin (NCTD). METHODS Spontaneously hypertensive rats were subjected to 90-minute MCAO followed immediately by local intraarterial administration of NCTD. The rats' neurobehavioral performances were scored according to the ladder rung walking test results and the Garcia neurological test for as long as 7 days after stroke. MRI was also conducted 24 hours after the stroke to assess infarct volume and BBB disruption. At the end of the experimental protocol, rat brains were used for active MMP-9 immunohistochemical analysis to assess the degree of MMP-9 inhibition. RESULTS NCTD-treated rats showed significantly better neurobehavioral scores for all days tested. MR images also depicted significantly decreased infarct volumes and BBB disruption 24 hours after stroke. Inhibition of MMP-9 expression in the ischemic region was depicted on immunohistochemical analysis, wherein treated rats showed decreased active MMP-9 staining compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS Intraarterial NCTD significantly improved outcome when administered at the time of reperfusion in a spontaneously hypertensive rat stroke model. This study suggests that supplementing endovascular revascularization with local neuroprotective drug therapy may be a viable therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imad S Khan
- J.B. Marshall Laboratory for Neurovascular Therapeutics at Dartmouth;,Division of Neurosurgery, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Mitchell Odom
- Department of Neurosurgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - Moneeb Ehtesham
- Department of Neurosurgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - Daniel Colvin
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Sciences; and
| | - C Chad Quarles
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Sciences; and
| | - BethAnn McLaughlin
- Department of Neurology and Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Robert J Singer
- J.B. Marshall Laboratory for Neurovascular Therapeutics at Dartmouth;,Division of Neurosurgery, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
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Norcantharidin inhibits Wnt signal pathway via promoter demethylation of WIF-1 in human non-small cell lung cancer. Med Oncol 2015; 32:145. [PMID: 25814287 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-015-0592-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Wingless-type (Wnt) family of secreted glycoproteins is a group of signal molecules implicated in oncogenesis. Abnormal activation of Wnt signal pathway is associated with a variety of human cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Wnt antagonists, such as the secreted frizzled-related protein (SFRP) family, Wnt inhibitory factor-1 (WIF-1) and cerberus, inhibit Wnt signal pathway by directly binding to Wnt molecules. Norcantharidin (NCTD) is known to possess anticancer activity but less nephrotoxicity than cantharidin. In this study, we found that NCTD inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, arrested cell cycle and suppressed cell invasion/migration in vitro. Additionally, Wnt signal pathway transcription was also suppressed. NCTD treatment blocked cytoplasmic translocation of beta-catenin into the nucleus. Alterations of apoptosis-related proteins, such as Bax, cleaved caspase-3 (pro-apoptotic) and Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic), had been detected. Furthermore, the expression levels of WIF-1 and SFRP1 were significantly increased in NCTD-treated groups compared with negative control (NC) groups. Abnormal methylation was observed in NC groups, while NCTD treatment promoted WIF-1 demethylation. The present study revealed that NCTD activated WIF-1 via promoter demethylation, inhibiting the canonical Wnt signal pathway in NSCLC, which may present a new therapeutic target in vivo.
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Prasad SB, Verma AK. Cantharidin-mediated ultrastructural and biochemical changes in mitochondria lead to apoptosis and necrosis in murine Dalton's lymphoma. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2013; 19:1377-1394. [PMID: 24029497 DOI: 10.1017/s143192761301324x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Cantharidin, a type of terpenoid, is the blistering agent of blister beetles frequently used in traditional medicine. The isolation and anticancer activity of cantharidin from blister beetles, Mylabris cichorii has been recently reported by us. This study deals with changes in mitochondrial structure and function and understanding their significance in the underlying mechanism(s) in cantharidin-mediated antitumor effects in Dalton's lymphoma (DL) bearing mice. Cantharidin treatment caused the appearance of abnormal mitochondrial features which included roundish mitochondria with thickened membranes, irregularity in cristae, and appearance of small and large size vacuoles in mitochondria of DL cells. Cantharidin treatment resulted in a decrease in mitochondrial reduced glutathione, succinate dehydrogenase activity, mitochondrial membrane potential, and induced apoptosis and necrosis in DL cells. The decrease/release of mitochondrial cytochrome c were also observed after cantharidin treatment. Flow cytometry-based cell cycle analysis showed a time-dependent accumulation of the sub-G0 population of DL cells, thus, confirming the involvement of apoptosis in tumor cells in cantharidin-mediated antitumor activity. These finding signify that the apoptosis induced by cantharidin in DL cells should involve mitochondrial-dependent pathways. It is suggested that these cantharidin-mediated changes in mitochondria may play a crucial role in its antitumor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surya B Prasad
- Department of Zoology, Cell and Tumor Biology Laboratory, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong-793 022, India
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Verma AK, Prasad SB. Antitumor effect of blister beetles: an ethno-medicinal practice in Karbi community and its experimental evaluation against a murine malignant tumor model. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2013; 148:869-879. [PMID: 23707211 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2012] [Revised: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE The blister beetles Epicauta hirticornis and Mylabris cichorii are used as a folk medicine by the Karbi tribe in Karbi Anglong district of Assam, India for the treatment of different human ailments, including cancer cases. AIM OF THE STUDY It includes field survey related to zoo-therapeutic aspects of two blister beetles in Karbi community, isolation of bio-active compound and evaluation of its antitumor potential with possible mode of action against murine Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). MATERIALS AND METHODS The main bio-active compound of blister beetles was isolated from ethyl acetate extract and the structure was confirmed as cantharidin using NMR, IR, Mass and X-ray diffractometer. The effect of cantharidin on apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy and the apoptosis related signaling pathways were determined using different bioassays, including cell cycle analysis, mitochondrial membrane potential, western blot analysis of cytochrome c, caspases 9, 3/7 assays, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. RESULTS Cantharidin induced apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy cell death in EAC cells. The decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential was observed, which may help to release cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol. Cantharidin treatment caused up-regulation of caspases 9 and -3/7 and a decrease in LDH activity in EAC cells. CONCLUSION The major bioactive compound of these blister beetles is cantharidin which induces severe apoptosis in EAC cells involving mitochondrial intrinsic pathway. Cantharidin-mediated inhibition of LDH activity may lead to short supply of NAD(+) and cut off energy and anabolic supply to cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akalesh Kumar Verma
- Cell and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793 022, India
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