Umbelliprenin induced production of IFN-γand TNF-α, and reduced IL-10, IL-4, Foxp3 and TGF-βin a mouse model of lung cancer

Joining up the scattered anticancer knowledge on auraptene and umbelliprenin: a meta-analysis

Auraptene (AUR) and umbelliprenin (UMB) are naturally occurring prenylated coumarins that have demonstrated promising anticancer effects across various human cancer cell lines. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically assess, compare, and quantify the anticancer efficacy of AUR and UMB by synthesizing evidence from in vitro studies. A comprehensive literature search identified 27 eligible studies investigating AUR or UMB against cancer cells. Mixed-effects models revealed significant negative associations between coumarin dose and viability for AUR (est. = - 2.27) and UMB (est. = - 3.990), underscoring their dose-dependent cytotoxicity. Meta-regression indicated slightly higher potency for UMB over AUR, potentially due to increased lipophilicity imparted by additional isoprenyl units. Machine learning approaches identified coumarin dose and cancer type as the most influential determinants of toxicity, while treatment duration and the specific coumarin displayed weaker effects. Moderate (AUR) to substantial (UMB) between-study heterogeneity was detected, although the findings proved robust. In summary, this meta-analysis establishes AUR and UMB as promising natural anticancer candidates with clear dose-toxicity relationships across diverse malignancies. The structural insights and quantifications of anticancer efficacy can inform forthcoming efforts assessing therapeutic potential in pre-clinical models and human trials.

The growth inhibitory and apoptotic effects of umbelliprenin in a mouse model of systemic candidiasis

AIMS

Umbelliprenin has shown promising biological activities, including immunoregulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. The present study investigated the growth inhibitory and apoptotic effects of umbelliprenin against Candida albicans in a BALB/c mice model of disseminated candidiasis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

First, an antimicrobial assay via microdilution sensitivity test was performed. Then, twenty-five 6-week-old female BALB/c mice (20 ± 12 g) were divided into five groups of five mice, including one control group (no umbelliprenin treatment) and four experimental groups: C. albicans-infected mice treated with umbelliprenin at the doses of 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg kg -1. The brain, lung, kidney, spleen, and liver tissues were examined for fungal infection and histological lesions, and TUNEL staining was performed to assess apoptosis. The β-1, 3-glucan synthase assay was used to evaluate enzymatic activity, and gene expression analysis was also performed to investigate the transcriptional changes of ERG11, CDR1, ALS1, and HWP1 genes. The MIC of umbelliprenin was 1.5 mg mL-1. Our results showed that at the 40 mg kg -1 dose, umbelliprenin was able to eradicate fungal infection in BALB/c mice. The percentage of apoptotic cells in umbelliprenin-treated groups increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Umbelliprenin (40 mg kg -1) also inhibited the expression of β-1, 3-glucan synthase, and the genes involved in antifungal resistance (CDR1 and ERG11), as well as the expression of the genes encoding adhesins (ALS1 and HWP1).

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that umbelliprenin could promote antifungal effects, partly via inducing apoptosis.

Clinical Value of Cytokine Assay in Diagnosis and Severity Assessment of Lung Cancer

Purpose

To investigate the clinical value of interleukin 2 (IL-2), interleukin 4 (IL-4), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in diagnosis and severity assessment of lung cancer.

Methods

In this observational study, 50 physical examination healthy subjects were included in the control group and 100 lung cancer patients were included in the study group. In the study group, 53 cases with pleural effusion were subgrouped to the pleural effusion group (n = 53), while 47 patients were assigned to the nonpleural effusion group (n = 47). Plasma cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores of all eligible subjects were collected and compared.

Results

The study group showed significantly higher levels of plasma cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ versus healthy subjects (P < 0.05). Deterioration of lung cancer was associated with increased plasma cytokine levels and APACHE II scores. The combination assay of the above plasma cytokines showed significantly better diagnostic efficacy for lung cancer versus the single assay of the cytokines. Dead patients had higher plasma cytokine levels versus survived patients. The accuracy of plasma IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ levels in the severity assessment of lung cancer was comparable with that of the APACHE II scale.

Conclusion

The plasma cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ are effective markers for the diagnosis of lung cancer. The combined assay contributes to the early diagnosis of lung cancer patients, and the persistent elevation of cytokines suggests an increased risk of death in lung cancer patients, so the detection of cytokine levels facilitates the severity assessment of lung cancer.

Erianin inhibits human lung cancer cell growth via PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in vitro and in vivo

Erianin is a small-molecule compound that is isolated from Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl. In recent years, it has been found to have evident antitumor activity in various cancers, such as bladder cancer, cervical cancer, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In this study, we assessed the effect of erianin on lung cancer in terms of cell growth inhibition and the related mechanism. First, erianin at a concentration of less than 1 nmol/L exhibited cytotoxicity in H1975, A549, LLC lung cancer cells, did not cause marked growth inhibition in normal lung and kidney cells, induced obvious apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest of cells, and inhibited the migration and invasion of lung cancer cells in vitro. Second, in a mouse xenograft model of lewis lung cancer (LLC), oral administration of erianin (50, 35, and 10 mg kg^-1  day^-1 for 12 days) substantially inhibited nodule growth, reduced the fluorescence counts of lewis cells and the percentage vascularity of tumor tissues, increased the number of apoptotic tumor cells, the thymus indices, up-regulated the levels of interleukin (IL)-2 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), decreased IL-10 levels and the spleen index, and enhanced immune function. Lastly, the possible targets of erianin were determined by molecular docking and verified via western blot assay. The results indicated that erianin may achieve the above effects via inhibiting the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in vitro and vivo. Taken together, the results showed that erianin had obvious antitumor effects via inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in vitro and vivo and may have potential clinical value for the treatment of lung cancer.

Nanoformulations of Coumarins and the Hybrid Molecules of Coumarins with Potential Anticancer Effects

Coumarins are the secondary metabolites of some plants, fungi, and bacteria. Coumarins and the hybrid molecules of coumarins are the compounds which have been widely studied for their potential anticancer effects. They belong to benzopyrone chemical class, more precisely benzo-α-pyrones, where benzene ring is fused to pyrone ring. In nature, coumarins are found in higher plants like Rutaceae and Umbelliferae and some essential oils like cinnamon bark oil, cassia leaf oil and lavender oil are also rich in coumarins. The six main classes of coumarins are furanocoumarins, dihydrofuranocoumarins, pyrano coumarins, pyrone substituted coumarins, phenylcoumarins and bicoumarins. As well as their wide range of biological activities, coumarins and the hybrid molecules of coumarins are proven to have an important role in anticancer drug development due to the fact that many of its derivatives have shown an anticancer activity on various cell lines. Osthol, imperatorin, esculetin, scopoletin, umbelliprenin, angelicine, bergamottin, limettin, metoxhalen, aurapten and isopimpinellin are some of these coumarins. This review summarizes the anticancer effects of coumarins and their hybrid molecules including the novel pharmaceutical formulations adding further information on the topic for the last ten years and basically focusing on the structureactivity relationship of these compounds in cancer.

Comparative evaluation of the protective effects of oral administration of auraptene and umbelliprenin against CFA-induced chronic inflammation with polyarthritis in rats

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of Auraptene (AUR) and Umbelliprenin (UMB) in a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) induced by using complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Paw swelling of adjuvant arthritis rats measured at various times after CFA injection. Over 15 days of RA induction, mediator/cytokine-mediated processes involved in managing the regulation and resolving RA's inflammation were also quantified with ELISA. Histopathological changes were also assessed under a microscope 15 days after the CFA injection. AUR at all doses and UMB administration only at a 16 mM /kg administration dose significantly reduced CFA-induced paw edema level compared to the control group. UMB (64 and 32 mM) and AUR (64, 32, and 16 mM) could reduce the PGE2 (p < .0001-.01) and NO (p < .0001-.05) levels in the treatment groups compared to the negative control group. However, these compounds showed no significant effect on the TNF-α, IFN-γ, TGF-β, IL-4, and IL-10 levels than the control group (p > .05). Unlike indomethacin and prednisolone, treatment of rats with AUR (16, 32, and 64 mM/kg) and UMB (16 and 32 mM/kg) reduced the level of IL-2 (p < .0001). In all treatment groups, the serum level of IL-17 was significantly reduced compared to the CFA group (p < .001-0.05). We suggested AUR and UMB could diminish inflammation by reducing the serum level of IL-17 and could be considered a proper alternative in the treatment of IL-17 related inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Given that AUR and UMB apply their anti-inflammatory effects by changing distinct cytokine release/inhibition patterns, their potential application in diverse inflammatory diseases seems different.

Immuno-modulatory effects of methanolic extract of Ferula szowitsiana on isolated human Th1/Th2/Treg cytokines levels, and their genes expression and nitric oxide production

BACKGROUND

Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidants activities of Ferula szowitsiana L. (F. szowitsiana) were shown in ancient texts and assayed by modern studies. However, immunomodulatory properties of the plant are poorly understood.

METHODS

The effects of F. szowitsiana extract (10, 40 and 160 µg/ml), dexamethasone and vehicle were investigated on nitric oxide (NO) level, cell proliferation, and cytokines (IL-4, IL10 and IFN-γ) expression at gene and protein levels in non-stimulated and phytohaemagglutinin-stimulated human lymphocytes (n = 15 in each group).

RESULTS

Cell proliferation, cytokines secretion, NO production and levels of genes expression were significantly inhibited but IFN-γ/IL-4 and IL-10/IL-4 ratios (T helper 1/Th2 and Treg/Th2 balances respectively) were increased by dexamethasone and all three concentrations of the extract compared to control group in stimulated lymphocytes (P < 0.001 for all cases). The effect of three concentrations of the extract in all experiments was significantly lower than dexamethasone (P < 0.001 for all cases).

CONCLUSION

The extract of F. szowitsiana concentration-dependently decreased NO level but increased Th₁/Th₂ and T_reg/Th₂ ratios toward Th₁ and T_reg. These results suggest the therapeutic potential of the plant's extract in inflammatory diseases with dominant Th2 polarization such as asthma or cancers.

Assessment of the Antitumor Potential of Umbelliprenin, a Naturally Occurring Sesquiterpene Coumarin

Cancer is one of the greatest causes of mortality worldwide. The prevalence rates of different types of cancer is increasing around the world as well. Limitations in chemotherapy and radiotherapy, owing to multiple side effects including cytotoxic effects of antitumor compounds on normal cells as well as the development of resistance to these treatment options in patients, create a serious threat to successful treatment of cancer. The use of natural compounds to prevent and treat cancers has been found to be quite effective, with fewer adverse effects found in patients. Umbelliprenin (UMB) is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene compound found in Ferula species and recently in Artemisia absinthium. Many studies have highlighted the antitumor potential of UMB in different cancer cell lines as well as in animal models. UMB exerts its anticancer actions by regulating extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways; causing inhibition of the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase; and attenuating migration and invasion by modulating the Wnt signaling, NF-ĸB, TGFβ, and Fox3 signaling pathways. UMB also affects the key hallmarks of tumor cells by attenuating tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. This review provides an insight into the role of UMB as a potential antitumor drug for different malignancies and highlights the signaling cascades affected by UMB treatment in diverse tumor cell lines and preclinical models.

Biomolecular Targets of Oxyprenylated Phenylpropanoids and Polyketides

Oxyprenylated secondary metabolites (e.g. phenylpropanoids and polyketides) represent a rare class of natural compounds. Over the past two decades, this group of phytochemicals has become a topic of intense research activity by several teams worldwide due to their in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities, and to their great therapeutic and nutraceutical potential for the chemoprevention of acute and chronic diseases affecting humans. Such investigations have provided evidence that oxyprenylated secondary metabolites are able to interact with several biological targets at different levels accounting for their observed anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, antihypertensive, and metabolic effects. The aim of the present contribution is to provide a detailed survey of the so far reported data on the capacities of selected oxyprenylated phenylpropanoids and polyketides to trigger receptors, enzymes, and other types of cellular factors for which they exhibit a high degree of affinity and therefore evoke specific responses. With respect to the rather small amounts of these compounds available from natural sources, their chemical synthesis is also highlighted.

Umbelliprenin shows antitumor, antiangiogenesis, antimetastatic, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulatory activities in 4T1 tumor-bearing Balb/c mice

Umbelliprenin (UMB) has shown various pharmacological properties in vitro. We investigated the antineoplastic and immunostimulatory effects of UMB in 4T1 mammary-tumor-bearing mice. Two-hundred microliter of UMB (12.5 mg/ml) was intraperitoneally administrated to healthy and tumor-bearing female Balb/c mice for a period of 18 days. Data was analyzed using GraphPad Prism 5 software for Windows (version 5, La Jolla, CA). UMB caused a significant decrease in tumor size (P < 0.01). Serum interferon gamma (IFNγ) was augmented in both healthy and tumor-bearing animals (P < 0.01), and IL-4 declined in healthy animals (P < 0.01) treated with UMB. Expressions of Ki-67, VEGF, CD31, MMP2, MMP9, VCAM1, and NF-κB were significantly decreased in tumors from UMB-treated animals (P < 0.001), whereas E-Cadherin and TNFR1 expressions were markedly increased (P < 0.001). The rates of liver and lung metastases in UMB-administrated animals were smaller compared to the control. UMB can potently inhibit tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, and inflammation and potentiate an antitumor immune response in vivo. However, further investigations are required to evaluate the UMB mechanisms of action in cancerous cells.

Characterization of the Degradation Profile of Umbelliprenin, a Bioactive Prenylated Coumarin of a Ferulago Species

Umbelliprenin is a secondary plant metabolite that displays promising chemopreventive, anti-inflammatory, and antigenotoxic properties. It possesses potential for applications to human welfare notably to prevent the emergence of cancer. For this purpose, stability studies are needed to define proper storage conditions and adapted formulations for this drug candidate. The identification of degradative products is a major concern for the preclinical development of umbelliprenin, providing also interesting information related to potential original phytochemicals formed in plants exposed to stressors. The stability profile of umbelliprenin under various stress conditions including exposure to heat, light, oxidation, and hydrolytic medium was assessed via HPLC/UV data. The data support that umbelliprenin undergoes inter- and intramolecular [2+2] cycloaddition under light exposure, leading respectively to a cyclobutane-umbelliprenin dimer and a 16-membered macrocycle. Their structures were characterized via MS and NMR data. It was shown that UV-A filters prevent this process, whereas UV-B filters and antioxidants are not or weakly effective. The study provides useful information for the preclinical development of umbelliprenin as an original chemopreventive agent.

Umbelliprenin induced both anti-inflammatory and regulatory cytokines in C57/BL6 mice

Objective(s):

Umbelliprenin is a prenyloxy-coumarin with pharmacologically polyvalent activity. Several studies have shown Several studies have been shown its anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antioxidant, and antigenotoxic activities. However, the exact mechanism of action of this compound on the immune response has not yet been shown. Here, we investigated umbelliprenin effects on the predominance of Th1 and Th2 responses in normal C57/BL6 mice.

Materials and Methods:

Umbelliprenin (2.5 mg/200 µl IP) were administered to six C57/BL6 mice every other day for 8 days. Paraffin and PBS-injected mice were enrolled as solvent and control groups, respectively (n=6 mice/group). IL-10, IFN-γ, and IL-4 levels were determined in sera and also in splenocytes culture supernatants in the presence of Con A (3 µg/ml) after 72 hr. H&E staining of paraffin embedded blocks was performed for lung and liver tissues of mice.

Results:

Umbelliprenin could significantly increase the secretion of IFN-γ and IL-4 in sera and IL-10 in splenocytes cultures. Comparison of IFN-γ/IL-4 in the sera and splenocytes culture supernatants showed lower ratios in umbelliprenin treated mice than in solvent and untreated groups.

Conclusion:

The in vivo study showed that umbelliprenin could induce anti-inflammatory responses via the predominance of Th2 cells and some regulatory responses in C57/BL6 mice.

Role of interleukin (IL)-17 and T-helper (Th)17 cells in cancer

Interleukin-17 (IL-17), a pleiotropic proinflammatory cytokine, is reported to be significantly generated by a distinct subset of CD4⁺ T-cells, upgrading cancer-elicited inflammation and preventing cancer cells from immune surveillance. T-helper (Th)17 cells produced from naive CD4⁺ T cells have recently been renowned and generally accepted, gaining eminence in cancer studies and playing the effective role in context of cancer. Th17 cells are the main source of IL-17-secreting cells, It was found that other cell types produced this cytokine as well, including Group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3), δγT cells, invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, lymphoid-tissue inducer (LTi)-like cells and Natural killer (NK) cells. Th17-associated cytokines give impetus to tumor progression, or inducing angiogenesis and metastasis. This review demonstrates an understanding on how the pro- or antitumor function of Th17 cells and IL-17 may change cancer progression, leading to the appearance of complex and pivotal biologic activities in tumor.

Immune-associated proteins with potential in vivo anti-tumor activities are upregulated in lung cancer cells treated with umbelliprenin: A proteomic approach

Umbelliprenin (Umb), a natural coumarin, has demonstrated anti-tumor activities, both in vitro and particularly in vivo, in several types of cancer, including lung cancer. The present study aimed to identify molecular targets of Umb using a high-throughput approach. Lung cancer cell lines, QU-DB (large-cell lung carcinoma) and A549 (adenocarcinoma), were treated with Umb. Differentially-expressed proteins were identified using two-dimensional electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry. In the QU-DB cells, differential expression of proteins, including downregulation of the tumorigenic protein heat shock protein 90 kDa and upregulation of the potential anti-tumor proteins Nipsnap1 and glycine-tRNA ligase (GRS), suggested that Umb is a strong anti-tumor compound. In the A549 cells, differential expression of proteins indicated possible contradictory effects of Umbregarding tumorigenesis, which included downregulation of the tumorigenic protein cyclophilin and the tumor suppressor MST, and upregulation of stathmin (tumorigenic) and calreticulin. Calreticulun, in addition to GRS in QU-DB cells, stimulates anti-tumor immune responses in vivo. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to use a high-throughput approach to identify targets of Umb in cancer. These molecular targets suggested that Umb may exhibit stronger in vitro anti-tumor activity against the large-cell carcinoma model than the adenocarcinoma model. Furthermore, it has been reported that Umb exhibits higher cytotoxicity against QU-DB cells than A549 cells in vitro, and significant Umb anti-tumor activity against lung cancer in vivo, which is consistent with previously published literature. In each cell type, immune-associated molecules were upregulated, indicating that this naturally occurring compound exhibits marked anti-tumor activity in vivo. However, further studies that investigate the effect of Umb in different in vitro models of cancer are required.

Umbelliprenin is Potentially Toxic Against the HT29, CT26, MCF-7, 4T1, A172, and GL26 Cell Lines, Potentially Harmful Against Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells, and Non-Toxic Against Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

BACKGROUND

Resistance to chemotherapy is a growing concern, thus natural anticancer agents are drawing the attention of many scientists and clinicians. One natural anticancer agent, umbelliprenin, is a coumarin produced by many species of Ferula.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to examine the inhibitory effect of umbelliprenin on human and mouse bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMDSCs), peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and different cancer cell lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this in vitro experimental study, the HT29, CT26, MCF-7, 4T1, A172, and GL26 cancer cells and human and mouse BMDSCs and PBMCs were cultured in RPMI-1640 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), incubated at 37°C for 24 hours in a 5% CO2 atmosphere, and then were treated with different concentrations of umbelliprenin dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (3, 6, 12, 25, 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL) for 24, 48, and 72 hours at 37°C. Each experiment was performed in triplicate. Finally, the cell survival rate was assessed by MTT assay. The IC50 values were calculated based on the log values using GraphPad Prism version 5 software for windows (La Jolla CA, USA) and were expressed as mean ± SEM.

RESULTS

Umbelliprenin inhibited the cancer cells in a concentration-dependent (P < 0.05) but not time-dependent manner (P > 0.05). The most sensitive and resistant cell lines at the 24-hour incubation time were 4T1 (IC50, 30.9 ± 3.1 µg/mL) and A172 (IC50, 51.9 ± 6.7 µg/mL); at the 48-hour incubation time: 4T1 (IC50, 30.6 ± 2.6 µg/mL) and CT26 (IC50, 53.2 ± 3.6 µg/mL); and at the 72-hour incubation time: HT29 (IC50, 37.1 ± 1.4 µg/mL) and 4T1 (IC50, 62.2 ± 4.8 µg/mL). Both human and mouse BMDSCs showed the highest resistance at the 24-hour incubation time (IC50s, 254.7 ± 21 and 204.4 ± 4.5 µg/mL, respectively) and the highest sensitivity at the 72-hour incubation time (IC50s, 120.4 ± 5 and 159.0 ± 7.3 µg/mL, respectively). The PBMCs of both human and mouse origin revealed very strong resistance to the studied concentrations of umbelliprenin (IC50s ranging from 713.5 ± 499.1 to 6651 ± 3670.7 µg/mL).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that umbelliprenin exhibits concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on various cell types; it is potentially toxic against the HT29, CT26, MCF-7, 4T1, A172, and GL26 cell lines, potentially harmful against BMDSCs, and non-toxic against PBMCs. Therefore, if our results are approved in the future, umbelliprenin can be an appropriate candidate for developing treatments against different cancers.

Non-small-cell lung cancer-induced immunosuppression by increased human regulatory T cells via Foxp3 promoter demethylation

Patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have immune defects that are poorly understood. Forkhead box protein P3 (Foxp3) is crucial for immunosuppression by CD4(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs). It is not well known how NSCLC induces Foxp3 expression and causes immunosuppression in tumor-bearing patients. Our study found a higher percentage of CD4(+) Tregs in the peripheral blood of NSCLC compared with healthy donors. NSCLC patients showed demethylation of eight CpG sites within the Foxp3 promoter with methylation ratios negatively correlated with CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) T levels. Foxp3 expression in CD4(+) Tregs was directly regulated by Foxp3 promoter demethylation and was involved in immunosuppression by NSCLC. To verify the effect of tumor cells on the phenotype and function of CD4(+) Tregs, we established a coculture system using NSCLC cell line and healthy CD4(+) T cells and showed that SPC-A1 induced IL-10 and TGF-β1 secretion by affecting the function of CD4(+) Tregs. The activity of DNA methyltransferases from CD4(+) T was decreased during this process. Furthermore, eight CpG sites within the Foxp3 promoter also appeared to have undergone demethylation. Foxp3 is highly expressed in CD4(+) T cells, and this may be caused by gene promoter demethylation. These induced Tregs are highly immunosuppressive and dramatically inhibit the proliferative activity of naïve CD4(+) T cells. Our study provides one possible mechanism describing Foxp3 promoter demethylation changes by which NSCLC down-regulates immune responses and contributes to tumor progression. Foxp3 represents an important target for NSCLC anti-tumor immunotherapy.

Regulatory effect of astragalus polysaccharides on intestinal intraepithelial γδT cells of tumor bearing mice

Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) possess multiple immunomodulatory activities. Due to its high molecular weight, orally administration of APS is not easily absorbed into the blood stream, and how APS exerts its capacity in vivo is still not well elucidated. We assume that enteric mucosal immune response might trigger the immune regulation of APS, and our previous studies demonstrated that APS had regulatory activity on intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the functions of APS on intestinal intraepithelial γδT cells, a major subset in IELs and an essential component of maintaining homeostasis and immune regulation in enteric mucosa. Results showed that APS could promote proliferation and function of intestinal intraepithelial γδT cells in vitro, the IFN-γ, FasL and GrB mRNA levels in γδT cells were all significantly increased. Moreover, APS also improved the activity of intestinal intraepithelial γδT cells in vivo, as cytokines production and cytotoxicity of γδT cells were all remarkably improved in tumor-bearing mice treated with APS. In addition, the levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ were significantly increased, whereas the levels of IL-10 and TGF-β were significantly decreased in tumor-bearing mice treated with APS. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that APS could improve proliferation and function of intestinal intraepithelial γδT cells, which might an important pathway for immunomodulation of APS in cancer therapy.

Biological properties and molecular targets of umbelliprenin--a mini-review

7-Prenyloxycoumarins are a group of secondary metabolites found mainly in plants belonging to the families Rutaceae and Apiaceae. Auraptene, umbelliprenin (UM), and 7-isopentenyloxycoumarin are some examples of prenylated coumarins. UM occurs in various edible plant species including celery, coriander, angelica, lemon, and particularly, Ferula species. Although UM was isolated more than 50 years ago, its biological activities have been studied since the last two decades. Besides anticancer activities, biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antileishmanial activities have been reported from this natural compound. The present mini-review deals with the biological activities and mechanism of actions reported for UM.