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Xiong L, Liu Y, Wang Y, Zhao H, Song X, Fan W, Zhang L, Zhang Y. The protective effect of Lonicera japonica Thunb. against lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice: Modulation of inflammation, oxidative stress, and ferroptosis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 331:118333. [PMID: 38750986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Various components of Lonicera japonica Thunb. (LJT) exhibit pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Nevertheless, the relationship between LJT and ferroptosis remains largely unexplored. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this research was to look into the role of LJT in regulating LPS-induced ferroptosis in ALI and to compare the effects of different parts of LJT. MATERIALS AND METHODS We established a mice ALI model by treating with LPS. Administered mice with different doses of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos (LJF), Lonicera Japonica Leaves (LJL) and Lonicerae Caulis (LRC) extracts, respectively. The levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-10, and PGE2 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, the concentrations of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and total ferrous ions (Fe2+) in lung tissues were evaluated. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was conducted to examine the morphological structure of lung tissues. Transmission electron microscopy was used to investigate the ultrastructural morphology of mitochondria. Furthermore, the effects of LJT were evaluated via immunohistochemical staining, western blotting, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses. Finally, employing molecular docking and molecular dynamics research techniques, we aimed to identify crucial components in LJT that might inhibit ferroptosis by targeting nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). RESULTS We observed that pretreatment with LJT significantly mitigated LPS-induced lung injury and suppressed ferroptosis. This was supported by reduced accumulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, ROS, MDA, and Fe2+, along with increased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, SOD, GSH, Nrf2, and GPX4 in the lung tissues of ALI mice. Luteolin-7-O-rutinoside, apigenin-7-O-rutinoside, and amentoflavone in LJT exhibit excellent docking effects with key targets of ferroptosis, Nrf2 and GPX4. CONCLUSIONS Pretreatment with LJT may alleviate LPS-induced ALI, possibly by suppressing ferroptosis. Our initial results indicate that LJT activates the Nrf2/GPX4 axis, providing protection against ferroptosis in ALI. This finding offers a promising therapeutic candidate for ALI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewen Xiong
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Hongwei Zhao
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Xiaochen Song
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Wenjing Fan
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Longfei Zhang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
| | - Yongqing Zhang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
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Pandey P, Elsori D, Kumar R, Lakhanpal S, Rautela I, Alqahtani TM, Ahmad F, Iqbal D, Khan F. Ferroptosis targeting natural compounds as a promising approach for developing potent liver cancer agents. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1399677. [PMID: 38738178 PMCID: PMC11082342 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1399677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. However, treatment options, including surgical resection, transplantation, and molecular drug therapies, are of limited effectiveness. Recent studies have demonstrated that suppressing ferroptosis might be a pivotal signal for liver cancer initiation, thus providing a new way to combat liver cancer. Ferroptosis is a distinct form of controlled cell death that differs from conventional cell death routes like apoptosis, necrosis, and pyroptosis. It results from intracellular iron overload, which raises iron-dependent reactive oxygen species. This, in turn, leads to the accumulation of lipid peroxides that further result in oxidative damage to cell membranes, disrupt normal functioning, and ultimately speed up the ferroptosis phenomenon. Ferroptosis regulation is intricately linked to cellular physiological processes, encompassing iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, and the equilibrium between oxygen-free radical reactions and lipid peroxidation. This review intends to summarize the natural compounds targeting ferroptosis in liver cancer to offer new therapeutic ideas for liver cancer. Furthermore, it serves as the foundation for identifying and applying chemical medicines and natural chemicals that target ferroptosis to treat liver cancer efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Pandey
- Centre of Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, India
| | - Deena Elsori
- Faculty of Resilience, Rabdan Academy, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rahul Kumar
- Chitkara Centre for Research and Development, Chitkara University, Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Sorabh Lakhanpal
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Indra Rautela
- School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India
| | - Tariq Mohammed Alqahtani
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah university, Al Majma’ah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fuzail Ahmad
- Respiratory Care Department, College of Applied Sciences, Almaarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Danish Iqbal
- Department of Health Information Management, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Buraydah Private Colleges, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad Khan
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Zhou X, Tan F, Zhang S, Wang A, Zhang T. A Strategy based on Bioinformatics and Machine Learning Algorithms Reveals Potential Mechanisms of Shelian Capsule against Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:377-405. [PMID: 38310567 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128284465240108071554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent and life-threatening form of cancer, with Shelian Capsule (SLC), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulation, being recommended for clinical treatment. However, the mechanisms underlying its efficacy remain elusive. This study sought to uncover the potential mechanisms of SLC in HCC treatment using bioinformatics methods. METHODS Bioactive components of SLC were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), and HCC-related microarray chip data were sourced from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The selection criteria for components included OB ≧ 30% and DL ≧ 0.18. By integrating the results of differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), disease-related genes were identified. Therapeutic targets were determined as shared items between candidate targets and disease genes. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was conducted for concatenated genes, with core protein clusters identified using the MCODE plugin. Machine learning algorithms were applied to identify signature genes within therapeutic targets. Subsequently, immune cell infiltration analysis, single-cell RNA sequencing (sc-RNA seq) analysis, molecular docking, and ADME analysis were performed for the screened genes. RESULTS A total of 153 SLC ingredients and 170 candidate targets were identified, along with 494 HCCrelated disease genes. Overlapping items between disease genes and drug candidates represented therapeutic genes, and PPI network analysis was conducted using concatenated genes. MCODE1 and MCODE2 cluster genes underwent Disease Ontology (DO), Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Four signature genes (TOP2A, CYP1A2, CYP2B6, and IGFBP3) were identified from 28 therapeutic genes using 3 machine learning algorithms, with ROC curves plotted. Molecular docking validated the interaction modes and binding abilities between signature genes and corresponding compounds, with free binding energy all <-7 kcal/mol. Finally, ADME analysis revealed similarities between certain SLC components and the clinical drugs Sorafenib and Lenvatinib. CONCLUSION In summary, our study revealed that the mechanism underlying the anti-HCC effects of SLC involves interactions at three levels: components (quercetin, beta-sitosterol, kaempferol, baicalein, stigmasterol, and luteolin), pathways (PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and IL-17 signaling pathway), and targets (TOP2A, CYP1A2, CYP2B6, and IGFBP3). This study provides preliminary insights into the potential pharmacological mechanisms of SLC in HCC treatment, aiming to support its clinical application and serve as a reference for future laboratory investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianqiang Zhou
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Jing'an District Central Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Shanghai Medical College, Jing'an District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Fang Tan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230031, Anhui Province, China
| | - Suxian Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Jing'an District Central Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - An'an Wang
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tiansong Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Jing'an District Central Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Shanghai Medical College, Jing'an District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
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Lei M, Zhang YL, Huang FY, Chen HY, Chen MH, Wu RH, Dai SZ, He GS, Tan GH, Zheng WP. Gankyrin inhibits ferroptosis through the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 axis in triple-negative breast cancer cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21916. [PMID: 38081931 PMCID: PMC10713534 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49136-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Gankyrin is found in high levels in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and has been established to form a complex with the E3 ubiquitin ligase MDM2 and p53, resulting in the degradation of p53 in hepatocarcinoma cells. Therefore, this study sought to determine whether gankyrin could inhibit ferroptosis through this mechanism in TNBC cells. The expression of gankyrin was investigated in relation to the prognosis of TNBC using bioinformatics. Co-immunoprecipitation and GST pull-down assays were then conducted to determine the presence of a gankyrin and MDM2 complex. RT-qPCR and immunoblotting were used to examine molecules related to ferroptosis, such as gankyrin, p53, MDM2, SLC7A11, and GPX4. Additionally, cell death was evaluated using flow cytometry detection of 7-AAD and a lactate dehydrogenase release assay, as well as lipid peroxide C11-BODIPY. Results showed that the expression of gankyrin is significantly higher in TNBC tissues and cell lines, and is associated with a poor prognosis for patients. Subsequent studies revealed that inhibiting gankyrin activity triggered ferroptosis in TNBC cells. Additionally, silencing gankyrin caused an increase in the expression of the p53 protein, without altering its mRNA expression. Co-immunoprecipitation and GST pull-down experiments indicated that gankyrin and MDM2 form a complex. In mouse embryonic fibroblasts lacking both MDM2 and p53, this gankyrin/MDM2 complex was observed to ubiquitinate p53, thus raising the expression of molecules inhibited by ferroptosis, such as SLC7A11 and GPX4. Furthermore, silencing gankyrin in TNBC cells disrupted the formation of the gankyrin/MDM2 complex, hindered the degradation of p53, increased SLC7A11 expression, impeded cysteine uptake, and decreased GPX4 production. Our findings suggest that TNBC cells are able to prevent cell ferroptosis through the gankyrin/p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway, indicating that gankyrin may be a useful biomarker for predicting TNBC prognosis or a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Lei
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education & School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Yun-Long Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education & School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Feng-Ying Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education & School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Heng-Yu Chen
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, China
| | - Ming-Hui Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education & School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Ri-Hong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education & School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Shu-Zhen Dai
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education & School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Gui-Sheng He
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, China.
| | - Guang-Hong Tan
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education & School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China.
| | - Wu-Ping Zheng
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, China.
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Wang L, Huang H, Li X, Ouyang L, Wei X, Xie J, Liu D, Tan P, Hu Z. A review on the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine with anti-cancer effect targeting ferroptosis. Chin Med 2023; 18:132. [PMID: 37833746 PMCID: PMC10571466 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-023-00838-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a non-apoptotic form of regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. It can be triggered by various mechanisms, including the glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4)-glutathione (GSH) axis, iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, the GTP cyclohydrolase 1 (GCH1)-tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) pathway, and the ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1)-coenzyme Q10 axis. The redox balance is disrupted when ferroptosis occurs in cells, which is fatal to cancer cells. Additionally, some tumor-associated genes are involved in ferroptosis. Hence, targeting ferroptosis might be an effective strategy for treating cancer. Several small-molecule compounds exhibit anti-tumor effects through ferroptosis, including sorafenib and altretamine, which induce ferroptosis by inhibiting System-Xc and GPX4 respectively, but many problems, such as poor druggability, still exist. Some studies have shown that many traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) induce ferroptosis by inhibiting GPX4, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), or by increasing the expression of Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), transferrin (TF), and transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1). These changes can lead to the lysosomal degradation of ferritin, accumulation of iron, lipid peroxidation and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which in turn can promote anti-tumor activities or synergistic effects with chemotherapeutic drugs. In this study, we elucidated the underlying mechanisms of ferroptosis, and the anti-tumor pharmacology of TCM targeting ferroptosis including prescriptions, Chinese herbs, extracts, and natural compounds. Our findings might act as valuable reference for research on anti-tumor drugs targeting ferroptosis, especially those drugs developed from TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longyan Wang
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North 3Rd Ring East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiming Huang
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North 3Rd Ring East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingxing Li
- Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100078, China
| | - Lishan Ouyang
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North 3Rd Ring East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuejiao Wei
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North 3Rd Ring East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinxin Xie
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North 3Rd Ring East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongxiao Liu
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North 3Rd Ring East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Tan
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North 3Rd Ring East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongdong Hu
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North 3Rd Ring East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.
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Liang Z, Wang Y, Wang J, Xu T, Ma S, Liu Q, Zhao L, Wei Y, Lian X, Huang D. Multifunctional Fe 3O 4-PEI@HA nanoparticles in the ferroptosis treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma through modulating reactive oxygen species. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2023; 227:113358. [PMID: 37207386 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113358] [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: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a novel form of regulated cell death induced by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation imbalance. It has emerged as a promising antitumor therapeutic strategy in recent years. In this work, we successfully synthesized a complex magnetic nanocube Fe3O4 modified with PEI and HA by the thermal decomposition method. While loading a ferroptosis inducer RSL3 inhibited cancer cells through the ferroptosis signal transduction pathway. The drug delivery system could actively target tumor cells through an external magnetic field and HA-CD44 binding. Zeta potential analysis showed that Fe3O4-PEI@HA-RSL3 nanoparticles were more stable and uniformly dispersed in tumor acidic environment. Moreover, cellular experiments demonstrated that Fe3O4-PEI@HA-RSL3 nanoparticles could significantly inhibit the proliferation of hepatoma cells without a cytotoxic effect on normal hepatic cells. In addition, Fe3O4-PEI@HA-RSL3 played a vital role in ferroptosis by accelerating ROS production. The expression of ferroptosis-related genes Lactoferrin, FACL 4, GPX 4 and Ferritin was significantly suppressed with increasing treatment of Fe3O4-PEI@HA-RSL3 nanocubes. Therefore, this ferroptosis nanomaterial has great potential in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Liang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Research Center for Nano-biomaterials & Regenerative Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Materials Strength & Structural Impact, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, PR China; Shanxi-Zheda Institute of Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, Taiyuan 030032, PR China
| | - Yuhui Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Research Center for Nano-biomaterials & Regenerative Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Materials Strength & Structural Impact, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, PR China
| | - Jiapu Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Research Center for Nano-biomaterials & Regenerative Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Materials Strength & Structural Impact, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, PR China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Research Center for Nano-biomaterials & Regenerative Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Materials Strength & Structural Impact, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, PR China
| | - Shilong Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Research Center for Nano-biomaterials & Regenerative Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Materials Strength & Structural Impact, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, PR China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Research Center for Nano-biomaterials & Regenerative Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Materials Strength & Structural Impact, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, PR China
| | - Liqin Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Research Center for Nano-biomaterials & Regenerative Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Materials Strength & Structural Impact, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, PR China; Shanxi-Zheda Institute of Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, Taiyuan 030032, PR China
| | - Yan Wei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Research Center for Nano-biomaterials & Regenerative Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Materials Strength & Structural Impact, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, PR China; Shanxi-Zheda Institute of Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, Taiyuan 030032, PR China.
| | - Xiaojie Lian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Research Center for Nano-biomaterials & Regenerative Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Materials Strength & Structural Impact, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, PR China; Shanxi-Zheda Institute of Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, Taiyuan 030032, PR China
| | - Di Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Research Center for Nano-biomaterials & Regenerative Medicine, College of Biomedical Engineering, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Materials Strength & Structural Impact, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, PR China; Shanxi-Zheda Institute of Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, Taiyuan 030032, PR China.
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In Silico and In Vitro Studies on the Mechanisms of Chinese Medicine Formula (Yiqi Jianpi Jiedu Formula) in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:8669993. [PMID: 36345477 PMCID: PMC9637043 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8669993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an important part of the comprehensive treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and Chinese materia medica formulas with the effect of “Yiqi Jianpi” (replenishing qi and strengthening spleen) or “Jiedu” (removing toxicity) have been proved to be effective in treating HCC. However, mechanisms of these formulas in treating HCC remain unclear. In this paper, our goal is to explore the antitumor activity and its molecular mechanisms of Yiqi Jianpi Jiedu (YQJPJD) formula against HCC. Methods The bioactive ingredients and targets of YQJPJD formula and HCC targets were screened by five Chinese materia medicas and two disease databases, respectively. The network pharmacology was utilized to construct the relationship network between YQJPJD formula and HCC, and the mechanisms were predicted by the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, pathway enrichment analysis, bioinformatics, and molecular docking. Numerous in vitro assays were performed to verify the effect of YQJPJD formula on HCC cells, cancer-associated targets, and PI3K/Akt pathway. Results The network relationship between YQJPJD formula and HCC suggested that YQJPJD formula mainly regulated the potential therapeutic targets of HCC by several key bioactive ingredients (e.g., quercetin, luteolin, baicalein, and wogonin). PPI network, bioinformatics, and molecular docking analyses displayed that YQJPJD formula may play an anti-HCC effect through key targets such as MAPK3, RAC1, and RHOA. Additionally, pathway analysis demonstrated that YQJPJD formula could play an anti-HCC effect via multiple pathways (e.g., PI3K-Akt and hepatitis B). Experimental results showed that YQJPJD formula could effectively inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells and promote HCC cell apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, YQJPJD formula could decrease the mRNA expression of β-catenin, MAPK3, and RHOA and the protein expression of phosphorylated PI3K and Akt. Conclusion YQJPJD formula mainly exerts its anti-HCC effect through multiple bioactive ingredients represented by quercetin, as well as multiple pathways and targets represented by PI3K/Akt pathway, β-catenin, MAPK3, and RHOA.
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Jia J, Li J, Zheng Q, Li D. A research update on the antitumor effects of active components of Chinese medicine ChanSu. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1014637. [PMID: 36237327 PMCID: PMC9552564 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1014637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical data show that the incidence and mortality rates of cancer are rising continuously, and cancer has become an ongoing public health challenge worldwide. Excitingly, the extensive clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine may suggest a new direction to combat cancer, and the therapeutic effects of active ingredients from Chinese herbal medicine on cancer are now being widely studied in the medical community. As a traditional anticancer Chinese medicine, ChanSu has been clinically applied since the 1980s and has achieved excellent antitumor efficacy. Meanwhile, the ChanSu active components (e.g., telocinobufagin, bufotalin, bufalin, cinobufotalin, and cinobufagin) exert great antitumor activity in many cancers, such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Many pharmaceutical scientists have investigated the anticancer mechanisms of ChanSu or the ChanSu active components and obtained certain research progress. This article reviews the research progress and antitumor mechanisms of ChanSu active components and proposes that multiple active components of ChanSu may be potential anticancer drugs.
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Li L, Wang X, Xu H, Liu X, Xu K. Perspectives and mechanisms for targeting ferroptosis in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:947208. [PMID: 36052168 PMCID: PMC9424770 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.947208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a novel process of regulated cell death discovered in recent years, mainly caused by intracellular lipid peroxidation. It is morphologically manifested as shrinking of mitochondria, swelling of cytoplasm and organelles, rupture of plasma membrane, and formation of double-membrane vesicles. Work done in the past 5 years indicates that induction of ferroptosis is a promising strategy in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). System xc-/GSH/GPX4, iron metabolism, p53 and lipid peroxidation pathways are the main focus areas in ferroptosis research. In this paper, we analyze the ferroptosis-inducing drugs and experimental agents that have been used in the last 5 years in the treatment of HCC. We summarize four different key molecular mechanisms that induce ferroptosis, i.e., system xc-/GSH/GPX4, iron metabolism, p53 and lipid peroxidation. Finally, we outline the prognostic analysis associated with ferroptosis in HCC. The findings summarized suggest that ferroptosis induction can serve as a promising new therapeutic approach for HCC and can provide a basis for clinical diagnosis and prevention of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanqing Li
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Materia Medica Processing, College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoqiang Wang, ; Kang Xu,
| | - Haiying Xu
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Materia Medica Processing, College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Xianqiong Liu
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Materia Medica Processing, College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Kang Xu
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Materia Medica Processing, College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoqiang Wang, ; Kang Xu,
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Mei F, Liu Y, Zheng S. Rhamnazin Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Aggressiveness In Vitro via Glutathione Peroxidase 4-Dependent Ferroptosis. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2022; 258:111-120. [PMID: 35896364 DOI: 10.1620/tjem.2022.j061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Mei
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University
| | - Shuang Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University
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Antitumor Effect of Pseudolaric Acid B Involving Regulation of Notch1/Akt Signaling Response in Human Hepatoma Cell In Vitro. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:5353686. [PMID: 35747382 PMCID: PMC9213129 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5353686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Sorafenib is a crucial drug for the treatment of advanced HCC, but it is difficult to meet the challenge of increasing clinical demands due to its severe side effects and drug resistance. Hence, development of novel antitumor drugs is urged. Previous studies showed that pseudolaric acid B (PAB) could reduce the expression of protein kinase B (PKB/Akt), a downstream effector of Notch signaling, facilitating cell apoptosis in HCC. The disruption of Notch signaling was verified to exacerbate malignant progression and drug resistance, however, the antitumor effect of PAB on Notch signaling in HCC remains unclear. Thus, this study aims to investigate the anti-HCC effect of PAB in association with the regulation of Notch1/Akt signaling. Methods CCK-8 assay and transwell assay were used to examine the cell proliferation and invasion in Huh7 cells after treatment with PAB and a Notch inhibitor DAPT. Moreover, the cell cycle of Huh7 cells after treatment with PAB was analyzed using flow cytometry. Finally, the changes of Notch1, Jagged1, Hes1, and Akt expression at the protein and mRNA level in Notch1/Akt signaling in Huh7 cells after treatment with PAB and DAPT were analyzed using immunofluorescence assay and real-time qPCR. Results The proliferation rate of Huh7 cells exposed to PAB of 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 10, 20, 40, 80, 100, and 200 μmol/L revealed a time-and dose-dependent decrease in vitro, showing cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase (P < 0.05). Furthermore, compared with the untreated group, at the concentration of 40 μmol/L, the proliferation rate and invasion rate of Huh7 cells in PAB, DAPT, and PAB-DAPT combination (PAB + DAPT) group were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), but the PAB + DAPT showed no synergistic antiproliferation and anti-invasion effect in comparison with PAB treatment alone (P > 0.05). In addition, compared with the untreated group, PAB and DAPT alone significantly downregulated the expression of Notch1, Jagged1, Hes1, Akt mRNA, or/and protein in Huh7 cells (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in synergistic downregulated effect between the PAB + DAPT group and the PAB group (P > 0.05). Conclusion PAB can suppress proliferation and invasion of HCC cells through downregulating the expression of Notch1/Akt signaling protein and mRNA, and may be a potential novel antitumor drug candidate for the clinical treatment of HCC in the future.
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