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Ganesan K, Xu C, Wu J, Du B, Liu Q, Sui Y, Song C, Zhang J, Tang H, Chen J. Ononin inhibits triple-negative breast cancer lung metastasis by targeting the EGFR-mediated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:1849-1866. [PMID: 38900236 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2499-2] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The spreading of cancer cells from the primary tumor site to other parts of the body, known as metastasis, is the leading cause of cancer recurrence and mortality in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is observed in approximately 70% of TNBC patients. EGFR is crucial for promoting tumor metastasis and associated with poor prognosis. Therefore, it is vital to identify effective therapeutic strategies targeting EGFR inhibition. Ononin, an isoflavonoid found in various plants, such as clover and soybeans, has been shown to have anticancer properties in several cancers. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of ononin on TNBC lung metastasis and the associated molecular pathways. We used various assays, including cell viability, colony formation, Transwell, wound healing, ELISA, Western blotting, and staining techniques, to achieve this objective. The results demonstrated that ononin effectively suppressed cellular proliferation and induced apoptosis, as evidenced by the cell viability assay, colony formation assay, and expression of apoptosis markers, and reduced the metastatic capabilities of TNBC cells. These effects were achieved through the direct suppression of cell adhesion, invasiveness and motility. Furthermore, in TNBC xenograft lung metastatic models, ononin treatment significantly reduced tumor growth and lung metastasis. Additionally, ononin reversed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by downregulating the expression of EMT markers and matrix metalloproteinases, as confirmed by Western blot analysis. Furthermore, ononin treatment reduced EGFR phosphorylation and suppressed the PI3K, Akt, and mTOR signaling pathways, which was further confirmed using EGFR agonists or inhibitors. Importantly, ononin treatment did not exert any toxic effects on liver or kidney function. In conclusion, our findings suggest that ononin is a safe and potentially therapeutic treatment for TNBC metastasis that targets the EGFR-mediated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Further studies are warranted to validate its efficacy and explore its potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumar Ganesan
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Cong Xu
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Jianming Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Bing Du
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Qingqing Liu
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Yue Sui
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Cailu Song
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jinhui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Hailin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Jianping Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China.
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Sharma U, Sharma B, Mishra A, Sahu A, Mathkor DM, Haque S, Raina D, Ramniwas S, Gupta M, Tuli HS. Ononin: A comprehensive review of anticancer potential of natural isoflavone glycoside. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23735. [PMID: 38773908 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the major causes of death worldwide, with more than 10 million deaths annually. Despite tremendous advances in the health sciences, cancer continues to be a substantial global contributor to mortality. The current treatment methods demand a paradigm shift that not only improves therapeutic efficacy but also minimizes the side effects of conventional medications. Recently, an increased interest in the potential of natural bioactive compounds in the treatment of several types of cancer has been observed. Ononin, also referred to as formononetin-7-O-β-d-glucoside, is a natural isoflavone glycoside, derived from the roots, stems, and rhizomes of various plants. It exhibits a variety of pharmacological effects, including Antiangiogenic, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and antimetastatic activities. The current review presents a thorough overview of sources, chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and the role of ononin in affecting various mechanisms involved in cancer. The review also discusses potential synergistic interactions with other compounds and therapies. The combined synergistic effect of ononin with other compounds increased the efficacy of treatment methods. Finally, the safety studies, comprising both in vitro and in vivo assessments of ononin's anticancer activities, are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ujjawal Sharma
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bhatinda, India
| | - Bunty Sharma
- Department of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, India
| | - Ambrish Mishra
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bhatinda, India
| | - Anidrisha Sahu
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bhatinda, India
| | - Darin M Mathkor
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Deepika Raina
- School of Pharmacy, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun, India
| | - Seema Ramniwas
- University Centre for Research & Development, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, India
| | - Madhu Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi, India
| | - Hardeep S Tuli
- Department of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, India
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Gong G, Wan Y, Liu Y, Zhang Z, Zheng Y. Ononin triggers ferroptosis-mediated disruption in the triple negative breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:111959. [PMID: 38554442 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer that is difficult to treat due to a lack of targeted therapies. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether a natural flavonoid compound called ononin could be effective in treating TNBC by triggering ferroptosis in MDA-MB-231 and 4 T1 cell lines, and MDA-MB-231-xenograft nude mice model. Ononin inhibited TNBC through ferroptosis, which was determined by MTT assay, flow cytometry, RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, histological analysis, western blot and bioluminescence assay. Our results showed that treatment with ononin led to increased levels of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species and decreased activity of superoxide dismutase, which are indicatives of ferroptosis. We also found that ononin downregulated two key markers of ferroptosis, SLC7A11 and Nrf2, at both the transcriptional and translational level. Additionally, the administration of ononin resulted in a notable decrease in tumor size and weight in the mouse model. Furthermore, it was observed to enhance the rate of apoptosis in TNBC cells. Importantly, ononin did not induce any histological changes in the kidney, liver, and heart. Taken together, our findings suggest that ononin could be a promising therapeutic strategy for TNBC, and that it works by disrupting the Nrf2/SLC7A11 axis through ferroptosis. These results are encouraging and may lead to the development of new treatments for this challenging cancer subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guowei Gong
- Department of Bioengineering, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai Campus, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519041, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory for Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, Guangdong 521041, China.
| | - Yukai Wan
- Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaqun Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, Guangdong 521041, China
| | - Zhenxia Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, Guangdong 521041, China
| | - Yuzhong Zheng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, Guangdong 521041, China.
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Yao J, Peng T, Shao C, Liu Y, Lin H, Liu Y. The Antioxidant Action of Astragali radix: Its Active Components and Molecular Basis. Molecules 2024; 29:1691. [PMID: 38675511 PMCID: PMC11052376 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29081691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Astragali radix is a traditional medicinal herb with a long history and wide application. It is frequently used in prescriptions with other medicinal materials to replenish Qi. According to the classics of traditional Chinese medicine, Astragali radix is attributed with properties such as Qi replenishing and surface solidifying, sore healing and muscle generating, and inducing diuresis to reduce edema. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that some extracts and active ingredients in Astragali radix function as antioxidants. The polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids in Astragali radix offer beneficial effects in preventing and controlling diseases caused by oxidative stress. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive research on the effective components and molecular mechanisms through which Astragali radix exerts antioxidant activity. In this paper, we review the active components with antioxidant effects in Astragali radix; summarize the content, bioavailability, and antioxidant mechanisms; and offer a reference for the clinical application of Astragalus and the future development of novel antioxidants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yao
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730101, China; (T.P.); (C.S.); (H.L.)
| | - Ting Peng
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730101, China; (T.P.); (C.S.); (H.L.)
| | - Changxin Shao
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730101, China; (T.P.); (C.S.); (H.L.)
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- College of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730013, China;
| | - Huanhuan Lin
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730101, China; (T.P.); (C.S.); (H.L.)
| | - Yongqi Liu
- College of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730013, China;
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Zhang YM, Miao ZM, Chen YP, Song ZB, Li YY, Liu ZW, Zhou GC, Li J, Shi LL, Chen Y, Zhang SZ, Xu X, He JP, Wang JF, Zhang LY, Liu YQ. Ononin promotes radiosensitivity in lung cancer by inhibiting HIF-1α/VEGF pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 125:155290. [PMID: 38308918 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155290] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In our previous study, we provided evidence that Astragalus mongholicus Bunge(AM) and its extracts possess a protective capability against radiation-induced damage, potentially mediated through the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO). However, we were pleasantly surprised to discover during our experimentation that AM not only offers protection against radiation damage but also exhibits a radiation sensitization effect. This effect may be attributed to a specific small molecule present in AM known as ononin. Currently, radiation sensitizers are predominantly found in nitrazole drugs and nanomaterials, with no existing reports on the radiation sensitization properties of ononin, nor its underlying mechanism. PURPOSE This study aims to investigate the sensitization effect of the small molecule ononin derived from AM on lung cancer radiotherapy, elucidating its specific molecular mechanism of action. Additionally, the safety profile of combining astragalus small molecule ononin with radiation therapy will be evaluated. METHODS The effective concentration of ononin was determined through cell survival experiments, and the impact of ononin combined with varying doses of radiation on lung cancer cells was observed using CCK-8 and cell cloning experiments. The apoptotic effect of ononin combined with radiation on lung cancer cells was assessed using Hochester staining, flow cytometry, and WB assay. Additionally, WB and immunofluorescence analysis were conducted to investigate the influence of ononin on HIF-1α/VEGF pathway. Furthermore, Molecular Dynamics Simulation was employed to validate the targeted binding ability of ononin and HIF-1α. A lung cancer cell line was established to investigate the effects of knockdown and overexpression of HIF-1α. Subsequently, the experiment was repeated using tumor bearing nude mice and C57BL/6 mouse models in an in vivo study. Tumor volume was measured using a vernier caliper, while HE, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence techniques were employed to observe the effects of ononin combined with radiation on tumor morphology, proliferation, and apoptosis. Additionally, Immunofluorescence was employed to examine the impact of ononin on HIF-1α/VEGF pathway in vivo, and its effect on liver function in mice was assessed through biochemistry analysis. RESULTS At a concentration of 25 μM, ononin did not affect the proliferation of lung epithelial cells but inhibited the survival of lung cancer cells. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the combination of ononin and radiation could effectively inhibit the growth of lung cancer cells, induce apoptosis, and suppress the excessive activation of the Hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha/Vascular endothelial growth factor pathway. In vivo experiments showed that the combination of ononin and radiation reduced the size and proliferation of lung cancer tumors, promoted cancer cell apoptosis, mitigated abnormal activation of the Hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha pathway, and protected against liver function damage. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence that the combination of AM and its small molecule ononin can enhance the sensitivity of lung cancer to radiation. Additionally, it has been observed that this combination can specifically target HIF-1α and exert its effects. Notably, ononin exhibits the unique ability to protect liver function from damage while simultaneously enhancing the tumor-killing effects of radiation, thereby demonstrating a synergistic and detoxifying role in tumor radiotherapy. These findings contribute to the establishment of a solid basis for the development of novel radiation sensitizers derived from traditional Chinese medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ming Zhang
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and the Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese, Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and Universities, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Zhi-Ming Miao
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and the Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese, Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and Universities, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Ya-Ping Chen
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and the Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese, Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and Universities, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Zhang-Bo Song
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and the Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese, Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and Universities, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Yang-Yang Li
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and the Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese, Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and Universities, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Zhi-Wei Liu
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and the Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese, Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and Universities, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Gu-Cheng Zhou
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and the Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese, Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and Universities, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Jing Li
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and the Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese, Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and Universities, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Liang-Liang Shi
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and the Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese, Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and Universities, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Yan Chen
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and the Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese, Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and Universities, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Shang-Zu Zhang
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and the Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese, Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and Universities, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Xiaohui Xu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, PR China
| | - Jin-Peng He
- Key Laboratory of Space Radiobiology of Gansu Province & Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Ju-Fang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Space Radiobiology of Gansu Province & Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Li-Ying Zhang
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and the Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese, Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and Universities, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, PR China.
| | - Yong-Qi Liu
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and the Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese, Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and Universities, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, PR China.
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Gong G, Ganesan K, Wang Y, Zhang Z, Liu Y, Wang J, Yang F, Zheng Y. Ononin ameliorates depression-like behaviors by regulating BDNF-TrkB-CREB signaling in vitro and in vivo. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 320:117375. [PMID: 37944872 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ononin is a flavonoid compound found in several medicinal plants, including Astragalus membranaceus, Sophora flavescens, and Ononis spinosa. These plants have been traditionally used in various parts of the world for their medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor effects. Major depression is a common, long-lasting, and recurrent psychiatric disorder with a high suicide rate. Naturally occurring flavonoids treat depression via poorly understood mechanisms. AIM OF THE STUDY The present study aimed to determine whether ononin conferred an antidepressant-like effect in PC12 cell models and chronic mild stress (CMS)-induced depressive rat models and to explore its possible mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Depression-related behaviors were measured using sucrose preference, tail suspension and open-field tests. Furthermore, to explore these mechanisms, we employed in vitro and in vivo assay methods, including neurite outgrowth, western blotting, quantitative RT-PCR, and staining methods. RESULTS Treatment with ononin or BDNF significantly increased PC12 cells' neuronal growth and differentiation. Furthermore, ononin promotes the activation of TrkB and growth factors and upregulates the PI3K/Akt and BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathways. The in vitro results were consistent with CMS-induced depressive rat models, in which ononin treatment significantly decreased depression-like behaviors and activated TrkB, growth factors, and BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathways in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. Depression-induced microscopic alterations in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of rats with CMS-induced depression were also mitigated following ononin treatment. CONCLUSION Based on these findings, we suggest that ononin is a promising antidepressant candidate for treating depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guowei Gong
- Department of Bioengineering, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai Campus, Zhuhai, 519041, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory for Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, 521041, Guangdong, China
| | - Kumar Ganesan
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University, 999077, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Yongjie Wang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130000, Jilin, China
| | - Zhenxia Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, 521041, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaqun Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, 521041, Guangdong, China
| | - Junli Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Fenglian Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuzhong Zheng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, 521041, Guangdong, China; School of Pharmacy, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China; Guangdong East Drug and Food & Health Branch, Chaozhou, Guangdong 521041, China.
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Feng Y, Dai L, Zhang Y, Sun S, Cong S, Ling S, Zhang H. Buyang Huanwu Decoction alleviates blood stasis, platelet activation, and inflammation and regulates the HMGB1/NF-κB pathway in rats with pulmonary fibrosis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117088. [PMID: 37652195 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117088] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Qi deficiency and blood stasis are identified to be pathological factors of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory. Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD) is a traditional Chinese prescription ameliorating Qi deficiency and blood stasis. AIM OF THE STUDY The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-fibrosis effect of BYHWD and the potential molecular mechanism in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Bleomycin was used to construct PF rat models. 27 PF rats were randomly divided into three groups based on treatments: model group (saline solution, n = 9), low-dose BYHWD group (3.5 g/kg, n = 9), and high-dose BYHWD group (14.0 g/kg, n = 9). Moreover, 9 normal rats were used as the blank group. The blood viscosity, coagulation indexes (APTT, TT, PT, and FIB), platelet-related parameters (PLT, PDW, MPV, PCT, and PLCR), platelet microparticles (PMPs), and inflammatory factors (IL-2, IL-10, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, IFN-γ, TNF-α, PAC-1, HMGB1, NF-κB, and TF) were determined. The lung tissue samples of rats were observed after hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The full component analysis of the BYHWD extract was performed using the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method. The signaling pathway included into the study was selected on the basis of bioinformatics analysis and the results of the phytochemical analysis. The expression levels of genes and proteins involved in the selected signaling pathway were detected. RESULTS Compared to the blank group, the whole blood viscosity, PLR, PDW, MPV, PCT, PLCR, PMPs, and the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, TNF-α, PAC-1, HMGB1, NF-κB, and TF were increased, while the levels of IL-2 and IL-10 were decreased in the model group. Both low-dose BYHWD and high-dose BYHWD reversed these PF-induced effects in spite of the fact that low-dose BYHWD had no significant effect on the level of NF-κB. In addition, BYHWD ameliorated PF-induced inflammation in the rat lung tissue. The phytochemical analysis of the BYHWD extract combined with the bioinformatics analysis suggested that the therapeutical effect of BYHWD on PF was related to the HMGB1/NF-κB pathway, which consisted of NF-κB, IKBKB, ICAM1, VCAM1, HMGB1, and TLR4. Both RT-qPCR and western blot analyses showed that PF induced increases in the expression levels of NF-κB, ICAM1, VCAM1, HMGB1, and TLR4, but a decrease in the expression level of IKBKB. Moreover, both low-dose BYHWD and high-dose BYHWD exerted the opposite effects, and recovered the expression levels of NF-κB, ICAM1, VCAM1, HMGB1, TLR4, and IKBKB, despite the fact that low-dose BYHWD had no effects on the mRNA expression levels of NF-κB or TLR4. CONCLUSIONS In summary, BYHWD alleviated PF-induced blood stasis, platelet activation, and inflammation in the rats. Our study suggested BYHWD had a therapeutic effect on PF and was a good alternative for the complementary therapy of PF, and the potential molecular mechanism was modulation of HMGB1/NF-κB signaling pathway, and it needs further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuenan Feng
- Experimental Training Center, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No.24 Heping Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang Province, China.
| | - Linfeng Dai
- Xiangfang District:Department of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, No.82 Zhongshan Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, 150036, Heilongjiang Province, China.
| | - Yanli Zhang
- Experimental Training Center, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No.24 Heping Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang Province, China.
| | - Simiao Sun
- College of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No.24 Heping Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang Province, China.
| | - Shan Cong
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, No.64 Zhonghua West Road, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, 161006, Heilongjiang Province, China.
| | - Shuang Ling
- Jiamusi College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No.53 Guanghua Street, Jiamusi, 154007, China.
| | - Huan Zhang
- Nangang District:Department of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, No. 405 Gogol Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China.
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Li P, Zhang J, Wu J, Ma J, Huang W, Gong J, Xie Z, Chen Y, Liao Q. Integrating serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology to reveal the mechanism of chickpea in improving insulin resistance. Fitoterapia 2024; 172:105750. [PMID: 37977304 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2023.105750] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Although chickpea have great potential in the treatment of obesity and diabetes, the bioactive components and therapeutic targets of chickpea to prevent insulin resistance (IR) are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the chemical and pharmacological characteristics of chickpea on IR through serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology. The results revealed that compared with other polar fractions, the ethyl acetate extract of chickpea (CE) had the definitive performance on enhancing the capacities of glucose consumption and glycogen synthesis. In addition, we analyzed the components of CE in vivo and in vitro based on UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS technology. There were 28 kinds of in vitro chemical components, among which the isoflavones included biochanin A, formononetin, ononin, sissotrin, and astragalin, etc. Concerningly, the chief prototype components of CE absorbed into the blood were biochanin A, formononetin, loliolide, and lenticin, etc. Furthermore, a total of 209 common targets between IR and active components of CE were screened out by network pharmacology, among which the key targets involved PI3K p85, NF-κB p65 and estrogen receptor 1, etc. Specifically, KEGG pathway analysis indicated that PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway may play critical roles in the IR remission by CE. Finally, the in vitro validation experiments disclosed that CE significantly balanced the oxidative stress state of IR-HepG2 cells and inhibited expressions of inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, the present study will be an important reference for clarifying the pharmacodynamic substance basis and underlying mechanism of chickpea to alleviate IR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jiaxian Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jinyun Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Juanqiong Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wenyi Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jing Gong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhiyong Xie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yanlong Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Qiongfeng Liao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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Aliya S, Alhammadi M, Park U, Tiwari JN, Lee JH, Han YK, Huh YS. The potential role of formononetin in cancer treatment: An updated review. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115811. [PMID: 37922652 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115811] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, cancer is one of the main research topics, due to its high incidence and drug resistance to existing anti-cancer drugs. Formononetin, a natural product with phytoestrogenic properties and diverse biological functions, has attracted the attention of researchers working on anticancer drugs. Formononetin emerges as an intriguing bioactive substance compared to other isoflavones as it exhibits potent chemotherapeutic activity with less toxicity. Formononetin effectively plays a significant role in inhibiting cell proliferation, invasion, and metastatic abilities of cancer cells by targeting major signaling pathways at the junction of interconnected pathways. It also induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by modulating mediator proteins. It causes upregulation of key factors such as p-AKT, p38, p21, and p53 and downregulation of NF-κB. Furthermore, formononetin regulates the neoplastic microenvironment by inactivating the ERK1/2 pathway and lamin A/C signaling and has been reported to inactivate JAK/STAT, PKB or AKT, and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways and to suppress cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis in human cancer cells. To assist researchers in further exploring formononetin as a potential anticancer therapeutic candidate, this review focuses on both in vitro and in vivo proof of concept studies, patents, and clinical trials pertinent to formononetin's anticancer properties. Overall, this review discusses formononetin from a comprehensive perspective to highlight its potential benefits as an anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheik Aliya
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Munirah Alhammadi
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Uichang Park
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Jitendra N Tiwari
- Department of Energy and Materials Engineering, Dongguk University-Seoul, Seoul 100-715, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hwan Lee
- 3D Convergence Center, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Kyu Han
- Department of Energy and Materials Engineering, Dongguk University-Seoul, Seoul 100-715, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yun Suk Huh
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea.
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Gong G, Zheng Y, Ganesan K, Xiong Q, Tsim KWK. Danggui Buxue Tang potentiates the cytotoxicity of 5-fluorouracil on colorectal adenocarcinoma cells: A signaling mediated by c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Phytother Res 2023. [PMID: 36810895 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) is a well-known Chinese herbal recipe often prescribed in clinical treatment for menopausal and cardiovascular symptoms. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a chemotherapy drug that treats several cancers; however, it causes severe adverse effects and multidrug resistance. Combining natural medications can reduce the side effects of 5-FU use. Hence, we aimed to determine the role of DBT in strengthening the anticancer capabilities of 5-FU in a cultured colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29 cell) and xenograft nude mice. HT-29 cells cultured with DBT did not exhibit cytotoxicity. However, co-administration of DBT with 5-FU significantly increased apoptosis and the expression of apoptotic markers. The inhibition of proliferation induced by DBT and 5-FU was shown to be mediated by c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling. In addition, the potentiation effect of 5-FU and DBT was demonstrated in reducing tumor size, expressions of Ki67 and CD34 in HT-29 xenograft mice. This finding suggests that DBT can work with 5-FU as a novel chemotherapeutic strategy for treating colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guowei Gong
- Department of Bioengineering, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory for Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, China
| | - Yuzhong Zheng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, China
| | - Kumar Ganesan
- School of Chinese Medicine, the Hong Kong University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qingping Xiong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Regional Resource Exploitation and Medicinal Research, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huai'an, China
| | - Karl Wah Keung Tsim
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Anti-Invasive and Anti-Migratory Effects of Ononin on Human Osteosarcoma Cells by Limiting the MMP2/9 and EGFR-Erk1/2 Pathway. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030758. [PMID: 36765716 PMCID: PMC9913877 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030758] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is a common malignancy of the bone. Due to its high metastatic properties, osteosarcoma becomes the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Ononin is an isoflavone glycoside known to have various pharmacological properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of ononin on osteosarcoma cell migration, invasion, and the underlying mechanisms. The in vitro anti-tumorigenic and anti-migratory properties of ononin were determined by MTT, colony formation, invasion, and migration in MG-63 and U2OS osteosarcoma cell lines. The results were compared with the standard chemotherapeutic drug, doxorubicin (DOX), as a positive control. The dose-dependent manners of ononin treatment increased the expression of apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation through the EGFR-Erk1/2 signaling pathways. Additionally, ononin significantly inhibited the invasion and migration of human osteosarcoma cells. For consistency, we used the MG-63-xenograft mice model to confirm the in vivo anti-tumorigenic and anti-migratory efficacy of ononin by inhibiting the protein expressions of EGFR-Erk1/2 and MMP2/9. According to the histological study, ononin had no adverse effect on the liver and kidney. Overall, our findings suggested that ononin could be a potentially effective agent against the development and metastasis of osteosarcoma.
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Antitumor Effects of Ononin by Modulation of Apoptosis in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer through Inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:5122448. [PMID: 36605098 PMCID: PMC9810408 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5122448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer is a leading global cause of cancer-related death in both males and females. Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer type that can be difficult to control with conventional chemotherapeutic and surgical approaches resulting in a poor prognosis. Paclitaxel (PTX) is a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug for NSCLC, which can cause tissue injury in healthy cells and affect the quality of life in patients with cancer. In order to treat NSCLC, alternative medications with minimal or no side effects are highly needed. Ononin is an isoflavone glycoside extracted from Astragali Radix (AR) that has various pharmacological activities. Therefore, this study investigated whether ononin inhibits NSCLC progression and promotes apoptosis synergistically with PTX both in vitro and in vivo. Antitumorigenic properties of ononin were determined by MTT assay, colony formation assay, migratory capacity, and apoptotic marker expression in A549 and HCC827 cells. The combination of ononin with PTX increased the expression of apoptotic markers and ROS generation and inhibited cell proliferation through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. Furthermore, ononin prevented the translocation of NF-κB from cytosol to the nucleus. Also, we used the xenograft NSCLC mice model to confirm the in vivo antitumorigenic efficacies of ononin by reduction of CD34 and Ki67 expressions. Based on the histological analysis, the cotreatment of PTX and ononin reduced PTX-induced liver and kidney damage. Overall, our findings suggested that the therapeutic index of PTX-based chemotherapy could be improved by reducing toxicity with increasing antitumor capabilities when combined with ononin.
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Anti-angiogenic properties of sulfated polysaccharides fucoidans and their analogs. Russ Chem Bull 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11172-022-3680-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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