1
|
Etebar N, Hamidi SH, Naderpour S, Abouali O, Hamidi SH, Hajipour-Verdom B, Zali A, Alipour M, Rahimzadegan M. Molecular dynamic simulation reveals the inhibiting impact of Rhein on wild-type and P29S-mutated Rac1. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1414197. [PMID: 39161777 PMCID: PMC11330767 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1414197] [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: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) is a small GTPase belonging to the Rho family. It acts as a binary molecular switch regulating several cellular functions, including cell adhesion and migration. Malfunctions due to the P29S mutation in Rac1 increase the stability of the activated form of Rac1. This sustained activation can drive aberrant cellular processes associated with cancer, such as cell proliferation, survival, and migration. Therefore, finding an inhibitor that can inhibit the mutant form of the protein is very important. Rhein, a natural compound with diverse pharmacological properties, has been studied in relation to Rac1. However, specific interactions between Rhein and Rac1 have not been examined. In this study, we investigated the potential of Rhein, a natural compound, as an inhibitor of two forms of Rac1: the wild type and the P29S mutation, using molecular dynamics simulations. Results indicated that the P29S mutation led to structural changes in the Rac1 protein, which resulted in greater accessibility of the Rhein to the active site. In addition, the binding energy of Rhein to mutant Rac1 was more negative than the native protein. Therefore, it seems that the Rhein has a better inhibitory effect on the P29S-mutated form of the Rac1 protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Negar Etebar
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, Cyprus
| | - Seyed Hootan Hamidi
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Acharya BM Reddy College of Pharmacy, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Saghi Naderpour
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, Cyprus
| | - Omar Abouali
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Cyprus International University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Seyedeh Harir Hamidi
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Al-Ameen College of Pharmacy, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Behnam Hajipour-Verdom
- Integrative Oncology Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Zali
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mozhgan Alipour
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Milad Rahimzadegan
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liew HY, Liew XH, Lin WX, Lee YZ, Ong YS, Ogawa S, Chong LH. Cellular Traction Force Holds the Potential as a Drug Testing Readout for In Vitro Cancer Metastasis. Cell Mol Bioeng 2024; 17:203-217. [PMID: 39050509 PMCID: PMC11263313 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-024-00811-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Metastasis is responsible for 90% of cancer-related deaths worldwide. However, the potential inhibitory effects of metastasis by various anticancer drugs have been left largely unexplored. Existing preclinical models primarily focus on antiproliferative agents on the primary tumor to halt the cancer growth but not in metastasis. Unlike primary tumors, metastasis requires cancer cells to exert sufficient cellular traction force through the actomyosin machinery to migrate away from the primary tumor site. Therefore, we seek to explore the potential of cellular traction force as a novel readout for screening drugs that target cancer metastasis. Methods In vitro models of invasive and non-invasive breast cancer were first established using MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines, respectively. Cellular morphology was characterized, revealing spindle-like morphology in MDA-MB-231 and spherical morphology in MCF-7 cells. The baseline cellular traction force was quantified using the Traction force Microscopy technique. Cisplatin, a paradigm antimetastatic drug, and 5-Fluorouracil (5FU), a non-antimetastatic drug, were selected to evaluate the potential of cellular traction force as a drug testing readout for the in vitro cancer metastasis. Results MDA-MB-231 cells exhibited significantly higher baseline cellular traction force compared to MCF-7 cells. Treatment with Cisplatin, an antimetastatic drug, and 5-Fluorouracil (5FU), a non-antimetastatic drug, demonstrated distinct effects on cellular traction force in MDA-MB-231 but not in MCF-7 cells. These findings correlate with the invasive potential observed in the two models. Conclusion Cellular traction force emerges as a promising metric for evaluating drug efficacy in inhibiting cancer metastasis using in vitro models. This approach could enhance the screening and development of novel anti-metastatic therapies, addressing a critical gap in current anticancer drug research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yan Liew
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Xiao Hui Liew
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Wei Xuan Lin
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Yee Zhen Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Yong Sze Ong
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Satoshi Ogawa
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Lor Huai Chong
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Okon E, Gaweł-Bęben K, Jarzab A, Koch W, Kukula-Koch W, Wawruszak A. Therapeutic Potential of 1,8-Dihydroanthraquinone Derivatives for Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15789. [PMID: 37958772 PMCID: PMC10648492 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115789] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among women worldwide. In recent years, significant progress has been made in BC therapy. However, serious side effects resulting from the use of standard chemotherapeutic drugs, as well as the phenomenon of multidrug resistance (MDR), limit the effectiveness of approved therapies. Advanced research in the BC area is necessary to create more effective and safer forms of therapy to improve the outlook for individuals diagnosed with this aggressive neoplasm. For decades, plants and natural products with anticancer properties have been successfully utilized in treating various medical conditions. Anthraquinone derivatives are tricyclic secondary metabolites of natural origin that have been identified in plants, lichens, and fungi. They represent a few botanical families, e.g., Rhamnaceae, Rubiaceae, Fabaceae, Polygonaceae, and others. The review comprehensively covers and analyzes the most recent advances in the anticancer activity of 1,8-dihydroanthraquinone derivatives (emodin, aloe-emodin, hypericin, chrysophanol, rhein, and physcion) applied both individually, or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents, in in vitro and in vivo BC models. The application of nanoparticles for in vitro and in vivo evidence in the context of 1,8-dihydroanthraquinone derivatives was also described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Estera Okon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (E.O.); (A.J.)
| | - Katarzyna Gaweł-Bęben
- Department of Cosmetology, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów, 2 Sucharskiego, 35-225 Rzeszów, Poland;
| | - Agata Jarzab
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (E.O.); (A.J.)
| | - Wojciech Koch
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Medical University of Lublin, 4a Chodzki Str., 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Wirginia Kukula-Koch
- Department of Pharmacognosy with Medical Plants Garden, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodzki Str., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Wawruszak
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (E.O.); (A.J.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li X, Lin Z, Wang P, Zhou C, Xu J, Lin J, Lin D, Zhang D. Tetramethylpyrazine-Rhein Derivative inhibits the migration of canine inflammatory mammary carcinoma cells by mitochondrial damage-mediated apoptosis and cadherins downregulation. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114731. [PMID: 37086510 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114731] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canine inflammatory mammary carcinoma (CIMC) has a high incidence of metastasis, high lethality, and poor prognosis, which needs novel adjuvant agents. Tetramethylpyrazine-Rhein Derivative (TRD) has been shown to have antitumor activity, which is a potential research direction for CIMC. PURPOSE This study evaluated the efficacy of TRD on CIMC in vitro and in vivo, and provided possibilities for the application of active compounds in traditional Chinese medicine. METHODS In vitro, TRD cytotoxicity was measured with CCK-8. Flow cytometry and transmission electron microscope were used to detect the cell cycle, cell death, and changes in mitochondria. Wound-healing assay, cell invasion assay, and scanning electron microscope were used to evaluate the suppression of cell migration and invasion. Expression changes were detected by RT-qPCR and western blot assay. In vivo, the lung metastasis models were randomly divided into control, low-dose TRD, high-dose TRD, and positive groups. Each group was administered orally once a day for 18 days and took in vivo imaging photos. RESULTS The IC50 of TRD in CHMp and MDCK were 42.59 and 79.37 μM, respectively. TRD mediated cell apoptosis by mitochondrial damage and caused S and G2/M phase arrest by downregulating cyclin B1. Moreover, TRD reduced filopodia and inhibited cell migration by downregulating cadherins. In CIMC lung metastasis models, TRD could effectively inhibit tumor growth (P < 0.001) in the lungs without significant toxicity. CONCLUSION TRD showed potential activity to inhibit CIMC lung metastasis with multi-target and low toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinqiu Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Zixiang Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Penglong Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, PR China
| | - Chaoyu Zhou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Jiawei Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Jiahao Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China.
| | - Degui Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China.
| | - Di Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lei Y, Fu X, Chen M, Yi Y, Mao P, Peng L, Qu Z. Dahuang—Taoren, a botanical drug combination, ameliorates adenomyosis via inhibiting Rho GTPases. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1089004. [PMID: 36969843 PMCID: PMC10035534 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1089004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Dahuang-Taoren (DT) is a classic combination of botanical drugs applied to treat pain-related diseases in ancient China. Today, DT is frequently applied for dysmenorrhea of adenomyosis (AM) in the clinic. Growing evidence indicates Rho GTPases may play an essential role in AM progression. However, the potential mechanism of DT on Rho GTPases in AM remains unclear.Methods: The expressions of Rho GTPases in the patients with AM were evaluated. Further, pituitary transplantation-induced AM mice and the primary AM endometrial stromal cells (AMESCs) were subjected to DT intervention.Results: The results revealed that the expressions of Rho GTPases were significantly upregulated in both AM patients and AM mice. The DT could reduce pathological infiltration, relieve hyperalgesia, and alleviate cytoskeleton remodeling in AM mice. Besides, the migration and invasion of AMESCs were markedly inhibited after exposure to DT.Discussion: These effects may be linked to the decreased Rho GTPases expression. The results may offer a novel explanation of DT against AM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya Lei
- The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang Central People’s Hospital, Yichang, China
- Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Xianyun Fu
- Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Minmin Chen
- Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Yongli Yi
- Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Ping Mao
- Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Li Peng
- The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang Central People’s Hospital, Yichang, China
- *Correspondence: Li Peng, ; Zhao Qu,
| | - Zhao Qu
- Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- *Correspondence: Li Peng, ; Zhao Qu,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Molecular Targets for Nonhormonal Treatment Based on a Multistep Process of Adenomyosis Development. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:743-760. [PMID: 35838920 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01036-4] [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: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Adenomyosis is an estrogen-dependent gynecologic disease characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue within the myometrium. Adenomyosis presents with abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pains, and infertility. This review aimed to investigate the major estrogen downstream effectors involved in the process of adenomyosis development and their potential use for nonhormonal treatment. A literature search was performed for preclinical and clinical studies published between January 2010 and November 2021 in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases using a combination of specific terms. Adenomyosis presents with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations from asymptomatic to severe through a complex process involving a series of molecular changes associated with inflammation, invasion, angiogenesis, and fibrosis. Adenomyosis may develop through a multistep process, including the acquisition of (epi)genetic mutations, tissue injury caused at the endometrial-myometrial interface, inside-to-outside invasion (from the endometrial side into the uterine wall), or outside-to-inside invasion (from the serosal side into the uterine wall), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, tissue repair or remodeling in the myometrium. These processes can be regulated by increased estrogen biosynthesis and progesterone resistance. The expression of estrogen downstream effectors associated with persistent inflammation, fragile and more permeable vessel formation, and tissue injury and remodeling may be correlated with dysmenorrhea, heavy menstrual bleeding, and infertility, respectively. Key estrogen downstream targets (e.g., WNT/β-catenin, transforming growth factor-β, and nuclear factor-κB) may serve as hub genes. We reviewed the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of adenomyosis and summarized potential nonhormonal therapies.
Collapse
|
7
|
Xu N, Chen Y, Guo D, Deng Y, Guo W, Liu X, Wang Y, Lu H, Liu A, Zhu J, Li F. Rhein promotes the proliferation of keratinocytes by targeting oestrogen receptors for skin ulcer treatment. BMC Complement Med Ther 2022; 22:209. [PMID: 35932049 PMCID: PMC9354312 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03691-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Sheng-ji Hua-yu (SJHY) formula is a quite effective Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) in the treatment of delayed diabetic wounds. Previous research has shown that the SJHY formula has significant anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects, but the precise mechanism remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of rhein, a compound extracted from SJHY formula, in keratinocytes and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Methods Microscale thermophoresis (MST) technology was used to confirm that rhein binds directly to oestrogen receptors (ERs). Rhein was then used to treat keratinocytes in vitro. Cell cycle and proliferation analysis, Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western-blot were conducted. Results Rhein increased the proportion of cells in the S phase of the cell cycle and promoted keratinocyte proliferation. ICI 182,780, an ER inhibitor, was also used to treat keratinocytes. The expression of c-myc mRNA and protein induced by rhein was antagonized by ICI 182,780, indicating that this induction is ER dependent. Intervention with ICI 182,780 had no effect on the upregulation of FosB and JunD, indicating that activator protein 1 (AP-1) members (FosB and JunD) are involved in rhein-induced c-myc mRNA and protein expression but does not require the ER. Conclusion The present study found that rhein stimulates keratinocyte proliferation by activating the oestrogen signalling pathway via the oestrogen receptor, which induces the expression of c-myc in collaboration with FosB and JunD, thereby accelerating the process of re-epithelialization. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-022-03691-1.
Collapse
|
8
|
Shanak S, Bassalat N, Barghash A, Kadan S, Ardah M, Zaid H. Drug Discovery of Plausible Lead Natural Compounds That Target the Insulin Signaling Pathway: Bioinformatics Approaches. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2022; 2022:2832889. [PMID: 35356248 PMCID: PMC8958086 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2832889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The growing smooth talk in the field of natural compounds is due to the ancient and current interest in herbal medicine and their potentially positive effects on health. Dozens of antidiabetic natural compounds were reported and tested in vivo, in silico, and in vitro. The role of these natural compounds, their actions on the insulin signaling pathway, and the stimulation of the glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) insulin-responsive translocation to the plasma membrane (PM) are all crucial in the treatment of diabetes and insulin resistance. In this review, we collected and summarized a group of available in vivo and in vitro studies which targeted isolated phytochemicals with possible antidiabetic activity. Moreover, the in silico docking of natural compounds with some of the insulin signaling cascade key proteins is also summarized based on the current literature. In this review, hundreds of recent studies on pure natural compounds that alleviate type II diabetes mellitus (type II DM) were revised. We focused on natural compounds that could potentially regulate blood glucose and stimulate GLUT4 translocation through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway. On attempt to point out potential new natural antidiabetic compounds, this review also focuses on natural ingredients that were shown to interact with proteins in the insulin signaling pathway in silico, regardless of their in vitro/in vivo antidiabetic activity. We invite interested researchers to test these compounds as potential novel type II DM drugs and explore their therapeutic mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siba Shanak
- Faculty of Sciences, Arab American University, P.O Box 240, Jenin, State of Palestine
| | - Najlaa Bassalat
- Faculty of Sciences, Arab American University, P.O Box 240, Jenin, State of Palestine
- Faculty of Medicine, Arab American University, P.O Box 240, Jenin, State of Palestine
| | - Ahmad Barghash
- Computer Science Department, German Jordanian University, Madaba Street. P.O. Box 35247, Amman 11180, Jordan
| | - Sleman Kadan
- Qasemi Research Center, Al-Qasemi Academic College, P.O Box 124, Baqa El-Gharbia 30100, Israel
| | - Mahmoud Ardah
- Faculty of Sciences, Arab American University, P.O Box 240, Jenin, State of Palestine
| | - Hilal Zaid
- Faculty of Medicine, Arab American University, P.O Box 240, Jenin, State of Palestine
- Qasemi Research Center, Al-Qasemi Academic College, P.O Box 124, Baqa El-Gharbia 30100, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gao F, Li R, Wei PF, Ou L, Li M, Bai Y, Luo WJ, Fan Z. Synergistic anticancer effects of everolimus (RAD001) and Rhein on gastric cancer cells via phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Bioengineered 2022; 13:6332-6342. [PMID: 35209807 PMCID: PMC8973710 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2005988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Everolimus (RAD001) is a mTOR inhibitor and is widely used for the treatment of gastric cancer (GC). Evidence suggests that Rhein has anticancer effect on GC. But the synergistic effect and mechanism of RAD001 and Rhein combination on GC is not clear. The current study aims to clarify the combination of RAD001 and Rhein in GC treatment. We found Rhein dose-dependently repressed MGC-803 cell viability (50% inhibition concentration (IC50) value = 94.26 μM). Rhein (80 μM) significantly suppressed GC cell proliferation and invasion. RAD001 dose-dependently repressed MGC-803 cells viability (IC50 value = 45.41 nM). The combination of Rhein and RAD001 repressed MGC-803 cells viability, invasion, and proliferation compared to the administration of Rhein or RAD001 alone. Protein levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related molecules E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Vimentin expressions were significantly affected by the combination of Rhein and RAD001. The combination of Rhein and RAD001 significantly facilitated cell apoptosis and up-regulated expressions of cell apoptosis and cycle-related protein p53, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and cyclin D1 compared to the administration of Rhein or RAD001 alone. Moreover, the combination of Rhein and RAD001 repressed the expressions of phosphorylation-phosphoinositide-3-kinase (p-PI3K), p-protein kinase B (p-AKT) and p-mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR). Finally, the combination of RAD001 and Rhein significantly decreased tumor weight and volume, suppressed the expressions of p-PI3K, p-Akt and p-mTOR, and repressed cell proliferation marker Ki-67 expression, which exerted synergistic cancer prevention in GC in vivo. Overall, the combination of Rhein and RAD001 exert synergistic cancer prevention in GC via PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Gao
- Teaching and Research Office of Chinese Pharmacy, The College of Pharmacy of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Emergency, Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Pei-Feng Wei
- The Office of Drug Clinical Trial Institution, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Li Ou
- Teaching and Research Office of Chinese Pharmacy, The College of Pharmacy of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Min Li
- Teaching and Research Office of Chinese Pharmacy, The College of Pharmacy of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yang Bai
- The Office of Drug Clinical Trial Institution, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wen-Jia Luo
- Teaching and Research Office of Chinese Pharmacy, The College of Pharmacy of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zheng Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang712000, Shaanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhao W, Liu J, Li Y, Chen Z, Qi D, Zhang Z. Immune Effect of Active Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:731741. [PMID: 34925002 PMCID: PMC8678494 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.731741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancers are heterogeneous, poorly prognostic, and metastatic malignancies that result in a high risk of death for patients. Targeted therapy for triple-negative breast cancer has been extremely challenging due to the lack of expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Clinical treatment regimens for triple-negative breast cancer are often based on paclitaxel and platinum drugs, but drug resistance and side effects from the drugs frequently lead to treatment failure, thus requiring the development of new therapeutic platforms. In recent years, research on traditional Chinese medicine in modulating the immune function of the body has shown that it has the potential to be an effective treatment option against triple-negative breast cancer. Active components of herbal medicines such as alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, and polysaccharides have been shown to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and metastasis by activating inflammatory immune responses and can modulate tumor-related signaling pathways to further inhibit the invasion of triple-negative breast cancer. This paper reviews the immunomodulatory mechanisms of different herbal active ingredients against triple-negative breast cancer and provides an outlook on the challenges and directions of development for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer with herbal active ingredients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Zhao
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- College of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jinhua Liu
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yaqun Li
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zichao Chen
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Dongmei Qi
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Repurposing of Guanabenz acetate by encapsulation into long-circulating nanopolymersomes for treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. Int J Pharm 2021; 600:120532. [PMID: 33781877 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Poor patient response and limited treatment modalities are the major challenges against combating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The high related mortality urges for novel cancer therapeutics. Guanabenz acetate (GA) is an orphan antihypertensive drug with a short half-life. Re-purposing (GA) by developing a polymersome (PS)-based cancer nanomedicine is an innovative approach in treating TNBC. Formulation and optimization of GA-loaded PEGylated Polycaprolactone PS through different process variables (solvent selection, the order of addition, pH of the aqueous phase, and drug to polymer ratio) were achieved by the nanoprecipitation method. The in vitro cellular uptake, anti-cancer, and anti-metastatic activity of GA and GA-loaded PS were tested in MDA-MB 231(TNBC cell line) and MCF-7 cell line. Western blot analysis was performed to elucidate the molecular anti-cancer mechanism. The in vivo biodistribution study and antitumor activity were investigated in the TNBC-xenograft model implanted in mice. Under optimized formulation conditions, GA-loaded PS had a nanosize of 90.5 nm with PDI < 0.2, a zeta potential -9.11 mV, drug encapsulation efficiency of 92.11% and sustained drug release for 6-days. GA-loaded PS exhibited enhanced cellular uptake and achieved a significantly lower IC50 in both breast cancer cell lines compared to free GA. Treatment with GA-loaded PS (60 µM) showed a significant reduction of 60.5 and 78.1% in cancer migration and metastasis in the case of MDA-MB 231 and MCF-7, respectively. Besides, drug-loaded PS increased phosphorylation of translational regulator eIF2α and decreased expression of Rac1 which were essential for decreasing cancer cell survival and metastasis. In vivo biodistribution study of GA-loaded PS showed long-circulating PS with high passively targeted tumor accumulation. Treatment with GA-loaded PS resulted in a significant decrease in tumor size and weight compared to free GA. In conclusion, GA-loaded PS is a new promising cancer therapeutics for the treatment of TNBC.
Collapse
|
12
|
Yu W, Yang W, Zhao MY, Meng XL. Functional Metabolomics Analysis Elucidating the Metabolic Biomarker and Key Pathway Change Associated With the Chronic Glomerulonephritis and Revealing Action Mechanism of Rhein. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:554783. [PMID: 33101021 PMCID: PMC7544993 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.554783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) as the culprit of kidney failure can increase the mortality of critically ill patients and seriously threatens people’s health all over the world. This study using metabolomics strategy is to reveal the potential therapeutic mechanism-related targets to evaluate the effects of rhein (RH) on CGN rats. Changes of serum metabolites and pathways were analyzed by non-targeted metabolomic method based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) combined with ingenuity pathway analysis. In addition, the levels of biochemical indicators were also detected. A total of 25 potential biomarkers were identified to express serum metabolic turbulence in CGN animal model, and then 16 biomarkers were regulated by RH trending to the normal states. From metabolite enrichment and pathway analysis, pharmacological activity of RH on CGN were mainly involved in six vital metabolic pathways including phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle), alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism. It suggested CGN treatment with RH, which may be mediated via interference with metabolic pathway such as amino acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and TCA cycle to regulating inflammation, oxidation response and immune regulation against CGN. It showed that metabolomics method offer deeply insight into the therapeutic mechanisms of natural product.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ming-Yan Zhao
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiang-Lin Meng
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| |
Collapse
|