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Fang M, Lin Y, Xue C, Sheng K, Guo Z, Han Y, Lin H, Wu Y, Sang Y, Chen X, Howell SB, Lin X, Lin X. The AKT inhibitor AZD5363 elicits synthetic lethality in ARID1A-deficient gastric cancer cells via induction of pyroptosis. Br J Cancer 2024:10.1038/s41416-024-02778-5. [PMID: 39003371 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02778-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) is a deadly disease with poor overall survival and limited therapeutic options. Genetic alterations such as mutations and/or deletions in chromatin remodeling gene AT-rich interactive domain 1 A (ARID1A) occur frequently in GC. Although ARID1A mutations/deletions are not a druggable target for conventional treatments, novel therapeutic strategies based on a synthetic lethal approach may be effective for the treatment of ARID1A-deficient cancers. METHODS A kinase inhibitor library containing 551 compounds was screened in ARID1A isogenic GC cells for the ability to induce synthetic lethality effect. Selected hits' activity was validated, and the mechanism of the most potent candidate drug, AKT inhibitor AD5363 (capivasertib), on induction of the synthetic lethality with ARID1A deficiency was investigated. RESULTS After robust vulnerability screening of 551 diverse protein kinase inhibitors, we identified the AKT inhibitor AZD5363 as being the most potent lead compound in inhibiting viability of ARID1A-/- cells. A synthetic lethality between loss of ARID1A expression and AKT inhibition by AZD5363 was validated in both GC cell model system and xenograft model. Mechanistically, AZD5363 treatment induced pyroptotic cell death in ARID1A-deficient GC cells through activation of the Caspase-3/GSDME pathway. Furthermore, ARID1A occupied the AKT gene promoter and regulated its transcription negatively, thus the GC cells deficient in ARID1A showed increased expression and phosphorylation of AKT. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates a novel synthetic lethality interaction and unique mechanism between ARID1A loss and AKT inhibition, which may provide a therapeutic and mechanistic rationale for targeted therapy on patients with ARID1A-defective GC who are most likely to be beneficial to AZD5363 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghan Fang
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
| | - Youfen Lin
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Endocrinology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chaorong Xue
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
| | - Kaiqin Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zegeng Guo
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuting Han
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hanbin Lin
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuecheng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuchao Sang
- Scientific Research Center, Anxi County Hospital, Quanzhou, China
| | - Xintan Chen
- Scientific Research Center, Anxi County Hospital, Quanzhou, China
| | - Stephen B Howell
- Department of Medicine and the Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Xu Lin
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China.
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Xinjian Lin
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China.
- Scientific Research Center, Anxi County Hospital, Quanzhou, China.
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Shi L, Fang X, Du L, Yang J, Xue J, Yue X, Xie D, Hui Y, Meng K. An E3 ligase TRIM1 promotes colorectal cancer progression via K63-linked ubiquitination and activation of HIF1α. Oncogenesis 2024; 13:16. [PMID: 38769340 PMCID: PMC11106307 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-024-00517-2] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Accumulating studies have shown that E3 ligases play crucial roles in regulating cellular biological processes and signaling pathways during carcinogenesis via ubiquitination. Tripartite-motif (TRIM) ubiquitin E3 ligases consist of over 70 members. However, the clinical significance and their contributions to tumorigenesis remain largely unknown. In this study, we analyzed the RNA-sequencing expression of TRIM E3 ligases in colorectal cancer (CRC) and identified 10 differentially expressed genes, among which TRIM1 expression predicted poor prognosis of CRC patients. We demonstrated that TRIM1 expression is positively associated with CRC pathological stages, and higher expression is positively correlated with infiltrating levels of immune cells and immunotherapy biomarkers. TRIM1 expression promotes the proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Transcriptional analysis showed that TRIM1 is responsible for metabolism promotion and immune suppression. Mechanistically, we found that TRIM1 binds HIF1α and mediates its K63-linked ubiquitination, which is required for HIF1α nuclear translocation and subsequent activation. Ubiquitination occurs at Lys214 in the loop between the two PAS domains of HIF1α, and mutation of Lys214 severely disturbs the function of HIF1α. Besides, HIF1α ubiquitination enhances its binding with proteins involved in cellular trafficking and nucleocytoplasmic transport pathway. Collectively, our results indicate TRIM1's role in predicting prognosis and reveal how TRIM1 functions to upregulate HIF1α expression and promote tumor cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuliu Shi
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Department of Infection Control, School of Public Health, Affiliated Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Umbilical Cord Blood Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Xianglan Fang
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Department of Infection Control, School of Public Health, Affiliated Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Lijie Du
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Department of Infection Control, School of Public Health, Affiliated Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Umbilical Cord Blood Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Department of Infection Control, School of Public Health, Affiliated Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Juan Xue
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Department of Infection Control, School of Public Health, Affiliated Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaokai Yue
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Department of Infection Control, School of Public Health, Affiliated Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Duoshuang Xie
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Department of Infection Control, School of Public Health, Affiliated Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China.
| | - Yuanjian Hui
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Department of Infection Control, School of Public Health, Affiliated Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China.
| | - Kun Meng
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Department of Infection Control, School of Public Health, Affiliated Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China.
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Umbilical Cord Blood Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China.
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Zhu M, He Q, Wang Y, Duan L, Rong K, Wu Y, Ding Y, Mi Y, Ge X, Yang X, Yu Y. Exploring the mechanism of aloe-emodin in the treatment of liver cancer through network pharmacology and cell experiments. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1238841. [PMID: 37900162 PMCID: PMC10600456 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1238841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Aloe-emodin (AE) is an anthraquinone compound extracted from the rhizome of the natural plant rhubarb. Initially, it was shown that AE exerts an anti-inflammatory effect. Further studies revealed its antitumor activity against various types of cancer. However, the mechanisms underlying these properties remain unclear. Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking, this study investigated the molecular mechanism of AE in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and evaluated its therapeutic effect through in vitro experiments. Methods: CTD, Pharmmapper, SuperPred and TargetNet were the databases to obtain potential drug-related targets. DisGenet, GeneCards, OMIM and TTD were used to identify potential disease-related targets. Intersection genes for drugs and diseases were obtained through the Venn diagram. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of intersecting genes were conducted by the website of Bioinformatics. Intersection genes were introduced into STRING to construct a protein-protein interaction network, while the Cytoscape3.9.1 software was used to visualize and analyze the core targets. AutoDock4.2.6 was utilized to achieve molecular docking between drug and core targets. In vitro experiments investigated the therapeutic effects and related mechanisms of AE. Results: 63 overlapped genes were obtained and GO analysis generated 3,646 entries by these 63 intersecting genes. KEGG analysis mainly involved apoptosis, proteoglycans in cancer, TNF signaling pathway, TP53 signaling pathway, PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, etc. AKT1, EGFR, ESR1, TP53, and SRC have been identified as core targets because the binding energies of them between aloe-emodin were less than -5 kcal/Mol.The mRNA and protein expression, prognosis, mutation status, and immune infiltration related to core targets were further revealed. The involvement of AKT1 and EGFR, as well as the key target of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, indicated the importance of this signaling pathway in the treatment of HCC using AE. The results of the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and flow analysis demonstrated the therapeutic effect of AE. The downregulation of EGFR, PI3KR1, AKT1, and BCL2 in mRNA expression and PI3KR1, AKT,p-AKT in protein expression confirmed our hypothesis. Conclusion: Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking, our study initially showed that AE exerted a therapeutic effect on HCC by modulating multiple signaling pathways. Various analyses confirmed the antiproliferative activity and pro-apoptotic effect of AE on HCC through the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. This study revealed the therapeutic mechanism of AE in the treatment of HCC through a novel approach, providing a theoretical basis for the clinical application of AE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyang Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qingmin He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankang Central Hospital, Ankang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Liying Duan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Kang Rong
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yingying Wu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ye Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yang Mi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoyang Ge
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaocui Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankang Central Hospital, Ankang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yong Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Xu J, Li Y, Kang M, Chang C, Wei H, Zhang C, Chen Y. Multiple forms of cell death: A focus on the PI3K/AKT pathway. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:2026-2038. [PMID: 37565518 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Cell death is a natural biological process that occurs in living organisms. Since 1963, extensive research has shed light on the occurrence, progress, and final outcome of cell death. According to different cell phenotypes, it is classified into different types, including apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, cuproptosis, and so on. However, regardless of the form of cell death, what we ultimately expect is the disappearance of abnormal cells, such as tumor cells, while normal cells survive. As a result, it is vital to investigate the details of cell death, including death triggers, potent regulators, and executioners. Although significant progress has been made in understanding molecular pathways of cell death, many aspects remain unclear because of the complex regulatory networks in cells. Among them, the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKT) pathway is discovered to be a crucial regulator of the cell death process. AKT, as a proto-oncogene, has become a major focus of attention in the medical community due to its role in regulating a multiplicity of cellular functions counting metabolism, immunity, proliferation, survival, transcription, and protein synthesis. Here, we explored the connection between the PI3K/AKT pathway and cell death, aiming to enhance our comprehension of the mechanism underlying this process. Such knowledge may pave the way for the subsequent development of more effective disease treatments, such as finding suitable targets for drug intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Xu
- Department of Medical Science Research Center, Peihua University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Medical Science Research Center, Peihua University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Meili Kang
- Department of Medical Science Research Center, Peihua University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Cuicui Chang
- Department of Medical Science Research Center, Peihua University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hong Wei
- Department of Rehabilitation Teaching and Research, Xi'an Siyuan University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Institute of Skull Base Surgery and Neurooncology at Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Yuhua Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Life Science Research Laboratory, Bijie Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Bijie, China
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Allali-Boumara I, Marrero AD, Quesada AR, Martínez-Poveda B, Medina MÁ. Pyroptosis Modulators: New Insights of Gasdermins in Health and Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1551. [PMID: 37627547 PMCID: PMC10451529 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081551] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pyroptosis is an inflammation-dependent type of cell death that has been in the spotlight for the scientific community in the last few years. Crucial players in the process of pyroptosis are the members of the gasdermin family of proteins, which have been parallelly studied. Upon induction of pyroptosis, gasdermins suffer from structural changes leading to the formation of pores in the membrane that subsequently cause the release of pro-inflammatory contents. Recently, it has been discovered that oxidation plays a key role in the activation of certain gasdermins. Here, we review the current knowledge on pyroptosis and human gasdermins, focusing on the description of the different members of the family, their molecular structures, and their influence on health and disease directly or non-directly related to inflammation. Noteworthy, we have focused on the existing understanding of the role of this family of proteins in cancer, which could translate into novel promising strategies aimed at benefiting human health. In conclusion, the modulation of pyroptosis and gasdermins by natural and synthetic compounds through different mechanisms, including modification of the redox state of cells, has been proven effective and sets precedents for future therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imane Allali-Boumara
- Andalucía Tech, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, E-29071 Málaga, Spain; (I.A.-B.); (A.D.M.); (A.R.Q.); (B.M.-P.)
| | - Ana Dácil Marrero
- Andalucía Tech, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, E-29071 Málaga, Spain; (I.A.-B.); (A.D.M.); (A.R.Q.); (B.M.-P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND (Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga), E-29071 Málaga, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, E-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana R. Quesada
- Andalucía Tech, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, E-29071 Málaga, Spain; (I.A.-B.); (A.D.M.); (A.R.Q.); (B.M.-P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND (Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga), E-29071 Málaga, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, E-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Martínez-Poveda
- Andalucía Tech, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, E-29071 Málaga, Spain; (I.A.-B.); (A.D.M.); (A.R.Q.); (B.M.-P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND (Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga), E-29071 Málaga, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, E-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Medina
- Andalucía Tech, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, E-29071 Málaga, Spain; (I.A.-B.); (A.D.M.); (A.R.Q.); (B.M.-P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND (Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga), E-29071 Málaga, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, E-28029 Madrid, Spain
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Fajinmi OO, Olarewaju OO, Van Staden J. Propagation of Medicinal Plants for Sustainable Livelihoods, Economic Development, and Biodiversity Conservation in South Africa. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1174. [PMID: 36904034 PMCID: PMC10007054 DOI: 10.3390/plants12051174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
South Africa is blessed with vast plant resources and unique vegetation types. Indigenous South African medicinal plants have been well-harnessed to generate income in rural communities. Many of these plants have been processed into natural products to heal a variety of diseases, making them valuable export commodities. South Africa has one of the most effective bio-conservation policies in Africa, which has protected the South African indigenous medicinal vegetation. However, there is a strong link between government policies for biodiversity conservation, the propagation of medicinal plants as a source of livelihood, and the development of propagation techniques by research scientists. Tertiary institutions nationwide have played a crucial role in the development of effective propagation protocols for valuable South African medicinal plants. The government-restricted harvest policies have also helped to nudge natural product companies and medicinal plant marketers to embrace the cultivated plants for their medicinal uses, and thus have helped support the South African economy and biodiversity conservation. Propagation methods used for the cultivation of the relevant medicinal plants vary according to plant family and vegetation type, among others. Plants from the Cape areas, such as the Karoo, are often resuscitated after bushfires, and propagation protocols mimicking these events have been established through seed propagation protocols with controlled temperatures and other conditions, to establish seedlings of such plants. Thus, this review highlights the role of the propagation of highly utilized and traded medicinal plants in the South African traditional medicinal system. Some valuable medicinal plants that sustain livelihoods and are highly sought-after as export raw materials are discussed. The effect of South African bio-conservation registration on the propagation of these plants and the roles of the communities and other stakeholders in the development of propagation protocols for highly utilized and endangered medicinal plants are also covered. The role of various propagation methods on the bioactive compounds' composition of medicinal plants and issues of quality assurance are addressed. The available literature, media online news, newspapers, and other resources, such as published books and manuals, were scrutinized for information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olufunke O. Fajinmi
- Department of Nature Conservation, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban 4031, South Africa
| | - Olaoluwa O. Olarewaju
- Department of Nature Conservation, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban 4031, South Africa
| | - Johannes Van Staden
- Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa
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de Carvalho Lima EN, Barros Martins GL, Diaz RS, Schechter M, Piqueira JRC, Justo JF. Effects of Carbon Nanomaterials and Aloe vera on Melanomas-Where Are We? Recent Updates. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:2004. [PMID: 36297440 PMCID: PMC9607275 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer that affects approximately 140,000 people worldwide each year, with a high fatality rate. Available treatment modalities show limited efficacy in more severe cases. Hence, the search for new treatment modalities, including immunotherapies, for curing, mitigating, and/or preventing cancer is important and urgently needed. Carbon nanoparticles associated with some plant materials, such as Aloe vera, have shown appealing antineoplastic activity, derived mainly from the compounds aloin, aloe-emodin, barbaloin acemannan, and octapeptide, thus representing new possibilities as antitumor agents. This systematic review aims to arouse interest and present the possibilities of using Aloe vera combined with carbon-based nanomaterials as an antineoplastic agent in the treatment and prevention of melanoma. Limitations and advances in melanoma treatment using functionalized carbon nanomaterials are discussed here. Moreover, this review provides the basis for further studies designed to fully explore the potential of carbon nanomaterials associated with Aloe vera in the treatment of various cancers, with a focus on melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elidamar Nunes de Carvalho Lima
- Telecommunication and Control Engineering Department, Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Luciano Gualberto, Travessa 3, 158, São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
- Electronic Systems Engineering Department, Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Leão Barros Martins
- Telecommunication and Control Engineering Department, Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Luciano Gualberto, Travessa 3, 158, São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Sobhie Diaz
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Mauro Schechter
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Castilho Piqueira
- Telecommunication and Control Engineering Department, Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Luciano Gualberto, Travessa 3, 158, São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
| | - João Francisco Justo
- Electronic Systems Engineering Department, Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
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Photoactive Herbal Compounds: A Green Approach to Photodynamic Therapy. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27165084. [PMID: 36014325 PMCID: PMC9413332 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive, alternative, and promising treatment for various diseases, including cancer, actinic keratosis, Bowen’s disease, macular degeneration, and atherosclerotic plaques. PDT involves three different components, photosensitizers (PS), molecular oxygen, and light. The photoactivation of administered PSs using a specific wavelength of light in the presence of molecular oxygen leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species that leads to tumour cell death. Photosensitizing potentials of many commercially available compounds have been reported earlier. However, the possibilities of PDT using herbal medicines, which contain many photosensitizing phytochemicals, are not much explored. Medicinal plants with complex phytochemical compound mixtures have the benefit over single compounds or molecules in the treatment of many diseases with the benefit of low or reduced toxic side effects. This review emphasizes the role of various herbal medicines either alone or in combination to enhance the therapeutic outcome of photodynamic therapy.
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