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Islam MR, Rauf A, Alash S, Fakir MNH, Thufa GK, Sowa MS, Mukherjee D, Kumar H, Hussain MS, Aljohani ASM, Imran M, Al Abdulmonem W, Thiruvengadam R, Thiruvengadam M. A comprehensive review of phytoconstituents in liver cancer prevention and treatment: targeting insights into molecular signaling pathways. Med Oncol 2024; 41:134. [PMID: 38703282 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02333-5] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the liver. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a primary liver cancer that usually affects adults. Liver cancer is a fatal global condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite advances in technology, the mortality rate remains alarming. There is growing interest in researching alternative medicines to prevent or reduce the effects of liver cancer. Recent studies have shown growing interest in herbal products, nutraceuticals, and Chinese medicines as potential treatments for liver cancer. These substances contain unique bioactive compounds with anticancer properties. The causes of liver cancer and potential treatments are discussed in this review. This study reviews natural compounds, such as curcumin, resveratrol, green tea catechins, grape seed extracts, vitamin D, and selenium. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that these medications reduce the risk of liver cancer through their antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-angiogenic, and antimetastatic properties. This article discusses the therapeutic properties of natural products, nutraceuticals, and Chinese compounds for the prevention and treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Rezaul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Abdur Rauf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar, 23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
| | - Shopnil Alash
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Md Naeem Hossain Fakir
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Gazi Kaifeara Thufa
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Mahbuba Sharmin Sowa
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Dattatreya Mukherjee
- Raiganj Government Medical College and Hospital, Pranabananda Sarani, Raiganj, 733134, West Bengal, India
| | - Harendra Kumar
- Dow University of Health Sciences, Mission Rd, New Labour Colony Nanakwara, Karachi, 74200, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Md Sadique Hussain
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Mahal Road, Jagatpura, Jaipur, 302017, Rajasthan, India
| | - Abdullah S M Aljohani
- Department of Medical Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, 61413, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Al Abdulmonem
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rekha Thiruvengadam
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical & Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Muthu Thiruvengadam
- Department of Crop Science, College of Sanghuh Life Science, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, South Korea
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Cervello M, Augello G, Cocco L, Ratti S, Follo MY, Martelli AM, Cusimano A, Montalto G, McCubrey JA. The potential of the nutraceutical berberine in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and other liver diseases such as NAFLD and NASH. Adv Biol Regul 2024; 92:101032. [PMID: 38693042 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2024.101032] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer which unfortunately has poor outcomes. Common anti-cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy have not increased patient survival significantly. A common treatment for HCC patients is transplantation, however, it has limitations and complications. Novel approaches are necessary to more effectively treat HCC patients. Berberine (BBR) is a nutraceutical derived from various fruits and trees, which has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various diseases such as diabetes and inflammation. More recently, the anti-proliferation effects of BBR have been investigated in the treatment of patients with various cancers, especially colorectal cancer, and in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In this review, we will focus on studies with BBR in liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melchiorre Cervello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Augello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matilde Y Follo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonella Cusimano
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy; Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
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Lin X, Zhang J, Chu Y, Nie Q, Zhang J. Berberine prevents NAFLD and HCC by modulating metabolic disorders. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 254:108593. [PMID: 38301771 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108593] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global metabolic disease with high prevalence in both adults and children. Importantly, NAFLD is becoming the main cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Berberine (BBR), a naturally occurring plant component, has been demonstrated to have advantageous effects on a number of metabolic pathways as well as the ability to kill liver tumor cells by causing cell death and other routes. This permits us to speculate and make assumptions about the value of BBR in the prevention and defense against NAFLD and HCC by a global modulation of metabolic disorders. Herein, we briefly describe the etiology of NAFLD and NAFLD-related HCC, with a particular emphasis on analyzing the potential mechanisms of BBR in the treatment of NAFLD from aspects including increasing insulin sensitivity, controlling the intestinal milieu, and controlling lipid metabolism. We also elucidate the mechanism of BBR in the treatment of HCC. More significantly, we provided a list of clinical studies for BBR in NAFLD. Taking into account our conclusions and perspectives, we can make further progress in the treatment of BBR in NAFLD and NAFLD-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Lin
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Juanhong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; College of Life Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yajun Chu
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Qiuying Nie
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Junmin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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Wang B, Gu B, Zhang T, Li X, Wang N, Ma C, Xiang L, Wang Y, Gao L, Yu Y, Song K, He P, Wang Y, Zhu J, Chen H. Good or bad: Paradox of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) in digestive system tumors. Cancer Lett 2023; 559:216117. [PMID: 36889376 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216117] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
The fibrinolytic system is involved in many physiological functions, among which the important members can interact with each other, either synergistically or antagonistically to participate in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) acts as a crucial element of the fibrinolytic system and functions in an anti-fibrinolytic manner in the normal coagulation process. It inhibits plasminogen activator, and affects the relationship between cells and extracellular matrix. PAI-1 not only involved in blood diseases, inflammation, obesity and metabolic syndrome but also in tumor pathology. Especially PAI-1 plays a different role in different digestive tumors as an oncogene or cancer suppressor, even a dual role for the same cancer. We term this phenomenon "PAI-1 paradox". PAI-1 is acknowledged to have both uPA-dependent and -independent effects, and its different actions can result in both beneficial and adverse consequences. Therefore, this review will elaborate on PAI-1 structure, the dual value of PAI-1 in different digestive system tumors, gene polymorphisms, the uPA-dependent and -independent mechanisms of regulatory networks, and the drugs targeted by PAI-1 to deepen the comprehensive understanding of PAI-1 in digestive system tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bofang Wang
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Baohong Gu
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xuemei Li
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Na Wang
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Chenhui Ma
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Lin Xiang
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yunpeng Wang
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Lei Gao
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Kewei Song
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Puyi He
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yueyan Wang
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jingyu Zhu
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China; Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China; Department of Surgical Oncology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
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Banerjee A, Sriramulu S, Catanzaro R, He F, Chabria Y, Balakrishnan B, Hari S, Ayala A, Muñoz M, Pathak S, Marotta F. Natural Compounds as Integrative Therapy for Liver Protection against Inflammatory and Carcinogenic Mechanisms: From Induction to Molecular Biology Advancement. Curr Mol Med 2023; 23:216-231. [PMID: 35297348 DOI: 10.2174/1566524022666220316102310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The liver is exposed to several harmful substances that bear the potential to cause excessive liver damage ranging from hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to extreme cases of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver ailments have been effectively treated from very old times with Chinese medicinal herbal formulations and later also applied by controlled trials in Japan. However, these traditional practices have been hardly well characterized in the past till in the last decades when more qualified studies have been carried out. Modern advances have given rise to specific molecular targets which are specifically good candidates for affecting the intricate mechanisms that play a role at the molecular level. These therapeutic regimens that mainly affect the progression of the disease by inhibiting the gene expression levels or by blocking essential molecular pathways or releasing cytokines may prove to play a vital role in minimizing the tissue damage. This review, therefore, tries to throw light upon the variation in the therapies for the treatment of benign and malignant liver disease from ancient times to the current date. Nonetheless, clinical research exploring the effectiveness of herbal medicines in the treatment of benign chronic liver diseases as well as prevention and treatment of HCC is still warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antara Banerjee
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chennai 603103, India
| | - Sushmitha Sriramulu
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chennai 603103, India
| | - Roberto Catanzaro
- Dept of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Fang He
- Dept of Nutrition, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yashna Chabria
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chennai 603103, India
| | | | - Sruthi Hari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chennai 603103, India
| | - Antonio Ayala
- Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Spain
| | - Mario Muñoz
- Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Surajit Pathak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chennai 603103, India
| | - Francesco Marotta
- ReGenera R&D International for Aging Intervention, Milano, Italy and Vitality and Longevity Medical Science Commission, FEMTEC World Federation
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Effects of Berberine on Liver Cancer. Nat Prod Commun 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x221102032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer, otherwise known as hepatocellular carcinoma, is a chronic disease condition with an excessive deposition and growth of malignant cells in the body. The high incidence and prevalence rates of liver cancer continue to be problems, as well as its poor prognosis and therapeutic limitations involving severe drug adverse reactions linked to the use of synthetic chemotherapeutic compounds. Continuous experimental studies, as well as utilization of pure herbal-based compounds, are essential towards finding more potent cures for liver cancer. Natural bioactive compounds, particularly alkaloids (eg, berberine), have been shown to be highly beneficial in the treatment of various diseases. Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid, is obtained from stem, bark, roots, rhizomes, and leaves of several medicinal plants, including Berberis species. It is commonly synthesized from the benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline system with the incorporation of an additional carbon atom as a bridge. The multiple attributes of BBR involving effective inhibitory and cytotoxic actions against the proliferation of cancer cells have been demonstrated. The use of BBR in experimental studies (in vivo and in vitro) for over a decade for liver cancer treatment has proven to be highly effective, safe, and potent. Until now, the poor solubility of BBR remains one of the contributing factors leading to its minimal clinical bioavailability. Therefore, BBR could serve as a prospective drug candidate in the future towards drug formulation for liver cancer treatment. The relevant information regarding this review was obtained electronically through the use of databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer, Hindawi, Embase, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. All the aforementioned databases were searched from 1981 to 2020. This literature represents an update of previous review papers discussing the various positive pharmacological and mechanistic effects (oxidative stress regulation, inflammation reduction, apoptosis activation, overcoming drug resistance, and metastasis inhibition) of BBR for liver cancer treatment, which would be of great significance to drug development and clinical research.
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Treatment for liver cancer: From sorafenib to natural products. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 224:113690. [PMID: 34256124 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer most commonly develops in patients with chronic liver disease, the etiology of which includes viral hepatitis (B and C), alcohol, obesity, dietary carcinogens, and so forth. The current treatment modalities, including surgical resection and liver transplantation, have been found far from effective. Hence, there is an obvious critical need to develop alternative strategies for the treatment of it. In this review, we discuss the formation process and therapeutic targets of liver cancer. Currently, targeted therapy is limited to sorafenib, lenvatinib, regorafenib, ramucirumab and cabozantinib which leads to a survival benefit in patients, but on the other hand is hampered by the occurrence of drug resistance. Pleasingly and importantly, there are multiple natural products undergoing clinical evaluation in liver cancer, such as polyphenols like icaritin, resveratrol, and silybin, saponins including ginsenoside Rg3 and glycyrrhizinate, alkaloid containing irinotecan and berberine and inorganic compound arsenic trioxide at present. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that these compounds inhibit liver cancer formation owing to the influence on the anti-viral, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant, anti-angiogenesis and anti-metastasis activity. Furthermore, a series of small molecule derivatives inspired by the aforementioned compounds are designed and synthesized according to structure-activity relationship studies. Drug combination and novel type of drug-targeted delivery system thereof have been well developed. This article is ended by a perspective remark of futuristic development of natural product-based therapeutic regimen for liver cancer treatment. We expect that this review is an account for current status of natural products as promising anti-liver cancer treatments and should contribute to its understanding.
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Huang J, Feng W, Li S, Tang H, Qin S, Li W, Gong Y, Fang Y, Liu Y, Wang S, Guo Y, Xu Z, Shen Q. Berberine Exerts Anti-cancer Activity by Modulating Adenosine Monophosphate- Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) and the Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/ Protein Kinase B (PI3K/AKT) Signaling Pathways. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 27:565-574. [PMID: 32988344 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200928155728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background The antagonistic relationship between adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling play a vital role in cancer development. The anti-cancer effects of berberine have been reported as a main component of the traditional Chinese medicine Rhizoma coptidis, although the roles of these signaling pathways in these effects have not been systematically reviewed. METHODS We searched the PubMed database for studies with keywords including ["berberine"] and ["tumor" or "cancer"] and ["AMPK"] or ["AKT"] published between January 2010 and July 2020, to elucidate the roles of the AMPK and PI3K/AKT pathways and their upstream and downstream targets in the anti-cancer effects of berberine. RESULTS The anti-cancer effects of berberine include inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, promotion of apoptosis and autophagy in cancer cells, and prevention of metastasis and angiogenesis. The mechanism of these effects involves multiple cell kinases and signaling pathways, including activation of AMPK and forkhead box transcription factor O3a (FOXO3a), accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and inhibition of the activity of PI3K/AKT, rapamycin (mTOR) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Most of these mechanisms converge on regulation of the balance of AMPK and PI3K/AKT signaling by berberine. CONCLUSION This evidence supports the possibility that berberine is a promising anti-cancer natural product, with pharmaceutical potential in inhibiting cancer growth, metastasis and angiogenesis via multiple pathways, particularly by regulating the balance of AMPK and PI3K/AKT signaling. However, systematic preclinical studies are still required to provide scientific evidence for further clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Huang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Wei Feng
- Emergercy Department, South Branch of Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing100053, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Huiling Tang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Siru Qin
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Wei Li
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yinan Gong
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yuxin Fang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yangyang Liu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Shenjun Wang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Zhifang Xu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Qian Shen
- Department of Massage and Physiotherapy, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100078, China
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Alves E Silva TL, Radtke A, Balaban A, Pascini TV, Pala ZR, Roth A, Alvarenga PH, Jeong YJ, Olivas J, Ghosh AK, Bui H, Pybus BS, Sinnis P, Jacobs-Lorena M, Vega-Rodríguez J. The fibrinolytic system enables the onset of Plasmodium infection in the mosquito vector and the mammalian host. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/6/eabe3362. [PMID: 33547079 PMCID: PMC7864569 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe3362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Plasmodium parasites must migrate across proteinaceous matrices to infect the mosquito and vertebrate hosts. Plasmin, a mammalian serine protease, degrades extracellular matrix proteins allowing cell migration through tissues. We report that Plasmodium gametes recruit human plasminogen to their surface where it is processed into plasmin by corecruited plasminogen activators. Inhibition of plasminogen activation arrests parasite development early during sexual reproduction, before ookinete formation. We show that increased fibrinogen and fibrin in the blood bolus, which are natural substrates of plasmin, inversely correlate with parasite infectivity of the mosquito. Furthermore, we show that sporozoites, the parasite form transmitted by the mosquito to humans, also bind plasminogen and plasminogen activators on their surface, where plasminogen is activated into plasmin. Surface-bound plasmin promotes sporozoite transmission by facilitating parasite migration across the extracellular matrices of the dermis and of the liver. The fibrinolytic system is a potential target to hamper Plasmodium transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Luiz Alves E Silva
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Resposta ao Estresse, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Andrea Radtke
- Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Amanda Balaban
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Tales Vicari Pascini
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Zarna Rajeshkumar Pala
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Alison Roth
- Department of Drug Discovery, Experimental Therapeutics Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Patricia H Alvarenga
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Resposta ao Estresse, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Yeong Je Jeong
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Janet Olivas
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Anil K Ghosh
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Hanhvy Bui
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Brandon S Pybus
- Department of Drug Discovery, Experimental Therapeutics Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Photini Sinnis
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Marcelo Jacobs-Lorena
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Joel Vega-Rodríguez
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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10
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Berberine inhibited metastasis through miR-145/MMP16 axis in vitro. J Ovarian Res 2021; 14:4. [PMID: 33407764 PMCID: PMC7789793 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-020-00752-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the first leading cause of death in gynecological cancers. The continuous survival and metastasis of cancer cells are the main causes of death and poor prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer. Berberine is an effective component extracted from the rhizomes of coptis chinensis and phellodendron chinensis. In our study, we aim to explore the molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of proliferation, migration and invasion by berberine in ovarian cancer cells. CCK8 assay was used for detection of proliferative capacity of SKOV3 and 3AO cells. Wound healing assay was used to estimate cell migration and transwell assay was used to assess cell invasion. The mRNA expression of miR-145 and MMP16 were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The protein level of MMP16 was detected by western blot analysis. In addition, luciferase reporter assays were used to demonstrate MMP16 was a target of miR-145. The results demonstrated berberine inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion, promoted miR-145 expression, and decreased MMP16 expression in SKOV3 and 3AO cells. MMP16 was a target of miR-145. Moreover, downregulation of MMP16 contributed to the inhibition of proliferation, migration and invasion by berberine. Together, our results revealed that berberine inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion through miR-145/MMP16 in SKOV3 and 3AO cells, highlighting the potentiality of berberine to be used as a therapeutic agent for ovarian cancer.
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Fang L, Xu Q, Qian J, Zhou JY. Aberrant Factors of Fibrinolysis and Coagulation in Pancreatic Cancer. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:53-65. [PMID: 33442266 PMCID: PMC7797325 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s281251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant factors associated with fibrinolysis and thrombosis are found in many cancer patients, which can promote metastasis and are associated with poor prognosis. The relationship between tumor-associated fibrinolysis and thrombosis is poorly understood in pancreatic cancer. This review provides a brief highlight of existing studies that the fibrinolysis and coagulation systems were activated in pancreatic cancer patients, along with aberrant high concentrations of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), urine plasminogen activator (u-PA), D-dimer, fibrinogen, or platelets. These factors cooperate with each other, propelling tumor cell shedding, localization, adhesion to distant metastasis. The relationship between thrombosis or fibrinolysis and cancer immune escape is also investigated. In addition, the potential prevention and therapy strategies of pancreatic cancer targeting factors in fibrinolysis and coagulation systems are also been discussed, in which we highlight two effective agents aspirin and low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH). Summarily, this review provides new directions for the research and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianghua Fang
- Department of Oncology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Xu
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Qian
- Department of Oncology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Yong Zhou
- Central Laboratory, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China
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12
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The pharmacological activity of berberine, a review for liver protection. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 890:173655. [PMID: 33068590 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Liver plays an important role in bile synthesis, metabolic function, degradation of toxins, new substances synthesis in body. However, hepatopathy morbidity and mortality are increasing year by year around the world, which become a major public health problem. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a prominent role in the treatment of liver diseases due to its definite curative effect and small side effects. The hepatoprotective effect of berberine has been extensively studied, so we comprehensively summarize the pharmacological activities of lipid metabolism regulation, bile acid adjustment, anti-inflammation, oxidation resistance, anti-fibrosis and anti-cancer and so on. Besides, the metabolism and toxicity of berberine and its new formulations to improve its effectiveness are expounded, providing a reference for the safe and effective clinical use of berberine.
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Kumar S, Fayaz F, Pottoo FH, Bajaj S, Manchanda S, Bansal H. Nanophytomedicine Based Novel Therapeutic Strategies in Liver Cancer. Curr Top Med Chem 2020; 20:1999-2024. [DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666191114113048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the fifth (6.3% of all cancers i.e., 548,000 cases/year) and ninth (2.8% of all
cancers i.e., 244,000 cases/year) most prevalent cancer worldwide in men and women, respectively. Although
multiple choices of therapies are offered for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) like liver resection
or transplant, radiofrequency ablation, transarterial chemoembolization, radioembolization, and systemic
targeted agent, by the time of diagnosis, most of the cases of HCC are in an advanced stage, which
renders therapies like liver transplant or resection and local ablation impractical; and targeted therapy
has its shortcomings like general toxicity, imprecise selectivity, several adversative reactions, and resistance
development. Therefore, novel drugs with specificity and selectivity are needed to provide the potential
therapeutic response. Various researches have shown the potential of phytomedicines in liver
cancer by modulating cell growth, invasion, metastasis, and apoptosis. However, their therapeutic potential
is held up by their unfavorable properties like stability, poor water solubility, low absorption, and
quick metabolism. Nonetheless, the advancement of nanotechnology-based innovative nanocarrier formulations
has improved the phytomedicines’ profile to be used in the treatment of liver cancer. Nanocarriers
not only improve the solubility and stability of phytomedicines but also extend their residence in
plasma and accomplish specificity. In this review, we summarize the advancements introduced by
nanotechnology in the treatment of liver cancer. In particular, we discuss quite a few applications of
nanophytomedicines like curcumin, quercetin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, berberine, apigenin, triptolide,
and resveratrol in liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Sector-III, MB Road, PushpVihar, New Delhi-110017, India
| | - Faizana Fayaz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Sector-III, MB Road, PushpVihar, New Delhi-110017, India
| | - Faheem Hyder Pottoo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam, 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sakshi Bajaj
- Department of Herbal Drug Technology, Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Sector-III, MB Road, PushpVihar, New Delhi-110017, India
| | - Satish Manchanda
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Sector-III, MB Road, PushpVihar, New Delhi-110017, India
| | - Himangini Bansal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Sector-III, MB Road, PushpVihar, New Delhi-110017, India
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Liu J, Chen Z, Huang M, Tang S, Wang Q, Hu P, Gupta P, Ashby CR, Chen ZS, Zhang L. Plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) trap3, an exocellular peptide inhibitor of PAI-1, attenuates the rearrangement of F-actin and migration of cancer cells. Exp Cell Res 2020; 391:111987. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.111987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Almeer RS, Aref AM, Hussein RA, Othman MS, Abdel Moneim AE. Antitumor Potential of Berberine and Cinnamic Acid against Solid Ehrlich Carcinoma in Mice. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2019; 19:356-364. [PMID: 30451117 DOI: 10.2174/1871520618666181116162441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2018] [Revised: 11/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Berberine and cinnamic acid are natural compounds that exhibit potent anticancer activities through distinct molecular mechanisms. OBJECTIVE In the present study, we aimed to investigate the proapoptotic potential of cinnamic acid and berberine in cancer cells by examining their effect on the expression of proapoptotic and antiapoptotic genes. Moreover, the effects of berberine and cinnamic acid on the antitumor activity of cisplatin were investigated in Ehrlich solid tumor-bearing mice. METHODS For the study, 90 male mice were inoculated intramuscularly with Ehrlich ascites tumor cells (2.5 × 106/mouse), and then on day 4, mice were randomly divided into six experimental groups (group 1-untreated Ehrlich solid tumor (EST), group 2-EST treated CDDP, group 3-EST treated CA, group 4-EST treated BER, group 5-EST treated CA + CDDP, and group 6-EST treated BER + CDDP). RESULTS The results showed that berberine and cinnamic acid significantly decreased tumor growth and tumor volume (-74.8 and -75.5%, respectively) both as single agents and in combination with cisplatin. Moreover, both berberine and cinnamic acid increased the ratio of tumor growth inhibition (-91.5 and -92.6%, respectively), mean survival time (61.5 and 26 days, respectively), and percentage increase in lifespan (559 and 263%, respectively) of the treated mice. Our results also showed that both berberine and cinnamic acid-induced apoptosis by increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (74.1 and 45.1, respectively) and caspase-3 expression (14.3- and 11.6-fold increase, respectively). Additionally, berberine and cinnamic acid decreased oxidative stress markers, as shown by the decrease in lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide levels and an increase in reduced glutathione level. CONCLUSION These results suggest that berberine and cinnamic acid have potential as antitumor and antioxidant agents derived from natural sources, which could be used alone or in combination with regular chemotherapeutic agents, such as cisplatin. These effects could be attributed to the proapoptotic activity of berberine and cinnamic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafa S Almeer
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M Aref
- Faculty of Biotechnology, October University for Modern Science and Arts (MSA), Giza, Egypt
| | - Romisa A Hussein
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed S Othman
- Faculty of Biotechnology, October University for Modern Science and Arts (MSA), Giza, Egypt.,Faculty of Preparatory year, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed E Abdel Moneim
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
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16
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Song L, Luo Y, Wang X, Almutairi MM, Pan H, Li W, Liu Y, Wang Q, Hong M. Exploring the active mechanism of berberine against HCC by systematic pharmacology and experimental validation. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:4654-4664. [PMID: 31545468 PMCID: PMC6797955 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Berberine (BBR) is the main component of Coptidis rhizoma, the dried rhizome of Coptis chinensis and is a potential plant alkaloid used for the treatment of cancer due to its high antitumor activity. The present study examined the therapeutic potential and molecular mechanism of action of BBR against HCC, using systematic pharmacology combined with a molecular docking approach and experimental validation in vitro. Through systematic pharmacological analysis, it was found that BBR serves a significant role in inhibiting HCC by affecting multiple pathways, especially the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Furthermore, the docking approach indicated that the binding of BBR to AKT could lead to the suppression of AKT activity. The present study examined the inhibitory effect of BBR on the PI3K/AKT pathway in HCC and identified that BBR downregulated the expressions of phosphorylated AKT and PI3K in MHCC97‑H and HepG2 cells, inhibiting their growth, cell migration and invasion in a dose‑dependent manner. In addition, inhibition of the AKT pathway by BBR also contributed to cell apoptosis in MHCC97‑H and HepG2 cells. Taken together, the results of the present study suggested that BBR may be a promising antitumor drug for HCC that acts by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Song
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Yi Luo
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Xinyue Wang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Mohammed M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Huafeng Pan
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Weirong Li
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Yongqiang Liu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Qi Wang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Ming Hong
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
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17
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Liu C, Yang S, Wang K, Bao X, Liu Y, Zhou S, Liu H, Qiu Y, Wang T, Yu H. Alkaloids from Traditional Chinese Medicine against hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 120:109543. [PMID: 31655311 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has become one of the major diseases that are threatening human health in the 21st century. Currently there are many approaches to treat liver cancer, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Among various methods of treating liver cancer, natural medicine treatment has achieved promising results because of their superiorities of high efficiency and availability, as well as low side effects. Alkaloids, as a class of natural ingredients derived from traditional Chinese medicines, have previously been shown to exert prominent anti-hepatocarcinogenic effects, through various mechanisms including inhibition of proliferation, metastasis and angiogenesis, changing cell morphology, promoting apoptosis and autophagy, triggering cell cycle arrest, regulating various cancer-related genes as well as pathways and so on. As a consequence, alkaloids suppress the development and progression of liver cancer. In this study, the mechanisms of representative alkaloids against hepatocarcinoma in each class are described systematically according to the structure classification, which mainly divides alkaloids into piperidine alkaloids, isoquinoline alkaloids, indole alkaloids, terpenoids alkaloids, steroidal alkaloids and other alkaloids. Besides using them alone, synergistic effects created together with other chemotherapy drugs and some special preparation methods also have been demonstrated. In this review, we have summarized the potential roles of several common alkaloids in the prevention and treatment of HCC, by revising the preclinical studies, highlighting the potential applications of alkaloids when they function as a therapeutic choice for HCC treatment, and integrating them into clinical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiyan Liu
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Shenshen Yang
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Kailong Wang
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Xiaomei Bao
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Yiman Liu
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Shiyue Zhou
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Hongwei Liu
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Yuling Qiu
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Haiyang Yu
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China.
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18
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Belanova A, Beseda D, Chmykhalo V, Stepanova A, Belousova M, Khrenkova V, Gavalas N, Zolotukhin P. Berberine Effects on NFκB, HIF1A and NFE2L2/AP-1 Pathways in HeLa Cells. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2019; 19:487-501. [DOI: 10.2174/1871520619666181211121405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Berberine has multitudinous anti-cancer stem cells effects making it a highly promising
candidate substance for the next-generation cancer therapy. However, berberine modes of action predispose it to
significant side-effects that probably limit its clinical testing and application.
Materials and Methods:
HeLa cells were treated with two concentrations of berberine (30 and 100 µM) for 24
hours to assess the functioning of the NFE2L2/AP-1, NFκB and HIF1A pathways using 22 RNAs expression
qPCR-based analysis.
Results:
Berberine effects appeared to be highly dose-dependent, with the lower concentration being capable of
suppressing the NFκB functioning and the higher concentration causing severe signaling side-effects seen in the
HIF1A pathway and the NFE2L2 sub-pathways, and especially and more importantly in the AP-1 sub-pathway.
Conclusion:
The results of the study suggest that berberine has clinically valuable anti-NFκB effects however
jeopardized by its side effects on the HIF1A and especially NFE2L2/AP-1 pathways, its therapeutic window
phenomenon and its cancer type-specificity. These, however, may be ameliorated using the cocktail approach,
provided there is enough data on signaling effects of berberine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Belanova
- Biomedical Innovations LLC, 112 Mechnikova st., 344013, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - Darya Beseda
- Biomedical Innovations LLC, 112 Mechnikova st., 344013, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - Victor Chmykhalo
- Biomedical Innovations LLC, 112 Mechnikova st., 344013, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - Alisa Stepanova
- Biomedical Innovations LLC, 112 Mechnikova st., 344013, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - Mariya Belousova
- English Language Department for Natural Sciences Faculties, Southern Federal University, 5 Sorge st., 344090, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - Vera Khrenkova
- Rostov State Medical University, 119 Suvorova st., 344022, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
| | - Nikolaos Gavalas
- Division of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 80 Vas. Sofias Av., 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - Peter Zolotukhin
- Biomedical Innovations LLC, 112 Mechnikova st., 344013, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation
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The Role of AMP-Activated Protein Kinase as a Potential Target of Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11050647. [PMID: 31083406 PMCID: PMC6562911 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11050647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most frequent cancer worldwide with a very high recurrence rate and very dismal prognosis. Diagnosis and treatment in HCC remain difficult, and the identification of new therapeutic targets is necessary for a better outcome of HCC treatment. AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) is an essential intracellular energy sensor that plays multiple roles in cellular physiology and the pathological development of chronic diseases. Recent studies have highlighted the important regulation of AMPK in HCC. This review aims to comprehensively and critically summarize the role of AMPK in HCC. Methods: Original studies were retrieved from NCBI database with keywords including AMPK and HCC, which were analyzed with extensive reading. Results: Dysregulation of the kinase activity and expression of AMPK was observed in HCC, which was correlated with survival of the patients. Loss of AMPK in HCC cells may proceed cell cycle progression, proliferation, survival, migration, and invasion through different oncogenic molecules and pathways. Conclusions: We identified several AMPK activators which may possess potential anti-HCC function, and discussed the clinical perspective on the use of AMPK activators for HCC therapy.
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Zhi D, Zhou K, Yu D, Fan X, Zhang J, Li X, Dong M. hERG1 is involved in the pathophysiological process and inhibited by berberine in SKOV3 cells. Oncol Lett 2019; 17:5653-5661. [PMID: 31186788 PMCID: PMC6507338 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The human ether-a-go-go-related potassium channel 1 (hERG1) is a functional component of the voltage-gated Kv11.1 potassium channel, which is commonly described as a crucial factor in the tumorigenesis of a variety of tumors. Ovarian cancer is one of the most severe types of cancer, with an extremely poor prognosis. Advances have been made in recent years; however, drug resistance and tumor recurrence remain critical issues underlying satisfactory treatment outcomes. Therefore, more effective antitumor agents with low levels of drug resistance for ovarian cancer treatment are urgently required in clinical practice. In the present study, hERG1 mRNA expression in ovarian tumor tissues and cell lines were measured by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to assess the expression levels of hERG1 protein. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and Transwell assay. A tumor xenograft assay was used to determine the growth of tumors in vivo. It was demonstrated that the expression levels of hERG1 were significantly elevated in ovarian cancer tissues and expressed in ovarian cancer cell lines, particularly in SKOV3 cells. Abnormal hERG1 expression was significantly associated with the proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of ovarian cancer. In addition, berberine (BBR) may be used as a potential drug in the treatment of ovarian cancer, possibly due to its inhibitory effects on the hERG1 channels. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that hERG1 may be a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of ovarian cancer and provided novel insights into the mechanism underlying the antitumor effects of BBR in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duo Zhi
- Department of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, P.R. China
| | - Kun Zhou
- General Hospital of Heilongjiang Province Land Reclamation Bureau, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150088, P.R. China
| | - Dahai Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofan Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, P.R. China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, P.R. China
| | - Mei Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, P.R. China
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21
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Novel berberine derivatives: Design, synthesis, antimicrobial effects, and molecular docking studies. Chin J Nat Med 2018; 16:774-781. [PMID: 30322611 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(18)30117-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
A series of berberine derivatives were synthesized by introducing substituted benzyl groups at C-9. All these synthesized compounds (4a-4m) were screened for their in vitro antibacterial activity against four Gram-positive bacteria and four Gram-negative bacteria and evaluated for their antifungal activity against three pathogenic fungal strains. All these compounds displayed good antibacterial and antifungal activities, compared to reference drugs including Ciprofloxacin and Fluconazole; Compounds 4f, 4g, and 4l showed the highest antibacterial and antifungal activities. Moreover, all the synthesized compounds were docked into topoisomerase II-DNA complex, which is a crucial drug target for the treatment of microbial infections. Docking results showed that H-bond, π-π stacked, π-cationic, and π-anionic interactions were responsible for the strong binding of the compounds with the target protein-DNA complex.
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22
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Sheng J, Zou X, Cheng Z, Xiang Y, Yang W, Lin Y, Cui R. Recent Advances in Herbal Medicines for Digestive System Malignancies. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1249. [PMID: 30524272 PMCID: PMC6256117 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Herbal medicines, as an important part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), have been used to treat digestive system malignancies (DSM) for many years, and have gradually gained recognition worldwide. The role of herbal medicines in the comprehensive treatment of DSM is being improved from adjuvant treatment of the autologous immune function in cancer patients, to the treatment of both the symptoms and disease, direct inhibition of tumor cell growth and proliferation, and induction of tumor cell autophagy and apoptosis. Their specific mechanisms in these treatments are also being explored. The paper reviews the current anti-tumor mechanisms of TCM, including single herbal medicines, Chinese herbal formulations, Chinese medicine preparations and TCM extract, and their application in the comprehensive treatment of digestive system tumors, providing a reference for clinical application of TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyao Sheng
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaohan Zou
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ziqian Cheng
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yien Xiang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yang Lin
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ranji Cui
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Amarante MK, Vitiello GAF, Rosa MH, Mancilla IA, Watanabe MAE. Potential use of CXCL12/CXCR4 and sonic hedgehog pathways as therapeutic targets in medulloblastoma. Acta Oncol 2018; 57:1134-1142. [PMID: 29771176 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2018.1473635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor occurring in children, and although high long-term survival rates have been reached with current therapeutic protocols, several neurological injuries are still observed among survivors. It has been shown that the development of MB is highly dependent on the microenvironment surrounding it and that the CXCL12 chemokine and its receptor, CXCR4 and the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway are crucial for cerebellar development, coordinating proliferation and migration of embryonic cells and malfunctions in these axes can lead to MB development. Indeed, the concomitant overactivation of these axes was suggested to define a new MB molecular subgroup. New molecules are being studied, aiming to inhibit either CXCR4 or the SHH pathways and have been tested in preclinical settings for the treatment of cancers. The use of these molecules could improve MB treatment and save patients from aggressive surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy regimens, which are responsible for severe neurological consequences. This review aims to summarize current data about the experimental inhibition of CXCR4 and SHH pathways in MB and its potential implications in treatment of this cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marcos Henrique Rosa
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Londrina State University, Londrina, Brazil
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Berberine Inhibits Human Melanoma A375.S2 Cell Migration and Invasion via Affecting the FAK, uPA, and NF-κB Signaling Pathways and Inhibits PLX4032 Resistant A375.S2 Cell Migration In Vitro. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23082019. [PMID: 30104528 PMCID: PMC6222729 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23082019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Many studies have demonstrated that berberine inhibited the cell migration and invasion in human cancer cell lines. However, the exact molecular mechanism of berberine inhibiting the cell migration and invasion of human melanoma A375.S2 and A375.S2/PLX (PLX4032 induced resistant A375.S2) skin cancer cells remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the anti-metastasis mechanisms of berberine in human melanoma cancer A375.S2 cells and A375.S2/PLX resistant cells in vitro. Berberine at low concentrations (0, 1, 1.5 and 2 μM) induced cell morphological changes and reduced the viable cell number and inhibited the mobility, migration, and invasion of A375.S2 cells that were assayed by wound healing and transwell filter. The gelatin zymography assay showed that berberine slightly inhibited MMP-9 activity in A375.S2 cells. Results from western blotting indicated that berberine inhibited the expression of MMP-1, MMP-13, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, RhoA, ROCK1, SOS-1, GRB2, Ras, p-ERK1/2, p-c-Jun, p-FAK, p-AKT, NF-κB, and uPA after 24 h of treatment, but increased the PKC and PI3K in A375.S2 cells. PLX4032 is an inhibitor of the BRAFV600E mutation and used for the treatment of cancer cells harboring activated BRAF mutations. Berberine decrease cell number and inhibited the cell mobility in the resistant A375.S2 (A375.S2/PLX, PLX4032 generated resistant A375.S2 cells). Based on these observations, we suggest that the potential of berberine as an anti-metastatic agent in melanoma that deserves to be investigated in more detail, including in vivo studies in future.
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25
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Wang Y, Zhang S. Berberine suppresses growth and metastasis of endometrial cancer cells via miR-101/COX-2. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 103:1287-1293. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.04.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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26
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Hu WQ, Wang W, Fang DL, Yin XF. Identification of Biological Targets of Therapeutic Intervention for Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Integrated Bioinformatical Analysis. Med Sci Monit 2018; 24:3450-3461. [PMID: 29795057 PMCID: PMC5996840 DOI: 10.12659/msm.909290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We screened the potential molecular targets and investigated the molecular mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS Microarray data of GSE47786, including the 40 μM berberine-treated HepG2 human hepatoma cell line and 0.08% DMSO-treated as control cells samples, was downloaded from the GEO database. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed; the protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed using STRING database and Cytoscape; the genetic alteration, neighboring genes networks, and survival analysis of hub genes were explored by cBio portal; and the expression of mRNA level of hub genes was obtained from the Oncomine databases. RESULTS A total of 56 upregulated and 8 downregulated DEGs were identified. The GO analysis results were significantly enriched in cell-cycle arrest, regulation of transcription, DNA-dependent, protein amino acid phosphorylation, cell cycle, and apoptosis. The KEGG pathway analysis showed that DEGs were enriched in MAPK signaling pathway, ErbB signaling pathway, and p53 signaling pathway. JUN, EGR1, MYC, and CDKN1A were identified as hub genes in PPI networks. The genetic alteration of hub genes was mainly concentrated in amplification. TP53, NDRG1, and MAPK15 were found in neighboring genes networks. Altered genes had worse overall survival and disease-free survival than unaltered genes. The expressions of EGR1, MYC, and CDKN1A were significantly increased, but expression of JUN was not, in the Roessler Liver datasets. CONCLUSIONS We found that JUN, EGR1, MYC, and CDKN1A might be used as diagnostic and therapeutic molecular biomarkers and broaden our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of HCC.
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Liu Y, Liu X, Hua W, Wei Q, Fang X, Zhao Z, Ge C, Liu C, Chen C, Tao Y, Zhu Y. Berberine inhibits macrophage M1 polarization via AKT1/SOCS1/NF-κB signaling pathway to protect against DSS-induced colitis. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 57:121-131. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.01.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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28
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McCubrey JA, Lertpiriyapong K, Steelman LS, Abrams SL, Yang LV, Murata RM, Rosalen PL, Scalisi A, Neri LM, Cocco L, Ratti S, Martelli AM, Laidler P, Dulińska-Litewka J, Rakus D, Gizak A, Lombardi P, Nicoletti F, Candido S, Libra M, Montalto G, Cervello M. Effects of resveratrol, curcumin, berberine and other nutraceuticals on aging, cancer development, cancer stem cells and microRNAs. Aging (Albany NY) 2018; 9:1477-1536. [PMID: 28611316 PMCID: PMC5509453 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Natural products or nutraceuticals have been shown to elicit anti-aging, anti-cancer and other health-enhancing effects. A key target of the effects of natural products may be the regulation of microRNA (miR) expression which results in cell death or prevents aging, diabetes, cardiovascular and other diseases. This review will focus on a few natural products, especially on resveratrol (RES), curcumin (CUR) and berberine (BBR). RES is obtained from the skins of grapes and other fruits and berries. RES may extend human lifespan by activating the sirtuins and SIRT1 molecules. CUR is isolated from the root of turmeric (Curcuma longa). CUR is currently used in the treatment of many disorders, especially in those involving an inflammatory process. CUR and modified derivatives have been shown to have potent anti-cancer effects, especially on cancer stem cells (CSC). BBR is also isolated from various plants (e.g., Coptis chinensis) and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat diseases such as adult- onset diabetes. Understanding the benefits of these and other nutraceuticals may result in approaches to improve human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Kvin Lertpiriyapong
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Steve L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Li V Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Section, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Ramiro M Murata
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.,Department of Foundational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Pedro L Rosalen
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Aurora Scalisi
- Unit of Oncologic Diseases, ASP-Catania, Catania 95100, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Piotr Laidler
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
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Regulation of Akt/FoxO3a/Skp2 Axis Is Critically Involved in Berberine-Induced Cell Cycle Arrest in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19020327. [PMID: 29360760 PMCID: PMC5855549 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The maintenance of ordinal cell cycle phases is a critical biological process in cancer genesis, which is a crucial target for anti-cancer drugs. As an important natural isoquinoline alkaloid from Chinese herbal medicine, Berberine (BBR) has been reported to possess anti-cancer potentiality to induce cell cycle arrest in hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HCC). However, the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. In our present study, G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest was observed in berberine-treated Huh-7 and HepG2 cells. Mechanically, we observed that BBR could deactivate the Akt pathway, which consequently suppressed the S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2) expression and enhanced the expression and translocation of Forkhead box O3a (FoxO3a) into nucleus. The translocated FoxO3a on one hand could directly promote the transcription of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKIs) p21Cip1 and p27Kip1, on the other hand, it could repress Skp2 expression, both of which lead to up-regulation of p21Cip1 and p27Kip1, causing G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest in HCC. In conclusion, BBR promotes the expression of CDKIs p21Cip1 and p27Kip1 via regulating the Akt/FoxO3a/Skp2 axis and further induces HCC G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest. This research uncovered a new mechanism of an anti-cancer effect of BBR.
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