Astragalus membranaceus Extract Induces Apoptosis via Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species and Inhibition of Heat Shock Protein 27 and Androgen Receptor in Prostate Cancers

Total Astragalus saponins promote ferroptosis in gastric cancer cells by upregulating SIRT3

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumor of the digestive tract originating from the epithelial cells of the gastric mucosa, which is highly invasive and heterogeneous, posing a serious threat to human health. In recent years, ferroptosis, as a novel mode of programmed cell death, has shown potential anticancer effects in tumor therapy. Total Astragalus saponins (TAS), a natural product derived from Astragalus membranaceus, have been shown to possess various pharmacological activities, including anticancer effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of TAS on GC cells, focusing on the mechanism of action of its regulation of the silent information regulator 3 (SIRT3) in inducing ferroptosis in GC cells.

Methods

We treated SGC-7901 cells with TAS at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL. After TAS treatment, the SGC-7901 cells were transfected with a vector designed to knock down SIRT3 expression. We assessed cell proliferation, viability, and apoptosis using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT assay), colony formation assay, and flow cytometry. SIRT3 expression was measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Fe2+, malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and superoxide dismutase assay kits were used to detect the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by fluorescent probe assay. Western blot was used to detect apoptosis-related proteins and SIRT3 protein expression.

Results

TAS dose-dependently inhibited SGC-7901 cell proliferation and viability (P<0.05) and induced apoptosis (P<0.05). TAS promoted the expression of SIRT3 and ACSL4 proteins (P<0.05), inhibited the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins (P<0.05), and induced ferroptosis of SGC-7901 cells (P<0.05). Knockdown of the SIRT3 gene attenuated the effect of TAS treatment on ferroptosis (P<0.05).

Conclusions

TAS has therapeutic potential for GC and can effectively inhibit the proliferation and viability of SGC-7901 cells, and the mechanism may be that TAS upregulates SIRT3 to promote the ferroptosis of SGC-7901 cells.

Synergistic effects of 6-shogaol and hyperthermia on ACHN renal cancer cells: modulation of ROS and heat shock pro-teins in cancer therapy

Introduction

Renal cancer is known for its aggressive progression and resistance to standard treatments, underscoring the need for novel therapeutic strategies. This study explores the potential of combining 6-shogaol (6-SHO), a bioactive compound derived from ginger (Zingiber officinale), with hyperthermia to enhance anticancer efficacy in ACHN renal cancer cells.

Methods

ACHN cells were treated with 6-SHO and exposed to hyperthermic conditions. We evaluated the combined effects on apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and cell proliferation, as well as the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and heat shock proteins (HSPs) in mediating these responses.

Results

The combination of 6-SHO and hyperthermia significantly increased apoptosis, induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest, and reduced cell proliferation more effectively than either treatment alone. ROS played a critical role in these effects, with modulation of HSPs and heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) further disrupting cancer cell survival mechanisms.

Discussion

These findings highlight the synergistic potential of 6-SHO and hyperthermia as a novel therapeutic approach in renal cancer treatment, supporting the need for further research and clinical evaluation.

Advancements in the Research of Astragalus membranaceus for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer, characterized by its high incidence, concealed early symptoms, and poor prognosis at advanced stages, ranks as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Astragalus membranaceus (AM) refers to the dried roots of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao and Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. In the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is believed to have the functions of tonifying qi and lifting yang, as well as generating body fluids and nourishing blood. It can effectively treat cancer caused by the deficiency of vital energy and susceptibility to external diseases. Modern research has confirmed that the active components of AM, including Astragalus polysaccharides, flavonoids (formononetin and calycosin), Astragalus saponins (Astragaloside I and Astragaloside III), and Astragalus nanovesicles, are effective in the treatment of colorectal cancer. The mechanisms mainly involve inducing apoptosis, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis and the metastasis of cancer cells, regulating the cell cycle and tumor microenvironment, and reversing drug resistance. Moreover, it offers a synergistic enhancement when used in combination with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, or surgical treatment. AM also has great potential in treating colorectal cancer when combined with other herbs. This review summarizes the relevant research findings on the treatment of colorectal cancer with AM, as well as its main pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms, aiming to provide guidance for the development of new drugs, and offer direction for the conduct of more related research and promoting the development and application of AM.

HSP27/IL-6 axis promotes OSCC chemoresistance, invasion and migration by orchestrating macrophages via a positive feedback loop

Novel strategies to disrupt tumor progression have emerged from studying the interactions between tumor cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). However, the molecular mechanisms of interactions between tumor cells and TAMs underlying oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression have not been fully elucidated. This study explored the molecular mechanism of the HSP27/IL-6 axis in OSCC chemoresistance, invasion, and migration. Here, we demonstrated the higher expression of HSP27 in OSCC cells. Paracrine HSP27 from OSCC cells enhanced chemoresistance, invasion, migration, and EMT in OSCC by inducing M2 polarization and IL-6 secretion in TAMs. HSP27 and IL-6 established a positive feedback loop between OSCC cells and M2 TAMs. TAMs-derived IL-6 orchestrated OSCC stemness and chemoresistance through upregulating β-catenin and CD44, and enhanced OSCC invasion, migration, and EMT via autocrine HSP27/TLR4 signaling. Collectively, HSP27/IL-6 axis facilitates OSCC chemoresistance, invasion, and migration by orchestrating macrophages through a positive feedback loop. We identify the regulatory mechanism underlying the interaction and crosstalk between OSCC cells and TAMs mediated by the HSP27/IL-6 axis. Targeting the HSP27/IL-6 axis could be a promising treatment strategy for OSCC patients, potentially controlling disease progression and improving prognosis and recurrence outcomes.