Daucosterol Inhibits the Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling

Exploring the mechanism of Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi in the regulation of obesity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi is a traditional medicinal and edible homologous plant rich in flavonoids, triterpenes, saponins, polysaccharides and other chemical components. At present, studies have shown that Pueraria lobata radix (PR) has the effect of lowering blood sugar, improving insulin sensitivity and inhibiting obesity. However, the specific mechanism of PR inhibits obesity is still unclear, and there are few researches on the anti-obesity effect of PR through the combination of network pharmacology and experiment.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Pharmacology, molecular docking technology and experimental verification through the network, revealing the PR the material basis of obesity and the potential mechanism.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The present study used network pharmacology techniques to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of action of PR. Through relevant databases, a total of 6 main chemical components and 257 potential targets were screened. Protein interaction analysis shows that AKT1, AKR1B1, PPARG, MMP9, TNF, TP53, BAD, and BCL2 are core targets. Enrichment analysis shows that the pathway of PR in preventing obesity involves the cancer signaling pathway and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, which may be the main pathways of action. Further molecular docking verification indicates that its core target exhibits good binding activity with 4 compounds: formononectin, purerin, 7,8,4 '- trihydroxide and daidzein. Using the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) technology to detected and confirmed these main compounds. Cell experiment results revealed that puerarin inhibits cell proliferation and differentiation in a concentration dependent manner, significantly promoting cell apoptosis and affecting cell migration. Animal experiments have shown that puerarin reduces food intake and weight gain in mice. It was found that puerarin can upregulate HDL and downregulate TC, TG, and LDL blood biochemical indicators. Western blot results showed that puerarin significantly inhibited the expression of AKT1, AKR1B1, MMP9, TNF, TP53, BCL2, PPARG, and significantly increased the expression of BAD protein at both cellular and animal levels.

CONCLUSION

The present study established a method for measuring PR content and predicted its active ingredients and their mechanisms of action in the treatment of obesity, providing a theoretical basis for further research.

Predictive Assessment of the Antiviral Properties of Imperata cylindrica against SARS-CoV-2

The omicron variant and its sublineages are highly contagious, and they still constitute a global source of concern despite vaccinations. Hospitalizations and mortality rates resulting from infections by these variants of concern are still common. The existing therapeutic alternatives have presented various setbacks such as low potency, poor pharmacokinetic profiles, and drug resistance. The need for alternative therapeutic options cannot be overemphasized. Plants and their phytochemicals present interesting characteristics that make them suitable candidates for the development of antiviral therapeutic agents. This study aimed to investigate the antiviral potential of Imperata cylindrica (I. cylindrica). Specifically, the objective of this study was to identify I. cylindrica phytochemicals that display inhibitory effects against SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), a highly conserved protein among coronaviruses. Molecular docking and in silico pharmacokinetic assays were used to assess 72 phytocompounds that are found in I. cylindrica as ligands and Mpro (6LU7) as the target. Only eight phytochemicals (bifendate, cylindrene, tabanone, siderin, 5-hydroxy-2-[2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one, maritimin, 5-methoxyflavone, and flavone) displayed high binding affinities with Mpro with docking scores ranging from -5.6 kcal/mol to -9.1 kcal/mol. The in silico pharmacokinetic and toxicological assays revealed that tabanone was the best and safest phytochemical for the development of an inhibitory agent against coronavirus main protease. Thus, the study served as a baseline for further in vitro and in vivo assessment of this phytochemical against Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern to validate these in silico findings.

Main chemical constituents and mechanism of anti-tumor action of Solanum nigrum L

OBJECTIVE

Solanum nigrum L. (SNL) is a natural drugwith diverse bioactive components and multi-targeted anti-tumor effects, gaining increasing attention in clinical application.

METHOD AND RESULTS

This paper reviews the studies on SNL by searching academic databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct,and Web of Science, among others), analyzing its chemical compositions (alkaloids, saponins, polysaccharides, and polyphenols, among others), andbriefly describes the anti-tumor mechanisms of the main components.

DISCUSSION

This paper discusses the shortcomings of the current research on SNL and proposes corresponding solutions, providing theoretical support for further research on its biological functions and clinical efficacy.

Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma: pathogenic role and therapeutic target

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant liver tumor and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway is a highly conserved pathway involved in several biological processes, including the improper regulation that leads to the tumorigenesis and progression of cancer. New studies have found that abnormal activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway is a major cause of HCC tumorigenesis, progression, and resistance to therapy. New perspectives and approaches to treating HCC will arise from understanding this pathway. This article offers a thorough analysis of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway's function and its therapeutic implications in HCC.

Research progress of Paris polyphylla in the treatment of digestive tract cancers

Cancer has become one of the most important causes of human death. In particular, the 5 year survival rate of patients with digestive tract cancer is low. Although chemotherapy drugs have a certain efficacy, they are highly toxic and prone to chemotherapy resistance. With the advancement of antitumor research, many natural drugs have gradually entered basic clinical research. They have low toxicity, few adverse reactions, and play an important synergistic role in the combined targeted therapy of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. A large number of studies have shown that the active components of Paris polyphylla (PPA), a common natural medicinal plant, can play an antitumor role in a variety of digestive tract cancers. In this paper, the main components of PPA such as polyphyllin, C21 steroids, sterols, and flavonoids, amongst others, are introduced, and the mechanisms of action and research progress of PPA and its active components in the treatment of various digestive tract cancers are reviewed and summarized. The main components of PPA have been thoroughly explored to provide more detailed references and innovative ideas for the further development and utilization of similar natural antitumor drugs.

The regulatory role and mechanism of exosomes in hepatic fibrosis

Globally, the prevalence and fatality rates of liver disorders are on the rise. Among chronic liver conditions, hepatic fibrosis stands out as a central pathological process. Despite this, approved treatments for hepatic fibrosis are currently lacking. Exosomes, small extracellular vesicles secreted by various cell types, play a significant role in intercellular communication and have emerged as essential mediators in liver fibrosis. In this regard, this review compiles the mechanisms through which exosomes regulate hepatic fibrosis, encompassing diverse targets and signaling pathways. Furthermore, it delves into the regulatory impact of exosomes modulated by natural plant-derived, endogenous, and synthetic compounds as potential therapeutic strategies for addressing hepatic fibrosis.

Exploring the Anti-Osteoporotic Potential of Daucosterol: Impact on Osteoclast and Osteoblast Activities

Osteoporosis is a debilitating condition characterized by reduced bone mass and density, leading to compromised structural integrity of the bones. While conventional treatments, such as bisphosphonates and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), have been employed to mitigate bone loss, their effectiveness is often compromised by a spectrum of adverse side effects, ranging from gastrointestinal discomfort and musculoskeletal pain to more severe concerns like atypical fractures and hormonal imbalances. Daucosterol (DC), a natural compound derived from various plant sources, has recently garnered considerable attention in the field of pharmacology. In this study, we investigated the anti-osteoporosis potential of DC by characterizing its role in osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced osteoporosis. The inhibitory effect of DC on osteoclast differentiation was determined by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, F-actin ring formation by fluorescent staining, and bone resorption by pit formation assay. In addition, the calcification nodule deposition effect of osteoblasts was determined by Alizarin red S staining. The effective mechanisms of both cells were verified by Western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). To confirm the effect of DC in vivo, DC was administered to a model of osteoporosis by intraperitoneal administration of LPS. The anti-osteoporosis effect was then characterized by micro-CT and serum analysis. The results showed that DC effectively inhibited osteoclast differentiation at an early stage, promoted osteoblast activity, and inhibited LPS-induced bone density loss. The results of this study suggest that DC can treat osteoporosis through osteoclast and osteoblast regulation, and therefore may be considered as a new therapeutic alternative for osteoporosis patients in the future.

Targeting Wnt-β-Catenin Signaling Pathway for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Nanomedicine

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a high-fatality cancer with a 5-year survival of 22%. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway presents as one of the most upregulated pathways in HCC. However, it has so far not been targetable in the clinical setting. Therefore, studying new targets of this signaling cascade from a therapeutic aspect could enable reversal, delay, or prevention of hepatocarcinogenesis. Although enormous advancement has been achieved in HCC research and its therapeutic management, since HCC often occurs in the context of other liver diseases such as cirrhosis leading to liver dysfunction and/or impaired drug metabolism, the current therapies face the challenge of safely and effectively delivering drugs to the HCC tumor site. In this review, we discuss how a targeted nano drug delivery system could help minimize the off-target toxicities of conventional HCC therapies as well as enhance treatment efficacy. We also put forward the current challenges in HCC nanomedicine along with some potential therapeutic targets from the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway that could be used for HCC therapy. Overall, this review will provide an insight to the current advances, limitations and how HCC nanomedicine could change the landscape of some of the undruggable targets in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Chimaphila umbellata; a biotechnological perspective on the coming-of-age prince's pine

Chimaphila umbellata has been studied for almost two centuries now, with the first paper exploring the phytochemistry of the plant published in 1860. Almost all contemporary studies focus on the biotechnological advances of C. umbellata including its utilization as a natural alternative in the cosmetic, food, biofuel, and healthcare industry, with a special focus on its therapeutic uses. This literature review critically investigates the significance and applications of secondary metabolites extracted from the plant and presses on the biotechnological approaches to improve its utilization. C. umbellata is home to many industrially and medicinally important phytochemicals, the majority of which belong to phenolics, sterols, and triterpenoids. Other important compounds include 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, isohomoarbutin, and methyl salicylate (the only essential oil of the plant). Chimaphilin is the characteristic phytochemical of the plant. This review focuses on the phytochemistry of C. umbellata and digs into their chemical structures and attributes. It further discusses the challenges of working with C. umbellata including its alarming conservation status, problems with in-vitro cultivation, and research and development issues. This review concludes with recommendations based on biotechnology, bioinformatics, and their crucial interface.

The critical role of the phytosterols in modulating tumor microenvironment via multiple signaling: A comprehensive molecular approach

Cancer is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, and its cases are rapidly increasing every year. Several factors contribute to the development of tumorigenesis. including radiation, dietary lifestyle, smoking, environmental, and genetic factors. The cell cycle is regulated by a variety of molecular signaling proteins. However, when the proteins involved in the cell cycle regulation are altered, cellular growth and proliferation are significantly affected. Natural products provide an important source of new drug development for a variety of ailments. including cancer. Phytosterols (PSs) are an important class of natural compounds reported for numerous pharmacological activities, including cancer. Various PSs, such as ergosterol, stigmasterol, sitosterol, withaferin A, etc., have been reported for their anti-cancer activities against a variety of cancer by modulating the tumor microenvironment via molecular signaling pathways discussed within the article. These signaling pathways are associated with the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, growth factors, chemokines, and pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes. These mediators and their upstream signaling are very active within the variety of tumors and by modulating these signalings, thus PS exhibits promising anti-cancer activities. However, further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy as well the safety of the phytosterols.

Natural Sources, Pharmacological Properties, and Health Benefits of Daucosterol: Versatility of Actions

Daucosterol is a saponin present in various natural sources, including medicinal plant families. This secondary metabolite is produced at different contents depending on species, extraction techniques, and plant parts used. Currently, daucosterol has been tested and explored for its various biological activities. The results reveal potential pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and anticancer. Indeed, daucosterol possesses important anticancer effects in many signaling pathways, such as an increase in pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Bcl2, a decrease in the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, upregulation of the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene, inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway, and distortion of cell-cycle progression and tumor cell evolution. Its neuroprotective effect is via decreased caspase-3 activation in neurons and during simulated reperfusion (OGD/R), increased IGF1 protein expression (decreasing the downregulation of p-AKT3 and p-GSK-3b4), and activation of the AKT5 signaling pathway. At the same time, daucosterol inhibits key glucose metabolism enzymes to keep blood sugar levels within normal ranges. Therefore, this review describes the principal research on the pharmacological activities of daucosterol and the mechanisms of action underlying some of these effects. Moreover, further investigation of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology are suggested.

Tanshinone IIA: New Perspective on the Anti-Tumor Mechanism of A Traditional Natural Medicine

The search for natural and efficacious antineoplastic drugs, with minimal toxicity and side effects, is an important part of antitumor drug research and development. Tanshinone IIA is the most evaluated lipophilic active component of Salvia miltiorrhiza. Tanshinone IIA is a path-breaking traditional drug applied in cardiovascular treatment. It has also been found that tanshinone IIA plays an important role in the digestive, respiratory and circulatory systems, as well as in other tumor diseases. Tanshinone IIA significantly inhibits the proliferation of several types of tumors, blocks the cell cycle, induces apoptosis and autophagic death, in addition to inhibiting cell migration and invasion. Among these, the regulation of tumor-cell apoptosis signaling pathways is the key breakthrough point in several modes of antitumor therapy. The PI3K/AKT/MTOR signaling pathway and the JNK pathway are the key pathways for tanshinone IIA to induce tumor cell apoptosis. In addition to glycolysis, reactive oxygen species and signal transduction all play an active role with the participation of tanshinone IIA. Endogenous apoptosis is considered the main mechanism of tumor apoptosis induced by tanshinone IIA. Multiple pathways and targets play a role in the process of endogenous apoptosis. Tanshinone IIA can protect chemotherapy drugs, which is mainly reflected in the protection of the side effects of chemotherapy drugs, such as neurotoxicity and inhibition of the hematopoietic system. Tanshinone IIA also has a certain regulatory effect on tumor angiogenesis, which is mainly manifested in the control of hypoxia. Our findings indicated that tanshinone IIA is an effective treatment agent in the cardiovascular field and plays a significant role in antitumor therapeutics. This paper reviews the pharmacological potential and inhibitory effect of tanshinone IIA on cancer. It is greatly anticipated that tanshinone IIA will be employed as an adjuvant in the treatment of various cancers.

Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling as a Driver of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression: An Emphasis on Molecular Pathways

Liver cancers cause a high rate of death worldwide and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered as the most common primary liver cancer. HCC remains a challenging disease to treat. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is considered a tumor-promoting factor in various cancers; hence, the present review focused on the role of Wnt signaling in HCC, and its association with progression and therapy response based on pre-clinical and clinical evidence. The nuclear translocation of β-catenin enhances expression level of genes such as c-Myc and MMPs in increasing cancer progression. The mutation of CTNNB1 gene encoding β-catenin and its overexpression can lead to HCC progression. β-catenin signaling enhances cancer stem cell features of HCC and promotes their growth rate. Furthermore, β-catenin prevents apoptosis in HCC cells and increases their migration via triggering EMT and upregulating MMP levels. It is suggested that β-catenin signaling participates in mediating drug resistance and immuno-resistance in HCC. Upstream mediators including ncRNAs can regulate β-catenin signaling in HCC. Anti-cancer agents inhibit β-catenin signaling and mediate its proteasomal degradation in HCC therapy. Furthermore, clinical studies have revealed the role of β-catenin and its gene mutation (CTNBB1) in HCC progression. Based on these subjects, future experiments can focus on developing novel therapeutics targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling in HCC therapy.

Identification of Sitogluside as a Potential Skin-Pigmentation-Reducing Agent through Network Pharmacology

Many traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) with skin-whitening properties have been recorded in the Ben-Cao-Gang-Mu and in folk prescriptions, and some literature confirms that their extracts do have the potential to inhibit pigmentation. However, no systematic studies have identified the specific regulatory mechanisms of the potential active ingredients. The aim of this study was to screen the ingredients in TCMs that inhibit skin pigmentation through a network pharmacology system and to explore underlying mechanisms. We identified 148 potential active ingredients from 14 TCMs, and based on the average “degree” of the topological parameters, the top five TCMs (Fructus Ligustri Lucidi, Hedysarum multijugum Maxim., Ampelopsis japonica, Pseudobulbus Cremastrae Seu Pleiones, and Paeoniae Radix Alba) that were most likely to cause skin-whitening through anti-inflammatory processes were selected. Sitogluside, the most common ingredient in the top five TCMs, inhibits melanogenesis in human melanoma cells (MNT1) and murine melanoma cells (B16F0) and decreases skin pigmentation in zebrafish. Furthermore, mechanistic research revealed that sitogluside is capable of downregulating tyrosinase (TYR) expression by inhibiting the ERK and p38 pathways and inhibiting TYR activity. These results demonstrate that network pharmacology is an effective tool for the discovery of natural compounds with skin-whitening properties and determination of their possible mechanisms. Sitogluside is a novel skin-whitening active ingredient with dual regulatory effects that inhibit TYR expression and activity.

Exploring the Biological Mechanism of Huang Yam in Treating Tumors and Preventing Antitumor Drug-Induced Cardiotoxicity Using Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Technology

Drugs for the treatment of tumors could result in cardiotoxicity and cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to explore the anticancer properties of Huang yam as well as its cardioprotective properties using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. The cardiovascular targets of the major chemical components of Huang yam were obtained from the following databases: TCMSP, ETCM, and BATMAN-TCM. The active ingredients of Huang yam were obtained from SwissADME. The cardiovascular targets of antitumor drugs were obtained using GeneCards, OMIM, DrugBank, DisGeNET, and SwissTargetPrediction databases. The drug-disease intersection genes were used to construct a drug-compound-target network using Cytoscape 3.7.1. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed using Cytoscape's BisoGenet, and the core targets of Huang yam were screened to determine their antitumor properties and identify the cardiovascular targets based on topological parameters. Potential targets were imported into the Metascape platform for GO and KEGG analysis. The results were saved and visualized using R software. The components with higher median values in the network were molecularly docked with the core targets. The network contained 10 compounds, including daucosterol, delusive, dioxin, panthogenin-B, and 124 targets, such as TP53, RPS27A, and UBC. The GO function enrichment analysis showed that there were 478 items in total. KEGG enrichment analysis showed a total of 140 main pathways associated with abnormal transcription of cancer, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, cell cycle, cancer pathway, ubiquitination-mediated proteolysis, and other pathways. Molecular docking results showed that daucosterol, delusive, dioxin, and panthogenin-B had the highest affinity for TP53, RPS27A, and UBC. The treatment of diseases using traditional Chinese medicine encompasses multiple active ingredients, targets, and pathways. Huang yam has the potential to treat cardiotoxicity caused by antitumor drugs.

Imperata cylindrica: A Review of Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Industrial Applications

Imperata cylindrica is a medicinal plant native to southwestern Asia and the tropical and subtropical zones. To date, 72 chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from I. cylindrica Among these compounds, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, and glycosides are the major constituents. Investigations of pharmacological activities of I. cylindrica revealed that this edible medicinal herb exhibits a wide range of therapeutic potential including immunomodulatory, antibacterial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and liver protection activities both in vivo and in vitro. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of I. cylindrica studies until 2019. This article also intends to review advances in the botanical, phytochemical, and pharmacological studies and industrial applications of I. cylindrica, which will provide a useful bibliography for further investigations and applications of I. cylindrica in medicines and foods.

Effects of signaling pathway inhibitors on hematopoietic stem cells

While there are numerous small molecule inhibitory drugs available for a wide range of signalling pathways, at present, they are generally not used in combination in clinical settings. Previous reports have reported that the effects of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)3β, p38MAPK, mTOR and histone deacetylase signaling combined together to suppress the stem-like nature of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), driving these cells to differentiate, cease proliferating and thereby impairing normal hematopoietic functionality. The present study aimed to determine the effect of HDACs, mTOR, GSK-3β and p38MAPK inhibitor combinations on the efficient expansion of HSCs using flow cytometry. Moreover, it specifically aimed to determine how inhibitors of the GSK3β signaling pathway, in combination with inhibitors of P38MAPK and mTOR signaling or histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, could affect HSC expansion, with the goal of identifying novel combination strategies useful for the expansion of HSCs. The results indicated that p38MAPK and/or GSK3β inhibitors increased Lin⁻ cell and Lin⁻Sca-1⁺c-kit⁺ (LSK) cell numbers in vitro. Taken together, these results suggested that a combination of p38MAPK and GSK3β signaling may regulate HSC differentiation in vitro. These findings further indicated that the suppression of p38MAPK and/or GSK3β signalling may modulate HSC differentiation and self-renewal to enhance HSC expansion.

Daucosterol from Crateva adansonii DC (Capparaceae) reduces 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mammary tumors in Wistar rats

This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo anticancer effects of daucosterol which was earlier reported to possess in vitro anticancer effects. Breast tumor was induced in 30 rats using the environmental carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) while 6 control rats received olive oil (NOR). Animals with palpable tumors were randomized into five groups (n = 6) each as follows: negative control group treated with the vehicle (DMBA); positive control group treated with 5 mg/kg BW doxorubicin (DOXO + DMBA); three groups treated with daucosterol at doses of 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg BW (DAU + DMBA). Treatment lasted 28 days afterward, tumor (mass, volume, cancer antigen [CA] 15-3 level and histoarchitecture), hematological and toxicological parameters were examined. The tumor volume gradually increased in the DMBA group during the 28 days, with a tumor volume gain of ∼390 cm³ . Daucosterol at all doses reduced tumor volume (∼133.7 cm³ at 10 mg/kg) as well as protein, malondialdehyde (MDA), and CA 15-3 levels compared to DMBA rats. Tumor sections in daucosterol-treated rats showed a lower proliferation of mammary ducts with mild (5 and 10 mg/kg) to moderate (2.5 mg/kg) inflammatory responses. Moreover, it exhibited an antioxidant effect, evidenced by a significant and dose-dependent decreased in MDA levels, as well as an increase in catalase activity compared to the DMBA group. Daucosterol showed for the first time in vivo antitumor effects that corroborate its previous in vitro effects.

Ethnopharmacology of Fruit Plants: A Literature Review on the Toxicological, Phytochemical, Cultural Aspects, and a Mechanistic Approach to the Pharmacological Effects of Four Widely Used Species

Fruit plants have been widely used by the population as a source of food, income and in the treatment of various diseases due to their nutritional and pharmacological properties. The aim of this study was to review information from the most current research about the phytochemical composition, biological and toxicological properties of four fruit species widely used by the world population in order to support the safe medicinal use of these species and encourage further studies on their therapeutic properties. The reviewed species are: Talisia esculenta, Brosimum gaudichaudii, Genipa americana, and Bromelia antiacantha. The review presents the botanical description of these species, their geographical distribution, forms of use in popular medicine, phytochemical studies and molecules isolated from different plant organs. The description of the pharmacological mechanism of action of secondary metabolites isolated from these species was detailed and toxicity studies related to them were reviewed. The present study demonstrates the significant concentration of phenolic compounds in these species and their anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, photosensitizing properties, among others. Such species provide important molecules with pharmacological activity that serve as raw materials for the development of new drugs, making further studies necessary to elucidate mechanisms of action not yet understood and prove the safety for use in humans.

Bioguided identification of daucosterol, a compound that contributes to the cytotoxicity effects of Crateva adansonii DC (capparaceae) to prostate cancer cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Crateva adansonii DC (Capparaceae) is a shrub used to treat tumors in Cameroon. In our previous reports, a Crateva adansonii dichloromethane-methanol (DCM/MeOH) extract was shown to prevent chemically induced tumors in Wistar rats.

AIM OF STUDY

To determine the bioactive principle of Crateva adansonii extract and to elucidate its underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An activity-guided fractionation was realized using MTT assay. To investigate if the bioactive compound daucosterol (CA2) accounted for the previously observed anticancer effects of the C. adansonii extract, it was tested on cell growth, cell proliferation, cell cycle, cell death mechanism and cell migration. In addition, cell cycle- and apoptosis-regulating proteins were assessed by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Daucosterol (CA2), a steroid saponin, was identified as major anticancer principle of the C. adansonii extract. Daucosterol significantly inhibited LNCaP, DU145 and PC3 prostate carcinoma cell growth and proliferation at the optimal concentration of 1 μg/mL. It also significantly increased the number of late apoptotic (DU145) and apoptotic (PC3) cells. The number of cells in S phase increased in DU145, while the number of G0/G1 cells decreased. Cell cycle proteins (cdk1, pcdk1, cyclin A and B) were down-regulated in DU145 and PC3 cells, whereas only cdk2 was down-regulated in PC3 cells. Moreover, the anti-apoptotic Akt, pAKT and Bcl-2 proteins were down-regulated, while the pro-apoptotic protein Bax was up-regulated. CA2 induced anti-metastatic effects by decreasing chemotaxis and cell migration, while it increased cell adhesion to fibronectin and collagen matrix.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that daucosterol is the major active principle responsible at least in part for the anticancer effect of the extract of Crateva adansonii.

Daucosterol induces autophagic-dependent apoptosis in prostate cancer via JNK activation

Plant sterols (phytosterols) have been widely accepted as a natural anti-cancer agent in multiple malignant tumors. This study was designed to investigate the functions of daucosterol in prostate cancer progression and its possible molecular mechanisms. Our results showed that daucosterol inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest. Moreover, daucosterol treatment obviously promoted apoptosis and autophagy. An autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA) was proved to counteract daucosterol-triggered autophagy, growth inhibition, and apoptosis, indicating that daucosterol-induced apoptotic response was dependent on autophagy. Additionally, treatment with daucosterol resulted in increased phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Furthermore, pre-treatment with a JNK-specific inhibitor SP600125 abated daucosterol-elicited autophagy and apoptotic cell death. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that daucosterol blocked prostate cancer growth at least partly through inducing autophagic-dependent apoptosis via activating JNK signaling, providing a promising candidate for the development of antitumor drugs in prostate cancer treatment.

Microarray‑based bioinformatics analysis of the prospective target gene network of key miRNAs influenced by long non‑coding RNA PVT1 in HCC

The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) PVT1 plays vital roles in the tumorigenesis and development of various types of cancer. However, the potential expression profiling, functions and pathways of PVT1 in HCC remain unknown. PVT1 was knocked down in SMMC-7721 cells, and a miRNA microarray analysis was performed to detect the differentially expressed miRNAs. Twelve target prediction algorithms were used to predict the underlying targets of these differentially expressed miRNAs. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to explore the underlying functions, pathways and networks of the targeted genes. Furthermore, the relationship between PVT1 and the clinical parameters in HCC was confirmed based on the original data in the TCGA database. Among the differentially expressed miRNAs, the top two upregulated and downregulated miRNAs were selected for further analysis based on the false discovery rate (FDR), fold-change (FC) and P-values. Based on the TCGA database, PVT1 was obviously highly expressed in HCC, and a statistically higher PVT1 expression was found for sex (male), ethnicity (Asian) and pathological grade (G3+G4) compared to the control groups (P<0.05). Furthermore, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that the target genes were involved in complex cellular pathways, such as the macromolecule biosynthetic process, compound metabolic process, and transcription. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that the MAPK and Wnt signaling pathways may be correlated with the regulation of the four candidate miRNAs. The results therefore provide significant information on the differentially expressed miRNAs associated with PVT1 in HCC, and we hypothesized that PVT1 may play vital roles in HCC by regulating different miRNAs or target gene expression (particularly MAPK8) via the MAPK or Wnt signaling pathways. Thus, further investigation of the molecular mechanism of PVT1 in HCC is needed.

Effect of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway on apoptosis, migration, and invasion of transplanted hepatocellular carcinoma cells after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in rats

This study aims to investigate the influence of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway on apoptosis, migration, and invasion of transplanted hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in rat models. A total of 80 rats were grouped into sham, TACE, Wnt-C59, and TACE + Wnt-C59 groups (n = 20). Ten days after model establishment, 10 rats in each group were executed to perform pathological examination and follow-up experiment, and the remaining 10 rats in each group were reared to observe the survival condition. RT-qPCR and Western blotting were applied to determine the expressions of Wnt1, β-catenin, cyclin D1, c-met, vimentin, E-cadherin, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). ELISA was performed to measure the serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) content of rats. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate cell apoptosis rate and transwell assay to examine cell migration and invasion. Compared with the TACE group, the Wnt-C59 and TACE + Wnt-C59 groups showed increased apoptosis and survival time (the TACE + Wnt-C59 group > the Wnt-C59 group). Compared with the sham group, the TACE + Wnt-C59 groups showed decreased cancer tissue weight and expressions of Wnt1, β-catenin, cyclin D1, vimentin, c-met, and VEGF, but increased E-cadherin expression. Compared with the TACE group, the Wnt-C59 and TACE + Wnt-C59 groups showed decreased AFP level, migration, and invasion (the TACE + Wnt-C59 group < the Wnt-C59 group). These findings indicate inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway improves therapeutic effect on TACE via suppressing migration, invasion, and promoting apoptosis of transplanted HCC cells in rats.

Pirfenidone Inhibits Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Inhibiting the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most important cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Pirfenidone is an orally available small molecule with therapeutic potential for fibrotic diseases.

Material/Methods

In this study, we analyzed the effects of different pirfenidone concentrations on the proliferation of HepG2 HCC cells using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays. Flow cytometry was performed to measure the apoptotic effects of pirfenidone on HepG2 cells. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of β-catenin and p-β-catenin.

Results

Pirfenidone inhibited proliferation and promoted HepG2 cell apoptosis. In addition, Western blot results indicated that pirfenidone suppressed β-catenin expression in HepG2 cells. To assess the mechanism, we treated HepG2 cells with pirfenidone, and pirfenidone plus the β-catenin activator, SB-216763. The results revealed that SB-216763 accelerated proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in HepG2 cells treated with pirfenidone. Western blot results showed that SB-216763 upregulated β-catenin expression in HepG2 cells treated with pirfenidone.

Conclusions

In conclusions, pirfenidone may be a potential drug for HCC treatment.