β-Escin Effectively Modulates HUVECS Proliferation and Tube Formation

Muscone abrogates breast cancer progression through tumor angiogenic suppression via VEGF/PI3K/Akt/MAPK signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Angiogenesis strongly reflects poor breast cancer outcome and an important contributor to breast cancer (BC) metastasis; therefore, anti-angiogenic intervention is a potential tool for cancer treatment. However, currently used antibodies against vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) or inhibitors that target the VEGFA receptor are not effective due to weak penetration and low efficiency. Herein, we assessed the anti-BC angiogenic role of muscone, a natural bioactive musk constituent, and explored possible anti-cancer mechanisms of this compound.

METHODS

CCK-8, EdU, scratch and Transwell assessments were employed to detect the muscone-mediated regulation of breast cancer (BC) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) proliferation and migration. Tube formation, matrigel plug assay and zebrafish assay were employed for assessment of regulation of tumor angiogenesis by muscone. In vivo xenograft mouse model was constructed to compare microvessel density (MVD), vascular leakage, vascular maturation and function in muscone-treated or untreated mice. RNA sequencing was performed for gene screening, and Western blot verified the effect of the VEGFA-VEGFR2 pathway on BC angiogenic inhibition by muscone.

RESULTS

Based on our findings, muscone suppressed BC progression via tumor angiogenic inhibition in cellular and animal models. Functionally, muscone inhibited BC cell proliferation and migration as well as tumor cell-conditioned medium-based endothelial cell proliferation and migration. Muscone exhibited a strong suppressive influence on tumor vasculature in cellular and animal models. It abrogated tumor cell growth in a xenograft BC mouse model and minimized tumor microvessel density and hypoxia, and increased vascular wall cell coverage and perfusion. Regarding the mechanism of action, we found that muscone suppressed phosphorylation of members of the VEGF/PI3K/Akt/MAPK axis, and it worked synergistically with a VEGFR2 inhibitor, an Akt inhibitor, and a MAPK inhibitor to further inhibit tube formation.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our results demonstrate that muscone may proficiently suppress tumor angiogenesis via modulation of the VEGF/PI3K/Akt/MAPK axis, facilitating its candidacy as a natural small molecule drug for BC treatment.

The Effect of Diosmin, Escin, and Bromelain on Human Endothelial Cells Derived from the Umbilical Vein and the Varicose Vein-A Preliminary Study

In this study, we investigated the properties of human varicose vein (VV) endothelial cells (HVVEC) in comparison to the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The cells were treated with three bioactive compounds with proven beneficial effects in the therapy of patients with VV, diosmin, escin, and bromelain. Two concentrations of tested drugs were used (1, 10 mg/mL), which did not affect the viability of either cell type. Escin led to a slight generation of reactive oxygen species in HUVEC cells. We observed a slight release of superoxide in HVVEC cells upon treatment with diosmin and escin. Diosmin and bromelain showed a tendency to release nitric oxide in HUVEC. Using membrane fluorescent probes, we demonstrated a reduced fluidity of HVVEC, which may lead to their increased adhesion, and, consequently, a much more frequent occurrence of venous thrombosis. For the first time, we show the mechanism of action of drugs used in VV therapy on endothelial cells derived from a VV. Studies with HVVEC have shown that tested drugs may lead to a reduction in the adhesive properties of these cells, and thus to a lower risk of thrombosis.

LINC00659 exacerbates endothelial progenitor cell dysfunction in deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities by activating DNMT3A-mediated FGF1 promoter methylation

It has been shown that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) LINC00659 was markedly upregulated in the peripheral blood of patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT). However, the function of LINC00659 in lower extremity DVT (LEDVT) remains to be largely unrevealed. A total of 30 inferior vena cava (IVC) tissue samples and peripheral blood (60 ml per subject) were obtained from LEDVT patients (n = 15) and healthy donors (n = 15), and then LINC00659 expression was detected by RT-qPCR. The results displayed that LINC00659 is upregulated in IVC tissues and isolated endothelial group cells (EPCs) of patients with LEDVT. LINC00659 knock-down promoted the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis ability of EPCs, while an pcDNA-eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A3 (EIF4A3), a EIF4A3 overexpression vector, or fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) small interfering RNA (siRNA) combined with LINC00659 siRNA could not enhance this effect. Mechanistically, LINC00659 bound with EIF4A3 promoter to upregulated EIF4A3 expression. Besides, EIF4A3 could facilitate FGF1 methylation and its downregulated expression by recruiting DNA methyltransferases 3A (DNMT3A) to the FGF1 promoter region. Additionally, LINC00659 inhibition could alleviate LEDVT in mice. In summary, the data indicated the roles of LINC00659 in the pathogenesis of LEDVT, and the LINC00659/EIF4A3/FGF1 axis could be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of LEDVT.

Escin's Multifaceted Therapeutic Profile in Treatment and Post-Treatment of Various Cancers: A Comprehensive Review

Although modern medicine is advancing at an unprecedented rate, basic challenges in cancer treatment and drug resistance remain. Exploiting natural-product-based drugs is a strategy that has been proven over time to provide diverse and efficient approaches in patient care during treatment and post-treatment periods of various diseases, including cancer. Escin-a plant-derived triterpenoid saponin-is one example of natural products with a broad therapeutic scope. Initially, escin was proven to manifest potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oedematous effects. However, in the last two decades, other novel activities of escin relevant to cancer treatment have been reported. Recent studies demonstrated escin's efficacy in compositions with other approved drugs to accomplish synergy and increased bioavailability to broaden their apoptotic, anti-metastasis, and anti-angiogenetic effects. Here, we comprehensively discuss and present an overview of escin's chemistry and bioavailability, and highlight its biological activities against various cancer types. We conclude the review by presenting possible future directions of research involving escin for medical and pharmaceutical applications as well as for basic research.

β-Escin overcomes trastuzumab resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer by targeting cancer stem-like features

Background

The emergence of de novo or intrinsic trastuzumab resistance is exceedingly high in breast cancer that is HER2 positive and correlates with an abundant cancer stem cell (CSC)-like population. We sought to examine the capacity of β-escin, an anti-inflammatory drug, to address trastuzumab resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer cells.

Methods

The effect of β-escin on trastuzumab-resistant and -sensitive cell lines in vitro was evaluated for apoptosis, expression of HER2 family members, and impact on CSC-like properties. An in vivo model of trastuzumab-resistant JIMT-1 was used to examine the efficacy and toxicity of β-escin.

Results

β-escin induced mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis accompanied by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and increased active p18Bax fragmentation, leading to caspase-3/-7 activation. Attenuation of CSC-related features by β-escin challenge was accompanied by marked reductions in CD44^high/CD24^low stem-like cells and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) activity as well as hindrance of mammosphere formation. β-escin administration also significantly retarded tumor growth and angiogenesis in a trastuzumab-resistant JIMT-1 xenograft model via downregulation of CSC-associated markers and intracellular domain HER2. Importantly, β-escin selectively inhibited malignant cells and was less toxic to normal mammary cells, and no toxic effects were found in liver and kidney function in animals.

Conclusions

Taken together, our findings highlight β-escin as a promising candidate for the treatment of trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive breast cancers.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-022-02713-9.

The crosstalk between lung cancer cells and platelets promotes tumor angiogenesis in vivo and in vitro

PURPOSE

We previously showed that the crosstalk of H1975 cells and platelets (PLTs) may promote tumor angiogenesis. This study aimed to determine whether other lung cell lines (LC) interacting with PLTs could affect tumor angiogenesis through in vivo and in vitro experiments.

METHODS

Cell Counting Kit-8, EdU cell proliferation, wound healing, Transwell invasion, F-actin staining, tube formation, ELISA and western blot assays were performed to investigate the properties and the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2), p-VEGFR2, PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt and eNOS in supernatants or HUVECs. Then, using mouse models, immunohistochemistry was applied to detect the expression levels of CD31 and VEGF.

RESULTS

Compared with single-cultured HUVECs (EC) or incubation with either LC supernatant (EC + LC) or activated PLT supernatant (EC + PLT), incubation with SN_LCP (supernatant derived from LC cocultured with PLT, named the EC + LC + PLT group) improved the viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation activities of HUVECs and the expression of F-actin, VEGF, VEGFR2, p-VEGFR2, p-PI3K, p-Akt and eNOS in HUVECs. Higher expression levels of CD31 and VEGF were found in the LLC + PLT (mouse model inoculated with Lewis lung cancer (LLC) cells cocultured with PLTs) group than in the LLC (mouse model inoculated with LLC cells alone) group. However, the increased angiogenic properties of HUVECs were inhibited by apatinib, an inhibitor of VEGFR2.

CONCLUSION

Lung carcinoma cells interacting with PLTs may play a key role in lung carcinoma angiogenesis through the VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling pathway.

Daphnetin inhibits corneal inflammation and neovascularization on a mouse model of corneal alkali burn

Alkali burn is a significant contributor to corneal injury. Alkali burn-induced corneal inflammation often causes vision loss due to corneal neovascularization. Daphnetin (DAP) has been studied for its anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic properties with encouraging results. Driven by those encouraging results, we sought to explore the effects of DAP in treating alkali burn-induced corneal inflammation and neovascularization and its mechanism of action. We found that the angiogenesis processes of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) were primarily attenuated by treatment with DAP, including proliferation, migration, and tube formation. Treatment of DAP significantly suppressed the VEGF-A-induced protein expression of VEGF receptor2 (VEGFR2), as well as the activation of downstream signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), AKT, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling. In the mouse corneal alkali burn model, the inflammatory cell infiltrations and neovascularization in the cornea caused by alkali burn were inhibited by 10 µM DAP eye drops. Alkali burn-induced corneal protein expression of VEGF-A, VEGFR2, phosphorylated (p-)STAT3, p-AKT, and p-ERK in corneal tissue were reduced mainly by DAP. Moreover, the upregulation of inflammatory caused by alkali burn in the pathological process was significantly neutralized by DAP. Mechanistically, the inflammatory response could be alleviated by DAP in the way of inhibiting the expression levels of TLR4, p-NF-κB, NLRP3, ASC, Cleaved-caspase-1 (p20), mature-IL-1β (p17), and N-GSDM. In conclusion, our findings confirmed that the corneal inflammation and neovascularization caused by alkali burn could be inhibited by DAP in vitro and in vivo, elucidating the underlying mechanisms of its protective effects. DAP may have tremendous therapeutic potential for the treatment of corneal alkali burn.

Gambogic amide inhibits angiogenesis by suppressing VEGF/VEGFR2 in endothelial cells in a TrkA-independent manner

CONTEXT

Gambogic amide (GA-amide) is a non-peptide molecule that has high affinity for tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) and possesses robust neurotrophic activity, but its effect on angiogenesis is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The study investigates the antiangiogenic effect of GA-amide on endothelial cells (ECs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The viability of endothelial cells (ECs) treated with 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 μM GA-amide for 48 h was detected by MTS assay. Wound healing and angiogenesis assays were performed on cells treated with 0.2 μM GA-amide. Chicken eggs at day 7 post-fertilization were divided into the dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), bevacizumab (40 μg), and GA-amide (18.8 and 62.8 ng) groups to assess the antiangiogenic effect for 3 days. mRNA and protein expression in cells treated with 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 μM GA-amide for 6 h was detected by qRT-PCR and Western blots, respectively.

RESULTS

GA-amide inhibited HUVEC (IC₅₀ = 0.1269 μM) and NhEC (IC₅₀ = 0.1740 μM) proliferation, induced cell apoptosis, and inhibited the migration and angiogenesis at a relatively safe dose (0.2 μM) in vitro. GA-amide reduced the number of capillaries from 56 ± 14.67 (DMSO) to 20.3 ± 5.12 (62.8 ng) in chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. However, inactivation of TrkA couldn't reverse the antiangiogenic effect of GA-amide. Moreover, GA-amide suppressed the expression of VEGF and VEGFR2, and decreased activation of the AKT/mTOR and PLCγ/Erk1/2 pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the antiangiogenic effect of GA-amide, it might be developed as a useful agent for use in clinical combination therapies.

Hypoglycemic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Triterpene Glycoside Fractions from Aeculus hippocastanum Seeds

Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.)-derived drugs have shown their potential in biomedical applications. The seed of A. hippocastanum contains various kinds of chemical compounds including phenolics, flavonoids, coumarins, and triterpene saponins. Here, we investigated the chemical components in A. hippocastanum L. grown in Uzbekistan, which has not yet been studied in detail. We identified 30 kinds of triterpene saponins in an extract of A. hippocastanum L. Classifying extracted saponins into eight fractions, we next studied the hypoglycemic and the anti-inflammatory activities of escin and its derivatives through in vivo experiments. We came by data indicating the highest (SF-1 and SF-2) and the lowest (SF-5 and SF-8) antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory effects of those eight fractions. These results imply the prospective use of A. hippocastanum L. grown in Uzbekistan in the production of pharmaceutical drugs to treat diabetes and inflammation.

Resibufogenin Suppresses Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Angiogenesis by Blocking VEGFR2-Mediated Signaling Pathway

Resibufogenin (RBF), an active compound from Bufo bufonis, has been used for the treatment of multiple malignant cancers, including pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer. However, whether RBF could exert its antitumor effect by inhibiting angiogenesis remains unknown. Here, we aimed to explore the antiangiogenic activity of RBF and its underlying mechanism on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC), and the therapeutic efficacy with regard to antiangiogenesis in vivo using two triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) models. Our results demonstrated that RBF can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner. Spheroid sprouts were thinner and shorter after RBF treatment in vitro 3D spheroid sprouting assay. RBF also significantly suppressed VEGF-mediated vascular network formation in vivo Matrigel plug assay. In addition, Western blot analysis was used to reveal that RBF inhibited the phosphorylation of VEGFR2 and its downstream protein kinases FAK and Src in endothelial cells (ECs). Molecular docking simulations showed that RBF affected the phosphorylation of VEGFR2 by competitively binding to the ATP-bound VEGFR2 kinase domain, thus preventing ATP from providing phosphate groups. Finally, we found that RBF exhibited promising antitumor effect through antiangiogenesis in vivo without obvious toxicity. The present study first revealed the high antiangiogenic activity and the underlying molecular basis of RBF, suggesting that RBF could be a potential antiangiogenic agent for angiogenesis-related diseases.

Evaluation of Topical Anti-Inflammatory Effects of a Gel Formulation with Plantago Lanceolata, Achillea Millefolium, Aesculus Hippocastanum and Taxodium Distichum

Medicinal plants hold a significant place as alternative treatments available for inflammatory diseases, with many phytoconstituents being frequently tested in vitro for their biological activities. In the current study, we investigated the in vivo anti-inflammatory properties of a novel active gel formulation, combining Achillea millefolium and Taxodium distichum essential oils with extracts of Aesculus hippocastanum seeds and Plantago lanceolata leaves. The toxicity of the obtained extracts and volatile oils was determined using the invertebrate model based on Daphnia magna. Anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated by the plethysmometric method on Wistar rats, expressed as the inhibition of the inflammatory oedema (%IIO), while the antinociceptive response was determined on NMRI mice, according to the tail-flick latency method. The tested gel’s efficacy was similar to the 5% diclofenac standard (maximal %IIO of 42.01% vs. 48.70%, respectively), with the anti-inflammatory effect being observed sooner than for diclofenac. Our active gel also produced a significant prolongation of tail-flick latencies at both 60 and 120 min, comparable to diclofenac. Consequently, we can imply that the active constituents present in vivo anti-inflammatory properties, and the prepared gel may be suited for use as an alternative treatment of topical inflammatory conditions.

Aesculus hippocastanum L. Extract Does Not Induce Fibroblast to Myofibroblast Conversion but Increases Extracellular Matrix Production In Vitro Leading to Increased Wound Tensile Strength in Rats

The ability of horse chestnut extract (HCE) to induce contraction force in fibroblasts, a process with remarkable significance in skin repair, motivated us to evaluate its wound healing potential in a series of experiments. In the in vitro study of the ability of human dermal fibroblasts to form myofibroblast-like cells was evaluated at the protein level (Western blot and immunofluorescence). The in vivo study was conducted on male Sprague-Dawley rats with inflicted wounds (one open circular and one sutured incision) on their backs. Rats were topically treated with two tested HCE concentrations (0.1% and 1%) or sterile water. The control group remained untreated. The incisions were processed for wound tensile strength (TS) measurement whereas the open wounds were subjected to histological examination. On the in vitro level the HCE extract induced fibronectin-rich extracellular matrix formation, but did not induced α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) expression in dermal fibroblasts. The animal study revealed that HCE increased wound TS and improved collagen organization. In conclusion, the direct comparison of both basic wound models demonstrated that the healing was significantly increased following HCE, thus this extract may be found useful to improve healing of acute wounds. Nevertheless, the use of an experimental rat model warrants a direct extrapolation to the human clinical situation.