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Davoodvandi A, Sadeghi S, Alavi SMA, Alavi SS, Jafari A, Khan H, Aschner M, Mirzaei H, Sharifi M, Asemi Z. The therapeutic effects of berberine for gastrointestinal cancers. Asia Pac J Clin Oncol 2024; 20:152-167. [PMID: 36915942 DOI: 10.1111/ajco.13941] [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: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most serious human health issues. Drug therapy is the major common way to treat cancer. There is a growing interest in using natural compounds to overcome drug resistance, adverse reactions, and target specificity of certain types of drugs that may affect several targets with fewer side effects and be beneficial against various types of cancer. In this regard, the use of herbal medicines alone or in combination with the main anticancer drugs is commonly available. Berberine (BBR), a nature-driven phytochemical component, is a well-known nutraceutical due to its wide variety of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and hypolipidemic. In addition, BBR exerts anticancer activities. In present article, we summarized the information available on the therapeutic effects of BBR and its mechanisms on five types of the most prevalent gastrointestinal cancers, including esophageal, gastric, colorectal, hepatocarcinoma, and pancreatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Davoodvandi
- Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahand Sadeghi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | | | - Seyedeh Shaghayegh Alavi
- Departmemt of Food Science, Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Ameneh Jafari
- ATMP Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Proteomics Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mehran Sharifi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Cancer Prevention Research Center, Seyyed Al-Shohada Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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Zhang C, Zhong H, Li X, Xing Z, Liu J, Yu R, Deng X. Design, synthesis and bioactivity investigation of peptide-camptothecin conjugates as anticancer agents with a potential to overcome drug resistance. Int J Pharm 2023; 645:123402. [PMID: 37696345 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Camptothecin (CPT) is a natural plant alkaloid from Camptotheca that exhibits a potent anticancer activity. However, its continued utilization is hindered by drawbacks such as low water solubility and restricted tumor selectivity. Cationic anticancer peptides (CAPs) are generally soluble in water, and exhibit favorable selectivity against malignant cells. In previous study, we have reported a CAP termed KM8-Aib present conspicuous selective anticancer effect. Thus, it is postulated conjugating KM8-Aib with CPT might be a plausible approach to improve the defects of CPT. A series of peptide-CPT conjugates were synthesized and subjected to biological evaluation. Among these compounds, Kb-CC07 displayed the highest selective activity against a set of cancer cell lines including drug-resistant cells, showing the IC50 values in the 0.11-1.01 μM range which is 1.9-22.6 times better than that of CPT, and a wide therapeutic index of 124.5 (vs 5.3 for CPT). The water solubility of Kb-CC07 was also improved by ∼ 100 fold compared with CPT. Further investigation unraveled that Kb-CC07 could effectively penetrate across plasma membranes and delivered more CPT molecules into cancer cells, overcoming the drug-resistance result from efflux drug transporters on tumor surface. In vivo experiments supported that Kb-CC07 has excellent in vivo antiproliferative activity against drug-resistant tumors over CPT (tumor growth inhibition of 98.2% and 37.5% for Kb-CC07 and CPT, respectively, at 5 μmol·kg-1), and prompts CPT accumulation in tumor tissue rather than normal organs, thus producing limited toxicities. To sum up, coupling therapeutic agents to CAPs would be a potential strategy to conquer the shortcomings of anticancer drugs. Additionally, Kb-CC07 is suggested to be a promising anticancer candidate deserving further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Zhang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinic al Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China; Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Chest Hospital, 62 Hengzhigang Road, Guangzhou 510095, China
| | - Honglan Zhong
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Chest Hospital, 62 Hengzhigang Road, Guangzhou 510095, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Chest Hospital, 62 Hengzhigang Road, Guangzhou 510095, China
| | - Zhenjian Xing
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Chest Hospital, 62 Hengzhigang Road, Guangzhou 510095, China
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- Analytical Applications Center, Shimadzu (China) Co., Ltd. Guangzhou Branch, 230 Gaotang Road, Guangzhou 510656, China
| | - Rui Yu
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinic al Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China.
| | - Xin Deng
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinic al Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China.
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Kandasamy S, Selvaraj M, Muthusamy K, Varadaraju N, Kannupal S, Sekar AK, Vilwanathan R. Structural exploration of common pharmacophore based berberine derivatives as novel histone deacetylase inhibitor targeting HDACs enzymes. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:1690-1703. [PMID: 34994284 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.2024254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, are new class of cancer chemotherapeutics used in clinical development. It plays a pivotal role in restoring the acetylation balance and lysine residual deacetylation in histone and non-histone proteins. Notably, HDAC inhibitors have been approved by FDA to treat different malignancies. Recently, we demonstrated berberine as pan inhibitor for HDAC. However, isoform specific inhibition of HDAC enzyme is highly warranted. Therefore, a pharmacophore based structural exploration of berberine is in need to be developed, berberine is composed of four portions namely: a) zinc binding group (ZBG), b) Linker (scaffold), c) connect unit (CU), and d) surface recognition moiety (SRM). We derived four berberine derivatives based on common HDAC inhibition pharmacophore, compound 4 possesses highest bit score by molecular docking and compound stability by HOMOs-LUMOs analysis. It is concluded that, structurally modified berberine derivatives shown better inhibition of HDAC enzymes offering improved clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saravanan Kandasamy
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Manikandan Selvaraj
- Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Naveena Varadaraju
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Srinivasan Kannupal
- School of Chemistry, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ashok Kumar Sekar
- Centre for Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ravikumar Vilwanathan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
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Bernitsa S, Dayan R, Stephanou A, Tzvetanova ID, Patrikios IS. Natural biomolecules and derivatives as anticancer immunomodulatory agents. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1070367. [PMID: 36700235 PMCID: PMC9868674 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1070367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advancements in chemotherapy, the issue of resistance and non-responsiveness to many chemotherapeutic drugs that are currently in clinical use still remains. Recently, cancer immunotherapy has gathered attention as a novel treatment against select cancers. Immunomodulation is also emerging as an effective strategy to improve efficacy. Natural phytochemicals, with known anticancer properties, been reported to mediate their effects by modulating both traditional cancer pathways and immunity. The mechanism of phytochemical mediated-immunomodulatory activity may be attributed to the remodeling of the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment and the sensitization of the immune system. This allows for improved recognition and targeting of cancer cells by the immune system and synergy with chemotherapeutics. In this review, we will discuss several well-known plant-derived biomolecules and examine their potential as immunomodulators, and therefore, as novel immunotherapies for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rotem Dayan
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Multi-Target Potential of Berberine as an Antineoplastic and Antimetastatic Agent: A Special Focus on Lung Cancer Treatment. Cells 2022; 11:cells11213433. [PMID: 36359829 PMCID: PMC9655513 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite therapeutic advancements, lung cancer remains the principal cause of cancer mortality in a global scenario. The increased incidence of tumor reoccurrence and progression and the highly metastatic nature of lung cancer are of great concern and hence require the investigation of novel therapies and/or medications. Naturally occurring compounds from plants serve as important resources for novel drugs for cancer therapy. Amongst these phytochemicals, Berberine, an alkaloid, has been extensively explored as a potential natural anticancer therapeutic agent. Several studies have shown the effectiveness of Berberine in inhibiting cancer growth and progression mediated via several different mechanisms, which include cell cycle arrest, inducing cell death by apoptosis and autophagy, inhibiting cell proliferation and invasion, as well as regulating the expression of microRNA, telomerase activity, and the tumor microenvironment, which usually varies for different cancer types. In this review, we aim to provide a better understanding of molecular insights of Berberine and its various derivative-induced antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects against lung cancer. In conclusion, the Berberine imparts its anticancer efficacy against lung cancers via modulation of several signaling pathways involved in cancer cell viability and proliferation, as well as migration, invasion, and metastasis.
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Xu F, Liu M, Liao Y, Zhou Y, Zhang P, Zeng Y, Liu Z. Improvement of anticancer effect of berberine by salt formation modifications. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 104:154314. [PMID: 35841665 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Berberine is a quaternary isoquinoline alkaloid that possesses a significant therapeutic effect on a variety of cancers. However, due to poor bioavailability, an increased dose is often required to achieve therapeutic goals. To improve the activities of natural berberine, most modifications were focused on the positive isoquinoline unit by grafting long aliphatic chains or heterocycles. However, the negative part is ignored. At this point, the strategy of salt formation modifications with short- and medium-chain fatty acids was proposed in this article. PURPOSE Using salt modification to enhance the antitumor activity of berberine and explore the mechanism. METHODS Four short- and medium-chain fatty acid salts of berberine were prepared from berberine hydrochloride by salt formation modification with the sodium salt of butyric, caproic, octanoic, and decanoic acid, respectively. The cytotoxicity of four berberine salts on B16-F10, A549, HepG2, and U373 cancer cell lines was explored. Through cell localization, Mitochondrial membrane potential assay, and Western blotting analysis explored the mechanism of berberine salt-induced apoptosis. Its anticancer activity in vivo was demonstrated by the mouse xenograft model. RESULTS The four berberine fatty acid salts exhibited an enhanced inhibitory effect on B16-F10, A549, HepG2, and U373 cancer cell lines, particularly on B16-F10 cells. Meanwhile, the four berberine fatty acid salts can inhibit the migration of B16-F10 cells. The four berberine fatty acid salts induce cancer cell apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway, which was confirmed by the mitochondrial colocalization, the decreased mitochondrial membrane potential as well as activation of caspase-3, cytochrome C (Cyt-C), and down-regulated expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). Most importantly, the four berberine fatty acid salts inhibited tumor growth in the in vivo B16-F10 melanoma model without generating side effects intraperitoneally. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that salt formation modification may be an effective strategy to optimize the anticancer property of berberine hydrochloride and demonstrated the four berberine fatty acid salts induced apoptosis through the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengjiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of the Assembly and Application of Organic Functional Molecules of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China; Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Traditional Chinese Medicine Research (Ministry of Education of China), Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Meiyan Liu
- Key Laboratory of the Assembly and Application of Organic Functional Molecules of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China; Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Traditional Chinese Medicine Research (Ministry of Education of China), Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Yating Liao
- Key Laboratory of the Assembly and Application of Organic Functional Molecules of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China; Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Traditional Chinese Medicine Research (Ministry of Education of China), Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Ya Zhou
- Key Laboratory of the Assembly and Application of Organic Functional Molecules of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China; Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Traditional Chinese Medicine Research (Ministry of Education of China), Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- The National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
| | - Youlin Zeng
- Key Laboratory of the Assembly and Application of Organic Functional Molecules of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China; Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Traditional Chinese Medicine Research (Ministry of Education of China), Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China.
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- The National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China
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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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Ai X, Yu P, Peng L, Luo L, Liu J, Li S, Lai X, Luan F, Meng X. Berberine: A Review of its Pharmacokinetics Properties and Therapeutic Potentials in Diverse Vascular Diseases. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:762654. [PMID: 35370628 PMCID: PMC8964367 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.762654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine plays a significant role in the treatment of various diseases and has attracted increasing attention for clinical applications. Vascular diseases affecting vasculature in the heart, cerebrovascular disease, atherosclerosis, and diabetic complications have compromised quality of life for affected individuals and increase the burden on health care services. Berberine, a naturally occurring isoquinoline alkaloid form Rhizoma coptidis, is widely used in China as a folk medicine for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Promisingly, an increasing number of studies have identified several cellular and molecular targets for berberine, indicating its potential as an alternative therapeutic strategy for vascular diseases, as well as providing novel evidence that supports the therapeutic potential of berberine to combat vascular diseases. The purpose of this review is to comprehensively and systematically describe the evidence for berberine as a therapeutic agent in vascular diseases, including its pharmacological effects, molecular mechanisms, and pharmacokinetics. According to data published so far, berberine shows remarkable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and antiautophagic activity via the regulation of multiple signaling pathways, including AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase silent information regulator 1 (SIRT-1), hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), janus kinase 2 (JAK-2), Ca2+ channels, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Moreover, we discuss the existing limitations of berberine in the treatment of vascular diseases, and give corresponding measures. In addition, we propose some research perspectives and challenges, and provide a solid evidence base from which further studies can excavate novel effective drugs from Chinese medicine monomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopeng Ai
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Peiling Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Lixia Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Liuling Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jia Liu
- School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shengqian Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Xianrong Lai
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fei Luan
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianli Meng
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Kulikov OA, Ageev VP, Brodovskaya EP, Shlyapkina VI, Petrov PS, Zharkov MN, Yakobson DE, Maev IV, Sukhorukov GB, Pyataev NA. Evaluation of photocytotoxicity liposomal form of furanocoumarins Sosnowsky's hogweed. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 357:109880. [PMID: 35271822 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.109880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Sosnovsky's hogweed, Heracleum sosnowskyi has a high photosensitizing ability. Although Sosnovsky's hogweed is known as a poisonous plant, its chemical composition and phototoxicity are poorly studied. We analyzed the chemical composition of the Sosnovsky's hogweed juice that grew in natural conditions. It was found that the content of 8-methoxypsoralen in the juice is 1332.7 mg/L, and that of 5-methoxypsoralen is 34.2 mg/L. We have developed and analyzed liposomes containing furanocoumarins of Sosnovsky's hogweed juice and studied their photocytotoxicity in L929 mouse fibroblast cell culture. It was found that liposomes containing furanocoumarins of Sosnovsky's hogweed juice are more toxic for L929 cells in comparison with liposomal forms of pure substances 8-methoxypsoralen and 5-methoxypsoralen. It was found that when exposed to UV radiation at 365 nm at a dose of 22.2 J/cm2, the liposomal form of furanocoumarins Sosnovsky's hogweed is 3 times more toxic to L929 cells than in the dark. It was found that the photocytotoxic effect of liposomal furanocoumarins Sosnovsky's hogweed is a strongly stimulation of apoptosis.The data obtained suggest that the raw material of Sosnovsky's hogweed claims to be a source of furanocoumarins, and the liposomal form, given the hydrophobic properties of furanocoumarins, is very suitable for creating a phototherapeutic drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg A Kulikov
- National Research Ogarev Mordovia State University, Bolshevistskaya Str. 68, 430005, Saransk, Russia.
| | - Valentin P Ageev
- National Research Ogarev Mordovia State University, Bolshevistskaya Str. 68, 430005, Saransk, Russia
| | - Ekaterina P Brodovskaya
- National Research Ogarev Mordovia State University, Bolshevistskaya Str. 68, 430005, Saransk, Russia
| | - Vasilisa I Shlyapkina
- National Research Ogarev Mordovia State University, Bolshevistskaya Str. 68, 430005, Saransk, Russia
| | - Pavel S Petrov
- National Research Ogarev Mordovia State University, Bolshevistskaya Str. 68, 430005, Saransk, Russia
| | - Mikhail N Zharkov
- National Research Ogarev Mordovia State University, Bolshevistskaya Str. 68, 430005, Saransk, Russia
| | - Denis E Yakobson
- National Research Ogarev Mordovia State University, Bolshevistskaya Str. 68, 430005, Saransk, Russia
| | - Igor V Maev
- A.I. Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, Delegatskaya Str. 20, p. 1, 127473, Moscow, Russia
| | - Gleb B Sukhorukov
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road E1 4NS, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nikolay A Pyataev
- National Research Ogarev Mordovia State University, Bolshevistskaya Str. 68, 430005, Saransk, Russia
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Zhu Y, Xie N, Chai Y, Nie Y, Liu K, Liu Y, Yang Y, Su J, Zhang C. Apoptosis Induction, a Sharp Edge of Berberine to Exert Anti-Cancer Effects, Focus on Breast, Lung, and Liver Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:803717. [PMID: 35153781 PMCID: PMC8830521 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.803717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of death and one of the greatest barriers to increased life expectancy worldwide. Currently, chemotherapy with synthetic drugs remains one of the predominant ways for cancer treatment, which may lead to drug resistance and normal organ damage. Increasing researches have suggested that apoptosis, a type of programmed cell death, is a promising way for cancer therapy. Furthermore, natural products are important sources for finding new drugs with high availability, low cost and low toxicity. As a well-known isoquinoline alkaloid, accumulating evidence has revealed that berberine (BBR) exerts potential pro-apoptotic effects on multiple cancers, including breast, lung, liver, gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, and ovarian cancers. The related potential signal pathways are AMP-activated protein kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and protein kinase B pathways. In this review, we provide a timely and comprehensive summary of the detailed molecular mechanisms of BBR in treating three types of cancer (breast, lung and liver cancer) by inducing apoptosis. Furthermore, we also discuss the existing challenges and strategies to improve BBR’s bioavailability. Hopefully, this review provides valuable information for the comprehension of BBR in treating three types of cancer and highlight the pro-apoptotic effects of BBR, which would be beneficial for the further development of this natural compound as an effective clinical drug for treating cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Na Xie
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yilu Chai
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yisen Nie
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yufei Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinsong Su
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuantao Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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11
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Carriero F, Martinelli C, Gabriele F, Barbieri G, Zanoletti L, Milanesi G, Casali C, Azzalin A, Manai F, Paolillo M, Comincini S. Berberine Photo-Activation Potentiates Cytotoxicity in Human Astrocytoma Cells through Apoptosis Induction. J Pers Med 2021; 11:942. [PMID: 34683083 PMCID: PMC8541605 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11100942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has recently attracted interest as an innovative and adjuvant treatment for different cancers including malignant gliomas. Among these, Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent neoplasm in the central nervous system. Despite conventional therapeutic approaches that include surgical removal, radiation, and chemotherapy, GBM is characterized by an extremely poor prognosis and a high rate of recurrence. PDT is a physical process that induces tumor cell death through the genesis and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by light energy interaction with a photosensitizing agent. In this contribution, we explored the potentiality of the plant alkaloid berberine (BBR) as a photosensitizing and cytotoxic agent coupled with a PDT scheme using a blue light source in human established astrocytoma cell lines. Our data mainly indicated for the combined BBR-PDT scheme a potent activation of the apoptosis pathway, through a massive ROS production, a great extent of mitochondria depolarization, and the sub-sequent activation of caspases. Altogether, these results demonstrated that BBR is an efficient photosensitizer agent and that its association with PDT may be a potential anticancer strategy for high malignant gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Carriero
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.C.); (C.M.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.Z.); (G.M.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (F.M.)
| | - Carolina Martinelli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.C.); (C.M.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.Z.); (G.M.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (F.M.)
- SKYTEC Srl, 20147 Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Gabriele
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.C.); (C.M.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.Z.); (G.M.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (F.M.)
| | - Giulia Barbieri
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.C.); (C.M.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.Z.); (G.M.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (F.M.)
| | - Lisa Zanoletti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.C.); (C.M.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.Z.); (G.M.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (F.M.)
| | - Gloria Milanesi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.C.); (C.M.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.Z.); (G.M.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (F.M.)
| | - Claudio Casali
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.C.); (C.M.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.Z.); (G.M.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (F.M.)
| | - Alberto Azzalin
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.C.); (C.M.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.Z.); (G.M.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (F.M.)
| | - Federico Manai
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.C.); (C.M.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.Z.); (G.M.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (F.M.)
| | - Mayra Paolillo
- Department of Drug Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Sergio Comincini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.C.); (C.M.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (L.Z.); (G.M.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (F.M.)
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Chang JM, Wu JY, Chen SH, Chao WY, Chuang HH, Kam KH, Zhao PW, Li YZ, Yen YP, Lee YR. 9-O-Terpenyl-Substituted Berberrubine Derivatives Suppress Tumor Migration and Increase Anti-Human Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189864. [PMID: 34576028 PMCID: PMC8469690 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers and the leading cause of death in humans worldwide. Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of lung cancer cases and is often diagnosed at a late stage. Among patients with NSCLC, 50% die within 1 year after diagnosis. Even with clinical intervention, the 5-year survival rate is only approximately 20%. Therefore, the development of an advanced therapeutic strategy or novel agent is urgently required for treating NSCLC. Berberine exerts therapeutic activity toward NSCLC; therefore, its activity as an antitumor agent needs to be explored further. In this study, three terpenylated-bromide derivatives of berberrubine were synthesized and their anti-NSCLC activities were evaluated. Each derivative had higher anti-NSCLCs activity than berberrubine and berberine. Among them, 9-O-gernylberberrubine bromide (B4) and 9-O-farnesylberberrubine bromide (B5) showed greater growth inhibition, cell-cycle regulation, in vitro tumorigenesis suppression, and tumor migration reduction. In addition, some degree of apoptosis and autophagic flux blocking was noted in the cells under B4 and B5 treatments. Our study demonstrates that the berberrubine derivatives, B4 and B5, exhibit impressive anti-NSCLC activities and have potential for use as chemotherapeutic agents against NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Ming Chang
- Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi City 60002, Taiwan; (J.-M.C.); (K.-H.K.)
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi City 60002, Taiwan; (S.-H.C.); (P.-W.Z.); (Y.-Z.L.); (Y.-P.Y.)
| | - Jin-Yi Wu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Sciences, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 60004, Taiwan;
| | - Shu-Hsin Chen
- Department of Medical Research, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi City 60002, Taiwan; (S.-H.C.); (P.-W.Z.); (Y.-Z.L.); (Y.-P.Y.)
| | - Wen-Ying Chao
- Department of Nursing, Min-Hwei College of Health Care Management, Tainan 73658, Taiwan;
| | - Hsiang-Hao Chuang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
| | - Kam-Hong Kam
- Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi City 60002, Taiwan; (J.-M.C.); (K.-H.K.)
| | - Pei-Wen Zhao
- Department of Medical Research, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi City 60002, Taiwan; (S.-H.C.); (P.-W.Z.); (Y.-Z.L.); (Y.-P.Y.)
| | - Yi-Zhen Li
- Department of Medical Research, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi City 60002, Taiwan; (S.-H.C.); (P.-W.Z.); (Y.-Z.L.); (Y.-P.Y.)
| | - Yu-Pei Yen
- Department of Medical Research, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi City 60002, Taiwan; (S.-H.C.); (P.-W.Z.); (Y.-Z.L.); (Y.-P.Y.)
| | - Ying-Ray Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-7-3121101
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Gaba S, Saini A, Singh G, Monga V. An insight into the medicinal attributes of berberine derivatives: A review. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 38:116143. [PMID: 33848698 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In the last few decades, traditional natural products have been the center of attention for the scientific community and exploration of their therapeutic abilities is proceeding perpetually. Berberine, with remarkable therapeutic diversity, is a plant derived isoquinoline alkaloid which is widely used as a traditional medicine in China. Berberine has been tackled as a fascinating pharmacophore to make great contributions to the discovery and development of new therapeutic agents against variegated diseases. Despite its tremendous therapeutic potential, clinical utility of this alkaloid was significantly compromised due to undesirable pharmacokinetic properties. To overcome this limitation, several structural modifications were performed on this scaffold to improve its therapeutic efficacy. The collective efforts of the community have achieved the tremendous advancements, bringing berberine to clinical use and discovering new therapeutic opportunities by structural modifications on the berberine scaffold. In this review, recent advancements in the medicinal chemistry of berberine and its derivatives in the last few years (2016-2020) have been compiled to represent inclusive data associated with various biological activities of this alkaloid. The comprehensive structure-activity relationship studies along with molecular modelling and mechanistic studies have also been summarized. This article would be highly helpful for the scientific community to get better insight into medicinal research of berberine and become a compelling guide for the rational design of berberine based compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sobhi Gaba
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, GT Road, Ghal Kalan, Moga-142001, Punjab, India
| | - Anjali Saini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, GT Road, Ghal Kalan, Moga-142001, Punjab, India
| | - Gurpreet Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, GT Road, Ghal Kalan, Moga-142001, Punjab, India
| | - Vikramdeep Monga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, GT Road, Ghal Kalan, Moga-142001, Punjab, India.
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Biological Activity of Berberine-A Summary Update. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12110713. [PMID: 33198257 PMCID: PMC7697704 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12110713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Berberine is a plant metabolite belonging to the group of isoquinoline alkaloids with strong biological and pharmacological activity. Currently, berberine is receiving considerable interest due to its anticancer activity based on many biochemical pathways, especially its proapoptotic and anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore, the growing number of papers on berberine demands summarizing the knowledge and research trends. The efficacy of berberine in breast and colon cancers seems to be the most promising aspect. Many papers focus on novel therapeutic strategies based on new formulations or search for new active derivatives. The activity of berberine is very important as regards sensitization and support of anticancer therapy in combination with well-known but in some cases inefficient therapeutics. Currently, the compound is being assessed in many important clinical trials and is one of the most promising and intensively examined natural agents.
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Berberine Derivatives Suppress Cellular Proliferation and Tumorigenesis In Vitro in Human Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124218. [PMID: 32545770 PMCID: PMC7352437 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in the world, and the most common type of lung cancer is non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), accounting for 85% of lung cancer. Patients with NSCLC, when detected, are mostly in a metastatic stage, and over half of patients diagnosed with NSCLC die within one year after diagnosis; the 5-year survival rate is 24%. However, in patients with metastatic NSCLC, the 5-year survival rate is 6%. Therefore, development of a new therapeutic agent or strategy is urgent for NSCLCs. Berberine has been illustrated to be a therapeutic agent of NSCLC. In the present study, we synthesized six derivatives of berberine, and the anti-NSCLC activity of these agents was examined. Some of them exert increasing proliferation inhibition comparing with berberine. Further studies demonstrated that two of the most effective agents, 9-O-decylberberrubine bromide (B6) and 9-O-dodecylberberrubine bromide (B7), performed cell cycle regulation, in-vitro tumorigenesis inhibition and autophagic flux blocking, but not induction of cellular apoptosis in NSCLC cells. Moreover, B6 and B7 were determined to be green fluorescent and could be penetrated and localized in cellular mitochondria. Herein, B6 and B7, the berberine derivatives we synthesized, revealed better anti-NSCLC activity with berberine and may be used as therapeutic candidates for the treatment of NSCLCs.
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