Davidone C Induces the Death of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Promoting Apoptosis and Autophagy

ZnO nanomaterials target mitochondrial apoptosis and mitochondrial autophagy pathways in cancer cells

In recent years, the application of engineering nanomaterials has significantly contributed to the development of various biomedical fields. Zinc oxide nanomaterials (ZnO NMts) have gained wide popularity due to their biocompatibility, unique physical and chemical properties, stability, and cost-effectiveness for large-scale production. They have emerged as potential materials for anticancer applications. This article provides a comprehensive review of the synthesis methods of ZnO NMts and highlights the advantages of combining ZnO NMts with anticancer drugs as a nano platform for cancer treatment. Additionally, the article briefly explains the mechanism of action of ZnO NMts in tumor cells, focusing on the mitochondrial pathways that target cell apoptosis and autophagy. It is observed that these pathways are primarily influenced by reactive oxygen species generated through oxidative stress. The article discusses the promising prospects of ZnO NMts combined with anticancer drugs in the field of cancer medicine and emphasizes the need for further in-depth research on the mitochondrial apoptosis and mitochondrial autophagy pathways.

Amino Acid Derivatives of Ginsenoside AD-2 Induce HepG2 Cell Apoptosis by Affecting the Cytoskeleton

AD-2 (20(R)-dammarane-3β, 12β, 20, 25-tetrol, 25-OH-PPD) was structurally modified to introduce additional amino groups, which can better exert its anti-tumor effects in MCF-7, A549, LoVo, HCT-116, HT -29, and U-87 cell lines. We investigated the cellular activity of 15 different AD-2 amino acid derivatives on HepG2 cells and the possible mechanism of action of the superior derivative 6b. An MTT assay was used to detect the cytotoxicity of the derivatives. Western blotting was used to study the signaling pathways. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis and ghost pen peptide staining was used to identify the changes in the cytoskeleton. The AD-2 amino acid derivatives have a better cytotoxic effect on the HepG2 cells than AD-2, which may be achieved by promoting the apoptosis of HepG2 cells and influencing the cytoskeleton. The derivative 6b shows obvious anti-HepG2 cells activity through affecting the expression of apoptotic proteins such as MDM2, P-p53, Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase 3, Cleaved Caspase 3, Caspase 8, and NSD2. According to the above findings, the amino acid derivatives of AD-2 may be developed as HepG2 cytotoxic therapeutic drugs.

Induction of Apoptosis by Metabolites of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (Da Huang): A Review of the Potential Mechanism in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Liver cancer is a global disease with a high mortality rate and limited treatment options. Alternations in apoptosis of tumor cells and immune cells have become an important method for detailing the underlying mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Bcl-2 family, Caspase family, Fas and other apoptosis-related proteins have also become antagonistic targets of HCC. Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, RR), a traditional Chinese herb, has recently demonstrated antitumor behaviors. Multiple active metabolites of RR, including emodin, rhein, physcion, aloe-emodin, gallic acid, and resveratrol, can successfully induce apoptosis and inhibit HCC. However, the underlying mechanisms of these metabolites inhibiting the occurrence and development of HCC by inducing apoptosis is complicated owing to the multi-target and multi-pathway characteristics of traditional Chinese herbs. Accordingly, this article reviews the pathways of apoptosis, the relationship between HCC and apoptosis, the role and mechanism of apoptosis induced by mitochondrial endoplasmic reticulum pathway and death receptor pathway in HCC and the mechanism of six RR metabolites inhibiting HCC by inducing apoptosis.