Deoxyelephantopin and Its Isomer Isodeoxyelephantopin: Anti-Cancer Natural Products with Multiple Modes of Action

Research advances in natural sesquiterpene lactones: overcoming cancer drug resistance through modulation of key signaling pathways

Cancer remains a significant global health challenge, with current chemotherapeutic strategies frequently limited by the emergence of resistance. In this context, natural compounds with the potential to overcome resistance have garnered considerable attention. Among these, sesquiterpene lactones, primarily derived from plants in the Asteraceae family, stand out for their potential anticancer properties. This review specifically focuses on five key signaling pathways: PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin, MAPK/ERK, and STAT3, which play central roles in the mechanisms of cancer resistance. For each of these pathways, we detail their involvement in both cancer development and the emergence of drug resistance. Additionally, we investigate how sesquiterpene lactones modulate these pathways to overcome resistance across diverse cancer types. These insights highlight the potential of sesquiterpene lactones to drive the advancement of novel therapies that can effectively combat both cancer progression and drug resistance.

DET induces apoptosis and suppresses tumor invasion in glioma cells via PI3K/AKT pathway

Introduction

Gliomas, particularly glioblastomas (GBM), are highly aggressive with a poor prognosis and low survival rate. Currently, deoxyelephantopin (DET) has shown promising anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects. Using clinical prognostic analysis, molecular docking, and network pharmacology, this study aims to explore the primary targets and signaling pathways to identify novel GBM treatment approaches.

Methods

Using PharmMapper, the chemical structure of DET was examined for possible targets after being acquired from PubChem. GBM-related targets were obtained through multi-omics approaches. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using Cytoscape and STRING, and target binding was evaluated through molecular docking. Enrichment analysis was conducted using Metascape. The effects of DET on GBM cell invasion, apoptosis, and proliferation were assessed through in vitro assays, including Transwell, EDU, CCK8, and flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was performed to examine the components of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Results

Among the sixty-four shared targets identified, JUN and CCND1 were the most frequently observed. Enrichment analysis demonstrated that DET influenced the MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. In Transwell assays, DET significantly inhibited the invasive behavior of glioma cells. Western blot analysis further confirmed the downregulation of EGFR, JUN, and PI3K/AKT.

Conclusion

DET inhibits GBM cell invasion, proliferation, and apoptosis via modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, highlighting its potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for GBM treatment.

Current Insights into Therapeutic Potential of Terpenoids as Anticancer Agents

BACKGROUND

Cancer is regarded as one of the main causes of death globally. Future predictions indicate that the death rate from cancer will keep rising, which may reach 11.4 million in 2030. Carcinogenesis refers to the phenomenon of transforming a normal cell into a cancer cell. Cancer is characterized by unregulated and uncontrolled cell division due to alterations at the molecular and genetic levels. Gene mutations can speed up the rate of cell division, which leads to cancer. Metastasis entails the dissemination of cancer cells from the primary site to distant regions of the body via the circulatory or lymphatic systems.

OBJECTIVE

This review is mainly focusing on the anticancer properties of terpenoids. In the case of human beings, several types of cancers can be treated clinically based on the form and phase of the cancer. So, there are different types of treatment regimens available for the management of cancer, such as immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

METHODS

Several problems are associated with cancer therapy, including chemoresistance, severe toxicity, relapse, and metastasis. To minimize these complications, natural products like terpenoids seem to be beneficial for the effective management of cancer.

RESULTS

Experimental results revealed that the anticancer potential of terpenoids is due to activation of apoptosis and stimulation of cell cycle arrest. Some of the terpenoids exhibit anticancer effects by inhibiting angiogenesis and metastasis via the regulation of several signaling pathways intracellularly. Certain terpenoids have been shown to work in concert with anticancer medications (doxorubicin, cisplatin, paclitaxel, and 5-fluorouracil) to provide synergistic effects. These terpenoids have also been shown to be effective against cancer cells that are resistant to several drug therapies.

CONCLUSION

The current study will focus on signaling pathways and mode of action of several types of terpenoids as anticancer agents. Further, it will provide insights into the ongoing clinical trials and prospective pathways for the advancement of terpenoids as possible anti-cancer agents.

Targeting regulated cell death (RCD) with naturally derived sesquiterpene lactones in cancer therapy

Regulated cell death (RCD) is a type of cell death modulated by specific signal transduction pathways. Currently, known RCD types include apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, necroptosis, cuproptosis, pyroptosis, and NETosis. Mutations in cancer cells may prevent the RCD pathway; therefore, targeting RCD in tumors has become a promising therapeutic approach. Sesquiterpene lactones represent a diverse and extensive class of plant-derived phytochemicals that serve as potential sources for developing various drugs. Recent studies have shown that sesquiterpene lactones have promising potential in cancer treatment. This review systematically summarizes recent progress in the study of sesquiterpene lactones as antitumor agents, highlighting their role in targeting various RCD pathways, including those involved in apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, necroptosis, and cuproptosis. The primary purpose of the present review is to provide a clear picture of the regulation of RCD by sesquiterpene lactones against different targets in various cancers, which will facilitate the development of new strategies for cancer therapy.

Widely Targeted Metabolomics Revealed the Metabolic Basis of Physiological Function and Flavor of Natto

Background: Natto is a fermented product derived from soybeans through the action of Bacillus subtilis natto, possessing various pharmacological and health-promoting properties. However, due to the absence of large-scale and systematic investigations into its metabolite profile, the mechanisms governing the biological functions and flavor characteristics of natto remain incompletely elucidated. Methods: In this study, a comprehensive, widely targeted metabolome analysis was conducted using UHPLC-MS/MS to compare soybeans and natto. Results: A total of 569 metabolites were identified, of which 160 exhibited differential expression between natto and soybeans, including 28 amino acids and their derivatives, 19 flavonoids, 18 alkaloids, and 10 nucleotides and their derivatives. Pathway enrichment analysis further demonstrated significant differences in the metabolic pathways between natto and soybeans, with these 160 differentially expressed metabolites primarily distributed across 40 metabolic pathways. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of natto metabolites revealed that the majority of these mapped to three key metabolic pathways. Variations in the content of flavonoids and alkaloids, as well as changes in amino acid and saccharide composition and abundance, were found to collectively contribute to the distinctive flavor and biological functionality of natto. Conclusions: This study lays the foundation for future efforts to enhance the quality of natto.

Exploring the Thioredoxin System as a Therapeutic Target in Cancer: Mechanisms and Implications

Cells constantly face the challenge of managing oxidants. In aerobic organisms, oxygen (O2) is used for energy production, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) as byproducts of enzymatic reactions. To protect against oxidative damage, cells possess an intricate system of redox scavengers and antioxidant enzymes, collectively forming the antioxidant defense system. This system maintains the redox equilibrium and enables the generation of localized oxidative signals that regulate essential cellular functions. One key component of this defense is the thioredoxin (Trx) system, which includes Trx, thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), and NADPH. The Trx system reverses oxidation of macromolecules and indirectly neutralizes ROS via peroxiredoxin (Prx). This dual function protects cells from damage accumulation and supports physiological cell signaling. However, the Trx system also shields tumors from oxidative damage, aiding their survival. Due to elevated ROS levels from their metabolism, tumors often rely on the Trx system. In addition, the Trx system regulates critical pathways such as proliferation and neoangiogenesis, which tumors exploit to enhance growth and optimize nutrient and oxygen supply. Consequently, the Trx system is a potential target for cancer therapy. The challenge lies in selectively targeting malignant cells without disrupting the redox equilibrium in healthy cells. The aim of this review article is threefold: first, to elucidate the function of the Trx system; second, to discuss the Trx system as a potential target for cancer therapies; and third, to present the possibilities for inhibiting key components of the Trx system, along with an overview of the latest clinical studies on these inhibitors.

Progress of natural sesquiterpenoids in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the common malignant tumors of digestive tract, which seriously threatens the life of patients due to its high incidence rate, strong invasion, metastasis, and prognosis. At present, the main methods for preventing and treating HCC include medication, surgery, and intervention, but patients frequently encounter with specific adverse reactions or side effects. Many Traditional Chinese medicine can improve liver function, reduce liver cancer recurrence and have unique advantages in the treatment of HCC because of their acting mode of multi-target, multi-pathway, multi-component, and multi-level. Sesquiterpenoids, a class of natural products which are widely present in nature and exhibit good anti-tumor activity, and many of them possess good potential for the treatment of HCC. This article reviewed the anti-tumor activities, natural resources, pharmacological mechanism of natural sesquiterpenoids against HCC, providing the theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of HCC and a comprehensive understanding of their potential for development of new clinical drugs.

Thioredoxin system in colorectal cancer: Its role in carcinogenesis, disease progression, and response to treatment

The thioredoxin system is essential for many physiological processes, including the maintenance of redox signalling pathways. Alterations in the activity, expression and interactions with other signalling pathways can lead to protective or pathophysiological responses. Thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase, the two main components of this system, are often overexpressed in cancer, including colorectal cancer. This overexpression is often linked with tumour progression and poor outcomes. This review discusses the role of the Trx system in driving colorectal carcinogenesis and disease progression, as well as the challenges of targeting this system. Additionally, the recent advancements in the development of novel and effective thioredoxin inhibitors for colorectal cancer are also explored.

The specialized sesquiterpenoids produced by the genus Elephantopus L.: Chemistry, biological activities and structure-activity relationship exploration

The genus Elephantopus L. is a valuable resource rich in sesquiterpenoids with structural diversity and various bioactivities, showing great potential for applications in medicinal field and biological industry. Up to now, over 129 sesquiterpenoids have been isolated and identified from this plant genus, including 114 germacrane-type, 7 guaianolide-type, 5 eudesmane-type, 1 elemanolide-type, and 2 bis-sesquiterpenoids. These sesquiterpenoids were reported to show a diverse range of pharmacological properties, including cytotoxic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiprotozoal. Consequently, some of them were identified as active scaffolds in the design and development of drugs. Considering that there is currently no overview available that covers the sesquiterpenoids and their biological activities in the Elephantopus genus, this article aims to comprehensively review the chemical structures, biosynthetic pathways, pharmacological properties, and structure-activity relationship of sesquiterpenoids found in the Elephantopus genus, which will establish a theoretical framework that can guide further research and exploration of sesquiterpenoids from Elephantopus plants as promising therapeutic agents.

Treating cancer through modulating exosomal protein loading and function: The prospects of natural products and traditional Chinese medicine

Exosomes, small yet vital extracellular vesicles, play an integral role in intercellular communication. They transport critical components, such as proteins, lipid bilayers, DNA, RNA, and glycans, to target cells. These vesicles are crucial in modulating the extracellular matrix and orchestrating signal transduction processes. In oncology, exosomes are pivotal in tumor growth, metastasis, drug resistance, and immune modulation within the tumor microenvironment. Exosomal proteins, noted for their stability and specificity, have garnered widespread attention. This review delves into the mechanisms of exosomal protein loading and their impact on tumor development, with a focus on the regulatory effects of natural products and traditional Chinese medicine on exosomal protein loading and function. These insights not only offer new strategies and methodologies for cancer treatment but also provide scientific bases and directions for future clinical applications.

Terpinen-4-ol Induces Ferroptosis of Glioma Cells via Downregulating JUN Proto-Oncogene

According to previous research, turmeric seeds exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-malignancy, and anti-aging properties due to an abundance of terpinen-4-ol (T4O). Although it is still unclear how T4O works on glioma cells, limited data exist regarding its specific effects. In order to determine whether or not glioma cell lines U251, U87, and LN229 are viable, CCK8 was used as an assay and a colony formation assay was performed using different concentrations of T4O (0, 1, 2, and 4 μM). The effect of T4O on the proliferation of glioma cell line U251 was detected through the subcutaneous implantation of the tumor model. Through high-throughput sequencing, a bioinformatic analysis, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reactions, we identified the key signaling pathways and targets of T4O. Finally, for the measurement of the cellular ferroptosis levels, we examined the relationship between T4O, ferroptosis, and JUN and the malignant biological properties of glioma cells. T4O significantly inhibited glioma cell growth and colony formation and induced ferroptosis in the glioma cells. T4O inhibited the subcutaneous tumor proliferation of the glioma cells in vivo. T4O suppressed JUN transcription and significantly reduced its expression in the glioma cells. The T4O treatment inhibited GPX4 transcription through JUN. The overexpression of JUN suppressed ferroptosis in the cells rescued through T4O treatment. Taken together, our data suggest that the natural product T4O exerts its anti-cancer effects by inducing JUN/GPX4-dependent ferroptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation, and T4O will hope-fully serve as a prospective compound for glioma treatment.

Natural Products for Drug Discovery in the 21st Century: Innovations for Novel Therapeutics

Natural products (NPs) from plants, fungi, animals, and microorganisms have historically played important roles in drug discovery [...].

Lessons learned from the discovery and development of the sesquiterpene lactones in cancer therapy and prevention

INTRODUCTION

Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) are one of the most diverse bioactive secondary metabolites found in plants and exhibit a broad range of therapeutic properties . SLs have been showing promising potential in cancer clinical trials, and the molecular mechanisms underlying their anticancer potential are being uncovered. Recent evidence also points to a potential utility of SLs in cancer prevention.

AREAS COVERED

This work evaluates SLs with promising anticancer potential based on cell, animal, and clinical models: Artemisinin, micheliolide, thapsigargin dehydrocostuslactone, arglabin, parthenolide, costunolide, deoxyelephantopin, alantolactone, isoalantolactone, atractylenolide 1, and xanthatin as well as their synthetic derivatives. We highlight actionable molecular targets and biological mechanisms underlying the anticancer therapeutic properties of SLs. This is complemented by a unique assessment of SL mechanisms of action that can be exploited in cancer prevention. We also provide insights into structure-activity and pharmacokinetic properties of SLs and their potential use in combination therapies.

EXPERT OPINION

We extract seven major lessons learned and present evidence-based solutions that can circumvent some scientific limitations or logistic impediments in SL anticancer research. SLs continue to be at the forefront of cancer drug discovery and are worth a joint interdisciplinary effort in order to leverage their potential in cancer therapy and prevention.

Chitosan Oligosaccharide Prevents Afatinib-Induced Barrier Disruption and Chloride Secretion through Modulation of AMPK, PI3K/AKT, and ERK Signaling in T84 Cells

Diarrhea is an important adverse effect of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors, especially afatinib. Novel antidiarrheal agents are needed to reduce epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor-associated diarrhea to improve the quality of life and treatment outcome in cancer patients. This study aimed to investigate the anti-diarrheal activity of chitosan oligosaccharide against afatinib-induced barrier disruption and chloride secretion in human intestinal epithelial cells (T84 cells). Chitosan oligosaccharide (100 μg/mL) prevented afatinib-induced barrier disruption determined by changes in transepithelial electrical resistance and FITC-dextran flux in the T84 cell monolayers. In addition, chitosan oligosaccharide prevented afatinib-induced potentiation of cAMP-induced chloride secretion measured by short-circuit current analyses in the T84 cell monolayers. Chitosan oligosaccharide induced the activation of AMPK, a positive regulator of epithelial tight junction and a negative regulator of cAMP-induced chloride secretion. Moreover, chitosan oligosaccharide partially reversed afatinib-induced AKT inhibition without affecting afatinib-induced ERK inhibition via AMPK-independent mechanisms. Collectively, this study reveals that chitosan oligosaccharide prevents the afatinib-induced diarrheal activities in T84 cells via both AMPK-dependent and AMPK-independent mechanisms. Chitosan oligosaccharide represents a promising natural polymer-derived compound for further development of treatment for afatinib-associated diarrheas.