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Bai Y, Liu F, Luo S, Wan Y, Zhang L, Wu X, Chen Q, Xie Y, Guo P. Experimental study on H 2O 2 activation of HSC-T6 and hepatic fibrosis in cholestatic mice by "Yajieshaba". JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 335:118712. [PMID: 39173724 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Yajieshaba (YJSB), approved by the Yunnan Provincial Food and Drug Administration in 2008, are known for their anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and pro-apoptotic properties, effectively treating Hepatic fibrosis (HF). However, its mechanism of action remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY The objective of this investigation is to explore how YJSB influences the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway as a strategy for reducing HF. METHODS The establishment of a HF model in mice involved ligation of the common bile duct, followed by administration of YJSB. Body and liver weights were measured, and the liver index calculated. Serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, TBA, and TBIL were assessed using colorimetric methods. Additionally, liver homogenates were analyzed for PIIINP, Col-IV, LN, HA, and Hyp, as well as TGF-β1 activity, using ELISA. Histological analyses of liver sections, stained with H&E, Ag, and Masson's trichrome, were performed to examine inflammation and the accumulation of collagen and reticular fibers. These studies aimed to elucidate the pharmacodynamic effects of YJSB on HF in mice with bile duct obstruction. The target pathways of YJSB were preliminarily identified through immunofluorescence detection of TGF-β1, P-Smad2L, P-Smad2C, P-Smad3L, P-Smad3C, and Smad4 proteins. In vitro experiments included the induction of hepatic stellate cell (HSC-T6) activation by H2O2. A cell injury model was established for HSC-T6, and the CCK-8 assay was used to determine the optimal YJSB concentration and treatment duration. After pirfenidone (PFD) administration, which inhibits the TGF-β1/Smad pathway, the effects of YJSB on HSC-T6 cell proliferation were observed. ELISA assays quantified Col-III, α-SMA, and Col-I in cell lysates to assess YJSB's impact on collagen synthesis in HSC-T6 cells. Western blot analysis was performed to assess the protein levels within the TGF-β1/Smad signaling cascade. RESULTS In the HF mouse model, administration of YJSB notably augmented the body weight and reduced the liver index. Concurrently, there was an elevation in serum concentrations of ALP, AST, ALT, TBA, and TBIL. Similarly, in the liver homogenates of HF mice, increases were observed in the levels of HA, PIIINP, Col-IV, LN, Hyp, and TGF-β1. Histological assessments using H&E, Ag, and Masson stains indicated a substantial diminution in liver tissue damage. Through immunofluorescence analysis, it was discerned that YJSB modulated the expression of TGF-β1, P-Smad2L, P-Smad2C, and P-Smad3L downwards, while elevating P-Smad3C and Smad4 protein expressions. Additional investigations revealed a significant reduction in α-SMA, Col-I, and Col-III levels in cell culture fluids, suggesting a decrease in collagen synthesis and a protective role against cellular damage. Western blot analyses demonstrated that the TGF-β1/Smad pathway inhibitor, PFD, acted in synergy with YJSB, enhancing its regulatory effects on this pathway, decreasing levels of TGF-β1, P-Smad2L, P-Smad2C, P-Smad3L, and promoting the expression of P-Smad3C. CONCLUSIONS YJSB demonstrates a pharmacodynamic effect against HF, enhancing liver functionality and effectively mitigating the damage associated with bile duct obstruction. The proposed action mechanism of YJSB involves modulation of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Research indicates that YJSB might play a role in suppressing the movement, programmed cell death, and activation of HSC-T6, potentially decelerating the advancement of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanmei Bai
- College of Ethnic Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Yunnan, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Feifan Liu
- College of Ethnic Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Yunnan, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Shifang Luo
- College of Ethnic Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Yunnan, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Yan Wan
- College of Ethnic Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Yunnan, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Linao Zhang
- College of Chinese Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Yunnan, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Xue Wu
- College of Chinese Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Yunnan, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Qinghua Chen
- College of Ethnic Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Yunnan, Kunming, 650500, China.
| | - Yuhuan Xie
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Yunnan, Kunming, 650500, China.
| | - Peixin Guo
- College of Ethnic Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Yunnan, Kunming, 650500, China.
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Gao T, Liu J, Huang N, Zhou Y, Li C, Chen Y, Hong Z, Deng X, Liang X. Sangju Cold Granule exerts anti-viral and anti-inflammatory activities against influenza A virus in vitro and in vivo. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 334:118521. [PMID: 38969152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Sangju Cold Granule (SJCG) is a classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription described in "Item Differentiation of Warm Febrile Diseases". Historically, SJCG was employed to treat respiratory illnesses. Despite its popular usage, the alleviating effect of SJCG on influenza A virus infection and its mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY Influenza is a severe respiratory disease that threatens human health. This study aims to assess the therapeutic potential of SJCG and the possible molecular mechanism underlying its activity against influenza A virus in vitro and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)-Q-Exactive was used to identify the components of SJCG. The 50% cytotoxic concentration of SJCG in MDCK and A549 cells were determined using the CCK-8 assay. The activity of SJCG against influenza A virus H1N1 was evaluated in vitro using plaque reduction and progeny virus titer reduction assays. RT-qPCR was performed to obtain the expression levels of inflammatory mediators and the transcriptional regulation of RIG-I and MDA5 in H1N1-infected A549 cells. Then, the mechanism of SJCG effect on viral replication and inflammation was further explored by measuring the expressions of proteins of the RIG-I/NF-kB/IFN(I/III) signaling pathway by Western blot. The impact of SJCG was explored in vivo in an intranasally H1N1-infected BALB/c mouse pneumonia model treated with varying doses of SJCG. The protective role of SJCG in this model was evaluated by survival, body weight monitoring, lung viral titers, lung index, lung histological changes, lung inflammatory mediators, and peripheral blood leukocyte count. RESULTS The main SJCG chemical constituents were flavonoids, carbohydrates and glycosides, amino acids, peptides, and derivatives, organic acids and derivatives, alkaloids, fatty acyls, and terpenes. The CC50 of SJCG were 24.43 mg/mL on MDCK cells and 20.54 mg/mL on A549 cells, respectively. In vitro, SJCG significantly inhibited H1N1 replication and reduced the production of TNF-α, IFN-β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-13, IP-10, RANTES, TRAIL, and SOCS1 in infected A549 cells. Intracellularly, SJCG reduced the expression of RIG-I, MDA5, P-NF-κB P65 (P-P65), P-IκBα, P-STAT1, P-STAT2, and IRF9. In vivo, SJCG enhanced the survival rate and decreased body weight loss in H1N1-infected mice. Mice with H1N1-induced pneumonia treated with SJCG showed a lower lung viral load and lung index than untreated mice. SJCG effectively alleviated lung damage and reduced the levels of TNF-α, IFN-β, IL-6, IP-10, RANTES, and SOCS1 in lung tissue. Moreover, SJCG significantly ameliorated H1N1-induced leukocyte changes in peripheral blood. CONCLUSIONS SJCG significantly reduced influenza A virus and virus-mediated inflammation through inhibiting the RIG-I/NF-kB/IFN(I/III) signaling pathway. Thus, SJCG could provide an effective TCM for influenza treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taotao Gao
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, Kingmed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Jinbing Liu
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, China; Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Liwan Central Hospital of Guangzhou, 35 Liwan Road, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Nan Huang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, Kingmed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Yingxuan Zhou
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, Kingmed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Conglin Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yintong Chen
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, Kingmed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Zifan Hong
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, Kingmed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Xiaoyan Deng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, Kingmed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China.
| | - Xiaoli Liang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, Kingmed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China.
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Cheng YW, Hsieh YC, Sun YS, Wang YH, Yang YW, Lo KY. Using microfluidic and conventional platforms to evaluate the effects of lanthanides on spheroid formation. Toxicology 2024; 508:153931. [PMID: 39222830 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153931] [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: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis contributes to the increased mortality rate of cancer, but the intricate mechanisms remain unclear. Cancer cells from a primary tumor invade nearby tissues and access the lymphatic or circulatory system. If these cells manage to survive and extravasate from the vasculature into distant tissues and ultimately adapt to survive, they will proliferate and facilitate malignant tumor formation. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures offer a rapid and convenient method for validating the efficacy of anticancer drugs within a reasonable cost range, but their utility is limited because of tumors' high heterogeneity in vivo and spatial complexities. Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures that mimic the physiological conditions of cancer cells in vivo have gained considerable interest. In these cultures, cells assemble into spheroids through gravity, magnetic forces, or their low-adhesion to the plates. Although these approaches address some of the limitations of 2D cultures, they often require a considerable amount of time and cost. Therefore, this study aims to enhance the effectiveness of 3D culture techniques by using microfluidic systems to provide a high-throughput and sensitive pipeline for drug screening. Using these systems, we studied the effects of lanthanide elements, which have garnered interest in cancer treatment, on spheroid formation and cell spreading. Our findings suggest that these elements alter the compactness of cell spheroids and decrease cell mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wen Cheng
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University Taipei City 10617, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Hsieh
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University Taipei City 10617, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Shin Sun
- Department of Physics, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsun Wang
- Department of Physics, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Wen Yang
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei City 100225, Taiwan.
| | - Kai-Yin Lo
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University Taipei City 10617, Taiwan.
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Rajesh R U, Sangeetha D. Therapeutic potentials and targeting strategies of quercetin on cancer cells: Challenges and future prospects. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 133:155902. [PMID: 39059266 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Every cell in the human body is vital because it maintains equilibrium and carries out a variety of tasks, including growth and development. These activities are carried out by a set of instructions carried by many different genes and organized into DNA. It is well recognized that some lifestyle decisions, like using tobacco, alcohol, UV, or multiple sexual partners, might increase one's risk of developing cancer. The advantages of natural products for any health issue are well known, and researchers are making attempts to separate flavonoid-containing substances from plants. Various parts of plants contain a phenolic compound called flavonoid. Quercetin, which belongs to the class of compounds known as flavones with chromone skeletal structure, has anti-cancer activity. PURPOSE The study was aimed at investigating the therapeutic action of the flavonoid quercetin on various cancer cells. METHODS The phrases quercetin, anti-cancer, nanoparticles, and cell line were used to search the data using online resources such as PubMed, and Google Scholar. Several critical previous studies have been included. RESULTS Quercetin inhibits various dysregulated signaling pathways that cause cancer cells to undergo apoptosis to exercise its anticancer effects. Numerous signaling pathways are impacted by quercetin, such as the Hedgehog system, Akt, NF-κB pathway, downregulated mutant p53, JAK/STAT, G1 phase arrest, Wnt/β-Catenin, and MAPK. There are downsides to quercetin, like hydrophobicity, first-pass effect, instability in the gastrointestinal tract, etc., because of which it is not well-established in the pharmaceutical industry. The solution to these drawbacks in the future is using bio-nanomaterials like chitosan, PLGA, liposomes, and silk fibroin as carriers, which can enhance the target specificity of quercetin. The first section of this review covers the specifics of flavonoids and quercetin; the second section covers the anti-cancer activity of quercetin; and the third section explains the drawbacks and conjugation of quercetin with nanoparticles for drug delivery by overcoming quercetin's drawback. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this review presented details about quercetin, which is a plant derivative with a promising molecular mechanism of action. They inhibit cancer by various mechanisms with little or no side effects. It is anticipated that plant-based materials will become increasingly relevant in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udaya Rajesh R
- Department of Chemistry, School of Advanced Science, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014 Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Dhanaraj Sangeetha
- Department of Chemistry, School of Advanced Science, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014 Tamil Nadu, India.
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Kang Q, He L, Zhang Y, Zhong Z, Tan W. Immune-inflammatory modulation by natural products derived from edible and medicinal herbs used in Chinese classical prescriptions. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 130:155684. [PMID: 38788391 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Edible and medicinal herbs1 (EMHs) refer to a class of substances with dual attribution of food and medicine. These substances are traditionally used as food and also listed in many international pharmacopoeias, including the European Pharmacopoeia, the United States Pharmacopoeia, and the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Some classical formulas that are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine include a series of EMHs, which have been shown to be effective with obvious characteristics and advantages. Notably, these EMHs and Chinese classical prescriptions2 (CCPs) have also attracted attention in international herbal medicine research because of their low toxicity and high efficiency as well as the rich body of experience for their long-term clinical use. PURPOSE Our purpose is to explore the potential therapeutic effect of EMHs with immune-inflammatory modulation for the study of modern cancer drugs. STUDY DESIGN In the present study, we present a detailed account of some EMHs used in CCPs that have shown considerable research potential in studies exploring modern drugs with immune-inflammatory modulation. METHODS Approximately 500 publications in the past 30 years were collected from PubMed, Web of Science and ScienceDirect using the keywords, such as natural products, edible and medicinal herbs, Chinese medicine, classical prescription, immune-inflammatory, tumor microenvironment and some related synonyms. The active ingredients instead of herbal extracts or botanical mixtures were focused on and the research conducted over the past decade were discussed emphatically and analyzed comprehensively. RESULTS More than ten natural products derived from EMHs used in CCPs are discussed and their immune-inflammatory modulation activities, including enhancing antitumor immunity, regulating inflammatory signaling pathways, lowering the proportion of immunosuppressive cells, inhibiting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, immunosuppressive factors, and inflammatory mediators, are summarized. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate the immune-inflammatory modulating role of those EMHs used in CCPs and provide new ideas for cancer treatment in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianming Kang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Luying He
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China.
| | - Wen Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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Batista JEDS, Rodrigues MB, Bristot IJ, Silva V, Bernardy S, Rodrigues OED, Dornelles L, Carvalho FB, de Sousa FJF, Fernandes MDC, Zanatta G, Soares FAA, Klamt F. Systematic screening of synthetic organochalcogen compounds with anticancer activity using human lung adenocarcinoma spheroids. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 396:111047. [PMID: 38735454 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111047] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma stands as a leading global cause of cancer-related fatalities, with current therapeutic approaches remaining unsatisfactory. Given the association between elevated oxidative markers and the aggressive nature of cancer cells (including multidrug resistance and metastatic potential) that can predict poor outcome of lung adenocarcinoma patients, any compounds that interfere with their aberrant redox biology should be rationally explored as innovative intervention strategies. This study was designed to screen potential anticancer activities within nine newly synthesized organochalcogen - compounds characterized by the presence of oxygen, sulfur, or selenium elements in their structure and exhibiting antioxidant activity - and systematically evaluated their performance against cisplatin, the cornerstone therapeutic agent for lung adenocarcinoma. Our methodology involved the establishment of optimal conditions for generating single tumor spheroids using A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cell line. The initiation interval for spheroid formation was determined to be four days in vitro (DIV), and these single spheroids demonstrated sustained growth over a period of 20 DIV. Toxic dose-response curves were subsequently performed for each compound after 24 and 48 h of incubation at the 12th DIV. Our findings reveal that at least two of the synthetic organochalcogen compounds exhibited noteworthy anticancer activity, surpassing cisplatin in key parameters such as lower LD (Lethal Dose) 50, larger drug activity area, and maximum amplitude of effect, and are promising drugs for futures studies in the treatment of lung adenocarcinomas. Physicochemical descriptors and prediction ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) parameters of selected compounds were obtained using SwissADME computational tool; Molinspiration server was used to calculate a biological activity score, and possible molecule targets were evaluated by prediction with the SwissTargetPrediction server. This research not only sheds light on novel avenues for therapeutic exploration but also underscores the potential of synthetic organochalcogen compounds as agents with superior efficacy compared to established treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Eduarda Dos Santos Batista
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil; Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences (ICBS), Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil; National Institutes of Science and Technology-Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Brazil
| | | | - Ivi Juliana Bristot
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences (ICBS), Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil; National Institutes of Science and Technology-Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Brazil
| | - Valquíria Silva
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences (ICBS), Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil; National Institutes of Science and Technology-Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Brazil
| | - Silvia Bernardy
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | | | - Luciano Dornelles
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Fabiano Barbosa Carvalho
- Pathology Laboratory, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
| | | | - Marilda da Cruz Fernandes
- Pathology Laboratory, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Geancarlo Zanatta
- Department of Biophysics, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil
| | - Félix Alexandre Antunes Soares
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Fábio Klamt
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences (ICBS), Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil; National Institutes of Science and Technology-Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Brazil.
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Heriz MH, Mahmood AAR, Yasin SR, Saleh KM, AlSakhen MF, Kanaan SI, Himsawi N, Saleh AM, Tahtamouni LH. Synthesis, docking study, and antitumor evaluation of benzamides and oxadiazole derivatives of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid as VEGFR-2 inhibitors. Drug Dev Res 2024; 85:e22186. [PMID: 38643351 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Current chemotherapeutic agents have several limitations, including lack of selectivity, the development of undesirable side effects, and chemoresistance. As a result, there is an unmet need for the development of novel small molecules with minimal side effects and the ability to specifically target tumor cells. A new series of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid derivatives, including 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives (4a-d) and benzamides derivatives (5a-e) were synthesized; their chemical structures were confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C NMR, and mass spectra; and various physicochemical properties were determined. The antiproliferative activities of the new derivatives were evaluated by means of the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Three compounds (4b, 4c, and 4d) exhibited cytotoxicity against two of the three cell lines tested, five compounds (3, 4a, 5a, 5b, and 5e) were toxic to one cell line, while two compounds (5c and 5d) were not cytotoxic to any of the three cell lines tested in the current study. Based on docking scores, MTT assay findings, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) kinase activity data, Compound 4d was selected for further biological investigation. Flow cytometry was used to determine the mode of cell death (apoptosis vs. necrosis) and the effect on cell cycle progression. Compound 4d arrested HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells in the G2/M phase and activated both the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways. In conclusion, Compound 4d has shown promising results for future research as a potent VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad H Heriz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Al-Zahraa University for Women, Karbala, Iraq
| | - Ammar A R Mahmood
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Salem R Yasin
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Khaled M Saleh
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Mai F AlSakhen
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Sana I Kanaan
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Nisreen Himsawi
- Department of Microbiology, Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Abdulrahman M Saleh
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
- Epidemiological Surveillance Unit, Aweash El-Hagar Family Medicine Center, MOHP, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Lubna H Tahtamouni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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El-Masry TA, El-Nagar MMF, El Mahdy NA, Alherz FA, Taher R, Osman EY. Potential Antitumor Activity of Combined Lycopene and Sorafenib against Solid Ehrlich Carcinoma via Targeting Autophagy and Apoptosis and Suppressing Proliferation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:527. [PMID: 38675487 PMCID: PMC11055160 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040527] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
An FDA-approved kinase inhibitor called sorafenib (SOR) is used to treat primary kidney and liver cancer as well as to stop the spread of advanced breast cancer. Side effects from SOR, such as palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, can negatively impact an individual's quality of life. There are a lot of data supporting the importance of lycopene (LYC) in preventing cancer. The antitumor properties of the combination of sorafenib and lycopene were examined in this study. A viability test against MDA-MB-231 was used to assess the anticancer efficacy of sorafenib, lycopene, and their combination in vitro. Moreover, a cell cycle analysis and Annexin-V/PI double staining were performed by using flow cytometry. In addition, the protein level of JNK-1, ERK-1, Beclin-1, P38, and P53 of the MDA-MB-231 cell line was estimated using ELISA kits. In addition, mice with SEC were divided into four equal groups at random (n = 10) to investigate the possible processes underlying the in vivo antitumor effect. Group IV (SEC-SOR-LYC) received SOR (30 mg/kg/day, p.o.) and LYC (20 mg/kg/day, p.o.); Group I received the SEC control; Group II received SEC-SOR (30 mg/kg/day, p.o.); and Group III received SEC-LYC (20 mg/kg/day, p.o.). The findings demonstrated that the combination of sorafenib and lycopene was superior to sorafenib and lycopene alone in causing early cell cycle arrest, suppressing the viability of cancer cells, and increasing cell apoptosis and autophagy. Likewise, the combination of sorafenib and lycopene demonstrated inhibition of the levels of Bcl-2, Ki-67, VEGF, IL-1β, and TNF-α protein. Otherwise, the quantities of the proteins BAX, P53, and caspase 3 were amplified. Furthermore, the combined treatment led to a substantial increase in TNF-α, caspase 3, and VEGF gene expression compared to the equivalent dosages of monotherapy. The combination of sorafenib and lycopene enhanced apoptosis and reduced inflammation, as seen by the tumor's decreased weight and volume, hence demonstrating its potential anticancer effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanaa A. El-Masry
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt; (N.A.E.M.); (R.T.); (E.Y.O.)
| | - Maysa M. F. El-Nagar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt; (N.A.E.M.); (R.T.); (E.Y.O.)
| | - Nageh A. El Mahdy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt; (N.A.E.M.); (R.T.); (E.Y.O.)
| | - Fatemah A. Alherz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Reham Taher
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt; (N.A.E.M.); (R.T.); (E.Y.O.)
| | - Enass Y. Osman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt; (N.A.E.M.); (R.T.); (E.Y.O.)
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Li B, Xiu M, He L, Zhou S, Yi S, Wang X, Cao W, Liu Y, He J. Protective effect of San Huang Pill and its bioactive compounds against ulcerative colitis in Drosophila via modulation of JAK/STAT, apoptosis, Toll, and Nrf2/Keap1 pathways. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 322:117578. [PMID: 38104873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE San Huang Pill (SHP) is a prescription in Dunhuang Ancient Medical Prescription, which has the efficacy of heat-clearing and dampness-drying, and is a traditional formula for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. However, its efficacy and mechanism in treating ulcerative colitis (UC) are still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the protective effects of SHP and its bioactive compounds against Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-induced intestinal damage using the Drosophila melanogaster model, and to detect the molecular mechanism of SHP in the treatment of UC. METHODS Survival rate, locomotion, feeding, and excretion were used to explore the anti-inflammatory effects of SHP. The pharmacotoxicity of SHP was measured using developmental analysis. Intestinal integrity, intestinal length, intestinal acid-base homeostasis, and Tepan blue assay were used to analyze the protective effect of SHP against DSS-induced intestinal damage. The molecular mechanism of SHP was detected using DHE staining, immunofluorescence, real-time PCR, 16 S rRNA gene sequencing, and network pharmacology analysis. Survival rate, intestinal length, and integrity analysis were used to detect the protective effect of bioactive compounds of SHP against intestinal damage. RESULTS SHP supplementation significantly increased the survival rate, restored locomotion, increased metabolic rate, maintained intestinal morphological integrity and intestinal homeostasis, protected intestinal epithelial cells, and alleviated intestinal oxidative damage in adult flies under DSS stimulation. Besides, administration of SHP had no toxic effect on flies. Moreover, SHP supplementation remarkably decreased the expression levels of genes related to JAK/STAT, apoptosis, and Toll signaling pathways, increased the gene expressions of the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway, and also reduced the relative abundance of harmful bacteria in DSS-treated flies. Additionally, the ingredients in SHP (palmatine, berberine, baicalein, wogonin, rhein, and aloeemodin) had protection against DSS-induced intestinal injury, such as prolonging survival rate, increasing intestinal length, and maintaining intestinal barrier integrity. CONCLUSION SHP had a strong anti-inflammatory function, and remarkably alleviated DSS-induced intestinal morphological damage and intestinal homeostatic imbalance in adult flies by regulating JAK/STAT, apoptosis, Toll and Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathways, and also gut microbial homeostasis. This suggests that SHP may be a potential complementary and alternative medicine herb therapy for UC, which provides a basis for modern pharmacodynamic evaluation of other prescriptions in Dunhuang ancient medical prescription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Botong Li
- Provincial-level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China; College of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Minghui Xiu
- College of Public Health, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory for Transfer of Dunhuang Medicine at the Provincial and Ministerial Level, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Li He
- College of Public Health, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Shihong Zhou
- College of Public Health, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Simeng Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaoqian Wang
- Provincial-level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China; College of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Wangjie Cao
- Provincial-level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China; College of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yongqi Liu
- Provincial-level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory for Transfer of Dunhuang Medicine at the Provincial and Ministerial Level, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Jianzheng He
- Provincial-level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China; College of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory for Transfer of Dunhuang Medicine at the Provincial and Ministerial Level, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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Ma L, Ai F, Xiao H, Wang F, Shi L, Bai X, Zhu Y, Ma W. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide reverses drug resistance in oxaliplatin-resistant colon cancer cells by inhibiting PI3K/AKT-dependent phosphomannose isomerase. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1367747. [PMID: 38576495 PMCID: PMC10991850 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1367747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: Here, we aimed to explore the effect of LBP in combination with Oxaliplatin (OXA) on reversing drug resistance in colon cancer cells through in vitro and in vivo experiments. We also aimed to explore the possible mechanism underlying this effect. Finally, we aimed to determine potential targets of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) in colon cancer (CC) through network pharmacology and molecular docking. Methods: The invasion ability of colon cancer cells was assessed using the invasion assay. The migration ability of these cells was assessed using the migration assay and wound healing assay. Cell cycle analysis was carried out using flow cytometry. The expression levels of phosphomannose isomerase (PMI) and ATP-binding cassette transport protein of G2 (ABCG2) proteins were determined using immunofluorescence and western blotting. The expression levels of phosphatidylinositol3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and BCL2-Associated X (Bax) were determined using western blotting. Forty BALB/c nude mice purchased from Weitong Lihua, Beijing, for the in vivo analyses. The mice were randomly divided into eight groups. They were administered HCT116 and HCT116-OXR cells to prepare colon cancer xenograft models and then treated with PBS, LBP (50 mg/kg), OXA (10 mg/kg), or LBP + OXA (50 mg/kg + 10 mg/kg). The tumor weight and volume of treated model mice were measured, and organ toxicity was evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining. The expression levels of PMI, ABCG2, PI3K, and AKT proteins were then assessed using immunohistochemistry. Moreover, PMI and ABCG2 expression levels were analyzed using immunofluorescence and western blotting. The active components and possible targets of LBP in colon cancer were explored using in silico analysis. GeneCards was used to identify CC targets, and an online Venn analysis tool was used to determine intersection targets between these and LBP active components. The PPI network for intersection target protein interactions and the PPI network for interactions between the intersection target proteins and PMI was built using STRING and Cytoscape. To obtain putative targets of LBP in CC, we performed GO function enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. Results: Compared with the HCT116-OXR blank treatment group, both invasion and migration abilities of HCT116-OXR cells were inhibited in the LBP + OXA (2.5 mg/mL LBP, 10 μΜ OXA) group (p < 0.05). Cells in the LBP + OXA (2.5 mg/mL LBP, 10 μΜ OXA) group were found to arrest in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Knockdown of PMI was found to downregulate PI3K, AKT, and Bcl-2 (p < 0.05), while it was found to upregulate Bax (p < 0.05). After treatment with L. barbarum polysaccharide, 40 colon cancer subcutaneous tumor models showed a decrease in tumor size. There was no difference in the liver index after LBP treatment (p > 0.05). However, the spleen index decreased in the OXA and LBP + OXA groups (p < 0.05), possibly as a side effect of oxaliplatin. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and western blotting showed that LBP + OXA treatment decreased PMI and ABCG2 expression levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, immunohistochemistry showed that LBP + OXA treatment decreased the expression levels of PI3K and AKT (p < 0.05). Network pharmacology analysis revealed 45 active LBP components, including carotenoids, phenylpropanoids, quercetin, xanthophylls, and other polyphenols. It also revealed 146 therapeutic targets of LBP, including AKT, SRC, EGFR, HRAS, STAT3, and MAPK3. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the LBP target proteins were enriched in pathways, including cancer-related signaling pathways, PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and IL-17 signaling pathways. Finally, molecular docking experiments revealed that the active LBP components bind well with ABCG2 and PMI. conclusion: Our in vitro experiments showed that PMI knockdown downregulated PI3K, AKT, and Bcl-2 and upregulated Bax. This finding confirms that PMI plays a role in drug resistance by regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway and lays a foundation to study the mechanism underlying the reversal of colon cancer cell drug resistance by the combination of LBP and OXA. Our in vivo experiments showed that LBP combined with oxaliplatin could inhibit tumor growth. LBP showed no hepatic or splenic toxicity. LBP combined with oxaliplatin could downregulate the expression levels of PMI, ABCG2, PI3K, and AKT; it may thus have positive significance for the treatment of advanced metastatic colon cancer. Our network pharmacology analysis revealed the core targets of LBP in the treatment of CC as well as the pathways they are enriched in. It further verified the results of our in vitro and in vivo experiments, showing the involvement of multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway synergism in the drug-reversing effect of LBP in CC. Overall, the findings of the present study provide new avenues for the future clinical treatment of CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Ma
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Ningxia Ethnomedicine Modernization of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Fangfang Ai
- Key Laboratory of Ningxia Ethnomedicine Modernization of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Hongyan Xiao
- People’s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, China
| | - Fang Wang
- People’s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, China
| | - Lei Shi
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xuehong Bai
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yongzhao Zhu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Wenping Ma
- School of Biological Science and Engineering, North Minzu University, Yinchuan, China
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Xu F, Zhang H, Chen J, Zhan J, Liu P, Liu W, Qi S, Mu Y. Recent progress on the application of compound formulas of traditional Chinese medicine in clinical trials and basic research in vivo for chronic liver disease. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 321:117514. [PMID: 38042388 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Chronic liver diseases mainly include chronic viral liver disease, metabolic liver disease, cholestatic liver disease (CLD), autoimmune liver disease, and liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. Notably, the compound formulas of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is effective for chronic liver diseases in clinical trials and basic research in vivo, which provide evidence of chronic liver disease treatment with integrated TCM and traditional Western medicine. AIM OF THE REVIEW This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the compound formulas of TCM for treating different chronic liver diseases to elucidate the composition, main curative effects, and mechanisms of these formulas and research methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS Different keywords related to chronic liver diseases and keywords related to the compound formulas of TCM were used to search the literature. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CNKI were searched to screen out original articles about the compound formulas of TCM related to the treatment of chronic liver diseases, mainly including clinical trials and basic in vivo research related to Chinese patent drugs, classic prescriptions, proven prescriptions, and hospital preparations. We excluded review articles, meta-analysis articles, in vitro experiments, articles about TCM monomers, articles about single-medicine extracts, and articles with incomplete or uncertain description of prescription composition. Plant names were checked with MPNS (http://mpns.kew.org). RESULTS In this review, the clinical efficacy and mechanism of compound formulas of TCM were summarized for the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, CLD, and liver fibrosis or cirrhosis developed from these diseases and other chronic liver diseases. For each clinical trial and basic research in vivo, this review provides a detailed record of the specific composition of the compound formulas of TCM, type of clinical research, modeling method of animal experiments, grouping methods, medication administration, main efficacy, and mechanisms. CONCLUSION The general development process of chronic liver disease can be summarized as chronic hepatitis, liver fibrosis or cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The compound formulas of TCM have some applications in these stages of chronic liver diseases. Owing to the continuous progress of medical technology, the benefits of the compound formulas of TCM in the treatment of chronic liver diseases are constantly changing and developing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feipeng Xu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jiamei Chen
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Junyi Zhan
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; Institute of Interdisciplinary Complex Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; Department of pharmacy, The SATCM Third Grade Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparations, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Shenglan Qi
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; Department of pharmacy, The SATCM Third Grade Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparations, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Institute of Interdisciplinary Complex Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Yongping Mu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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12
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Le JQ, Song XH, Tong LW, Lin YQ, Feng KK, Tu YF, Hu YS, Shao JW. Dual-drug controllable co-assembly nanosystem for targeted and synergistic treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 656:177-188. [PMID: 37989051 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.11.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
The effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unsatisfactory because of tumor heterogeneity, multidrug resistance, and poor target accumulation. Therefore, multimodality-treatment with accurate drug delivery has become increasingly popular. Herein, a cell penetrating peptide-aptamer dual modified-nanocomposite (USILA NPs) was successfully constructed by coating a cell penetrating peptide and aptamer onto the surface of sorafenib (Sora), ursolic acid (UA) and indocyanine green (ICG) condensed nanodrug (USI NPs) via one-pot assembly for targeted and synergistic HCC treatment. USILA NPs showed higher cellular uptake and cytotoxicity in HepG2 and H22 cells, with a high expression of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). Furthermore, these NPs caused more significant mitochondrial membrane potential reduction and cell apoptosis. These NPs could selectively accumulate at the tumor site of H22 tumor-bearing mice and were detected with the help of ICG fluorescence; moreover, they retarded tumor growth better than monotherapy. Thus, USILA NPs can realize the targeted delivery of dual drugs and the integration of diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, the effects were more significant after co-administration of iRGD peptide, a tumor-penetrating peptide with better penetration promoting ability or programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibody for the reversal of the immunosuppressive state in the tumor microenvironment. The tumor inhibition rates of USILA NPs + iRGD peptide or USILA NPs + PD-L1 antibody with good therapeutic safety were 72.38 % and 67.91 % compared with control, respectively. Overall, this composite nanosystem could act as a promising targeted tool and provide an effective intervention strategy for enhanced HCC synergistic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Qing Le
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Xun-Huan Song
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Ling-Wu Tong
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Ying-Qi Lin
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Ke-Ke Feng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Yi-Fan Tu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Yong-Shan Hu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
| | - Jing-Wei Shao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China.
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Franco-Juárez EX, González-Villasana V, Camacho-Moll ME, Rendón-Garlant L, Ramírez-Flores PN, Silva-Ramírez B, Peñuelas-Urquides K, Cabello-Ruiz ED, Castorena-Torres F, Bermúdez de León M. Mechanistic Insights about Sorafenib-, Valproic Acid- and Metformin-Induced Cell Death in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1760. [PMID: 38339037 PMCID: PMC10855535 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the main causes of death by cancer worldwide, representing about 80-90% of all liver cancers. Treatments available for advanced HCC include atezolizumab, bevacizumab, sorafenib, among others. Atezolizumab and bevacizumab are immunological options recently incorporated into first-line treatments, along with sorafenib, for which great treatment achievements have been reached. However, sorafenib resistance is developed in most patients, and therapeutical combinations targeting cancer hallmark mechanisms and intracellular signaling have been proposed. In this review, we compiled evidence of the mechanisms of cell death caused by sorafenib administered alone or in combination with valproic acid and metformin and discussed them from a molecular perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Xchel Franco-Juárez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Monterrey 64720, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; (E.X.F.-J.); (M.E.C.-M.); (P.N.R.-F.); (K.P.-U.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza 66451, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; (V.G.-V.); (L.R.-G.); (E.D.C.-R.)
| | - Vianey González-Villasana
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza 66451, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; (V.G.-V.); (L.R.-G.); (E.D.C.-R.)
| | - María Elena Camacho-Moll
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Monterrey 64720, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; (E.X.F.-J.); (M.E.C.-M.); (P.N.R.-F.); (K.P.-U.)
| | - Luisa Rendón-Garlant
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza 66451, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; (V.G.-V.); (L.R.-G.); (E.D.C.-R.)
| | - Patricia Nefertari Ramírez-Flores
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Monterrey 64720, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; (E.X.F.-J.); (M.E.C.-M.); (P.N.R.-F.); (K.P.-U.)
- Tecnológico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64710, Nuevo Leon, Mexico;
| | - Beatriz Silva-Ramírez
- Departamento de Inmunogenética, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Monterrey 64720, Nuevo Leon, Mexico;
| | - Katia Peñuelas-Urquides
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Monterrey 64720, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; (E.X.F.-J.); (M.E.C.-M.); (P.N.R.-F.); (K.P.-U.)
| | - Ethel Daniela Cabello-Ruiz
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza 66451, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; (V.G.-V.); (L.R.-G.); (E.D.C.-R.)
| | - Fabiola Castorena-Torres
- Tecnológico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64710, Nuevo Leon, Mexico;
| | - Mario Bermúdez de León
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Monterrey 64720, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; (E.X.F.-J.); (M.E.C.-M.); (P.N.R.-F.); (K.P.-U.)
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Tong LW, Le JQ, Song XH, Li CL, Yu SJ, Lin YQ, Tu YF, Shao JW. Synergistic anti-tumor effect of dual drug co-assembled nanoparticles based on ursolic acid and sorafenib. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2024; 234:113724. [PMID: 38183870 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Both ursolic acid (UA) and sorafenib (Sora) have been generally utilized in cancer treatment, and the combination of the two has also shown a good anti-tumor effect. However, single-agent therapy for Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has the disadvantages of multi-drug resistance, poor water solubility and low bioavailability, and the application of traditional nanocarrier materials is limited due to their low drug loading and low carrier-related toxicity. Therefore, we prepared US NPs with different proportions of UA and Sora by solvent exchange method for achieving synergistic HCC therapy. US NPs had suitable particle size, good dispersibility and storage stability, which synergistically inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells, SMMC7721 cells and H22 cells. In addition, we also proved that US NPs were able to suppress the migration of HepG2 cells and SMMC7721 cells and reduce the adhesion ability and colony formation ability of these cells. According to the results, US NPs could degrade the membrane potential of mitochondrial, participate in cell apoptosis, and synergistically induce autophagy. Collectively, the carrier-free US NPs provide new strategies for HCC treatment and new ideas for the development of novel nano-drug delivery systems containing UA and Sora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Wu Tong
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Jing-Qing Le
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Xun-Huan Song
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Cheng-Lei Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Shi-Jing Yu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Ying-Qi Lin
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Yi-Fan Tu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Jing-Wei Shao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China.
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15
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Lin R, Xie S, Xu F, Chen Z, Liu J, Liu X. Improvement of rat hepatocellular carcinoma model induced by diethylnitrosamine. Tissue Cell 2024; 86:102261. [PMID: 37951061 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2023.102261] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To construct a new diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced rat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model with short induction time, high incidence, and survival rate. METHODS 60 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: the control group, the model A (MA) group, the model B (MB) group, and the model C (MC) group. The control group was intraperitoneally injected with 0.9% saline for 6 weeks. The MA group was injected with the DEN solution at 30 mg/kg three times a week for 6 weeks. The MB group was injected with the DEN solution at 30 mg/kg three times a week for 6 weeks, and discontinued the induction for 2 weeks. The MC group was injected with the DEN solution at 30 mg/kg three times a week for 8 weeks. The levels of albumin (ALB), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum were assayed. Meanwhile, the pathological conditions, apoptosis of hepatocytes, expression of NF-κBp65, and the reactive oxygen species level were detected. RESULTS All rats in the control group and the MA group survived, and none of the rats occurred HCC. HCC occurred in rats of the MB group and the MC group. The serum ALB level in the MB group was higher than that in the MC group. The serum ALT and AST levels and the number of proliferating and apoptotic hepatocyte cells in the MB group were lower than those in the MC group. The expression of ROS- and NF-κBp6- positive cells in the MA group, MB group, and MC group were significantly higher than that of the control group. CONCLUSION This study developed a new DEN-induced rat HCC model with short induction time, high incidence, and survival rate. NF-κB pathway may be one of the main pathways involved in the development of this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runzhui Lin
- Hepatobiliary, pancreatic and splenic surgery,Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Sitian Xie
- Burn and plastic surgery,Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Fengjie Xu
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Zeming Chen
- Hepatobiliary, pancreatic and splenic surgery,Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Jianrui Liu
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Xingmu Liu
- Hepatobiliary, pancreatic and splenic surgery,Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China.
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Chen D, Ren Y, Jin J, Liu S, Zhan X, Li X, Liang R, Ding Z. Pingchong Jiangni recipe through nerve growth factor/transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 signaling pathway to relieve pain in endometriosis model rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:116940. [PMID: 37479067 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Pingchong Jiangni recipe (PJR) is often used in the treatment of endometriosis (EM). This formula has been clinically validated by the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Specialties Collaborative Group for its therapeutic efficacy. Recently, our research team also confirmed that PJR has a shrinking effect on ovarian chocolate cysts. Additionally, PJR was also found to have a shrinking effect on EM lesions; however, the mechanism by which this effect occurs remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To explore the mechanisms by which PJR relieves pain in patients with EM. MATERIALS AND METHODS A rat model of EM was established by autologous transplantation. PJR (3.78 g/kg, 7.56 g/kg, and 15.12 g/kg) was orally administered for 21 days. The rat grimace scale (RGS) score and paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) were measured at a fixed time during the experiment. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to observe histopathological changes in EM rats after administration, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to evaluate the plasma expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nerve growth factor (NGF), and immunohistochemistry and western blotting to identify differences in the expression of pain-related factors in EM rats. RESULTS The medium-dose group of PJR (7.56 g/kg) had the best effect on relieving pain in EM rats by reducing RGS, increasing PWT, reducing the ectopic endometrium, improving the cellular structure of the lesion, and reducing TNF-α and NGF levels. However, PJR significantly decreased the expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), phosphorylated TRPV1 (p-TRPV1), protein kinase C (PKC), and NGF. CONCLUSION The mechanism by which PJR relieves EM pain may be through the downregulation of NGF, PKC, and TRPV1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danni Chen
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Yunying Ren
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Jing Jin
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Shuzhen Liu
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Xiaoxuan Zhan
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Xin Li
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Ruining Liang
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Zhiling Ding
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, Jiangxi Province, China.
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Luo J, Chen QX, Li P, Yu H, Yu L, Lu JL, Yin HZ, Huang BJ, Zhang SJ. Lobelia chinensis Lour inhibits the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via the regulation of the PTEN/AKT signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:116886. [PMID: 37429502 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Lobelia chinensis Lour. (LCL) is a common herb used for clearing heat and detoxifying, and it has antitumor activity. Quercetin is one of its important components, which may play an important role in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). AIM OF THE STUDY To study the active ingredients of LCL, their mechanism of action on HCC, and lay the foundations for the development of new drugs for the treatment of HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Network pharmacology was used to examine the probable active ingredients and mechanisms of action of LCL in HCC treatment. Based on an oral bioavailability of ≥30% and a drug-likeness index of ≥0.18, relevant compounds were selected from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database and TCM Database@Taiwan. HCC-related targets were identified using gene cards and the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database. A Venn diagram was created to assess the relationship between the intersection of disease and medication targets by creating a protein-protein interaction network, and the hub targets were selected by topology. Gene Ontology enrichment analyses were performed using the DAVID tool. Finally, in vivo and in vitro experiments (qRT-PCR, western blotting, hematoxylin and eosin staining, transwell assays, scratch tests, and flow cytometry assays) verified that LCL demonstrated notable therapeutic effects on HCC. RESULTS In total, 16 bioactive LCL compounds met the screening criteria. The 30 most important LCL therapeutic target genes were identified. Of these, AKT1 and MAPK1 were the most important target genes, and the AKT signaling pathway was identified as the key pathway. Transwell and scratch assays showed that LCL prevented cell migration, and flow cytometry tests revealed that the LCL-treated group showed a considerably higher rate of apoptosis than the control group. LCL reduced tumor formation in mice in vivo, and Western blot analysis of tumor tissues treated with LCL indicated variations in PTEN, p-MAPK and p-AKT1 levels. The results show that LCL may inhibit the progression of HCC through the PTEN/AKT signaling pathway to achieve the goal of treating HCC. CONCLUSION LCL is a broad-spectrum anticancer agent. These findings reveal potential treatment targets and strategies for preventing the spread of cancer, which could aid in screening potential traditional Chinese medicine for anticancer and clarifying their mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Luo
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510800, China; Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Qiu-Xia Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510800, China
| | - Pan Li
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - He Yu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510800, China
| | - Ling Yu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510800, China
| | - Jia-Li Lu
- Department of General Practice, Shenzhen Longgang Fourth People's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518100, China
| | - Hong-Zhi Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Shenzhen Hospital (Longgang), Shenzhen, 518100, China
| | - Bi-Jun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Department of Experimental Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Shi-Jun Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510800, China.
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Xu B, Liang J, Fu L, Wei J, Lin J. A Novel Oncogenic Role of Disulfidptosis-related Gene SLC7A11 in Anti-tumor Immunotherapy Response to Human Cancers. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2024; 24:846-866. [PMID: 38303526 DOI: 10.2174/0115680096277818231229105732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The protein Solute Carrier Family 7 Member 11 (SLC7A11) plays a pivotal role in cellular redox homeostasis by suppressing disulfidptosis, which restricts tumor growth. Yet, its relevance in prognosis, immunity, and cancer treatment efficacy is not well understood. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the expression of SLC7A11 across 33 cancer types, employing datasets from public databases. Methods, such as Cox regression and survival analyses assessed its prognostic significance, while functional enrichment explored the biological processes tied to SLC7A11. The association between SLC7A11 expression, immune cell infiltration, and immune-related gene expression was also scrutinized. RESULTS Notably, SLC7A11 expression was more pronounced in cancerous compared to normal samples and correlated with higher tumor grades. Increased SLC7A11 expression was linked to poor outcomes, particularly in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). This protein's expression also showcased significant relationships with diverse molecular and immune subtypes. Additionally, a prognostic nomogram was devised, integrating SLC7A11 expression and clinical variables. High SLC7A11 levels corresponded with cell growth and senescence pathways in various cancers and with lipid and cholesterol metabolism in LIHC. Furthermore, potential therapeutic compounds for LIHC with high SLC7A11 were identified. Real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blot were conducted to explore the expression of SLC7A11 in tumor tissues and cancer cell lines. CONCLUSION In summation, this study emphasizes the prognostic and immunological importance of SLC7A11, spotlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in LIHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borui Xu
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiahua Liang
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Liangmin Fu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinhuan Wei
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
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Zaafar D, Khalil HMA, Elnaggar R, Saad DZ, Rasheed RA. Protective role of hesperetin in sorafenib-induced hepato- and neurotoxicity in mice via modulating apoptotic pathways and mitochondrial reprogramming. Life Sci 2024; 336:122295. [PMID: 38007145 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122295] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sorafenib, an FDA-approved standard chemotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, is associated with numerous adverse effects that significantly impact patients' physiological well-being. Consequently, identifying agents that mitigate these side effects while enhancing efficacy is crucial. Hesperetin, a flavone present in fruits and vegetables, possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. This study aimed to investigate the hepatotoxic and neurotoxic effects of sorafenib and the potential protective role of hesperetin. MATERIALS AND METHODS Swiss albino mice were orally administered sorafenib (100 mg/kg) alone or in combination with hesperetin (50 mg/kg) over 21 days. Behavioral assessments for anxiety and depressive-like behaviors were conducted. Additionally, evaluations encompassed apoptotic activity, mitochondrial integrity, liver enzyme levels, proliferation rates, and histopathological changes. RESULTS Combining hesperetin with sorafenib showed improvements in behavioral alterations, liver damage, brain mitochondrial dysfunction, and liver apoptosis compared to the sorafenib-only group in mice. CONCLUSION Hesperetin exhibits potential as an adjunct to sorafenib, mitigating its side effects by attenuating its toxicity, enhancing efficacy, and potentially reducing the occurrence of sorafenib-induced resistance through the downregulation of hepatocyte growth factor levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Zaafar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Heba M A Khalil
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Management, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt.
| | - Reham Elnaggar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy and Drug Manufacturing, Misr University of Science and Technology (MUST), 6th October, Giza 12566, Egypt.
| | - Diana Z Saad
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, King Salman International University, South Sinai, Egypt.
| | - Rabab Ahmed Rasheed
- Department of Medical Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, King Salman International University, South Sinai, Egypt.
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Ji X, Ma Q, Wang X, Ming H, Bao G, Fu M, Wei C. Digeda-4 decoction and its disassembled prescriptions improve dyslipidemia and apoptosis by regulating AMPK/SIRT1 pathway on tyloxapol-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 317:116827. [PMID: 37348794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a manifestation of metabolic syndrome in the liver and the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Digeda-4 decoction (DGD-4) is a commonly prescribed Mongolian herbal drug for treating acute and chronic liver injury and fatty liver. However, the mechanisms underlying the improvement of dislipidemia and liver injury via treatment with DGD-4 remain unclear. Disassembling a prescription is an effective approach to studying the effects and mechanisms underlying Mongolian medicine prescriptions. By disassembling a prescription, it is feasible to discover effective combinations of individual herbs to optimize a given prescription. Accordingly, we disassembled DGD-4 into two groups: the single Lomatogonium rotatum (L.) Fries ex Nym (LR) (DGD-1) and non-LR (DGD-3). AIM OF THIS STUDY To study whether DGD-4 and its disassembled prescriptions have protective effects against tyloxapol (TY)-induced NAFLD and to explore the underlying mechanisms of action and compatibility of prescriptions. MATERIAL AND METHODS NAFLD mice were developed by TY induction. Biochemical horizontal analyses, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and liver histological staining were performed to explore the protective effects of DGD-4 and its disassembled prescriptions DGD-3 and DGD-1. Furthermore, we performed immunohistochemical analyses and Western blotting to further explore the expression of target proteins. RESULTS DGD-4 and its disassembled prescriptions could inhibit TY-induced dislipidemia and liver injury. In addition, DGD-4 and its disassembled prescriptions increased the levels of p-AMPKα and p-ACC, but decreased the levels of SREBP1c, SCD-1, SREBP-2, and HMGCS1 proteins. The activation of lipid metabolic pathways SIRT1, PGC-1α, and PPARα improved lipid accumulation in the liver. Moreover, DGD-4 could inhibit hepatocyte apoptosis and treat TY-induced liver injury by upregulating the Bcl-2 expression, downregulating the expression of Bax, caspase-3, caspase-8, and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, and positively regulating the imbalance of oxidative stress (OxS) markers (such as superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], malondialdehyde [MDA], and myeloperoxidase [MPO]). DGD-1 was superior to DGD-3 in regulating lipid synthesis-related proteins such as SREBP1c, SCD-1, SREBP-2, and HMGCS1. DGD-3 significantly affected the expression of lipid metabolic proteins SIRT1, PGC-1α, PPARα, apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, caspase-8, and the regulation of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. However, DGD-1 showed no regulatory effects on Bax and Bcl-2 proteins. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the protective effects of DGD-4 in the TY-induced NAFLD mice through a mechanism involving improvement of dyslipidemia and apoptosis by regulating the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway. Although the Monarch drug DGD-1 reduces lipid accumulation and DGD-3 inhibits apoptosis and protects the liver from injury, DGD-4 can be more effective overall as a therapy when compared to DGD-1 and DGD-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Ji
- School of Mongolian Medicine, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China; Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China; Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicine Pharmacology for Cardio-Cerebral Vascular System, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China.
| | - Qianqian Ma
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China; Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicine Pharmacology for Cardio-Cerebral Vascular System, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China.
| | - Xuan Wang
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China; Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicine Pharmacology for Cardio-Cerebral Vascular System, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China.
| | - Hui Ming
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China; Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicine Pharmacology for Cardio-Cerebral Vascular System, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China.
| | - Guihua Bao
- School of Mongolian Medicine, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China; Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicine Pharmacology for Cardio-Cerebral Vascular System, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China.
| | - Minghai Fu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China.
| | - Chengxi Wei
- School of Mongolian Medicine, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China; Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China; Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicine Pharmacology for Cardio-Cerebral Vascular System, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, 028000, China.
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Singla M, Smriti, Gupta S, Behal P, Singh SK, Preetam S, Rustagi S, Bora J, Mittal P, Malik S, Slama P. Unlocking the power of nanomedicine: the future of nutraceuticals in oncology treatment. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1258516. [PMID: 38045808 PMCID: PMC10691498 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1258516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer, an intricate and multifaceted disease, is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells that can lead to serious health complications and ultimately death. Conventional therapeutic strategies mainly target rapidly dividing cancer cells, but often indiscriminately harm healthy cells in the process. As a result, there is a growing interest in exploring novel therapies that are both effective and less toxic to normal cells. Herbs have long been used as natural remedies for various diseases and conditions. Some herbal compounds exhibit potent anti-cancer properties, making them potential candidates for nutraceutical-based treatments. However, despite their promising efficacy, there are considerable limitations in utilizing herbal preparations due to their poor solubility, low bioavailability, rapid metabolism and excretion, as well as potential interference with other medications. Nanotechnology offers a unique platform to overcome these challenges by encapsulating herbal compounds within nanoparticles. This approach not only increases solubility and stability but also enhances the cellular uptake of nutraceuticals, allowing for controlled and targeted delivery of therapeutic agents directly at tumor sites. By harnessing the power of nanotechnology-enabled therapy, this new frontier in cancer treatment presents an opportunity to minimize toxicity while maximizing efficacy. In conclusion, this manuscript provides compelling evidence for integrating nanotechnology with nutraceuticals derived from herbal sources to optimize cancer therapy outcomes. We explore the roadblocks associated with traditional herbal treatments and demonstrate how nanotechnology can help circumvent these issues, paving the way for safer and more effective cancer interventions in future oncological practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhav Singla
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, India
| | - Smriti
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, India
| | - Saurabh Gupta
- Department of Pharmacology, Chameli Devi Institute of Pharmacy, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Prateek Behal
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, India
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Sarvesh Rustagi
- School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Jutishna Bora
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Jharkhand, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
| | - Pooja Mittal
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, India
| | - Sumira Malik
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Jharkhand, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
- Department of Biotechnology, University Center for Research & Development (UCRD), Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Petr Slama
- Laboratory of Animal Immunology and Biotechnology, Department of Animal Morphology, Physiology and Genetics, Faculty of Agri Sciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska, Brno, Czechia
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Elmetwalli A, Diab T, Albalawi AN, El-Naggar SA, El‑Far AH, Ghedan AR, Alamri ES, Salama AF. Diarylheptanoids/sorafenib as a potential anticancer combination against hepatocellular carcinoma: the p53/MMP9 axis of action. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:2501-2517. [PMID: 37145126 PMCID: PMC10497687 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02470-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a serious and potentially fatal form of cancer associated with liver damage. New anticancer drugs are increasingly needed due to the increasing number of cancer cases every year. In this study, diarylheptanoids (DAH) from Alpinia officinarum were examined for their antitumor activity against DAB-induced HCC in mice, as well as their ability to reduce liver damage. Assays for cytotoxicity were conducted using MTT. The DAB-induced HCC Swiss albino male mice were given DAH and sorafenib (SOR) either as single treatments or in combination, and the effects on tumour development and progression were monitored. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) were evaluated along with biomarkers of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and GGT). The apoptosis-related gene (CASP8), the apoptosis-related gene (p53), the anti-inflammatory genes (IL-6), the migration-related gene matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP9), and the angiogenesis-related gene vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were assessed using qRT-PCR in the hepatic tissue. As a final step, DAH and SOR were docked with CASP8 and MMP9 via molecular docking to propose potential mechanisms of action. Our results revealed that the combination of DAH and SOR has a potent inhibitory effect on the growth and viability of the HepG2 cell line. The outcomes demonstrated that DAH and SOR-treated HCC-bearing mice displayed a reduction in the tumour burden and liver damage as demonstrated by (1) parameters of repaired liver function; (2) low levels of hepatic MDA; (3) elevated levels of hepatic T-SOD; (4) p53, IL-6, CASP8, MMP9, and VEGF downregulation; and (5) enhanced hepatic structure. The best results were revealed in mice that were co-treated with DAH (given orally) and SOR (given intraperitoneally). The docking study also proposed that both DAH and SOR could inhibit CASP8 and MMP9's oncogenic activities and had a high affinity for these enzymes. In conclusion, according to study findings, DAH enhances SOR antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects and identifies their molecular targets. Furthermore, the results revealed that DAH was able to boost the anticancer effects of the drug SOR and reduce liver damage caused by HCC in mice. This suggests that DAH could be a potential therapeutic agent against liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Elmetwalli
- Department of Clinical Trial Research Unit and Drug Discovery, Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Thoria Diab
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Aisha Nawaf Albalawi
- Department of Biology, University of Haql College, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, 71491 Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ali H. El‑Far
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511 Egypt
| | - Amira Radwan Ghedan
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Eman Saad Alamri
- Nutrition and Food Science Department, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, 71491 Saudi Arabia
| | - Afrah Fatthi Salama
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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Pauletto M, Giantin M, Tolosi R, Bassan I, Bardhi A, Barbarossa A, Montanucci L, Zaghini A, Dacasto M. Discovering the Protective Effects of Quercetin on Aflatoxin B1-Induced Toxicity in Bovine Foetal Hepatocyte-Derived Cells (BFH12). Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:555. [PMID: 37755981 PMCID: PMC10534839 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15090555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) induces lipid peroxidation and mortality in bovine foetal hepatocyte-derived cells (BFH12), with underlying transcriptional perturbations associated mainly with cancer, cellular damage, inflammation, bioactivation, and detoxification pathways. In this cell line, curcumin and resveratrol have proven to be effective in mitigating AFB1-induced toxicity. In this paper, we preliminarily assessed the potential anti-AFB1 activity of a natural polyphenol, quercetin (QUE), in BFH12 cells. To this end, we primarily measured QUE cytotoxicity using a WST-1 reagent. Then, we pre-treated the cells with QUE and exposed them to AFB1. The protective role of QUE was evaluated by measuring cytotoxicity, transcriptional changes (RNA-sequencing), lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde production), and targeted post-transcriptional modifications (NQO1 and CYP3A enzymatic activity). The results demonstrated that QUE, like curcumin and resveratrol, reduced AFB1-induced cytotoxicity and lipid peroxidation and caused larger transcriptional variations than AFB1 alone. Most of the differentially expressed genes were involved in lipid homeostasis, inflammatory and immune processes, and carcinogenesis. As for enzymatic activities, QUE significantly reverted CYP3A variations induced by AFB1, but not those of NQO1. This study provides new knowledge about key molecular mechanisms involved in QUE-mediated protection against AFB1 toxicity and encourages in vivo studies to assess QUE's bioavailability and beneficial effects on aflatoxicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Pauletto
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Viale dell’Università 16, I-35020 Legnaro, Italy; (M.G.); (R.T.); (I.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Mery Giantin
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Viale dell’Università 16, I-35020 Legnaro, Italy; (M.G.); (R.T.); (I.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Roberta Tolosi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Viale dell’Università 16, I-35020 Legnaro, Italy; (M.G.); (R.T.); (I.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Irene Bassan
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Viale dell’Università 16, I-35020 Legnaro, Italy; (M.G.); (R.T.); (I.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Anisa Bardhi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, I-40064 Bologna, Italy; (A.B.); (A.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Andrea Barbarossa
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, I-40064 Bologna, Italy; (A.B.); (A.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Ludovica Montanucci
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA;
| | - Anna Zaghini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, I-40064 Bologna, Italy; (A.B.); (A.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Mauro Dacasto
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Viale dell’Università 16, I-35020 Legnaro, Italy; (M.G.); (R.T.); (I.B.); (M.D.)
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Yu M, Li H, Wang B, Wu Z, Wu S, Jiang G, Wang H, Huang Y. Baicalein ameliorates polymyxin B-induced acute renal injury by inhibiting ferroptosis via regulation of SIRT1/p53 acetylation. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 382:110607. [PMID: 37354967 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
The polypeptide antibiotic Polymyxin B (PMB) can cause acute kidney injury (AKI), we found that ferroptosis is one of the main mechanisms of renal injury caused by PMB. It was reported that baicalein can inhibit ferroptosis. Therefore, in this study we examined whether baicalein could attenuate PMB-induced renal injury by inhibiting ferroptosis. We confirmed that baicalein could reduce PMB-induced renal injury in vivo and in vitro studies. In the in vitro study, baicalein significantly increased the survival rate of human HK2 tubular epithelial cells. The results of HE staining and electron microscopy in mice also showed that baicalein reduced PMB-induced renal injury, and significantly decreased the levels of BUN and Scr. By detecting ferroptosis-related indicators, we found that pre-incubation of baicalein in HK2 cells down-regulated Fe2+ level, lipid peroxidation, MDA and HO-1 which had been increased by PMB. Furthermore, baicalein up-regulated the levels of SCL7A11, GPX4 and GSH that were decreased by PMB. Moreover, intraperitoneal injection of baicalein in the animal model down-regulated kidney iron level, PTGS2 and 4HNE, and increased the GSH level, which suggested that baicalein could inhibit PMB-induced ferroptosis. Finally, by detecting changes in levels of p53 and p53 K382 acetylation, baicalein was observed to decrease elevated p53 K382 acetylation after PMB treatment, further confirming that baicalein inhibits ferroptosis by reducing p53 K382 acetylation via upregulation of SIRT1 expression. In conclusion, these results suggest that baicalein decreases p53 acetylation level by elevating SIRT1, which can then inhibit PMB-induced ferroptosis and ultimately attenuates AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu, Anhui, 233004, PR China; Faculty of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, 2600 Donghai Road, Bengbu, Anhui, 233003, PR China; Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, PR China
| | - Hongyu Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu, Anhui, 233004, PR China; Faculty of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, 2600 Donghai Road, Bengbu, Anhui, 233003, PR China
| | - Boying Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu, Anhui, 233004, PR China; Faculty of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, 2600 Donghai Road, Bengbu, Anhui, 233003, PR China
| | - Zhenxiang Wu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Anhui, Bengbu, 233004, PR China
| | - Sheng Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu, Anhui, 233004, PR China; Faculty of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, 2600 Donghai Road, Bengbu, Anhui, 233003, PR China
| | - Guojun Jiang
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, 2600 Donghai Road, Bengbu, Anhui, 233003, PR China
| | - Huaxue Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Anhui, Bengbu, 233004, PR China.
| | - Yingying Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu, Anhui, 233004, PR China; Faculty of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, 2600 Donghai Road, Bengbu, Anhui, 233003, PR China.
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Park Y, Kang D, Sinn DH, Kim H, Hong YS, Cho J, Gwak GY. Effect of lifestyle modification on hepatocellular carcinoma incidence and mortality among patients with chronic hepatitis B. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:3843-3854. [PMID: 37426323 PMCID: PMC10324530 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i24.3843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research exploring the influence of healthier lifestyle modification (LSM) on the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is limited.
AIM To emulate a target trial to determine the effect of LSM on HCC incidence and mortality among patients with CHB by large-scale population-based observational data.
METHODS Among the patients with CHB enrolled in the Korean National Health Insurance Service between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2017, those aged ≥ 20 years who drank alcohol, smoked cigarettes, and were sedentary were analyzed. Exposure included at least one LSM, including alcohol abstinence, smoking cessation, and regular exercise. The primary outcome was HCC development, and the secondary outcome was liver-related mortality. We used 2:1 propensity score matching to account for covariates.
RESULTS With 48766 patients in the LSM group and 103560 in the control group, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for incident HCC and liver-related mortality was 0.92 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.87-0.96] and 0.92 (95%CI: 0.86-0.99) in the LSM group, respectively, compared with the control group. Among the LSM group, the adjusted HR (95%CI) for incident HCC was 0.84 (0.76-0.94), 0.87 (0.81-0.94), and 1.08 (1.00-1.16) for alcohol abstinence, smoking cessation, and regular exercise, respectively. The adjusted HR (95%CI) for liver-related mortality was 0.92 (0.80-1.06), 0.81 (0.72-0.91), and 1.15 (1.04-1.27) for alcohol abstinence, smoking cessation, and regular exercise, respectively.
CONCLUSION LSM lowered the risk of HCC and mortality in patients with CHB. Thus, active LSM, particularly alcohol abstinence and smoking cessation, should be encouraged in patients with CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yewan Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul 02447, South Korea
- Department of Digital Health, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06355, South Korea
| | - Danbee Kang
- Department of Clinical Research Design and Evaluation, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06355, South Korea
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, South Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Sinn
- Department of Digital Health, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06355, South Korea
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, South Korea
| | - Hyunsoo Kim
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, South Korea
| | - Yun Soo Hong
- Departments of Epidemiology and Medicine, and Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States
| | - Juhee Cho
- Department of Clinical Research Design and Evaluation, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06355, South Korea
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, South Korea
- Departments of Epidemiology and Medicine, and Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States
| | - Geum-Youn Gwak
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, South Korea
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Farhan M. Insights on the Role of Polyphenols in Combating Cancer Drug Resistance. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1709. [PMID: 37371804 PMCID: PMC10296548 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy resistance is still a serious problem in the treatment of most cancers. Many cellular and molecular mechanisms contribute to both inherent and acquired drug resistance. They include the use of unaffected growth-signaling pathways, changes in the tumor microenvironment, and the active transport of medicines out of the cell. The antioxidant capacity of polyphenols and their potential to inhibit the activation of procarcinogens, cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis, as well as to promote the inhibition or downregulation of active drug efflux transporters, have been linked to a reduced risk of cancer in epidemiological studies. Polyphenols also have the ability to alter immunological responses and inflammatory cascades, as well as trigger apoptosis in cancer cells. The discovery of the relationship between abnormal growth signaling and metabolic dysfunction in cancer cells highlights the importance of further investigating the effects of dietary polyphenols, including their ability to boost the efficacy of chemotherapy and avoid multidrug resistance (MDR). Here, it is summarized what is known regarding the effectiveness of natural polyphenolic compounds in counteracting the resistance that might develop to cancer drugs as a result of a variety of different mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Farhan
- Department of Basic Sciences, Preparatory Year Deanship, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
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Tang J, Wang L, Shi M, Feng S, Zhang T, Han H. Study on the mechanism of Shuganzhi Tablet against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and lipid regulation effects of its main substances in vitro. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023:116780. [PMID: 37311504 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Shuganzhi Tablet (SGZT) originates from a famous traditional Chinese herbal formula Chaihu Decoction which can be applied to treat liver diseases, however, the pharmacodynamic mechanism of SGZT needs to be evaluated. AIM OF THIS STUDY To study the mechanism of SGZT in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and screen out its effective ingredients. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, firstly, the main components of SGZT were analyzed qualitatively. And a rat model of NAFLD was established by feeding high-fat diet. Serum biochemical indexes and liver pathological analysis were used to evaluate the pharmacodynamic effect of SGZT in the treatment of NAFLD. In order to explore the pharmacodynamic mechanism, proteomics and metabolomics analysis were used. Western blotting was used to verify the expression of important differential proteins. And L02 cells were treated with free fatty acids (FFA) and the main substances of SGZT to establish the cell model of NAFLD in vitro and to reveal the pharmacodynamic substance of SGZT. RESULTS Twelve components were detected in SGZT, and according to the results of serum biochemical indexes and liver pathological analysis, SGZT could effectively treat NAFLD. Combined with the results of bioinformatics analysis, we found that 133 differentially expressed proteins were reversed in liver samples of rats treated with SGZT. The important proteins in PPAR signaling pathway, steroid biosynthesis, cholesterol metabolism and fatty acid metabolism were mainly regulated to maintain cholesterol homeostasis and improve lipid metabolism. SGZT also affected various metabolites in rat liver, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and taurine. In addition, the main components contained in SGZT (hesperidin, polydatin, naringin, emodin, specnuezhenide, saikosaponin A) and a metabolite (resveratrol) could significantly reduce FFA-induced intracellular lipid accumulation. CONCLUSION SGZT effectively treated NAFLD, and PPAR-γ, Acsl4, Plin2 and Fads1 may be the main targets of SGZT. And Fads1-EPA/DHA-PPAR-γ may be the potential pharmacodynamic pathway. Cell experiments in vitro revealed that the main components of SGZT and their metabolites, such as hesperidin, polydatin, naringin, emodin, specnuezhenide, saikosaponin A and resveratrol may be the main components of its efficacy. Further research is needed to reveal and validate the pharmacodynamic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Lixiang Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Mengge Shi
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Shuaixia Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Tong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Han Han
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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Yuan S, Li Z, Huang W, Chen K, Li J. The phytoestrogenic potential of flavonoid glycosides from Selaginella moellendorffii via ERα-dependent signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 308:116174. [PMID: 36669597 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Selaginella moellendorffii (SM) has been applied as an ethnic drug to treat conditions such as osteoporosis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and chronic inflammation. It is known to be rich in flavonoids, including apigenin glycosides and unique elements of bioflavonoids. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate estrogen-like constituents of SM and the possible mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS We identified the main components in liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The estrogenic effects were examined using a recombinant yeast screening assay, an E-screen cell proliferation assay, and an in vivo uterotrophic assay. RESULTS Flavonoid glycosides extract, some flavonoid glycosides, and apigenin showed estrogen agonistic activity in the yeast screening assay. They also induced cell proliferation in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) cells but not in estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) cells. Consistently, the protein expression of ERα, phosphorylation protein kinase B (p-AKT), phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K), phosphorylation mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), phosphorylation 38,000-Da protein (p-P38), and phosphorylation extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) elevated following treatment with flavonoid glycoside extract (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). These effects could be blocked by ER antagonist or ERα antagonist but not be blocked by ERβ antagonist. In vivo assay, flavonoid glycoside extract could significantly increase body weight, serum estradiol level, uterine wet weight, alter uterine morphology, and promote ERα protein expression (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS ERα induction via mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways might be the possible mechanism underlying the phytoestrogen effect of SM, and the flavonoid glycosides might be the critical estrogenic constituents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijun Yuan
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, China.
| | - Zihan Li
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, China.
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Keli Chen
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, China.
| | - Juan Li
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, China.
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Wang Y, Li W, Wang M, Chen H, Li Y, Wei W, Liu X, Wu Y, Luo S, Liu X, Xiong M. Quercetin prevents the ferroptosis of OPCs by inhibiting the Id2/transferrin pathway. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 381:110556. [PMID: 37230155 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a destructive neurological disorder that causes impaired mobility, sensory, and autonomic dysfunctions. The loss of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), which can differentiate into mature oligodendrocytes and re-myelinate damaged axons, is related to poorer recovery for SCI patients. However, inhibiting OPCs loss has always been a difficult problem to overcome. In this study, we demonstrated the anti-ferroptosis effects of quercetin as a mechanism in erastin-induced OPC ferroptosis. Quercetin ameliorated erastin-induced ferroptosis in OPCs, as indicated by decreased iron concentration, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and increased content of glutathione (GSH) as well as more normal mitochondria morphology. Compared with erastin-induced OPCs, the myelin basic protein (MBP)-positive myelin and NF200-positive axonal was remarkably increased in quercetin-treated OPCs. Furthermore, quercetin ameliorated the erastin-induced ferroptosis as well as the myelin and axon loss of OPCs by downregulating transferrin. Transfected OPCs with transferrin overexpression plasmids significantly abrogated the protective role of quercetin in OPC ferroptosis. Using ChIP-qPCR, a direct interaction of transferrin with its upstream gene Id2 was found. The overexpression of Id2 reversed the effect of quercetin on OPC ferroptosis. In vivo study found that quercetin greatly decreased the area of injury, and enhanced the BBB score after SCI. Furthermore, in the SCI model, quercetin significantly downregulated Id2 and transferrin expression, while significantly up-regulated GPX4 and PTGS2 expression. In conclusion, quercetin prevents the ferroptosis of OPCs by inhibiting the Id2/transferrin pathway. These findings highlight quercetin as an anti-ferroptosis agent for the treatment or prevention of spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeyang Wang
- Department of Spine, Orthopaedic Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510000, PR China
| | - Wenjun Li
- Department of Spine, Orthopaedic Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510000, PR China
| | - Mingsen Wang
- Department of Orthopedic, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Puning City, Puning, 515343, PR China; Department of Orthopedic, Chaoshan Renyu Hospital of Jieyang, Jieyang, 515300, PR China
| | - Hongdong Chen
- Department of No.1 General Surgery, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510000, PR China
| | - Yongsheng Li
- Guangdong Cord Blood Bank, Guangzhou, 510663, PR China; Guangzhou Municipality Tianhe Nuoya Bio-engineering Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, 510663, PR China
| | - Wei Wei
- Guangdong Cord Blood Bank, Guangzhou, 510663, PR China; Guangzhou Municipality Tianhe Nuoya Bio-engineering Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, 510663, PR China
| | - Xuhua Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, PR China
| | - Yuelin Wu
- Department of Spine, Orthopaedic Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510000, PR China
| | - Sidong Luo
- Department of Spine, Orthopaedic Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510000, PR China
| | - Xinfang Liu
- Department of Spine, Orthopaedic Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510000, PR China
| | - Man Xiong
- School of Nursing, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, PR China.
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Morsy HM, Ahmed OM, Zoheir KMA, Abdel-Moneim A. The anticarcinogenic effect of eugenol on lung cancer induced by diethylnitrosamine/2-acetylaminofluorene in Wistar rats: insight on the mechanisms of action. Apoptosis 2023:10.1007/s10495-023-01852-2. [PMID: 37179285 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-023-01852-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to assess the ameliorative effects of eugenol and to propose the possible mechanisms of action of eugenol in diethylnitrosamine (DENA)/acetylaminofluorene (AAF)-caused lung cancer in Wistar rats. To induce lung cancer, DENA at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight (b.wt) for 2 weeks were intraperitoneally injected once each week and AAF was administered orally at a dose of 20 mg/kg b.wt. four times each week for the next 3 weeks. DENA/AAF-administered rats were orally supplemented with eugenol at a dose of 20 mg/kg b.wt administered once a day until 17 weeks starting from the 1st week of DENA administration. Lung histological lesions, including sheets of tumor cells, micropapillary adenocarcinoma, and apoptotic cells, resulting from the DENA/AAF dosage, were ameliorated by eugenol treatment. However, a significant drop in the levels of LPO in the lungs and a remarkable rise in GSH content and GPx and SOD activities were observed in DENA/AAF-administered rats treated with eugenol compared with those in DENA/AAF-administered controls. Moreover, in DENA/AAF-administered rats, eugenol supplementation significantly reduced TNF-α and IL-1β levels and mRNA expression levels of NF-κB, NF-κB p65, and MCP-1 but significantly elevated the level of Nrf2. Furthermore, the DENA/AAF-administered rats treated with eugenol exhibited a significant downregulation of Bcl-2 expression levels in addition to a significant upregulation in P53 and Bax expression levels. Otherwise, the administration of DENA/AAF elevated the protein expression level of Ki-67, and this elevation was reversed by eugenol treatment. In conclusion, eugenol has effective antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, proapoptotic, and antiproliferative properties against lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadeer M Morsy
- Physiology Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, P.O. Box 62521, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Osama M Ahmed
- Physiology Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, P.O. Box 62521, Beni-Suef, Egypt.
| | - Khairy M A Zoheir
- Cell Biology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
| | - Adel Abdel-Moneim
- Physiology Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, P.O. Box 62521, Beni-Suef, Egypt.
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Liang R, Sheng M, Li X, Jin J, Yi Y. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that the anti-PCOS effects of Zishen Qingre Lishi Huayu recipe may involve pathways and genes related to autophagy, steroidogenesis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in granulosa cells. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 314:116551. [PMID: 37121450 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Zishen Qingre Lishi Huayu recipe (ZQLHR) is a Chinese medicine compound composed of nine herbs for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is used to nourish kidneys, clear heat, reduce dampness and dissipation blood stasis by promoting diuresis and blood circulation, dredging the meridians and harmonizing menstruation in the treatment of PCOS. Several clinical studies have shown that ZQLHR is effective in the treatment of PCOS, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY In this study, we researched on the effects and mechanism of action of ZQLHR during treatment of human granulosa cells (hGCs) obtained from PCOS patients in order to provide a scientific basis for the clinical application of ZQLHR in the treatment of PCOS, emphasize the importance of some genes that have been reported to play a role in the pathogenesis or therapeutic mechanisms of PCOS from the perspective of disease treatment, and identify some new genes and signaling pathways that may play an important role in the treatment of PCOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS KGN cells (a granulosa cell-like tumor cell line) were subjected to a cell counting kit-8 assay to explore the appropriate intervention concentration and duration of ZQLHR. Treated with or without ZQLHR (ZQLHR and control groups), the hGCs obtained from PCOS patients were sequenced using RNA sequencing, and the genes thus detected were further analyzed through Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analysis, gene set enrichment analysis, and individuation gene analysis. These genes were also compared with PCOS-related genes in other databases. To further verify the authenticity of the differentially expressed genes between the two groups, the expression of eight randomly selected vital genes and three proteins of interest was verified through real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot experiment respectively. RESULTS The best intervention concentration and duration for ZQLHR to promote the proliferation of KGN cells were 0.2% and 48 h respectively in this experiment. Multiple signaling pathways and 55 focus differentially expressed genes, both related to autophagy, steroidogenesis, oxidative stress-related longevity, inflammation, and complications of PCOS, may play an important role in the therapeutic mechanism of action of ZQLHR. The expression of eight genes is consistent with the result of RNA sequencing, and the expression of three proteins of interest is the same as expected. CONCLUSIONS The promotion of hGCs proliferation upon treatment with ZQLHR may be a manifestation of ZQLHR in the treatment of PCOS patients. The positive effects of ZQLHR against PCOS may involve pathways and genes related to autophagy, steroidogenesis, oxidative stress-related longevity, and inflammation in hGCs. Some components of ZQLHR applied for the treatment of PCOS may also be effective for the treatment of some complications of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruining Liang
- Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330000, China; Department of Reproductive Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330000, China; Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330000, China.
| | - Mengzhen Sheng
- Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330000, China.
| | - Xin Li
- Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330000, China.
| | - Jing Jin
- Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330000, China.
| | - Yao Yi
- Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330000, China; Department of Reproductive Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330000, China; Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330000, China.
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Jakobušić Brala C, Karković Marković A, Kugić A, Torić J, Barbarić M. Combination Chemotherapy with Selected Polyphenols in Preclinical and Clinical Studies-An Update Overview. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28093746. [PMID: 37175156 PMCID: PMC10180288 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28093746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This review article describes studies published over the past five years on the combination of polyphenols, which are the most studied in the field of anticancer effects (curcumin, quercetin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, and apigenin) and chemotherapeutics such as cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, paclitaxel, etc. According to WHO data, research has been limited to five cancers with the highest morbidity rate (lung, colorectal, liver, gastric, and breast cancer). A systematic review of articles published in the past five years (from January 2018 to January 2023) was carried out with the help of all Web of Science databases and the available base of clinical studies. Based on the preclinical studies presented in this review, polyphenols can enhance drug efficacy and reduce chemoresistance through different molecular mechanisms. Considering the large number of studies, curcumin could be a molecule in future chemotherapy cocktails. One of the main problems in clinical research is related to the limited bioavailability of most polyphenols. The design of a new co-delivery system for drugs and polyphenols is essential for future clinical research. Some polyphenols work in synergy with chemotherapeutic drugs, but some polyphenols can act antagonistically, so caution is always required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cvijeta Jakobušić Brala
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, A. Kovačića 1, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Karković Marković
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, A. Kovačića 1, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Azra Kugić
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, A. Kovačića 1, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jelena Torić
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, A. Kovačića 1, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Monika Barbarić
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, A. Kovačića 1, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Brockmueller A, Girisa S, Kunnumakkara AB, Shakibaei M. Resveratrol Modulates Chemosensitisation to 5-FU via β1-Integrin/HIF-1α Axis in CRC Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054988. [PMID: 36902421 PMCID: PMC10003050 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Frequent development of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents such as 5-flourouracil (5-FU) complicates the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). Resveratrol is able to utilize β1-integrin receptors, strongly expressed in CRC cells, to transmit and exert anti-carcinogenic signals, but whether it can also utilize these receptors to overcome 5-FU chemoresistance in CRC cells has not yet been investigated. Effects of β1-integrin knockdown on anti-cancer capabilities of resveratrol and 5-FU were investigated in HCT-116 and 5-FU-resistant HCT-116R CRC tumor microenvironment (TME) with 3D-alginate as well as monolayer cultures. Resveratrol increased CRC cell sensitivity to 5-FU by reducing TME-promoted vitality, proliferation, colony formation, invasion tendency and mesenchymal phenotype including pro-migration pseudopodia. Furthermore, resveratrol impaired CRC cells in favor of more effective utilization of 5-FU by down-regulating TME-induced inflammation (NF-kB), vascularisation (VEGF, HIF-1α) and cancer stem cell production (CD44, CD133, ALDH1), while up-regulating apoptosis (caspase-3) that was previously inhibited by TME. These anti-cancer mechanisms of resveratrol were largely abolished by antisense oligonucleotides against β1-integrin (β1-ASO) in both CRC cell lines, indicating the particular importance of β1-integrin receptors for the 5-FU-chemosensitising effect of resveratrol. Lastly, co-immunoprecipitation tests showed that resveratrol targets and modulates the TME-associated β1-integrin/HIF-1α signaling axis in CRC cells. Our results suggest for the first time the utility of the β1-integrin/HIF-1α signaling axis related to chemosensitization and overcoming chemoresistance to 5-FU in CRC cells by resveratrol, underlining its potential supportive applications in CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aranka Brockmueller
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 11, D-80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Sosmitha Girisa
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Centre for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, India
| | - Ajaikumar B. Kunnumakkara
- Cancer Biology Laboratory and DBT-AIST International Centre for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, India
| | - Mehdi Shakibaei
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 11, D-80336 Munich, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-89-2180-72624
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Sethi G, Rath P, Chauhan A, Ranjan A, Choudhary R, Ramniwas S, Sak K, Aggarwal D, Rani I, Tuli HS. Apoptotic Mechanisms of Quercetin in Liver Cancer: Recent Trends and Advancements. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:712. [PMID: 36840034 PMCID: PMC9960374 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to rising incidence rates of liver cancer and worries about the toxicity of current chemotherapeutic medicines, the hunt for further alternative methods to treat this malignancy has escalated. Compared to chemotherapy, quercetin, a flavonoid, is relatively less harmful to normal cells and is regarded as an excellent free-radical scavenger. Apoptotic cell death of cancer cells caused by quercetin has been demonstrated by many prior studies. It is present in many fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Quercetin targets apoptosis, by upregulating Bax, caspase-3, and p21 while downregulating Akt, PLK-1, cyclin-B1, cyclin-A, CDC-2, CDK-2, and Bcl-2. Additionally, it has been reported to increase STAT3 protein degradation in liver cancer cells while decreasing STAT3 activation. Quercetin has a potential future in chemoprevention, based on substantial research on its anticancer effects. The current review discusses quercetin's mechanisms of action, nanodelivery strategies, and other potential cellular effects in liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Prangya Rath
- Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences, Amity University, Noida 201303, India
| | - Abhishek Chauhan
- Amity Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Safety and Management, Amity University, Noida 201303, India
| | - Anuj Ranjan
- Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, 344090 Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - Renuka Choudhary
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala 133207, India
| | - Seema Ramniwas
- University Centre for Research and Development, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali 140413, India
| | | | - Diwakar Aggarwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala 133207, India
| | - Isha Rani
- Department of Biochemistry, Maharishi Markandeshwar College of Medical Sciences and Research (MMCMSR), Sadopur, Ambala 134007, India
| | - Hardeep Singh Tuli
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala 133207, India
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