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Emerging Role of Plant-Based Dietary Components in Post-Translational Modifications Associated with Colorectal Cancer. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020264. [PMID: 36836621 PMCID: PMC9962725 DOI: 10.3390/life13020264] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Its main modifiable risk factors are diet, alcohol consumption, and smoking. Thus, the right approach through lifestyle changes may lead to its prevention. In fact, some natural dietary components have exhibited chemopreventive activity through modulation of cellular processes involved in CRC development. Although cancer is a multi-factorial process, the study of post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins associated with CRC has recently gained interest, as inappropriate modification is closely related to the activation of cell signalling pathways involved in carcinogenesis. Therefore, this review aimed to collect the main PTMs associated with CRC, analyse the relationship between different proteins that are susceptible to inappropriate PTMs, and review the available scientific literature on the role of plant-based dietary compounds in modulating CRC-associated PTMs. In summary, this review suggested that some plant-based dietary components such as phenols, flavonoids, lignans, terpenoids, and alkaloids may be able to correct the inappropriate PTMs associated with CRC and promote apoptosis in tumour cells.
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Lee HS, Lee IH, Park SI, Jung M, Yang SG, Kwon TW, Lee DY. A Study on the Mechanism of Herbal Drug FDY003 for Colorectal Cancer Treatment by Employing Network Pharmacology. Nat Prod Commun 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x221126964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) originates from the uncontrolled growth of epithelial cells in the colon or rectum. Annually, 1.9 million new CRC cases are being reported, causing 0.9 million deaths worldwide. The suppressive effects of the herbal prescription FDY003, a mixture of Cordyceps militaris, Lonicera japonica Thunberg, and Artemisia capillaris Thunberg, against CRC have previously been reported. Nonetheless, the multiple compound-multiple target mechanisms of FDY003 in CRC cells have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we used network pharmacology (NP) to analyze the polypharmacological mechanisms of action of FDY003 in CRC treatment. FDY003 promoted the suppression of viability of CRC cells and strengthened their sensitivity to anticancer drugs. The NP study enabled the investigation of 17 pharmaceutical compounds and 90 CRC-related genes that were targets of the compounds. The gene ontology terms enriched with the CRC-related target genes of FDY003 were those involved in the control of a variety of phenotypes of CRC cells, for instance, the decision of apoptosis and survival, growth, stress response, and chemical response of cells. In addition, the targeted genes of FDY003 were further enriched in various Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways that coordinate crucial pathological processes of CRC; these are ErbB, focal adhesion, HIF-1, IL-17, MAPK, PD-L1/PD-1, PI3K-Akt, Ras, TNF, and VEGF pathways. The overall analysis results obtained from the NP methodology support the multiple-compound-multiple-target-multiple-pathway pharmacological features of FDY003 as a potential agent for CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho-Sung Lee
- The Fore, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Forest Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Hee Lee
- The Fore, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Forest Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Minho Jung
- Forest Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | - Dae-Yeon Lee
- The Fore, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Forest Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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How Should the Worldwide Knowledge of Traditional Cancer Healing Be Integrated with Herbs and Mushrooms into Modern Molecular Pharmacology? Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15070868. [PMID: 35890166 PMCID: PMC9320176 DOI: 10.3390/ph15070868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional herbal medicine (THM) is a “core” from which modern medicine has evolved over time. Besides this, one third of people worldwide have no access to modern medicine and rely only on traditional medicine. To date, drugs of plant origin, or their derivates (paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine, vinorelbine, etoposide, camptothecin, topotecan, irinotecan, and omacetaxine), are very important in the therapy of malignancies and they are included in most chemotherapeutic regimes. To date, 391,000 plant and 14,000 mushroom species exist. Their medical and biochemical capabilities have not been studied in detail. In this review, we systematized the information about plants and mushrooms, as well as their active compounds with antitumor properties. Plants and mushrooms are divided based on the regions where they are used in ethnomedicine to treat malignancies. The majority of their active compounds with antineoplastic properties and mechanisms of action are described. Furthermore, on the basis of the available information, we divided them into two priority groups for research and for their potential of use in antitumor therapy. As there are many prerequisites and some examples how THM helps and strengthens modern medicine, finally, we discuss the positive points of THM and the management required to transform and integrate THM into the modern medicine practice.
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Zheng H, Cao H, Zhang D, Huang J, Li J, Wang S, Lu J, Li X, Yang G, Shi X. Cordyceps militaris Modulates Intestinal Barrier Function and Gut Microbiota in a Pig Model. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:810230. [PMID: 35369439 PMCID: PMC8969440 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.810230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of Cordyceps militaris (CM) on intestinal barrier function and gut microbiota in a pig model. A total of 160 pigs were randomly allocated to either a control group (fed the basal diet) or a CM group (fed the basal diet supplemented with 300 mg/kg CM). CM improved intestinal morphology and increased the numbers of goblet cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes. CM also elevated the expression of zona occluden-1, claudin-1, mucin-2 and secretory immunoglobulin A. Furthermore, the mucosal levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were downregulated while the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines were upregulated in the CM group. Mechanistically, CM downregulated the expression of key proteins of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. Moreover, CM altered the colonic microbial composition and increased the concentrations of acetate and butyrate. In conclusion, CM can modulate the intestinal barrier function and gut microbiota, which may provide a new strategy for improving intestinal health.
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Cordyceps militaris Fruit Body Extract Decreases Testosterone Catabolism and Testosterone-Stimulated Prostate Hypertrophy. Nutrients 2020; 13:nu13010050. [PMID: 33375244 PMCID: PMC7824671 DOI: 10.3390/nu13010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The androgens testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are essential for a variety of systemic functions in mature males. Alteration of these hormones results in late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). The fruit bodies of fungi of the genus Cordyceps have been regarded as folk medicine or health food with tonic and antifatigue effects. The extract from the fruit body of Cordyceps militaris parasitizing Samia cynthia ricini (CM) was evaluated as a novel-candidate natural product for ameliorating male andropause symptoms. To explore the effects of CM on LOH and BPH, CM was applied to rat models and cultured testicular cells and prostate cells. The concentrations of androgens in the serum and culture media were determined by ELISA. Expression of steroidogenic enzymes and androgen-related genes was evaluated by qPCR, and prostatic cell proliferation was assessed with the cell-viability assay. CM maintained the serum levels of testosterone and DHT, but inhibited testosterone-induced prostate hypertrophy. CM also increased the secretion of testosterone and DHT by primary testicular cells, with no changes in the mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes, but decreased the growth of prostatic cell lines. Our data suggest that CM could improve both LOH and BPH in males.
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Guo Y, Zhao N, Zhou J, Dong J, Wang X. Sirtuin 2 in Endometrial Cancer: A Potential Regulator for Cell Proliferation, Apoptosis and RAS/ERK Pathway. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2020; 19:1533033820980781. [PMID: 33327875 PMCID: PMC7750899 DOI: 10.1177/1533033820980781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to explore the function of sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) on cell proliferation, apoptosis, rat sarcoma virus (RAS)/ extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in endometrial cancer (EC). METHODS SIRT2 expression in human EC cell lines and human endometrial (uterine) epithelial cell (HEEC) line was assessed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot. SIRT2 knock-down and control knock-down plasmids were transfected into HEC1A cells, respectively; SIRT2 overexpression and control overexpression plasmids were transfected into Ishikawa cells, respectively. After transfection, SIRT2, HRas proto-oncogene, GTPase (HRAS) expressions were evaluated by RT-qPCR and western blot. ERK and phosphorylated ERK (pERK) expressions were evaluated by western blot. Meanwhile, cell proliferation and cell apoptosis were measured. RESULTS Compared to normal HEEC cell line, SIRT2 mRNA and protein expressions were increased in most human EC cell lines (including HEC1A, RL952 and AN3CA), while were similar in Ishikawa cell line. In HEC1A cells, SIRT2 knock-down decreased cell proliferation but increased apoptosis. In Ishikawa cells, SIRT2 overexpression induced cell proliferation but inhibited apoptosis. For RAS/ERK pathway, SIRT2 knock-down reduced HRAS and inactivated pERK in HEC1A cells, whereas SIRT2 overexpression increased HRAS and activated pERK in Ishikawa cells, suggesting that SIRT2 was implicated in the regulation of RAS/ERK pathway in EC cells. CONCLUSION SIRT2 contributes to the EC tumorigenesis, which appears as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjuan Guo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, China
| | - Nannan Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, China
| | - Jianli Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, China
| | - Jianxin Dong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, China
| | - Xing Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, China
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Liu C, Qi M, Li L, Yuan Y, Wu X, Fu J. Natural cordycepin induces apoptosis and suppresses metastasis in breast cancer cells by inhibiting the Hedgehog pathway. Food Funct 2020; 11:2107-2116. [PMID: 32163051 DOI: 10.1039/c9fo02879j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In the study, we investigated the role of the hedgehog (Hh) pathway in cordycepin's effects on human breast cancer cells, with respect to cell growth, apoptosis and metastasis. We found cordycepin to have low toxicity but significant anticancer effects. Cordycepin-induced apoptosis led to increased PUMA, CYTO-C, FAS, DR4/5, and cleaved caspase-3; and decreased BCL-2, XIAP and PDGFR-α. Cordycepin inhibited metastasis, which was associated with up-regulated E-cadherin, and down-regulated N-cadherin, SNAIL, SLUG and ZEB1. Cordycepin also inhibited expression of Hh pathway components and GLI transcriptional activity. Inversely, knockout of GLI blocked cordycepin-mediated effects on the apoptotic, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and Notch pathways, which indicates that GLI is crucial for cordycepin's effects against breast cancer. Inhibition of GLI enhanced cordycepin's effect on breast cancer cell growth. To our knowledge, this is the first study of cordycepin's effect on the Hh pathway in breast cancer, and provides preliminary data for the in vivo study, and possible therapeutic use, of cordycepin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyi Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China. and Mycological Research Center, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Meng Qi
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China. and Mycological Research Center, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Lin Li
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China. and Mycological Research Center, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China. and Mycological Research Center, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Xiaoping Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China. and Mycological Research Center, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Junsheng Fu
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China. and Mycological Research Center, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
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Wang J, Chen H, Li W, Shan L. Cordyceps acid alleviates lung cancer in nude mice. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2020; 35:e22670. [PMID: 33251677 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to examine the effect of cordyceps acid (CA) on lung cancer in mice. A lung cancer animal model was established by inoculating lung cancer cells under the armpit of nude mice. The mental state, body weight, and tumor growth of nude mice were recorded in detail. The levels of Nrf-2/HO-1/NLRP3/NF-κB pathway and apoptosis in tumor tissues of nude mice were detected by the Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical methods. Our results show that CA inhibited lung cancer by regulating the Nrf-2/HO-1/NLRP3/NF-κB signal. In summary, CA has an obvious tumor inhibiting effect on lung cancer via regulation of the Nrf-2/HO-1/NLRP3/NF-κB signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- School of Biology and Food Engineering, Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Suzhou University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hongling Chen
- School of Biology and Food Engineering, Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Suzhou University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wanrong Li
- School of Biology and Food Engineering, Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Suzhou University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lingling Shan
- School of Biology and Food Engineering, Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Suzhou University, Suzhou, China
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Active Compound of Pharbitis Semen ( Pharbitis nil Seeds) Suppressed KRAS-Driven Colorectal Cancer and Restored Muscle Cell Function during Cancer Progression. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25122864. [PMID: 32580297 PMCID: PMC7356163 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25122864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS)-driven colorectal cancer (CRC) is notorious to target with drugs and has shown ineffective treatment response. The seeds of Pharbitis nil, also known as morning glory, have been used as traditional medicine in East Asia. We focused on whether Pharbitis nil seeds have a suppressive effect on mutated KRAS-driven CRC as well as reserving muscle cell functions during CRC progression. Seeds of Pharbitis nil (Pharbitis semen) were separated by chromatography and the active compound of Pharbitis semen (PN) was purified by HPLC. The compound PN efficiently suppressed the proliferation of mutated KRAS-driven CRC cells and their clonogenic potentials in a concentration-dependent manner. It also induced apoptosis of SW480 human colon cancer cells and cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. The CRC related pathways, including RAS/ERK and AKT/mTOR, were assessed and PN reduced the phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR. Furthermore, PN preserved muscle cell proliferation and myotube formation in cancer conditioned media. In summary, PN significantly suppressed mutated KRAS-driven cell growth and reserved muscle cell function. Based on the current study, PN could be considered as a promising starting point for the development of a nature-derived drug against KRAS-mutated CRC progression.
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