Arctiin Inhibits Cervical Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion through Suppression of S100A4 Expression via PI3K/Akt Pathway

The Emerging Role of Natural Products in Cancer Treatment

The exploration of natural products as potential agents for cancer treatment has garnered significant attention in recent years. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the diverse array of natural compounds, including alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, lignans, polyketides, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids, highlighting their emerging roles in cancer therapy. These compounds, derived from various botanical sources, exhibit a wide range of mechanisms of action, targeting critical pathways involved in cancer progression such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Through a meticulous examination of preclinical and clinical studies, we provide insights into the therapeutic potential of these natural products across different cancer types. Furthermore, we discuss the advantages and challenges associated with their use in cancer treatment, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize their efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and delivery methods. Overall, this review underscores the importance of natural products in advancing cancer therapeutics and paves the way for future investigations into their clinical applications.

Potential Anti-Tumorigenic Properties of Diverse Medicinal Plants against the Majority of Common Types of Cancer

Globally, cancer is one of the primary causes of both morbidity and mortality. To prevent cancer from getting worse, more targeted and efficient treatment plans must be developed immediately. Recent research has demonstrated the benefits of natural products for several illnesses, and these products have played a significant role in the development of novel treatments whose bioactive components serve as both chemotherapeutic and chemo-preventive agents. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring molecules obtained from plants that have potential applications in both cancer therapy and the development of new medications. These phytochemicals function by regulating the molecular pathways connected to the onset and progression of cancer. Among the specific methods are immune system control, inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, preventing proliferation, raising antioxidant status, and inactivating carcinogens. A thorough literature review was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Google Patent, Patent Scope, and US Patent to obtain the data. To provide an overview of the anticancer effects of several medicinal plants, including Annona muricata, Arctium lappa, Arum palaestinum, Cannabis sativa, Catharanthus roseus, Curcuma longa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hibiscus, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Moringa oleifera, Nerium oleander, Silybum marianum, Taraxacum officinale, Urtica dioica, Withania somnifera L., their availability, classification, active components, pharmacological activities, signaling mechanisms, and potential side effects against the most common cancer types were explored.

Arctiin attenuates iron overload‑induced osteoporosis by regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway

Iron overload is a prevalent pathological factor observed among elderly individuals and those with specific hematological disorders, and is frequently associated with an elevated incidence of osteoporosis. Although arctiin (ARC) has been shown to possess antioxidant properties and the ability to mitigate bone degeneration, its mechanism of action in the treatment of iron overload‑induced osteoporosis (IOOP) remains incompletely understood. To explore the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of ARC, the MC3T3‑E1 cell osteoblast cell line was used. Cell Counting Kit was used to assess MC3T3‑E1 cell viability. Alkaline phosphatase staining and alizarin red staining were assessed for osteogenic differentiation. Calcein AM assay was used to assess intracellular iron concentration. In addition, intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxides, mitochondrial ROS, apoptosis rate and mitochondrial membrane potential changes in MC3T3‑E1 cells were examined using flow cytometry and corresponding fluorescent dyes. The relationship between ARC and the PI3K/Akt pathway was then explored by western blotting and immunofluorescence. In addition, the effects of ARC on IOOP was verified using an iron overload mouse model. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate expression of osteogenesis‑related proteins. Micro-CT and H&E were used to analyze bone microstructural parameters and histomorphometric indices in the bone tissue. Notably, ARC treatment reversed the decreased viability and increased apoptosis in MC3T3‑E1 cells originally induced by ferric ammonium citrate, whilst promoting the formation of mineralized bone nodules in MC3T3‑E1 cells. Furthermore, iron overload induced a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential, augmented lipid peroxidation and increased the accumulation of ROS in MC3T3‑E1 cells. ARC not only positively regulated the anti‑apoptotic and osteogenic capabilities of these cells via modulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, but also exhibited antioxidant properties by reducing oxidative stress. In vivo experiments confirmed that ARC improved bone microarchitecture and biochemical parameters in a mouse model of iron overload. In conclusion, ARC exhibits potential as a therapeutic agent for IOOP by modulating the PI3K/Akt pathway, and via its anti‑apoptotic, antioxidant and osteogenic properties.

Arctiin Inhibits Inflammation, Fibrosis, and Tumor Cell Migration in Rats With Ehrlich Solid Carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

ESC or Ehrlich solid carcinoma is a type of tumor originating from a spontaneous mammary adenocarcinoma in mice. It is a highly aggressive and fast-growing carcinoma that can create a solid mass when inserted under the skin. Its solid, undifferentiated form makes it an ideal model for researching cancer biology, tumor immunology, and testing various anti-cancer treatments. Additionally, arctiin has multiple beneficial properties, such as anti-proliferative, anti-oxidative, anti-adipogenic, and anti-bacterial. This study aimed to explore the potential anti-cancer benefits of arctiin in rats with ESC while also analyzing its effects on cell fibrosis markers, tumor cell migration, and inflammasome pathways.

METHODS

Rats were given a tumor in their left hind limb via an intramuscular injection consisting of 2×106 cells. After eight days, some of the rats received a daily oral dose of 30 mg/kg of arctiin for three weeks. Muscle samples were observed under an electron microscope or stained with hematoxylin/eosin. Additionally, gene expression and protein levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and cyclin D1 were assessed in another part of the muscle samples.

RESULTS

When ESC rats were given arctiin as a treatment, their mean survival time increased and their tumor volume and weight decreased. Additionally, when tumor tissue was examined under an electron microscope, it showed signs of pleomorphic cells, necrosis, nuclear fragmentation, membrane damage with cytoplasmic content spilling, and loss of cellular junction. The stained sections with hematoxylin/eosin showed a dense cellular mass and compressed, degenerated, and atrophied muscle. However, treatment with arctiin improved all these effects. Finally, the expression of TLR4, NLRP3, STAT3, TGF-β, VEGF, and cyclin D1 was significantly reduced with arctiin treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Through the use of arctiin, tumor size and weight were effectively reduced, leading to an increase in the average survival time of rats and an improvement in muscle structure. Additional research has shown that arctiin is able to suppress inflammation, fibrosis, and the migration of tumor cells by inhibiting STAT3, TGF-β1, TLR4, NLRP3, VEGF, and cyclin D1.

Arctigenin hinders the invasion and metastasis of cervical cancer cells via the FAK/paxillin pathway

Context

Cervical cancer is the most common gynecological pernicious tumor with high morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in developing countries. Arctigenin (ARG), a nature-derived component, has exhibited anti-tumor activity in various tumors.

Objective

To explore the effect of ARG on cervical cancer.

Materials and methods

The effect and mechanism of ARG on cervical cancer cells were explored by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, transwell and Western blot assays. Additionally, in vivo experiment was conducted in xenografted mice by immunohistochemistry (IHC), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick end labeling (TUNEL) and Western blot assays.

Results

ARG treatment induced both concentration-dependent and time-dependent reductions in the cell viability of SiHa and HeLa cells with a IC50 value of 9.34 μM and 14.45 μM, respectively. ARG increased the apoptosis rate and the protein levels of cleaved-caspase 3 and E-cadherin, but decreased the invaded cell numbers and the protein levels of Vimentin and N-cadherin in vitro. Mechanically, ARG inhibited the expression of focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/paxillin pathway, which was confirmed by the overexpression of FAK in SiHa cells. The inhibitory role of overexpression of FAK in proliferation and invasion, as well as its promoted role in apoptosis were reversed with ARG treatment. Meanwhile, ARG suppressed growth and metastasis, and enhanced apoptosis in vivo. Consistently, ARG administration reduced the relative protein level of p-FAK/FAK and p-paxillin/paxillin in tumor tissues of xenografted mice.

Conclusion

ARG inhibited proliferation, invasion and metastasis, but enhanced apoptosis of cervical cancer via the FAK/paxillin axis.

Current and Future Cancer Chemoprevention Strategies

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020 and ranking as the second-leading cause of death in economically developed countries [...].

EF-24 inhibits TPA-induced cellular migration and MMP-9 expression through the p38 signaling pathway in cervical cancer cells

Diphenyl difluoroketone (EF-24), a synthetic curcumin analog, has enhanced bioavailability over curcumin. EF-24 acts more powerful bioactivity for anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity. However, the effects and mechanism of EF-24 on cervical cancer has not been fully investigated. Herein, this study evaluated the effects of EF-24 on TPA-induced cellular migration of cervical cancer. The results showed that EF-24 substantially reduced the cellular migration and cellular invasion of the HeLa and SiHa cells. Moreover, gelatin zymography, western blotting analyses and real-time PCR revealed that EF-24 suppressed Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity, protein expression and mRNA levels. Mechanistically, EF-24 inhibited the phosphorylation of the p38 signaling pathway. In conclusion, EF-24 inhibited TPA-induced cellular migration and cellular invasion of cervical cancer cell lines through modulating MMP-9 expression via downregulating signaling p38 pathway and EF-24 may have potential to serve as a chemopreventive agent of cervical cancer.

Timosaponin AIII Inhibits Migration and Invasion Abilities in Human Cervical Cancer Cells through Inactivation of p38 MAPK-Mediated uPA Expression In Vitro and In Vivo

Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecologic cancers globally that require novel approaches. Timosaponin AIII (TSAIII) is a steroidal saponin that displays beneficial effects in antitumor activities. However, the effect of TSAIII on human cervical cancer remains unknown. In this study, we found that TSAIII showed no influence on cell viability, cytotoxicity, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis induction in human cervical cancer cells. TSAIII was revealed to have a significant inhibitory effect on cell migration and invasion through the downregulation of invasion-related uPA expression and p38 MAPK activation in both human cervical cancer cells and cervical cancer stem cells (CCSCs), indicating that the p38 MAPK-uPA axis mediated the TSAIII-inhibited capacity of cellular migration and invasion. In a synergistic inhibition assay, a TSAIII plus p38 siRNA cotreatment revealed a greater inhibition of uPA expression, migration and invasion in human cervical cancer cells. In an immunodeficient mouse model, TSAIII significantly inhibited lung metastases from human cervical cancer SiHa cells without TSAIII-induced toxicity. These findings first revealed the inhibitory effects of TSAIII on the progression of human cervical cancer through its downregulation of p38 MAPK-uPA axis activation. Therefore, TSAIII might provide a potential strategy for auxiliary therapy in human cervical cancer.

Dihydromyricetin Inhibited Migration and Invasion by Reducing S100A4 Expression through ERK1/2/β-Catenin Pathway in Human Cervical Cancer Cell Lines

Cervical cancer has a poor prognosis and is the fourth most common cancer among women. Dihydromyricetin (DHM), a flavonoid compound, exhibits several pharmacological activities, including anticancer effects; however, the effects of DHM on cervical cancer have received insufficient research attention. This study examined the antitumor activity and underlying mechanisms of DHM on human cervical cancer. Our results indicated that DHM inhibits migration and invasion in HeLa and SiHa cell lines. Mechanistically, RNA sequencing analysis revealed that DHM suppressed S100A4 mRNA expression in HeLa cells. Moreover, DHM inhibited the protein expressions of β-catenin and GSK3β through the regulated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 signaling pathway. By using the ERK1/2 activator, T-BHQ, reverted β-catenin and S100A4 protein expression and cell migration, which were reduced in response to DHM. In conclusion, our study indicated that DHM inhibited cell migration by reducing the S100A4 expression through the ERK1/2/β-catenin pathway in human cervical cancer cell lines.