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Wu J, Tang G, Cheng CS, Yeerken R, Chan YT, Fu Z, Zheng YC, Feng Y, Wang N. Traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of cancers of hepatobiliary system: from clinical evidence to drug discovery. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:218. [PMID: 39354529 PMCID: PMC11443773 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02136-2] [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: 08/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 10/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatic, biliary, and pancreatic cancer pose significant challenges in the field of digestive system diseases due to their highly malignant nature. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained attention as a potential therapeutic approach with long-standing use in China and well-recognized clinical benefits. In this review, we systematically summarized the clinical applications of TCM that have shown promising results in clinical trials in treating hepatic, biliary, and pancreatic cancer. We highlighted several commonly used TCM therapeutics with validated efficacy through rigorous clinical trials, including Huaier Granule, Huachansu, and Icaritin. The active compounds and their potential targets have been thoroughly elucidated to offer valuable insights into the potential of TCM for anti-cancer drug discovery. We emphasized the importance of further research to bridge the gap between TCM and modern oncology, facilitating the development of evidence-based TCM treatment for these challenging malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Wu
- School of Chinese Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, 3, Sasson Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Guoyi Tang
- School of Chinese Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, 3, Sasson Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Chien-Shan Cheng
- Department of Digestive Endoscopy Center & Gastroenterology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated With Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Ranna Yeerken
- School of Chinese Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, 3, Sasson Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Yau-Tuen Chan
- School of Chinese Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, 3, Sasson Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Zhiwen Fu
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi-Chao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention &, Treatment Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Yibin Feng
- School of Chinese Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, 3, Sasson Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
| | - Ning Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, 3, Sasson Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
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Zheng P, Xu D, Cai Y, Zhu L, Xiao Q, Peng W, Chen B. A multi-omic analysis reveals that Gamabufotalin exerts anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects by regulating amino acid metabolism through targeting STAMBPL1. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 135:156094. [PMID: 39348778 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.156094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 09/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a prevalent type of liver cancer, is characterized by an unfavorable prognosis and a high mortality rate. Identifying novel treatments to prevent HCC recurrence and metastasis remains crucial for improving patient survival. Gamabufotalin (CS-6), a primary bufadienolide derived from the traditional Chinese medicine Chansu, has demonstrated significant anti-tumor activity. However, the effects and underlying mechanisms of CS-6 on HCC cells are not yet fully understood. PURPOSE This study sought to elucidate the anti-HCC effects and potential mechanisms of CS-6. In vitro experiments were conducted using the HCC cell lines MHCC97H and Huh-7, employing CCK-8 assays, colony formation assays, wound healing assays, transwell invasion and migration assays, and flow cytometry to assess apoptosis and cell cycle dynamics. A multi-omics approach, including metabolomics and RNA sequencing analysis, was utilized to identify CS-6's molecular targets and mechanisms in HCC therapy. Additionally, in vivo assessments were performed using xenografts in nude mice. RESULTS CS-6 significantly inhibited HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Multi-omics analysis suggested that CS-6's anti-HCC effects may involve the modulation of metabolic pathways, potentially through the downregulation of STAMBPL1, resulting in reduced mTOR signaling, increased apoptosis, and suppression of malignant HCC behavior. In vivo studies further confirmed that CS-6 significantly suppressed tumor growth and enhanced apoptosis and autophagy within tumors. CONCLUSION These results underscore the therapeutic potential of CS-6 in HCC treatment. The study offers novel insights into the mechanism of CS-6, suggesting that its therapeutic efficacy may be uniquely mediated by targeting STAMBPL1. This distinct mechanism sets CS-6 apart from existing HCC treatments and positions it as a promising candidate for further clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piao Zheng
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; Academician Workstation, Changsha Medical University, Changsha 410219, China
| | - Die Xu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Yisi Cai
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Lemei Zhu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; Academician Workstation, Changsha Medical University, Changsha 410219, China
| | - Qiao Xiao
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; Academician Workstation, Changsha Medical University, Changsha 410219, China
| | - Weijun Peng
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; Academician Workstation, Changsha Medical University, Changsha 410219, China.
| | - Bolin Chen
- Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital/the affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya school of Medicine, Central South University, No.283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha 410013, China.
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Chen Z, Yu Q, Chen J, Yu X, Cao J, Zhai Y, Tan Y, Zhan Z, Li W, Zou X, Guo X, Xie J, Huang W, Zhang Z, Tian H. Bufadienolide-Fatty Acid Conjugates from the Fertilized Eggs of Toad Bufo gargarizans: Isolation, Characterization, Toxicity, and Antiproliferative Evaluation. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:17377-17391. [PMID: 39051843 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c03184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Bufadienolides (BDs) are a class of naturally occurring toxins present in amphibian toads. Serving as the chemical weapons, they exist not only in the adult toads but also in toad eggs. Guided by mass spectrometry (MS)-based component analysis and feature-based molecular networking (FBMN), 30 bufadienolide-fatty acid conjugates (BDFs) were isolated from the fertilized eggs of toad Bufo gargrizans, including 25 previously undescribed compounds (1-25). Their chemical structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, chemical methods, and GC-MS. The toxicities of all BDFs and their corresponding free BDs were assessed using the zebrafish model. The structure-toxicity relationship analysis showed that the modification of BDs by hydroxy fatty acids can cause a significant increase of the toxicity. Furthermore, all the isolated compounds were evaluated for their antiproliferative activities in pancreatic cancer cell lines ASPC-1 and PANC10.05. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis revealed that BDFs with hellebrigenin as the bufogenin moiety (6 and 7) exhibited the most potent antiproliferative effect. Further investigation into their functional mechanism demonstrated that 6 and 7 induced apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells PANC10.05 and significantly suppressed the expression of the apoptosis-related gene c-MYC. In addition, 6 and 7 effectively inhibited the expression of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in PANC10.05. Moreover, we assessed the efficacy of 6 and 7 on cancer cells from various tissues and observed their broad-spectrum antiproliferative activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeping Chen
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuchun Yu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Ju Chen
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuwen Yu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaqing Cao
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujia Zhai
- Cancer Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Tan
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaochun Zhan
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Li
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Zou
- Guangzhou Dreampharm Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510220, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxin Guo
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaming Xie
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Weihuan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhang Zhang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Tian
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
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Zhu Z, Liang S, Hong Y, Qi Y, Sun Q, Zhu X, Wei Y, Xu Y, Chen Q. Bufotalin enhances apoptosis and TMZ chemosensitivity of glioblastoma cells by promoting mitochondrial dysfunction via AKT signaling pathway. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:9264-9279. [PMID: 38809514 PMCID: PMC11164496 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205883] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most prevalent and lethal primary intracranial neoplasm in the adult population, with treatments of limited efficacy. Recently, bufotalin has been shown to have anti-cancer activity in a variety of cancers. This investigation aims to investigate the effect of bufotalin on GBM and elucidate its potential underlying mechanism. Our results show that bufotalin not only inhibits the proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) but also triggers apoptosis in GBM cells. The result of RNA-seq indicated that bufotalin could induce mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, our observations indicate that bufotalin induces an excessive accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in GBM cells, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and the dephosphorylation of AKT. Moreover, bufotalin improved TMZ sensitivity of GBM cells in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, bufotalin enhances apoptosis and TMZ chemosensitivity of glioblastoma cells by promoting mitochondrial dysfunction via AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhansheng Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
- Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
| | - Shanwen Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
- Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
| | - Yu Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
- Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
| | - Yangzhi Qi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
- Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
| | - Qian Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
- Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
| | - Xinyi Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
| | - Yuxin Wei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
- Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
| | - Qianxue Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
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Blaustein MP, Hamlyn JM. Sensational site: the sodium pump ouabain-binding site and its ligands. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 326:C1120-C1177. [PMID: 38223926 PMCID: PMC11193536 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00273.2023] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Cardiotonic steroids (CTS), used by certain insects, toads, and rats for protection from predators, became, thanks to Withering's trailblazing 1785 monograph, the mainstay of heart failure (HF) therapy. In the 1950s and 1960s, we learned that the CTS receptor was part of the sodium pump (NKA) and that the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger was critical for the acute cardiotonic effect of digoxin- and ouabain-related CTS. This "settled" view was upended by seven revolutionary observations. First, subnanomolar ouabain sometimes stimulates NKA while higher concentrations are invariably inhibitory. Second, endogenous ouabain (EO) was discovered in the human circulation. Third, in the DIG clinical trial, digoxin only marginally improved outcomes in patients with HF. Fourth, cloning of NKA in 1985 revealed multiple NKA α and β subunit isoforms that, in the rodent, differ in their sensitivities to CTS. Fifth, the NKA is a cation pump and a hormone receptor/signal transducer. EO binding to NKA activates, in a ligand- and cell-specific manner, several protein kinase and Ca2+-dependent signaling cascades that have widespread physiological effects and can contribute to hypertension and HF pathogenesis. Sixth, all CTS are not equivalent, e.g., ouabain induces hypertension in rodents while digoxin is antihypertensinogenic ("biased signaling"). Seventh, most common rodent hypertension models require a highly ouabain-sensitive α2 NKA and the elevated blood pressure is alleviated by EO immunoneutralization. These numerous phenomena are enabled by NKA's intricate structure. We have just begun to understand the endocrine role of the endogenous ligands and the broad impact of the ouabain-binding site on physiology and pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mordecai P Blaustein
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - John M Hamlyn
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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6
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Xiong W, Xie J, Liang Y, Chai J, Guo R, Zeng B, Wu J, Lai S, Zhang H, Huang X, Chen X, Xu X. Cath-DM-NT, a peptide derived from the skin of Duttaphrynus melanostictus, shows dual lectin-like and antioxidant activity. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 956:175941. [PMID: 37536626 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175941] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Chansu, a mixture extracted from Duttaphrynus melanostictus or Bufo gargarizans Cantor, is a traditional Chinese medicine with a broad range of medical applications. However, the peptides/proteins in it have not received adequate attention. Herein, a Cathelicidin-DM-derived peptide named Cath-DM-NT was identified from the skin of D. melanostictus. Previous studies have shown that Cathelicidin-DM has significant antibacterial activity, while Cath-DM-NT has no antibacterial activity. In this study, Cath-DM-NT is found to have lectin-like activity which can agglutinate erythrocytes and bacteria, and bind to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In addition, Cath-DM-NT has antioxidant activity, which can scavenge 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and nitric oxide (NO) radicals and reduce Fe3+. Consistently, Cath-DM-NT can protect PC12 cells from H2O2-induced oxidative damage and carrageenan-induced paw edema, reduce malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and restore superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) levels. Our study suggests that Cath-DM-NT can serve as a lead compound for the development of drugs with dual lectin and antioxidant effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weichen Xiong
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianpeng Xie
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Liang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinwei Chai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruiyin Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baishuang Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiena Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shian Lai
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Japan
| | - Haiyun Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaowen Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xueqing Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Zhang H, Jian B, Kuang H. Pharmacological Effects of Cinobufagin. Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e940889. [PMID: 37743616 PMCID: PMC10540643 DOI: 10.12659/msm.940889] [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: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cinobufagin (CBF) is a bufadienolide, which is a major active ingredient of toad venom. In recent years, CBF has attracted increasing attention due to its highly potent and multiple pharmacological activities. To better understand the status of research on CBF, we collated recent studies on CBF to provide a valuable reference for clinical researchers and practitioners. According to reports, CBF exhibits extensive pharmacological properties, including antitumor, analgesic, cardioprotection, immunomodulatory, antifibrotic, antiviral, and antiprotozoal effects. Studies on the pharmacological activity of CBF have mainly focused on its anticancer activity. It has been demonstrated that CBF has a therapeutic effect on liver cancer, osteosarcoma, melanoma, colorectal cancer, acute promyelocytic leukemia, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, multiple myeloma, gastric cancer, and breast cancer. However, the direct molecular targets of CBF are currently unknown. In addition, there are few reports on toxicological and pharmacokinetic of CBF. Subsequent studies focusing on these aspects will help promote the development and application of CBF in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Baiyu Jian
- Institute of Polygenic Disease, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Haixue Kuang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang, PR China
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8
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Ibarra-Vega R, Jiménez-Vargas JM, Pineda-Contreras A, Martínez-Martínez FJ, Barajas-Saucedo CE, García-Ortega H, Magaña-Vergara NE, Possani LD, Corzo G, Gaitan-Hinojosa MA, Vázquez-Vuelvas OF, Zamudio F, Valdez-Velazquez LL. Indolealkylamines in the venom of the scorpion Thorellius intrepidus. Toxicon 2023; 233:107232. [PMID: 37536653 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107232] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Scorpions are a group of arthropods that strike fear in many people due to their severe medical symptoms, even death, caused by their venomous stings. Even so, not all scorpion species contain harmful venoms against humans but still have valuable bioactive molecules, which could be used in developing new pharmaceutical leads for treating important diseases. This work conducted a comprehensive analysis of the venom from the scorpion Thorellius intrepidus. The venom of T. intrepidus was separated by size exclusion chromatography, and four main fractions were obtained. Fraction IV (FIV) contained small molecules representing over 90% of the total absorbance at 280 nm. Analysis of fraction FIV by RP-HPLC indicated the presence of three main molecules (FIV.1, FIV.2, and FIV.3) with similar UV absorbance spectra profiles. The molecular masses of FIV.1, FIV.2, and FIV.3 were determined, resulting in 175.99, 190.07, and 218.16 Da, respectively. Further confirmation through 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR analyses revealed that these molecules were serotonin, N-methylserotonin, and bufotenidine. These intriguing compounds are speculated to play a pivotal role in self-defense and increasing venom toxicity and could also offer promising biotechnological applications as small bioactive molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Ibarra-Vega
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán Km 9, 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México
| | - Juana María Jiménez-Vargas
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán Km 9, 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México; Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencia y Tecnología (CONAHCYT), México City, 03940, México.
| | - Armando Pineda-Contreras
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán Km 9, 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México
| | | | - Carlos Eduardo Barajas-Saucedo
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán Km 9, 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México
| | - Héctor García-Ortega
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Nancy E Magaña-Vergara
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán Km 9, 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México; Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencia y Tecnología (CONAHCYT), México City, 03940, México
| | - Lourival D Possani
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Gerardo Corzo
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Mario Alberto Gaitan-Hinojosa
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán Km 9, 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México
| | - Oscar Fernando Vázquez-Vuelvas
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán Km 9, 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México
| | - Fernando Zamudio
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Laura Leticia Valdez-Velazquez
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán Km 9, 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México.
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Asrorov AM, Kayumov M, Mukhamedov N, Yashinov A, Mirakhmetova Z, Huang Y, Yili A, Aisa HA, Tashmukhamedov M, Salikhov S, Mirzaakhmedov S. Toad venom bufadienolides and bufotoxins: An updated review. Drug Dev Res 2023; 84:815-838. [PMID: 37154099 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22072] [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: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Bufadienolides, naturally found in toad venoms having steroid-like structures, reveal antiproliferative effects at low doses. However, their application as anticancer drugs is strongly prevented by their Na+ /K+ -ATPase binding activities. Although several kinds of research were dedicated to moderating their Na+ /K+ -ATPase binding activity, still deeper fundamental knowledge is required to bring these findings into medical practice. In this work, we reviewed data related to anticancer activity of bufadienolides such as bufalin, arenobufagin, bufotalin, gamabufotalin, cinobufotalin, and cinobufagin and their derivatives. Bufotoxins, derivatives of bufadienolides containing polar molecules mainly belonging to argininyl residues, are reviewed as well. The established structures of bufotoxins have been compiled into a one-page figure to review their structures. We also highlighted advances in the structure-modification of the structure of compounds in this class. Drug delivery approaches to target these compounds to tumor cells were discussed in one section. The issues related to extraction, identification, and quantification are separated into another section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akmal M Asrorov
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
- Department of Natural Substances Chemistry, National University of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, CAS, Shanghai, China
| | - Muzaffar Kayumov
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Nurkhodja Mukhamedov
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Ansor Yashinov
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, CAS, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, China
| | - Ziyoda Mirakhmetova
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Yongzhuo Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, CAS, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, China
| | - Abulimiti Yili
- Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, CAS, Urumqi, China
| | - Haji Akber Aisa
- Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, CAS, Urumqi, China
| | | | - Shavkat Salikhov
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
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Qin H, Zuo W, Ge L, Siu SW, Wang L, Chen X, Ma C, Chen T, Zhou M, Cao Z, Kwok HF. Discovery and analysis of a novel antimicrobial peptide B1AW from the skin secretion of Amolops wuyiensis and improving the membrane-binding affinity through the construction of the lysine-introduced analogue. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:2960-2972. [PMID: 37228702 PMCID: PMC10205438 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In the development and study of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), researchers have kept a watchful eye on peptides from the brevinin family because of their extensive antimicrobial activities and anticancer potency. In this study, a novel brevinin peptide was isolated from the skin secretions of the Wuyi torrent frog, Amolops wuyiensis (A. wuyiensisi), named B1AW (FLPLLAGLAANFLPQIICKIARKC). B1AW displayed anti-bacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis). B1AW-K was designed to broaden the antimicrobial spectrum of B1AW. The introduction of a lysine residue generated an AMP with enhanced broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. It also displayed the ability to inhibit the growth of human prostatic cancer PC-3, non-small lung cancer H838, and glioblastoma cancer U251MG cell lines. In molecular dynamic (MD) simulations, B1AW-K had a faster approach and adsorption to the anionic membrane than B1AW. Therefore, B1AW-K was considered a drug prototype with a dual effect, which deserves further clinical investigation and validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixin Qin
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
| | - Weimin Zuo
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
| | - Lilin Ge
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shirley W.I. Siu
- Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph, Estrada Marginal da Ilha Verde, Macau
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Xiaoling Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Chengbang Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Tianbao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Mei Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
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11
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Wells M, Hambye S, Blankert B. Preliminary insight into the potential antiplasmodial activity and cytotoxicity of Bufo bufo and Incilius alvarius poison. Toxicon 2023; 227:107092. [PMID: 36967019 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
The rise and spread of resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains are responsible for an increase in therapeutic failures in many of the regions endemic with malaria. The need for new therapeutic candidates is now more urgent than ever. Animal venoms have long been considered as interesting resources to exploit in terms of potential therapeutic candidates. Among these, the cutaneous secretions of toads constitute a rich and diverse source of bioactive molecules. We focused on two different species: Bufo bufo and Incilius alvarius. The dried secretions underwent a solvent-based extraction and were submitted to a systematic bio-guided fractionation approach using preparative thin-layer chromatography. Initial crude extracts were tested in vitro for their antiplasmodial activity. Based on these results, only crude extracts displaying IC50 < 100 μg/mL were considered for further fractionation. All extracts and fractions, including those that did not display antiplasmodial properties, were characterized by chromatographic (LC-UV/MS) and spectrometric techniques (HRMS). Antiplasmodial activity was evaluated in vitro using a chloroquine-sensitive strain (3D7) and a resistant one (W2). Toxicity was assessed on normal human cells for the samples displaying IC50 < 100 μg/mL. Crude extracts from Bufo bufo secretions exhibited no appreciable antiplasmodial activities. However, the methanol and dichloromethane extracts from Incilius alvarius secretions gave IC50 of (34 ± 4) μg/mL and (50 ± 1) μg/mL respectively when tested on W2 strain. No significant effect was observed on 3D7. This poison would warrant further investigation in terms of its antiplasmodial potential. Following preliminary characterization, it was revealed that the fractions of interest contained mainly bufotoxins, bufagins and alkaloids.
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Yang M, Huan W, Zhang G, Li J, Xia F, Durrani R, Zhao W, Lu J, Peng X, Gao F. Identification of Protein Quality Markers in Toad Venom from Bufo gargarizans. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28083628. [PMID: 37110862 PMCID: PMC10141085 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Toad venom is a traditional Chinese medicine with high medicinal value. The existing quality evaluation standards of toad venom have obvious limitations because of the lack of research on proteins. Thus, it is necessary to screen suitable quality markers and establish appropriate quality evaluation methods for toad venom proteins to guarantee their safety and efficacy in clinical applications. SDS-PAGE, HPLC, and cytotoxicity assays were used to analyze differences in protein components of toad venom from different areas. Functional proteins were screened as potential quality markers by proteomic and bioinformatic analyses. The protein components and small molecular components of toad venom were not correlated in content. Additionally, the protein component had strong cytotoxicity. Proteomics analysis showed that 13 antimicrobial proteins, four anti-inflammatory and analgesic proteins, and 20 antitumor proteins were differentially expressed extracellular proteins. A candidate list of functional proteins was coded as potential quality markers. Moreover, Lysozyme C-1, which has antimicrobial activity, and Neuropeptide B (NPB), which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity, were identified as potential quality markers for toad venom proteins. Quality markers can be used as the basis of quality studies of toad venom proteins and help to construct and improve safe, scientific, and comprehensive quality evaluation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyun Yang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Weiwei Huan
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Utilization of Forestry Biomass, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Guobing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Province People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jie Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Utilization of Forestry Biomass, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Fengyan Xia
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 313000, China
| | - Rabia Durrani
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Jidong Lu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Xinmeng Peng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
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13
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Sjakste N, Gajski G. A Review on Genotoxic and Genoprotective Effects of Biologically Active Compounds of Animal Origin. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:165. [PMID: 36828477 PMCID: PMC9961038 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15020165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Envenomation by animal venoms remains a serious medical and social problem, especially in tropical countries. On the other hand, animal venoms are widely used as a source of biologically active compounds for the development of novel drugs. Numerous derivatives of animal venoms are already used in clinical practice. When analysing the mechanisms of action of animal venoms, attention is usually focused on the main target of the venom's enzymes and peptides such as neurotoxic, cytotoxic or haemorrhagic effects. In the present review, we would like to draw attention to the "hidden" effects of animal venoms and their derivatives in regard to DNA damage and/or protection against DNA damage. Alkaloids and terpenoids isolated from sponges such as avarol, ingenamine G or variolin B manifest the capability to bind DNA in vitro and produce DNA breaks. Trabectidin, isolated from a sea squirt, also binds and damages DNA. A similar action is possible for peptides isolated from bee and wasp venoms such as mastoparan, melectin and melittin. However, DNA lesions produced by the crude venoms of jellyfish, scorpions, spiders and snakes arise as a consequence of cell membrane damage and the subsequent oxidative stress, whereas certain animal venoms or their components produce a genoprotective effect. Current research data point to the possibility of using animal venoms and their components in the development of various potential therapeutic agents; however, before their possible clinical use the route of injection, molecular target, mechanism of action, exact dosage, possible side effects and other fundamental parameters should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolajs Sjakste
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, 1004 Riga, Latvia
- Genetics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Biology, University of Latvia, 1004 Riga, Latvia
| | - Goran Gajski
- Mutagenesis Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Quantification of plant cardenolides by HPLC, measurement of Na +/K +-ATPase inhibition activity, and characterization of target enzymes. Methods Enzymol 2023; 680:275-302. [PMID: 36710014 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The biosynthesis of cardiac glycosides, broadly classified as cardenolides and bufadienolides, has evolved repeatedly among flowering plants. Individual species can produce dozens or even hundreds of structurally distinct cardiac glycosides. Although all cardiac glycosides exhibit biological activity by inhibiting the function of the essential Na+/K+-ATPase in animal cells, they differ in their level of inhibitory activity. For within- and between-species comparisons of cardiac glycosides to address ecological and evolutionary questions, it is necessary to not only quantify their relative abundance, but also their effectiveness in inhibiting the activity of different animal Na+/K+-ATPases. Here we describe protocols for characterizing the amount and toxicity of cardenolides from plant samples and the degree of insect Na+/K+-ATPase tolerance to inhibition: (1) an HPLC-based assay to quantify the abundance of individual cardenolides in plant extracts, (2) an assay to quantify inhibition of Na+/K+-ATPase activity by plant extracts, and (3) extraction of insect Na+/K+-ATPases for inhibition assays.
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15
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Pitschmann V, Hon Z. Drugs as Chemical Weapons: Past and Perspectives. TOXICS 2023; 11:52. [PMID: 36668778 PMCID: PMC9866636 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11010052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of modern chemical weapons and chemical warfare is traditionally associated with World War I, but the use of poisons in the military has its roots deep in the past. The sources of these poisons have always been natural agents that also served as medicines. This relationship between poison and medicine, and nowadays between chemical warfare and medicine, or between 'military chemistry' and pharmacy, appears to be very important for understanding not only the history but also the possible future of both phenomena. This article looks at some historical examples of the use of drugs as chemical weapons and, conversely, the use of chemical weapons as medicines. It seeks to find answers to some questions that are particularly relevant to the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, which aims to achieve a world without chemical warfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimír Pitschmann
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Sítná sq. 3105, 272 01 Kladno, Czech Republic
- ORITEST spol. s r.o., Čerčanská 640/30, 140 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Hon
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Sítná sq. 3105, 272 01 Kladno, Czech Republic
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Rao Y, Wang Y, Lin Z, Zhang X, Ding X, Yang Y, Liu Z, Zhang B. Comparative efficacy and pharmacological mechanism of Chinese patent medicines against anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity: An integrated study of network meta-analysis and network pharmacology approach. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1126110. [PMID: 37168657 PMCID: PMC10164985 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1126110] [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: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) combined with dexrazoxane (DEX) against anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) and further explore their pharmacological mechanism by integrating the network meta-analysis (NMA) and network pharmacology approach. Methods We searched for clinical trials on the efficacy of DEX + CPMs for AIC until March 10, 2023 (Database: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal and China Online Journals). The evaluating outcomes were cardiac troponin I (cTnI) level, creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) level, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) value, and electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormal rate. Subsequently, the results of NMA were further analyzed in combination with network pharmacology. Results We included 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 1 retrospective cohort study (n = 1,214), containing six CPMs: Wenxinkeli (WXKL), Cinobufotalin injection (CI), Shenqifuzheng injection (SQFZ), Shenmai injection (SM), Astragalus injection (AI) and AI + CI. The NMA was implemented in Stata (16.0) using the mvmeta package. Compared with using DEX only, DEX + SM displayed the best effective for lowering cTnI level (MD = -0.44, 95%CI [-0.56, -0.33], SUCRA 93.4%) and improving LVEF value (MD = 14.64, 95%CI [9.36, 19.91], SUCRA 98.4%). DEX + SQFZ showed the most effectiveness for lowering CK-MB level (MD = -11.57, 95%CI [-15.79, -7.35], SUCRA 97.3%). And DEX + AI + CI has the highest effectiveness for alleviating ECG abnormalities (MD = -2.51, 95%CI [-4.06, -0.96], SUCRA 96.8%). So that we recommended SM + DEX, SQFZ + DEX, and DEX + AI + CI as the top three effective interventions against AIC. Then, we explored their pharmacological mechanism respectively. The CPMs' active components and AIC-related targets were screened to construct the component-target network. The potential pathways related to CPMs against AIC were determined by KEGG. For SM, we identified 118 co-targeted genes of active components and AIC, which were significantly enriched in pathways of cancer pathways, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications. For SQFZ, 41 co-targeted genes involving pathways of microRNAs in cancer, Rap1 signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and lipid and atherosclerosis. As for AI + CI, 224 co-targeted genes were obtained, and KEGG analysis showed that the calcium signaling pathway plays an important role except for the consistent pathways of SM and SQFZ in anti-AIC. Conclusions DEX + CPMs might be positive efficacious interventions from which patients with AIC will derive benefits. DEX + SM, DEX + SQFZ, and DEX + AI + CI might be the preferred intervention for improving LVEF value, CK-MB level, and ECG abnormalities, respectively. And these CPMs play different advantages in alleviating AIC by targeting multiple biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Rao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhijian Lin
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Center for Pharmacovigilance and Rational Use of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomeng Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Center for Pharmacovigilance and Rational Use of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xueli Ding
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Yang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zeyu Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Center for Pharmacovigilance and Rational Use of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Correspondence: Bing Zhang
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Nwaji AR, Arieri O, Anyang AS, Nguedia K, Abiade EB, Forcados GE, Oladipo OO, Makama S, Elisha IL, Ozele N, Gotep JG. Natural toxins and One Health: a review. SCIENCE IN ONE HEALTH 2022; 1:100013. [PMID: 39076609 PMCID: PMC11262277 DOI: 10.1016/j.soh.2023.100013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Background The One Health concept considers the interconnectivity, interactions and interdependence of humans, animals and the environment. Humans, animals and other organisms are constantly exposed to a wide range of natural toxins present in the environment. Thus, there is growing concern about the potential detrimental effects that natural toxins could pose to achieve One Health. Interestingly, alkaloids, steroids and bioactive peptides obtained from natural toxins could be used for the development of therapeutic agents. Methodology Our literature search focused on the following keywords; toxins, One Health, microbial toxins, mycotoxins, phytotoxins, phycotoxins, insect toxins and toxin effects. Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed and Web of Science were the search engines used to obtain primary databases. We chose relevant full-text articles and review papers published in English language only. The research was done between July 2022 and January 2023. Results Natural toxins are poisonous substances comprising bioactive compounds produced by microorganisms, invertebrates, plants and animals. These compounds possess diverse structures and differ in biological function and toxicity, posing risks to human and animal health through the contamination of the environment, causing disease or death in certain cases. Findings from the articles reviewed revealed that effects of natural toxins on animals and humans gained more attention than the impact of natural toxins on the environment and lower organisms, irrespective of the significant roles that lower organisms play to maintain ecosystem balance. Also, systematic approaches for toxin control in the environment and utilization for beneficial purposes are inadequate in many regions. Remarkably, bioactive compounds present in natural toxins have potential for the development of therapeutic agents. These findings suggest that global, comprehensive and coordinated efforts are required for improved management of natural toxins through an interdisciplinary, One Health approach. Conclusion Adopting a One Health approach is critical to addressing the effects of natural toxins on the health of humans, animals and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azubuike Raphael Nwaji
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Onikisateinba Arieri
- Department of Industrial Chemistry and Petrochemical Technology, Faculty of Science Laboratory, University of Portharcourt, Nigeria
| | | | - Kaze Nguedia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Cameroon
| | | | | | | | - Sunday Makama
- Biochemistry Division, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Ishaku Leo Elisha
- Drug Development Division, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Nonyelim Ozele
- Biochemistry Division, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Jurbe Gofwan Gotep
- Drug Development Division, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
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18
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Chemistry and the Potential Antiviral, Anticancer, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Cardiotonic Steroids Derived from Toads. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27196586. [PMID: 36235123 PMCID: PMC9571018 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Cardiotonic steroids (CTS) were first documented by ancient Egyptians more than 3000 years ago. Cardiotonic steroids are a group of steroid hormones that circulate in the blood of amphibians and toads and can also be extracted from natural products such as plants, herbs, and marines. It is well known that cardiotonic steroids reveal effects against congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation; therefore, the term "cardiotonic" has been coined. Cardiotonic steroids are divided into two distinct groups: cardenolides (plant-derived) and bufadienolides (mainly of animal origin). Cardenolides have an unsaturated five-membered lactone ring attached to the steroid nucleus at position 17; bufadienolides have a doubly unsaturated six-membered lactone ring. Cancer is a leading cause of mortality in humans all over the world. In 2040, the global cancer load is expected to be 28.4 million cases, which would be a 47% increase from 2020. Moreover, viruses and inflammations also have a very nebative impact on human health and lead to mortality. In the current review, we focus on the chemistry, antiviral and anti-cancer activities of cardiotonic steroids from the naturally derived (toads) venom to combat these chronic devastating health problems. The databases of different research engines (Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Sci-Finder) were screened using different combinations of the following terms: “cardiotonic steroids”, “anti-inflammatory”, “antiviral”, “anticancer”, “toad venom”, “bufadienolides”, and “poison chemical composition”. Various cardiotonic steroids were isolated from diverse toad species and exhibited superior anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiviral activities in in vivo and in vitro models such as marinobufagenin, gammabufotalin, resibufogenin, and bufalin. These steroids are especially difficult to identify. However, several compounds and their bioactivities were identified by using different molecular and biotechnological techniques. Biotechnology is a new tool to fully or partially generate upscaled quantities of natural products, which are otherwise only available at trace amounts in organisms.
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Jia J, Li J, Zheng Q, Li D. A research update on the antitumor effects of active components of Chinese medicine ChanSu. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1014637. [PMID: 36237327 PMCID: PMC9552564 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1014637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical data show that the incidence and mortality rates of cancer are rising continuously, and cancer has become an ongoing public health challenge worldwide. Excitingly, the extensive clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine may suggest a new direction to combat cancer, and the therapeutic effects of active ingredients from Chinese herbal medicine on cancer are now being widely studied in the medical community. As a traditional anticancer Chinese medicine, ChanSu has been clinically applied since the 1980s and has achieved excellent antitumor efficacy. Meanwhile, the ChanSu active components (e.g., telocinobufagin, bufotalin, bufalin, cinobufotalin, and cinobufagin) exert great antitumor activity in many cancers, such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Many pharmaceutical scientists have investigated the anticancer mechanisms of ChanSu or the ChanSu active components and obtained certain research progress. This article reviews the research progress and antitumor mechanisms of ChanSu active components and proposes that multiple active components of ChanSu may be potential anticancer drugs.
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Mohammadi S, Yang L, Bulbert M, Rowland HM. Defence mitigation by predators of chemically defended prey integrated over the predation sequence and across biological levels with a focus on cardiotonic steroids. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:220363. [PMID: 36133149 PMCID: PMC9449480 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Predator-prey interactions have long served as models for the investigation of adaptation and fitness in natural environments. Anti-predator defences such as mimicry and camouflage provide some of the best examples of evolution. Predators, in turn, have evolved sensory systems, cognitive abilities and physiological resistance to prey defences. In contrast to prey defences which have been reviewed extensively, the evolution of predator counter-strategies has received less attention. To gain a comprehensive view of how prey defences can influence the evolution of predator counter-strategies, it is essential to investigate how and when selection can operate. In this review we evaluate how predators overcome prey defences during (i) encounter, (ii) detection, (iii) identification, (iv) approach, (v) subjugation, and (vi) consumption. We focus on prey that are protected by cardiotonic steroids (CTS)-defensive compounds that are found in a wide range of taxa, and that have a specific physiological target. In this system, coevolution is well characterized between specialist insect herbivores and their host plants but evidence for coevolution between CTS-defended prey and their predators has received less attention. Using the predation sequence framework, we organize 574 studies reporting predators overcoming CTS defences, integrate these counter-strategies across biological levels of organization, and discuss the costs and benefits of attacking CTS-defended prey. We show that distinct lineages of predators have evolved dissecting behaviour, changes in perception of risk and of taste perception, and target-site insensitivity. We draw attention to biochemical, hormonal and microbiological strategies that have yet to be investigated as predator counter-adaptations to CTS defences. We show that the predation sequence framework will be useful for organizing future studies of chemically mediated systems and coevolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Mohammadi
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, USA
- Institut für Zell- und Systembiologie der Tiere, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Lu Yang
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Matthew Bulbert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Oxford Brookes, Oxford, UK
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
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21
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Mohammadi S, Yang L, Bulbert M, Rowland HM. Defence mitigation by predators of chemically defended prey integrated over the predation sequence and across biological levels with a focus on cardiotonic steroids. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:220363. [PMID: 36133149 DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6168216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Predator-prey interactions have long served as models for the investigation of adaptation and fitness in natural environments. Anti-predator defences such as mimicry and camouflage provide some of the best examples of evolution. Predators, in turn, have evolved sensory systems, cognitive abilities and physiological resistance to prey defences. In contrast to prey defences which have been reviewed extensively, the evolution of predator counter-strategies has received less attention. To gain a comprehensive view of how prey defences can influence the evolution of predator counter-strategies, it is essential to investigate how and when selection can operate. In this review we evaluate how predators overcome prey defences during (i) encounter, (ii) detection, (iii) identification, (iv) approach, (v) subjugation, and (vi) consumption. We focus on prey that are protected by cardiotonic steroids (CTS)-defensive compounds that are found in a wide range of taxa, and that have a specific physiological target. In this system, coevolution is well characterized between specialist insect herbivores and their host plants but evidence for coevolution between CTS-defended prey and their predators has received less attention. Using the predation sequence framework, we organize 574 studies reporting predators overcoming CTS defences, integrate these counter-strategies across biological levels of organization, and discuss the costs and benefits of attacking CTS-defended prey. We show that distinct lineages of predators have evolved dissecting behaviour, changes in perception of risk and of taste perception, and target-site insensitivity. We draw attention to biochemical, hormonal and microbiological strategies that have yet to be investigated as predator counter-adaptations to CTS defences. We show that the predation sequence framework will be useful for organizing future studies of chemically mediated systems and coevolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Mohammadi
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, USA
- Institut für Zell- und Systembiologie der Tiere, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Lu Yang
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Matthew Bulbert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Oxford Brookes, Oxford, UK
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
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22
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Cheng X, Chen Q, Sun P. Natural phytochemicals that affect autophagy in the treatment of oral diseases and infections: A review. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:970596. [PMID: 36091810 PMCID: PMC9461701 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.970596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a critical factor in eukaryotic evolution. Cells provide nutrition and energy during autophagy by destroying non-essential components, thereby allowing intracellular material conversion and managing temporary survival stress. Autophagy is linked to a variety of oral disorders, including the type and extent of oral malignancies. Furthermore, autophagy is important in lymphocyte formation, innate immunity, and the regulation of acquired immune responses. It is also required for immunological responses in the oral cavity. Knowledge of autophagy has aided in the identification and treatment of common oral disorders, most notably cancers. The involvement of autophagy in the oral immune system may offer a new understanding of the immune mechanism and provide a novel approach to eliminating harmful bacteria in the body. This review focuses on autophagy creation, innate and acquired immunological responses to autophagy, and the status of autophagy in microbial infection research. Recent developments in the regulatory mechanisms of autophagy and therapeutic applications in oral illnesses, particularly oral cancers, are also discussed. Finally, the relationship between various natural substances that may be used as medications and autophagy is investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ping Sun
- *Correspondence: Ping Sun, ; Qianming Chen,
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23
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Schmeda-Hirschmann G, Burgos-Edwards A, Rojas de Arias A, López-Torres C, Palominos C, Fuentes-Retamal S, Herrera Y, Dubois-Camacho K, Urra FA. A paraguayan toad Rhinella schneideri preparation based on Mbya tradition increases mitochondrial bioenergetics with migrastatic effects dependent on AMPK in breast cancer cells. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 294:115344. [PMID: 35526731 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115344] [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: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE In Paraguay, healers from the Mbya culture treat cancer with a recipe prepared with the native toad Rhinella schneideri. However, the chemical composition and biological effects of the recipe remain unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim is to determine the composition of the traditional preparation made using the toad R. schneideri and to evaluate its effect on human breast cancer (BC) cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS The metabolites contained in the preparation were concentrated using XAD-7 resin, and the concentrate was analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS. The effect of the preparation was assessed in normal (MCF10F) and BC cells (MDA-MB-231 and MCF7). The mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and cell cycle progression were determined by flow cytometry. The oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was measured by Clark electrode, and fibronectin-dependent migration in normoxia and hypoxia-like conditions were evaluated by transwell assay. RESULTS From the Amberlite-retained extract from the preparation, 24 compounds were identified, including alkaloids, amino acids, bufadienolides, and flavonoids, among others. The crude extract (CE) did not affect cell cycle progression and viability of BC cell lines. Moreover, it did not make cancer cells more sensitive to the cytotoxic effect of the chemotherapeutics doxorubicin and teniposide. On the other hand, the CE reduced the menadione-induced ROS production and increased NADH, Δψm, and the OCR. Respiratory complexes I and III as well as ATP synthase levels were increased in an AMPK-dependent manner. Moreover, the CE inhibited the migration of BC cells in normoxia and a hypoxia-like condition using CoCl2 as a HIF1α-stabilizing agent. This latter effect involved an AMPK-dependent reduction of HIF1α levels. CONCLUSIONS The Paraguayan toad recipe contains metabolites from the toad ingredient, including alkaloids and bufadienolide derivatives. The CE lacks cytotoxic effects alone or in combination with chemotherapeutics. However, it increases mitochondrial bioenergetics and inhibits the cancer cell migration in an AMPK-dependent manner in BC cells. This is the first report of the in vitro anticancer effect of a traditional Rhinella sp. toad preparation based on Mbya tradition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Schmeda-Hirschmann
- Laboratorio de Química de Productos Naturales, Instituto de Química de Recursos Naturales, Universidad de Talca, Campus Lircay, Talca, 3460000, Chile.
| | - Alberto Burgos-Edwards
- Laboratorio de Química de Productos Naturales, Instituto de Química de Recursos Naturales, Universidad de Talca, Campus Lircay, Talca, 3460000, Chile; Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Campus San Lorenzo, P.O. Box 1055, Paraguay
| | - Antonieta Rojas de Arias
- Centro para el Desarrollo de la Investigación Científica (CEDIC), Manduvira 635 entre 15 de Agosto y O' Leary, Barrio La Encarnación, Asunción, Código Postal 1255, Paraguay
| | - Camila López-Torres
- Clinical and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Network for Snake Venom Research and Drug Discovery, Santiago, Chile
| | - Charlotte Palominos
- Clinical and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Network for Snake Venom Research and Drug Discovery, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sebastián Fuentes-Retamal
- Clinical and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Network for Snake Venom Research and Drug Discovery, Santiago, Chile
| | - Yarela Herrera
- Clinical and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Network for Snake Venom Research and Drug Discovery, Santiago, Chile
| | - Karen Dubois-Camacho
- Clinical and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Network for Snake Venom Research and Drug Discovery, Santiago, Chile
| | - Félix A Urra
- Clinical and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Network for Snake Venom Research and Drug Discovery, Santiago, Chile.
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Lv Y, Li Y, Wen Z, Shi Q. Transcriptomic and gene-family dynamic analyses reveal gene expression pattern and evolution in toxin-producing tissues of Asiatic toad (Bufo gargarizans). Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.924248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Comprising a major clade of Anura, toads produce and secrete numerous toxins from both the parotoid glands behind their eyes and their dorsal skin. These toxins, made of various proteins and compounds, possess pharmacological potential to be repurposed to benefit human health. However, the detailed genetic regulation of toad toxin production is still poorly understood. A recent publication uncovering the genome of the representative Asiatic toad (Bufo gargarizans) provides a good reference to resolve this issue. In the present study, we sequenced the transcriptomes of parotoid gland, dorsal skin and liver from the Asiatic toad. Combining our data with 35 previously published transcriptomes across eight different tissues from the same species but from different locations, we constructed a comprehensive gene co-expression network of the Asiatic toad with the assistance of the reference genome assembly. We identified 2,701 co-expressed genes in the toxin-producing tissues (including parotoid gland and dorsal skin). By comparative genomic analysis, we identified 599 expanded gene families with 2,720 genes. Through overlapping these co-expressed genes in the toad toxin-producing tissues, we observed that three cytochrome P450 (Cyp) family members (Cyp27a1, Cyp2c29, and Cyp2c39) were significantly enriched in pathways related to cholesterol metabolism. Cholesterol is a critical precursor to steroids, and the known main steroidal toxins of bufadienolides are considered as the major bioactive components in the parotoid glands of Asiatic toad. We found 3-hydroxy-methylglutaryl CoA reductase (hmgcr), encoding the major rate-limiting enzyme for cholesterol biosynthesis, appears with multiple copies in both Asiatic toad and common toad, possibly originating from a tandem duplication event. The five copies of hmgcr genes consistently displayed higher transcription levels in the parotoid gland when compared with the abdominal skin, suggesting it as a vital candidate gene in the involvement of toad toxin production. Taken together, our current study uncovers transcriptomic and gene-family dynamic evidence to reveal the vital role of both expanded gene copies and gene expression changes for production of toad toxins.
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Li M, Qin Y, Li Z, Lan J, Zhang T, Ding Y. Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Cinobufacini Capsule and Injection by UPLC-MS/MS. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:944041. [PMID: 35928275 PMCID: PMC9343874 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.944041] [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: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cinobufacini capsule and injection are two different formulations from the same source, obtained from the extraction of the skin of Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor, which have been approved by the Chinese State Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) for the treatment of various cancers. Our previous study has found that the cinobufacini capsule and injection exhibited different anticancer effects, but their different pharmacokinetic behaviors, which could give a cause of that, have never been reported. So a sensitive and selective method for the simultaneous quantitation of 13 compounds in the rat plasma, including bufothionine, hellebrigenin, bufalin, gamabufotalin, telocinobufagin, cinobufagin, arenobufagin, cinobufotalin, desacetylcinobufotalin, bufotalin, pseudobufarenogin, resibufogenin, and desacetylcinobufagin, was established by using the Agilent 6460 mass spectrometer equipped with an ESI ion source in a multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Chromatographic analysis was accomplished in 6 min by using an Agilent SB-C18 column and a mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile in an optimized gradient program at a flow rate of 0.3 ml/min. The correlation coefficients (r) of all analytes ranged from 0.9967 to 0.9996, while their lower limits of quantification ranged from 0.20 to 4.84 ng/ml. The method has been fully verified and applied for the pharmacokinetic difference study of the Cinobufacini capsule and injection in rats. The results showed that nine components could be quantitated in rat plasma samples after the administration of the cinobufacini capsule, while only bufothionine, bufalin, arenobufagin, and pseudobufarenogin could be detected in the cinobufacini injection group. Their pharmacokinetic studies indicated telocinobufagin, bufalin, desacetylcinobufagin, and arenobufagin were predicted as the potential active substances of the Cinobufacini capsule, while bufothionine was considered as a major ingredient in the cinobufacini injection due to its relatively high blood drug exposure. Also, the AUC of the nine components in cinobufacini capsule groups with three different doses showed a similar trend with significant differences, and the exposure increased with the increase of the dose. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of all major ingredients in cinobufacini capsules and injection were of wide variation, which could be used to explain differences in the efficacy of the cinobufacini capsule and injection and infer the pharmacodynamic ingredients of various cinobufacini preparations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Li
- Experiment Center of Teaching and Learning, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanhong Qin
- Experiment Center of Teaching and Learning, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhe Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinshuai Lan
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Experiment Center of Teaching and Learning, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Tong Zhang, ; Yue Ding,
| | - Yue Ding
- Experiment Center of Teaching and Learning, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Tong Zhang, ; Yue Ding,
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26
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Li M, Zhu H, Liu Y, Lu Y, Sun M, Zhang Y, Shi J, Shi N, Li L, Yang K, Sun X, Liu J, Ge L, Huang L. Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Severe or Critical COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials and Observational Studies. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:926189. [PMID: 35910363 PMCID: PMC9336221 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.926189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to spread globally. Due to the higher risk of mortality, the treatment of severe or critical patients is a top priority. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment has played an extremely important role in the fight against COVID-19 in China; a timely evidence summary on TCM in managing COVID-19 is crucial to update the knowledge of healthcare for better clinical management of COVID-19. This study aimed to assess the effects and safety of TCM treatments for severe/critical COVID-19 patients by systematically collecting and synthesizing evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies (e.g., cohort).Methods: We searched nine databases up to 19th March 2022 and the reference lists of relevant publications. Pairs of reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data of interest, and assessed risk of bias. We performed qualitative systematic analysis with visual presentation of results and compared the direction and distribution of effect estimates for each patient’s important outcome. We performed sensitivity analyses to observe the robustness of results by restricting analysis to studies with low risk of bias.Results: The search yielded 217,761 records, and 21 studies (6 RCTs and 15 observational studies) proved eligible. A total of 21 studies enrolled 12,981 severe/critical COVID-19 patients with a mean age of 57.21 years and a mean proportion of men of 47.91%. Compared with usual supportive treatments, the effect estimates of TCM treatments were consistent in direction, illustrating that TCM treatments could reduce the risk of mortality, rate of conversion to critical cases, and mechanical ventilation, and showed significant advantages in shortening the length of hospital stay, time to viral clearance, and symptom resolution. The results were similar when we restricted analyses to low-risk-bias studies. No serious adverse events were reported with TCM treatments, and no significant differences were observed between groups.Conclusion: Encouraging evidence suggests that TCM presents substantial advantages in treating severe/critical COVID-19 patients. TCM has a safety profile that is comparable to that of conventional treatment alone. TCMs have played an important role in China’s prevention and treatment of COVID-19, which sets an example of using traditional medicine in preventing and treating COVID-19 worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Li
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Evidence Based Social Science Research Centre, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongfei Zhu
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Evidence Based Social Science Research Centre, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yafei Liu
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Evidence Based Social Science Research Centre, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yao Lu
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Evidence Based Social Science Research Centre, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Minyao Sun
- Evidence Based Nursing Centre, School of Nursing, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- CEBIM (Center for Evidence Based Integrative Medicine)-Clarity Collaboration, Guang’ Anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Nottingham Ningbo GRADE Center, The University of Nottingham Ningbo, Ningbo, China
| | - Jiaheng Shi
- China Center for Evidence Based Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Emergency, Guang’ Anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nannan Shi
- China Center for Evidence Based Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Li
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kehu Yang
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- WHO Collaborating Center for Guideline Implementation and Knowledge Translation, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xin Sun
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Xin Sun, ; Jie Liu, ; Long Ge, ; Luqi Huang,
| | - Jie Liu
- China Center for Evidence Based Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Oncology, Guang’ Anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xin Sun, ; Jie Liu, ; Long Ge, ; Luqi Huang,
| | - Long Ge
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Evidence Based Social Science Research Centre, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- WHO Collaborating Center for Guideline Implementation and Knowledge Translation, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xin Sun, ; Jie Liu, ; Long Ge, ; Luqi Huang,
| | - Luqi Huang
- China Center for Evidence Based Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xin Sun, ; Jie Liu, ; Long Ge, ; Luqi Huang,
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27
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Lu CY, Chang YY, Hsu TH, Yeh CY, Lai PF. Case Report: Clinical Presentation of Toad Venom-Induced Cardiac Intoxication. J Acute Med 2022; 12:75-78. [PMID: 35860707 PMCID: PMC9283113 DOI: 10.6705/j.jacme.202206_12(2).0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Six people made the mistake of eating toad soup, and one of them died before arriving hospital. Five patients presented conscious change, gastrointestinal upset, or bradycardia. We checked their blood and electrocardiography to monitor the cardiac intoxication from toad venom. This experience revealed that the serum level of digoxin does not indicate the severity of intoxication but has the diagnostic value. And, serum potassium level is useful to provide valuable therapeutic information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Yi Lu
- Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital Nursing Department Hualien Taiwan
| | - Yung-Yih Chang
- Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital Emergency Department Hualien Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Heng Hsu
- Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital Emergency Department Hualien Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yun Yeh
- Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital Emergency Department Hualien Taiwan
| | - Pei-Fang Lai
- Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital Emergency Department Hualien Taiwan
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28
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Shen Y, Cai H, Ma S, Zhu W, Zhao H, Li J, Ye H, Yang L, Zhao C, Huang X, Xiao Z. Telocinobufagin Has Antitumor Effects in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer by Inhibiting STAT3 Signaling. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2022; 85:765-775. [PMID: 35200033 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c00761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung carcer (NSCLC), the main histological subtype of lung cancer, is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Telocinobufagin, an active compound of the Chinese traditional medicine ChanSu, has antitumor effects, but its mechanism of action remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated the effect of telocinobufagin on NSCLC growth and metastasis and its possible mechanism of action, in vitro and in vivo. Cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis were measured by methyl thiazol tetrazolium assay, colony formation, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation, Transwell migration, wound healing, and flow cytometry analysis. A mouse xenograft model was used to evaluate tumor formation in vivo. Telocinobufagin was found to suppress proliferation and metastasis and induce apoptosis in human NSCLC cells. Moreover, telocinobufagin was able to significantly inhibit STAT3 phosphorylation at tyrosine 705 (Y705) and its downstream targets. Additionally, telocinobufagin also impaired the IL-6-induced nuclear translocation of STAT3. Consistent with the in vitro experiments, telocinobufagin reduced the A549 xenograft tumor burden and the levels of P-STAT3Y705, MCL1, BCL2, and cleaved PARP1 in vivo. These results support telocinobufagin as a promising STAT3 signaling inhibitor candidate for the treatment of NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yili Shen
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325600, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Haijian Cai
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325600, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Shenjie Ma
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325600, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Wenjing Zhu
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325600, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Haiyang Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Jifa Li
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325600, China
| | - Hua Ye
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325600, China
| | - Lehe Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Chengguang Zhao
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325600, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Xiaoying Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Zhongxiao Xiao
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325600, China
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29
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Abstract
The serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) 2A receptor is most well known as the common target for classic psychedelic compounds. Interestingly, the 5-HT2A receptor is the most widely expressed mammalian serotonin receptor and is found in nearly every examined tissue type including neural, endocrine, endothelial, immune, and muscle, suggesting it could be a novel and pharmacological target for several types of disorders. Despite this, the bulk of research on the 5-HT2A receptor is focused on its role in the central nervous system (CNS). Recently, activation of 5-HT2A receptors has emerged as a new anti-inflammatory strategy. This review will describe recent findings regarding psychedelics as anti-inflammatory compounds, as well as parse out differences in functional selectivity and immune regulation that exist between a number of well-known hallucinogenic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Flanagan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Charles D Nichols
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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He K, Wang GX, Zhao LN, Cui XF, Su XB, Shi Y, Xie TP, Hou SW, Han ZG. Cinobufagin Is a Selective Anti-Cancer Agent against Tumors with EGFR Amplification and PTEN Deletion. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:775602. [PMID: 34925034 PMCID: PMC8672866 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.775602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and malignant brain tumor, and almost half of the patients carrying EGFR-driven tumor with PTEN deficiency are resistant to EGFR-targeted therapy. EGFR amplification and/or mutation is reported in various epithelial tumors. This series of studies aimed to identify a potent compound against EGFR-driven tumor. We screened a chemical library containing over 600 individual compounds purified from Traditional Chinese Medicine against GBM cells with EGFR amplification and found that cinobufagin, the major active ingredient of Chansu, inhibited the proliferation of EGFR amplified GBM cells and PTEN deficiency enhanced its anti-proliferation effects. Cinobufagin also strongly inhibited the proliferation of carcinoma cell lines with wild-type or mutant EGFR expression. In contrast, the compound only weakly inhibited the proliferation of cancer cells with low or without EGFR expression. Cinobufagin blocked EGFR phosphorylation and its downstream signaling, which additionally induced apoptosis and cytotoxicity in EGFR amplified cancer cells. In vivo, cinobufagin blocked EGFR signaling, inhibited cell proliferation, and elicited apoptosis, thereby suppressing tumor growth in both subcutaneous and intracranial U87MG-EGFR xenograft mouse models and increasing the median survival of nude mice bearing intracranial U87MG-EGFR tumors. Cinobufagin is a potential therapeutic agent for treating malignant glioma and other human cancers expressing EGFR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunyan He
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang-Xing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Nan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Fang Cui
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xian-Bin Su
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tian-Pei Xie
- Shanghai Nature Standard Technical Services Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Shang-Wei Hou
- Key Laboratory for Translational Research and Innovative Therapeutics of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Department of Anesthesiology, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Tongren Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Hangzhou Innovation Institute for Systems Oncology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ze-Guang Han
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Hangzhou Innovation Institute for Systems Oncology, Hangzhou, China
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Yu W, Zhang X, Zhang W, Xiong M, Lin Y, Chang M, Xu L, Lu Y, Liu Y, Zhang J. 19-Hydroxybufalin inhibits non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation and promotes cell apoptosis via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Exp Hematol Oncol 2021; 10:48. [PMID: 34696818 PMCID: PMC8543904 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-021-00243-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bufadienolides derived from the skin of toads are often regarded as the main active components with antitumor effects. 19-Hydroxybufalin (19-HB) is a monomer of bufadienolides; however, its effects and underlying molecular mechanisms on tumor growth remain to be ascertained. In this report, we focused on the antitumor effects of 19-HB on non-small cell lung cancer to provide a scientific basis for its further development and utilization. Methods The antitumor effects of 19-HB on the human NSCLC cell lines NCI-H1299 and NCI-H838 were examined in vitro. The cells were treated with different concentrations of 19-HB, and the inhibition of cell growth was measured by CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Furthermore, cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry, TUNEL staining, JC-1 staining, and western blotting. The effects on migration and invasion were evaluated by wound-healing assay, transwell assay, and western blotting. Finally, the antitumor effects of 19-HB were evaluated in vivo using a xenograft mouse model. Results 19-HB-treated NSCLC cells showed inhibited cell viability and increased apoptosis. The expression levels of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved-PARP, and Bax/Bcl-2 were upregulated, while the mitochondrial membrane potential decreased. In contrast, migration, invasion, as well as the expression of MMP2, MMP7, MMP9, the epithelial–mesenchymal transition-related proteins N-cadherin and Vimentin, and the transcription factors Snail and Slug were inhibited. Furthermore, the expression levels of the key molecules in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway (CyclinD1, c-Myc, and β-catenin) were decreased. In vivo, the growth of xenograft tumors in nude mice was also significantly inhibited by 19-HB, and there were no significant changes in biochemical indicators of hepatic and renal function. Conclusions 19-HB inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted the apoptosis of NSCLC cells via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In addition, 19-HB inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors in nude mice with little toxicity to the liver and kidney. Thus, 19-HB may be a potential antitumor agent for treating NSCLC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40164-021-00243-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yu
- Guizhou Provincial College-Based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment With Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China.,School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Minggang Xiong
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuhan Lin
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Ming Chang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Guizhou Provincial College-Based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment With Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Yi Lu
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yun Liu
- Guizhou Provincial College-Based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment With Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China.
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
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Material Basis and Mechanism of Chansu Injection for COVID-19 Treatment Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Technology. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:7697785. [PMID: 34671410 PMCID: PMC8523246 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7697785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The clinical efficacy of Chansu injection for COVID-19 treatment has been confirmed. Its mechanism of action remains unclear. We used network pharmacology and molecular docking technology to explore the potential material basis and mechanism of action of Chansu injection for COVID-19. Methods The main components of Chansu injection were determined using HPLC. The PharmMapper, SwissTargetPrediction, SEA, and TCMID databases were used to screen for the active ingredients and therapeutic targets of Chansu injection, while the OMIM and GeneCards Suite databases were used to search for COVID-19-related targets. The STRING database was used for protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction and topological analysis, while DAVID was used for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses of the core targets. The main active compounds of Chansu injection were docked with 3CL protease, ACE2, RdRp, and spike protein. Results The three Chansu injection compounds were identified using HPLC. A total of 236 drug-related targets and 16,611 disease-related targets were identified, and 77 common targets were determined through mapping. The PPI mapping results revealed that 16 core targets were obtained through topological analysis and screening. Furthermore, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the PI3K and JAK-STAT signaling pathways are the major pathways. The molecular docking results suggest that the three Chansu injection components have high binding energies to the S protein. Conclusions The potential mechanism of Chansu injection for COVID-19 involves multiple targets and pathways, thereby providing a scientific basis for its clinical application and further research.
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Škubník J, Bejček J, Pavlíčková VS, Rimpelová S. Repurposing Cardiac Glycosides: Drugs for Heart Failure Surmounting Viruses. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26185627. [PMID: 34577097 PMCID: PMC8469069 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26185627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug repositioning is a successful approach in medicinal research. It significantly simplifies the long-term process of clinical drug evaluation, since the drug being tested has already been approved for another condition. One example of drug repositioning involves cardiac glycosides (CGs), which have, for a long time, been used in heart medicine. Moreover, it has been known for decades that CGs also have great potential in cancer treatment and, thus, many clinical trials now evaluate their anticancer potential. Interestingly, heart failure and cancer are not the only conditions for which CGs could be effectively used. In recent years, the antiviral potential of CGs has been extensively studied, and with the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, this interest in CGs has increased even more. Therefore, here, we present CGs as potent and promising antiviral compounds, which can interfere with almost any steps of the viral life cycle, except for the viral attachment to a host cell. In this review article, we summarize the reported data on this hot topic and discuss the mechanisms of antiviral action of CGs, with reference to the particular viral life cycle phase they interfere with.
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Zhao J, Wang Y, Huang X, Ma Q, Song J, Wu X, Zhou H, Weng Y, Yang Z, Wang X. Liu Shen Wan inhibits influenza virus-induced secondary Staphylococcus aureus infection in vivo and in vitro. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 277:114066. [PMID: 33766755 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Liu Shen Wan (LSW) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with detoxification and antiphlogistic activity; it is composed of bezoar, toad venom, musk, pearl powder, borneol and realgar. In recent years, LSW has been widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of influenza, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, mumps, cancer and leukaemia. AIM OF STUDY The anti-influenza virus properties of LSW and its inhibition of the inflammatory response was demonstrated in our previous research; however, the effect and potential mechanism of LSW against influenza induced secondary bacteria have remained obscure. Therefore, in the present study, a model of influenza virus PR8 with secondary infection by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in vitro and in mice was established to examine the effect and potential mechanism by which LSW inhibits bacterial adhesion and subsequent severe pneumonia after viral infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS We investigated the effect of LSW on the PR8-induced adhesion of live S. aureus in A549 cells. RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of adhesion molecules. Western blotting was used to determine the expression of CEACAM1, RIG-1, MDA5, p-NF-κB, and NF-κB in A549 cells. Inflammatory cytokines were detected using a Bio-Plex Pro Human Cytokine Screening Panel (R&D) in A549 cells and Mouse Magnetic Luminex Assays (R&D) in mice infected with PR8 virus and secondarily with S. aureus, respectively. Moreover, the survival rate, lung index, viral titre, bacterial loads and pathological changes in the lung tissue of mice infected with PR8 and S. aureus were investigated to estimate the effect of LSW in inhibiting severe pneumonia. RESULTS LSW significantly decreased S. aureus adhesion following influenza virus infection in A549 cells, which may have occurred by suppressing expression of the adhesion molecule CEACAM1. In addition, treatment with LSW dramatically suppressed the induction of proinflammatory cytokines (CCL2/MCP-1 and CXCL-9/MIG) and chemokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) by PR8 infection following secondary LPS stimulation in A549 cells. Upregulation of related signalling proteins (RIG-I, MDA5 and NF-κB) induced by viruses and bacteria was suppressed by LSW in A549 cells. LSW significantly decreased the viral titres and bacterial load, prolonged survival time, and ameliorated lung inflammation and injury in mice with S. aureus infection secondary to PR8 infection. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that LSW prevents S. aureus adherence to influenza virus-infected A549 cells, perhaps by inhibiting the expression of the adhesion molecule CEACAM1. The upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and related signalling proteins induced by viruses and bacteria was suppressed by LSW in A549 cells. LSW significantly ameliorated lung injury caused by viral and secondary bacterial infection. These findings provide a further evaluation of LSW and suggest a beneficial effect of LSW for the prevention of secondary bacterial infection and related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yutao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaodong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qinhai Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Song
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongxia Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yunceng Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zifeng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau.
| | - Xinhua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Cinobufagin-induced DNA damage response activates G 2/M checkpoint and apoptosis to cause selective cytotoxicity in cancer cells. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:446. [PMID: 34425836 PMCID: PMC8381584 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02150-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Processed extracts from toad skin and parotoid gland have long been used to treat various illnesses including cancer in many Asian countries. Recent studies have uncovered a family of bufadienolides as the responsible pharmacological compounds, and the two major molecules, cinobufagin and bufalin, have been shown to possess robust antitumor activity; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Methods Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by DCFH-DA staining and flow cytometry, and DNA damage was analyzed by immunofluorescent staining and the alkaline comet assay. Cytotoxicity was measured by MTT as well as colony formation assays, and cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. In addition, apoptosis was further characterized by TUNEL and mitochondrial membrane potential assays. Results Here we showed that sublethal doses of cinobufagin suppressed the viability of many cancer but not noncancerous cell lines. This tumor-selective cytotoxicity was preceded by a rapid, cancer-specific increase in cellular ROS and was significantly reduced by the ROS inhibitor N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), indicating oxidative stress as the primary source of cinobufagin-induced cancer cell toxicity. Sublethal cinobufagin-induced ROS overload resulted in oxidative DNA damage and intense replication stress in cancer cells, leading to strong DNA damage response (DDR) signaling. Subsequent phosphorylation of CDC25C and stabilization of p53 downstream of DDR resulted in activation of the G2/M checkpoint followed by induction of apoptosis. These data indicate that cinobufagin suppresses cancer cell viability via DDR-mediated G2 arrest and apoptosis. Conclusion As elevated oxidative pressure is shared by most cancer cells that renders them sensitive to further oxidative insult, these studies suggest that nontoxic doses of cinobufagin can be used to exploit a cancer vulnerability for induction of cancer-specific cytotoxicity. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary materials available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02150-0.
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Škubník J, Pavlíčková V, Rimpelová S. Cardiac Glycosides as Immune System Modulators. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11050659. [PMID: 33947098 PMCID: PMC8146282 DOI: 10.3390/biom11050659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac glycosides (CGs) are natural steroid compounds occurring both in plants and animals. They are known for long as cardiotonic agents commonly used for various cardiac diseases due to inhibition of Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) pumping activity and modulating heart muscle contractility. However, recent studies show that the portfolio of diseases potentially treatable with CGs is much broader. Currently, CGs are mostly studied as anticancer agents. Their antiproliferative properties are based on the induction of multiple signaling pathways in an NKA signalosome complex. In addition, they are strongly connected to immunogenic cell death, a complex mechanism of induction of anticancer immune response. Moreover, CGs exert various immunomodulatory effects, the foremost of which are connected with suppressing the activity of T-helper cells or modulating transcription of many immune response genes by inhibiting nuclear factor kappa B. The resulting modulations of cytokine and chemokine levels and changes in immune cell ratios could be potentially useful in treating sundry autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. This review aims to summarize current knowledge in the field of immunomodulatory properties of CGs and emphasize the large area of potential clinical use of these compounds.
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Oliveira RS, Borges BT, Leal AP, de Brum Vieira P, Silva DB, Hyslop S, Vinadé L, Dos Santos TG, Carlini CR, Orchard I, Lange AB, Dal Belo CA. Chemical and functional analyses of Rhinella icterica (Spix, 1824) toad secretion screened on contractions of the heart and oviduct in Locusta migratoria. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 129:104192. [PMID: 33460706 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2021.104192] [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: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Rhinella icterica is a Brazilian toad with a parotoid secretion that is toxic to insects. In this work, we examined the entomotoxicity of this secretion in locust (Locusta migratoria) semi-isolated heart and oviduct preparations in vitro. The parotoid secretion caused negative chronotropism in semi-isolated heart preparations (at the highest dose tested: 500 μg) and markedly enhanced the amplitude of spontaneous contractions and tonus of oviduct muscle (0.001-100 μg). In addition, the secretion enhanced neurally-evoked contractions of oviduct muscle, which was more sensitive to low concentrations of secretion than the semi-isolated heart. The highest dose of secretion (100 μg) caused neuromuscular blockade. In zero calcium-high magnesium saline, the secretion still enhanced muscle tonus, suggesting the release of intracellular calcium to stimulate contraction. Reverse-phase HPLC of the secretion yielded eight fractions, of which only fractions 4 and 5 affected oviduct muscle tonus and neurally-evoked contractions. No phospholipase A2 activity was detected in the secretion or its chromatographic fractions. The analysis of fractions 4 and 5 by LC-DAD-MS/MS revealed the following chemical compounds: suberoyl arginine, hellebrigenin, hellebrigenin 3-suberoyl arginine ester, marinobufagin 3-pimeloyl arginine ester, telocinobufagin 3-suberoyl arginine ester, marinobufagin 3-suberoyl arginine ester, bufalin 3-adipoyl arginine, marinobufagin, bufotalinin, and bufalitoxin. These findings indicate that R. icterica parotoid secretion is active in both of the preparations examined, with the activity in oviduct possibly being mediated by bufadienolides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Soares Oliveira
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia (LANETOX), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), São Gabriel, RS, Brazil
| | - Bruna Trindade Borges
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia (LANETOX), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), São Gabriel, RS, Brazil.
| | - Allan P Leal
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia (LANETOX), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), São Gabriel, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica (PPGBTox), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Patrícia de Brum Vieira
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia (LANETOX), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), São Gabriel, RS, Brazil
| | - Denise Brentan Silva
- Laboratório de Produtos Naturais e Espectrometria de Massas (LAPNEM), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Alimentos e Nutrição (FACFAN), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil.
| | - Stephen Hyslop
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
| | - Lúcia Vinadé
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia (LANETOX), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), São Gabriel, RS, Brazil
| | - Tiago Gomes Dos Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica (PPGBTox), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Estudos em Biodiversidade Pampiana (LEBIP), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), São Gabriel, RS, Brazil
| | - Celia R Carlini
- Laboratório de Neurotoxinas (LANEUROTOX), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul(PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Ian Orchard
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada.
| | - Angela B Lange
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada.
| | - Cháriston A Dal Belo
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia (LANETOX), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), São Gabriel, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica (PPGBTox), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
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Medina-Ortiz K, López-Alvarez D, Navia F, Hansen T, Fierro L, Castaño S. Identification of Na +/K +-ATPase α/β isoforms in Rhinella marina tissues by RNAseq and a molecular docking approach at the protein level to evaluate α isoform affinities for bufadienolides. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2021; 254:110906. [PMID: 33476762 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.110906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) function is inhibited by Bufadienolides (BD), a group of cardiotonic steroids (CTS) primarily produced by anurans of the Bufonidae family, such as Rhinella marina. This study characterized the presence of α and β NKA subunit isoforms in R. marina via RNAseq in four tissues: oocytes, skin, heart, and skeletal muscle. Transcripts encoding three α-like isoforms (α1, α2, α3) and three β-like isoforms (β1, β2, β4) were identified. The amino acid sequence of α1-like isoform shared 99.4% identity with the α1 isoform previously published for R. marina. Sequences for α2, α3, and β4 from R. marina were previously unavailable. The first extracellular loop in the α2-like isoform in R. marina showed similar substitutions to those found in their susceptible homologues in other taxa (L/Q111T and S119T); in contrast, this same loop in α3-like isoform showed similar substitutions (Q111L and G120R) to those reported for toad-eating animals such as snakes, which suggests relatively lower affinity for CTS. Docking results showed that all three α-like isoforms identified in R. marina transcriptomes have low affinity to CTS compared to the susceptible α1 isoform of Sus scrofa (pig), with α1-like isoform being the most resistant. The tissue-specific RNAseq results showed the following expression of NKA α-like and β-like subunit isoforms: Oocytes expressed α1 and β1; skin α1, β1, and low levels of β2; heart α1, α3, and β1; skeletal muscle α1, β4, with low levels of α2, α3, and β1. R. marina could be used as an important model for future structural, functional and pharmacological studies of NKA and its isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Medina-Ortiz
- Laboratorio de Herpetología y Toxinología, Department of Physiological Sciences, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.
| | - Diana López-Alvarez
- Laboratorio de Herpetología y Toxinología, Department of Physiological Sciences, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - Felipe Navia
- Laboratorio de Herpetología y Toxinología, Department of Physiological Sciences, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - Thomas Hansen
- Laboratorio de Herpetología y Toxinología, Department of Physiological Sciences, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - Leonardo Fierro
- Laboratorio de Herpetología y Toxinología, Department of Physiological Sciences, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - Santiago Castaño
- Laboratorio de Herpetología y Toxinología, Department of Physiological Sciences, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.
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Trakulsrichai S, Chumvanichaya K, Sriapha C, Tongpoo A, Wananukul W. Toad Poisoning: Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2020; 16:1235-1241. [PMID: 33363378 PMCID: PMC7752649 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s272863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study was performed to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with toad poisoning in Thailand. Methods We carried out a retrospective study of patients with toad poisoning from the Ramathibodi Poison Center Toxic Exposure Surveillance System during a 5-year period (2012–2016). Results We studied 36 patients poisoned by toad toxin. The median age was 31 years. Most patients were male (66.7%) and had ingested toad meat (50%). The most common presentation was gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms with a median onset of 2 h after ingestion. Twelve patients presented with bradycardia; seven presented with shock and one with cardiac arrest. In the initial EKGs of all patients, the most common abnormality was sinus bradycardia.Two patients developed cardiac arrest early during management in the emergency room (within 15 minutes after ER arrival or within 4.5 h after ingestion). During admission, one patient developed sinus bradycardia, and two developed bradyarrhythmia; however, all three were stable. No tachyarrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia were detected in any patient. Some patients (11.1%) presented with hyperkalemia. Serum digoxin was detected in five of seven patients tested, ranging from 0.43 to >8 ng/mL. Most patients (75%) were admitted to the hospital; the median duration of hospitalization was 2 d (range 0.5–5 d). The overall mortality rate was 8.3%, and all three patients that died ate toad meat and/or eggs and developed cardiac arrest. All patients received supportive with/without symptomatic care including GI decontamination, inotropic drugs, cardiac pacing, and management of hyperkalemia. One patient received intravenous calcium for hyperkalemia but did not develop dysrhythmia after calcium administration. One patient received digoxin-specific antibody fragments (DsFab), after which he clinically improved and was discharged. Conclusion Toad poisoning commonly caused GI symptoms and bradycardia. However, in severe cases, death occurred. Tachyarrhythmia was not observed. Supportive, symptomatic care might be the main therapies for this poisoning, especially if DsFab is not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satariya Trakulsrichai
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.,Ramathibodi Poison Center, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Kritsada Chumvanichaya
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.,Emergency Department, Somdech Phra Pinklao Hospital, Bangkok 10600, Thailand
| | - Charuwan Sriapha
- Ramathibodi Poison Center, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Achara Tongpoo
- Ramathibodi Poison Center, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Winai Wananukul
- Ramathibodi Poison Center, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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Rodriguez C, Ibáñez R, Rollins-Smith LA, Gutiérrez M, Durant-Archibold AA. Antimicrobial Secretions of Toads (Anura, Bufonidae): Bioactive Extracts and Isolated Compounds against Human Pathogens. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9120843. [PMID: 33255881 PMCID: PMC7761505 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9120843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Species of the family Bufonidae, better known as true toads, are widespread and produce bioactive substances in the secretions obtained from specialized skin macroglands. Some true toads have been employed as a folk remedy to treat infectious diseases caused by microbial pathogens. Recent publications based on in silico analysis highlighted the Bufonidae as promising sources of antimicrobial peptides. A review of the literature reveals that Bufonidae skin secretion extracts show inhibitory activity in vitro against clinical isolates of bacteria, resistant and standard strains of bacterial, and fungal and parasitic human pathogens. Secondary metabolites belonging to the classes of alkaloids, bufadienolides, and peptides with antimicrobial activity have been isolated from species of the genera Bufo, Bufotes, Duttaphrynus, and Rhinella. Additionally, some antimicrobial extracts and purified compounds display low cytotoxicity against mammal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candelario Rodriguez
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Clayton, Panama City 0843-01103, Panama;
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y Tecnología, Universidad de Panamá, Apartado 0824-03366, Panama
- Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Nagarjuna Nagar, Guntur 522510, India
- Scientific Station COIBA, (COIBA AIP), Ciudad del Saber, Apartado 0816-02852, Panama
| | - Roberto Ibáñez
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), Balboa 0843-03092, Panama;
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y Tecnología, Universidad de Panamá, Apartado 0824-03366, Panama
| | - Louise A. Rollins-Smith
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, and Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA;
| | - Marcelino Gutiérrez
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Clayton, Panama City 0843-01103, Panama;
- Correspondence: (M.G.); (A.A.D.-A.)
| | - Armando A. Durant-Archibold
- Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Clayton, Panama City 0843-01103, Panama;
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y Tecnología, Universidad de Panamá, Apartado 0824-03366, Panama
- Correspondence: (M.G.); (A.A.D.-A.)
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Pei X, Gong Z, Wu Q, Chen X, Wang L, Ma C, Xi X, Chen T, Shaw C, Zhou M. Characterisation of a novel peptide, Brevinin-1H, from the skin secretion of Amolops hainanensis and rational design of several analogues. Chem Biol Drug Des 2020; 97:273-282. [PMID: 32812694 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
As drug-resistant bacteria have become a serious health problem and have caused thousands of deaths, finding new antibiotics has become an urgent research priority. A novel antimicrobial peptide, named Brevinin-1H, was identified in the skin secretion of Amolops hainanensis through 'shotgun' cloning. It has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against tested micro-organisms and has anticancer cell activity. To improve its bioactivity and decrease its cytotoxicity, two structural analogues-Brevinin-1Ha and Brevinin-1HY-were designed based on the secondary structure of the natural peptide. Brevinin-1HY, in which tyrosine substituted Pro11 , had similar activity to the natural peptide against Gram-negative bacteria and cancer cells, but showed a dramatic increase in haemolytic activity and cytotoxicity at its minimum inhibitory concentration. Brevinin-1Ha, which transferred the Rana-box from the C-terminal to a central position, had significantly decreased haemolytic activity, but also in antimicrobial and anticancer activity. The present data suggest that increasing the proportion of α-helix structure in an AMP can increase its target micro-organism bioactivity to some extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjie Pei
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.,School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zijian Gong
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Qing Wu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoling Chen
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Lei Wang
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Chengbang Ma
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Xinping Xi
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Tianbao Chen
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Chris Shaw
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Mei Zhou
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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Kowalski K, Marciniak P, Rychlik L. Individual variation in cardiotoxicity of parotoid secretion of the common toad, Bufo bufo, depends on body size - first results. ZOOLOGY 2020; 142:125822. [PMID: 32862084 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2020.125822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Anurans secrete a wide diversity of toxins from skin glands to defend themselves against predators and pathogens. Bufonids produce potent poison in parotoid macroglands located in the postorbital region. Parotoid secretion is a rich source of bioactive compounds with cardiotoxic, cytotoxic and hemolytic activity. Poison content and toxicity may vary between species, populations, and among conspecifics inhabiting the same area. In the present paper, we pre-analyzed the individual variation in cardiotoxicity of parotoid extract of common toads (Bufo bufo Linnaeus, 1758) and impact of body mass (BM), snout to vent length (SVL), and body condition (BC) of toad on the poison toxicity. We hypothesized that large toads produce poison with higher cardiotoxicity than smaller ones. Parotoid extract was fractionated by reverse phase chromatography, and then in vitro physiological bioassays were carried out on the semi-isolated hearts of the mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus, 1758) to determine cardiotoxicity of the whole poison and separated fractions. Generalized linear mixed models were used to determine effects of BM, SVL, and BC on the poison toxicity. We recorded significant changes in the insect heart contractility after treatment with the whole poison and separated fractions. We found an individual variation in cardiotoxicity of the parotoid extract which was explained by the body size of toad. Poison of smaller toads displayed a negative, whereas poison of larger toads positive, chronotropic effect on the heart contractility. Thus, we conclude that the effectiveness of parotoid secretion in repelling predators may vary depending on the toad individual size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Kowalski
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology and Ecology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Lwowska 1, Toruń, 87-100, Poland; Department of Systematic Zoology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, Poznań, 61-614, Poland.
| | - Paweł Marciniak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, Poznań, 61-614, Poland.
| | - Leszek Rychlik
- Department of Systematic Zoology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, Poznań, 61-614, Poland.
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Oliveira RS, Borges BT, Leal AP, Lailowski MM, Bordon KDCF, de Souza VQ, Vinadé L, dos Santos TG, Hyslop S, Moura S, Arantes EC, Corrado AP, Dal Belo CA. Chemical and Pharmacological Screening of Rhinella icterica (Spix 1824) Toad Parotoid Secretion in Avian Preparations. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:E396. [PMID: 32549266 PMCID: PMC7354542 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12060396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological activity of Rhinella icterica parotoid secretion (RIPS) and some of its chromatographic fractions (RI18, RI19, RI23, and RI24) was evaluated in the current study. Mass spectrometry of these fractions indicated the presence of sarmentogenin, argentinogenin, (5β,12β)-12,14-dihydroxy-11-oxobufa-3,20,22-trienolide, marinobufagin, bufogenin B, 11α,19-dihydroxy-telocinobufagin, bufotalin, monohydroxylbufotalin, 19-oxo-cinobufagin, 3α,12β,25,26-tetrahydroxy-7-oxo-5β-cholestane-26-O-sulfate, and cinobufagin-3-hemisuberate that were identified as alkaloid and steroid compounds, in addition to marinoic acid and N-methyl-5-hydroxy-tryptamine. In chick brain slices, all fractions caused a slight decrease in cell viability, as also seen with the highest concentration of RIPS tested. In chick biventer cervicis neuromuscular preparations, RIPS and all four fractions significantly inhibited junctional acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. In this preparation, only fraction RI23 completely mimicked the pharmacological profile of RIPS, which included a transient facilitation in the amplitude of muscle twitches followed by progressive and complete neuromuscular blockade. Mass spectrometric analysis showed that RI23 consisted predominantly of bufogenins, a class of steroidal compounds known for their cardiotonic activity mediated by a digoxin- or ouabain-like action and the blockade of voltage-dependent L-type calcium channels. These findings indicate that the pharmacological activities of RI23 (and RIPS) are probably mediated by: (1) inhibition of AChE activity that increases the junctional content of Ach; (2) inhibition of neuronal Na+/K+-ATPase, leading to facilitation followed by neuromuscular blockade; and (3) blockade of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, leading to stabilization of the motor endplate membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Soares Oliveira
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel RS 97300-000, Brazil; (R.S.O.); (B.T.B.); (A.P.L.); (V.Q.d.S.)
| | - Bruna Trindade Borges
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel RS 97300-000, Brazil; (R.S.O.); (B.T.B.); (A.P.L.); (V.Q.d.S.)
| | - Allan Pinto Leal
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel RS 97300-000, Brazil; (R.S.O.); (B.T.B.); (A.P.L.); (V.Q.d.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica (PPGBTox), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Avenida Roraima 1000, Santa Maria RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Manuela Merlin Lailowski
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Caxias do Sul (UCS), Rua Francisco Getúlio Vargas 1130, Caxias do Sul RS 95070-560, Brazil; (M.M.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Karla de Castro Figueiredo Bordon
- Departamento de Ciências BioMoleculares, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto SP 14.040-903, Brazil; (K.d.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Velci Queiróz de Souza
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel RS 97300-000, Brazil; (R.S.O.); (B.T.B.); (A.P.L.); (V.Q.d.S.)
| | - Lúcia Vinadé
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel RS 97300-000, Brazil; (R.S.O.); (B.T.B.); (A.P.L.); (V.Q.d.S.)
| | - Tiago Gomes dos Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos em Biodiversidade Pampiana, Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel RS 97300-000, Brazil;
| | - Stephen Hyslop
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz, Campinas SP 13083-887, Brazil;
| | - Sidnei Moura
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Caxias do Sul (UCS), Rua Francisco Getúlio Vargas 1130, Caxias do Sul RS 95070-560, Brazil; (M.M.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Eliane Candiani Arantes
- Departamento de Ciências BioMoleculares, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto SP 14.040-903, Brazil; (K.d.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Alexandre Pinto Corrado
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto SP 14040-030, Brazil;
| | - Cháriston A. Dal Belo
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel RS 97300-000, Brazil; (R.S.O.); (B.T.B.); (A.P.L.); (V.Q.d.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica (PPGBTox), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Avenida Roraima 1000, Santa Maria RS 97105-900, Brazil
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Ríos-Orjuela JC, Falcón-Espitia N, Arias-Escobar A, Espejo-Uribe MJ, Chamorro-Vargas CT. Knowledge and interactions of the local community with the herpetofauna in the forest reserve of Quininí (Tibacuy-Cundinamarca, Colombia). JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2020; 16:17. [PMID: 32293483 PMCID: PMC7161309 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-020-00370-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study of human-nature relationship has made possible to understand the life dynamics of the communities and the biodiversity with which they cohabit. Although there has been a rise of ethnobiological studies over the last decade, little is known about human interaction with herpetofauna in South America and Colombia. In this work, we analyzed the knowledge, perception, and interaction of a local community located in the forest reserve of Quininí (RFPCQ) in Cundinamarca (Colombia), concerning to the herpetofauna that inhabits the area. METHODS We performed semi-structured surveys containing 30 questions categorized into three groups: academic knowledge (1), use and cultural beliefs (2), and interactions (3) related to the herpetofauna that occurs in the region. The obtained data in question groups 1 and 2 are presented as a qualitative summary. For the question group 3, we assigned the answers to a hostility value according to the possible reaction of each individual interviewed in a hypothetical encounter with the herpetofauna and built tendency charts in order to see the positive or negative reactions due to the birthplace (urban/rural) and gender (male/female). RESULTS The community recognized the presence of amphibians and reptiles that cohabit their space, as well as their potential habitats. Besides, the role of herpetofauna was recognized in the magical/religious traditions for some inhabitants of the region, mainly associated with the fate and cure of chronic diseases. In general, the perception of amphibians and reptiles varied according to the origin and gender of the people, which tend to have a more positive perception of reptiles than compared to amphibians in most cases. CONCLUSIONS Although there was a general lack of knowledge on the part of the inhabitants of the RFPCQ about the biological and ecological aspects of herpetofauna, the population recognized the basic information about the habitats of these animals within the reserve area. There is a wide variety of uses of amphibians and reptiles in traditional medicine. Greater efforts should be made in the transmission and dissemination of knowledge about the ecological functions of herpetofauna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Camilo Ríos-Orjuela
- Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Nazaré 481, Ipiranga, São Paulo, SP, CEP 04263-000, Brazil.
- Grupo de Morfología y Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Apartado, 7495, Bogotá D.C., Colombia.
| | - Nelson Falcón-Espitia
- Laboratorio de Ecología Evolutiva, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Ciudad Universitaria, Bogotá D.C., 11001, Colombia
- Grupo estudiantil de Herpetología, Área curricular de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Ciudad Universitaria, Bogotá D.C., 11001, Colombia
| | - Alejandra Arias-Escobar
- Grupo estudiantil de Herpetología, Área curricular de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Ciudad Universitaria, Bogotá D.C., 11001, Colombia
| | - María José Espejo-Uribe
- Grupo de Biodiversidad y Conservación Genética, Instituto de Genética, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Ciudad Universitaria, Bogotá D.C., 11001, Colombia
| | - Carol Tatiana Chamorro-Vargas
- Grupo estudiantil de Herpetología, Área curricular de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Ciudad Universitaria, Bogotá D.C., 11001, Colombia
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Zhao J, Zhang Q, Zou G, Gao G, Yue Q. Arenobufagin, isolated from toad venom, inhibited epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and suppressed migration and invasion of lung cancer cells via targeting IKKβ/NFκB signal cascade. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 250:112492. [PMID: 31866511 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality worldwide. Arenobufagin (Arg), a representative natural bufadienolide compound, is one of the major bioactive components isolated from toad venom ("Chan Su"named in Chinese to treat multifarious clinical neoplasms in China). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms that Arg inhibited the metastasis of lung cancer cells remain poorly understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS The mobility capacities of lung cancer cells treated with Arg were evaluated using wound healing assay. The anti-migratory and anti-invasive effects of Arg on lung cancer cells were investigated by transwell invasion assay and matrigel invasion assay. iTRAQ-labeled LC-MS proteomics was used to analyze the potential proteins related to metastasis in lung cancer cells treated with Arg and differentially-expressed proteins related to EMT and NFκB signaling cascade were further confirmed by Western blotting assay. The changed subcellular localization of p65 in lung cancer A549 and H1299 cells treated with Arg was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Molecular docking and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation assay were performed to verify the binding between Arg and IKKα/IKKβ. siRNA knockdown was used to check whether Arg inhibited EMT of lung cancer cells via targeting NFκB signaling cascade, which was further verified by in vivo study of lung cancer cell xenograft mice model and pulmonary metastasis mice model accompanying with immunohistochemical and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. RESULTS Arg suppressed the wound closure of lung cancer cells using wound healing assay. Moreover, Arg significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of lung cancer cells by transwell invasion assay and matrigel invasion assay. 24 unique differentially-expressed proteins related to metastasis in lung cancer cells treated with Arg were identified using iTRAQ-labeled LC-MS proteomics and 14 differentially-expressed proteins related to EMT were further confirmed by Western blotting assay. Arg significantly decreased the phosphorylation of IKKβ, IκBα and p65 in the cytoplasm of lung cancer cells by Western blotting assay, and remarkably reduced the release of p65 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Arg could be bound in the ATP binding pocket of IKKα and IKKβ by molecular docking assay, and MD simulation assay further demonstrated that Arg binding to the ATP-binding pocket of IKKβ was very stable in 300 ns MD simulation, compared with the binding of Arg and IKKα. IKKβ/NFκB signaling cascade was also involved in the inhibitory effect of Arg on EMT of lung cancer cells by siRNA knockdown assay. The study of lung cancer cell xenograft mice model and pulmonary metastasis mice model in vivo indicated that Arg inhibited EMT and suppressed migration and invasion of lung cancer cells via downregulating IKKβ/NFκB signaling cascade. CONCLUSION In the present study, we explored the molecular mechanism of Arg prohibiting the metastasis of lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, which displayed Arg could target IKKβ to inactive NFκB signaling cascade and further change the expression of proteins related to EMT. These results highlight the potential of toad venom as a potential chemotherapeutic agent and warrant its development as the clinical therapy for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangmin Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201999, China; Department of Radiology, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201999, China.
| | - Qiansen Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| | - Gangyong Zou
- Department of Pathology,Weihai Municipal Hospital,Weihai, Shandong, 264200, China.
| | - Guogang Gao
- Department of Pathology,Weihai Municipal Hospital,Weihai, Shandong, 264200, China.
| | - Qingxi Yue
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201999, China.
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Network Pharmacology Study on the Pharmacological Mechanism of Cinobufotalin Injection against Lung Cancer. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:1246742. [PMID: 32148531 PMCID: PMC7048923 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1246742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cinobufotalin injection, extracted from the skin of Chinese giant salamander or black sable, has good clinical effect against lung cancer. However, owing to its complex composition, the pharmacological mechanism of cinobufotalin injection has not been fully clarified. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of action of cinobufotalin injection against lung cancer using network pharmacology and bioinformatics. Compounds of cinobufotalin injection were determined by literature retrieval, and potential therapeutic targets of cinobufotalin injection were screened from Swiss Target Prediction and STITCH databases. Lung-cancer-related genes were summarized from GeneCards, OMIM, and DrugBank databases. The pharmacological mechanism of cinobufotalin injection against lung cancer was determined by enrichment analysis of gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and protein-protein interaction network was constructed. We identified 23 compounds and 506 potential therapeutic targets of cinobufotalin injection, as well as 70 genes as potential therapeutic targets of cinobufotalin injection in lung cancer by molecular docking. The antilung cancer effect of cinobufotalin injection was shown to involve cell cycle, cell proliferation, antiangiogenesis effect, and immune inflammation pathways, such as PI3K-Akt, VEGF, and the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. In network analysis, the hub targets of cinobufotalin injection against lung cancer were identified as VEGFA, EGFR, CCND1, CASP3, and AKT1. A network diagram of “drug-compounds-target-pathway” was constructed through network pharmacology to elucidate the pharmacological mechanism of the antilung cancer effect of cinobufotalin injection, which is conducive to guiding clinical medication.
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Abdelfatah S, Lu X, Schmeda-Hirschmann G, Efferth T. Cytotoxicity and antimitotic activity of Rhinella schneideri and Rhinella marina venoms. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 242:112049. [PMID: 31265888 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Rhinella schneideri and Rhinella marina are toad venoms distributed in different parts of the world, including Brazil, Columbia and amazon. Venoms extracted from different species have many clinical applications such as antimicrobial cardiotonics and treatment of cancer. Aim of the study; In this study, we aim to investigate the effect of venoms extracted from R. schneideri and R. marina on cancer cells and verify possible mechanism of action. MATERIAL AND METHOD Cytotoxicity analyses was performed using the resazurin reduction assay, where different concentrations of venoms were tested against sensitive CCRF-CEM and P-gp overexpressing ADR/CEM5000 leukemia cells. Programmed cell death was investigated using the flow cytometric annexin V/propidium iodide apoptosis assay. Furthermore, we analyzed flow cytometric cell cycle analyses of CCRF-CEM cells. Effect on tubulin formation was tested using molecular docking and fluorescence microscopy of U2OS-GFP-α-tubulin osteosarcoma cells treated for 24 h with venoms. RESULTS Cytotoxicity assays revealed a strong activity towards wild-type CCRF-CEM cells (IC50 values of 0.202 ± 0.005 μg/ml and 0.18 ± 0.007 μg/ml for R. schneideri and R. marina, respectively) and multidrug-resistant CEM/ADR5000 cells (IC50 0.403 ± 0.084 μg/ml and 0.32 ± 0.077 μg/ml for R. schneideri and R. marina, respectively). The venoms induced apoptosis as major mechanism of cell death. The venoms induced strong G2/M cell arrest in CCRF-CEM cells. We suggested tubulin as a major target for the venoms. In silico molecular docking of the major constituents of the venoms, i.e. bufalin, marinobufagin, telocinbufagin, hellebrigenin, showed strong binding affinities to tubulin. This result was verified in vitro. The venoms dysregulated microtubule arrangement of U2OS cells expressing GFP-labeled tubulin. Toxicity predictions by QSAR methodology highlighted the toxic features of bufadienolides. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated the importance of toad venoms as source of cytotoxic compounds that may serve as lead compounds for the development of novel anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Abdelfatah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, 55128, Germany.
| | - Xiaohua Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, 55128, Germany.
| | - Guillermo Schmeda-Hirschmann
- Laboratorio de Química de Productos Naturales, Instituto de Química de Recursos Naturales, Universidad de Talca, Casilla 747, 3460000, Talca, Chile.
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, 55128, Germany.
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Therapeutic Effects of Ten Commonly Used Chinese Herbs and Their Bioactive Compounds on Cancers. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:6057837. [PMID: 31636686 PMCID: PMC6766161 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6057837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Effective cancer therapy is one of the biggest global challenges. Conventional cancer therapies have been at the forefront of combating cancers, but more evidence showed considerable side effects, limiting their use. There are various new therapies in development, but combined approaches for treating cancer are much expected. Natural herbs had been traditionally in use for cancer therapy in most parts of the world. In this review, we have examined ten commonly used Chinese herbs that have, for centuries, shown effectiveness in treating cancers. They demonstrated the abilities to promote the apoptosis of cancer cells, inhibit their metastasis, activate the patient's anticancer immunity, and synergistically increase the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy when used in combination. Clinical experiences had proved that these herbs and their bioactive compounds were effective against a plethora of cancers through a variety of mechanisms, effectively improving patients' quality of life without significant side effects. These advantages indicate that there are huge potentials in the development of Chinese herbs into cancer medicine as part of a promising, holistic cancer treatment modality.
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Tang SW, Tang WH. Opportunities in Novel Psychotropic Drug Design from Natural Compounds. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 22:601-607. [PMID: 31353393 PMCID: PMC6754733 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyz042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple initiatives at the national and international level support natural drug discovery. Psychiatrists and patients are not well informed about natural psychotropics in general. Existing antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs were developed from atropine, a natural product. Subsequent drug developments were largely based on extension and modification of earlier molecular scaffolds. This limits their mechanisms of action to similar neuropathways. Natural psychotropic substances, particularly those with hallucinogenic and psychedelic properties and different chemical structures, may serve as new paths to novel psychotropic drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siu Wa Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Irvine, California; North Campus Psychiatry Trailer, Irvine, California,Institute of Brain Medicine, Hong Kong,Correspondence: Siu Wa Tang, MB, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Irvine, CA; North Campus Psychiatry Trailer, Zot 1681 Irvine, CA 92697-1681 ()
| | - Wayne H Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Irvine, California; North Campus Psychiatry Trailer, Irvine, California
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Venom Toxins as Potential Targeted Therapies. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11060338. [PMID: 31200480 PMCID: PMC6628456 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11060338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapy has been a very hot research topic in the last decade [...].
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