Xiaotan Sanjie decoction attenuates tumor angiogenesis by manipulating Notch-1-regulated proliferation of gastric cancer stem-like cells

Deciphering drug resistance in gastric cancer: Potential mechanisms and future perspectives

Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumor that originates from the epithelium of the gastric mucosa. The latest global cancer statistics show that GC ranks fifth in incidence and fourth in mortality among all cancers, posing a serious threat to public health. While early-stage GC is primarily treated through surgery, chemotherapy is the frontline option for advanced cases. Currently, commonly used chemotherapy regimens include FOLFOX (oxaliplatin + leucovorin + 5-fluorouracil) and XELOX (oxaliplatin + capecitabine). However, with the widespread use of chemotherapy, an increasing number of cases of drug resistance have emerged. This article primarily explores the potential mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance in GC patients from five perspectives: cell death, tumor microenvironment, non-coding RNA, epigenetics, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Additionally, it proposes feasibility strategies to overcome drug resistance from four angles: cancer stem cells, tumor microenvironment, natural products, and combined therapy. The hope is that this article will provide guidance for researchers in the field and bring hope to more GC patients.

The epigenetics orchestra of Notch signaling: a symphony for cancer therapy

The aberrant regulation of the Notch signaling pathway, which is a fundamental developmental pathway, has been implicated in a wide range of human cancers. The Notch pathway can be activated by both canonical and noncanonical Notch ligands, and its role can switch between acting as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor depending on the context. Epigenetic modifications have the potential to modulate Notch and its ligands, thereby influencing Notch signal transduction. Consequently, the utilization of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms may present novel therapeutic opportunities for both single and combined therapeutics targeted at the Notch signaling pathway. This review offers insights into the mechanisms governing the regulation of Notch signaling and explores their therapeutic potential.

Investigating the therapeutic mechanism of Xiaotan Sanjie Formula for gastric cancer via network pharmacology and molecular docking: A review

Xiaotan Sanjie Formula (XTSJF), a traditional Chinese prescription, holds promising potential in addressing gastric cancer (GC). Despite this, the fundamental constituents and underlying mechanisms that define XTSJF's attributes remain enigmatic. Against this backdrop, this study endeavors to unravel the latent mechanisms driving XTSJF's impact on GC, leveraging the synergistic prowess of network pharmacology and molecular docking methodologies. To understand the potential mechanism of XTSJF against GC, this study used network pharmacology, molecular docking, and bioinformatics analytic methodologies. There are 135 active components where the active ingredients with a higher degree value are quercetin, β-sitosterol, naringenin, nobiletin, and kaempferol and 167 intersecting targets in which TP53, MAPK3, MAPK1, STAT3, and AKT1 were key targets were identified in XTSJF in the treatment of GC. According to GO and KEGG analyses, XTSJF is mostly involved in the positive control of transcription from the RNA polymerase II promoter, enzyme interaction, and other biological processes in GC. KEGG analysis shows that XTSJF treated GC primarily by regulating signaling pathways including the TNF, PI3K-Akt, and MAPK signaling pathways. According to the results of the PPI network and molecular docking, quercetin, β-sitosterol, naringenin, nobiletin, and kaempferol exhibit stronger affinity with TP53, MAPK3, MAPK1, STAT3, and AKT1. This study indicates the active components of XTSJF as well as its possible molecular mechanism against GC, and it serves as a foundation for future fundamental research.

Xiaotan Sanjie Fang prevents colonic inflammation‐related tumorigenesis by inhibiting COX‐2/VEGF expression cancer

Colitis‐associated bowel cancer (CAC) is one of the most common malignancies associated with inflammation. The aim of this study was to observe a new herbal formula “Xiaotan Sanjie Fang” (XTSJF) derived from the addition and subtraction theory of traditional medicine as an alternative to CAC treatment by “Daotan Decoction” and “Xiaojianzhong Decoction”, which are famous traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions for the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract. We constructed a DMH/DSS inflammation‐associated colorectal cancer rat model and treated CAC rats with sulfasalazine and different doses of XTSJF. The results showed that the body weight of rats treated with different doses of XTSJF increased, which was still lower than that of normal rats; AFC decreased significantly compared with the model group and the positive control group, and the final dose was superior to the low dose; histological observation revealed that it could maintain the normal structure of colon tissue, while it could inhibit the secretion of VEGF, COX2, and AQP1 and the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α, promote the expression of caspase‐3 and BAX and inhibit the expression of Bcl‐2. Taken together, these data suggest that XTSJF can inhibit COX‐2/VEGF expression to prevent the development of inflammation‐associated colorectal cancer.

Roles of circRNA dysregulation in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tumor microenvironment

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the most prevalent histological esophageal cancer characterized by advanced diagnosis, metastasis, resistance to treatment, and frequent recurrence. In recent years, numerous human disorders such as ESCC, have been linked to abnormal expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs), suggesting that they are fundamental to the intricate system of gene regulation that governs ESCC formation. The tumor microenvironment (TME), referring to the area surrounding the tumor cells, is composed of multiple components, including stromal cells, immune cells, the vascular system, extracellular matrix (ECM), and numerous signaling molecules. In this review, we briefly described the biological purposes and mechanisms of aberrant circRNA expression in the TME of ESCC, including the immune microenvironment, angiogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, hypoxia, metabolism, and radiotherapy resistance. As in-depth research into the processes of circRNAs in the TME of ESCC continues, circRNAs are promising therapeutic targets or delivery systems for cancer therapy and diagnostic and prognostic indicators for ESCC.

Pinellia genus: A systematic review of active ingredients, pharmacological effects and action mechanism, toxicological evaluation, and multi-omics application

The dried tuber of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit, Pinelliae Rhizoma (PR, also named 'Banxia' in Chinese), is widely used in traditional medicine. This review aims to provide detail summary of active ingredients, pharmacological effects, toxic ingredients, detoxification strategies, and omic researches, etc. Pharmacological ingredients from PR are mainly classified into six categories: alkaloids, amino acids, polysaccharides, phenylpropanoids, essential oils, and glucocerebrosides. Diversity of chemical composition determines the broad-spectrum efficacy and gives a foundation for the comprehensive utilization of P. ternata germplasm resources. The pharmacological compounds are involved in inhibition of cancer cells by targeting various pathways, including activation of immune system, inhibition of proliferation and cycle, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of angiogenesis. The pharmacological components of PR act on nervous system by targeting neurotransmitters, activating immune system, decreasing apoptosis, and increasing redox system. Lectins, one major class of the toxic ingredients extracted from raw PR, possess significant toxic effects on human cells. Inflammatory factors, cytochrome P450 proteins (CYP) family enzymes, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling factors, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling factors, and nervous system, are considered to be the target sites of lectins. Recently, omic analysis is widely applied in Pinellia genus studies. Plastome genome-based molecular markers are deeply used for identifying and resolving phylogeny of Pinellia genus plants. Various omic works revealed and functional identified a series of environmental stress responsive factors and active component biosynthesis-related genes. Our review summarizes the recent progress in active and toxic ingredient evaluation, pharmacological effects, detoxification strategies, and functional gene identification and accelerates efficient utilization of this traditional herb.

Xiaotansanjiefang inhibits the viability of colorectal cancer cells via Jagged 1/Notch 3/Snail signaling pathway

The purpose of this study is to explore the anti-colorectal cancer of Xiaotansanjiefang, a famous traditional Chinese medicine, and its potential anti-cancer mechanism. In this study, the HCT116 cell spheres were prepared as in vitro study model. We found the Xiaotansanjiefang medication was able to inhibit the proliferation of HCT116 cell spheres in a dose-dependent manner, especially in 3 and 6 mg/ml Xiaotansanjiefang medication treated groups. We also found the high concentration of Xiaotansanjiefang medication could suppress the migration and promote the apoptosis of HCT116 cell spheres. Moreover, we found the expression of Jagged 1, Notch 3, Snail, and Hes 1 were decreased in HCT116 cell spheres treated with Xiaotansanjiefang medication. Furthermore, the proliferation and apoptosis behaviors of HCT116 cell spheres treated with Xiaotansanjiefang medication were reversed with the addition of Jagged 1 Fc chimera protein. The expression of Jagged 1, Notch 3, Snail, and Hes 1 were also increased again in HCT116 cells treated with Xiaotansanjiefang medication plus with Jagged 1 Fc chimera protein. The presented study may provide a promising strategy to treat and prevent colorectal cancer.

Inhibition of Tumor Growth and Modulation of Antioxidant Activity of Rhodoxanthin Isolated from Taxus baccata Aril against B16F10 Murine Malignant Melanoma

Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer, and due to the numerous limitations of current treatment methods, there is an urgent need to develop novel approaches for both the prevention and treatment of malignant melanoma, with research-oriented bioactive substances representing a notable first step. The current study decided to expand on previous rhodoxanthin research by investigating the possible anti-tumor effect as well as the effect on the antioxidant status in the case of murine melanoma in an experimental model. The 21-day study was carried out on female C57BL/6J mice. On the first day of the experiment, they were subcutaneously inoculated with 106 B16F10 cells and were given rhodoxanthin orally until the end of the study. Rhodoxanthin supplementation significantly reduced tumor growth (42.18%) and weight (15.74%). Furthermore, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) activity was reduced and the concentration of 8-OHdG dropped in the treated melanoma-bearing mice compared to the untreated ones, demonstrating the role of rhodoxanthin in slowing tumor growth, one of the mechanisms being the reduction of EGF level and the decrease of DNA oxidation. The administration of rhodoxanthin determined variations in antioxidant enzymes, both at the plasma level and at the tissue level.

Targeting Gastric Cancer Stem Cells to Enhance Treatment Response

Gastric cancer (GC) was the fourth deadliest cancer in the world in 2020, and about 770,000 people died from GC that year. The death of patients with GC is mainly caused by the metastasis, recurrence, and chemotherapy resistance of GC cells. The cancer stem cell theory defines cancer stem cells (CSCs) as a key factor in the metastasis, recurrence, and chemotherapy resistance of cancer. It considers targeting gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) to be an effective method for the treatment of GC. For GCSCs, genes or noncoding RNAs are important regulatory factors. Many experimental studies have found that some drugs can target the stemness of gastric cancer by regulating these genes or noncoding RNAs, which may bring new directions for the clinical treatment of gastric cancer. Therefore, this review mainly discusses related genes or noncoding RNAs in GCSCs and drugs that target its stemness, thereby providing some information for the treatment of GC.

Xiaotan Sanjie Decoction Inhibits Gastric Cancer Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion through lncRNA-ATB and miR-200A

This study is aimed at exploring whether Xiaotan Sanjie decoction (XTSJ) inhibits gastric cancer (GC) proliferation and metastasis by regulating lncRNA-ATB expression. qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to analyze lncRNA-ATB and downstream-regulated genes/proteins in human GC cells. CCK8, Edu, and flow cytometry assays were used to detect the inhibitory effect of XTSJ on cell proliferation and apoptosis. Moreover, transwell and wound healing assays were used to detect the inhibitory effect of XTSJ on migration and invasion. qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect regulated genes and proteins levels. The HGC-27 cell line was used for follow-up analysis due to the high level of lncRNA-ATB and cell characteristics. XTSJ inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of HGC-27 in a dose-dependent manner. Further research found that XTSJ downregulated lncRNA-ATB, Vimentin, and N-cadherin, while it upregulated miR-200a and E-cadherin in a dose-dependent manner. XTSJ also upregulated Caspase 3, Caspase 9, Bax, and downregulated Bcl-2. Furthermore, XTSJ inhibited tumor growth in vivo and downregulated EMT signaling pathways. These results indicate that XTSJ may affect EMT and Bcl-2 signaling pathways by regulating lncRNA-ATB and miR-200a, thus inhibiting proliferation, migration, and invasion of HGC-27 cells. Therefore, XTSJ may be an effective treatment for the high levels of lncRNA-ATB in GC.

Co-Targeting Tumor Angiogenesis and Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment: A Perspective in Ethnopharmacology

Tumor angiogenesis is one of the most important processes of cancer deterioration via nurturing an immunosuppressive tumor environment (TME). Targeting tumor angiogenesis has been widely accepted as a cancer intervention approach, which is also synergistically associated with immune therapy. However, drug resistance is the biggest challenge of anti-angiogenesis therapy, which affects the outcomes of anti-angiogeneic agents, and even combined with immunotherapy. Here, emerging targets and representative candidate molecules from ethnopharmacology (including traditional Chinese medicine, TCM) have been focused, and they have been proved to regulate tumor angiogenesis. Further investigations on derivatives and delivery systems of these molecules will provide a comprehensive landscape in preclinical studies. More importantly, the molecule library of ethnopharmacology meets the viability for targeting angiogenesis and TME simultaneously, which is attributed to the pleiotropy of pro-angiogenic factors (such as VEGF) toward cancer cells, endothelial cells, and immune cells. We primarily shed light on the potentiality of ethnopharmacology against tumor angiogenesis, particularly TCM. More research studies concerning the crosstalk between angiogenesis and TME remodeling from the perspective of botanical medicine are awaited.

Recent Advances in the Antiproliferative and Proapoptotic Activity of Various Plant Extracts and Constituents against Murine Malignant Melanoma

Although conventional medicine, chemical drug synthesis and pharmaceutical research are advancing at a rapid pace, nature remains a major supplier of biological molecules. Natural bioactive compounds are studied closely especially as an alternative to the limitations of conventional therapy in many diseases, melanoma being one of them. Malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive type of cancer, and the current methods of treatment used are cryotherapy, external surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, biological therapy, and targeted drug therapy. Unfortunately, these treatment methods are often inefficient, extremely expensive and cause many side effects, which is why focusing on melanoma chemoprevention and adjuvant therapy with natural herbal phytoconstituents is an emerging strategy to prevent, cure or treat melanoma. This review aims to examine the latest discoveries in terms of potential natural bioactive compounds that possess important activity against the development and spread of murine melanoma cancer. In particular, the use of different phytochemicals such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, terpenoids, essential oils and carotenoids in vitro and in vivo models will be discussed. These data are helpful in guiding researchers in the direction of studying phytonutrients with important effects in the prevention and treatment of melanoma.

Phytomedicines Targeting Cancer Stem Cells: Therapeutic Opportunities and Prospects for Pharmaceutical Development

The presence of small subpopulations of cells within tumor cells are known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). These cells have been the reason for metastasis, resistance with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and tumor relapse in several types of cancers. CSCs underwent to epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and resulted in the development of aggressive tumors. CSCs have potential to modulate numerous signaling pathways including Wnt, Hh, and Notch, therefore increasing the stem-like characteristics of cancer cells. The raised expression of drug efflux pump and suppression of apoptosis has shown increased resistance with anti-cancer drugs. Among many agents which were shown to modulate these, the plant-derived bioactive agents appear to modulate these key regulators and were shown to remove CSCs. This review aims to comprehensively scrutinize the preclinical and clinical studies demonstrating the effects of phytocompounds on CSCs isolated from various tumors. Based on the available convincing literature from preclinical studies, with some clinical data, it is apparent that selective targeting of CSCs with plants, plant preparations, and plant-derived bioactive compounds, termed phytochemicals, may be a promising strategy for the treatment of relapsed cancers.

Natural Products as a Promising Therapeutic Strategy to Target Cancer Stem Cells

Cancer is still a deadly disease, and its treatment desperately needs to be managed in a very sophisticated way through fast-developing novel strategies. Most of the cancer cases eventually develop into recurrencies, for which cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to be responsible. They are considered as a subpopulation of all cancer cells of tumor tissue with aberrant regulation of self-renewal, unbalanced proliferation, and cell death properties. Moreover, CSCs show a serious degree of resistance to chemotherapy or radiotherapy and immune surveillance as well. Therefore, new classes of drugs are rushing into the market each year, which makes the cost of therapy increase dramatically. Natural products are also becoming a new research area as a diverse chemical library to suppress CSCs. Some of the products even show promise in this regard. So, the near future could witness the introduction of natural products as a source of new chemotherapy modalities, which may result in the development of novel anticancer drugs. They could also be a reasonably-priced alternative to highly expensive current treatments. Nowadays, considering the effects of natural compounds on targeting surface markers, signaling pathways, apoptosis, and escape from immunosurveillance have been a highly intriguing area in preclinical and clinical research. In this review, we present scientific advances regarding their potential use in the inhibition of CSCs and the mechanisms by which they kill the CSCs.

miR-214-5p suppresses the proliferation, migration and invasion of trophoblast cells in pre-eclampsia by targeting jagged 1 to inhibit notch signaling pathway

MicroRNA-214-5p has been reported to be expressed in placental tissue and suppressed the proliferation and invasion of various tumor cells. However, the role of miR-214-5p in pre-eclampsia has not been reported. We aimed to explore the effects of miR-214-5p in proliferation, migration, and invasion of placental trophoblast cells. RT-qPCR was used to quantify the miR-214-5p expression level in placental samples and four types of trophoblast cell lines. Cell proliferation was monitored by CCK-8 and Edu staining assays. Flow cytometry was used to determine the cell cycle. Wound healing and transwell assays were performed to measure the migratory and invasive capacities in JEG-3 and BEWO cells. In addition, we investigated whether miR-214-5p targeted Jagged 1 to regulate the Notch signaling pathway to affect trophoblast cells by luciferase assay and western blot. The expression of miR-214-5p was significantly increased in the placenta of patients with PE. Moreover, the proliferation, migration, and invasion of JEG-3 cells transfected with miR-214-5p mimic were inhibited. The results were reversed when BEWO cells were transfected with miR-214-5p inhibitor. The dual-luciferase assay demonstrated that miR-214-5p directly regulated Jagged 1. The expression of the proteins associated with the Notch signaling pathway, Jagged 1, Notch 1, HEY 1 and HES 1 were all decreased when Jagged 1 was negatively regulated by miR-214-5p. miR-214-5p directly down-regulated Jagged 1 expression, then suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion of human placental trophoblast cells by inhibiting the Notch signaling pathway.

Mechanisms Underlying Therapeutic Effects Of Traditional Chinese Medicine On Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world. It is the fourth most common cancer and has the second highest mortality rate globally. Metastasis is an important feature of gastric cancer and is the most common cause of death. Exploring the mechanism underlying the metastasis of gastric cancer and searching for new drug targets has become the focus of several studies. Traditional Chinese medicine may show promise for treatment of gastric cancer. In this review, we report the recent progress in research on the anti-metastasis activity of Chinese medicine, to facilitate clinical development of treatments for gastric cancer.

Inhibitory Effect of Cuphea aequipetala Extracts on Murine B16F10 Melanoma In Vitro and In Vivo

Cuphea aequipetala (C. aequipetala) has been used in Mexican traditional medicine since prehispanic times to treat tumors. In this paper, we evaluated the antiproliferative and apoptotic effect of the methanolic and aqueous extracts of C. aequipetala on several cancer cell lines including the B16F10 cell line of murine melanoma and carried a murine model assay. In vitro assay analyzed the effect in the cellular cycle and several indicators of apoptosis, such as the caspase-3 activity, DNA fragmentation, phosphatidylserine exposure (Annexin-V), and induction of cell membrane permeabilization (propidium iodide) in the B16F10 cells. In vivo, groups of C57BL/6 female mice were subcutaneously injected with 5x10⁵ B16F10 cells and treated with 25 mg/mL of C. aequipetala extracts via oral. Aqueous and methanolic extracts showed a cytotoxic effect in MCF-7, HepG2, and B16F10 cell lines. The methanolic extract showed more antiproliferative effect with less concentration, and for this reason, the in vitro experiments were only continued with it. This extract was able to induce accumulation of cells on G1 phase of the cell cycle; moreover, it was able to induce DNA fragmentation and increase the activity of caspase-3 in B16F10 cells. On the other hand, in the murine model of melanoma, the aqueous extract showed a greater reduction of tumor size in comparison with the methanolic extract, showing an 80% reduction versus one of around 31%, both compared with the untreated control, indicating a better antitumor effect of C. aequipetala aqueous extract via oral administration. In conclusion, the in vitro data showed that both C. aequipetala extracts were able to induce cytotoxicity through the apoptosis pathway in B16F10 cells, and in vivo, the oral administration of aqueous extract reduces the melanoma tumoral mass, suggesting an important antitumoral effect and the perspective to search for effector molecules involved in it.

Nutritional Preconditioning of Apigenin Alleviates Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via the Mitochondrial Pathway Mediated by Notch1/Hes1

Apigenin (Api), a natural flavone found in high amounts in several herbs, has shown potent cardioprotective effects in clinical studies, although the underlying mechanisms are not clear. We hypothesized that Api protects the myocardium from simulated ischemia/reperfusion (SI/R) injury via nutritional preconditioning (NPC). Rats fed with Api-containing food showed improvement in cardiac functions; lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activities; infarct size; apoptosis rates; malondialdehyde (MDA) levels; caspase-3, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) activities; and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) compared to those fed standard chow following SI/R injury. In addition, Api pretreatment significantly improved the viability, decreased the LDH activity and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, alleviated the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), prevented the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), and decreased the caspase-3 activity, cytochrome c (Cyt C) release, and apoptosis induced by SI/R in primary cardiomyocytes. Mechanistically, Api upregulated Hes1 expression and was functionally neutralized by the Notch1 γ-secretase inhibitor GSI, as well as the mPTP opener atractyloside (Atr). Taken together, Api protected the myocardium against SI/R injury via the mitochondrial pathway mediated by the Notch1/Hes1 signaling pathway.

Inhibition of Nrf2 promotes the antitumor effect of Pinelliae rhizome in papillary thyroid cancer

We previously reported that Xiaotan Sanjie (XTSJ) decoction can prevent the progression of gastric cancer in vitro and in vivo. Pinelliae rhizome (PR), one component of XTSJ decoction, has an inhibitory effect on the growth and proliferation of tumor cells. The present study investigated the underlying mechanisms of action of PR. Using the human papillary thyroid cancer cell lines, TPC-1 and BCPAP, we found that XTSJ decoction and PR alone decreased cell viability to a similar extent in both cell lines, whereas treatment with XTJS decoction without PR [PR (-)] had a lesser effect. PR treatment inhibited the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in a dose-dependent manner. To investigate the role of Nrf2 in the PR-mediated effects of XTSJ, knockdown of Nrf2 in the tumor cell lines using Nrf2 siRNA (siNrf2) was performed and transfected cells were treated with PR. Silencing of Nrf2 amplified the effects on autophagy, cell viability, apoptosis, and colony formation. Similar results were obtained following treatment with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA). Furthermore, treatment with PR, siNrf2, and/or 3-MA inhibited the MAPK pathway, and analysis of the MAPK pathway components confirmed the role of this pathway in the PR-mediated cellular effects. In mice implanted with siNrf2-transfected cells, the effects of PR were amplified. Taken together, these findings indicate that PR is critical for the inhibitory effects of XTSJ decoction on tumor cell viability and that downregulation of Nrf2 promotes the antitumor effects of PR on papillary thyroid cancer cells.

Xiao Tan He Wei Decoction reverses MNNG-induced precancerous lesions of gastric carcinoma in vivo and vitro: Regulation of apoptosis through NF-κB pathway

In recent years, Chinese medicine has played an important role in the prognosis of gastric cancer. Precancerous lesions of gastric carcinoma (PLGC) is a class of gastric cancer which is closely related to the gastric mucosal pathology changes in the role of carcinogenic incentives, and plays key role in the progression of normal gastric mucosal cells into gastric cancerous cells. In current experiment, we explore the relationship between Chinese traditional medicine (Xiao Tan He Wei Decoction) and gastric cancer in the PLGC rat animal models and epithelial-mesenchymal transitioned GES-1 cells which were induced useing 1- Methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). PLGC rat model showed significant deterioration in the gastric mucosa with terrible growth rate in body weight and more atypical hyperplasia in gastric mucosa. MC cells, MNNG induced GES-1 cells which epithelial- mesenchymal-transition (EMT)-related proteins have a great change compare with normal GES-1 cells. The cells had characteristics of malignant cells including proliferation, invasion and metastasis ability. Our research founds that Xiao Tan He Wei Decoction could inhibit cell proliferation and increased apoptosis by increase the level of pro-apoptotic proteins like Bax and caspase-3 and decreased the level of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, block the cells in G0/G1 phase simultaneously. Furthermore, Xiao Tan He Wei Decoction could inhibit nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer (NF-kB) activity and inhibit its transfer from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. However, when we incubated with NF-κB activator PMA, the effect of Xiao Tan He Wei Decoction was reversed. These results suggested that Xiao Tan He Wei Decoction could be used as a method for the treatment of gastric precancerous lesions, and possibly provide a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of gastric cancer and gastric precancerous lesions.

Jianpi Jiedu decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, inhibits tumorigenesis, metastasis, and angiogenesis through the mTOR/HIF-1α/VEGF pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional Chinese medicine has been utilized for the treatment of cancer. Jianpi Jiedu decoction (JPJD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been used for the treatment of colorectal cancer for decades. However, the underlying molecular mechanistic basis for the effect of JPJD on colorectal cancer is poorly understood.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to identify the effects of JPJD on human colon cancer cells in vitro as well as in vivo and to investigate the mechanistic basis for the anticancer effect of JPJD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The in vitro antitumor activity of JPJD was assessed by MTT assay, flow cytometric analysis, wound-healing assay, transwell assays, and tube formation assays in order to assess cell activity, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis, respectively. The anticancer properties of JPJD in vivo were assessed by immunohistochemistry in a nude mouse xenograft model of HCT116 cells. In addition, the level of mTOR/HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway proteins in HCT116 cells and tumor tissue was evaluated by immunoblotting.

RESULTS

In vitro, JPJD significantly inhibited colorectal cancer cell lines viability and proliferation. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated JPJD to induce HCT116 cell apoptosis. Additionally, JPJD effectively suppressed tumor cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis by inhibiting the mTOR/HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway. In vivo, JPJD significantly inhibited HCT116 tumor growth in athymic nude mice, decreased the levels of CD34 as well as VEGF, and downregulated the mTOR/HIF-1α/VEGF pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

JPJD treatment produced anti-colorectal tumor effects by inhibiting tumorigenesis, metastasis, as well as angiogenesis through the mTOR/HIF-1α/VEGF pathway. Thus, these results provide a strong rationale for the therapeutic use of JPJD in cancer treatment. Further studies are required to investigate the mechanisms underlying anti-CRC effect of JPJD.

Traditional Chinese medicine integrated with chemotherapy for stage IV non-surgical gastric cancer: a retrospective clinical analysis

OBJECTIVE

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is regarded as an important treatment for gastric cancer patients, especially for those in advanced stage. To evaluate the effects of TCM treatment on gastric cancer patients, the authors performed a retrospective study to report the result of the integrated treatment of TCM with chemotherapy for stage IV non-surgical gastric cancer.

METHODS

In this study, 182 patients with stage IV and non-surgical gastric cancer were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the effects of TCM integrated with chemotherapy. Among the 182 cases, 88 cases received integrated therapy consisting of TCM and chemotherapy, while 94 cases received chemotherapy alone. The overall survival and Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score were measured as the main outcome.

RESULTS

The median overall survival of the integrated therapy group and chemotherapy group were 16.9 and 10.5 months, respectively. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates of integrated therapy group vs. chemotherapy group were 70% vs. 32%, 18% vs. 4%, and 11% vs. 0%, respectively. There was a significant difference between the two groups (χ² = 42.244, P > 0.001). After six-month treatment, KPS scores of the integrated therapy group and the chemotherapy group were 75.00 ± 14.78 and 60.64 ± 21.39, respectively (P > 0.001). The Cox regression analysis showed that TCM treatment is a protective factor for patients' overall survival.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that TCM integrated with chemotherapy may prolong overall survival and improve survival rate and life quality of patients with stage IV non-surgical gastric cancer.

Targeting VEGF/VEGFRs Pathway in the Antiangiogenic Treatment of Human Cancers by Traditional Chinese Medicine

Bearing in mind the doctrine of tumor angiogenesis hypothesized by Folkman several decades ago, the fundamental strategy for alleviating numerous cancer indications may be the strengthening application of notable antiangiogenic therapies to inhibit metastasis-related tumor growth. Under physiological conditions, vascular sprouting is a relatively infrequent event unless when specifically stimulated by pathogenic factors that contribute to the accumulation of angiogenic activators such as the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Since VEGFs have been identified as the principal cytokine to initiate angiogenesis in tumor growth, synthetic VEGF-targeting medicines containing bevacizumab and sorafenib have been extensively used, but prominent side effects have concomitantly emerged. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCM)–derived agents with distinctive safety profiles have shown their multitarget curative potential by impairing angiogenic stimulatory signaling pathways directly or eliciting synergistically therapeutic effects with anti-angiogenic drugs mainly targeting VEGF-dependent pathways. This review aims to summarize (a) the up-to-date understanding of the role of VEGF/VEGFR in correlation with proangiogenic mechanisms in various tissues and cells; (b) the elaboration of antitumor angiogenesis mechanisms of 4 representative TCMs, including Salvia miltiorrhiza, Curcuma longa, ginsenosides, and Scutellaria baicalensis; and (c) circumstantial clarification of TCM-driven therapeutic actions of suppressing tumor angiogenesis by targeting VEGF/VEGFRs pathway in recent years, based on network pharmacology.

Combination treatment of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and γ-secretase inhibitor (DAPT) cause growth inhibition and apoptosis induction in the human gastric cancer cell line

Current medication for gastric cancer patients has a low success rate with resistance and side effects. According to recent studies, γ-secretase inhibitors is used as therapeutic drugs in cancer. Moreover, all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is a natural compound proposed for the treatment/chemo-prevention of cancers. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of ATRA in combination with N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl-l-alanyl)]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT) as γ-secretase inhibitor on viability and apoptosis of the AGS and MKN-45 derived from human gastric cancer. AGS and MKN-45 gastric cancer cell lines were treated with different concentrations of ATRA or DAPT alone or ATRA plus DAPT. The viability, death detection and apoptosis of cells was examined by MTT assay and Ethidium bromide/acridine orange staining. The distribution of cells in different phases of cell cycle was also evaluated through flow cytometry analyses. In addition, caspase 3/7 activity and the expression of caspase-3 and bcl-2 were examined. DAPT and ATRA alone decreased gastric cancer cells viability in a concentration dependent manner. The combination of DAPT and ATRA exhibited significant synergistic inhibitory effects. The greater percentage of cells were accumulated in G0/G1 phase of cell cycle in combination treatment. The combination of DAPT and ATRA effectively increased the proportion of apoptotic cells and the level of caspase 3/7 activities compared to single treatment. Moreover, augmented caspase-3 up-regulation and bcl-2 down-regulation were found following combined application of DAPT and ATRA. The combination of DAPT and ATRA led to more reduction in viability and apoptosis in respect to DAPT or ATRA alone in the investigated cell lines.

Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of xanthohumol in cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma remains the second most prevalent hepatic neoplasm in the United States with a 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. Currently, no systemic therapy has demonstrated efficacy. Therefore, an urgent need for the identification of molecularly targeted compound(s) remains. The Notch signaling pathway has been shown to be dysregulated in cholangiocarcinoma, exhibiting hyperactivity while also possibly mediating chemotherapeutic resistance. We analyzed the effects of xanthohumol, a prenylated chalcone, on cholangiocarcinoma proliferation utilizing human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines CCLP1, SG-231 and CC-SW-1 while gaining insight into the associated mechanism. Xanthohumol potently reduced cellular proliferation, colony formation, and cell confluency in all three cell lines. Xanthohumol induced cell cycle arrest as well as apoptosis through the reduction of cell cycle regulatory proteins as well as an increase in pro-apoptotic markers (cleaved poly ADP ribose polymerase, cleaved caspase-3) and a decrease in anti-apoptotic markers (X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis and survivin). At the molecular level, xanthohumol reduced Notch1 and AKT expression in a step-wise and time-dependent fashion, with Notch1 reductions preceding AKT. Additionally, xanthohumol reduced cholangiocarcinoma growth in both CCLP-1 and SG-231 derived mice xenografts. In summary, we show that xanthohumol significantly reduced cholangiocarcinoma growth through the Notch1/AKT signaling axis. Furthermore, known pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of XN supports continued development of treatment for cholangiocarcinoma.

Dual role of carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6 expression in predicting the overall survival of gastric cancer patients

Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6) is a member of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked immunoglobulin superfamily that is implicated in many human cancers. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of CEACAM6 expression in predicting the overall survival (OS) in gastric cancer (GC). The impact of CEACAM6 on the survival of patients with GC (n = 876) was assessed using an online Kaplan-Meier plotter. Findings were validated using the OS data of patients (n = 160) recruited from Ruijin Hospital. We found that high CEACAM6 expression was associated with a better OS in early-stage or well-differentiated GC, or who were treated without 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Conversely, high CEACAM6 expression was associated with a poor OS in advanced-stage GC, poorly differentiated tumors, or who were treated with 5-FU. Furthermore, CEACAM6 may serve as a better marker for predicting OS in GC than CEA. In addition, CEACAM6 overexpression in GC cells increased apoptotic resistance to 5-FU. Moreover, CEACAM6 induced cluster of differentiation 4- and 8-positive lymphocytes were detected in early-stage GC. In conclusion, CEACAM6 plays a contradictory role in predicting the OS in GC. In early-stage GC, high CEACAM6 expression is associated with improved OS. However, in advanced-stage GC, high CEACAM6 expression is associated with a poor OS.

Effect of Taoren Quyu Decoction on human endometrial cells and its anti-endometriosis activity in rats

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of Taoren Quyu Decoction (TQD) on endometrial cells in patients with endometriosis (EMs) and EMs in rats.

METHODS

A total of 60 female Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, namely, normal group, model group, positive group and TQD group, each group having 15 rats. Except the normal group, EMs model was established in the other three groups by transplanting the rat autologous endometrium. After 4 weeks of intragastric administration, blood, eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues of rats in each group were collected to detect the serum levels of estrogen (E2), cancer antigen 125 (CA125), endometrial antibody (EMAb), and expressions of microvessel density (MVD), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin (Ang-2). The volume of endometriosis cyst was determined simultaneously. For the in vitro culture of human endometrial cells, 4 groups, namely, normal group, model group, positive group and TQD group were used. The positive group and TQD group were treated with danazol and TQD respectively. Then 24 h after the treatment, the expressions of survivin and tumor suppressor gene (p53) of each group were detected.

RESULTS

The volumes of the endometriosis cysts in the positive group and the TQD group were significantly reduced compared with the model group (P < 0.05). The serum levels of E2, CA125 and EMAb, and the expressions of MVD, VEGF and Ang-2 in the model group were significantly increased compared with the normal group (P < 0.05); while they were all significantly reduced in the positive group and TQD group (P < 0.05). Compared with the normal group, the expression of survivin in the model group was significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05), and expression of p53 was significantly reduced (P < 0.05); compared with the model group, the expressions of survivin in the positive and TQD groups were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and expression of p53 was significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05). The difference between positive group and TQD group was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

TQD has a significant anti-EMs effect, and its mechanism of action may be related to anti-angiogenesis and promoting apoptosis of ectopic endometrial cell.

The role of Notch signaling in gastric carcinoma: molecular pathogenesis and novel therapeutic targets

Notch signaling, an evolutionarily conserved signaling cascade system, is involved in promoting the progression of different types of cancers. Within the past decades, the Notch signaling pathway has increasingly been shown to have a primary role in deciding the fate of cancer cells and cancer stem cells in the stomach. Most components of Notch signaling are strongly expressed at different levels in gastric carcinoma tissue samples and are associated with a considerable number of clinical parameters. Moreover, crosstalk signaling between the Notch pathway and the Wnt, Ras, and NF-κB pathways promotes the process of gastric carcinogenesis. Consequently, this increases proliferation and prevents apoptosis in gastric cancer cells, and it contributes to the induction of angiogenesis and accelerates the progression of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Although the Notch signaling pathway presents novel therapeutic targets for cancer therapeutic intervention, there is still a dearth of in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms of Notch signaling in gastric carcinoma. In this review, we summarize the landscape of the Notch signaling pathway and recent findings on Notch signaling in gastric cancer. Furthermore, advanced studies and clinical treatments targeting the Notch signaling pathway arediscussed.

Notch signaling plays a crucial role in cancer stem-like cells maintaining stemness and mediating chemotaxis in renal cell carcinoma

Background

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are correlated with the initiation, chemoresistance and relapse of tumors. Notch pathway has been reported to function in CSCs maintenance, but whether it is involved in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) CSCs maintaining stemness remain unclear. This study aims to explore the effect of Notch pathway on stemness of CSCs in RCC and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

The CD133⁺/CD24⁺ cells were isolated from RCC ACHN and Caki-1 cell line using Magnetic-activated cell sorting and identified by Flow cytometry analysis. RT-PCR and immunoblot analyses were used for determining the stemness maker expression. The effect of Notch pathway on function of CSCs was assessed by self-renewal ability, chemosensitivity, invasive and migratory ability tumorigenicity in vivo using soft agar colony formation assay, sphere-forming assay, MTT assay, Transwell assay.

Results

Here, we found that the sorted CD133⁺/CD24⁺cells possessed elevated stemness maker CTR2, BCL-2, MDR1, OCT-4, KLF4, compared with parental cells, as well as enhanced self-renewal ability, stronger resistance to cisplatin and sorafenib, increased invasion and migration, and higher tumorigenesis in vivo, suggesting the CD133⁺/CD24⁺ cells have the stem-like characteristics of CSCs and thus identified as RCC CSCs. Then the enhanced notch1, notch2, Jagged1, Jagged2, DLL1 and DLL4 expression were detected in RCC CSCs and blockage of Notch1 or notch2 using pharmacological inhibitor MRK-003 or its endogenous inhibitor Numb resulted in loss of its stemness features: self-renewal, chemoresistance, invasive and migratory potential, and tumorigenesis in vivo. Moreover, it is confirmed that overexpression of notch1 up-regulated CXCR4 inRCC CSCs and augmented SDF-1-induced chemotaxis in RCC CSCs in vitro, which could be rescued when treatment of CXCR4 inhibitor, suggesting that notch signaling promotes the chemotaxis of RCC CSCs by SDF-1/CXCR4 axis.

Conclusions

Our results provide a new mechanism of RCC CSCs maintaining stemness via notch pathway as well as a potential therapeutic target in human RCC.

Ruanjian Sanjie decoction exhibits antitumor activity by inducing cell apoptosis in breast cancer

Traditional Chinese medicine, based on theories developed and practiced for >2,000 years, is one of the most common complementary and alternative types of medicine currently used in the treatment of patients with breast cancer. Ruanjian Sanjie (RJSJ) decoction, is composed of four herbs, including Ban xia (Pinellia ternata), Xia ku cao (Prunella vulgaris), Shan ci gu (Cremastra appendiculata) and Hai zao (Sargassum pallidum), and has traditionally been used for softening hard lumps and resolving hard tissue masses. However, the active compounds and mechanisms of action of RJSJ remain unknown. The present study demonstrated the antitumor activity of RJSJ against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in Swiss albino mice and breast cancer xenografts in nude mice. Notably, RJSJ does not induce body weight loss, immune function toxicity or myelosuppression in mice, indicating that it is safe and well tolerated. In addition, RJSJ shows potent cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells in vitro by the suppression of the anti-apoptotic proteins B-cell lymphoma 2 and survivin, leading to the activation of caspase-3/7 and caspase-9, and the apoptotic cascade. These findings provide a clear rationale to explore the therapeutic strategy of using RJSJ alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents for breast cancer patients and the characterization of its active principles.

Notch signaling is significantly suppressed in basal cell carcinomas and activation induces basal cell carcinoma cell apoptosis

A subset of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are directly derived from hair follicles (HFs). In some respects, HFs can be defined as 'ordered' skin appendage growths, while BCCs can be regarded as 'disordered' skin appendage growths. The aim of the present study was to examine HFs and BCCs to define the expression of common and unique signaling pathways in each skin appendage. Human nodular BCCs, along with HFs and non‑follicular skin epithelium from normal individuals, were examined using microarrays, qPCR, and immunohistochemistry. Subsequently, BCC cells and root sheath keratinocyte cells from HFs were cultured and treated with Notch signaling peptide Jagged1 (JAG1). Gene expression, protein levels, and cell apoptosis susceptibility were assessed using qPCR, immunoblotting, and flow cytometry, respectively. Specific molecular mechanisms were found to be involved in the process of cell self‑renewal in the HFs and BCCs, including Notch and Hedgehog signaling pathways. However, several key Notch signaling factors showed significant differential expression in BCCs compared with HFs. Stimulating Notch signaling with JAG1 induced apoptosis of BCC cells by increasing Fas ligand expression and downstream caspase-8 activation. The present study showed that Notch signaling pathway activity is suppressed in BCCs, and is highly expressed in HFs. Elements of the Notch pathway could, therefore, represent targets for the treatment of BCCs and potentially in hair follicle engineering.

Anti-Cancer Phytometabolites Targeting Cancer Stem Cells

Medicinal plants are a plentiful source of bioactive molecules with much structural diversity. In cancer treatment, molecules obtained from plants represent an attractive alternative to other treatments because several plant-derived compounds have exhibited lower toxicity and higher selectivity against cancer cells. In this review, we focus on the possible application of bioactive molecules obtained from plants against more primitive cell populations in cancers, cancer stem cells. Cancer stem cells are present in several kinds of tumors and are responsible for recurrences and metastases. Common anti-cancer drugs exhibit lower effectiveness against cancer stem cells because of their biological features. However, recently discovered natural phytometabolites exert cytotoxic effects on this rare population of cells in cancers. Therefore, this review presents the latest research on promising compounds from plants that can act as antitumor drugs and that mainly affect stem cell populations in cancers.

Anticancer effect of cucurbitacin B on MKN-45 cells via inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of cucurbitacin B on MKN-45 gastric carcinoma cells. Cell proliferation was determined using a cell counting kit-8 assay, and commercial cell cycle and apoptosis analysis kits were used to determine the cell cycle by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression of genes which mediate cell cycle checkpoints and apoptosis was detected using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay was used to determine apoptosis rate. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression levels of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway-associated proteins. The presented data show that cucurbitacin B significantly inhibited the proliferation of MKN-45 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In accordance with these findings, cucurbitacin B blocked the progression of the cell cycle from G0/G1 to S phase, which was confirmed by the mRNA expression analysis. Cucurbitacin B treatment significantly suppressed the expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and CDK2, while increasing the expression of p27. Cucurbitacin B also promoted cell apoptosis, as was determined by TUNEL assay and evaluation of mRNA expression. Further experiments suggested that the beneficial effect of cucurbitacin B on blocking the proliferation and inducing the apoptosis of MKN-45 cells may have been associated with suppression of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Thus, the present results indicate that cucurbitacin B suppresses proliferation and promoted apoptosis of MKN-45 cells, which may be mediated by inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Cucurbitacin B therefore may warrant further investigation as a feasible therapy for gastric carcinoma.

Xiaotan Sanjie decoction inhibits angiogenesis in gastric cancer through Interleukin-8-linked regulation of the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) as a pro-angiogenic factor is strongly associated with gastric cancer metastasis. Xiaotan Sanjie (XTSJ) decoction is an empirical compound prescription based on the phlegm theory of traditional Chinese medicine. Previous studies have shown that XTSJ decoction decreases IL-8 level and formation of vasculogenic mimicry of gastric cancer.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the link between Xiaotan Sanjie (XTSJ) decoction and IL-8 regulation in the angiogenesis of gastric cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were co-cultured with SGC-7901 human gastric cancer cells and exposed to serum samples containing XTSJ decoction and/or IL-8 (1.0ng/mL). The canalization and migration capacities were evaluated by tube formation and transwell migration assay. Protein (immunofluorescence and Western blot) and mRNA (qPCR) expressions were measured in 24-h-cultured HUVECs for vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-1, and VEGFR-2.

RESULTS

IL-8 significantly promoted and XTSJ decoction inhibited HUVEC tube formation and migration. Links between IL-8 regulation and XTSJ decoction were found in tube formation and migration assays. IL-8 upregulated and XTSJ decoction downregulated VEGF-A, VEGFR-1, and VEGFR-2 protein levels. XTSJ decoction inhibited IL-8-induced VEGF-A and VEGFR-1 protein expressions. Similarly, IL-8 promoted VEGF-A, VEGFR-1, and VEGFR-2 mRNA levels; however, XTSJ decoction inhibited only VEGF-A mRNA. Interestingly, XTSJ decoction inhibited IL-8-induced VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 mRNA expression.

CONCLUSION

XTSJ decoction might inhibit angiogenesis in gastric cancer through IL-8-linked regulation of the VEGF pathway.

Prognostic values of four Notch receptor mRNA expression in gastric cancer

Notch ligands and receptors are frequently deregulated in several human malignancies including gastric cancer. The activation of Notch signaling has been reported to contribute to gastric carcinogenesis and progression. However, the prognostic roles of individual Notch receptors in gastric cancer patients remain elusive. In the current study, we accessed the prognostic roles of four Notch receptors, Notch 1-4, in gastric cancer patients through "The Kaplan-Meier plotter" (KM plotter) database, in which updated gene expression data and survival information include a total of 876 gastric cancer patients. All four Notch receptors' high mRNA expression was found to be correlated to worsen overall survival (OS) for all gastric cancer patients followed for 20 years. We further accessed the prognostic roles of individual Notch receptors in different clinicopathological features using Lauren classification, pathological grades, clinical grades, HER2 status and different choices of treatments of gastric cancer patients. These results indicate that there are critical prognostic values of the four Notch receptors in gastric cancer. This information will be useful for better understanding of the heterogeneity and complexity in the molecular biology of gastric cancer and to develop tools to more accurately predict their prognosis.

Cancer Stem Cells: The Potential Targets of Chinese Medicines and Their Active Compounds

The pivotal role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in the initiation and progression of malignancies has been rigorously validated, and the specific methods for identifying and isolating the CSCs from the parental cancer population have also been rapidly developed in recent years. This review aims to provide an overview of recent research progress of Chinese medicines (CMs) and their active compounds in inhibiting tumor progression by targeting CSCs. A great deal of CMs and their active compounds, such as Antrodia camphorate, berberine, resveratrol, and curcumin have been shown to regress CSCs, in terms of reversing drug resistance, inducing cell death and inhibiting cell proliferation as well as metastasis. Furthermore, one of the active compounds in coptis, berbamine may inhibit tumor progression by modulating microRNAs to regulate CSCs. The underlying molecular mechanisms and related signaling pathways involved in these processes were also discussed and concluded in this paper. Overall, the use of CMs and their active compounds may be a promising therapeutic strategy to eradicate cancer by targeting CSCs. However, further studies are needed to clarify the potential of clinical application of CMs and their active compounds as complementary and alternative therapy in this field.

Doxorubicin Inhibits Proliferation of Osteosarcoma Cells Through Upregulation of the Notch Signaling Pathway

Doxorubicin plays a major role in the treatment of osteosarcoma disorders. The Notch signaling pathway exerts various biological functions, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. In the present study, we investigated the effects of different doses of doxorubicin on proliferation and apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells with or without Notch signaling. Results found that cellular viability was downregulated while caspase 3 activity and expression were promoted in osteosarcoma cells following treatment with various doses of doxorubicin for 24, 48, and 72 h, and the effects showed a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, it was found that various doses of doxorubicin activated the Notch signaling pathway, shown by the elevated expression of Notch target genes NOTCH1, HEY1, HES1, AND HES5. It was further proved that, after small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of Notch, the effects of doxorubicin on the viability and apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells were significantly reduced. It was indicated that doxorubicin treatment reduced the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells, and this effect was mediated by the Notch signaling pathway.

Efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine in treating cancer

The morbidity associated with cancer has rapidly increased in recent years, and in the previous 5 years has had a tendency to be the leading cause of fatality compared with cardiovascular disease. Therefore, effective measures are required with an aim to reduce the incidence. Based on the results of clinical investigation, a multidisciplinary treatment strategy for cancer, which includes radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery, targeted therapy and immunotherapy, are prominently used in clinical practice. However, the therapies are insufficient due to multidrug resistance, adverse effects and the presence of the root of the cancer. Therefore, there is a necessity to develop more effective or adjunctive therapies for cancer prevention and treatment. Cancer is now widely recognized as a systemic humoral disease. Similarly, the function of herbal drugs is to modulate the whole body system in a more holistic way. Recently, herbal drugs have been applied to one of the efficient approaches for cancer therapy. Furthermore, there is evidence that various herbal medicines have been proven to be useful and effective in sensitizing the conventional agents against the various factors at the cellular and molecular levels that are associated with the occurrence of cancer and in prolonging survival time, alleviating side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and improving the quality of life in cancer patients.

Tumor Suppressor Role of miR-363-3p in Gastric Cancer

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is the most common cancer in the world. Despite the advancement of the treatment of GC, the 5-year overall survival rate is still very low. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the pathogenesis of GC. A recent study suggested that miR-363-3p plays a role in the development of GC. However, the function of miR-363-3p in GC is not fully understood.

Material/Methods

The network of NOTCH1 and the involved molecules was constructed by use of Cytoscape software. MiR-363-3p levels in GC tissues and cells were tested by qRT-PCR. Cells were miR-363-3p mimics or anti-miR-363-3p transfected by Lipofectamine. Bioinformatics algorithms from TargetScanHuman were used to predict the target genes of miR-363-3p. The NOTCH1 protein level was tested by Western blot. The interaction between miR-363-3p and NOTCH1 was confirmed by dual luciferase assays.

Results

MiR-363-3p showed low levels in GC tissues and cells. Enforced expression of miR-363-3p inhibited cell growth and migration of GC cells and vice versa. NOTCH1 is the targeted gene of miR-363-3p.

Conclusions

MiR-363-3p plays a tumor suppressor role in GC.

Astragaloside IV protects cardiomyocytes from anoxia/reoxygenation injury by upregulating the expression of Hes1 protein

Astragaloside IV (ASI), a traditional Chinese medicine, is a main active ingredient of Astragalus membranaceus. Many clinical studies have found that ASI protects cardiomyocytes in cardiovascular diseases, but the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms responsible for the protective effects of ASI in cardiomyocytes from anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) injury. According to the previous studies, we hypothesized that the cardioprotective effects of ASI against A/R injury might be associated with Notch1/Hes1 signaling pathway. In this study, neonatal rat primary cardiomyocytes were preconditioned with ASI prior to A/R injury. Our results showed that ASI effectively increased the cell viability, decreased the content of MDA, decreased the activities of CPK and LDH, increased the activities of GSH-Px and SOD, and reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm). ASI inhibited the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening and activation of caspase-3, and finally decreased the cell apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, ASI upregulated Hes1 protein expression. However, pretreatment with DAPT, a Notch1 inhibitor, effectively attenuated the cardioprotective effects of ASI against A/R injury, except MDA, SOD, GSH-Px, and the ROS generation. Taken together, we demonstrated that ASI could protect against A/R injury via the Notch1/Hes1 signaling pathway.

Gastric tumor-initiating CD44+ cells and epithelial-mesenchymal transition are inhibited by γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT

It has been proposed that the Notch signaling pathway may serve a pivotal role in cellular differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. However, the function of Notch signaling in gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) is largely unknown. The present study aimed to delineate the role of the Notch1 pathway in GCSCs and during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Flow cytometry was used to isolate CD44⁺ cells from the human gastric cancer cell line, MKN45. CD44⁺ cells displayed the characteristics of CSCs and exhibited higher Notch1 expression compared with CD44^- cells. To investigate the role of the Notch1 pathway in GCSCs, CD44⁺ cells were treated with the γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT. DAPT treatment inhibited the expression of the Notch1 downstream target Hes1 and EMT markers, suppressed the properties of CSCs and impaired the invasion and proliferation capabilities of CD44⁺ cells. In addition, intraperitoneal treatment with DAPT effectively inhibited the growth of CD44⁺ cell xenograft tumors. The present study indicated that CD44⁺ GCSCs possess the characteristics of CSCs and that the Notch1 pathway serves a critical role in the maintenance of CSCs and EMT.

Notch signaling pathway and gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is still the second leading cause of cancer-related death. Currently, all the available therapeutic methods in practice appear to be blunt for the majority of advanced-stage patients and their long time-survival rate is also still rather frustrating. The Notch signaling pathway is increasingly demonstrated to play an important role in controlling the fate of gastric cancer cells and gastric cancer stem cells, and some previous studies have indicated that different Notch receptors and ligands, such as Notch-1, 2, 3, Dll-1, 4 and Jag-1, 2, were highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues and were associated with various clinical parameters. More notably, these receptors and ligands were also found to be expressed in gastric cancer stem cells, which were CD44 positive, and could have a key role in regulating the fate of these cells. Taking into consideration the pivotal role of Notch signaling pathway in gastric cancer and cancer stem cells, it would be promising to predict that it could become therapeutic targets in the future.