Tetrandrine alleviates symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in rats by regulating the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and inflammatory factors

Therapeutic effects of tetrandrine in inflammatory diseases: a comprehensive review

Inflammation can be triggered by any factor. The primary pathological manifestations can be summarized as the deterioration, exudation, and proliferation of local tissues, which can cause systemic damage in severe cases. Inflammatory lesions are primarily localized but may interact with body systems to cause provocative storms, parenchymal organ lesions, vascular and central nervous system necrosis, and other pathologic responses. Tetrandrine (TET) is a bisbenzylquinoline alkaloid extracted from the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Stephania tetrandra, which has been shown to have significant efficacy in inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, nephritis, etc., through NF-κB, MAPK, ERK, and STAT3 signaling pathways. TET can regulate the body's imbalanced metabolic pathways, reverse the inflammatory process, reduce other pathological damage caused by inflammation, and prevent the vicious cycle. More importantly, TET does not disrupt body's normal immune function while clearing the body's inflammatory state. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to its dosage and duration during treatment to avoid unexpected side effects caused by a long half-life. In summary, TET has a promising future in treating inflammatory diseases. The author reviews current therapeutic studies of TET in inflammatory conditions to provide some ideas for subsequent anti-inflammatory studies of TET.

Trans-Chalcone (1-3-diphenyl-2-propen-1-one) as a Therapeutic Candidate in Joint Inflammation via Reduction of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17 in Rodents: An In Vivo Study by RT-PCR and ELISA analysis

Autoimmune disorders include vast and distinct illnesses and are characterized by an immune system-mediated attack on the body's own tissues. Because of their ability to impact any portion of the body, their clinical symptoms are incredibly varied. The variations in symptoms are normally linked with the release and activation of vasoactive, chemotactic substances and cytokines. Cytokines perform a multitude of vital biological tasks, such as immune response control, inflammation, proliferation, and tissue repair. The reversal of inflammatory cytokines and leukocyte infiltration into the inflamed tissue by natural compounds provides an effective remedy for autoimmune diseases. Here, the oral administration of trans-chalcone (TC) for 28 days was tested with gradually increasing doses (30, 60, and 120 mg/kg) in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-provoked joint tissue stiffness in rats. Paw edema, arthritic index, joint stiffness, thermal and flexion pain, C-reactive protein, and rheumatoid factor (RF) levels were determined to check the tested drug effectiveness in a chronic inflammatory model. Molecular docking studies revealed strong binding affinity with inflammatory cytokines and mediators such as TNF-α, IL-17, COX-2, and iNOS; further, they were quantified at the mRNA level by RT-PCR and ELISA analysis. Oral administration of TC significantly ameliorated paw edema, thymus and spleen indices, joint stiffness, thermal and flexion pain, C-reactive protein, RF, mobility, and stance of the treated animals. This therapeutic effectiveness was linked with a reduction in the mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17. The findings of the reported research confirmed the effectiveness of TC in ameliorating joint stiffness and flexion pain by prominently lowering the inflammatory cytokines.

Sequentially Released Liposomes Enhance Anti-Liver Cancer Efficacy of Tetrandrine and Celastrol-Loaded Coix Seed Oil

Background

A sequential release co-delivery system is an effective strategy to improve anti-cancer efficacy. Herein, multicomponent-based liposomes (TET-CTM/L) loaded with tetrandrine (TET) and celastrol (CEL)-loaded coix seed oil microemulsion (CTM) were fabricated, which showed synergistic anti-liver cancer activities. By virtue of Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect, TET-CTM/L can achieve efficient accumulation at the tumor site. TET was released initially to repair abnormal vessels and decrease the fibroblasts, and CTM was released subsequently for eradication of tumor tissue.

Methods

TEM (transmission electron microscopy) and DLS (dynamic light scattering) were adopted to characterize the TET-CTM/L. Flow cytometry was adopted to examine the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of HepG2 cells. The HepG2 xenograft nude mice were adopted to evaluate the anti-tumor efficacy and systemic safety of TET-CTM/L.

Results

TEM images of TET-CTM/L showed the structure of small particle size of CTM within large-size liposomes, indicating that CTM can be encapsulated in liposomes by film dispersion method. In in vitro studies, TET-CTM/L induced massive apoptosis toward HepG2 cells, indicating synergistic cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells. In in vivo studies, TET-CTM/L displayed diminished systemic toxicity compared to celastrol or TET used alone. TET-CTM/L showed the excellent potential for tumor-targeting ability in a biodistribution study.

Conclusion

Our study provides a new strategy for combining anti-cancer therapy that has good potential not only in the treatment of liver cancer but also can be applied to the treatment of other solid tumors.

Tetrandrine Represses Inflammation and Attenuates Osteoarthritis by Selective Inhibition of COX-2

OBJECTIVE

There is a lack of effective and long-term safe drugs for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). Tetrandrine (Tet) has been approved and used to treat rheumatoid arthritis for several decades, but its effect on OA has not been investigated. Herein, we explored the effect of Tet on OA and its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

OA was induced using destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) in C57BL/6J mice. The animals were randomly divided into sham, DMM, Tet, celecoxib (CXB), and indomethacin (INDO) groups. Each group was given solvent or corresponding drugs by gavage for 7 weeks after convalescence. Pathological staining, OARSI scores, micro-computed tomography and behavior tests were performed to evaluate the effects of Tet.

RESULTS

Tet remarkably alleviated cartilage injury in the knee joint, limited bone remodeling in the subchondral bone, and delayed progression of OA. Tet also significantly relieved joint pain and maintained function. Further mechanistic studies revealed that Tet lowered inflammatory cytokine levels and selectively suppressed gene and protein expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 but not COX-1 (P<0.01). Tet also reduced the production of prostaglandin E2 without damaging the gastric mucosa.

CONCLUSION

We found that Tet could selectively inhibit COX-2 gene expression and decrease cytokine levels in mice, thus reducing inflammation and improving OA without obvious gastric adverse events. These results provide a scientific basis for the clinical application of Tet in the treatment of OA.

Mechanism underlying the action of Duanteng-Yimu Tang in regulating Treg/Th17 imbalance and anti-rheumatoid arthritis

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic immune disease characterised by synovitis and cartilage destruction. Currently, many patients experience poor remission after new antirheumatic drug treatments. Duanteng-Yimu Tang (DTYMT), a traditional Chinese medicine, is effective in the treatment of RA. In this research, we designed to investigate the anti-RA effects of DTYMT and explore its potential mechanisms.

Methods

Network pharmacology was adopted to explore the main pathways of DTYMT in patients with RA. Collagen-induced arthritis models of male DBA/1 mice were established, and their histopathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and micro-CT. qRT-PCR was performed to detect the expression of Foxp3 and RORγt in the serum and synovial tissue and IL-17, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10 mRNA in vivo. The proliferation and invasion of synovial cells were analyzed using Cell Counting Kit-8 and transwell assays, respectively. The ratio of T helper 17 (Th17) to regulatory T (Treg) cells was analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results

Network pharmacology analysis revealed that Th17 cell differentiation may be the key pathway of DTYMT in RA. DTYMT ameliorated joint damage, inhibited RORγt expression, and increased Foxp3 expression in CIA mice. DTYMT significantly decreased IL-1β, IL-17, and TNF-α mRNA levels, and increased IL-10 mRNA levels in IL-6-induced cells. Additionally, DTYMT inhibited Th17 cell differentiation and promoted Treg cell production, thus improving the Treg/Th17 imbalance. DTYMT also inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of RA fibroblast-like synovial cells.

Conclusions

These results indicate that DTYMT could regulate the Treg/Th17 cell balance, which is a possible mechanism of DTYMT in treating RA.

Evaluation of preclinical efficacy of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in ankylosing spondylitis

Objective

Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) have significant regenerative, tissue repair, and immunomodulatory properties that can help reduce inflammatory responses in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). In this study, we used a combination of bovine proteoglycan and dimethyldioctadecylammonium (DDA) to establish a mouse model of proteoglycan-induced spondylitis (PGISp). To evaluate the therapeutic effects of UCMSCs, we treated PGISp mice with different doses of hUCMSCs via tail vein injection.

Methods

At week 13, the PGISp mice exhibited thickened, erythematous paws, erythema in the extremities, and lameness. CT scans revealed necrotic lysis of chondrocytes, formation of fissures, visible hemorrhage, connective tissue hyperplasia, and focal infiltration of lymphocytes in the intervertebral discs. At week 14, the PGISp mice were randomly divided into three groups and administered different doses of hUCMSCs (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0×107 cells/kg, iv, QOW×2, n=10). To assess the therapeutic effects of hUCMSCs, we evaluated Th cell subsets in the spleen, spleen and thymus coefficients, peripheral blood inflammatory factors, and pathological and imaging observations of the spines and lumbar spines in the PGISp mice.

Results

The results demonstrated that injection of hUCMSCs shifted the balance axis between Th1 and Th2 cells in the spleen towards Th2 cells. Moreover, the spleen coefficient and levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and CCL-2) in the serum decreased after hUCMSC injection. CT imaging and pathological analysis indicated that hUCMSC treatment inhibited ectopic osteogenesis and maintained clear small joint gaps, which slowed down the progression of structural lesions in the disc, nucleus pulposus, fibrous ring, and cartilage in PGISp mice.

Conclusion

Administering hUCMSCs at the 14th week after modeling proved to be an effective treatment for PGISp mice. This experiment offers a valuable reference for the pre-clinical use of hUCMSCs in the treatment of AS.

Progress on structural modification of Tetrandrine with wide range of pharmacological activities

Tetrandrine (Tet), derived from the traditional Chinese herb Fangji, is a class of natural alkaloids with the structure of bisbenzylisoquinoline, which has a wide range of physiological activities and significant pharmacfological effects. However, studies and clinical applications have revealed a series of drawbacks such as its poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and the fact that it can be toxic to humans. The results of many researchers have confirmed that chemical structural modifications and nanocarrier delivery can address the limited application of Tet and improve its efficacy. In this paper, we summarize the anti-tumor efficacy and mechanism of action, anti-inflammatory efficacy and mechanism of action, and clinical applications of Tet, and describe the progress of Tet based on chemical structure modification and nanocarrier delivery, aiming to explore more diverse structures to improve the pharmacological activity of Tet and provide ideas to meet clinical needs.

Natural medicines of targeted rheumatoid arthritis and its action mechanism

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease involving joints, with clinical manifestations of joint inflammation, bone damage and cartilage destruction, joint dysfunction and deformity, and extra-articular organ damage. As an important source of new drug molecules, natural medicines have many advantages, such as a wide range of biological effects and small toxic and side effects. They have become a hot spot for the vast number of researchers to study various diseases and develop therapeutic drugs. In recent years, the research of natural medicines in the treatment of RA has made remarkable achievements. These natural medicines mainly include flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, glycosides and terpenes. Among them, resveratrol, icariin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, ginsenoside, sinomenine, paeoniflorin, triptolide and paeoniflorin are star natural medicines for the treatment of RA. Its mechanism of treating RA mainly involves these aspects: anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, immune regulation, pro-apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, inhibition of osteoclastogenesis, inhibition of fibroblast-like synovial cell proliferation, migration and invasion. This review summarizes natural medicines with potential therapeutic effects on RA and briefly discusses their mechanisms of action against RA.

Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott Flower Extract Alleviates Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Factors in the Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis Rat Model

Introduction

This research was to evaluate the beneficial effects of Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott flower extract (SJF) on the adjuvant-induced arthritis rat model.

Methods

Arthritis was evoked by injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in the hind paw. SJF (150 or 300 mg/kg/day) or Celecoxib (5 mg/kg/day) were administered intragastrically from the 0th day to the 28th day. The arthritis symptoms (paw edema, arthritic scores, mechanical hyperalgesia, and thermal hyperalgesia), inflammation biomarkers (RT and CRP), related enzymes (MMP1 and MMP13), oxidative stress markers (CAT, SOD, GPx, and MDA), and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1β) of SJF-treated CFA rats were evaluated.

Results

CFA rats exhibited severe arthritis symptoms, increased oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines. Interestingly, SJF treatment relieving arthritis symptoms and restored body weight gain compared with those in the CFA group. SJF treatment decreased the levels of CRP, RF, MMP1, and MMP13 in the CFA group. Besides, SJF treatment increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes and decreased the MDA content and inflammatory cytokines compared with those in the CFA group. Moreover, SJF could increase the mRNA expression of GPx-1 and CAT and inhibit the mRNA expression of IL-6 and TNF-α in the ankle tissue of CFA rats.

Anti-inflammatory activity of different isolated sites of Chloranthus serratus in complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritic rats

Chloranthus serratus is a traditional Chinese medicine for treating arthritis and bruises. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-arthritic activities and possible associated mechanisms of different isolated sites of Chloranthus serratus (DISC) in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA) rats. The therapeutic effects of the extracts were assessed through changes in body weights, swelling rates, arthritis indexes (AI) and organ indexes. The levels of nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase were determined using one-step method, TBA method and hydroxylamine method, respectively; the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, prostaglandin E2, macrophage inhibitor factor-1, VEGF, immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgM and IFN-γ in serum were determined using ELISA. Pathological changes and positive expression of VEGF in the ankle joints were investigated using hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. DISC treatment increased the weight gains and thymus indexes, and decreased the swelling rates, spleen indexes and AI in AA rats. The water isolated site (WA) and ethyl acetate isolated site (EA) significantly reversed complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced changes in the levels of NO, IL-6, TNF-α, IgG and IFN-γ, while the n-butanol isolated site (NB) only reversed the changes in IL-6 and IgG contents. Some changes in the chloroform isolated site group showed the same trend as those in the model group. The extracts relieved synovial hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration and articular surface defects, and reduced the positive expression rate of VEGF in the synovial tissues of the AA rats to varying degrees. The WA exhibited the most marked effects, followed by the EA and NB, indicating that WA had optimal therapeutic effects on CFA-induced arthritic rats, which may be mediated by the oxidative stress and inhibition of inflammatory factors. C. serratus may serve as a potential candidate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Clinical Evidence-Guided Anti-rheumatoid Arthritis Study of Shuji Tablet in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis Rats and Mechanism Exploration via Network Pharmacological Approach

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a kind of chronic autoimmune disease with several tissues damaged. Shuji tablet (SJT) is a prescription approved for treating lumbago and leg pain in the clinic. However, the efficacy of SJT against RA is still unknown. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect of SJT on adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats and explore the mechanism via a network pharmacological approach.

Methods: AIA rats were treated with SJT for 30 days at the dosages of 3.6, 1.8, and 0.9 g/kg, respectively, and the anti-RA effect was determined by measuring paw swelling, systemic symptoms score, arthritis index, and histopathological change. ELISA assay was used to evaluate the level of inflammatory cytokines in serum. The mechanism exploration and target prediction of SJT against RA were performed via a network pharmacological approach.

Results: SJT showed excellent alleviation on AIA rats, with evidence of reducing paws swelling, decreasing systemic symptoms score, and arthritis index. Furthermore, SJT significantly reduced the serum cytokines of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α in AIA rats. Histopathological examination showed SJT remarkably reduced synovial hyperplasia, cartilage damage, and inflammatory infiltration in the secondary-side paws. According to network pharmacological analysis, 208 candidate compounds and 445 potential targets of SJT were identified, and 4465 RA therapy-related targets were searched out. Subsequently, 292 target genes of SJT were speculated to be associated with RA treatment, among which the top 5 “response values” targets were STAT3, AKT1, JUN, HSP90AA1, TNF. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that 45 signaling pathways were associating with SJT treating RA. The top 10 signaling pathways were PI3K-Akt, MAPK, AGE-RAGE pathway in diabetic complications, Ras, HIF-1, TNF, Chemokine, IL-17, FoxO, and Rap1.

Conclusion: Our experimental study showed that SJT significantly alleviated rheumatoid arthritis of AIA rats. Network pharmacology showed that the key targets of SJT against RA probably were STAT3, AKT1, JUN, HSP90AA1, TNF, and the potential mechanism was associated with modulation on the signaling pathways of PI3K-Akt, MAPK, Ras, AGE-RAGE, HIF-1, TNF, chemokine, IL-17, FoxO, Rap 1. Our study strongly provides evidence for Shuji tablet in RA therapy and would enlarge its application in the clinic.

Efficacy of Methotrexate on Rat Knee Osteoarthritis Induced by Monosodium Iodoacetate

Objective

To explore whether methotrexate (MTX) prevents joint destruction and improves pain-related behaviors in the acute phase of knee osteoarthritis (OA) induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) in a rat model.

Methods

Twenty of 25 male Wistar rats (10–14 weeks old) received 3 mg MIA via intra-articular injection into their right knee and were then administered a vehicle control (n=10) or 3 mg/kg MTX orally weekly (n=10). We assessed differences in pain-related behavior, spontaneous lifting behavior, micro-computed tomography (CT), histopathology, and expression of pain- and inflammatory-related genes using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) between the two groups for 4 weeks. Five rats were used as untreated controls to assess pain- and inflammatory-related mRNA expression in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and knee joints using RT-qPCR.

Results

Joint destruction and mechanical hyperalgesia were observed in the vehicle group. Decreases in mechanical pain thresholds for the knee joint and calf muscles were improved after MTX administration; however, joint damage assessed by micro-CT and histopathology was not significantly inhibited by MTX administration, while upregulation levels of transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily V, member 1 (TRPV-1) (P<0.01) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (P=0.02) mRNA in the DRG and nerve growth factor NGF mRNA (P=0.03) in the affected knee joints were significantly suppressed in the MTX group compared with the vehicle group at week 4.

Conclusion

Our results imply that MTX administration improves pain-related behaviors and suppresses expression of pain-related mRNAs in the DRG and knee joint; however, MTX is not expected to prevent cartilage degeneration in MIA-induced OA in rat knee.

Bioactive role of plant stress hormone methyl jasmonate against lipopolysaccharide induced arthritis

The current investigation was carried out to screen antiarthritic potential of Methyl Jasmonate (MJ) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced arthritis. Cartilage damage was induced in experimental animals by intraplantar administration of LPS (1 mg/kg) and antiarthritic effect of MJ was screened in two doses of MJ-1 (20 mg/kg), MJ-2 (40 mg/kg) by intraperitoneally administration. Indomethacin (30 mg/kg p.o.) was used as standard drug. The severity of arthritis was evaluated by assessing arthritis score, secondary lesions, motility test, stair climbing ability, and dorsal flexion pain score method. The estimation of blood cytokine tumor necrosis factor- aplha (TNF-α),interleukine (IL-2 and IL-6) and thymus/spleen index was carried out to access the severity of inflammation. Estimation of hepaticenzymatic antioxidant activity superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)and radiological examination was carried out on 28^th day. Results indicated that MJ showed significant reduction in severity of arthritis by decreasing arthritis score, secondary lesions where as significant increase in motility, climbing ability and flexion pain score was observed. Significant decreased in blood cytokine viz. TNF-α, IL-2, IL-6 andthymus/spleen index was observed in MJ treated animals in dose dependent manner. MJ treated animals showed significant increased and restoration of hepatic antioxidant enzymatic activityof SOD, CAT, GSH, GPx where asradiological examination indicates protective effect on joint structure as compared to LPS treated rats. These current studies conclude that MJ has protective role in arthritis.

Tetrandrine alleviates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation via Sirt-1

Background & Aims

Tetrandrine (Tet) has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects and protect from the ischemic strokes. The NLRP3 inflammasome plays a key role in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced inflammatory lesions. However, the molecular mechanisms of Tet related to the progression of cerebral ischemia are still unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of Tet on cerebral ischemia and the related mechanisms involved in NLRP3 inflammasome.

Methods

C57BL/6J mice used as a cerebral I/R injury model underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2 h following reperfusion for 24 h. Tet (30 mg/kg/day, i.p.) was administered for seven days and 30 min before and after MCAO. Their brain tissues were evaluated for NLRP3 inflammasome and Sirtuin-1 (Sirt-1) expression. An intracerebroventricular injection of Sirt-1 siRNA was administered to assess the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.

Results

Tet significantly reduced the neurological deficits, infarction volume, and cerebral water content in MCAO mice. Moreover, it inhibited I/R-induced over expression of NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, and Sirt-1. Sirt-1 knockdown with siRNA greatly blocked the Tet-induced reduction of neurological severity score and infarct volume, and reversed the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that Tet has benefits for cerebral I/R injury, which are partially related to the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activation via upregulating Sirt-1.

A critical review: traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Stephania tetrandra S. Moore (Fen Fang Ji)

ABSTRACT

Stephania tetrandra S. Moore (S. tetrandra) is distributed widely in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. The root of this plant is known in Chinese as "Fen Fang Ji". It is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat arthralgia caused by rheumatism, wet beriberi, dysuria, eczema and inflamed sores. Although promising reports have been published on the various chemical constituents and activities of S. tetrandra, no review comprehensively summarizes its traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology. Therefore, the review aims to provide a critical and comprehensive evaluation of the traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, pharmacokinetics and toxicology of S. tetrandra in China, and meaningful guidelines for future investigations.

Antitumor activity of tetrandrine citrate in human glioma U87 cells in vitro and in vivo

Since the current methods of treatment for malignant glioma, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, are unsatisfactory, the development of novel therapeutic compounds is required. In the present study, the inhibitory effect of tetrandrine citrate (TetC) on the proliferation of human glioma U87 cells, as well as its mechanism of action, were investigated. An MTT assay was used to assess cell viability in vitro, and the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined by assessing the fluorescence intensity of 2,7-dichlorofluorescein (DCF). Flow cytometry was used to determine the level of apoptosis and cell cycle status, and the protein expression levels of apoptosis-associated proteins were determined using western blotting. Additionally, the antitumor activity of TetC was assessed in vivo using a nude mouse xenograft model. The results revealed that in vitro, the proliferative rate of U87, U251 and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner following treatment with TetC, although TetC had the greatest inhibitory effect on U87 cells. The vacuolization and apoptosis of U87 cells was induced using 10 and 20 µmol/l TetC, respectively. The overall proliferative inhibition was associated with an increase in the levels of ROS and apoptosis. In TetC-treated cells, the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins, including cleaved (CL) caspase-3, Fas, phosphorylated (p)-p38 and p-JNK, were increased, whereas those of caspase-3 and Bcl-2 were decreased. In vivo, TetC was highly effective at inhibiting the growth of human glioma U87 ×enografts in BALB/c nude mice, with a percentage growth inhibition of ≥68.7%. These findings indicated that the potent antitumor activity of TetC may be mediated through an increase in ROS levels, the downregulation of Bcl-2, and the upregulation of CL caspase-3, Fas, p-p38 and p-JNK expression levels.