1
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Wong KH, Yang D, Chen S, He C, Chen M. Development of Nanoscale Drug Delivery Systems of Dihydroartemisinin for Cancer Therapy: A Review. Asian J Pharm Sci 2022; 17:475-490. [PMID: 36105316 PMCID: PMC9459003 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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2
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Dihydroartemisinin Attenuates Pulmonary Hypertension Through Inhibition of Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling in Rats. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2021; 76:337-348. [PMID: 32569012 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a malignant disease characterized by pulmonary arterial remodeling because of the abnormal proliferation and migration of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), an artemisinin derivative used to treat malaria, is able to inhibit fibrosis, neovascularization, and tumor proliferation. In this study, we hypothesized that DHA can be beneficial in treating PAH. To test this hypothesis, a rat model of pulmonary hypertension induced with monocrotaline (MCT) was used. Compared with MCT treatment alone, treatment with 50 or 100 mg/kg DHA significantly reduced the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (30.11 ± 2.48 mm Hg vs. 21.35 ± 3.04 mm Hg and 19.18 ± 1.98 mm Hg, respectively, both P < 0.01), right ventricular transverse diameter (4.36 ± 0.41 mm vs. 3.72 ± 0.24 mm and 3.67 ± 0.27 mm, respectively, both P < 0.01), pulmonary artery medial wall thickness (57.93 ± 11.14% vs. 34.45 ± 4.39% and 25.01 ± 6.66%, respectively, both P < 0.01), and increased tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (1.34 ± 0.17 mm vs. 1.62 ± 0.3 mm and 1.62 ± 0.16 mm, respectively, both P < 0.05). We also found that DHA inhibited platelet-derived growth factor-BB-mediated pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells proliferation and migration in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, DHA downregulated β-catenin levels while upregulating the levels of axis inhibition protein 2 (Axin2) and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β). Our findings suggest that DHA, which may be a potential candidate for PAH therapy, attenuates experimental pulmonary hypertension possibly by inhibiting pulmonary vascular remodeling.
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3
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Meng Y, Ma N, Lyu H, Wong YK, Zhang X, Zhu Y, Gao P, Sun P, Song Y, Lin L, Wang J. Recent pharmacological advances in the repurposing of artemisinin drugs. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:3156-3181. [PMID: 34148245 DOI: 10.1002/med.21837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinins are a family of sesquiterpene lactones originally derived from the sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua). Beyond their well-characterized role as frontline antimalarial drugs, artemisinins have also received increased attention for other potential pharmaceutical effects, which include antiviral, antiparsitic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. With concerted efforts in further preclinical and clinical studies, artemisinin-based drugs have the potential to be viable treatments for a great variety of human diseases. Here, we provide a comprehensive update on recent reports of pharmacological actions and applications of artemisinins outside of their better-known antimalarial role and highlight their potential therapeutic viability for various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Meng
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Ma
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haining Lyu
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yin Kwan Wong
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xing Zhang
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongping Zhu
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yali Song
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Dongguan Maternal And Child Health Care Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Lizhu Lin
- Oncology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jigang Wang
- Artemisinin Research Center and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Oncology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
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4
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Hu Y, Wang Y, Li N, Chen L, Sun J. Discovery of novel dihydroartemisinin-cinnamic hybrids inducing lung cancer cells apoptosis via inhibition of Akt/Bad signal pathway. Bioorg Chem 2021; 111:104903. [PMID: 33894433 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
A series of dihydroartemisinin-cinnamic acid hybrids were designed, synthesized and evaluated. Most of the tested compounds showed enhanced anti-proliferative activities than artemisinin and dihydroartemisinin, among which 16 g had the superior potency with IC50 values ranging from 5.07 μM to 7.88 μM against four tested cancer cell lines. The cell cycle arrest revealed that 16 g induced A549 cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase via regulation of G1-related protein expression (Cdk4). Further mechanism studies reveal that 16 g induced A549 cells apoptosis via inhibiting Akt/Bad pathway. Moreover, 16 g depolarized the mitochondria membrane potentials and induced ROS generation in A549. Additionally, 16 g blocked migration of A549 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. What's more, 16 g is barely nontoxic to zebrafish embryos. Overall, the cell cycle arrest, inhibition of Akt/Bad signal pathway, ROS generation and migration blocked might explain the potent anti-proliferative activities of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Traditional Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Traditional Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Traditional Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Traditional Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianbo Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Traditional Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China.
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Li Y, Wang W, Li A, Huang W, Chen S, Han F, Wang L. Dihydroartemisinin induces pyroptosis by promoting the AIM2/caspase-3/DFNA5 axis in breast cancer cells. Chem Biol Interact 2021; 340:109434. [PMID: 33689708 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2021.109434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is a complex disease. Recent research has examined the anticancer effects of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) on breast cancer. However, the molecular mechanism of the antitumour effect of DHA is unclear. METHODS MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines were used for in vitro research. BALB/c nude mice were used to establish breast cancer xenografts. The mRNA and protein levels were analysed by qRT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. Flow cytometry was performed to examine cell apoptosis. ELISA kits were used to evaluate the production of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. LDH and ATP release were individually measured with the corresponding kits. A colony formation assay was used to examine the proliferation of breast cancer cells. RESULTS DHA inhibited proliferation and induced pyroptosis in breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, DHA activated the expression of absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2), caspase-3 and gasdermin E (DFNA5). In addition, AIM2 promoted DFNA5 expression by activating caspase-3. Knockdown of AIM2 and DFNA5 significantly enhanced breast cancer cell resistance to DHA. In vivo experiments showed that the tumorigenicity of breast cancer cells was significantly suppressed by DHA. Moreover, the AIM2/caspase-3/DFNA5 axis was activated by DHA and then induced pyroptosis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that DHA inhibits tumorigenesis by inducing pyroptosis in breast cancer cells, highlighting a promising therapeutic strategy for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqiong Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast and Vascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast and Vascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Aixia Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast and Vascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Shiman Chen
- Department of Thyroid and Breast and Vascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Fei Han
- Department of Thyroid and Breast and Vascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Lingcheng Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast and Vascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, PR China.
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Li Y, Zhou X, Liu J, Yuan X, He Q. Therapeutic Potentials and Mechanisms of Artemisinin and its Derivatives for Tumorigenesis and Metastasis. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 20:520-535. [PMID: 31958040 DOI: 10.2174/1871520620666200120100252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor recurrence and metastasis are still leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. The influence of traditional treatment strategies against metastatic tumors may still be limited. To search for novel and powerful agents against tumors has become a major research focus. In this study, Artemisinin (ARM), a natural compound isolated from herbs, Artemisia annua L., proceeding from drug repurposing methods, attracts more attention due to its good efficacy and tolerance in antimalarial practices, as well as newly confirmed anticancer activity. METHODS We have searched and reviewed the literatures about ARM and its derivatives (ARMs) for cancer using keywords "artemisinin" until May 2019. RESULTS In preclinical studies, ARMs can induce cell cycle arrest and cell death by apoptosis etc., to inhibit the progression of tumors, and suppress EMT and angiogenesis to inhibit the metastasis of tumors. Notably, the complex relationships of ARMs and autophagy are worth exploring. Inspired by the limitations of its antimalarial applications and the mechanical studies of artemisinin and cancer, people are also committed to develop safer and more potent ARM-based modified compounds (ARMs) or combination therapy, such as artemisinin dimers/ trimers, artemisinin-derived hybrids. Some clinical trials support artemisinins as promising candidates for cancer therapy. CONCLUSION ARMs show potent therapeutic potentials against carcinoma including metastatic tumors. Novel compounds derived from artemisinin and relevant combination therapies are supposed to be promising treatment strategies for tumors, as the important future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Jiali Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Xiaohong Yuan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Qian He
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
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Dolivo D, Weathers P, Dominko T. Artemisinin and artemisinin derivatives as anti-fibrotic therapeutics. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:322-339. [PMID: 33643815 PMCID: PMC7893118 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological reparative process that can occur in most organs and is responsible for nearly half of deaths in the developed world. Despite considerable research, few therapies have proven effective and been approved clinically for treatment of fibrosis. Artemisinin compounds are best known as antimalarial therapeutics, but they also demonstrate antiparasitic, antibacterial, anticancer, and anti-fibrotic effects. Here we summarize literature describing anti-fibrotic effects of artemisinin compounds in in vivo and in vitro models of tissue fibrosis, and we describe the likely mechanisms by which artemisinin compounds appear to inhibit cellular and tissue processes that lead to fibrosis. To consider alternative routes of administration of artemisinin for treatment of internal organ fibrosis, we also discuss the potential for more direct oral delivery of Artemisia plant material to enhance bioavailability and efficacy of artemisinin compared to administration of purified artemisinin drugs at comparable doses. It is our hope that greater understanding of the broad anti-fibrotic effects of artemisinin drugs will enable and promote their use as therapeutics for treatment of fibrotic diseases.
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Key Words
- ALP, alkaline phosphatase
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- AMPK, AMP-activated protein kinase
- ASP, aspartate aminotransferase
- Artemisia
- Artemisinin
- Artesunate
- BAD, BCL-2-associated agonist of cell death
- BDL, bile duct ligation
- BSA, bovine serum albumin
- BUN, blood urea nitrogen
- CCl4, carbon tetrachloride
- CTGF, connective tissue growth factor
- Col I, type I collagen
- DHA, dihydroartemisinin
- DLA, dried leaf Artemisia
- ECM, extracellular matrix
- EMT, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
- FLS, fibroblast-like synoviocyte
- Fibroblast
- Fibrosis
- HA, hyaluronic acid
- HSC, hepatic stellate cell
- HUVEC, human umbilical vein endothelial cell
- LAP, latency-associated peptide
- LDH, lactate dehydrogenase
- MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase
- MI, myocardial infarction
- MMP, matrix metalloproteinase
- Myofibroblast
- NAG, N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase
- NICD, Notch intracellular domain
- PCNA, proliferating cell nuclear antigen
- PHN, passive heymann nephritis
- ROS, reactive oxygen species
- STZ, streptozotocin
- Scar
- TGF, β-transforming growth factor-β
- TGF-β
- TIMP, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase
- UUO, unilateral ureteral obstruction
- i.p., intraperitoneal
- mTOR, mechanistic target of rapamycin
- sCr, serum creatinine
- α-SMA, smooth muscle α-actin
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Affiliation(s)
- David Dolivo
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Pamela Weathers
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
| | - Tanja Dominko
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
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Zhou Y, Kumarapperuma H, Sichone S, Chia ZJ, Little PJ, Xu S, Kamato D. Artemisinin inhibits glycosaminoglycan chain synthesizing gene expression but not proliferation of human vascular smooth muscle cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 532:239-243. [PMID: 32868072 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Pleotropic growth factor, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β drives the modification and elongation of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains on proteoglycans. Hyperelongated GAG chains bind and trap lipoproteins in the intima leading to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. We have identified that phosphorylation of Smad2 linker region drives GAG chain modification. The identification of an inhibitor of Smad2 linker region phosphorylation and GAG chain modification signifies a potential therapeutic for cardiovascular diseases. Artemisinin renowned for its potent anti-malarial effects possesses a broad range of biological effects. Our aim was to characterise the anti-atherogenic role of artemisinin in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). We demonstrate that TGF-β mediated Smad2 linker region phosphorylation and GAG chain elongation was attenuated by artemisinin; however, we observed no effect on VSMC proliferation. Our data demonstrates the potential for artemisinin to be developed as a therapy to inhibit the development of atherosclerosis by prevention of lipid deposition in the vessel wall without affecting the proliferation of VSMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia.
| | - Hirushi Kumarapperuma
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia.
| | - Salifya Sichone
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia.
| | - Zheng Jie Chia
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia.
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia; Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510520, China.
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology, Hefei, 230037, China.
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia; Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510520, China.
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Félix LM, Luzio A, Santos A, Antunes LM, Coimbra AM, Valentim AM. MS-222 induces biochemical and transcriptional changes related to oxidative stress, cell proliferation and apoptosis in zebrafish embryos. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2020; 237:108834. [PMID: 32585370 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2020.108834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
MS-222, the most widely used anaesthetic in fish, has been shown to induce embryotoxic effects in zebrafish. However, the underlying molecular effects are still elusive. This study aimed to investigate the effects of MS-222 exposure during early developmental stages by evaluating biochemical and molecular changes. Embryos were exposed to 50, 100 or 150 mg L-1 MS-222 for 20 min at one of three developmental stages (256-cell, 50% epiboly, or 1-4 somite stage) and oxidative-stress, cell proliferation and apoptosis-related parameters were determined at two time-points (8 and 26 hpf). Following exposure during the 256-cell stage, the biochemical redox balance was not affected. The genes associated with glutathione homeostasis (gstpi and gclc) were affected at 8 hpf, while genes associated with apoptosis (casp3a and casp6) and cellular proliferation (pcna) were found affected at 26 hpf. An inverted U-shaped response was observed at 8 hpf for catalase activity. After exposure at the 50% epiboly stage, the gclc gene associated with oxidative stress was found upregulated at 8 hpf, while gstpi was downregulated and casp6 was upregulated later on, coinciding with a decrease in glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and a non-monotonic elevation of protein carbonyls and casp3a. Additionally, MS-222 treated embryos showed a decrease in DCF-staining at 26 hpf. When exposure was performed at the 1-4 somite stage, a similar DCF-staining pattern was observed. The activity of GPx was also affected whereas RT-qPCR showed that caspase transcripts were dose-dependently increased (casp3a, casp6 and casp9). The pcna mRNA levels were also found to be upregulated while gclc was changed by MS-222. These results highlight the impact of MS-222 on zebrafish embryo development and its interference with the antioxidant, cell proliferation and cellular death systems by mechanisms still to be explained; however, the outcomes point to the Erk/Nrf2 signalling pathway as a target candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís M Félix
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Laboratory Animal Science (LAS), Instituto de Biologia Molecular Celular (IBMC), Universidade of Porto (UP), Porto, Portugal; Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Ana Luzio
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Santos
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences (ECVA), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Luís M Antunes
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana M Coimbra
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; School of Life and Environmental Sciences (ECVA), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana M Valentim
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Laboratory Animal Science (LAS), Instituto de Biologia Molecular Celular (IBMC), Universidade of Porto (UP), Porto, Portugal
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Song M, Finley SD. ERK and Akt exhibit distinct signaling responses following stimulation by pro-angiogenic factors. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:114. [PMID: 32680529 PMCID: PMC7368799 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00595-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Angiogenesis plays an important role in the survival of tissues, as blood vessels provide oxygen and nutrients required by the resident cells. Thus, targeting angiogenesis is a prominent strategy in many different settings, including both tissue engineering and cancer treatment. However, not all of the approaches that modulate angiogenesis lead to successful outcomes. Angiogenesis-based therapies primarily target pro-angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF) or fibroblast growth factor (FGF) in isolation, and there is a limited understanding of how these promoters combine together to stimulate angiogenesis. Targeting one pathway could be insufficient, as alternative pathways may compensate, diminishing the overall effect of the treatment strategy. Methods To gain mechanistic insight and identify novel therapeutic strategies, we have developed a detailed mathematical model to quantitatively characterize the crosstalk of FGF and VEGF intracellular signaling. The model focuses on FGF- and VEGF-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling to promote cell proliferation and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway, which promotes cell survival and migration. We fit the model to published experimental datasets that measure phosphorylated extracellular regulated kinase (pERK) and Akt (pAkt) upon FGF or VEGF stimulation. We validate the model with separate sets of data. Results We apply the trained and validated mathematical model to characterize the dynamics of pERK and pAkt in response to the mono- and co-stimulation by FGF and VEGF. The model predicts that for certain ranges of ligand concentrations, the maximum pERK level is more responsive to changes in ligand concentration compared to the maximum pAkt level. Also, the combination of FGF and VEGF indicates a greater effect in increasing the maximum pERK compared to the summation of individual effects, which is not seen for maximum pAkt levels. In addition, our model identifies the influential species and kinetic parameters that specifically modulate the pERK and pAkt responses, which represent potential targets for angiogenesis-based therapies. Conclusions Overall, the model predicts the combination effects of FGF and VEGF stimulation on ERK and Akt quantitatively and provides a framework to mechanistically explain experimental results and guide experimental design. Thus, this model can be utilized to study the effects of pro- and anti-angiogenic therapies that particularly target ERK and/or Akt activation upon stimulation with FGF and VEGF. Video Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Stacey D Finley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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11
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Park C, Lee J, Son C, Lee N. A survey of herbal medicines as tumor
microenvironment‐modulating
agents. Phytother Res 2020; 35:78-94. [PMID: 32658314 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chan‐Ran Park
- Dept. of Clinical Oncology Cheonan Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University Cheonan‐si Republic of Korea
- Liver and Immunology Research Center Dunsan Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University Daejeon‐si Republic of Korea
- Dept. of Internal Medicine Graduated School of Korean Medicine, University of Daejeon Daejeon‐si Republic of Korea
| | - Jin‐Seok Lee
- Liver and Immunology Research Center Dunsan Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University Daejeon‐si Republic of Korea
- Dept. of Internal Medicine Graduated School of Korean Medicine, University of Daejeon Daejeon‐si Republic of Korea
| | - Chang‐Gue Son
- Liver and Immunology Research Center Dunsan Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University Daejeon‐si Republic of Korea
- Dept. of Internal Medicine Graduated School of Korean Medicine, University of Daejeon Daejeon‐si Republic of Korea
| | - Nam‐Hun Lee
- Dept. of Clinical Oncology Cheonan Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University Cheonan‐si Republic of Korea
- Liver and Immunology Research Center Dunsan Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University Daejeon‐si Republic of Korea
- Dept. of Internal Medicine Graduated School of Korean Medicine, University of Daejeon Daejeon‐si Republic of Korea
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Li Y, Zhou X, Liu J, Gao N, Yang R, Wang Q, Ji J, Ma L, He Q. Dihydroartemisinin inhibits the tumorigenesis and metastasis of breast cancer via downregulating CIZ1 expression associated with TGF-β1 signaling. Life Sci 2020; 248:117454. [PMID: 32088211 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is currently considered as the promising cancer therapeutic drug. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anti-proliferative and anti-metastasis effects of DHA. MAIN METHODS Utilizing breast cancer cells MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and BT549, cell proliferation, migration and invasion were detected. RT-qPCR was performed to detect CIZ1, TGF-β1 and Snail expression, and the interactions of these related molecules were analyzed by GeneMANIA database. Western blot detected CIZ1, TGF-β1/Smads signaling and Snail expression in DHA-treated cells, in TGFβ1-induced cells with enhanced metastatic capacity, and in cells treated with DHA plus TGFβ1/TGFβ1 inhibitor SD-208. KEY FINDINGS Results indicated DHA inhibited breast cancer cell proliferation and migration, with more potent effects compared with that of artemisinin. RT-qPCR and Western blot showed DHA inhibited CIZ1, TGF-β1 and Snail expression, and these molecules were shown to have protein-protein interactions by bioinformatics. Furthermore, TGFβ1-treatment enhanced MCF-7 migration and invasion, and CIZ1, TGF-β1/Smads signaling and snail activities; DHA, SD-208, combination of DHA and SD-208 reversed these conditions, preliminarily proving the cascade regulation between TGF-β1 signaling and CIZ1. MCF-7 xenografts model demonstrated the inhibition of DHA on tumor burden, and its mechanisms and well-tolerance in vivo; combination of DHA and SD-208 tried by us for the first time showed better treatment effects, but possible liver impairment made its use still keep cautious. SIGNIFICANCE DHA treatment inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer, through suppressing TGF-β1/Smad signaling and CIZ1, suggesting the promising potential of DHA as a well-tolerated antitumor TGF-β1 pathway inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Jiali Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Ning Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Ruihua Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Jing Ji
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Ling Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Qian He
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China.
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Dihydroartemisinin inhibits endothelial cell tube formation by suppression of the STAT3 signaling pathway. Life Sci 2019; 242:117221. [PMID: 31881224 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.117221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Endothelial cell (EC) tube formation is crucial for tumor angiogenesis, which becomes a target for chemotherapy. The anti-malaria agent dihydroartemisinin (DHA) inhibited tumor growth and angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of DHA on EC tube formation and the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured with different concentrations of DHA, and the tube formation was measured by in vitro angiogenesis assay. The protein levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 3 (STAT3), phosphorylated STAT3 and fatty acid synthase (FASN) were detected by Western blotting. The gene expression of FASN was determined by real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The FASN siRNA and STAT3 (Y705D) vector were introduced into HUVECs by lipofectin transfection. KEY FINDINGS DHA treatment inhibited tube formation, and the phosphorylation of STAT3 on Y705 of HUVECs. The expression of FASN was down-regulated by DHA and STAT3 inhibitor. The inhibitory effect of DHA on FASN expression in HUVECs was eliminated by co-treatment with the STAT3 inhibitor. Over-expression of STAT3 (Y705D) relieved the inhibitory effect of DHA on tube-formation and FASN expression. Under hypoxia condition, expression of FASN was up-regulated but inhibited by DHA treatment in HUVECs through suppression of STAT3 phosphorylation. SIGNIFICANCE We demonstrate that DHA inhibits the protein level of FASN via attenuation of the Y705 phosphorylation of STAT3, and subsequently inhibits tube formation of HUVECs. Our results support the therapeutic potential of DHA on angiogenesis.
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Luo H, Vong CT, Chen H, Gao Y, Lyu P, Qiu L, Zhao M, Liu Q, Cheng Z, Zou J, Yao P, Gao C, Wei J, Ung COL, Wang S, Zhong Z, Wang Y. Naturally occurring anti-cancer compounds: shining from Chinese herbal medicine. Chin Med 2019; 14:48. [PMID: 31719837 PMCID: PMC6836491 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-019-0270-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous natural products originated from Chinese herbal medicine exhibit anti-cancer activities, including anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic, anti-angiogenic effects, as well as regulate autophagy, reverse multidrug resistance, balance immunity, and enhance chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. To provide new insights into the critical path ahead, we systemically reviewed the most recent advances (reported since 2011) on the key compounds with anti-cancer effects derived from Chinese herbal medicine (curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, berberine, artemisinin, ginsenoside Rg3, ursolic acid, silibinin, emodin, triptolide, cucurbitacin B, tanshinone I, oridonin, shikonin, gambogic acid, artesunate, wogonin, β-elemene, and cepharanthine) in scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, and Clinical Trials). With a broader perspective, we focused on their recently discovered and/or investigated pharmacological effects, novel mechanism of action, relevant clinical studies, and their innovative applications in combined therapy and immunomodulation. In addition, the present review has extended to describe other promising compounds including dihydroartemisinin, ginsenoside Rh2, compound K, cucurbitacins D, E, I, tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone in view of their potentials in cancer therapy. Up to now, the evidence about the immunomodulatory effects and clinical trials of natural anti-cancer compounds from Chinese herbal medicine is very limited, and further research is needed to monitor their immunoregulatory effects and explore their mechanisms of action as modulators of immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Luo
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Chi Teng Vong
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Hanbin Chen
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Peng Lyu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Ling Qiu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Mingming Zhao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Qiao Liu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Zehua Cheng
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jian Zou
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Peifen Yao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Caifang Gao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jinchao Wei
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Carolina Oi Lam Ung
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Shengpeng Wang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yitao Wang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
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The Effects of TGF-β Signaling on Cancer Cells and Cancer Stem Cells in the Bone Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20205117. [PMID: 31619018 PMCID: PMC6829436 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20205117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays a key role in bone metastasis formation; we hypothesized the possible involvement of TGF-β in the induction of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in the bone microenvironment (micro-E), which may be responsible for chemo-resistance. METHODS Mouse mammary tumor cells were implanted under the dorsal skin flap over the calvaria and into a subcutaneous (subQ) lesions in female mice, generating tumors in the bone and subQ micro-Es. After implantation of the tumor cells, mice were treated with a TGF-β R1 kinase inhibitor (R1-Ki). RESULTS Treatment with R1-Ki decreased tumor volume and cell proliferation in the bone micro-E, but not in the subQ micro-E. R1-Ki treatment did not affect the induction of necrosis or apoptosis in either bone or subQ micro-E. The number of cells positive for the CSC markers, SOX2, and CD166 in the bone micro-E, were significantly higher than those in the subQ micro-E. R1-Ki treatment significantly decreased the number of CSC marker positive cells in the bone micro-E but not in the subQ micro-E. TGF-β activation of the MAPK/ERK and AKT pathways was the underlying mechanism of cell proliferation in the bone micro-E. BMP signaling did not play a role in cell proliferation in either micro-E. CONCLUSION Our results indicated that the bone micro-E is a key niche for CSC generation, and TGF-β signaling has important roles in generating CSCs and tumor cell proliferation in the bone micro-E. Therefore, it is critically important to evaluate responses to chemotherapeutic agents on both cancer stem cells and proliferating tumor cells in different tumor microenvironments in vivo.
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Liu X, Wang B, Ding H, Shi H, Liu J, Sun H. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in combination with SonoVue induces cytotoxicity of human renal glomerular endothelial cells via repression of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Ren Fail 2018; 40:458-465. [PMID: 30122107 PMCID: PMC6104615 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2018.1487868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) and SonoVue have been used widely for diagnosis and therapeutic treatment. The effects of LIPUS and SonoVue on the microvascular system and underlying molecular mechanisms have not been established. METHODS Cultured human renal glomerular endothelial cells (HRGECs) were treated with 5-min ultrasonic irradiation, 20% SonoVue or the combination of both treatments. Cell proliferation, viablity, and apoptosis were measured by MTT assay, Trypan blue exclusion assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Activation of extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) were examined by Western blot. RESULTS We found that LIPUS and SonoVue alone do not induce cytotoxicity of HRGECs; however, the combination of the two treatments reduces cell proliferation and increases cell death. In addition, the combination of LIPUS and SonoVue suppressed the activation of ERK 1/2 in HRGRCs. With pretreatment of the inhibitor of ERK1/2 signaling, PD98059, LIPUS, and SonoVue does not induce additional cell death and inhibition of proliferation. CONCLUSIONS LIPUS combined with SonoVue induces cytotoxicity of HRGECs via repression of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu Liu
- a Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University , Jinan , China.,b Department of Cardiography , Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University , Yantai , China
| | - Bei Wang
- c Department of Ultrasonography , Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University , Jinan , China
| | - Hongyu Ding
- c Department of Ultrasonography , Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University , Jinan , China
| | - Hao Shi
- d Department of Radiology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital , Shandong University , Jinan , China
| | - Ju Liu
- e Medical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University , Jinan , China
| | - Hongjun Sun
- e Medical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University , Jinan , China
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17
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Dihydroartemisinin ameliorates sepsis-induced hyperpermeability of glomerular endothelium via up-regulation of occludin expression. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 99:313-318. [PMID: 29353206 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.01.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 12/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sepsis, the systemic inflammatory responses after infection, remains a serious cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. The anti-malarial agent dihydroartemisinin (DHA) has been shown to be anti-inflammatory. In this study, we examined the effects of DHA on sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) and explored the mechanism underlying its mode of action in AKI. In a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse model, we observed that DHA treatment ameliorated glomerular injury, and relieved elevation of the urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) and serum creatinine. At a concentration of 25 μM, DHA had no effect on overall cellular viability or apoptosis in assays with human renal glomerular endothelial cells (HRGECs), but significantly inhibited the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced hyperpermeability of HRGEC monolayers. We found that TNF-α decreases the expression of the junctional protein occludin in HRGECs, which is reversed by DHA. Taken together, our results demonstrate that DHA decreases permeability of the glomerular endothelium by maintenance of occludin expression. This suggests DHA may have therapeutic utility in sepsis-induced AKI.
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18
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Zhang Y, Xu G, Zhang S, Wang D, Saravana Prabha P, Zuo Z. Antitumor Research on Artemisinin and Its Bioactive Derivatives. NATURAL PRODUCTS AND BIOPROSPECTING 2018; 8:303-319. [PMID: 29633188 PMCID: PMC6102173 DOI: 10.1007/s13659-018-0162-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of human death which seriously threatens human life. The antimalarial drug artemisinin and its derivatives have been discovered with considerable anticancer properties. Simultaneously, a variety of target-selective artemisinin-related compounds with high efficiency have been discovered. Many researches indicated that artemisinin-related compounds have cytotoxic effects against a variety of cancer cells through pleiotropic effects, including inhibiting the proliferation of tumor cells, promoting apoptosis, inducing cell cycle arrest, disrupting cancer invasion and metastasis, preventing angiogenesis, mediating the tumor-related signaling pathways, and regulating tumor microenvironment. More importantly, artemisinins demonstrated minor side effects to normal cells and manifested the ability to overcome multidrug-resistance which is widely observed in cancer patients. Therefore, we concentrated on the new advances and development of artemisinin and its derivatives as potential antitumor agents in recent 5 years. It is our hope that this review could be helpful for further exploration of novel artemisinin-related antitumor agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunqin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Guowei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shuqun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Dong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - P Saravana Prabha
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Zhili Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China.
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China.
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Yin J, Xia W, Zhang Y, Ding G, Chen L, Yang G, Huang S, Jia Z, Zhang A. Role of dihydroartemisinin in regulating prostaglandin E2 synthesis cascade and inflammation in endothelial cells. Heart Vessels 2018; 33:1411-1422. [DOI: 10.1007/s00380-018-1190-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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20
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Karbasforush S, Nourazarian A, Darabi M, Rahbarghazi R, Khaki-Khatibi F, Biray Avci Ç, Salimi L, Goker Bagca B, Novin Bahador T, Rezabakhsh A, Khaksar M. Docosahexaenoic acid reversed atherosclerotic changes in human endothelial cells induced by palmitic acid in vitro. Cell Biochem Funct 2018; 36:203-211. [PMID: 29653462 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal activity of atherosclerotic endothelial cells paving luminal surface of blood vessels has been described in many diseases. It has been reported that natural polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid exert therapeutic effects in atherosclerotic condition. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with 1mM palmitic acid for 48 hours and exposed to 40μM docosahexaenoic acid for the next 24 hours. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to measure the expression of PTX3, iNOS, and eNOS. The level of nitric oxide was detected by Griess reagent. The transcription level of genes participating in coagulation and blood pressure was studied by polymerase chain reaction array. Docosahexaenoic acid improved the survival rate by reducing apoptosis rate (P < .05). Compared with that of the group given palmitic acid, attenuation of proinflammatory status was indicated by reduced interleukin-6 (P < .05) and prostaglandin E2 levels. All genes PTX3, iNOS, and eNOS were down-regulated after being exposed to docosahexaenoic acid. Nitric oxide contents were not changed in cells exposed to docosahexaenoic acid. Polymerase chain reaction array confirmed the reduction of LPA, PDGFβ, ITGA2, SERPINE1, and FGA after exposure to docosahexaenoic acid for 24 hours (P < .05). Docosahexaenoic acid had potential to blunt atherosclerotic changes in the modulation of genes controlling blood coagulation, pressure, and platelet function. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY The current experiment showed that docosahexaenoic acid could reverse atherosclerotic changes in human endothelial cells induced by palmitic acid. The increased levels of interleukin-6 and prostaglandin E2 in atherosclerotic cells were returned to near-to-normal status. Gene expression analysis showed a reduced activity of genes participating in atherosclerotic endothelial cells treated by docosahexaenoic acid. The expression of genes related to cell clotting activity was also similar to that of normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeede Karbasforush
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Alireza Nourazarian
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Masoud Darabi
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Rahbarghazi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Çıgır Biray Avci
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Leila Salimi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Bakiye Goker Bagca
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Tanaz Novin Bahador
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Aysa Rezabakhsh
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Majid Khaksar
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Zhong J, Yu X, Dong X, Lu H, Zhou W, Li L, Li Z, Sun P, Shi X. Downregulation of secreted clusterin potentiates the lethality of sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma in association with the inhibition of ERK1/2 signals. Int J Mol Med 2018; 41:2893-2900. [PMID: 29436591 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Secretory clusterin (sCLU) is overexpressed in cancer and is associated with resistance to chemotherapy in several types of cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Sorafenib (SOR), a multikinase inhibitor of Raf/mitogen‑activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal‑regulated kinase (ERK) signaling and the receptor tyrosine kinase, is recognized as the standard therapeutic strategy for patients with advanced HCC. However, the role of sCLU in the resistance of HCC to SOR remains to be fully elucidated. In the present study, sCLU was silenced by CLU short hairpin (sh)RNA in Bel‑7402 and SMMC‑7721 cell lines, following which the cells were treated with SOR. Cell proliferation was determined using a CCK‑8 assay. Apoptosis was quantified using flow cytometry. The production of sCLU, B‑cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2), Bcl‑2‑associated X sprotein and phosphorylated (p)ERK1/2 was analyzed using western blot analysis. The results showed that sCLU was overexpressed in three HCC cell lines. The downregulation of sCLU by CLU shRNA synergistically increased SOR sensitivity in the Bel‑7402 and SMMC‑7721 cells, and potentiated SOR‑induced cell apoptosis. In addition, silencing sCLU or combination with PD98059 decreased the SOR‑induced activation of pERK1/2. These findings indicate a novel treatment strategy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingtao Zhong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Science, Jinan, Shandong 250117, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoming Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250031, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Dong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Hong Lu
- Department of Radiology, Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250117, P.R. China
| | - Wuyuan Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Science, Jinan, Shandong 250117, P.R. China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Science, Jinan, Shandong 250117, P.R. China
| | - Zhongchao Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Science, Jinan, Shandong 250117, P.R. China
| | - Pengfei Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Science, Jinan, Shandong 250117, P.R. China
| | - Xuetao Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Science, Jinan, Shandong 250117, P.R. China
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22
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Huo L, Wei W, Wu S, Zhao X, Zhao C, Zhao H, Sun L. Effect of dihydroarteminin combined with siRNA targeting Notch1 on Notch1/c-Myc signaling in T-cell lymphoma cells. Exp Ther Med 2018; 15:3059-3065. [PMID: 29599840 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.5784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of therapy combining dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and small interfering RNA targeting Notch1 (siNotch1) in T-cell lymphoma remains unknown. The present study explored the potential and possible mechanisms of combined dihydroarteminin, and siNotch1 therapy for T-cell lymphoma. It was demonstrated that the viability rates of siRNA-DHA-treated cells was significantly suppressed in comparison with those in control cells, control siRNA cells, siRNA-treated cells and DHA-treated cells (P<0.01). Additionally, there was a significant increase in cell apoptosis of siRNA-DHA-treated cells in comparison with those of control cells, control siRNA cells, siRNA-treated cells, DHA-treated cells (P<0.05). Furthermore, Notch1 and c-Myc mRNA and protein expression were decreased in siRNA-DHA-treated cells (P<0.05). The present study demonstrated that DHA combined with siNotch1 is able to suppress proliferation and promote apoptosis, and downregulate the expression of Notch1 and c-Myc mRNA and protein in T-cell lymphoma cells. Targeting Notch1/c-Myc signaling with siRNA and DHA may represent a novel strategy for treating human T-cell lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanfen Huo
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Wenwen Wei
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Shaoling Wu
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Xindong Zhao
- Department of Hematology, School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266021, P.R. China
| | - Chunting Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Hongguo Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Lingjie Sun
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
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From ancient herb to modern drug: Artemisia annua and artemisinin for cancer therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 46:65-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 339] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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24
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Wei T, Liu J. Anti-angiogenic properties of artemisinin derivatives (Review). Int J Mol Med 2017; 40:972-978. [PMID: 28765885 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.3085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the process involving the development of new blood vessels from existing capillaries, is critical for growth and wound healing. However, pathological angiogenesis contributes to the pathogeneses of numerous diseases, including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Hence, the inhibition of angiogenesis is an effective therapeutic approach for these diseases. Apart from its anti-malarial properties, artemisinin and its derivatives also exhibit potent anti-angiogenic properties. The molecular mechanisms underlying their inhibitory effects on angiogenesis have been studied by several groups. These investigations have revealed that artemisinins inhibit angiogenesis via the perturbations of cellular signaling pathways involved in the regulation of angiogenesis. Along with a brief introduction to artemisinin derivatives, this review provides a detailed summary of the effects of artemisinins on the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway and the phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Due to the multiplicity of their actions on relevant signaling pathways, artemisinins are promising candidates with potential for use as anti-angiogenic agents for the treatment of related diseases or disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianshu Wei
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Ju Liu
- Laboratory of Microvascular Medicine, Medical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
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25
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Magoulas GE, Tsigkou T, Skondra L, Lamprou M, Tsoukala P, Kokkinogouli V, Pantazaka E, Papaioannou D, Athanassopoulos CM, Papadimitriou E. Synthesis of nοvel artemisinin dimers with polyamine linkers and evaluation of their potential as anticancer agents. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 25:3756-3767. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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26
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Park SA, Surh YJ. Modulation of tumor microenvironment by chemopreventive natural products. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sin-Aye Park
- Tumor Microenvironment Global Core Research Center and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Seoul National University; Seoul South Korea
| | - Young-Joon Surh
- Tumor Microenvironment Global Core Research Center and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Seoul National University; Seoul South Korea
- Cancer Research Institute; Seoul National University; Seoul South Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy; Seoul National University; Seoul South Korea
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27
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Dong F, Han J, Jing G, Chen X, Yan S, Yue L, Cao Z, Liu X, Ma G, Liu J. Dihydroartemisinin transiently activates the JNK/SAPK signaling pathway in endothelial cells. Oncol Lett 2016; 12:4699-4704. [PMID: 28105176 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.5223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives are well-known anti-malaria drugs and in the early stages of research for cancer treatment. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a more water-soluble derivative of artemisinin, has demonstrated strong anti-angiogenic activity. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of the effect of DHA on angiogenesis. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with DHA were examined for apoptosis and activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway, one of the major mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades. It was observed that 20 µM DHA induces transient activation of JNK in HUVECs. DHA also elevates the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-13, which is abolished by treatment with the JNK inhibitor SP600125. Although DHA persistently increases inhibitor of κB-α protein and thus inhibits nuclear factor-κB signaling, it does not affect apoptosis or caspase 3/9 activities in HUVECs. The present study provides key information for understanding the effects of DHA on endothelial cells, which is required for investigating its potential for clinic application as a chemotherapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyun Dong
- Medical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Ju Han
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Guoxian Jing
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Xiaocui Chen
- Medical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Suhua Yan
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Longtao Yue
- Medical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Zhiqun Cao
- Department of Medicine, Hospital of Shandong Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Xiaochun Liu
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Guozhao Ma
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Ju Liu
- Medical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
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28
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Lin R, Zhang Z, Chen L, Zhou Y, Zou P, Feng C, Wang L, Liang G. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) induces ferroptosis and causes cell cycle arrest in head and neck carcinoma cells. Cancer Lett 2016; 381:165-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2016.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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29
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Hu L, Wang J, Wang Y, Xu H. An integrin αvβ3 antagonistic modified peptide inhibits tumor growth through inhibition of the ERK and AKT signaling pathways. Oncol Rep 2016; 36:1953-62. [PMID: 27499314 DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.4994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
HM-3, an RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp)-modified antitumor polypeptide designed independently, has been demonstrated for its robust inhibitory effects on tumors. However, the intravenous administration and short half-life in vivo are inconvenient to its clinical application. To solve these issues, PEGylated HM-3 (mPEG-SC20k-HM-3) with prolonged half‑time in vivo and subcutaneous administration was obtained after repeated screening of different types of PEG and numerous efficacy assays. The present study aimed to evaluate the antitumor activity and investigate the mechanism of the modified peptide to interpret the antitumor properties of mPEG-SC20k-HM-3 comprehensively and clearly. The results of the antitumor activity assays in vitro indicated that mPEG-SC20k-HM-3 exhibited a marked inhibitory activity on tumor metastasis and angiogenesis. mPEG-SC20k-HM-3 (73.4 mg/kg, sc) achieved a tumor inhibitory rate of 70.1% in an H460 (human non-small cell lung cancer) xenograft model with scarce cytotoxicity, compared with a rate of 72.2% for Avastin (10.0 mg/kg, iv). The mechanistic study showed that mPEG-SC20k-HM-3 could target integrin αvβ3 to block the downstream ERK and Akt pathways, as the expression levels of VEGF, Akt1, p-Akt1, ERK1/2, p-ERK1/2, MEK1, p-MEK1, integrin αv and β3 were reduced after HUVECs were incubated with mPEG-SC20k-HM-3 for 24 h. In conclusion, the antitumor activity of mPEG-SC20k-HM-3 in vitro and in vivo is promising and the mechanism was clearly reflected in the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lirong Hu
- The Engineering Research Center of Peptide Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- The Engineering Research Center of Peptide Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Ying Wang
- The Engineering Research Center of Peptide Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Hanmei Xu
- The Engineering Research Center of Peptide Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
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30
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Zhang J, Guo L, Zhou X, Dong F, Li L, Cheng Z, Xu Y, Liang J, Xie Q, Liu J. Dihydroartemisinin induces endothelial cell anoikis through the activation of the JNK signaling pathway. Oncol Lett 2016; 12:1896-1900. [PMID: 27602117 PMCID: PMC4998146 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.4870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is required for the growth and metastasis of solid tumors. The anti-malarial agent dihydroartemisinin (DHA) demonstrates potent anti-angiogenic activity, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not yet fully understood. During the process of angiogenesis, endothelial cells migrating from existing capillaries may undergo programmed cell death after detaching from the extracellular matrix, a process that is defined as anchorage-dependent apoptosis or anoikis. In the present study, DHA-induced cell death was compared in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cultured in suspension and attached to culture plates. In suspended HUVECs, the cell viability was decreased and apoptosis was increased with the treatment of 50 µM DHA for 5 h, while the same treatment did not affect the attached HUVECs. In addition, 50 µM DHA increased the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in suspended HUVECs, but not in attached HUVECs, for up to 5 h of treatment. The JNK inhibitor, SP600125, reversed DHA-induced cell death in suspended HUVECs, suggesting that the JNK pathway may mediate DHA-induced endothelial cell anoikis. The data from the present study indicates a novel mechanism for understanding the anti-angiogenic effects of DHA, which may be used as a component for chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Ling Guo
- Medical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Xia Zhou
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Fengyun Dong
- Medical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Liqun Li
- Medical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Zuowang Cheng
- Taishan Medical College, Taian, Shandong 271021, P.R. China
| | - Yinghua Xu
- Taishan Medical College, Taian, Shandong 271021, P.R. China
| | - Jiyong Liang
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Qi Xie
- Medical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Ju Liu
- Medical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
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31
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Zhou L, Liu Q, Yang M, Wang T, Yao J, Cheng J, Yuan J, Lin X, Zhao J, Tickner J, Xu J. Dihydroartemisinin, an Anti-Malaria Drug, Suppresses Estrogen Deficiency-Induced Osteoporosis, Osteoclast Formation, and RANKL-Induced Signaling Pathways. J Bone Miner Res 2016; 31:964-74. [PMID: 26684711 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.2771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Osteoporosis is an osteolytic disease that features enhanced osteoclast formation and bone resorption. Identification of agents that can inhibit osteoclast formation and function is important for the treatment of osteoporosis. Dihydroartemisinin is a natural compound used to treat malaria but its role in osteoporosis is not known. Here, we found that dihydroartemisinin can suppress RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption in a dose-dependent manner. Dihydroartemisinin inhibited the expression of osteoclast marker genes such as cathepsin K, calcitonin receptor, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAcP). Furthermore, dihydroartemisinin inhibited RANKL-induced NF-κB and NFAT activity. In addition, using an in vivo ovariectomized mouse model, we show that dihydroartemisinin is able to reverse the bone loss caused by ovariectomy. Together, this study shows that dihydroartemisinin attenuates bone loss in ovariectomized mice through inhibiting RANKL-induced osteoclast formation and function. This indicates that dihydroartemisinin, the first physiology or medicine nobel prize discovery of China, is a potential treatment option against osteolytic bone disease. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhou
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Qian Liu
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Research Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
| | - Mingli Yang
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Tao Wang
- Research Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
| | - Jun Yao
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Research Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
| | - Jianwen Cheng
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Research Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
| | - Jinbo Yuan
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Xixi Lin
- Research Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
| | - Jinmin Zhao
- Research Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
| | - Jennifer Tickner
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jiake Xu
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Research Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
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32
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RNF135, RING finger protein, promotes the proliferation of human glioblastoma cells in vivo and in vitro via the ERK pathway. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20642. [PMID: 26856755 PMCID: PMC4746631 DOI: 10.1038/srep20642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ring finger protein 135 (RNF135), located on chromosome 17q11.2, is a RING finger domain-containing E3 ubiquitin ligase that was identified as a bio-marker and therapy target of glioblastoma. In our study, we confirmed that RNF135 was up-regulated in glioblastoma tissues compared with normal brain (NB) tissues, and that RNF135 knockdown inhibited proliferation and migration and led to cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase in vivo. By lowering RNF135 expression, phosphorylated Erk and cell cycle protein CDK4 were down-regulated, while p27Kip1 and p21Waf1/Cip1 were up-regulated in U87 and U251 cells in vitro. In addition, using the immunofluorescence double labelling method, we found that RNF135 and P-Erk were co-localized in the cytoplasm and were highly expressed in glioblastoma samples compared with NB tissues. Moreover, the growth of U87 cell-transplanted tumours in nude mice was inhibited while transduced with Lv-shRNF135. Taken together, our findings demonstrate the biological effects of RNF135 in glioblastoma cell proliferation, migration and cell cycle, and its role in the progression of glioblastoma may be associated with the ERK signal transduction pathway.
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