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Wang F, Liang L, Yu M, Wang W, Badar IH, Bao Y, Zhu K, Li Y, Shafi S, Li D, Diao Y, Efferth T, Xue Z, Hua X. Advances in antitumor activity and mechanism of natural steroidal saponins: A review of advances, challenges, and future prospects. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 128:155432. [PMID: 38518645 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer, the second leading cause of death worldwide following cardiovascular diseases, presents a formidable challenge in clinical settings due to the extensive toxic side effects associated with primary chemotherapy drugs employed for cancer treatment. Furthermore, the emergence of drug resistance against specific chemotherapeutic agents has further complicated the situation. Consequently, there exists an urgent imperative to investigate novel anticancer drugs. Steroidal saponins, a class of natural compounds, have demonstrated notable antitumor efficacy. Nonetheless, their translation into clinical applications has remained unrealized thus far. In light of this, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review elucidating the antitumor activity, underlying mechanisms, and inherent limitations of steroidal saponins. Additionally, we propose a series of strategic approaches and recommendations to augment the antitumor potential of steroidal saponin compounds, thereby offering prospective insights for their eventual clinical implementation. PURPOSE This review summarizes steroidal saponins' antitumor activity, mechanisms, and limitations. METHODS The data included in this review are sourced from authoritative databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and others. RESULTS A comprehensive summary of over 40 steroidal saponin compounds with proven antitumor activity, including their applicable tumor types and structural characteristics, has been compiled. These steroidal saponins can be primarily classified into five categories: spirostanol, isospirostanol, furostanol, steroidal alkaloids, and cholestanol. The isospirostanol and cholestanol saponins are found to have more potent antitumor activity. The primary antitumor mechanisms of these saponins include tumor cell apoptosis, autophagy induction, inhibition of tumor migration, overcoming drug resistance, and cell cycle arrest. However, steroidal saponins have limitations, such as higher cytotoxicity and lower bioavailability. Furthermore, strategies to address these drawbacks have been proposed. CONCLUSION In summary, isospirostanol and cholestanol steroidal saponins demonstrate notable antitumor activity and different structural categories of steroidal saponins exhibit variations in their antitumor signaling pathways. However, the clinical application of steroidal saponins in cancer treatment still faces limitations, and further research and development are necessary to advance their potential in tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengge Wang
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, PR China; Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, PR China
| | - Lu Liang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the State & NMPA Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR, PR China
| | - Ma Yu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, 59 Qinglong Road, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Wenjie Wang
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, PR China; Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, PR China
| | - Iftikhar Hussain Badar
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150030, PR China; Department of Meat Science and Technology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Yongping Bao
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, United Kingdom
| | - Kai Zhu
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, PR China; Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, PR China
| | - Yanlin Li
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, PR China; Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, PR China
| | - Saba Shafi
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, PR China; Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, PR China
| | - Dangdang Li
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, PR China; Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, PR China
| | - Yongchao Diao
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, PR China; Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, PR China
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz 55128, Germany.
| | - Zheyong Xue
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, PR China; Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, PR China.
| | - Xin Hua
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, PR China; Key Laboratory of Saline-alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, PR China.
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Begagić E, Bečulić H, Džidić-Krivić A, Kadić Vukas S, Hadžić S, Mekić-Abazović A, Šegalo S, Papić E, Muchai Echengi E, Pugonja R, Kasapović T, Kavgić D, Nuhović A, Juković-Bihorac F, Đuričić S, Pojskić M. Understanding the Significance of Hypoxia-Inducible Factors (HIFs) in Glioblastoma: A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2089. [PMID: 38893207 PMCID: PMC11171068 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16112089] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study aims to investigate the role of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) in the development, progression, and therapeutic potential of glioblastomas. METHODOLOGY The study, following PRISMA guidelines, systematically examined hypoxia and HIFs in glioblastoma using MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, and Scopus. A total of 104 relevant studies underwent data extraction. RESULTS Among the 104 studies, global contributions were diverse, with China leading at 23.1%. The most productive year was 2019, accounting for 11.5%. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1α) was frequently studied, followed by hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha (HIF2α), osteopontin, and cavolin-1. Commonly associated factors and pathways include glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and glucose transporter 3 (GLUT3) receptors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt-mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). HIF expression correlates with various glioblastoma hallmarks, including progression, survival, neovascularization, glucose metabolism, migration, and invasion. CONCLUSION Overcoming challenges such as treatment resistance and the absence of biomarkers is critical for the effective integration of HIF-related therapies into the treatment of glioblastoma with the aim of optimizing patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emir Begagić
- Department of General Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zenica, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Hakija Bečulić
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zenica, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Amina Džidić-Krivić
- Department of Neurology, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina (S.K.V.)
| | - Samra Kadić Vukas
- Department of Neurology, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina (S.K.V.)
| | - Semir Hadžić
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tuzla, 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Alma Mekić-Abazović
- Department of Oncology, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Sabina Šegalo
- Department of Laboratory Technologies, Faculty of Health Studies, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (S.Š.); (E.P.)
| | - Emsel Papić
- Department of Laboratory Technologies, Faculty of Health Studies, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (S.Š.); (E.P.)
| | - Emmanuel Muchai Echengi
- College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Kenyatta University, Nairobi 43844-00100, Kenya
| | - Ragib Pugonja
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zenica, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Tarik Kasapović
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tuzla, 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Dalila Kavgić
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tuzla, 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Adem Nuhović
- Department of General Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Fatima Juković-Bihorac
- Department of Pathology, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zenica, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Slaviša Đuričić
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zenica, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Mirza Pojskić
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Marburg, 35033 Marburg, Germany
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Pasdaran A, Grice ID, Hamedi A. A review of natural products and small-molecule therapeutics acting on central nervous system malignancies: Approaches for drug development, targeting pathways, clinical trials, and challenges. Drug Dev Res 2024; 85:e22180. [PMID: 38680103 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
In 2021, the World Health Organization released the fifth edition of the central nervous system (CNS) tumor classification. This classification uses histopathology and molecular pathogenesis to group tumors into more biologically and molecularly defined entities. The prognosis of brain cancer, particularly malignant tumors, has remained poor worldwide, approximately 308,102 new cases of brain and other CNS tumors were diagnosed in the year 2020, with an estimated 251,329 deaths. The cost and time-consuming nature of studies to find new anticancer agents makes it necessary to have well-designed studies. In the present study, the pathways that can be targeted for drug development are discussed in detail. Some of the important cellular origins, signaling, and pathways involved in the efficacy of bioactive molecules against CNS tumorigenesis or progression, as well as prognosis and common approaches for treatment of different types of brain tumors, are reviewed. Moreover, different study tools, including cell lines, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trial challenges, are discussed. In addition, in this article, natural products as one of the most important sources for finding new chemotherapeutics were reviewed and over 700 reported molecules with efficacy against CNS cancer cells are gathered and classified according to their structure. Based on the clinical trials that have been registered, very few of these natural or semi-synthetic derivatives have been studied in humans. The review can help researchers understand the involved mechanisms and design new goal-oriented studies for drug development against CNS malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ardalan Pasdaran
- Medicinal Plants Processing Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Irwin Darren Grice
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland, Australia
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Azadeh Hamedi
- Medicinal Plants Processing Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Li Z, Wang H, Bao X, Liu X, Yang J. Gene network analyses of Sepia esculenta larvae exposed to copper and cadmium: A comprehensive investigation of oxidative stress, immune response, and toxicological mechanisms. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 143:109230. [PMID: 37977542 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.109230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Copper (Cu) and Cadmium (Cd), prevalent heavy metals in marine environments, have known implications in oxidative stress, immune response, and toxicity in marine organisms. Sepia esculenta, a cephalopod of significant economic value along China's eastern coastline, experiences alterations in growth, mobility, and reproduction when subjected to these heavy metals. However, the specific mechanisms resulting from heavy metal exposure in S. esculenta remain largely uncharted. In this study, we utilized transcriptome and four oxidative, immunity, and toxicity indicators to assess the toxicological mechanism in S. esculenta larvae exposed to Cu and Cd. The measurements of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione S-Transferase (GST), and Metallothioneins (MTs) revealed that Cu and Cd trigger substantial oxidative stress, immune response, and metal toxicity. Further, we performed an analysis on the transcriptome data through Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network analysis. Our findings indicate that exposure methods and duration influence the type and the extent of toxicity and oxidative stress within the S. esculenta larvae. We took an innovative approach in this research by integrating WGCNA and PPI network analysis with four significant physiological indicators to closely examine the toxicity and oxidative stress profiles of S. esculenta upon exposure to Cu and Cd. This investigation is vital in decoding the toxicological, immunological, and oxidative stress mechanisms within S. esculenta when subjected to heavy metals. It provides foundational insights capable of advancing invertebrate environmental toxicology and informs S. esculenta artificial breeding practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zan Li
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Haoyu Wang
- St. John's School, Vancouver, V6K 2J1, Canada
| | - Xiaokai Bao
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Xiumei Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Jianmin Yang
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China.
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Wen F, Chen S, Wang Y, Wu Q, Yan J, Pei J, Zhou T. The synthesis of Paris saponin VII mainly occurs in leaves and is promoted by light intensity. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1199215. [PMID: 37575916 PMCID: PMC10420111 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1199215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Unraveling the specific organs and tissues involved in saponin synthesis, as well as the light regulatory mechanisms, is crucial for improving the quality of artificially cultivated medicinal materials of Paris plants. Paris saponin VII (PS VII), a high-value active ingredient, is found in almost all organs of Paris plant species. In this study, we focused on Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis (Franch.) Hand. - Mzt. (PPY) and found that PS VII synthesis predominantly occurs in leaves and is increased by high light intensity. This intriguing discovery has unveiled the potential for manipulating non-traditional medicinal organ leaves to improve the quality of medicinal organ rhizomes. The analysis of the impact of organ differences on saponin concentration in P. polyphylla var. chinensis (Franch.) Hara (PPC), P. fargesii Franch. (PF), and PPY revealed consistency among the three Paris species and was mainly dominated by PS VII. Notably, the leaves and stems exhibited much higher proportions of PS VII than other organs, accounting for 80-90% of the four main saponins. Among the three Paris species, PPY had the highest concentration of PS VII and was selected for subsequent experiments. Further investigations on saponin subcellular localization, temporal variation, and stem wound fluid composition demonstrated that PS VII is synthesized in mesophyll cells, released into the intercellular space through exocytosis, and then transported to the rhizome via vascular tissue. These findings confirm the significant role of leaves in PS VII synthesis. Additionally, a 13C-glucose feeding to trace PS VII biosynthesis revealed that only PS VII in the leaves exhibited incorporation of the labeled carbon, despite conducting 13C-glucose feeding in leaves, stems, rhizomes, and roots. Thus, the leaves are indeed the primary organ for PS VII synthesis in PPY. Furthermore, compared with plants under 100 μmol m-2 s-1, plants under 400 μmol m-2 s-1 exhibited a higher PS VII concentration, particularly in the upper epidermal cells of the leaves. We propose that high light intensity promotes PS VII synthesis in leaves through three mechanisms: (1) increased availability of substrates for saponin synthesis; (2) protection of leaves from high light damage through enhanced saponin synthesis; and (3) enhanced compartmentalization of saponins within the leaves, which in turn feedback regulates saponin synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyan Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qinghua Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jie Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jin Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Zeng L, Wang C, Wang Z, Xiong H, Zhang T, Chen W, Hu X, Su T. A2b and A3 adenosine receptors may act as promotive and prognostic factors in oral squamous cell carcinoma. J Craniomaxillofac Surg 2023; 51:508-515. [PMID: 37596174 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcms.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the expression and potential effects of adenosine receptors in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Data on mRNA expression of adenosine receptors in OSCC samples were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Adenosine-regulated signaling pathways and biological processes were investigated via immune cell infiltration analysis, bioinformatics analysis, and immunohistochemistry. Overexpression of A2bR and A3R was significantly correlated with the prognosis of OSCC (P < 0.05). A3R expression in OSCC patients was significantly and positively correlated with the infiltration of six types of immune cells: B cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and myeloid dendritic cells. A2bR expression weakly and negatively correlated with B-cell infiltration only. The expression of A2bR in OSCC was positively correlated with E-cadherin and PCNA, while the expression of A3R was positively correlated with that of cleaved caspase-3. Within the limitations of the study it seems that the overexpression of A2bR and A3R results in the poor prognosis of OSCC, suggesting that A2bR promotes cell proliferation in OSCC, while A3R may be involved in OSCC progression by regulating tumor cell apoptosis and immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liujun Zeng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Centre of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, China
| | - Can Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Centre of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Department of Stomatology, Panyu Maternal and Child Care Service Centre, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zijia Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Centre of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, China
| | - Haofeng Xiong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Centre of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tianyi Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Centre of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, China
| | - Weijun Chen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Centre of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, China
| | - Xin Hu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Centre of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, China.
| | - Tong Su
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Centre of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Institute of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, China.
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Li J, Jia J, Zhu W, Chen J, Zheng Q, Li D. Therapeutic effects on cancer of the active ingredients in rhizoma paridis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1095786. [PMID: 36895945 PMCID: PMC9989034 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1095786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a major threat to human health, with high mortality and a low cure rate, continuously challenging public health worldwide. Extensive clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for patients with poor outcomes of radiotherapy and chemotherapy provides a new direction in anticancer therapy. Anticancer mechanisms of the active ingredients in TCM have also been extensively studied in the medical field. As a type of TCM against cancer, Rhizoma Paridis (Chinese name: Chonglou) has important antitumor effects in clinical application. The main active ingredients of Rhizoma Paridis (e.g., total saponins, polyphyllin I, polyphyllin II, polyphyllin VI, and polyphyllin VII) have shown strong antitumor activities in various cancers, such as breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and gastric cancer. Rhizoma Paridis also has low concentrations of certain other active ingredients with antitumor effects, such as saponins polyphyllin E, polyphyllin H, Paris polyphylla-22, gracillin, and formosanin-C. Many researchers have studied the anticancer mechanism of Rhizoma Paridis and its active ingredients. This review article describes research progress regarding the molecular mechanism and antitumor effects of the active ingredients in Rhizoma Paridis, suggesting that various active ingredients in Rhizoma Paridis may be potentially therapeutic against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Collaborative Innovation Platform for Modernization and Industrialization of Regional Characteristic Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Jinhao Jia
- Collaborative Innovation Platform for Modernization and Industrialization of Regional Characteristic Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Weiwei Zhu
- Clinical Trial Agency, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Jianfei Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Platform for Modernization and Industrialization of Regional Characteristic Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Qiusheng Zheng
- Collaborative Innovation Platform for Modernization and Industrialization of Regional Characteristic Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Defang Li
- Collaborative Innovation Platform for Modernization and Industrialization of Regional Characteristic Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
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Huang J, Lin S, Zhu F, Xu L. Exploring the underlying mechanism of oleanolic acid treating glioma by transcriptome and molecular docking. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113586. [PMID: 36007277 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Oleanolic acid is a promising drug for treating gliomas, but its underlying mechanism is unclear. This study aimed to determine the potential effect of oleanolic acid on glioma and its mechanism. METHODS Firstly, the effects of oleanolic acid on the proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of glioma U251 cells were detected by in vitro experiments such as MTT assay, cell cloning, and flow cytometry. The transcriptome data of U251 cells treated with oleanolic acid and untreated were sequenced by mRNA, and then the differentially expressed genes were analyzed by gene ontology (GO), genomic encyclopedia (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and protein interaction topology analysis. The underlying mechanism of oleanolic acid was predicted, and the related protein interaction network was constructed. Finally, Western blotting and molecular docking techniques verified the mRNA sequencing results. RESULTS Oleanolic acid could effectively inhibit the proliferation, colony formation, and invasion of U251 cells and induce apoptosis. A total of 446 differentially expressed genes were detected by mRNA sequencing, of which 96 genes were up-regulated and 350 down-regulated. Oleanolic acid induces the TNF signal pathway and NOD-like receptor signal pathway at the intracellular level. In addition, OAS2, OASL, IFIT3, RSAD2, and IRF1 may be the core targets of oleanolic acid in treating glioma. CONCLUSION Transcriptome combined with molecular docking technique is used to predict the possible mechanism of oleanolic acid in the treatment of glioma, which provides new ideas and insights for developing and researching antitumor drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxiang Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Institute of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shengnan Lin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sanming First Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Sanming City, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Feng Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanming First Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Sanming City, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Luning Xu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sanming First Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Sanming City, Fujian Province, China.
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Neurotransmitters: Potential Targets in Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163970. [PMID: 36010960 PMCID: PMC9406056 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Aiming to discover potential treatments for GBM, this review connects emerging research on the roles of neurotransmitters in the normal neural and the GBM microenvironments and sheds light on the prospects of their application in the neuropharmacology of GBM. Conventional therapy is blamed for its poor effect, especially in inhibiting tumor recurrence and invasion. Facing this dilemma, we focus on neurotransmitters that modulate GBM initiation, progression and invasion, hoping to provide novel therapy targeting GBM. By analyzing research concerning GBM therapy systematically and scientifically, we discover increasing insights into the regulatory effects of neurotransmitters, some of which have already shown great potential in research in vivo or in vitro. After that, we further summarize the potential drugs in correlation with previously published research. In summary, it is worth expecting that targeting neurotransmitters could be a promising novel pharmacological approach for GBM treatment. Abstract For decades, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a type of the most lethal brain tumor, has remained a formidable challenge in terms of its treatment. Recently, many novel discoveries have underlined the regulatory roles of neurotransmitters in the microenvironment both physiologically and pathologically. By targeting the receptors synaptically or non-synaptically, neurotransmitters activate multiple signaling pathways. Significantly, many ligands acting on neurotransmitter receptors have shown great potential for inhibiting GBM growth and development, requiring further research. Here, we provide an overview of the most novel advances concerning the role of neurotransmitters in the normal neural and the GBM microenvironments, and discuss potential targeted drugs used for GBM treatment.
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An R, Zhang W, Huang X. Developments in the Antitumor Activity, Mechanisms of Action, Structural Modifications, and Structure-Activity Relationships of Steroidal Saponins. Mini Rev Med Chem 2022; 22:2188-2212. [PMID: 35176980 DOI: 10.2174/1389557522666220217113719] [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: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Steroidal saponins, a class of natural products formed by the combination of spirosteranes with sugars, are widely distributed in plants and have various biological activities, such as anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-Alzheimer's, anti-oxidation, etc. Particularly, extensive researches on the antitumor property of steroidal saponins have been received. Steroidal sapogenins, the aglycones of steroidal saponins, also have attracted much attention due to a vast range of pharmacological activities similar to steroidal saponins. In the past few years, structural modifications on the aglycones and sugar chains of steroidal saponins have been carried out and some achievements have been made. In this mini-review, the antitumor activity, action mechanisms, and structural modifications along with the structure-activity relationships of steroidal saponins and their derivatives are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renfeng An
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China
| | - Wenjin Zhang
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China
| | - Xuefeng Huang
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China
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11
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Wang R. Current perspectives on naturally occurring saponins as anticancer agents. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2022; 355:e2100469. [PMID: 35119132 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202100469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Saponins, a heterogeneous group of sterol and triterpene glycosides, are distributed widely in nature. Naturally occurring saponins could act on diverse targets in cancer cells and consequently exert potential antiproliferative effects in various cancers, including drug-resistant forms. Therefore, naturally occurring saponins are useful templates for the discovery of novel anticancer candidates. Covering articles published between January 2020 and October 2021, this review aims to outline the recent development of naturally occurring steroidal and triterpenoidal saponins with anticancer potential to provide novel anticancer lead hits/candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruo Wang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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12
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Zhang J, Yang Y, Dong Y, Liu C. Microrchidia family CW‑type zinc finger 2 promotes the proliferation, invasion, migration and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition of glioma by regulating PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling via binding to N‑myc downstream regulated gene 1 promoter. Int J Mol Med 2021; 49:16. [PMID: 34913078 PMCID: PMC8711590 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.5071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma is a common malignant tumor of the central nervous system with high incidence and mortality. The present study aimed to investigate the role of Microrchidia family CW‑type zinc finger 2 (MORC2) in the development of glioma. Firstly, MORC2 expression was detected in several glioma cell lines (U251, SHG44, LN229 and T98G). Following MORC2 silencing, cell proliferation was evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay and the expression of proliferation‑related proteins was assessed via immunofluorescence staining or western blotting. Cell invasion and migration were assessed using transwell and wound healing assays, respectively. Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were employed to determine the expression of epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT)‑associated proteins. The protein expression of N‑myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) and PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling was determined with western blot analysis. Then, the luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay were employed to evaluate the binding between MORC2 and NDRG1 promoter. Subsequently, cellular functional experiments were performed to assess the effects of NDRG1 on the progression of glioma after NDRG1 and MORC2 overexpression. In addition, tumor‑bearing experiments were conducted using a U251 tumor‑bearing nude mice model to detect tumor growth. The expression of proliferation (proliferating cell nuclear antigen, cyclin‑dependent kinase 2 and cyclin E1), migration [matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 and MMP9], EMT (E‑cadherin, N‑cadherin and Vimentin) and PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling proteins in tumor tissues was examined with immunohistochemistry assay or western blotting. Results revealed that MORC2 was notably unregulated in glioma cells compared with the normal human astrocyte. Loss‑function of MORC2 inhibited the proliferation, invasion, migration and EMT of glioma cells. Importantly, MORC2 silencing upregulated NDRG1 expression and inactivated PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling. Additionally, the luciferase reporter‑ and ChIP assays confirmed that MORC2 could bind to the NDRG1 promoter. NDRG1 upregulation suppressed the progression of glioma and these effects were partially reversed by MORC2 overexpression. Results of tumor‑bearing experiments suggested that gain‑function of NDRG1 inhibited tumor growth and downregulated the expression of proliferation, migration and EMT‑related proteins in tumorous tissue in U251 tumor‑bearing mice, which was partially counteracted after MORC2 overexpression. In addition, MORC2 overexpression abrogated the inhibitory effect of NDRG1 on PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling. In summary, MORC2 promoted the progression of glioma by inactivation of PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling via binding to NDRG1 promoter, providing a novel and potent target for the treatment of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Yunna Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, P.R. China
| | - Yipeng Dong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Cang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
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Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Steroid Saponins Isolated from Rhizoma Paridis. J CHEM-NY 2021. [DOI: 10.1155/2021/1442906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhizoma Paridis, the rhizome of liliaceous plants Paris polyphylla, is one of the most commonly used herbal drugs in China. Phytochemical and pharmacological studies have shown that steroid saponins were the major effective ingredients of Rhizoma Paridis to exert antitumor, anti-inflammatory, hemostasis, and antifibrosis functions. In this review, we discussed the chemical structures of steroid saponins and their related biological activity and mechanisms in cellular and animal models, aiming to provide a reference for future comprehensive exploitation and development of saponins.
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Natural Compounds in Glioblastoma Therapy: Preclinical Insights, Mechanistic Pathways, and Outlook. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102317. [PMID: 34065960 PMCID: PMC8150927 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Glioblastoma (GBM) is a tumor of the brain or spinal cord with poor clinical prognosis. Current interventions, such as chemotherapy and surgical tumor resection, are constrained by tumor invasion and cancer drug resistance. Dietary natural substances are therefore evaluated for their potential as agents in GBM treatment. Various substances found in fruits, vegetables, and other natural products restrict tumor growth and induce GBM cell death. These preclinical effects are promising but remain constrained by natural substances’ varying pharmacological properties. While many of the reviewed substances are available as over-the-counter supplements, their anti-GBM efficacy should be corroborated by clinical trials moving forward. Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive, often fatal astrocyte-derived tumor of the central nervous system. Conventional medical and surgical interventions have greatly improved survival rates; however, tumor heterogeneity, invasiveness, and chemotherapeutic resistance continue to pose clinical challenges. As such, dietary natural substances—an integral component of the lifestyle medicine approach to chronic diseases—are examined as potential chemotherapeutic agents. These heterogenous substances exert anti-GBM effects by upregulating apoptosis and autophagy, inducing cell cycle arrest, interfering with tumor metabolism, and inhibiting proliferation, neuroinflammation, chemoresistance, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Although these beneficial effects are promising, natural substances’ efficacy in GBM is constrained by their bioavailability and blood–brain barrier permeability; various chemical formulations are proposed to improve their pharmacological properties. Many of the reviewed substances are available as over-the-counter dietary supplements, underscoring their viability as lifestyle interventions. However, clinical trials remain necessary to substantiate the in vitro and in vivo properties of natural substances.
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