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Yang Z, Wang Y, Huang S, Geng Y, Yang Z, Yang Z. Identification of potential anti-tumor targets and mechanisms of HuaChanSu injection using network pharmacology and cytological experiments in Breast cancer. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303650. [PMID: 38753638 PMCID: PMC11098324 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
HuaChanSu (HCS) or Cinobufacini injection is an aqueous extract of the dried skin of Bufo bufo gargarigans, and has anti-tumor effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible therapeutic effect of HCS against breast cancer (BRCA) using cytology, network pharmacology, and molecular biology approaches. The half-inhibitory concentration (IC50) of HCS in the BRCA cells was determined by cytotoxicity assay, and were accordingly treated with high and low doses HCS in the TUNEL and scratch assays. The potential targets of HCS in the BRCA cells were identified through functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, and verified by molecular docking. The expression levels of key signaling pathways-related proteins in HCS-treated BRCA cells by western blotting. HCS inhibited the proliferation and migration of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, we screened 289 core HCS targets against BRCA, which were primarily enriched in the PI3K-AKT, MAPK chemokines, and other. signaling pathways. In addition, PIK3CA, PIK3CD, and MTOR were confirmed as HCS targets by molecular docking. Consistent with this, we observed a reduction in the expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K, AKT, and MTOR in the HCS-treated BRCA cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that HCS inhibits the growth of BRCA cells by targeting the PI3K-AKT pathway, and warrants further investigation as a therapeutic agent for treating patients with BRCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zetian Yang
- The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510130, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- The First School of Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Shuicai Huang
- The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510130, China
| | - Yi Geng
- The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510130, China
| | - Zejuan Yang
- The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510130, China
| | - Zhenhuai Yang
- The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510130, China
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Zuo Q, Xu DQ, Yue SJ, Fu RJ, Tang YP. Chemical Composition, Pharmacological Effects and Clinical Applications of Cinobufacini. Chin J Integr Med 2024; 30:366-378. [PMID: 38212503 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-024-3708-6] [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] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Chinese medicine cinobufacini is an extract from the dried skin of Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor, with active ingredients of bufadienolides and indole alkaloids. With further research and clinical applications, it is found that cinobufacini alone or in combination with other therapeutic methods can play an anti-tumor role by controlling proliferation of tumor cells, promoting apoptosis, inhibiting formation of tumor neovascularization, reversing multidrug resistance, and regulating immune response; it also has the functions of relieving cancer pain and regulating immune function. In this paper, the chemical composition, pharmacological effects, clinical applications, and adverse reactions of cinobufacini are summarized. However, the extraction of monomer components of cinobufacini, the relationship between different mechanisms, and the causes of adverse reactions need to be further studied. Also, high-quality clinical studies should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Ding-Qiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Shi-Jun Yue
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Rui-Jia Fu
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Yu-Ping Tang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China.
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Wu Q, Ge XL, Geng ZK, Wu H, Yang JY, Cao SR, Yang AL. HuaChanSu suppresses the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by interfering with pentose phosphate pathway through down-regulation of G6PD enzyme activity and expression. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25144. [PMID: 38322888 PMCID: PMC10844274 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
HuaChanSu is active water extracts from the skin of Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor. It has been already used to treat clinical cancers including HCC (Hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC), however, the molecular mechanisms under HuaChanSu's anti-cancer effects remain unclear. PPP (Pentose phosphate pathway, PPP), the major source of ribose and NADPH (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, NADPH), is always over-activated and particularly critical for tumor cells growth. In this study, firstly, we illustrate that HuaChanSu restrains the growth of human hepatoma cells. More importantly, we demonstrate that the expression of G6PD (Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, G6PD), the first rate-limiting enzyme of the PPP, is restrained in human hepatoma cells after treatment with HuaChanSu. Additionally, our results show that G6PD enzyme activity and dimer formation are inhibited by HuaChanSu. Furthermore, we find that HuaChanSu could inhibit NADPH production and nucleotide level. In addition, we identify that expression of PLK1 (Polo-like kinase 1, PLK1) is also reduced in response to HuaChanSu, and knockdown of PLK1 restrains enzyme activity and dimer formation of G6PD, but has no effect on G6PD protein level. Subsequently, we demonstrate that inhibition of G6PD could restrain the proliferation of tumor cells and enhance the inhibitory effect of HuaChanSu on cell proliferation of human hepatoma cells. In conclusion, for the first time, our study reveals that HuaChanSu interferes with PPP via suppression of G6PD expression and enzyme activity to restrain growth of tumor cells, and these results provide a novel insight for the anti-hepatoma mechanisms of HuaChanSu and promote the innovation of the research model of TCM. Moreover, the development of drugs targeting abnormal tumor metabolism is currently a hot topic, our works provide theoretical support for further drug development from HuaChanSu, meanwhile, the revelation of the new molecular mechanism also provides a new perspective for the study of the pathogenesis of liver cancer. Short abstract HuaChanSu suppresses expression of G6PD, the first rate-limiting enzyme of the PPP, restrains G6PD enzyme activity and dimer formation via inhibition of PLK1, knockdown of G6PD could impair the growth of human hepatoma cells and increase the blocking effect of HuaChanSu on cell proliferation of cancer cells. In addition, HuaChanSu restrains NADPH production and nucleotide level, implying the suppression of PPP flux. Our study suggests that HuaChanSu interferes with PPP via G6PD inhibition to exert anti-hepatoma effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hao Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Jing-yi Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Shi-rong Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Ai-lin Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
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Meta-Analysis of Therapy of Cinobufacini Capsule Adjunct with First-Line Platinum-Based Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Advanced NSCLC. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:5596415. [PMID: 34471417 PMCID: PMC8405304 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5596415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Background Cinobufacini capsule, an anticancer traditional Chinese patent medicine, has been widely used as adjunctive treatment to platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC. Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and safety of cinobufacini capsule combined with first-line platinum-based chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC. Study Design. A systematic review and meta-analysis of eight outcome measures selected for this study were performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted in 7 electronic databases to identify all the relevant randomised controlled trials. Cochrane handbook 5.1.0 was applied to evaluate the quality of included trials, and the RevMan 5.3 and Stata 15.1 software were used to combine the trials for data analysis and assess the publication bias. Results From the 19 studies reviewed, a total of 1,564 patients were included. Compared with first-line platinum-based chemotherapy alone, cinobufacini capsule combined with chemotherapy showed significant effects in improving ORR (RR = 1.49, 95% CI (1.33, 1.66)), 1-year survival rate (RR = 1.44, 95% CI (1.28, 1.63)), and 2-year survival rate (RR = 1.78, 95% CI (1.42, 2.22)), raising the percentages of CD3+ cells (SMD = 1.25, 95% CI (1.05, 1.45)), CD4+ cells (SMD = 1.52, 95% CI (1.33, 1.71)), and ratio of CD4+/CD8+ (SMD = 1.36, 95% CI (1.17, 1.54)), and reducing chemotherapy toxicity including leukopenia (RR = 0.61, 95% CI (0.51, 0.72)), thrombocytopenia (RR = 0.52, 95% CI (0.41, 0.67)), and vomiting (RR = 0.79, 95% CI (0.70, 0.88)). Conclusion Cinobufacini capsule may increase the therapeutic effectiveness, improve cellular immune function, and reduce the toxicity of first-line platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with NSCLC. These results require confirmation by further rigorously designed randomised controlled trials (RCTs).
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Song J, Zou D, Zhao X, Chen Y, Lv F, Wang S, Sui D, Han Q, Yang C, Wang X, Liu B, Deng M, Zhang Y. Bufalin inhibits human diffuse large B-cell lymphoma tumorigenesis by inducing cell death through the Ca2+/NFATC1/cMYC pathway. Carcinogenesis 2021; 42:303-314. [PMID: 33124657 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgaa108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The 5-year survival rate of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) can reach 60%. However, nearly half of patients undergo relapse/refractory issues with a survival period of less than 2 years. New therapeutic approaches are therefore needed to improve chemotherapy efficacy and patient survival. Bufalin (BF), isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Chansu, has been reported to play an anticancer role in multiple cancer cell types. However, there are few reports of the effects of BF on the growth of DLBCL. In the present study, we demonstrated that BF exerts antitumor activity in DLBCL cells, both in vitro and in vivo. Treatment of DLBCL cells with BF resulted in increased proliferation and apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Daily intraperitoneal injection of 1.5 mg/kg BF significantly delayed DLBCL xenograft growth in NOD/SCID mice without affecting body weight. Bioinformatics analysis showed that BF may regulate NFATC1 protein and affect expression of its downstream gene, cMYC. Our results suggest that BF can attenuate NFATC1 translocation by reducing the intracellular calcium concentration; BF may also have a low synergistic effect with cyclosporin A. In conclusion, we demonstrated that BF exerts antitumor activity that is mediated at least in part by the Ca2+/NFATC1/cMYC pathway. Our findings suggest that BF can be effectively applied as a novel potential therapeutic agent for DLBCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jincheng Song
- The First Laboratory of Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China.,Department of Lymphoma, Lymphoma and Myeloma Diagnosis and Treatment Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Dan Zou
- The First Laboratory of Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Xiaoxuan Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Dalian Dermatosis Hospital, Dalian, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Yang Chen
- The First Laboratory of Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Fei Lv
- The First Laboratory of Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Song Wang
- The First Laboratory of Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Dan Sui
- The First Laboratory of Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Qiuyue Han
- The First Laboratory of Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Chunjiao Yang
- The First Laboratory of Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Ximing Wang
- The First Laboratory of Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Bofang Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Mingming Deng
- Department of Respiratory and Infectious Disease of Geriatrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Ye Zhang
- The First Laboratory of Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
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Zhu CL, Huang Q. Overexpression of the SMYD3 Promotes Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Pancreatic Cancer. Dig Dis Sci 2020; 65:489-499. [PMID: 31441002 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-019-05797-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Suvar, Enhancer of zeste, and Trithorax (SET), myeloid-Nervy-DEAF-1 (MYND) domain-containing protein 3 (SMYD3), was reported to be upregulated in various tumors. However, its role in pancreatic cancer progression remains unclear. AIMS To explore the role of SMYD3 in the pancreatic cancer. METHODS The expressions of SMYD3, caspase-3, and matrix metallopeptidase-2 (MMP-2) were detected in pancreatic cancer and non-tumor tissues by immunohistochemistry. The CCK-8 and transwell assays were performed to test proliferation, migration, and invasion ability in short hairpin RNA (shRNA-SMYD3) pancreatic cancer cell line SW1190. RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expressions of SMYD3, caspase-3, and MMP-2 in SW1990 cell line and shRNA-SMYD3 SW1990 cell line. RESULTS The expressions of SMYD3, caspase-3, and MMP-2 were upregulated in pancreatic cancer. The SMYD3 was positively associated with caspase-3 and MMP-2 expressions in pancreatic cancer tissues. SMYD3, TNM stages, histological differentiation, and lymph node metastasis were identified as an independent prognostic factor. Moreover, interfered SMYD3 expression in SW1990 cell line significantly reduced the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. RT-PCR and Western blot showed the expression of MMP-2 decreased in shRNA-SMYD3 SW1990 cell line, but no significant change was observed in the caspase-3 expression. CONCLUSIONS The overexpression of SMYD3 promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion of pancreatic cancer, and SMYD3 may affect the pancreatic cancer progression by regulating MMP-2 rather than caspase-3.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qiang Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, No. 17 Lujiang Road, Hefei, 230001, China.
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Zhan X, Wu H, Wu H, Wang R, Luo C, Gao B, Chen Z, Li Q. Metabolites from Bufo gargarizans (Cantor, 1842): A review of traditional uses, pharmacological activity, toxicity and quality control. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 246:112178. [PMID: 31445132 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Bufo gargarizans (Cantor, 1842) (BGC), a traditional medicinal animal distributed in many provinces of China, is well known for the pharmaceutical value of Chansu and Chanpi. As traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), Chansu and Chanpi, with their broad-spectrum of therapeutic applications, have long been applied to detoxification, anti-inflammation, analgesia, etc. OVERARCHING OBJECTIVE: We critically analyzed the current evidence for the traditional uses, chemical profiles, pharmacological activity, toxicity and quality control of BGC (Bufonidae family) to provide a scientific basis for future in-depth studies and perspectives for the discovery of potential drug candidates. METHODOLOGY All of the available information on active constituents and TCMs derived from BGC was obtained using the keywords "Bufo gargarizans", "Chansu", "Chanpi", "Huachansu", or "Cinobufacini" through different electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the Wanfang Database, and Pharmacopoeia of China. In addition, Chinese medicine books from different times were used to elucidate the traditional uses of BGC. Electronic databases, including the "IUCN Red List of Threatened Species", "American Museum of Natural History" and "AmphibiaWeb Species Lists", were used to validate the scientific name of BGC. RESULTS To date, about 118 bufadienolide monomers and 11 indole alkaloids have been identified from BGC in total. The extracts and isolated compounds exhibit a wide range of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effects. The literature search demonstrated that the ethnomedicinal uses of BGC, such as detoxification, anti-inflammation and the ability to reduce swelling and pain associated with infections, are correlated with its modern pharmacological activities, including antitumor, immunomodulation and attenuation of cancer-derived pain. Bufadienolides and indole alkaloids have been regarded as the main active substances in BGC, among which bufadienolides have significant antitumor activity. Furthermore, the cardiotoxicity of bufadienolides was discussed, and the main molecular mechanism involves in the inhibition of Na+/K+-ATPase. Besides, with the development of modern analytical techniques, the quality control methods of BGC-derived TCMs are being improved constantly. CONCLUSIONS An increasing number of reports suggest that BGC can be regarded as an excellent source for exploring the potential antitumor constituents. However, the future antitumor research of BGC needs to follow the standard pharmacology guidelines, so as to provide comprehensive pharmacological information and aid the reproducibility of the data. Besides, to ensure the efficacy and safety of BGC-derived TCMs, it is vital to construct a comprehensive quality evaluation model on the basis of clarifying pharmacodynamic-related and toxicity-related compositions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of R&D of Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, China; Scientific Research & Experiment Center, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of R&D of Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, China; Scientific Research & Experiment Center, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, China; Anhui China Resources Jin Chan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Huaibei, 235000, China.
| | - Hong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of R&D of Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Anhui China Resources Jin Chan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Huaibei, 235000, China
| | - Chuan Luo
- Anhui China Resources Jin Chan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Huaibei, 235000, China
| | - Bo Gao
- Anhui China Resources Jin Chan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Huaibei, 235000, China
| | - Zhiwu Chen
- Basic Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Qinglin Li
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of R&D of Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, China; Scientific Research & Experiment Center, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, China; Anhui China Resources Jin Chan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Huaibei, 235000, China.
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Huachansu Capsule inhibits the proliferation of human gastric cancer cells via Akt/mTOR pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 118:109241. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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Mistletoe extract Fraxini inhibits the proliferation of liver cancer by down-regulating c-Myc expression. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6428. [PMID: 31015523 PMCID: PMC6478697 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41444-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Mistletoe (Viscum album) is a type of parasitic plant reported to have anticancer activity including in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanism of mistletoe’s anticancer activity, and its effectiveness in treating HCC are not fully understood. We report here that mistletoe extracts, including Fraxini (grown on ash trees) and Iscador Q and M (grown on oak and maple trees), exert strong antiproliferative activity in Hep3B cells, with median inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 0.5 µg/mL, 7.49 µg/mL, and 7.51 µg/mL, respectively. Results of Reversed Phase Proteomic Array analysis (RPPA) suggests that Fraxini substantially down-regulates c-Myc expression in Hep3B cells. Fraxini-induced growth inhibition (at a concentration of 1.25 μg/ml) was less pronounced in c-Myc knockdown Hep3B cells than in control cells. Furthermore, in the Hep3B xenograft model, Fraxini-treated (8 mg/kg body weight) mice had significantly smaller tumors (34.6 ± 11.9 mm3) than control mice (161.6 ± 79.4 mm3, p < 0.036). Similarly, c-Myc protein expression was reduced in Fraxini treated Hep3B cell xenografts compared to that of control mice. The reduction of c-Myc protein levels in vitro Hep3B cells appears to be mediated by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Our results suggest the importance of c-Myc in Fraxini’s antiproliferative activity, which warrants further investigation.
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Cheng CS, Wang J, Chen J, Kuo KT, Tang J, Gao H, Chen L, Chen Z, Meng Z. New therapeutic aspects of steroidal cardiac glycosides: the anticancer properties of Huachansu and its main active constituent Bufalin. Cancer Cell Int 2019; 19:92. [PMID: 31011289 PMCID: PMC6458819 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-019-0806-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim of the review In the past decade, increasing research attention investigated the novel therapeutic potential of steroidal cardiac glycosides in cancer treatment. Huachansu and its main active constituent Bufalin have been studied in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies. This review aims to summarize the multi-target and multi-pathway pharmacological effects of Bufalin and Huachansu in the last decade, with the aim of providing a more comprehensive view and highlighting the recently discovered molecular mechanisms. Results Huachansu and its major derivative, Bufalin, had been found to possess anti-cancer effects in a variety of cancer cell lines both in vitro and in vivo. The underlying anti-cancer molecular mechanisms mainly involved anti-proliferation, apoptosis induction, anti-metastasis, anti-angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition inhibition, anti-inflammation, Na+/K+-ATPase activity targeting, the steroid receptor coactivator family inhibitions, etc. Moreover, the potential side-effects and toxicities of the toad extract, Huachansu, and Bufalin, including hematological, gastrointestinal, mucocutaneous and cardiovascular adverse reactions, were reported in animal studies and clinic trails. Conclusions Further research is needed to elucidate the potential drug-drug interactions and multi-target interaction of Bufalin and Huachansu. Large-scale clinical trials are warranted to translate the knowledge of the anticancer actions of Bufalin and Huachansu into clinical applications as effective and safe treatment options for cancer patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Shan Cheng
- 1Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China.,2Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China.,3School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Jiaqiang Wang
- 2Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China.,Faculty of Anesthesiology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433 China.,5Department of Anaesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Jie Chen
- 3School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR China.,6Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Kuei Ting Kuo
- 3School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Jian Tang
- 1Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China.,2Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Huifeng Gao
- 1Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China.,2Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Lianyu Chen
- 1Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China.,2Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Zhen Chen
- 1Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China.,2Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Zhiqiang Meng
- 1Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China.,2Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
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The Development of Toad Toxins as Potential Therapeutic Agents. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10080336. [PMID: 30127299 PMCID: PMC6115759 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10080336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxins from toads have long been known to contain rich chemicals with great pharmaceutical potential. Recent studies have shown more than 100 such chemical components, including peptides, steroids, indole alkaloids, bufogargarizanines, organic acids, and others, in the parotoid and skins gland secretions from different species of toads. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), processed toad toxins have been used for treating various diseases for hundreds of years. Modern studies, including both experimental and clinical trials, have also revealed the molecular mechanisms that support the development of these components into medicines for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancers. More recently, there have been studies that demonstrated the therapeutic potential of toxins from other species of toads, such as Australian cane toads. Previous reviews mostly focused on the pharmaceutical effects of the whole extracts from parotoid glands or skins of toads. However, to fully understand the molecular basis of toad toxins in their use for therapy, a comprehensive understanding of the individual compound contained in toad toxins is necessary; thus, this paper seeks to review the recent studies of some typical compounds frequently identified in toad secretions.
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