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Huang Y, Chan S, Chen S, Liu X, Li M, Zheng L, Dong Z, Yang Z, Liu Z, Zhou D, Zhang X, Zhang B. Wnt/β-catenin signalling activates IMPDH2-mediated purine metabolism to facilitate oxaliplatin resistance by inhibiting caspase-dependent apoptosis in colorectal cancer. J Transl Med 2024; 22:133. [PMID: 38310229 PMCID: PMC10838440 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04934-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxaliplatin resistance usually leads to therapeutic failure and poor prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC), while the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Metabolic reprogramming is strongly linked to drug resistance, however, the role and mechanism of metabolic reprogramming in oxaliplatin resistance remain unclear. Here, we aim to explore the functions and mechanisms of purine metabolism on the oxaliplatin-induced apoptosis of CRC. METHODS An oxaliplatin-resistant CRC cell line was generated, and untargeted metabolomics analysis was conducted. The inosine 5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase type II (IMPDH2) expression in CRC cell lines was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blotting analysis. The effects of IMPDH2 overexpression, knockdown and pharmacological inhibition on oxaliplatin resistance in CRC were assessed by flow cytometry analysis of cell apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS Metabolic analysis revealed that the levels of purine metabolites, especially guanosine monophosphate (GMP), were markedly elevated in oxaliplatin-resistant CRC cells. The accumulation of purine metabolites mainly arose from the upregulation of IMPDH2 expression. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) indicated high IMPDH2 expression in CRC correlates with PURINE_METABOLISM and MULTIPLE-DRUG-RESISTANCE pathways. CRC cells with higher IMPDH2 expression were more resistant to oxaliplatin-induced apoptosis. Overexpression of IMPDH2 in CRC cells resulted in reduced cell death upon treatment with oxaliplatin, whereas knockdown of IMPDH2 led to increased sensitivity to oxaliplatin through influencing the activation of the Caspase 7/8/9 and PARP1 proteins on cell apoptosis. Targeted inhibition of IMPDH2 by mycophenolic acid (MPA) or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) enhanced cell apoptosis in vitro and decreased in vivo tumour burden when combined with oxaliplatin treatment. Mechanistically, the Wnt/β-catenin signalling was hyperactivated in oxaliplatin-resistant CRC cells, and a reciprocal positive regulatory mechanism existed between Wnt/β-catenin and IMPDH2. Blocking the Wnt/β-catenin pathway could resensitize resistant cells to oxaliplatin, which could be restored by the addition of GMP. CONCLUSIONS IMPDH2 is a predictive biomarker and therapeutic target for oxaliplatin resistance in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Huang
- Department of Interventional Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Szehoi Chan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuna Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xueqi Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Miao Li
- Department of Dermatovenereology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liyuan Zheng
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Developmental and Translational Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Zhaoxia Dong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ziyi Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zixuan Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Disheng Zhou
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xingding Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Interventional Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Jin D, Huang NN, Wei JX. Hepatotoxic mechanism of cantharidin: insights and strategies for therapeutic intervention. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1201404. [PMID: 37383714 PMCID: PMC10293652 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1201404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cantharidin (CTD), a natural compound derived from Mylabris, is widely used in traditional Oriental medicine for its potent anticancer properties. However, its clinical application is restricted due to its high toxicity, particularly towards the liver. This review provides a concise understanding of the hepatotoxic mechanisms of CTD and highlights novel therapeutic strategies to mitigate its toxicity while enhancing its anticancer efficacy. We systematically explore the molecular mechanisms underlying CTD-induced hepatotoxicity, focusing on the involvement of apoptotic and autophagic processes in hepatocyte injury. We further discuss the endogenous and exogenous pathways implicated in CTD-induced liver damage and potential therapeutic targets. This review also summarizes the structural modifications of CTD derivatives and their impact on anticancer activity. Additionally, we delve into the advancements in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems that hold promise in overcoming the limitations of CTD derivatives. By offering valuable insights into the hepatotoxic mechanisms of CTD and outlining potential avenues for future research, this review contributes to the ongoing efforts to develop safer and more effective CTD-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian Jin
- Department of Pharmacy, Sixth People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
| | - Na-Na Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing-Xia Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, Sixth People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
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Schöpe PC, Zinnow V, Ishfaq MA, Smith J, Herrmann P, Shoemaker RH, Walther W, Stein U. Cantharidin and Its Analogue Norcantharidin Inhibit Metastasis-Inducing Genes S100A4 and MACC1. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021179. [PMID: 36674695 PMCID: PMC9866560 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent and second deadliest cancer worldwide. In addition, metastasis directly causes up to 90% of all CRC deaths, highlighting the metastatic burden of the disease. Biomarkers such as S100A4 and MACC1 aid in identifying patients with a high risk of metastasis formation. High expression of S100A4 or MACC1 and to a greater extent the combination of both biomarkers is a predictor for metastasis and poor patient survival in CRC. MACC1 is a tumor-initiating and metastasis-promoting oncogene, whereas S100A4 has not been shown to initiate tumor formation but can, nevertheless, promote malignant tumor growth and metastasis formation. Cantharidin is a natural drug extracted from various blister beetle species, and its demethylated analogue norcantharidin has been shown in several studies to have an anti-cancer and anti-metastatic effect in different cancer entities such as CRC, breast cancer, and lung cancer. The impact of the natural compound cantharidin and norcantharidin on S100A4 and MACC1 gene expression, cancer cell migration, motility, and colony formation in vitro was tested. Here, for the first time, we have demonstrated that cantharidin and norcantharidin are transcriptional inhibitors of S100A4 and MACC1 mRNA expression, protein expression, and motility in CRC cells. Our results clearly indicate that cantharidin and, to a lesser extent, its analogue norcantharidin are promising compounds for efficient anti-metastatic therapy targeting the metastasis-inducing genes S100A4 and MACC1 for personalized medicine for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Curtis Schöpe
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Viktoria Zinnow
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Muhammad Ahtisham Ishfaq
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Janice Smith
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Pia Herrmann
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert H. Shoemaker
- Chemopreventive Agent Development Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Wolfgang Walther
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partnersite Berlin), Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Stein
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partnersite Berlin), Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-30-9406-3432
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Zhai BT, Sun J, Shi YJ, Zhang XF, Zou JB, Cheng JX, Fan Y, Guo DY, Tian H. Review targeted drug delivery systems for norcantharidin in cancer therapy. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:509. [DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01703-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractNorcantharidin (NCTD) is a demethylated derivative of cantharidin (CTD), the main anticancer active ingredient isolated from traditional Chinese medicine Mylabris. NCTD has been approved by the State Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of various solid tumors, especially liver cancer. Although NCTD greatly reduces the toxicity of CTD, there is still a certain degree of urinary toxicity and organ toxicity, and the poor solubility, short half-life, fast metabolism, as well as high venous irritation and weak tumor targeting ability limit its widespread application in the clinic. To reduce its toxicity and improve its efficacy, design of targeted drug delivery systems based on biomaterials and nanomaterials is one of the most feasible strategies. Therefore, this review focused on the studies of targeted drug delivery systems combined with NCTD in recent years, including passive and active targeted drug delivery systems, and physicochemical targeted drug delivery systems for improving drug bioavailability and enhancing its efficacy, as well as increasing drug targeting ability and reducing its adverse effects.
Graphical Abstract
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Calvo-Martín G, Plano D, Martínez-Sáez N, Aydillo C, Moreno E, Espuelas S, Sanmartín C. Norbornene and Related Structures as Scaffolds in the Search for New Cancer Treatments. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15121465. [PMID: 36558915 PMCID: PMC9780886 DOI: 10.3390/ph15121465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The norbornene scaffold has arisen as a promising structure in medicinal chemistry due to its possible therapeutic application in cancer treatment. The development of norbornene-based derivatives as potential chemotherapeutic agents is attracting significant attention. Here, we report an unprecedented review on the recent advances of investigations into the antitumoral efficacy of different compounds, including the abovementioned bicyclic scaffold in their structure, in combination with chemotherapeutic agents or forming metal complexes. The impact that structural modifications to these bicyclic compounds have on the antitumoral properties and the mechanisms by which these norbornene derivatives act are discussed in this review. In addition, the use of norbornene, and its related compounds, encapsulation in nanosystems for its use in cancer therapies is here detailed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gorka Calvo-Martín
- Departamento de Tecnología y Química Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Irunlarrea, 3, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Daniel Plano
- Departamento de Tecnología y Química Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Irunlarrea, 3, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Tropical, Universidad de Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Correspondence: (D.P.); (C.A.); Tel.: +34-948425600 (ext. 806358) (D.P.); +34-948425600 (ext. 803183) (C.A.)
| | - Nuria Martínez-Sáez
- Departamento de Tecnología y Química Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Irunlarrea, 3, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carlos Aydillo
- Departamento de Tecnología y Química Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Irunlarrea, 3, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Tropical, Universidad de Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Correspondence: (D.P.); (C.A.); Tel.: +34-948425600 (ext. 806358) (D.P.); +34-948425600 (ext. 803183) (C.A.)
| | - Esther Moreno
- Departamento de Tecnología y Química Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Irunlarrea, 3, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Tropical, Universidad de Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Socorro Espuelas
- Departamento de Tecnología y Química Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Irunlarrea, 3, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Tropical, Universidad de Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carmen Sanmartín
- Departamento de Tecnología y Química Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Irunlarrea, 3, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Tropical, Universidad de Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
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Wang L, Otkur W, Wang A, Wang W, Lyu Y, Fang L, Shan X, Song M, Feng Y, Zhao Y, Piao HL, Qi H, Liu JW. Norcantharidin overcomes vemurafenib resistance in melanoma by inhibiting pentose phosphate pathway and lipogenesis via downregulating the mTOR pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:906043. [PMID: 36034784 PMCID: PMC9411668 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.906043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer with a high incidence and low survival rate. More than half of melanomas present the activating BRAF mutations, along which V600E mutant represents 70%–90%. Vemurafenib (Vem) is an FDA-approved small-molecule kinase inhibitor that selectively targets activated BRAF V600E and inhibits its activity. However, the majority of patients treated with Vem develop acquired resistance. Hence, this study aims to explore a new treatment strategy to overcome the Vem resistance. Here, we found that a potential anticancer drug norcantharidin (NCTD) displayed a more significant proliferation inhibitory effect against Vem-resistant melanoma cells (A375R) than the parental melanoma cells (A375), which promised to be a therapeutic agent against BRAF V600E-mutated and acquired Vem-resistant melanoma. The metabolomics analysis showed that NCTD could, especially reverse the upregulation of pentose phosphate pathway and lipogenesis resulting from the Vem resistance. In addition, the transcriptomic analysis showed a dramatical downregulation in genes related to lipid metabolism and mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in A375R cells, but not in A375 cells, upon NCTD treatment. Moreover, NCTD upregulated butyrophilin (BTN) family genes, which played important roles in modulating T-cell response. Consistently, we found that Vem resistance led to an obvious elevation of the p-mTOR expression, which could be remarkably reduced by NCTD treatment. Taken together, NCTD may serve as a promising therapeutic option to resolve the problem of Vem resistance and to improve patient outcomes by combining with immunomodulatory therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- Department of Geriatric Oncology, Dalian Friendship Hospital, Dalian, China
| | - Wuxiyar Otkur
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Aman Wang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Wen Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Yitong Lyu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Lei Fang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Dalian, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiu Shan
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Mingzhou Song
- Department of Computer Science, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
- Graduate Program in Molecular Biology and Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | - Yan Feng
- Department of Geriatric Oncology, Dalian Friendship Hospital, Dalian, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hai-Long Piao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- *Correspondence: Hai-Long Piao, ; Ji-Wei Liu, ; Huan Qi,
| | - Huan Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- *Correspondence: Hai-Long Piao, ; Ji-Wei Liu, ; Huan Qi,
| | - Ji-Wei Liu
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- *Correspondence: Hai-Long Piao, ; Ji-Wei Liu, ; Huan Qi,
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Manogaran P, Umapathy D, Karthikeyan M, Venkatachalam K, Singaravelu A. Dietary Phytochemicals as a Potential Source for Targeting Cancer Stem Cells. Cancer Invest 2021; 39:349-368. [PMID: 33688788 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2021.1894569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is composed of various types of cells that lead to tumor heterogeneity. In the middle of these populations, cancer stem cells play a vital role in the initiation and progression of cancer cells and are capable of self-renewal and differentiation processes. These cancer stem cells are resistant to conventional therapy such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. To eradicate the cancer stem cells in the tumor environment, various natural product has been found in recent years. In this review, we have selected some of the natural products based on anticancer potential including targeting cancer cells and cancer stem cells. Further, this review explains the molecular mechanism of action of these natural products in various cancer stem cells. Therefore, targeting a multi-drug resistant cancer stem cell by natural products is a novel method to reduce drug resistance and adverse effect during conventional therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasath Manogaran
- Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Devan Umapathy
- Department of Biochemistry, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu, India
| | | | - Karthikkumar Venkatachalam
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anbu Singaravelu
- Department of PG and Research Department of Biochemistry, Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Tirupattur, Tamilnadu, India
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Antitumor potential of the protein phosphatase inhibitor, cantharidin, and selected derivatives. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 32:116012. [PMID: 33454654 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cantharidin is a potent natural protein phosphatase monoterpene anhydride inhibitor secreted by several species of blister beetle, with its demethylated anhydride analogue, (S)-palasonin, occurring as a constituent of the higher plant Butea frondosa. Cantharidin shows both potent protein phosphatase inhibitory and cancer cell cytotoxic activities, but possible preclinical development of this anhydride has been limited thus far by its toxicity. Thus, several synthetic derivatives of cantharidin have been prepared, of which some compounds exhibit improved antitumor potential and may have use as lead compounds. In the present review, the potential antitumor activity, structure-activity relationships, and development of cantharidin-based anticancer drug conjugates are summarized, with protein phosphatase-related and other types of mechanisms of action discussed. Protein phosphatases play a key role in the tumor microenvironment, and thus described herein is also the potential for developing new tumor microenvironment-targeted cancer chemotherapeutic agents, based on cantharidin and its naturally occurring analogues and synthetic derivatives.
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Zhang W, Wang F, Hu C, Zhou Y, Gao H, Hu J. The progress and perspective of nanoparticle-enabled tumor metastasis treatment. Acta Pharm Sin B 2020; 10:2037-2053. [PMID: 33304778 PMCID: PMC7714986 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As one of the most serious threats to human being, cancer is hard to be treated when metastasis happens. What's worse, there are few identified targets of metastasis for drug development. Therefore, it is important to develop strategies to prevent metastasis or treat existed metastasis. This review focuses on the procedure of metastasis, and first summarizes the targeting delivery strategies, including primary tumor targeting drug delivery, tumor metastasis targeting drug delivery and hijacking circulation cells. Then, as a promising treatment, the application of immunotherapy in tumor metastasis treatment is introduced, and strategies that stimulating immune response are reviewed, including chemotherapy, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, ferroptosis, sonodynamic therapy, and nanovaccines. Finally, the challenges and perspective about nanoparticle-enabled tumor metastasis treatment are discussed.
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李 娴, 李 姗, 庞 金, 黄 富, 郭 滨, 刘 浩. [Alkaline processing of cantharidin can significanty improve the antitumor activity of cantharidin]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2020; 40:1332-1339. [PMID: 32990225 PMCID: PMC7544588 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2020.09.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the changes in the effects of cantharides after alkaline processing on proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of human lung cancer A549 cells. METHODS Human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells were treated with cantharis extract (CTE) from raw cantharides and alkali processed cantharis extract (ACE). The proliferation of the cells was detected with CCK-8 assay, and the cell migration and invasion were assessed using wound healing assay and Transwell assay, respectively. The expressions of MMP1 and MMP2 in the cells were detected using Western blotting, the contents of IFN-γ, IL-1β and TNF-α were measured with ELISA, and cell apoptosis was analyzed with annexinV/PI fluorescent staining. RESULTS Both CTE and ACE significantly reduced the viability and inhibited the migration of A549 cells, and high-dose ACE produced a significantly stronger inhibitory effect on cell migration than high- dose CTE (P < 0.01). ACE showed more potent inhibitory effect than CTE on the invasion of A549 cells (P < 0.01). Both CTE and ACE inhibited the expressions of MMP1 and MMP2 and up-regulated the level of IFN-γ without significantly affecting the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α. Annexin V/PI staining showed that both CTE and ACE caused apoptosis of A549 cells, but ACE had a stronger proapoptotic effect. CONCLUSIONS Processing with sodium hydroxide can significantly improve the antitumor activity of cantharides, which inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of A549 cells possibly by down-regulating the expressions of MMP1 and MMP2, promoting apoptosis and increasing the level of IFN-γ.
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Affiliation(s)
- 娴 李
- 蚌埠医学院药学院,安徽 蚌埠 2330302School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 2330302, China
- 中药饮片制造新技术安徽省重点实验室,安徽 亳州 236800Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of New Technology of Chinese Herbal Pieces Manufacturing, Bozhou 236800, China
- 安徽协和成药业饮片有限公司博士后工作站,安徽 亳州 236800Postdoctoral Workstation of Anhui Xiehecheng Pharmaceutical Yinpian Co Ltd, Bozhou 236800, China
| | - 姗姗 李
- 蚌埠医学院药学院,安徽 蚌埠 2330302School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 2330302, China
| | - 金龙 庞
- 蚌埠医学院药学院,安徽 蚌埠 2330302School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 2330302, China
| | - 富豪 黄
- 蚌埠医学院药学院,安徽 蚌埠 2330302School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 2330302, China
| | - 滨 郭
- 蚌埠医学院药学院,安徽 蚌埠 2330302School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 2330302, China
| | - 浩 刘
- 蚌埠医学院药学院,安徽 蚌埠 2330302School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 2330302, China
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Norcantharidin: research advances in pharmaceutical activities and derivatives in recent years. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 131:110755. [PMID: 33152920 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110755] [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: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cantharidin (CTD) is the main bioactive component of Cantharides, which is called Banmao in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Norcantharidin (NCTD) is a structural modifier of CTD. To compare with CTD, NCTD has lighter side effects and stronger bioactivity in anti-cancer through inhibiting cell proliferation, causing apoptosis and autophagy, overwhelming migration and metastasis, affecting immunity as well as lymphangiogenesis. Examples of these effects include suppressing Protein Phosphatase 2A and modulating Wnt/beta catenin signal, with Caspase family proteins, AMPK pathway and c-Met/EGFR pathway involving respectively. Moreover, NCTD has the effects of immune enhancement, anti-platelet aggregation and inhibition of renal interstitial fibrosis with distinct signaling pathways. The immunological effects induced by NCTD are related to the regulation of macrophage polarization and LPS-mediated immune response. The antiplatelet activity that NCTD induced is relevant to the inhibition of platelet signaling and the downregulation of α2 integrin. Furthermore, some of novel derivatives designed and synthesized artificially show stronger biological activities (e.g., anticancer effect, enzyme inhibition effect, antioxidant effect) and lower toxicity than NCTD itself. Plenty of literatures have reported various pharmacological effects of NCTD, particularly the anticancer effect, which has been widely concerned in clinical application and laboratory research. In this review, the pharmaceutical activities and derivatives of NCTD are discussed, which can be reference for further study.
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Gao Y, Chen S, Sun J, Su S, Yang D, Xiang L, Meng X. Traditional Chinese medicine may be further explored as candidate drugs for pancreatic cancer: A review. Phytother Res 2020; 35:603-628. [PMID: 32965773 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a disease with a high mortality rate. Although survival rates for different types of cancers have improved in recent years, the five-year survival rate of pancreatic cancer stands at 8%. Moreover, the current first-line therapy, gemcitabine, results in low remission rates and is associated with drug resistance problems. Alternative treatments for pancreatic cancer such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy provide marginal remission and survival rates. This calls for the search of more effective drugs or treatments. Traditional Chinese medicine contains numerous bioactive ingredients some of which show activity against pancreatic cancer. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of five types of traditional Chinese medicine monomers. In so-doing, we provide new potential drug candidates for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Gao
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiyu Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiayi Sun
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Siyu Su
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Dong Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Xiang
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianli Meng
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Naz F, Wu Y, Zhang N, Yang Z, Yu C. Anticancer Attributes of Cantharidin: Involved Molecular Mechanisms and Pathways. Molecules 2020; 25:E3279. [PMID: 32707651 PMCID: PMC7397086 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25143279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a preeminent threat to the human race, causing millions of deaths each year on the Earth. Traditionally, natural compounds are deemed promising agents for cancer treatment. Cantharidin (CTD)-a terpenoid isolated from blister beetles-has been used extensively in traditional Chinese medicines for healing various maladies and cancer. CTD has been proven to be protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF-1) inhibitor, which can be potential targets for its anticancer activity. Albeit, it harbors some toxicities, its immense anticancer potential cannot be overlooked, as the cancer-specific delivery of CTD could help to rescue its lethal effects. Furthermore, several derivatives have been designed to weaken its toxicity. In light of extensive research, the antitumor activity of CTD is evident in both in vitro as well as in vivo cancer models. CTD has also proven efficacious in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy and it can also target some drug-resistant cancer cells. This mini-review endeavors to interpret and summarize recent information about CTD anticancer potential and underlying molecular mechanisms. The pertinent anticancer strength of CTD could be employed to develop an effective anticarcinogenic drug.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zhao Yang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China; (F.N.); (Y.W.); (N.Z.)
| | - Changyuan Yu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China; (F.N.); (Y.W.); (N.Z.)
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Pan MS, Cao J, Fan YZ. Insight into norcantharidin, a small-molecule synthetic compound with potential multi-target anticancer activities. Chin Med 2020; 15:55. [PMID: 32514288 PMCID: PMC7260769 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-020-00338-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD) is a demethylated derivative of cantharidin, which is an anticancer active ingredient of traditional Chinese medicine, and is currently used clinically as a routine anti-cancer drug in China. Clarifying the anticancer effect and molecular mechanism of NCTD is critical for its clinical application. Here, we summarized the physiological, chemical, pharmacokinetic characteristics and clinical applications of NCTD. Besides, we mainly focus on its potential multi-target anticancer activities and underlying mechanisms, and discuss the problems existing in clinical application and scientific research of NCTD, so as to provide a potential anticancer therapeutic agent for human malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Su Pan
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jin Cao
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue-Zu Fan
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065 People’s Republic of China
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Zhang X, Zhang B, Zhang P, Lian L, Li L, Qiu Z, Qian K, Chen A, Liu Q, Jiang Y, Cui J, Qi B. Norcantharidin regulates ERα signaling and tamoxifen resistance via targeting miR-873/CDK3 in breast cancer cells. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217181. [PMID: 31120927 PMCID: PMC6532885 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
MiR-873/CDK3 has been shown to play a critical role in ERα signaling and tamoxifen resistance. Thus, targeting this pathway may be a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of ER positive breast cancer especially tamoxifen resistant subtype. Here we report that Norcantharidin (NCTD), currently used clinically as an ani-cancer drug in China, regulates miR-873/CDK3 axis in breast cancer cells. NCTD decreases the transcriptional activity of ERα but not ERβ through the modulation of miR-873/CDK3 axis. We also found that NCTD inhibits cell proliferation and tumor growth and miR-873/CDK3 axis mediates cell proliferation suppression of NCTD. More important, we found that NCTD sensitizes resistant cells to tamoxifen. NCTD inhibits tamoxifen induced the transcriptional activity as well ERα downstream gene expressions in tamoxifen resistant breast cancer cells. In addition, we found that NCTD restores tamoxifen induced recruitments of ERα co-repressors N-CoR and SMRT. Knockdown of miR-873 and overexpression of CDK3 diminish the effect of NCTD on tamoxifen resistance. Our data shows that NCTD regulates ERα signaling and tamoxifen resistance by targeting miR-873/CDK3 axis in breast cancer cells. This study may provide an alternative therapy strategy for tamoxifen resistant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiumei Zhang
- The Center for Translational Medicine, Yichun University, Yichun, Jiangxi, P.R. China
- College of Chemistry and Bio-engineering, Yichun University, Yichun, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Bingfeng Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Bio-engineering, Yichun University, Yichun, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Panhong Zhang
- The Center for Translational Medicine, Yichun University, Yichun, Jiangxi, P.R. China
- College of Chemistry and Bio-engineering, Yichun University, Yichun, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Lihui Lian
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Lianlian Li
- The Center for Translational Medicine, Yichun University, Yichun, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Zhihong Qiu
- The Center for Translational Medicine, Yichun University, Yichun, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Kai Qian
- The Center for Translational Medicine, Yichun University, Yichun, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - An Chen
- The Center for Translational Medicine, Yichun University, Yichun, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Qiongqing Liu
- The Center for Translational Medicine, Yichun University, Yichun, Jiangxi, P.R. China
- College of Chemistry and Bio-engineering, Yichun University, Yichun, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Yinjie Jiang
- The Center for Translational Medicine, Yichun University, Yichun, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Jiajun Cui
- The Center for Translational Medicine, Yichun University, Yichun, Jiangxi, P.R. China
- * E-mail: (JC); (BQ)
| | - Bing Qi
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong, P.R. China
- * E-mail: (JC); (BQ)
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Mei L, Sang W, Cui K, Zhang Y, Chen F, Li X. Norcantharidin inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis via c-Met/Akt/mTOR pathway in human osteosarcoma cells. Cancer Sci 2019; 110:582-595. [PMID: 30520540 PMCID: PMC6361574 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common malignant bone tumor and frequently affects adolescents. Norcantharidin (NCTD), a demethylated derivative of cantharidin, has been reported to exhibit anticancer activity against various types of tumors but not human OS. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of NCTD on OS cell lines (MG63 and HOS) and to explore the underlying mechanisms. In the present study, the proliferation of OS cells decreased significantly, while the apoptosis was accelerated significantly after exposure to NCTD. Meanwhile, our results also indicated that NCTD could suppress the migration and invasion, decrease the colony‐forming ability and induce S phase cell cycle arrest of OS cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, our results revealed that the anticancer effects induced by NCTD on OS cells involved autophagy, mitophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress and c‐Met pathway. Furthermore, the results of animal experiments showed that NCTD inhibited tumor growth in a xenograft model of human OS. These results provide important new insight into the possible molecular mechanisms of NCTD and highlight its potential use as an antitumor drug for human OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangwei Mei
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Fourth People's Hospital of Shaanxi, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenhua Sang
- Department of Pathology, The Fourth People's Hospital of Shaanxi, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kai Cui
- Department of Pathology, The Fourth People's Hospital of Shaanxi, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yabin Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Fourth People's Hospital of Shaanxi, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fuchun Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Fourth People's Hospital of Shaanxi, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaochun Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Fourth People's Hospital of Shaanxi, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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Li Y, Xiao Y, Lin HP, Reichel D, Bae Y, Lee EY, Jiang Y, Huang X, Yang C, Wang Z. In vivo β-catenin attenuation by the integrin α5-targeting nano-delivery strategy suppresses triple negative breast cancer stemness and metastasis. Biomaterials 2019; 188:160-172. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Camolotto SA, Belova VK, Snyder EL. The role of lineage specifiers in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. J Gastrointest Oncol 2018; 9:1005-1013. [PMID: 30603119 DOI: 10.21037/jgo.2018.05.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, multiple genomics studies have led to the identification of discrete molecular subtypes of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. A general theme has emerged that most pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) can be grouped into two major subtypes based on cancer cell autonomous properties: classical/pancreatic progenitor and basal-like/squamous. The classical/progenitor subtype expresses higher levels of lineage specifiers that regulate endodermal differentiation than the basal-like/squamous subtype. The basal-like/squamous subtype confers a worse prognosis, raising the possibility that loss of these lineage specifiers might enhance the malignant potential of PDAC. Here, we discuss several of these differentially expressed lineage specifiers and examine the evidence that they might play a functional role in PDAC biology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Veronika K Belova
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Eric L Snyder
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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The combination of cantharidin and antiangiogenic therapeutics presents additive antitumor effects against pancreatic cancer. Oncogenesis 2018; 7:94. [PMID: 30478299 PMCID: PMC6255842 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-018-0102-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Revised: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cantharidin, one of the active components of mylabris, is believed to have antitumor activity. Cantharidin selectively inhibits protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), which can repress multiple oncogenic kinases (ERK, JNK, PKC, and NF-κB). Researches in vitro have shown that cantharidin suppresses cell viability and metastasis in pancreatic cancer cells. This study aims to investigate the effects of cantharidin on pancreatic cancer xenografts in vivo. Xenograft models were established using cells stably expressing luciferase. Xenograft growth was evaluated by living imaging. Gene expression was determined using a microarray, real-time PCR, a RayBiotech antibody array, and the Milliplex assay. Surprisingly, cantharidin significantly accelerated xenograft growth. Living imaging showed a rapid distribution of D-luciferin in cantharidin-treated xenografts, suggesting a rich blood supply. Immunohistochemistry confirmed increased angiogenesis. Microarray and antibody array identified upregulated proangiogenic and downregulated antiangiogenic factors. The Milliplex assay suggested elevated secretion of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and VEGF. Inhibitors of ERK, JNK, PKC, and NF-κB pathway attenuated the cantharidin-induced changes to proangiogenic gene expression. PKC pathway-inhibiting tamoxifen or antiangiogenic therapeutics, including Ginsenoside Rg3, bevacizumab, Apatinib, and Endostar, antagonized the proangiogenic effect of cantharidin or its derivatives. These regimens presented remarkable additive antitumor effects in vivo. Although cantharidin presents antitumor effects in vitro and has been applied in clinical practice, we revealed an unfavorable proangiogenic side effect. We recommend that the clinical application of cantharidin should be performed on the premise of antivascularization therapy.
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Sheng J, Zou X, Cheng Z, Xiang Y, Yang W, Lin Y, Cui R. Recent Advances in Herbal Medicines for Digestive System Malignancies. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1249. [PMID: 30524272 PMCID: PMC6256117 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Herbal medicines, as an important part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), have been used to treat digestive system malignancies (DSM) for many years, and have gradually gained recognition worldwide. The role of herbal medicines in the comprehensive treatment of DSM is being improved from adjuvant treatment of the autologous immune function in cancer patients, to the treatment of both the symptoms and disease, direct inhibition of tumor cell growth and proliferation, and induction of tumor cell autophagy and apoptosis. Their specific mechanisms in these treatments are also being explored. The paper reviews the current anti-tumor mechanisms of TCM, including single herbal medicines, Chinese herbal formulations, Chinese medicine preparations and TCM extract, and their application in the comprehensive treatment of digestive system tumors, providing a reference for clinical application of TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyao Sheng
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaohan Zou
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ziqian Cheng
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yien Xiang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yang Lin
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ranji Cui
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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The radiotherapy-sensitization effect of cantharidin: Mechanisms involving cell cycle regulation, enhanced DNA damage, and inhibited DNA damage repair. Pancreatology 2018; 18:822-832. [PMID: 30201439 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cantharidin is an inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2 A (PP2A), and has been frequently used in clinical practice. In our previous study, we proved that cantharidin could arrest cell cycle in G2/M phase. Since cells at G2/M phase are sensitive to radiotherapy, in the present study, we investigated the radiotherapy-sesitization effect of cantharidin and the potential mechanisms involved. METHODS Cell growth was determined by MTT assay. Cell cycle was evaluated by flow cytometry. DNA damage was visualized by phospho-Histone H2A.X staining. Expression of mRNA was tested by microarray assay and real-time PCR. Clinical information and RNA-Seq expression data were derived from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) pancreatic cancer cohort. Survival analysis was obtained by Kaplan-Meier estimates. RESULTS Cantharidin strengthened the growth inhibition effect of irradiation. Cantharidin drove pancreatic cancer cells out of quiescent G0/G1 phase and arrested cell cycle in G2/M phase. As a result, cantharidin strengthened DNA damage which was induced by irradiation. Moreover, cantharidin repressed expressions of several genes participating in DNA damage repair, including UBE2T, RPA1, GTF2HH5, LIG1, POLD3, RMI2, XRCC1, PRKDC, FANC1, FAAP100, RAD50, RAD51D, RAD51B and DMC1, through JNK, ERK, PKC, p38 and/or NF-κB pathway dependent manners. Among these genes, worse overall survival for pancreatic cancer patients were associated with high mRNA expressions of POLD3, RMI2, PRKDC, FANC1, RAD50 and RAD51B, all of which could be down-regulated by cantharidin. CONCLUSION Cantharidin can sensitize pancreatic cancer cells to radiotherapy. Multiple mechanisms, including cell cycle regulation, enhanced DNA damage, and inhibited DNA damage repair, may be involved.
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Zhu X, Shen X, Qu J, Straubinger RM, Jusko WJ. Proteomic Analysis of Combined Gemcitabine and Birinapant in Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Front Pharmacol 2018. [PMID: 29520231 PMCID: PMC5827530 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is characterized by mutated signaling pathways and a high incidence of drug resistance. Comprehensive, large-scale proteomic analysis can provide a system-wide view of signaling networks, assist in understanding drug mechanisms of action and interactions, and serve as a useful tool for pancreatic cancer research. In this study, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis was applied to characterize the combination of gemcitabine and birinapant in pancreatic cancer cells, which was shown previously to be synergistic. A total of 4069 drug-responsive proteins were identified and quantified in a time-series proteome analysis. This rich dataset provides broad views and accurate quantification of signaling pathways. Pathways relating to DNA damage response regulations, DNA repair, anti-apoptosis, pro-migration/invasion were implicated as underlying mechanisms for gemcitabine resistance and for the beneficial effects of the drug combination. Promising drug targets were identified for future investigation. This study also provides a database for systems mathematical modeling to relate drug effects and interactions in various signaling pathways in pancreatic cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Xiaomeng Shen
- Department of Biochemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Jun Qu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Robert M Straubinger
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - William J Jusko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
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Inhibition of WNT signaling reduces differentiation and induces sensitivity to doxorubicin in human malignant neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Anticancer Drugs 2017; 28:469-479. [PMID: 28240680 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is one of the most common cancers in infancy, arising from the neuroblasts during embryonic development. This cancer is difficult to treat and resistance to chemotherapy is often found; therefore, clinical trials of novel therapeutic approaches, such as targeted-cancer signaling, could be an alternative for a better treatment. WNT signaling plays significant roles in the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of human neuroblastoma. In this report, WNT signaling of a malignant human neuroblastoma cell line, SH-SY5Y cells, was inhibited by XAV939, a specific inhibitor of the Tankyrase enzyme. XAV939 treatment led to the reduction of β-catenin within the cells, confirming its inhibitory effect of WNT. The inhibition of WNT signaling by XAV939 did not affect cell morphology, survival, and proliferation; however, the differentiation and sensitivity to anticancer drugs of human neuroblastoma cells were altered. The treatment of XAV939 resulted in the downregulation of mature neuronal markers, including β-tubulin III, PHOX2A, and PHOX2B, whereas neural progenitor markers (PAX6, TFAP2α, and SLUG) were upregulated. In addition, the combination of XAV939 significantly enhanced the sensitivity of SH-SY5Y and IMR-32 cells to doxorubicin in both 2D and 3D culture systems. Microarray gene expression profiling suggested numbers of candidate target genes of WNT inhibition by XAV939, in particular, p21, p53, ubiquitin C, ZBED8, MDM2, CASP3, and FZD1, and this explained the enhanced sensitivity of SH-SY5Y cells to doxorubicin. Altogether, these results proposed that the altered differentiation of human malignant neuroblastoma cells by inhibiting WNT signaling sensitized the cells to anticancer drugs. This approach could thus serve as an effective treatment option for aggressive brain malignancy.
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Tang YC, Zhang Y, Zhou J, Zhi Q, Wu MY, Gong FR, Shen M, Liu L, Tao M, Shen B, Gu DM, Yu J, Xu MD, Gao Y, Li W. Ginsenoside Rg3 targets cancer stem cells and tumor angiogenesis to inhibit colorectal cancer progression in vivo. Int J Oncol 2017; 52:127-138. [PMID: 29115601 PMCID: PMC5743384 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2017.4183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-angiogenic therapy has been successfully applied to treat colorectal cancer (CRC). Ginsenoside Rg3, derived from the Chinese herb ginseng, has anti-vascularization effects and can inhibit tumor growth and metastasis, and can sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated whether Rg3 could be appropriate for CRC treatment. Growth of CRC cells was assessed by an MTT (methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium) assay in vitro and using orthotopic xenograft models in vivo. mRNA expression was evaluated using real-time PCR. Protein levels were tested by western blotting, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Migration was determined using a wound-healing assay. Stemness was further confirmed using a plate clone formation assay. We found that Rg3 repressed the growth and stemness of CRC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Rg3 also impaired the migration of CRC cells in vitro. Rg3 downregulated the expressions of angiogenesis-related genes, and repressed the vascularization of CRC xenografts. In addition, Rg3 strengthened the cytotoxicity of 5-Fluorouracil and oxaliplatin against orthotopic xenografts in vivo. Moreover, Rg3 downregulated the expressions of B7-H1 and B7-H3, high expressions of which were associated with reduced overall survival (OS) of CRC patients. Hence, Rg3 not only repressed the growth and stemness of CRC cells, but could also remodel the tumor microenvironment through repressing angiogenesis and promoting antitumor immunity. Therefore, Rg3 could be a novel therapeutic for the CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chen Tang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Qiaoming Zhi
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Meng-Yao Wu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Fei-Ran Gong
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Meng Shen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Min Tao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Bairong Shen
- Center for Systems Biology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Dong-Mei Gu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Meng-Dan Xu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
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Different Survival Benefits of Chinese Medicine for Pancreatic Cancer: How to Choose? Chin J Integr Med 2017; 24:178-184. [PMID: 29063468 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-017-2971-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy of Chinese medicine (CM) on patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) in a retrospective population-based study. METHODS Between January 1, 2013, and August 30, 2016, according to whether received Western medicine treatment, the patients were included into either integrative medicine (IM) group or CM group. All enrolled patients were orally administrated with Gexia Zhuyu Decoction () or Liujun Ermu Decoction () by syndrome differentiation, twice a day, last for at least 2 months. The primary end point was overall survival (OS). RESULTS A total of 174 patients with PC were enrolled in this study. In stage I/II, the median OS was 20.5 months in the IM group [95% confidence interval (CI), 12.499 to 28.501] and 11.17 months in the CM group (95% CI, 5.160 to 17.180, P=0.015). The 1- and 2-year survival rates for the two groups were 47.0%, 40.0% and 21.0%, 21.0%, respectively. In stage III/IV, median OS was 13.53 months (95% CI, 8.665 to 18.395) in the IM group versus 6.4 months (95% CI, 0.00 to 15.682) in the CM group, respectively (P=0.32). The 1- and 2-year survival rate for the IM and CM groups were 27.0%, 7.0% and 20.0%, 2.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Intervention of CM contributes to the different survival benefits for PC in different stages. Multimodality treatment might be a promising strategy for PC patients in early stage. While, in advanced stage, CM might be an alternative candidate for PC patients.
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Liu K, Li J, Wu X, Chen M, Luo F, Li J. GSK-3β inhibitor 6-bromo-indirubin-3'-oxime promotes both adhesive activity and drug resistance in colorectal cancer cells. Int J Oncol 2017; 51:1821-1830. [PMID: 29039496 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2017.4163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Multi-targets inhibitor 6-bromo-indirubin-3'-oxime (BIO) has diverse biological effects on cancer cells. The key component of the β-catenin destruction complex glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β), one of the major target for BIO, polyubiquitination and degradation of the main oncoprotein β-catenin in colorectal cancer (CRC). In the present study, we evaluated the effect of BIO on drug resistance and biological properties of CRC cells. Whole-genome transcriptional profiling revealed that differentially expressed genes were mainly centered on well-characterized signaling pathways including stem cell, cell adhesion and cell growth in BIO-treated CRC cells. BIO treatment downregulated migration and invasion abilities of CRC cells, accompanying with MMP-9 downregulated and E-cadherin upregulated CRC cells. BIO treatment decreased apoptosis induced by 5-Fu/DDP in CRC SW480 cells. In addition, BIO treatment reversed the 5-Fu-induced CD133+ cell downregulation trend in CRC SW620 cells. After incubation with BIO, the expression levels of EpCAM, TERT and DCAMKL-1 proteins were upregulated in CRC cells. BIO treatment downregulated the activity of GSK-3β, upregulated and transported β-catenin to the nucleus in CRC cells. Our findings reveal that BIO treatment upregulated stemness, adhesive and chemoresistance of CRC cells. GSK-3β inhibition and WNT/β-catenin activation by BIO, may partly result in the biological behavior alterations in CRC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunping Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, Guangdong 511518, P.R. China
| | - Jinbang Li
- Department of Pathology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, Guangdong 511518, P.R. China
| | - Xuefang Wu
- Department of Pathology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, Guangdong 511518, P.R. China
| | - Meixiang Chen
- Department of Pathology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, Guangdong 511518, P.R. China
| | - Feng Luo
- Department of Pathology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, Guangdong 511518, P.R. China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
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Zhang X, Lin CC, Chan WKN, Liu KL, Yang ZJ, Zhang HQ. Augmented Anticancer Effects of Cantharidin with Liposomal Encapsulation: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22071052. [PMID: 28672816 PMCID: PMC6152072 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22071052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
PEGylated liposomes have received much attention as pharmaceutical carriers to deliver chemotherapeutic agents for therapeutic purpose. The aim of this study was to prepare and characterize PEGylated liposome of cantharidin and investigate its therapeutic effect on human hepatocellular carcinoma treatment in vitro and in vivo. Liposomal cantharidin was evaluated for their anticancer effects in vitro using human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells and in vivo using HepG2-bearing nude mice compared to free drug. PEGylated liposome of cantharidin had a particle size of 129.9 nm and a high encapsulation efficacy of approximately 88.9%. The liposomal cantharidin had a higher anti-proliferative effect vis-à-vis free cantharidin in inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Liposomal cantharidin killed more HepG2 cancer cells at the same concentration equivalent to free cantharidin. Further study in vivo also showed that liposomal cantharidin achieved a higher tumor growth inhibition efficacy than free drug on hepatocellular carcinoma. As our study exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells and augmented tumor inhibitory effects in vivo, the results validate the potential value of cantharidin-liposome in improving the therapeutic efficacy of cantharidin for liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Cong-Cong Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
| | | | - Kang-Lun Liu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Zhi-Jun Yang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
- Changshu Research Institute, Hong Kong Baptist University, Changshu Economic and Technological Development (CETD) Zone, Changshu 215500, China.
| | - Hong-Qi Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
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WU XUEFANG, LUO FENG, LI JINBANG, ZHONG XUEYUN, LIU KUNPING. Tankyrase 1 inhibitior XAV939 increases chemosensitivity in colon cancer cell lines via inhibition of the Wnt signaling pathway. Int J Oncol 2016; 48:1333-40. [PMID: 26820603 PMCID: PMC4777596 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant Wnt signaling pathway is associated with a wide array of tumor types and plays an important role in the drug resistance of cancer stem cells (CSCs). To explore the effects and mechanism of WNT signaling pathway inhibitor XAV939 on drug resistance in colon cancer cells, the colon cancer cells SW480 and SW620 were treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/cisplatin (DDP) alone or combined with XAV939. Cell cycle distribution, apoptosis level and the percentage of CD133+ cells were detected by flow cytometry. The protein expression of Axin, β-catenin, EpCAM, TERT and DCAMKL-1 was detected by western blotting. XAV939 upregulated Axin , decreased the total and nuclei of β-catenin in SW480 and SW620 cells. Furthermore, XAV939 significantly downregulated the CSC markers EpCAM, TERT and DCAMKL-1 in SW480 cells, as well as EpCAM in SW620 cells. No significant difference was found in the apoptosis of SW480 and SW620 cells with XAV939 treatment, but XAV939 significantly increased apoptosis induced by 5-FU/DDP in SW480 cells, whereas, the effects were slight in SW620 cells. Collectively, we show for the first time that the WNT signaling pathway inhibitor XAV939 was able to significantly increase the apoptosis induced by 5-FU/DDP, accompanied by the protein expression level alternation of β-catenin, Axin and CSC markers in colon cancer cells. Axin, an important component of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway could be a potential molecular target for reversing multidrug resistance in colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- XUEFANG WU
- Department of Pathology, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Jinan University, Qingyuan, Guangdong 511518, P.R. China
| | - FENG LUO
- Department of Pathology, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Jinan University, Qingyuan, Guangdong 511518, P.R. China
| | - JINBANG LI
- Department of Pathology, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Jinan University, Qingyuan, Guangdong 511518, P.R. China
| | - XUEYUN ZHONG
- Department of Pathology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - KUNPING LIU
- Department of Pathology, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Jinan University, Qingyuan, Guangdong 511518, P.R. China
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