Eupatilin inhibits EGF-induced JB6 cell transformation by targeting PI3K

Eupatilin Inhibits the Proliferation and Migration of Prostate Cancer Cells through Modulation of PTEN and NF-κB Signaling

BACKGROUND

Despite advances in the treatment of prostate cancer, side effects and the risks of developing drug resistance require new therapeutic agents. Eupatilin is a secondary metabolite of Artemisia asiatica and has shown potential anti-tumor activity in some cancers, but its potential in prostate cancer treatment has not yet been evaluated.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of eupatilin on prostate cancer cell proliferation and migration.

METHODS

Human prostate cancer PC3 and LNCaP cells were exposed to eupatilin and its efficacy on cell survival was determined by the MTT test. Apoptosis and cell cycle phases were evaluated by an image-based cytometer. Cell migration and invasion were evaluated by wound healing and matrigel migration assays; the expression of mRNA and protein was assessed by RT-qPCR and Western blot, respectively.

RESULTS

Eupatilin time- and dose-dependently reduced the viability of prostate cancer cells. Exposure of PC3 cells to 12.5μM-50μM eupatilin resulted in apoptosis by upregulating the expression of caspase 3, Bax and cytochrome c. Annexin V assessment also confirmed that eupatilin causes apoptosis. The treatment significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of p53, p21, and p27, causing cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. Administration of eupatilin inhibited migration and invasion of the cells by downregulating the expression of Twist, Slug and MMP-2, -7. In addition, the agent increased protein expression of tumor suppressor PTEN, while transcription factor NF-κB expression was reduced.

CONCLUSION

Eupatilin strongly prevents the proliferation of prostate cancer cells, and suppresses migration and invasion. Due to its therapeutic potential, the clinical use of eupatilin in prostate cancer should also be supported by in vivo studies.

Eupatilin Promotes Cell Death by Calcium Influx through ER-Mitochondria Axis with SERPINB11 Inhibition in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecological cancer-related mortality. The anticancer effect of eupatilin, a family of flavonoids, is known in many cancer types, but it is unclear what mechanism it plays in ovarian cancer. In this study, eupatilin promoted cell death of ovarian cancer cells by activating caspases, cell cycle arrest, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, calcium influx, disruption of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)–mitochondria axis with SERPINB11 inhibition, and downregulation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Additionally, eupatilin-reduced SERPINB11 expression enhanced the effect of conventional chemotherapeutic agents against ovarian cancer cell progression. Cotreatment with siSERPINB11 and eupatilin increased calcium-ion-dependent apoptotic activity in ovarian cancer cells. Although there were no significant toxic effects of eupatilin on embryos, eupatilin completely inhibited tumorigenesis in a zebrafish xenograft model. In addition, eupatilin suppressed angiogenesis in zebrafish transgenic models. Collectively, downregulating SERPINB11 with eupatilin against cancer progression may improve therapeutic activity.

Liver hydrolysate prevents depressive-like behavior in an animal model of colitis: Involvement of hippocampal neurogenesis via the AMPK/BDNF pathway

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have higher rates of psychiatric pathology, including anxiety and depression. The dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-treated mouse is a well-characterized animal model of colitis that exhibits IBD-like and depressive-like changes. A recent study found that phosphorylated (p-) adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was associated with anti-inflammatory and antidepressant effects. Our previous research in an animal model of major depression suggests that liver hydrolysate (LH) has an antidepressant effect and combats physical fatigue by enhancement via the hippocampal or peripheral p-AMPK pathway. In this study, we examined whether or not LH has antidepressant and anti-inflammatory effects in mice with DSS-induced changes. We evaluated colon inflammation in DSS-treated mice and used the tail suspension and forced swimming tests to confirm whether or not LH prevents IBD-like symptoms and depressive-like behavior. Hippocampal expression of AMPK, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), doublecortin, and neuronal nuclear antigen proteins was assessed by Western blotting. Hippocampal neurogenesis and morphometric changes in the microglia and astrocytes were examined by immunohistochemistry. DSS-treated mice showed IBD-like pathology and depressive-like behavior, a reduction in the hippocampal neuronal nuclear antigen level and neurogenesis, and increased hippocampal activation of microglia and astrocytes. These changes were reversed by LH. DSS-treated mice showed enhanced hippocampal expression of p-AMPK and BDNF after administration of LH. LH prevented depressive-like behavior by enhancing hippocampal neurogenesis through the AMPK/BDNF pathway and anti-neuroinflammation in the hippocampus. LH may be a therapeutic option for patients with IBD and depression.

Eupatilin: a natural pharmacologically active flavone compound with its wide range applications

Eupatilin (5,7-dihydroxy-3',4',6-trimethoxyflavone) is a pharmacologically active flavone which has been isolated from a variety of medicinal plants. Eupatilin is known to possess various pharmacological properties such as anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory. It is speculated that eupatilin could be subjected to structural optimization for the synthesis of derivative analogs to reinforce its efficacy, to minimize toxicity, and to optimize absorption profiles, which will ultimately lead towards potent drug candidates. Although, reported data acclaim multiple pharmacological activities of eupatilin but further experimentations on its molecular mechanism of action are yet mandatory to elucidate full spectrum of its pharmacological activities.

Eupatilin ameliorates dextran sulphate sodium-induced colitis in mice partly through promoting AMPK activation

BACKGROUND

Despite the higher morbidity of ulcerative colitis (UC), available treatments remain unsatisfactory in recent years. A natural flavone eupatilin (Eup) is known to inhibit the intestinal contraction.

PURPOSE

The protective role of Eup in intestinal inflammation remains unclear. This study attempted to determine the bioactivity of Eup against colitis and clarify the mechanism of action.

STUDY DESIGN

The in vitro effects of Eup on lipopolysaccharide-induced human THP-M macrophage activation and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-damaged intestinal epithelial (NCM460) cells were explored to clarify its potential protective effects. Then, the alleviative efficacy of Eup was established in dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced mice colitis.

METHODS

Pathological diagnosis, immunohistochemical staining, and reverse transcriptase PCR analysis as well as western blot analysis were employed in the current study.

RESULTS

Eup clearly inhibited inflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Eup also clearly stabilized colonic epithelia by down-regulating overexpression of tight junction proteins and NADPH oxidases 4 (NOX4), and by promoting AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation in TNF-α-stimulated NCM460 cells. In addition, in vivo study demonstrated that Eup treatment clearly ameliorated the symptoms and pathologic changes of colitis mice. The therapeutic effect of Eup was found to be reduced when compound C (an AMPK pharmacological inhibitor) was given to mice.

CONCLUSION

The study successfully demonstrated that Eup ameliorated DSS-induced mice colitis by suppressing inflammation and maintaining the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier via AMPK activation. The results provide valuable guidance for using Eup in UC treatment.