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Chauhan A, Pathak VM, Yadav M, Chauhan R, Babu N, Chowdhary M, Ranjan A, Mathkor DM, Haque S, Tuli HS, Ramniwas S, Yadav V. Role of ursolic acid in preventing gastrointestinal cancer: recent trends and future perspectives. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1405497. [PMID: 39114347 PMCID: PMC11303223 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1405497] [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: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal malignancies are one of the major worldwide health concerns. In the present review, we have assessed the plausible therapeutic implication of Ursolic Acid (UA) against gastrointestinal cancer. By modulating several signaling pathways critical in cancer development, UA could offer anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and anti-metastatic properties. However, being of low oral bioavailability and poor permeability, its clinical value is restricted. To deliver and protect the drug, liposomes and polymer micelles are two UA nanoformulations that can effectively increase medicine stability. The use of UA for treating cancers is safe and appropriate with low toxicity characteristics and a predictable pharmacokinetic profile. Although the bioavailability of UA is limited, its nanoformulations could emerge as an alternative to enhance its efficacy in treating GI cancers. Further optimization and validation in the clinical trials are necessary. The combination of molecular profiling with nanoparticle-based drug delivery technologies holds the potential for bringing UA to maximum efficacy, looking for good prospects with GI cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Chauhan
- Amity Institute of Environmental Toxicology Safety and Management, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Monika Yadav
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Ritu Chauhan
- Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era Deemed to be University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Neelesh Babu
- Department of Microbiology, Baba Farid Institute of Technology, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Manish Chowdhary
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India
| | - Anuj Ranjan
- Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - Darin Mansor Mathkor
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hardeep Singh Tuli
- Department of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to Be University), Ambala, India
| | - Seema Ramniwas
- University Centre for Research and Development, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
| | - Vikas Yadav
- Department of Translational Medicine, Clinical Research Centre, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
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Huang XL, Sun Y, Wen P, Pan JC, He WY. The potential mechanism of ursolic acid in the treatment of bladder cancer based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. J Int Med Res 2024; 52:3000605241234006. [PMID: 38443785 PMCID: PMC10916484 DOI: 10.1177/03000605241234006] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explored the potential molecular mechanisms of ursolic acid (UA) in bladder cancer treatment using network pharmacology and molecular docking. METHODS The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology and UniProt databases were used to screen potential targets of UA. Relevant bladder cancer target genes were extracted using the GeneCards database. All data were pooled and intercrossed to obtain common target genes of UA and bladder cancer. Gene Ontology functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed. Molecular docking was conducted to verify the possible binding conformation between UA and bladder cancer cells. Then, in vitro experiments were performed to further validate the predicted results. RESULTS UA exerts anti-tumor effects on bladder cancer through multiple targets and pathways. Molecular docking indicated that UA undergoes stable binding with the proteins encoded by the top six core genes (STAT3, VEGFA, CASP3, TP53, IL1B, and CCND1). The in vitro experiments verified that UA can induce bladder cancer cell apoptosis by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS Our study illustrated the potential mechanism of UA in bladder cancer based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. The results will provide scientific references for follow-up studies and clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Long Huang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Urology, People’s Hospital of Hechuan, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng Wen
- Department of Urology, People’s Hospital of Hechuan, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun-Cheng Pan
- Department of Urology, People’s Hospital of Hechuan, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei-Yang He
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Khan F, Pandey P, Verma M, Upadhyay TK. Terpenoid-Mediated Targeting of STAT3 Signaling in Cancer: An Overview of Preclinical Studies. Biomolecules 2024; 14:200. [PMID: 38397437 PMCID: PMC10886526 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer has become one of the most multifaceted and widespread illnesses affecting human health, causing substantial mortality at an alarming rate. After cardiovascular problems, the condition has a high occurrence rate and ranks second in terms of mortality. The development of new drugs has been facilitated by increased research and a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind the emergence and advancement of the disease. Numerous preclinical and clinical studies have repeatedly demonstrated the protective effects of natural terpenoids against a range of malignancies. Numerous potential bioactive terpenoids have been investigated in natural sources for their chemopreventive and chemoprotective properties. In practically all body cells, the signaling molecule referred to as signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is widely expressed. Numerous studies have demonstrated that STAT3 regulates its downstream target genes, including Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, cyclin D1, c-Myc, and survivin, to promote the growth of cells, differentiation, cell cycle progression, angiogenesis, and immune suppression in addition to chemotherapy resistance. Researchers viewed STAT3 as a primary target for cancer therapy because of its crucial involvement in cancer formation. This therapy primarily focuses on directly and indirectly preventing the expression of STAT3 in tumor cells. By explicitly targeting STAT3 in both in vitro and in vivo settings, it has been possible to explain the protective effect of terpenoids against malignant cells. In this study, we provide a complete overview of STAT3 signal transduction processes, the involvement of STAT3 in carcinogenesis, and mechanisms related to STAT3 persistent activation. The article also thoroughly summarizes the inhibition of STAT3 signaling by certain terpenoid phytochemicals, which have demonstrated strong efficacy in several preclinical cancer models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad Khan
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 602105, India;
| | - Pratibha Pandey
- University Centre for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali 140413, India
| | - Meenakshi Verma
- University Centre for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali 140413, India
- Department of Chemistry, University Institute of Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali 140413, India
| | - Tarun Kumar Upadhyay
- Department of Biotechnology, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences and Research and Development Cell, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, India;
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Manoharan S, Saha S, Murugesan K, Santhakumar A, Perumal E. Natural bioactive compounds and STAT3 against hepatocellular carcinoma: An update. Life Sci 2024; 337:122351. [PMID: 38103726 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a challenging and very fatal liver cancer. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway is a crucial regulator of tumor development and are ubiquitously active in HCC. Therefore, targeting STAT3 has emerged as a promising approach for preventing and treating HCC. Various natural bioactive compounds (NBCs) have been proven to target STAT3 and have the potential to prevent and treat HCC as STAT3 inhibitors. Numerous kinds of STAT3 inhibitors have been identified, including small molecule inhibitors, peptide inhibitors, and oligonucleotide inhibitors. Due to the undesirable side effects of the conventional therapeutic drugs against HCC, the focus is shifted to NBCs derived from plants and other natural sources. NBCs can be broadly classified into the categories of terpenes, alkaloids, carotenoids, and phenols. Most of the compounds belong to the family of terpenes, which prevent tumorigenesis by inhibiting STAT3 nuclear translocation. Further, through STAT3 inhibition, terpenes downregulate matrix metalloprotease 2 (MMP2), matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP9) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), modulating metastasis. Terpenes also suppress the anti-apoptotic proteins and cell cycle markers. This review provides comprehensive information related to STAT3 abrogation by NBCs in HCC with in vitro and in vivo evidences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suryaa Manoharan
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, India
| | - Shreejit Saha
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, India
| | - Krishnasanthiya Murugesan
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, India
| | - Aksayakeerthana Santhakumar
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, India
| | - Ekambaram Perumal
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, India.
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Meng RY, Li CS, Hu D, Kwon SG, Jin H, Chai OH, Lee JS, Kim SM. Inhibition of the interaction between Hippo/YAP and Akt signaling with ursolic acid and 3'3-diindolylmethane suppresses esophageal cancer tumorigenesis. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 27:493-511. [PMID: 37641811 PMCID: PMC10466072 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2023.27.5.493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Hippo/YAP signaling hinders cancer progression. Inactivation of this pathway contributes to the development of esophageal cancer by activation of Akt. However, the possible interaction between Akt and Hippo/YAP pathways in esophageal cancer progression is unclear. In this study, we found that ursolic acid (UA) plus 3'3-diindolylmethane (DIM) efficiently suppressed the oncogenic Akt/Gsk-3β signaling pathway while activating the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway in esophageal cancer cells. Moreover, the addition of the Akt inhibitor LY294002 and the PI3K inhibitor 3-methyladenine enhanced the inhibitory effects of UA plus DIM on Akt pathway activation and further stimulated the Hippo pathway, including the suppression of YAP nuclear translocation in esophageal cancer cells. Silencing YAP under UA plus DIM conditions significantly increased the activation of the tumor suppressor PTEN in esophageal cancer cells, while decreasing p-Akt activation, indicating that the Akt signaling pathway could be down-regulated in esophageal cancer cells by targeting PTEN. Furthermore, in a xenograft nude mice model, UA plus DIM treatment effectively diminished esophageal tumors by inactivating the Akt pathway and stimulating the Hippo signaling pathway. Thus, our study highlights a feedback loop between the PI3K/Akt and Hippo signaling pathways in esophageal cancer cells, implying that a low dose of UA plus DIM could serve as a promising chemotherapeutic combination strategy in the treatment of esophageal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruo Yu Meng
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Medical Sciences, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea
| | - Cong Shan Li
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Medical Sciences, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea
| | - Dan Hu
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Medical Sciences, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea
| | - Soon-Gu Kwon
- Department of Oral Physiology, School of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Hua Jin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ok Hee Chai
- Department of Anatomy, Institute for Medical Sciences, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea
| | - Ju-Seog Lee
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Soo Mi Kim
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Medical Sciences, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea
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Cai C, Zhi Y, Xie C, Geng S, Sun F, Ji Z, Zhang P, Wang H, Tang J. Ursolic acid-downregulated long noncoding RNA ASMTL-AS1 inhibits renal cell carcinoma growth via binding to HuR and reducing vascular endothelial growth factor expression. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23389. [PMID: 37300450 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
It has been reported ursolic acid (UA), one of the naturally abundant pentacyclic triterpenes, possesses a wide range of biological activities including anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic, and anticancer properties. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a severe malignancy due to its asymptomatically spreading ability. Our study aimed to investigate the role and molecular mechanism of UA in RCC. RCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis were assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, Transwell, and tube formation assays. Xenograft tumor models were established to confirm the role of UA and long noncoding RNA ASMTL antisense RNA 1 (ASMTL-AS1) in vivo. Expression levels of ASMTL-AS1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured using reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. The interaction probabilities of ASMTL-AS1 or VEGF with RNA-binding protein human antigen R (HuR) were verified by RNA immunoprecipitation experiment. The half-life period of messenger RNA (mRNA) was determined using actinomycin D. UA inhibited RCC cell growth in vivo and tumorigenesis in vitro. ASMTL-AS1 was highly expressed in RCC cell lines. Of note, UA downregulated ASMTL-AS1 expression, and overexpressed ASMTL-AS1 reversed the UA-induced suppression on RCC cell migration, invasion, and tube formation. Additionally, ASMTL-AS1 bound to HuR to maintain the stability of VEGF mRNA. Rescue experiments showed that the suppressed malignancy of RCC cells mediated by ASMTL-AS1 knockdown was counteracted by overexpression of VEGF. Moreover, silenced ASMTL-AS1 inhibited RCC tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. The obtained data suggest UA as a promising therapeutic agent to attenuate the development of RCC via regulation of the targeted molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengkuan Cai
- Department of Urology, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yunlai Zhi
- Department of Urology, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cheng Xie
- Department of Urology, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shen Geng
- Department of Urology, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fanghu Sun
- Department of Urology, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhengshuai Ji
- Department of Urology, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pengcheng Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Urology, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingyuan Tang
- Department of Urology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Liu CH, Tai CJ, Kuo YT, Chang SS, Lin LT. Combination of Oncolytic Measles Virus and Ursolic Acid Synergistically Induces Oncolysis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Viruses 2023; 15:1294. [PMID: 37376594 DOI: 10.3390/v15061294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a difficult-to-treat cancer due to late diagnosis and limited curative treatment options. Developing more effective therapeutic strategies is essential for the management of HCC. Oncolytic virotherapy is a novel treatment modality for cancers, and its combination with small molecules merits further exploration. In this study, we combined oncolytic measles virus (MV) with the natural triterpenoid compound ursolic acid (UA) and evaluated their combination effect against HCC cells, including those harboring hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication. We found that the combination of MV and UA synergistically induced more cell death in Huh-7 HCC cells through enhanced apoptosis. In addition, increased oxidative stress and loss of mitochondrial potential were observed in the treated cells, indicating dysregulation of the mitochondria-dependent pathway. Similar synergistic cytotoxic effects were also found in HCC cells harboring HBV or HCV genomes. These findings underscore the potential of oncolytic MV and UA combination for further development as a treatment strategy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Hsuan Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Chen-Jei Tai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Clinical Drug Development of Herbal Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Kuo
- Department of Medical Imaging, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan 710, Taiwan
| | - Shen-Shong Chang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Taipei City Hospital Yang-Ming Branch, Taipei 111, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Institute of Public Health, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Tzung Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
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Sandhu SS, Rouz SK, Kumar S, Swamy N, Deshmukh L, Hussain A, Haque S, Tuli HS. Ursolic acid: a pentacyclic triterpenoid that exhibits anticancer therapeutic potential by modulating multiple oncogenic targets. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2023:1-31. [PMID: 36600517 DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2022.2162257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The world is currently facing a global challenge against neoplastic diseases. Chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, surgery, and radiation therapy are some approaches used to treat cancer. However, these treatments are frequently causing side effects in patients, such as multidrug resistance, fever, weakness, and allergy, among others side effects. As a result, current research has focused on phytochemical compounds isolated from plants to treat deadly cancers. Plants are excellent resources of bioactive molecules, and many natural molecules have exceptional anticancer properties. They produce diverse anticancer derivatives such as alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, pigments, and tannins, which have powerful anticancer activities against various cancer cell lines and animal models. Because of their safety, eco-friendly, and cost-effective nature, research communities have recently focused on various phytochemical bioactive molecules. Ursolic acid (UA) and its derivative compounds have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, apoptosis induction, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-breast cancer proliferation properties. Ursolic acid (UA) can improve the clinical management of human cancer because it inhibits cancer cell viability and proliferation, preventing tumour angiogenesis and metastatic activity. Therefore, the present article focuses on numerous bioactivities of Ursolic acid (UA), which can inhibit cancer cell production, mechanism of action, and modulation of anticancer properties via regulating various cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sharareh Khorami Rouz
- School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Suneel Kumar
- Bio-Design Innovation Centre, Rani Durgavati University, Jabalpur, India
| | - Nitin Swamy
- Fungal Biotechnology and Invertebrate Pathology Laboratory Department of Biological Sciences, Rani Durgavati University, Jabalpur, India
| | - Loknath Deshmukh
- School of Life and Allied Science, ITM University, Raipur, India
| | - Arif Hussain
- School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Arabia and Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hardeep Singh Tuli
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India
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Fan L, Wang X, Cheng C, Wang S, Li X, Cui J, Zhang B, Shi L. Inhibitory Effect and Mechanism of Ursolic Acid on Cisplatin-Induced Resistance and Stemness in Human Lung Cancer A549 Cells. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2023; 2023:1307323. [PMID: 37089712 PMCID: PMC10121351 DOI: 10.1155/2023/1307323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
The survival rate of lung cancer patients remains low largely due to chemotherapy resistance during treatment, and cancer stem cells (CSCs) may hold the key to targeting this resistance. Cisplatin is a chemotherapy drug commonly used in cancer treatment, yet the mechanisms of intrinsic cisplatin resistance have not yet been determined because lung CSCs are hard to identify. In this paper, we proposed a mechanism relating to the function of ursolic acid (UA), a new drug, in reversing the cisplatin resistance of lung cancer cells regulated by CSCs. Human lung cancer cell line A549 was selected as the model cell and treated to become a cisplatin-resistant lung cancer cell line (A549-CisR), which was less sensitive to cisplatin and showed an enhanced capability of tumor sphere formation. Furthermore, in the A549-CisR cell line expression, levels of pluripotent stem cell transcription factors Oct-4, Sox-2, and c-Myc were increased, and activation of the Jak2/Stat3 signaling pathway was promoted. When UA was applied to the cisplatin-resistant cells, levels of the pluripotent stem cell transcription factors were restrained by the inhibition of the Jak2/Stat3 signaling pathway, which reduced the enrichment of tumor stem cells, and in turn, reversed cisplatin resistance in lung cancer cells. Hence, as a potential antitumor drug, UA may be able to inhibit the enrichment of the lung CSC population by inhibiting the activation of the Jak2-Stat3 pathway and preventing the resistance of lung cancer cells to cisplatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luxin Fan
- Department of Respiratory, Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang 261041, China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Microbiological Laboratory, Weifang Inspection and Testing Center, Weifang 261100, China
| | - Congcong Cheng
- Department of Oncology, Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang, Qingzhou 262500, China
| | - Shuxiao Wang
- Intravenous Drug Dispensing Center, Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250033, China
| | - Xuesong Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Jiayu Cui
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Baogang Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Lihong Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
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Ursolic Acid Analogs as Potential Therapeutics for Cancer. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27248981. [PMID: 36558113 PMCID: PMC9785537 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a pentacyclic triterpene isolated from a large variety of vegetables, fruits and many traditional medicinal plants. It is a structural isomer of Oleanolic Acid. The medicinal application of UA has been explored extensively over the last two decades. The diverse pharmacological properties of UA include anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-proliferative, etc. Especially, UA holds a promising position, potentially, as a cancer preventive and therapeutic agent due to its relatively non-toxic properties against normal cells but its antioxidant and antiproliferative activities against cancer cells. Cell culture studies have shown interference of UA with multiple pharmacological and molecular targets that play a critical role in many cells signaling pathways. Although UA is considered a privileged natural product, its clinical applications are limited due to its low absorption through the gastro-intestinal track and rapid elimination. The low bioavailability of UA limits its use as a therapeutic drug. To overcome these drawbacks and utilize the importance of the scaffold, many researchers have been engaged in designing and developing synthetic analogs of UA via structural modifications. This present review summarizes the synthetic UA analogs and their cytotoxic antiproliferative properties reported in the last two decades.
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Zafar S, Khan K, Hafeez A, Irfan M, Armaghan M, Rahman AU, Gürer ES, Sharifi-Rad J, Butnariu M, Bagiu IC, Bagiu RV. Ursolic acid: a natural modulator of signaling networks in different cancers. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:399. [PMID: 36496432 PMCID: PMC9741527 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02804-7] [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: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Incidence rate of cancer is estimated to increase by 40% in 2030. Furthermore, the development of resistance against currently available treatment strategies has contributed to the cancer-associated mortality. Scientists are now looking for the solutions that could help prevent the disease occurrence and could provide a pain-free treatment alternative for cancers. Therefore, efforts are now put to find a potent natural compound that could sever this purpose. Ursolic acid (UA), a triterpene acid, has potential to inhibit the tumor progression and induce sensitization to conventional treatment drugs has been documented. Though, UA is a hydrophobic compound therefore it is usually chemically modified to increase its bioavailability prior to administration. However, a thorough literature indicating its mechanism of action and limitations for its use at clinical level was not reviewed. Therefore, the current study was designed to highlight the potential mechanism of UA, its anti-cancer properties, and potential applications as therapeutic compound. This endeavour is a valuable contribution in understanding the hurdles preventing the translation of its potential at clinical level and provides foundations to design new studies that could help enhance its bioavailability and anti-cancer potential for various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameen Zafar
- grid.412117.00000 0001 2234 2376Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Punjab Pakistan
| | - Khushbukhat Khan
- grid.412117.00000 0001 2234 2376Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Punjab Pakistan
| | - Amna Hafeez
- grid.412117.00000 0001 2234 2376Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Punjab Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Irfan
- grid.412117.00000 0001 2234 2376Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Punjab Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Armaghan
- grid.412117.00000 0001 2234 2376Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Punjab Pakistan
| | - Anees ur Rahman
- grid.412117.00000 0001 2234 2376Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Punjab Pakistan
| | - Eda Sönmez Gürer
- grid.411689.30000 0001 2259 4311Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Javad Sharifi-Rad
- grid.442126.70000 0001 1945 2902Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Monica Butnariu
- University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Calea Aradului 119, Timis, Romania
| | - Iulia-Cristina Bagiu
- grid.22248.3e0000 0001 0504 4027Department of Microbiology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania ,Multidisciplinary Research Center on Antimicrobial Resistance, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Radu Vasile Bagiu
- grid.22248.3e0000 0001 0504 4027Department of Microbiology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania ,Preventive Medicine Study Center, Timisoara, Romania
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12
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Kim DB, Lee DK, Cheon C, Ribeiro RIMA, Kim B. Natural Products for Liver Cancer Treatment: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Drug Discovery. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14204252. [PMID: 36296934 PMCID: PMC9610711 DOI: 10.3390/nu14204252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer was the seventh most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death with about 906,000 cases and 830,000 deaths, respectively, in 2020. Conventional treatment for liver cancer, such as transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or sorafenib, has limitations in that there is the recurrence of cancer, drug inefficacy, and adverse effects. Traditional medicine and natural products of several regions including Korea, China, Europe, North America, India, and the Middle East have attracted a lot of attention since they have been reported to have anticancer effects with low adverse effects. In this review, several in vivo studies on the effects of natural compounds on liver cancer and clinical trials approving their therapeutic benefits were selected and discussed. As a result of the analysis of these studies, the effects of natural compounds were classified into a few mechanisms: apoptosis, anti-metastasis, and antiangiogenesis. In addition, medications including natural products in clinical trials were observed to exhibit improvements in various liver cancer symptoms and patients’ survival rates. This study presents findings suggestive of the anticancer potential of natural products and their properties in relieving related symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Bin Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Kyungheedae-ro 26 Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Do Kyeong Lee
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Kyungheedae-ro 26 Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Chunhoo Cheon
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Kyungheedae-ro 26 Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Rosy Iara Maciel A. Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, Federal University of São João del Rei—CCO/UFSJ, Divinópolis 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Bonglee Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Kyungheedae-ro 26 Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea
- Correspondence:
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Ursolic acid and SARS-CoV-2 infection: a new horizon and perspective. Inflammopharmacology 2022; 30:1493-1501. [PMID: 35922738 PMCID: PMC9362167 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-022-01038-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2) has been identified as the source of a world coronavirus pandemic in 2019. Covid-19 is considered a main respiratory disease-causing viral pneumonia and, in severe cases, leads to acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Although, extrapulmonary manifestations of Covid-19 like neurological, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal have been confirmed. Exaggerated immune response and release of a high amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines may progress, causing a cytokine storm. Consequently, direct and indirect effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection can evolve into systemic complications due to the progression of hyper inflammation, oxidative stress and dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Therefore, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents could be efficient in alleviating these disorders. Ursolic acid has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral effects; it reduces the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, improves anti-inflammatory cytokines, and inhibits the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In virtue of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, ursolic acid may minimize SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced complications. Also, by regulating RAS and inflammatory signaling pathways, ursolic acid might effectively reduce the development of ALI in ARDS in Covid-19. In this state, this perspective discusses how ursolic acid can mitigate hyper inflammation and oxidative stress in Covid-19.
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14
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How Should the Worldwide Knowledge of Traditional Cancer Healing Be Integrated with Herbs and Mushrooms into Modern Molecular Pharmacology? Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15070868. [PMID: 35890166 PMCID: PMC9320176 DOI: 10.3390/ph15070868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional herbal medicine (THM) is a “core” from which modern medicine has evolved over time. Besides this, one third of people worldwide have no access to modern medicine and rely only on traditional medicine. To date, drugs of plant origin, or their derivates (paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine, vinorelbine, etoposide, camptothecin, topotecan, irinotecan, and omacetaxine), are very important in the therapy of malignancies and they are included in most chemotherapeutic regimes. To date, 391,000 plant and 14,000 mushroom species exist. Their medical and biochemical capabilities have not been studied in detail. In this review, we systematized the information about plants and mushrooms, as well as their active compounds with antitumor properties. Plants and mushrooms are divided based on the regions where they are used in ethnomedicine to treat malignancies. The majority of their active compounds with antineoplastic properties and mechanisms of action are described. Furthermore, on the basis of the available information, we divided them into two priority groups for research and for their potential of use in antitumor therapy. As there are many prerequisites and some examples how THM helps and strengthens modern medicine, finally, we discuss the positive points of THM and the management required to transform and integrate THM into the modern medicine practice.
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15
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Wei T, Wu L, Ji X, Gao Y, Xiao G. Ursolic Acid Protects Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Induced Drosophila Ulcerative Colitis Model by Inhibiting the JNK Signaling. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11020426. [PMID: 35204308 PMCID: PMC8869732 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a bioactive molecule widely distributed in various fruits and vegetables, which was reported to play a therapeutic role in ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by toxic chemicals. However, the underlying mechanism has not been well clarified in vivo. Here, using a Drosophila UC model induced by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), we investigated the defensive effect of UA on intestinal damage. The results showed that UA could significantly protect Drosophila from the damage caused by SDS exposure. Further, UA alleviated the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) induced by SDS and upregulated the activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and catalase (CAT). Moreover, the proliferation and differentiation of intestine stem cells (ISCs) as well as the excessive activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-dependent JAK/STAT signaling pathway induced by SDS were restored by UA. In conclusion, UA prevents intestine injury from toxic compounds by reducing the JNK/JAK/STAT signaling pathway. UA may provide a theoretical basis for functional food or natural medicine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Wei
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; (T.W.); (L.W.); (X.J.); (Y.G.)
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Lei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; (T.W.); (L.W.); (X.J.); (Y.G.)
| | - Xiaowen Ji
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; (T.W.); (L.W.); (X.J.); (Y.G.)
| | - Yan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; (T.W.); (L.W.); (X.J.); (Y.G.)
| | - Guiran Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; (T.W.); (L.W.); (X.J.); (Y.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-177-3022-7689
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16
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Renda G, Gökkaya İ, Şöhretoğlu D. Immunomodulatory properties of triterpenes. PHYTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS : PROCEEDINGS OF THE PHYTOCHEMICAL SOCIETY OF EUROPE 2022; 21:537-563. [PMID: 34812259 PMCID: PMC8600492 DOI: 10.1007/s11101-021-09785-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The immune system is one of the main defence mechanisms of the human body. Inadequacy of this system or immunodeficiency results in increased risk of infections and tumours, whereas over-activation of the immune system causes allergic or autoimmune disorders. A well-balanced immune system is important for protection and for alleviation of these diseases. There is a growing interest to maintain a well-balanced immune system, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. Many biological extracts, as well as natural products, have become popular due to their wide array of immunomodulatory effects and influence on the immune system. Triterpenes, one of the secondary metabolite groups of medicinal plants, exhibit immunomodulatory properties by various mechanisms. Different triterpenes, including components of commonly consumed plants, can promote some protection and alleviation of disease symptoms linked with immune responses and thus enhance overall well-being. This review aims to highlight the efficacy of triterpenes in light of the available literature evidence regarding the immunomodulatory properties of triterpenes. We have reviewed widely investigated immunomodulatory triterpenes; oleanolic acid, glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid, pristimerin, ursolic acid, boswellic acid, celastrol, lupeol, betulin, betulinic acid, ganoderic acid, cucumarioside, and astragalosides which have important immunoregulatory properties. In spite of many preclinical and clinical trials were conducted on triterpenes related to their immunoregulatory actions, current studies have several limitations. Therefore, especially more clinical studies with optimal design is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülin Renda
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Karadeniz Technical University, 61100 Trabzon, Turkey
| | - İçim Gökkaya
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Karadeniz Technical University, 61100 Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Didem Şöhretoğlu
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, 06100 Sıhhiye, Ankara Turkey
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Slate JR, Chriswell BO, Briggs RE, McGill JL. The Effects of Ursolic Acid Treatment on Immunopathogenesis Following Mannheimia haemolytica Infections. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:782872. [PMID: 34869750 PMCID: PMC8637451 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.782872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) is a costly economic and health burden for the dairy and feedlot cattle industries. BRDC is a multifactorial disease, often involving viral and bacterial pathogens, which makes it difficult to effectively treat or vaccinate against. Mannheimia haemolytica (MH) are common commensal bacteria found in the nasopharynx of healthy cattle; however, following environmental and immunological stressors, these bacteria can rapidly proliferate and spread to the lower respiratory tract, giving rise to pneumonic disease. Severe MH infections are often characterized by leukocyte infiltration and dysregulated inflammatory responses in the lungs. IL-17A is thought to play a key role in this inflammatory response by inducing neutrophilia, activating innate and adaptive immune cells, and further exacerbating lung congestion. Herein, we used a small molecule inhibitor, ursolic acid (UA), to suppress IL-17A production and to determine the downstream impact on the immune response and disease severity following MH infection in calves. We hypothesized that altering IL-17A signaling during MH infections may have therapeutic effects by reducing immune-mediated lung inflammation and improving disease outcome. Two independent studies were performed (Study 1 = 32 animals and Study 2 = 16 animals) using 4-week-old male Holstein calves, which were divided into 4 treatment group including: (1) non-treated and non-challenged, (2) non-treated and MH-challenged, (3) UA-treated and non-challenged, and (4) UA-treated and MH-challenged. Based on the combined studies, we observed a tendency (p = 0.0605) toward reduced bacterial burdens in the lungs of UA-treated animals, but did not note a significant difference in gross (p = 0.3343) or microscopic (p = 0.1917) pathology scores in the lungs. UA treatment altered the inflammatory environment in the lung tissues following MH infection, reducing the expression of IL-17A (p = 0.0870), inflammatory IL-6 (p = 0.0209), and STAT3 (p = 0.0205) compared to controls. This reduction in IL-17A signaling also appeared to alter the downstream expression of genes associated with innate defenses (BAC5, DEFB1, and MUC5AC) and lung remodeling (MMP9 and TIMP-1). Taken together, these results support our hypothesis that IL-17A signaling may contribute to lung immunopathology following MH infections, and further understanding of this inflammatory pathway could expand therapeutic intervention strategies for managing BRDC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamison R Slate
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Bradley O Chriswell
- Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Robert E Briggs
- Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Jodi L McGill
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
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18
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Zhang Y, Ma X, Li H, Zhuang J, Feng F, Liu L, Liu C, Sun C. Identifying the Effect of Ursolic Acid Against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Coupling Network Pharmacology With Experiments Verification. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:685773. [PMID: 34858165 PMCID: PMC8631906 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.685773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer with complex heterogeneity, high invasiveness, and long-term poor prognosis. With the development of molecular pathology and molecular genetics, the gene map of TNBC with distinctive biological characteristics has been outlined more clearly. Natural plant extracts such as paclitaxel, vinblastine, colchicine etc., have occupied an important position in the treatment of hormone-independent breast cancer. Ursolic acid (UA), a triterpenoid acid compound derived from apple, pear, loquat leaves, etc., has been reported to be effective in a variety of cancer treatments, but there are few reports on the treatment of TNBC. This study performed comprehensive bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experiments to identify the effect of UA on TNBC treatment and its potential molecular mechanism. Our results showed that UA could not only reduce the proliferation, migration, and invasion in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cell lines with a dose-dependent manner but also induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Meanwhile, we collected the gene expression data GSE45827 and GSE65194 from GEO for comparison between TNBC and normal cell type and obtained 724 DEGs. Subsequently, PLK1 and CCNB1 related to TNBC were screened as the key targets via topological analysis and molecular docking, and gene set enrichment analysis identified the key pathway as the p53 signaling pathway. In addition, quantitative real-time PCR and western blot verified the key genes were PLK1 and CCNB1. In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that UA could inhibit the growth of TNBC cells, and down-regulate the protein expression levels of PLK1 and CCNB1 by mediating p53 signaling pathway. These findings provide strong evidence for UA intervention in TNBC via multi-target therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubao Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaoran Ma
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Huayao Li
- College of Basic Medical, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jing Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Fubin Feng
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Lijuan Liu
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Cun Liu
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Changgang Sun
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China.,Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, China
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In Silico Assessment and Molecular Docking Studies of Some Phyto-Triterpenoid for Potential Disruption of Mortalin-p53 Interaction. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9111983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer, represents the second most common cause of death from cancer worldwide. The high toxicity and side effects of some cancer chemotherapy drugs increase the demand for new anti-cancer drugs from natural products. Mortalin/mtHsp70, a stress response protein, has been reported to contribute to the process of carcinogenesis in several ways, including the inhibition of the transcriptional activation of p53. This study conducted a molecular docking study of 41 phyto triterpenes originated from Vietnamese plants for potential Mortalin inhibition activity. Nine compounds were considered as promising inhibitors based on the analysis of binding affinity and drug-like and pharmacokinetic properties.
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20
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Shi W, Men L, Pi X, Jiang T, Peng D, Huo S, Luo P, Wang M, Guo J, Jiang Y, Peng L, Lin L, Li S, Lv J. Shikonin suppresses colon cancer cell growth and exerts synergistic effects by regulating ADAM17 and the IL‑6/STAT3 signaling pathway. Int J Oncol 2021; 59:99. [PMID: 34726248 PMCID: PMC8577797 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2021.5279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation is associated with drug resistance induced by anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) therapy in the treatment of colon cancer. Thus, the combined inhibition of EGFR and STAT3 may prove beneficial for this type of cancer. STAT3 has been proven to play a critical role in colon cancer initiation and progression, and is considered the primary downstream effector driven by interleukin-6 (IL-6). A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17), documented as an oncogene, catalyzes the cleavage of both EGF and IL-6R, inducing EGFR signaling and enabling IL-6 trans-signaling to activate STAT3 in a wide range of cell types to promote inflammation and cancer development. As a natural product, shikonin (SKN) has been found to function as an antitumor agent; however, its role in the regulation of ADAM17 and IL-6/STAT3 signaling in colon cancer cells remains unknown. In the present study, it was found that SKN inhibited colon cancer cell growth, suppressed both constitutive and IL-6-induced STAT3 phosphorylation, and downregulated the expression of ADAM17. ADAM17 expression was not altered in response to STAT3 knockdown, while IL-6-induced STAT3 activation did not induce ADAM17 transcripts. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that SKN did not affect the expression of key proteins involved in the maturation and degradation of ADAM17. SKN decreased ADAM17 expression possibly through reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated translational inhibition, as evidenced by the increased ADAM17 mRNA and phosphorylation levels of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α). The expression of ADAM17 and p-eIF2α was reversed by N-acetylcysteine (NAC, a ROS scavenger). Taken together, these results indicate that the concurrent inhibition of ADAM17 and IL-6/STAT3 signaling by SKN may synergistically contribute to the suppression of colon cancer cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Shi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Lintong Men
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Xiu Pi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Dewei Peng
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Shengqi Huo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Pengcheng Luo
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Moran Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Junyi Guo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Yue Jiang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Lulu Peng
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Li Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Sheng Li
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Jiagao Lv
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
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Park HJ, Park SH. Root Bark of Morus Alba L. Induced p53-Independent Apoptosis in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells by Suppression of STAT3 Activity. Nutr Cancer 2021; 74:1837-1848. [PMID: 34533079 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2021.1968444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The root bark of Morus alba L. (MA) used in traditional oriental medicine exerts various bioactivities including anticancer effects. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying the methylene chloride extract of MA (MEMA)-induced apoptosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. We observed that MEMA decreased cell viability and colony formation in both HCT116 p53+/+ cells and HCT116 p53-/- cells. In addition, MEMA increased the sub-G1 phase DNA content, the annexin V-positive cell population, and the expression of apoptosis marker proteins in both cell lines, indicating that MEMA induced apoptosis regardless of the p53 status. Interestingly, the phosphorylation level, transcriptional activity, and target genes expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were commonly decreased by MEMA. The overexpression of constitutively active STAT3 in HCT116 cells reversed MEMA-induced apoptosis, demonstrating that MEMA-triggered apoptosis was mediated by the inactivation of STAT3. Taken together, we suggest that MEMA can be applied not only to p53 wild-type CRC in the early stages but also to p53-mutant advanced CRC with hyperactivated STAT3. Even though a wide range of studies are required to validate the anticancer effects of MEMA, we propose MEMA as a novel material for the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Ji Park
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin-Hyung Park
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea
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22
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Evaluation of the In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity of Ursolic Acid PLGA Nanoparticles against Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14174917. [PMID: 34501007 PMCID: PMC8434451 DOI: 10.3390/ma14174917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Among all the types of cancer, Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma remains one of the deadliest and hardest to fight and there is a critical unmet need for new drugs and therapies for its treatment. Naturally derived compounds, such as pentacyclic triterpenoids, have gathered attention because of their high cytotoxic potential towards pancreatic cancer cells, with a wide biological activity spectrum, with ursolic acid (UA) being one of the most interesting. However, due to its minimal water solubility, it is necessary to prepare a nanocarrier vehicle to aid in the delivery of this compound. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) or PLGA polymeric nanocarriers are an essential tool for ursolic acid delivery and can overcome the lack in its biological activity observed after incorporating within liposomes. We prepared UA-PLGA nanoparticles with a PEG modification, to achieve a long circulation time, by using a nanoprecipitation method and subsequently performed an MTT cytotoxicity assay towards AsPC-1 and BxPC-3 cells, with TEM visualization of the nanoparticles and their cellular uptake. We established repeatable preparation procedures of the nanoparticles and achieved biologically active nanocarriers with an IC50 below 30 µM, with an appropriate size for intravenous dosage (around 140 nm), high sample homogeneity (below 0.2) and reasonable encapsulation efficiency (up to 50%). These results represent the first steps in the development of potentially effective PDAC therapies based on novel biologically active and promising triterpenoids.
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Wang L, Yin Q, Liu C, Tang Y, Sun C, Zhuang J. Nanoformulations of Ursolic Acid: A Modern Natural Anticancer Molecule. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:706121. [PMID: 34295253 PMCID: PMC8289884 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.706121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ursolic acid (UA) is a natural pentacyclic triterpene derived from fruit, herb, and other plants. UA can act on molecular targets of various signaling pathways, inhibit the growth of cancer cells, promote cycle stagnation, and induce apoptosis, thereby exerting anticancer activity. However, its poor water-solubility, low intestinal mucosal absorption, and low bioavailability restrict its clinical application. In order to overcome these deficiencies, nanotechnology, has been applied to the pharmacological study of UA. Objective: In this review, we focused on the absorption, distribution, and elimination pharmacokinetics of UA in vivo, as well as on the research progress in various UA nanoformulations, in the hope of providing reference information for the research on the anticancer activity of UA. Methods: Relevant research articles on Pubmed and Web of Science in recent years were searched selectively by using the keywords and subheadings, and were summarized systematically. Key finding: The improvement of the antitumor ability of the UA nanoformulations is mainly due to the improvement of the bioavailability and the enhancement of the targeting ability of the UA molecules. UA nanoformulations can even be combined with computational imaging technology for monitoring or diagnosis. Conclusion: Currently, a variety of UA nanoformulations, such as micelles, liposomes, and nanoparticles, which can increase the solubility and bioactivity of UA, while promoting the accumulation of UA in tumor tissues, have been prepared. Although the research of UA in the nanofield has made great progress, there is still a long way to go before the clinical application of UA nanoformulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longyun Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Qianqian Yin
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Cun Liu
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Changgang Sun
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China.,Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China
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PLOD2-driven IL-6/STAT3 signaling promotes the invasion and metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma via activation of integrin β1. Int J Oncol 2021; 58:29. [PMID: 33887877 PMCID: PMC8057293 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2021.5209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously reported that high expression of procollagen-lysine 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase 2 (PLOD2) leads to stabilization and plasma membrane translocation of integrin β1 to promote the invasion and metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The present study aimed to further understand the relationship between PLOD2-integrin β1 signaling and the tumor microenvironment. This study provided further advanced insights indicating that elevated interleukin (IL)-6 in the tumor microenvironment acts as a key molecule that triggers PLOD2-integrin β1 axis-derived acceleration of tumor invasion and metastasis. It was found using the dual-luciferase reporter assay system that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation by IL-6 was essential for increasing the expression levels of PLOD2 through direct activation of the PLOD2 promoter in oral SCC, whereas IL-6 stimulation did not contribute to integrin β1 expression or the subsequent maturation process towards a functional form on the plasma membrane. Furthermore, the expression of IL-6 in oral SCC tissues was mainly observed in the tumor stroma. Finally, with double immunofluorescence staining, it was found that IL-6 expression occurred in CD163-positive M2 macrophages distributed around the tumor nest. These results combined with our previous results indicate that as IL-6 significantly increases STAT3-mediated PLOD2 promoter activity, IL-6 released by M2-type tumor-associated macrophages is a crucial factor that promotes PLOD2-integrin β1 axis-enhanced invasion and metastasis of oral SCC cells.
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Li Q, Hu S, Huang L, Zhang J, Cao G. Evaluating the Therapeutic Mechanisms of Selected Active Compounds in Cornus Officinalis and Paeonia Lactiflora in Rheumatoid Arthritis via Network Pharmacology Analysis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:648037. [PMID: 33967784 PMCID: PMC8097135 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.648037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cornus officinalis Sieb et. Zucc and Paeonia lactiflora Pall. have exhibited favorable therapeutic effects against rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the specific mechanisms of their active compounds remain unclear. The aim of this study was to comprehensively analyze the therapeutic mechanisms of selected active compounds in Cornus officinalis (loganin, ursolic acid, and morroniside) and Paeonia lactiflora (paeoniflorin and albiflorin) via network pharmacology. The pharmacological properties of the five active compounds were evaluated and their potential target genes were identified by database screening. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional analysis were performed to determine the enriched molecular pathways associated with the active compounds. Using network pharmacology tools, eight genes (IL1β, VEGFA, STAT3, TP53, IL6, TNF, FOS, and LGALS3) were identified as common targets between RA and the five active compounds. Molecular docking simulation revealed the compound-target relationship between the five active compounds and three selected targets from the eight common ones (LGALS3, STAT3, and VEGFA). The compound-target relationships were subsequently validated via preliminary in vivo experiments in a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis. Rats subjected to collagen-induced arthritis showed increased protein expression of LGALS3, STAT3, and VEGFA in synovial tissues. However, treatment using Cornus officinalis or/and Paeonia lactiflora, as well as their most drug-like active compounds (ursolic acid or/and paeoniflorin, respectively, identified based on pharmacological properties), attenuated the expression of these three targets, as previously predicted. Collectively, network pharmacology allowed the pharmacological and molecular roles of Cornus officinalis and Paeonia lactiflora to be systematically revealed, further establishing them as important candidate drugs in the treatment and management of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinglin Li
- Scientific Research Department, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China.,College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shaoqi Hu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lichuang Huang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jida Zhang
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Gang Cao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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Farzaneh Z, Vosough M, Agarwal T, Farzaneh M. Critical signaling pathways governing hepatocellular carcinoma behavior; small molecule-based approaches. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:208. [PMID: 33849569 PMCID: PMC8045321 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01924-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of death due to cancer. Although there are different treatment options, these strategies are not efficient in terms of restricting the tumor cell's proliferation and metastasis. The liver tumor microenvironment contains the non-parenchymal cells with supportive or inhibitory effects on the cancerous phenotype of HCC. Several signaling pathways are dis-regulated in HCC and cause uncontrolled cell propagation, metastasis, and recurrence of liver carcinoma cells. Recent studies have established new approaches for the prevention and treatment of HCC using small molecules. Small molecules are compounds with a low molecular weight that usually inhibit the specific targets in signal transduction pathways. These components can induce cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, block metastasis, and tumor growth. Devising strategies for simultaneously targeting HCC and the non-parenchymal population of the tumor could lead to more relevant research outcomes. These strategies may open new avenues for the treatment of HCC with minimal cytotoxic effects on healthy cells. This study provides the latest findings on critical signaling pathways governing HCC behavior and using small molecules in the control of HCC both in vitro and in vivo models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Farzaneh
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tarun Agarwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India
| | - Maryam Farzaneh
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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Kang DY, Sp N, Lee JM, Jang KJ. Antitumor Effects of Ursolic Acid through Mediating the Inhibition of STAT3/PD-L1 Signaling in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9030297. [PMID: 33805840 PMCID: PMC7998465 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9030297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapy based on natural compounds is one of the best approaches against non-small cell lung cancer. Ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid derived from medicinal herbs, has anticancer activity. Studies on the molecular mechanism underlying UA’s anticancer activity are ongoing. Here, we demonstrated UA’s anticancer activity and the underlying signaling mechanisms. We used Western blotting and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction for molecular signaling analysis. We also used in vitro angiogenesis, wound healing, and invasion assays to study UA’s anticancer activity. In addition, we used tumorsphere formation and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays for binding studies. The results showed that UA inhibited the proliferation of A549 and H460 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. UA exerted anticancer effects by inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. It also inhibited tumor angiogenesis, migration, invasion, and tumorsphere formation. The molecular mechanism underlying UA activity involves UA’s binding to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), reducing the level of phospho-EGFR, and thus inhibiting the downstream JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Furthermore, UA reduced the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), metalloproteinases (MMPs) and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), as well as the formation of STAT3/MMP2 and STAT3/PD-L1 complexes. Altogether, UA exhibits anticancer activities by inhibiting MMP2 and PD-L1 expression through EGFR/JAK2/STAT3 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Young Kang
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea; (D.Y.K.); (N.S.)
| | - Nipin Sp
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea; (D.Y.K.); (N.S.)
| | - Jin-Moo Lee
- Pharmacological Research Division, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Osong Health Technology Administration Complex, Cheongju-si 28159, Korea;
| | - Kyoung-Jin Jang
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea; (D.Y.K.); (N.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2030-7839
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Ladurner A, Schwarz PF, Dirsch VM. Natural products as modulators of retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptors (RORs). Nat Prod Rep 2021; 38:757-781. [PMID: 33118578 DOI: 10.1039/d0np00047g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Covering: 1994 to 2020 Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptors (RORs) belong to a subfamily of the nuclear receptor superfamily and possess prominent roles in circadian rhythm, metabolism, inflammation, and cancer. They have been subject of research for over two decades and represent attractive but challenging drug targets. Natural products were among the first identified ligands of RORs and continue to be of interest to this day. This review focuses on ligands and indirect modulators of RORs from natural sources and explores their roles in a therapeutic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Ladurner
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Patrik F Schwarz
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Verena M Dirsch
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Lee NR, Meng RY, Rah SY, Jin H, Ray N, Kim SH, Park BH, Kim SM. Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Autophagy by Ursolic Acid Inhibits Growth and Metastasis of Esophageal Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9409. [PMID: 33321911 PMCID: PMC7764507 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) possesses various pharmacological activities, such as antitumorigenic and anti-inflammatory effects. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the effects of UA against esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) (TE-8 cells and TE-12 cells). The cell viability assay showed that UA decreased the viability of ESCC in a dose-dependent manner. In the soft agar colony formation assay, the colony numbers and size were reduced in a dose-dependent manner after UA treatment. UA caused the accumulation of vacuoles and LC3 puncta, a marker of autophagosome, in a dose-dependent manner. Autophagy induction was confirmed by measuring the expression levels of LC3 and p62 protein in ESCC cells. UA increased LC3-II protein levels and decreased p62 levels in ESCC cells. When autophagy was hampered using 3-methyladenine (3-MA), the effect of UA on cell viability was reversed. UA also significantly inhibited protein kinase B (Akt) activation and increased p-Akt expression in a dose-dependent manner in ESCC cells. Accumulated LC3 puncta by UA was reversed after wortmannin treatment. LC3-II protein levels were also decreased after treatment with Akt inhibitor and wortmannin. Moreover, UA treatment increased cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in ESCC in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Diphenyleneiodonium (an ROS production inhibitor) blocked the ROS and UA induced accumulation of LC3-II levels in ESCC cells, suggesting that UA-induced cell death and autophagy are mediated by ROS. Therefore, our data indicate that UA inhibits the growth of ESCC cells by inducing ROS-dependent autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na-Ri Lee
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea;
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea;
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea
| | - Ruo Yu Meng
- Department of Physiology and Institute of Medical Science, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea; (R.Y.M.); (N.R.)
| | - So-Young Rah
- Department of Biochemistry, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea; (S.-Y.R.); (B.H.P.)
| | - Hua Jin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China;
| | - Navin Ray
- Department of Physiology and Institute of Medical Science, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea; (R.Y.M.); (N.R.)
| | - Seong-Hun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea;
| | - Byung Hyun Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea; (S.-Y.R.); (B.H.P.)
| | - Soo Mi Kim
- Department of Physiology and Institute of Medical Science, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea; (R.Y.M.); (N.R.)
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Targeting the JAK2/STAT3 Pathway-Can We Compare It to the Two Faces of the God Janus? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218261. [PMID: 33158194 PMCID: PMC7663396 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscle cachexia is one of the most critical unmet medical needs. Identifying the molecular background of cancer-induced muscle loss revealed a promising possibility of new therapeutic targets and new drug development. In this review, we will define the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) protein's role in the tumor formation process and summarize the role of STAT3 in skeletal muscle cachexia. Finally, we will discuss a vast therapeutic potential for the STAT3-inhibiting single-agent treatment innovation that, as the desired outcome, could block tumor growth and generally prevent muscle cachexia.
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Khwaza V, Oyedeji OO, Aderibigbe BA. Ursolic Acid-Based Derivatives as Potential Anti-Cancer Agents: An Update. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5920. [PMID: 32824664 PMCID: PMC7460570 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid is a pharmacologically active pentacyclic triterpenoid derived from medicinal plants, fruit, and vegetables. The pharmacological activities of ursolic acid have been extensively studied over the past few years and various reports have revealed that ursolic acid has multiple biological activities, which include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, etc. In terms of cancer treatment, ursolic acid interacts with a number of molecular targets that play an essential role in many cell signaling pathways. It suppresses transformation, inhibits proliferation, and induces apoptosis of tumor cells. Although ursolic acid has many benefits, its therapeutic applications in clinical medicine are limited by its poor bioavailability and absorption. To overcome such disadvantages, researchers around the globe have designed and developed synthetic ursolic acid derivatives with enhanced therapeutic effects by structurally modifying the parent skeleton of ursolic acid. These structurally modified compounds display enhanced therapeutic effects when compared to ursolic acid. This present review summarizes various synthesized derivatives of ursolic acid with anti-cancer activity which were reported from 2015 to date.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Blessing A. Aderibigbe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, Alice 5700, Eastern Cape, South Africa; (V.K.); (O.O.O.)
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Roderfeld M, Padem S, Lichtenberger J, Quack T, Weiskirchen R, Longerich T, Schramm G, Churin Y, Irungbam K, Tschuschner A, Windhorst A, Grevelding CG, Roeb E. Schistosoma mansoni Egg-Secreted Antigens Activate Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Associated Transcription Factors c-Jun and STAT3 in Hamster and Human Hepatocytes. Hepatology 2020; 72:626-641. [PMID: 30053321 PMCID: PMC7496692 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Clinical data have provided evidence that schistosomiasis can promote hepatocellular carcinogenesis. c-Jun and STAT3 are critical regulators of liver cancer development and progression. The aim of the present study was to investigate the hepatocellular activation of c-Jun and STAT3 by Schistosoma mansoni infection. Expression and function of c-Jun and STAT3 as well as proliferation and DNA repair were analyzed by western blotting, electrophoretic mobility-shift assay, and immunohistochemistry in liver of S. mansoni-infected hamsters, Huh7 cells, primary hepatocytes, and human liver biopsies. Hepatocellular activation of c-Jun was demonstrated by nuclear translocation of c-Jun, enhanced phosphorylation (Ser73), and AP-1/DNA-binding in response to S. mansoni infection. Nuclear c-Jun staining pattern around lodged eggs without ambient immune reaction, and directionally from granuloma to the central veins, suggested that substances released from schistosome eggs were responsible for the observed effects. In addition, hepatocytes with c-Jun activation show cell activation and DNA double-strand breaks. These findings from the hamster model were confirmed by analyses of human biopsies from patients with schistosomiasis. Cell culture experiments finally demonstrated that activation of c-Jun and STAT3 as well as DNA repair were induced by an extract from schistosome eggs (soluble egg antigens) and culture supernatants of live schistosome egg (egg-conditioned medium), and in particular by IPSE/alpha-1, the major component secreted by live schistosome eggs. The permanent activation of hepatocellular carcinoma-associated proto-oncogenes such as c-Jun and associated transcription factors including STAT3 by substances released from tissue-trapped schistosome eggs may be important factors contributing to the development of liver cancer in S. mansoni-infected patients. Therefore, identification and therapeutic targeting of the underlying pathways is a useful strategy to prevent schistosomiasis-associated carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Roderfeld
- Department of GastroenterologyJustus‐Liebig‐UniversityGiessenGermany
| | - Sevinc Padem
- Department of GastroenterologyJustus‐Liebig‐UniversityGiessenGermany
| | | | - Thomas Quack
- Institute of ParasitologyBFS, Justus‐Liebig‐UniversityGiessenGermany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical ChemistryRWTH University Hospital AachenAachenGermany
| | - Thomas Longerich
- Translational Gastrointestinal Pathology, Institute of PathologyUniversity Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Gabriele Schramm
- Experimental Pneumology, Priority Research Area Asthma & AllergyResearch Center BorstelParkallee, BorstelGermany
| | - Yuri Churin
- Department of GastroenterologyJustus‐Liebig‐UniversityGiessenGermany
| | - Karuna Irungbam
- Department of GastroenterologyJustus‐Liebig‐UniversityGiessenGermany
| | | | - Anita Windhorst
- Institute for Medical InformaticsJustus‐Liebig‐UniversityGiessenGermany
| | | | - Elke Roeb
- Department of GastroenterologyJustus‐Liebig‐UniversityGiessenGermany
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Nifuroxazide attenuates experimentally-induced hepatic encephalopathy and the associated hyperammonemia and cJNK/caspase-8/TRAIL activation in rats. Life Sci 2020; 252:117610. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Guo W, Xu B, Wang X, Zheng B, Du J, Liu S. The Analysis of the Anti-Tumor Mechanism of Ursolic Acid Using Connectively Map Approach in Breast Cancer Cells Line MCF-7. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:3469-3476. [PMID: 32523377 PMCID: PMC7237111 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s241957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ursolic acid (UA), a primary bioactive triterpenoid, was reported as an anti-cancer agent. However, the current knowledge of UA and its potential anti-cancer mechanisms and targets in breast cancer cells are limited. In this study, we aimed to illustrate the potential mechanisms and targets of UA in breast cancer cells MCF-7. METHODS The effect of UA on cell growth was determined in MCF-7 cells by MTT assay. The anti-tumor mechanism of UA was evaluated by microarray, CAMP, and Western blot. Moreover, the molecular docking between UA and potential receptors were predicted by iGEMDOCK software. RESULTS The result of MTT assay demonstrated that UA could inhibit MCF-7 cell growth with IC50 values of 20 μM. Microarray and CMAP analysis, validated by Western blot, indicated that UA significantly modulated IKK/NF-κB, RAF/ERK pathways, and down-regulated the phosphorylation level of PLK1 in MCF-7 cells. CONCLUSION Our data indicated that the anti-tumor effects of UA are due to the inhibited RAF/ERK pathway and IKK/NF-κB pathway. It could also be explained by the reduced phosphorylation of PLK1 in MCF-7 cells. This study provides a new insight for deep understanding of the new anti-cancer mechanisms of UA in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqiang Guo
- School of Chemistry, Biology and Material Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou215009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Xu
- School of Chemistry, Biology and Material Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou215009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wang
- Suzhou Key Laboratory for Medical Biotechnology, Suzhou Vocational Health College, Suzhou215009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Zheng
- School of Chemistry, Biology and Material Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou215009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiahui Du
- Suzhou Key Laboratory for Medical Biotechnology, Suzhou Vocational Health College, Suzhou215009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Songbai Liu
- Suzhou Key Laboratory for Medical Biotechnology, Suzhou Vocational Health College, Suzhou215009, People’s Republic of China
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Liposome Delivery of Natural STAT3 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Cancer. PHARMACEUTICAL FRONTIERS 2019; 1. [PMID: 31886474 DOI: 10.20900/pf20190007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In the tumor microenvironment, cytokines, growth factors, and oncogenes mediate constitutive activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway in both cancer cells and infiltrating immune cells. STAT3 activation in cancer cells drives tumorigenic changes that allow for increased survival, proliferation, and resistance to apoptosis. The modulation of immune cells is more complicated and conflicting. STAT3 signaling drives the myeloid cell phenotype towards an immune suppressive state, which mediates T cell inhibition. On the other hand, STAT3 signaling in T cells leads to proliferation and T cell activity required for an anti-tumor response. Targeted delivery of STAT3 inhibitors to cancer cells and myeloid cells could therefore improve therapeutic outcomes. Many compounds that inhibit the STAT3 pathways for cancer treatment include peptide drugs, small molecule inhibitors, and natural compounds. However, natural compounds that inhibit STAT3 are often hydrophobic, which reduces their bioavailability and leads to unfavorable pharmacokinetics. This review focuses specifically on liposome-encapsulated natural STAT3 inhibitors and their ability to target cancer cells and myeloid cells to reduce tumor growth and decrease STAT3-mediated immune suppression. Many of these liposome formulations have led to profound tumor reduction and examples of combination formulations have been shown to eliminate tumors through immune modulation.
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Chinese herbal medicine therapy and the risk of overall mortality for patients with liver cancer who underwent surgical resection in Taiwan. Complement Ther Med 2019; 47:102213. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Diethylnitrosamine and thioacetamide-induced hepatic damage and early carcinogenesis in rats: Role of Nrf2 activator dimethyl fumarate and NLRP3 inhibitor glibenclamide. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 522:381-387. [PMID: 31761320 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.11.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Two-stage rat hepatocarcinogenesis model was used to induce early carcinogenesis in which thioacetamide (TAA) promotes diethylnitrosamine (DEN) initiated carcinogenesis. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) used to treat multiple sclerosis, activates the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant responsive element (ARE) pathway during oxidative stress, and maintains antioxidant levels. Glibenclamide (GLB), a sulphonylurea drug used to treat type II diabetes, possesses anti-inflammatory properties and inhibits NLRP3 inflammasomes. The present study was designed to investigate the concurrent intervention of DMF and GLB on DEN + TAA-induced early hepatic carcinogenesis. DMF and GLB treatment improved DEN + TAA-induced decrease in body weight, increase in liver weight and plasma transaminases, histopathological alterations, DNA damage, and apoptosis. DMF and GLB intervention significantly ameliorated the DEN + TAA-induced alterations in the antioxidant (Nrf2, HO-1, SOD-1, catalase), inflammatory (NF-κB, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1), fibrogenic (TGF-β1, collagen) and regenerative proliferative stress (GST-p, HGF, c-MET, TGFα, EGF, AFP) markers. The present results indicate that Nrf2/ARE activation and NLRP3 inhibition might be a rational approach to attenuate oxidative stress and chronic inflammation associated progression of hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Luo H, Vong CT, Chen H, Gao Y, Lyu P, Qiu L, Zhao M, Liu Q, Cheng Z, Zou J, Yao P, Gao C, Wei J, Ung COL, Wang S, Zhong Z, Wang Y. Naturally occurring anti-cancer compounds: shining from Chinese herbal medicine. Chin Med 2019; 14:48. [PMID: 31719837 PMCID: PMC6836491 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-019-0270-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous natural products originated from Chinese herbal medicine exhibit anti-cancer activities, including anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic, anti-angiogenic effects, as well as regulate autophagy, reverse multidrug resistance, balance immunity, and enhance chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. To provide new insights into the critical path ahead, we systemically reviewed the most recent advances (reported since 2011) on the key compounds with anti-cancer effects derived from Chinese herbal medicine (curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, berberine, artemisinin, ginsenoside Rg3, ursolic acid, silibinin, emodin, triptolide, cucurbitacin B, tanshinone I, oridonin, shikonin, gambogic acid, artesunate, wogonin, β-elemene, and cepharanthine) in scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, and Clinical Trials). With a broader perspective, we focused on their recently discovered and/or investigated pharmacological effects, novel mechanism of action, relevant clinical studies, and their innovative applications in combined therapy and immunomodulation. In addition, the present review has extended to describe other promising compounds including dihydroartemisinin, ginsenoside Rh2, compound K, cucurbitacins D, E, I, tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone in view of their potentials in cancer therapy. Up to now, the evidence about the immunomodulatory effects and clinical trials of natural anti-cancer compounds from Chinese herbal medicine is very limited, and further research is needed to monitor their immunoregulatory effects and explore their mechanisms of action as modulators of immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Luo
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Chi Teng Vong
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Hanbin Chen
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Peng Lyu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Ling Qiu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Mingming Zhao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Qiao Liu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Zehua Cheng
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jian Zou
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Peifen Yao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Caifang Gao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jinchao Wei
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Carolina Oi Lam Ung
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Shengpeng Wang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yitao Wang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
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Kim GH, Kan SY, Kang H, Lee S, Ko HM, Kim JH, Lim JH. Ursolic Acid Suppresses Cholesterol Biosynthesis and Exerts Anti-Cancer Effects in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4767. [PMID: 31561416 PMCID: PMC6802365 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormally upregulated cholesterol and lipid metabolism, observed commonly in multiple cancer types, contributes to cancer development and progression through the activation of oncogenic growth signaling pathways. Although accumulating evidence has shown the preventive and therapeutic benefits of cholesterol-lowering drugs for cancer management, the development of cholesterol-lowering drugs is needed for treatment of cancer as well as metabolism-related chronic diseases. Ursolic acid (UA), a natural pentacyclic terpenoid, suppresses cancer growth and metastasis, but the precise underlying molecular mechanism for its anti-cancer effects is poorly understood. Here, using sterol regulatory element (SRE)-luciferase assay-based screening on a library of 502 natural compounds, this study found that UA activates sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2). The expression of cholesterol biosynthesis-related genes and enzymes increased in UA-treated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. The UA increased cell cycle arrest and apoptotic death in HCC cells and reduced the activation of oncogenic growth signaling factors, all of which was significantly reversed by cholesterol supplementation. As cholesterol supplementation successfully reversed UA-induced attenuation of growth in HCC cells, it indicated that UA suppresses HCC cells growth through its cholesterol-lowering effect. Overall, these results suggested that UA is a promising cholesterol-lowering nutraceutical for the prevention and treatment of patients with HCC and cholesterol-related chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geon-Hee Kim
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Konkuk University, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
- Diabetes and Bio-Research Center, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
| | - Sang-Yeon Kan
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Konkuk University, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
- Diabetes and Bio-Research Center, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
| | - Hyeji Kang
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Konkuk University, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
- Diabetes and Bio-Research Center, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
| | - Sujin Lee
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Konkuk University, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
- Diabetes and Bio-Research Center, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
| | - Hyun Myung Ko
- Department of Life Science, College of Science and Technology, Woosuk University, 66 Daehak-ro, Jincheon-eup, Chungcheongbuk-do 27841, Korea.
| | - Ji Hyung Kim
- College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea.
| | - Ji-Hong Lim
- Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Konkuk University, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
- Diabetes and Bio-Research Center, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea.
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Xiang F, Fan Y, Ni Z, Liu Q, Zhu Z, Chen Z, Hao W, Yue H, Wu R, Kang X. Ursolic Acid Reverses the Chemoresistance of Breast Cancer Cells to Paclitaxel by Targeting MiRNA-149-5p/MyD88. Front Oncol 2019; 9:501. [PMID: 31259152 PMCID: PMC6587017 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Paclitaxel (PTX) is widely used as a front-line chemotherapy for breast cancer treatment. However, its clinical applications are limited by the development of chemoresistance. The objective of this study was to investigate the reversal effects of ursolic acid (UA) on PTX resistance and the possible mechanisms in breast cancer. The role of miRNA-149-5p/MyD88 in the regulation of PTX resistance was investigated by the transfection of breast cancer cells with MDA-MB-231 (231) and MDA-MB-231/PTX-resistance (231/PTX) with lentiviruses carrying the MyD88 gene, shRNA specific for MyD88, the miR-149-5p gene, and shRNA specific for miR-149-5p. The PTX sensitivity was assessed by a CCK-8 assay. qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses were used to detect changes in the mRNA and protein levels. Flow cytometry was used to measure the rate of cell apoptosis. A luciferase activity assay was used to detect the binding site of miR-149-5p on the 3'UTR of MyD88. 231/PTX cells were injected into the flanks of female athymic nude mice, and the mice were randomly divided into the five following groups: PBS, PTX (low), PTX (high), UA, and PTX+UA. Our data show that UA reversed the resistance of breast cancer 231/PTX cells to PTX in vitro and in vivo. UA treatment significantly increased the expression of miR-149-5p, which was lower in 231/PTX cells than in 231 cells. Furthermore, the overexpression of miR-149-5p increased the sensitivity of 231/PTX cells to PTX treatment, whereas the knockdown of the miR-149-5p gene attenuated the effects of UA on the regulation of PTX sensitivity. A luciferase assay demonstrated that miR-149-5p could directly regulate the transcriptional activity of MyD88, a known PTX-resistance gene, by targeting the 3'UTR of MyD88. Meanwhile, the downregulation of MyD88 through the overexpression of miR-149-5p or UA treatment inhibited the activation of the Akt signaling pathway in 231/PTX cells. Thus, our data indicate that UA can reverse PTX resistance by targeting the miRNA-149-5p/MyD88 axis in breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenfen Xiang
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Fan
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenhua Ni
- Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiaoli Liu
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaowei Zhu
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zixi Chen
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenbin Hao
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Honghong Yue
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Wu
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangdong Kang
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Ruan JS, Zhou H, Yang L, Wang L, Jiang ZS, Sun H, Wang SM. Ursolic Acid Attenuates TGF-β1-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in NSCLC by Targeting Integrin αVβ5/MMPs Signaling. Oncol Res 2019; 27:593-600. [PMID: 28911340 PMCID: PMC7848462 DOI: 10.3727/096504017x15051723858706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may contribute to tumor metastasis. TGF-β1-induced EMT in H1975 cells (a human NSCLC cell line) resulted in the adoption of mesenchymal responses that were predominantly mediated via the TGF-β1-integrin signaling pathway. Ursolic acid has been previously reported to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis in several cancers. However, whether ursolic acid can attenuate TGF-β1-induced EMT in H1975 cells and its underlying mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, ursolic acid significantly attenuated the TGF-β1-induced decrease in E-cadherin level and elevated the level of N-cadherin. Furthermore, ursolic acid inhibited the mesenchymal-like responses in H1975 cells, including cell migration, invasion, and activity of matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-2 and -9. Finally, our new findings provided evidence that ursolic acid could inhibit EMT in NSCLC through TGF-β1 signaling pathway-mediated integrin αVβ5 expression, and this might be the potential mechanism of resveratrol on the inhibition of invasion and metastases in NSCLC. We conclude that ursolic acid attenuated TGF-β1-induced EMT in H1975 cells and thus might be a promising therapeutic agent for treating NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Shan Ruan
- *Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian, P.R. China
- †Molecular Biology Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Huan Zhou
- *Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Lin Yang
- ‡Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Ling Wang
- *Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Zong Sheng Jiang
- §The School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Hong Sun
- *Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Shao Ming Wang
- *Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian, P.R. China
- †Molecular Biology Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fujian, P.R. China
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Lin YJ, Liang WM, Chen CJ, Tsang H, Chiou JS, Liu X, Cheng CF, Lin TH, Liao CC, Huang SM, Chen J, Tsai FJ, Li TM. Network analysis and mechanisms of action of Chinese herb-related natural compounds in lung cancer cells. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 58:152893. [PMID: 30901663 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2019.152893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) are a resource of natural compounds (ingredients) and their potential chemical derivatives with anticancer properties, some of which are already in clinical use. Bei-Mu (BM), Jie-Geng (JG), and Mai-Men-Dong-Tang (MMDT) are important CHMs prescribed for patients with lung cancer that have improved the survival rate. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE The aim of this study was to systemically investigate the mechanisms of action of these CHM products in lung cancer cells. METHODS We used a network pharmacology approach to study CHM product-related natural compounds and their lung cancer targets. In addition, the underlying anti-lung cancer effects of the natural compounds on apoptosis, cell cycle progression, autophagy, and the expression of related proteins was investigated in vitro. RESULTS Ingredient-lung cancer target network analysis identified 20 natural compounds. Three of these compounds, ursolic acid, 2-(3R)-8,8-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrano(6,5-f)chromen-3-yl)-5-methoxyphenol, and licochalcone A, inhibited the proliferation of A549 lung cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Signal pathway analyses suggested that these three ingredients may target cellular apoptosis, anti-apoptosis, and cell cycle-related proteins. These three ingredients induced apoptosis through the regulation of the expression of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins, including B-cell lymphoma-2 and full-length and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase proteins. They also induced cell cycle arrest in S and G2/M phases and autophagy in A549 cells. CONCLUSION The pharmacological mechanisms of ingredients from MMDT on lung cancer may be strongly associated with their modulatory effects on apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle progression, and cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Ju Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Genetic Center, Proteomics Core Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Miin Liang
- Graduate Institute of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Jung Chen
- Genetic Center, Proteomics Core Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsinyi Tsang
- Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Gaithersburg, MD, USA; Attain, LLC, McClean, VA, USA
| | - Jian-Shiun Chiou
- Graduate Institute of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Xiang Liu
- Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Chi-Fung Cheng
- Genetic Center, Proteomics Core Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Hsu Lin
- Genetic Center, Proteomics Core Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chiu-Chu Liao
- Genetic Center, Proteomics Core Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Mei Huang
- Genetic Center, Proteomics Core Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jianxin Chen
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, ChaoYang District, Beijing, China
| | - Fuu-Jen Tsai
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Genetic Center, Proteomics Core Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Te-Mao Li
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Zhai M, Guo J, Ma H, Shi W, Jou D, Yan D, Liu T, Tao J, Duan J, Wang Y, Li S, Lv J, Li C, Lin J, Zhang C, Lin L. Ursolic acid prevents angiotensin II-induced abdominal aortic aneurysm in apolipoprotein E-knockout mice. Atherosclerosis 2018; 271:128-135. [PMID: 29499360 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2018.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is a chronic inflammatory disease in which signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17) play important roles. However, it remains unclear whether ursolic acid (UA), a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid carboxylic acid, can have an impact on STAT3 and ADAM17 and hence influence the formation of AAA. The objective of this study was to characterize the potential effect of UA on the pathogenesis of AAA and on STAT3 and ADAM17. METHODS Male ApoE-/- mice were infused with angiotensin II (AngII) (1000 ng/kg/min) for 4 weeks to induce AAAs. Daily intragastric gavage with 100 mg/kg UA or tap water containing Tween 80 as controls was provided. Immunohistochemistry, cell viability assay, colony formation, wound healing assay, and Western blot were used to explore the potential effect of UA on AAA. RESULTS UA decreased the incidence of AngII-induced AAA in mice. UA alleviated the degradation of elastin fibers and inflammation and decreased the expression of MMP2, MMP9, ADAM17 and phospho-STAT3 (pSTAT3) in aorta of mice induced with AngII. UA inhibited the constitutive and stimuli-induced (AngII and tumor necrosis factor-α) expression of MMP2, MMP9, ADAM17 and pSTAT3 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Furthermore, UA decreased cell viability, and suppressed colony formation and wound healing in vitro. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that UA ameliorated the severity of AAA and exhibited an inhibitory effect on the expression of pSTAT3 and ADAM17. UA might emerge as a promising agent contributing to the prevention or treatment of AAA.
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MESH Headings
- ADAM17 Protein/metabolism
- Angiotensin II
- Animals
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology
- Aorta, Abdominal/drug effects
- Aorta, Abdominal/metabolism
- Aorta, Abdominal/pathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/chemically induced
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/genetics
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/pathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/prevention & control
- Cell Line
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Disease Models, Animal
- Elastin/metabolism
- Male
- Matrix Metalloproteinase 2/metabolism
- Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism
- Mice, Knockout, ApoE
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Phosphorylation
- STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Triterpenes/pharmacology
- Vascular Remodeling/drug effects
- Wound Healing/drug effects
- Ursolic Acid
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Affiliation(s)
- Maocai Zhai
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Junyi Guo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Haiyan Ma
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, First People's Hospital of Shangqiu, Shangqiu, China
| | - Wei Shi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - David Jou
- Center for Childhood Cancer, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, USA
| | - Dan Yan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tianshu Liu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingwen Tao
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jialin Duan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yina Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiagao Lv
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chenglong Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville FL, USA
| | - Jiayuh Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Cuntai Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Li Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Jiao L, Bi L, Lu Y, Wang Q, Gong Y, Shi J, Xu L. Cancer chemoprevention and therapy using chinese herbal medicine. Biol Proced Online 2018; 20:1. [PMID: 29321719 PMCID: PMC5757296 DOI: 10.1186/s12575-017-0066-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plays an indispensable role in cancer prevention and treatment. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is a key component of TCM and has been practiced for thousands of years. A number of naturally occurring products from Chinese herbs extracts exhibit strong inhibitory properties against carcinogenesis, including CHM single-herb extracts, CHM-derived active components, and CHM formulas (the polyherbal combinations), which regulate JAK/STAT, MAPK, and NF-ҡB pathways. The present review aims to report the cancer-preventive effect of CHM with evidence from cell-line, animal, epidemiological, and clinical experiments. We also present several issues that have yet to be resolved. In the future, cancer prevention by CHM will face unprecedented opportunities and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijing Jiao
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437 China.,Department of Oncology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.110, Ganhe Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, 200437 China
| | - Ling Bi
- Department of Oncology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.110, Ganhe Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, 200437 China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Oncology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.110, Ganhe Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, 200437 China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Oncology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.110, Ganhe Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, 200437 China
| | - Yabin Gong
- Department of Oncology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.110, Ganhe Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, 200437 China
| | - Jun Shi
- Department of Oncology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.110, Ganhe Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, 200437 China
| | - Ling Xu
- Department of Oncology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.110, Ganhe Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, 200437 China
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45
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Chang SM, Hu WW. Long non-coding RNA MALAT1 promotes oral squamous cell carcinoma development via microRNA-125b/STAT3 axis. J Cell Physiol 2017; 233:3384-3396. [PMID: 28926115 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Min Chang
- Department of Stomatology; Beijing Friendship Hospital; Capital Medical University; Xicheng District Beijing China
| | - Wei-Wei Hu
- Department of Stomatology; Huai'an Second People's Hospital and The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University; Huai'an China
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