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Sajeev A, Sailo B, Unnikrishnan J, Talukdar A, Alqahtani MS, Abbas M, Alqahtani A, Sethi G, Kunnumakkara AB. Unlocking the potential of Berberine: Advancing cancer therapy through chemosensitization and combination treatments. Cancer Lett 2024; 597:217019. [PMID: 38849013 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217019] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Despite considerable progress in cancer treatment options, resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs remains a significant challenge. This review focuses on Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid found in various medicinal plants, which has garnered attention in the field of oncology for its anticancer potential either alone or in combination with other compounds and its ability to modulate chemoresistance, acting as a natural chemosensitizer. BBR's ability to modulate chemoresistance is attributed to its diverse mechanisms of action, including inducing DNA breaks, inhibition of drug efflux pumps, modulation of apoptosis and necroptosis, downregulating multidrug resistance genes, enhancing immune response, suppressing angiogenesis and targeting multiple pathways within cancer cells, including protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (Akt/mTOR), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP1), janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT), Wnt/β-catenin etc. Moreover, BBR, in combination with other compounds, also offers a promising approach to cancer therapy, enforcing its broad-spectrum anticancer effects. Therefore, this review aims to elucidate the intricate mechanism of action of BBR in combinatorial therapy as a potential chemosensitizer to increase the efficiency of several drugs, including cisplatin, doxorubicin, lapatinib, tamoxifen, irinotecan, niraparib, etc. in various cancers. Additionally, this review briefly covers the origin and biological activities of BBR, exploring the specific actions underlying its anticancer effects. Further, pharmacokinetic properties of BBR are also discussed, providing insight into its therapeutic potential and optimization of its use in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjana Sajeev
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Bethsebie Sailo
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Jyothsna Unnikrishnan
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Ayesha Talukdar
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Mohammed S Alqahtani
- Radiological Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia; BioImaging Unit, Space Research Centre, Michael Atiyah Building, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, United Kingdom
| | - Mohamed Abbas
- Electrical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Athba Alqahtani
- Research Centre, King Fahad Medical City. P.O. Box: 59046, Riyadh, 11525, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 16 Medical Drive, 117600, Singapore; NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore.
| | - Ajaikumar B Kunnumakkara
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India.
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Wu J, Lu Q, Zhao J, Wu W, Wang Z, Yu G, Tian G, Gao Z, Wang Q. Enhancing the Inhibition of Breast Cancer Growth Through Synergistic Modulation of the Tumor Microenvironment Using Combined Nano-Delivery Systems. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:5125-5138. [PMID: 38855730 PMCID: PMC11162247 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s460874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Breast cancer is a prevalent malignancy among women worldwide, and malignancy is closely linked to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we prepared mixed nano-sized formulations composed of pH-sensitive liposomes (Ber/Ru486@CLPs) and small-sized nano-micelles (Dox@CLGs). These liposomes and nano-micelles were modified by chondroitin sulfate (CS) to selectively target breast cancer cells. Methods Ber/Ru486@CLPs and Dox@CLGs were prepared by thin-film dispersion and ethanol injection, respectively. To mimic actual TME, the in vitro "condition medium of fibroblasts + MCF-7" cell model and in vivo "4T1/NIH-3T3" co-implantation mice model were established to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of drugs. Results The physicochemical properties showed that Dox@CLGs and Ber/Ru486@CLPs were 28 nm and 100 nm in particle size, respectively. In vitro experiments showed that the mixed formulations significantly improved drug uptake and inhibited cell proliferation and migration. The in vivo anti-tumor studies further confirmed the enhanced anti-tumor capabilities of Dox@CLGs + Ber/Ru486@CLPs, including smaller tumor volumes, weak collagen deposition, and low expression levels of α-SMA and CD31 proteins, leading to a superior anti-tumor effect. Conclusion In brief, this combination therapy based on Dox@CLGs and Ber/Ru486@CLPs could effectively inhibit tumor development, which provides a promising approach for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingliang Wu
- School of Medicine, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang, 262700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiao Lu
- School of Medicine, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang, 262700, People’s Republic of China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jialin Zhao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wendi Wu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhihua Wang
- School of Medicine, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang, 262700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guohua Yu
- Department of Oncology, Weifang People’s Hospital, Weifang, 261000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guixiang Tian
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiqin Gao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Stomatology, Weifang People’s Hospital, Weifang, 261000, People’s Republic of China
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Choudhury SD, Kumar P, Choudhury D. Bioactive nutraceuticals as G4 stabilizers: potential cancer prevention and therapy-a critical review. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:3585-3616. [PMID: 38019298 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02857-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4) are non-canonical, four-stranded, nucleic acid secondary structures formed in the guanine-rich sequences, where guanine nucleotides associate with each other via Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding. These structures are widely found near the functional regions of the mammalian genome, such as telomeres, oncogenic promoters, and replication origins, and play crucial regulatory roles in replication and transcription. Destabilization of G4 by various carcinogenic agents allows oncogene overexpression and extension of telomeric ends resulting in dysregulation of cellular growth-promoting oncogenesis. Therefore, targeting and stabilizing these G4 structures with potential ligands could aid cancer prevention and therapy. The field of G-quadruplex targeting is relatively nascent, although many articles have demonstrated the effect of G4 stabilization on oncogenic expressions; however, no previous study has provided a comprehensive analysis about the potency of a wide variety of nutraceuticals and some of their derivatives in targeting G4 and the lattice of oncogenic cell signaling cascade affected by them. In this review, we have discussed bioactive G4-stabilizing nutraceuticals, their sources, mode of action, and their influence on cellular signaling, and we believe our insight would bring new light to the current status of the field and motivate researchers to explore this relatively poorly studied arena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satabdi Datta Choudhury
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, Punjab, 147004, India
| | - Prateek Kumar
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, 175005, India
| | - Diptiman Choudhury
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, Punjab, 147004, India.
- Centre for Excellence in Emerging Materials, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, Punjab, 147004, India.
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Lai R, Lin Z, Yang C, Hai L, Yang Z, Guo L, Nie R, Wu Y. Novel berberine derivatives as p300 histone acetyltransferase inhibitors in combination treatment for breast cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 266:116116. [PMID: 38215590 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116116] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Adenoviral E1A binding protein p300 (EP300 or p300) and its similar paralog, cyclic-AMP response element binding protein (CBP), are important histone acetyltransferases (HAT) and transcriptional co-activators in epigenetics, participating in numerous cellular pathways including proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. The overexpression or dysregulation of p300/CBP is closely related to oncology-relevant disease. The inhibition of p300 HAT has been found to be a potential drug target. Berberine has been reported to show anticancer activity and synergistic effect in combination with some of the clinical anticancer drugs via modulation of various pathways. Here, the present study sought to discover more chemotypes of berberine derivatives as p300 HAT inhibitors and to examine the combination of these novel analogues with doxorubicin for the treatment of breast cancer. A series of novel berberine derivatives with modifications of A/B/D rings of berberine have been designed, synthesized and screened. Compound 7b was found to exhibit inhibitory potency against p300 HAT with IC50 values of 1.51 μM. Western blotting proved that 7b decreased H3K27Ac and interfered with the expression of oncology-relevant protein in MCF-7 cells. Further bioactive evaluation showed that combination of compound 7b with doxorubicin could significantly inhibit tumor growth and invasion in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhi Lai
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhiqian Lin
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chunyan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Li Hai
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Central Nervous System Drug Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, 646100, China
| | - Zhongzhen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Li Guo
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ruifang Nie
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250000, China.
| | - Yong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Devarajan N, Nathan J, Mathangi R, Mahendra J, Ganesan SK. Pharmacotherapeutic values of berberine: A Chinese herbal medicine for the human cancer management. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23278. [PMID: 36588295 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Berberine (BBR), a traditional Chinese phytomedicine extracted from various parts of Berberis plants, is an isoquinoline alkaloid used for centuries to treat diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and so forth. It has recently received immense attention worldwide to treat cancer due to its potent pro-apoptotic, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory properties. BBR efficiently induces tumor apoptosis, replicative quiescence and abrogates cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, tumor neovascularization, and metastasis by modulating diverse molecular and cell signaling pathways. Furthermore, BBR could also reverse drug resistance, make tumor cells sensitive to current cancer treatment and significantly minimize the harmful side effects of cytotoxic therapies. This review comprehensively analyzed the pharmacological effects of BBR against the development, growth, progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance in wide varieties of cancer. Also, it critically discusses the significant limitations behind the development of BBR into pharmaceuticals to treat cancer and the future research directions to overcome these limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalini Devarajan
- Central Research Laboratory, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research - MAHER (Deemed to be University), Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Jhansi Nathan
- Zebrafish Developmental Biology Laboratory, AUKBC Research Centre for Emerging Technologies, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ramalingam Mathangi
- Department of Biochemistry, Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital, BIHER, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jaideep Mahendra
- Department of Periodontology, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Senthil Kumar Ganesan
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Structural Biology & Bioinformatics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Pan X, Song Z, Cui Y, Qi M, Wu G, Wang M. Enhancement of Sensitivity to Tamoxifen by Berberine in Breast Cancer Cells by Inhibiting ER-α36 Expression. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2022; 21:e126919. [PMID: 36060924 PMCID: PMC9420211 DOI: 10.5812/ijpr-126919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid purified from Chinese herbs, was verified to have antitumor effects. It has also been reported that berberine can enhance the anticancer effect of tamoxifen (TAM) in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cells; however, the involved underlying mechanism is still unclear. In the present study, the role of one variant of ER-α, ER-α36, in the TAM sensitizing effect of berberine was explored in TAM-resistant breast cancer cells. This study demonstrated that berberine potently sensitized TAM-resistant breast cancer cells, including TAM-resistant MCF7 and BT-474 cells, to TAM treatment. Additionally, this study showed that berberine could simultaneously suppress ER-α36 expression in TAM-resistant cells. However, when ER-α36 was knocked down in TAM-resistant cells, there was no significant TAM-sensitizing effect by berberine. Therefore, this study indicated that ER-α36 is involved in berberine's TAM-sensitizing effect on ER-positive breast cancer cells, which provided supporting data for the application of berberine in cancer therapy as an adjuvant agent for TAM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Pan
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Zhen Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Yue Cui
- University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, Shandong, China
| | - Ming Qi
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Guojun Wu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Molin Wang
- Department of Genetics and Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
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Berberine: An Important Emphasis on Its Anticancer Effects through Modulation of Various Cell Signaling Pathways. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27185889. [PMID: 36144625 PMCID: PMC9505063 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27185889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of disease and a major cause of death worldwide. Despite advancement in various treatment modules, there has been little improvement in survival rates and side effects associated with this disease. Medicinal plants or their bioactive compounds have been extensively studied for their anticancer potential. Novel drugs based on natural products are urgently needed to manage cancer through attenuation of different cell signaling pathways. In this regard, berberine is a bioactive alkaloid that is found in variety of plants, and an inverse association has been revealed between its consumption and cancer. Berberine exhibits an anticancer role through scavenging free radicals, induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of angiogenesis, inflammation, PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Wnt/β-catenin, and the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. In addition, synergistic effects of berberine with anticancer drugs or natural compounds have been proven in several cancers. This review outlines the anticancer effects and mechanisms of action of berberine in different cancers through modulation of various cell signaling pathways. Moreover, the recent developments in the drug delivery systems and synergistic effect of berberine are explained.
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Effects of Berberine on Liver Cancer. Nat Prod Commun 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x221102032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer, otherwise known as hepatocellular carcinoma, is a chronic disease condition with an excessive deposition and growth of malignant cells in the body. The high incidence and prevalence rates of liver cancer continue to be problems, as well as its poor prognosis and therapeutic limitations involving severe drug adverse reactions linked to the use of synthetic chemotherapeutic compounds. Continuous experimental studies, as well as utilization of pure herbal-based compounds, are essential towards finding more potent cures for liver cancer. Natural bioactive compounds, particularly alkaloids (eg, berberine), have been shown to be highly beneficial in the treatment of various diseases. Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid, is obtained from stem, bark, roots, rhizomes, and leaves of several medicinal plants, including Berberis species. It is commonly synthesized from the benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline system with the incorporation of an additional carbon atom as a bridge. The multiple attributes of BBR involving effective inhibitory and cytotoxic actions against the proliferation of cancer cells have been demonstrated. The use of BBR in experimental studies (in vivo and in vitro) for over a decade for liver cancer treatment has proven to be highly effective, safe, and potent. Until now, the poor solubility of BBR remains one of the contributing factors leading to its minimal clinical bioavailability. Therefore, BBR could serve as a prospective drug candidate in the future towards drug formulation for liver cancer treatment. The relevant information regarding this review was obtained electronically through the use of databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer, Hindawi, Embase, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. All the aforementioned databases were searched from 1981 to 2020. This literature represents an update of previous review papers discussing the various positive pharmacological and mechanistic effects (oxidative stress regulation, inflammation reduction, apoptosis activation, overcoming drug resistance, and metastasis inhibition) of BBR for liver cancer treatment, which would be of great significance to drug development and clinical research.
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Bibak B, Shakeri F, Keshavarzi Z, Mollazadeh H, Javid H, Jalili-Nik M, Sathyapalan T, Afshari AR, Sahebkar A. Anticancer mechanisms of Berberine: a good choice for glioblastoma multiforme therapy. Curr Med Chem 2022; 29:4507-4528. [PMID: 35209812 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220224112811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The most typical malignant brain tumor, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), seems to have a grim outcome, despite the intensive multi-modality interventions. Literature suggests that biologically active phytomolecules may exert anticancer properties by regulating several signaling pathways. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, has various pharmacological applications to combat severe diseases like cancer. Mechanistically, Berberine inhibits cell proliferation and invasion, suppresses tumor angiogenesis, and induces cell apoptosis. The effect of the antitumoral effect of Berberine in GBM is increasingly recognized. This review sheds new light on the regulatory signaling mechanisms of Berberine in various cancer, proposing its potential role as a therapeutic agent for GBM. .
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahram Bibak
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Shakeri
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Zakieh Keshavarzi
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Hamid Mollazadeh
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Hossein Javid
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Jalili-Nik
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Thozhukat Sathyapalan
- Academic Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Amir R Afshari
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Chen Z, Vallega KA, Chen H, Zhou J, Ramalingam SS, Sun SY. The natural product berberine synergizes with osimertinib preferentially against MET-amplified osimertinib-resistant lung cancer via direct MET inhibition. Pharmacol Res 2022; 175:105998. [PMID: 34826601 PMCID: PMC8755628 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Berberine is a natural product that has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and metabolism-regulatory properties. Osimertinib is the first third-generation EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) approved for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with activating EGFR mutations and those resistant to earlier generation EGFR-TKIs due to a T790M mutation. However, emergence of acquired resistance to osimertinib limits its long-term efficacy in the clinic. One known mechanism of acquired resistance to osimertinib and other EGFR-TKIs is MET (c-MET) gene amplification. Here, we report that berberine, when combined with osimertinib, synergistically and selectively decreased the survival of several MET-amplified osimertinib-resistant EGFR mutant NSCLC cell lines with enhanced induction of apoptosis likely through Bim elevation and Mcl-1 reduction. Importantly, this combination effectively enhanced suppressive effect on the growth of MET-amplified osimertinib-resistant xenografts in nude mice and was well tolerated. Molecular modeling showed that berberine was able to bind to the kinase domain of non-phosphorylated MET, occupy the front of the binding pocket, and interact with the activation loop, in a similar way as other known MET inhibitors do. MET kinase assay showed clear concentration-dependent inhibitory effects of berberine against MET activity, confirming its kinase inhibitory activity. These findings collectively suggest that berberine can act as a naturally-existing MET inhibitor to synergize with osimertinib in overcoming osimertinib acquired resistance caused by MET amplification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Chen
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Karin A Vallega
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Haiying Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Suresh S Ramalingam
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shi-Yong Sun
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Amewu RK, Sakyi PO, Osei-Safo D, Addae-Mensah I. Synthetic and Naturally Occurring Heterocyclic Anticancer Compounds with Multiple Biological Targets. Molecules 2021; 26:7134. [PMID: 34885716 PMCID: PMC8658833 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex group of diseases initiated by abnormal cell division with the potential of spreading to other parts of the body. The advancement in the discoveries of omics and bio- and cheminformatics has led to the identification of drugs inhibiting putative targets including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family receptors, fibroblast growth factors (FGF), platelet derived growth factors (PDGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), thymidine phosphorylase (TP), and neuropeptide Y4 (NY4), amongst others. Drug resistance, systemic toxicity, and drug ineffectiveness for various cancer chemo-treatments are widespread. Due to this, efficient therapeutic agents targeting two or more of the putative targets in different cancer cells are proposed as cutting edge treatments. Heterocyclic compounds, both synthetic and natural products, have, however, contributed immensely to chemotherapeutics for treatments of various diseases, but little is known about such compounds and their multimodal anticancer properties. A compendium of heterocyclic synthetic and natural product multitarget anticancer compounds, their IC50, and biological targets of inhibition are therefore presented in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Kwamla Amewu
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box LG 56, Ghana; (R.K.A.); (P.O.S.); (D.O.-S.)
| | - Patrick Opare Sakyi
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box LG 56, Ghana; (R.K.A.); (P.O.S.); (D.O.-S.)
- Department of Chemical Sciences, School of Sciences, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani P.O. Box 214, Ghana
| | - Dorcas Osei-Safo
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box LG 56, Ghana; (R.K.A.); (P.O.S.); (D.O.-S.)
| | - Ivan Addae-Mensah
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box LG 56, Ghana; (R.K.A.); (P.O.S.); (D.O.-S.)
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Chiu CF, Fu RH, Hsu SH, Yu YH(A, Yang SF, Tsao TCY, Chang KB, Yeh CA, Tang CM, Huang SC, Hung HS. Delivery Capacity and Anticancer Ability of the Berberine-Loaded Gold Nanoparticles to Promote the Apoptosis Effect in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215317. [PMID: 34771481 PMCID: PMC8582582 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In this research, we aimed to evaluate the biological effects of physically gold nanoparticle-collagen nanocarrier incorporated with alkaloid berberine (Au-Col-BB) on non-transformed bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) and Her-2 breast cancer cell lines through in vitro and in vivo assessments. Au-Col-BB showed better cytotoxicity, as well as significantly induced cell apoptosis in Her-2 cancer cells compared with normal cells (non-transformed BAEC). Further, Au-Col-BB also demonstrated better anti-cancer capacity for inhibiting cell growth in Her-2 tumor-bearing mice. In brief, we confirmed that the Au-Col-BB nanocarrier could be a potential nanodrug for increasing the efficiency of specific therapeutic effects in breast cancer disease. Abstract Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were fabricated with biocompatible collagen (Col) and then conjugated with berberine (BB), denoted as Au-Col-BB, to investigate the endocytic mechanisms in Her-2 breast cancer cell line and in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). Owing to the superior biocompatibility, tunable physicochemical properties, and potential functionalization with biomolecules, AuNPs have been well studied as carriers of biomolecules for diseases and cancer therapeutics. Composites of AuNPs with biopolymer, such as fibronectin or Col, have been revealed to increase cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. BB is a natural compound with impressive health benefits, such as lowering blood sugar and reducing weight. In addition, BB can inhibit cell proliferation by modulating cell cycle progress and autophagy, and induce cell apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. In the current research, BB was conjugated on the Col-AuNP composite (“Au-Col”). The UV-Visible spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy confirmed the conjugation of BB on Au-Col. The particle size of the Au-Col-BB conjugate was about 227 nm, determined by dynamic light scattering. Furthermore, Au-Col-BB was less cytotoxic to BAEC vs. Her-2 cell line in terms of MTT assay and cell cycle behavior. Au-Col-BB, compared to Au-Col, showed greater cell uptake capacity and potential cellular transportation by BAEC and Her-2 using the fluorescence-conjugated Au-Col-BB. In addition, the clathrin-mediated endocytosis and cell autophagy seemed to be the favorite endocytic mechanism for the internalization of Au-Col-BB by BAEC and Her-2. Au-Col-BB significantly inhibited cell migration in Her-2, but not in BAEC. Moreover, apoptotic cascade proteins, such as Bax and p21, were expressed in Her-2 after the treatment of Au-Col-BB. The tumor suppression was examined in a model of xenograft mice treated with Au-Col-BB nanovehicles. Results demonstrated that the tumor weight was remarkably reduced by the treatment of Au-Col-BB. Altogether, the promising findings of Au-Col-BB nanocarrier on Her-2 breast cancer cell line suggest that Au-Col-BB may be a good candidate of anticancer drug for the treatment of human breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Feng Chiu
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan; (C.-F.C.); (S.-F.Y.)
- Division of Chest, Department of Internal Medicine, Feng Yuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taichung 42055, Taiwan
| | - Ru-Huei Fu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Science, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (R.-H.F.); (K.-B.C.); (C.-A.Y.); (S.-C.H.)
- Translational Medicine Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Shan-hui Hsu
- Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
| | - Yang-Hao (Alex) Yu
- Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health & Welfare, Changhua 51341, Taiwan;
| | - Shun-Fa Yang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan; (C.-F.C.); (S.-F.Y.)
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Thomas Chang-Yao Tsao
- Division of Chest, Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Bo Chang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Science, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (R.-H.F.); (K.-B.C.); (C.-A.Y.); (S.-C.H.)
| | - Chun-An Yeh
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Science, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (R.-H.F.); (K.-B.C.); (C.-A.Y.); (S.-C.H.)
| | - Cheng-Ming Tang
- Collage of Oral Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan;
| | - Sheng-Chu Huang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Science, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (R.-H.F.); (K.-B.C.); (C.-A.Y.); (S.-C.H.)
| | - Huey-Shan Hung
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Science, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; (R.-H.F.); (K.-B.C.); (C.-A.Y.); (S.-C.H.)
- Translational Medicine Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-4-22052121 (ext. 7827); Fax: +886-4-22333641
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Plant isoquinoline alkaloids: Advances in the chemistry and biology of berberine. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 226:113839. [PMID: 34536668 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Alkaloids are one of the most important classes of plant bioactives. Among these isoquinoline alkaloids possess varied structures and exhibit numerous biological activities. Basically these are biosynthetically produced via phenylpropanoid pathway. However, occasionally some mixed pathways may also occur to provide structural divergence. Among the various biological activities anticancer, antidiabetic, antiinflammatory, and antimicrobial are important. A few notable bioactive isoquinoline alkaloids are antidiabetic berberine, anti-tussive codeine, analgesic morphine, and muscle relaxant papaverine etc. Berberine is one of the most discussed bioactives from this class possessing broad-spectrum pharmacological activities. Present review aims at recent updates of isoquinoline alkaloids with major emphasis on berberine, its detailed chemistry, important biological activities, structure activity relationship and implementation in future research.
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Ren S, Cai Y, Hu S, Liu J, Zhao Y, Ding M, Chen X, Zhan L, Zhou X, Wang X. Berberine exerts anti-tumor activity in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma by modulating c-myc/CD47 axis. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 188:114576. [PMID: 33930347 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) with high clinical heterogeneity and poor prognosis. Immune escape mediated by CD47 overexpression contributes to the limited efficacy of rituximab, an anti-CD20 antibody, which indicates a target to improve the efficacy of DLBCL treatment. Here, we validated berberine, a natural compound, as a suppressor of CD47 and revealed the involved mechanism and biological function in DLBCL. Berberine downregulated the expression of CD47 in DLBCL at the transcriptional level by suppressing c-myc expression. Berberine-induced CD47 inhibition enhanced the phagocytosis of macrophages, thereby eliminating DLBCL cells in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, berberine enhanced the efficiency of anti-CD47 antibody and rituximab-mediated phagocytosis. Moreover, a novel prognostic model based on the combination of CD47 and CD68, a biomarker of macrophages, was established in DLBCL. Our results highlighted for the first time that berberine could restore macrophage function in the tumor microenvironment, enhance rituximab-mediated phagocytosis and promote anti-CD47 antibody function via suppressing CD47 expression, which revealed a new anti-tumor mechanism of berberine and provided novel insights into the rituximab-based immunochemotherapy and CD47-targeted immunotherapy in DLBCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Ren
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yiqing Cai
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Shunfeng Hu
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Jiarui Liu
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Mengfei Ding
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xiaomin Chen
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Linquan Zhan
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xiangxiang Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Lymphoma, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 251006, China.
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Lymphoma, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 251006, China.
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Qin J, Qu S, Zhu K, Cheng Y, Pan G, Jing W, Liu X, Sun X, Liu L. Rational design and synthesis of 6-aryl-6H-benzo[c]chromenes as non-steroidal progesterone receptor antagonists for use against cancers. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 32:116003. [PMID: 33461148 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone receptor (PR) antagonists have been found to be effective for treating certain human cancers. However, the steroidal structure of PR antagonists could bind to other hormone receptors, thus leading to serious side effects. On the other hand, non-steroidal PR antagonists have rarely been evaluated for their anti-cancer efficacy. Therefore, identifying novel non-steroidal PR antagonists possessing potent anti-cancer efficacy would be an attractive project to pursue. In this study, we presented a new metal-free oxidative CH arylation method to rapidly synthesize a series of 6-aryl-6H-benzo[c]chromene derivatives. Multiple cancer cell lines were used for their anti-cancer activity screening. An extensive analysis of structure-activity relationships (SAR) of the derivatives revealed that compounds 32 and 34 markedly inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 cells with IC50 values of 6.32 ± 0.52 μM and 5.71 ± 0.49 μM, respectively. Further investigation indicated that derivatives 32 and 34 could elevate the expression of p21 and decrease the expressions of CDK4 and cyclin D1, leading to cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase. In addition, derivatives 32 and 34 could induce apoptosis of MCF-7 cells in both dose- and time-dependent manners by activation of p53 pathway, i.e., activation of Cleaved Caspase-3, p53 and P-p53 as well as elevation of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Docking of derivatives 32 and 34 into a PR homology model exhibited potent PR antagonistic activity indicating the 6-aryl-6H-benzo[c]chromene derivatives are promising PR antagonists. We envisioned that derivatives 32 and 34 might be potential anti-cancer drug candidates as novel therapeutic treatment for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Qin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Sifeng Qu
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Kongkai Zhu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Yahong Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Ge Pan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Weiqiang Jing
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xigong Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Xia Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Lei Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China.
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Devarajan N, Jayaraman S, Mahendra J, Venkatratnam P, Rajagopal P, Palaniappan H, Ganesan SK. Berberine-A potent chemosensitizer and chemoprotector to conventional cancer therapies. Phytother Res 2021; 35:3059-3077. [PMID: 33559280 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are mainstay treatments for cancer patients. However, their clinical outcomes are highly limited by the resistance of malignant tumors to these therapies and the incurrence of serious damages in vital organs. This in turn necessitates the development of adjunct drugs that overcomes chemo/radioresistance in refractory cancers and protects vital organs from the cytotoxic effects of cancer therapies. In recent years, Berberine (BBR), a natural isoquinoline alkaloid has garnered more attention due to its potent chemosensitizing and chemoprotective properties. BBR effectively sensitizes refractory cancers to chemotherapy and radiotherapy by ameliorating the diverse events underlying therapy resistance. Furthermore, it protects the heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys from severe damages caused by these therapies. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying the chemo/radiosensitizing and chemo/radioprotective potential of BBR during cancer treatment. Also, we highlight the limitations that hamper the clinical application of BBR as an adjunct drug and how novel innovations have been made in recent years to circumvent these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalini Devarajan
- Central Research Laboratory, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Selvaraj Jayaraman
- Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India
| | - Jaideep Mahendra
- Department of Periodontology, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College, and Hospital, Chennai, India
| | - Purushothaman Venkatratnam
- Central Research laboratory, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Ponnulakshmi Rajagopal
- Central Research Laboratory, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Hema Palaniappan
- Department of Pharmacology, Coimbatore Medical College, Coimbatore, India
| | - Senthil Kumar Ganesan
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Structural Biology & Bioinformatics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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Calvani M, Subbiani A, Bruno G, Favre C. Beta-Blockers and Berberine: A Possible Dual Approach to Contrast Neuroblastoma Growth and Progression. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:7534693. [PMID: 32855766 PMCID: PMC7443044 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7534693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The use of nutraceuticals during cancer treatment is a long-lasting debate. Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline quaternary alkaloid extracted from a variety of medicinal plants. BBR has been shown to have therapeutic effects in different pathologies, particularly in cancer, where it affects pathways involved in tumor progression. In neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial childhood solid tumor, BBR, reduces tumor growth by regulating both stemness and differentiation features and by inducing apoptosis. At the same time, the inhibition of β-adrenergic signaling leads to a reduction in growth and increase of differentiation of neuroblastoma. In this review, we summarize the possible beneficial effects of BBR in counteracting tumor growth and progression in various types of cancer and, in particular, in neuroblastoma. However, BBR administration, besides its numerous beneficial effects, presents a few side effects due to inhibition of MAO A enzyme in neuroblastoma cells. Therefore, herein, we proposed a novel therapeutic strategy to overcome side effects of BBR administration consisting of concomitant administration of BBR together with β-blockers in neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Calvani
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, A. Meyer University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Angela Subbiani
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, A. Meyer University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gennaro Bruno
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, A. Meyer University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Claudio Favre
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, A. Meyer University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
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Habtemariam S. Recent Advances in Berberine Inspired Anticancer Approaches: From Drug Combination to Novel Formulation Technology and Derivatization. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25061426. [PMID: 32245062 PMCID: PMC7144379 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25061426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Berberine is multifunctional natural product with potential to treat diverse pathological conditions. Its broad-spectrum anticancer effect through direct effect on cancer cell growth and metastasis have been established both in vitro and in vivo. The cellular targets that account to the anticancer effect of berberine are incredibly large and range from kinases (protein kinase B (Akt), mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs), cell cycle checkpoint kinases, etc.) and transcription factors to genes and protein regulators of cell survival, motility and death. The direct effect of berberine in cancer cells is however relatively weak and occur at moderate concentration range (10–100 µM) in most cancer cells. The poor pharmacokinetics profile resulting from poor absorption, efflux by permeability-glycoprotein (P-gc) and extensive metabolism in intestinal and hepatic cells are other dimensions of berberine’s limitation as anticancer agent. This communication addresses the research efforts during the last two decades that were devoted to enhancing the anticancer potential of berberine. Strategies highlighted include using berberine in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents either to reduce toxic side effects or enhance their anticancer effects; the various novel formulation approaches which by order of magnitude improved the pharmacokinetics of berberine; and semisynthetic approaches that enhanced potency by up to 100-fold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Habtemariam
- Pharmacognosy Research Laboratories & Herbal Analysis Services UK, University of Greenwich, Chatham-Maritime, ME4 4TB Kent, UK
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Habtemariam S. Berberine pharmacology and the gut microbiota: A hidden therapeutic link. Pharmacol Res 2020; 155:104722. [PMID: 32105754 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Berberine is a natural pentacyclic isoquinoline alkaloid that has been isolated as the principal component of many popular medicinal plants such as the genus Berberis, Coptis and Hydrastis. The multifunctional nature of berberine as a therapeutic agent is an attribute of its diverse effects on enzymes, receptors and cell signalling pathways. Through specific and general antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, its polypharmacology has been established. Intriguingly, this is despite the poor bioavailability of berberine in animal models and hence begging the question how it induces its reputed effects in vivo. A growing evidence now suggest the role of the gut microbiota, the so-called the hidden organ, as targets for the multifunctional role of berberine. Evidences are herein scrutinised to show that the structural and numerical changes in the gut microbiota under pathological conditions are reversed by berberine. Examples in the pharmacokinetics field, obesity, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, cancer, inflammatory disease conditions, etc. are used to show the link between the gut microbiota and the polypharmacology of berberine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Habtemariam
- Pharmacognosy Research Laboratories & Herbal Analysis Services UK, University of Greenwich, Chatham-Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK.
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Zhang C, Sheng J, Li G, Zhao L, Wang Y, Yang W, Yao X, Sun L, Zhang Z, Cui R. Effects of Berberine and Its Derivatives on Cancer: A Systems Pharmacology Review. Front Pharmacol 2020; 10:1461. [PMID: 32009943 PMCID: PMC6974675 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that berberine and its derivatives demonstrate important anti-tumor effects. However, the specific underlying mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, based on systems pharmacology, this review summarizes the information available on the anti-tumor effects and mechanism of berberine and its derivatives. The action and potential mechanism of action of berberine and its derivatives when used in the treatment of complex cancers are systematically examined at the molecular, cellular, and organismic levels. It is concluded that, with further in-depth investigations on their toxicity and efficacy, berberine and its derivatives have the potential for use as drugs in cancer therapy, offering improved clinical efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaohe Zhang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiyao Sheng
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guangquan Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lihong Zhao
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yicun Wang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Yao
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lihuan Sun
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ranji Cui
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Sun Y, Wang W, Tong Y. Berberine Inhibits Proliferative Ability of Breast Cancer Cells by Reducing Metadherin. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:9058-9066. [PMID: 31779025 PMCID: PMC6900918 DOI: 10.12659/msm.914486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is a common malignant tumor worldwide. Despite the huge advances in modern medicine, many patients still face a high risk of recrudescent and metastatic breast cancer. Berberine was widely implemented in clinic treatment of breast cancer. This study was performed to contribute to a better understanding on the mechanisms underlying berberine affecting breast cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS We mined survival data of metadherin (MTDH) in breast cancer patients through Kaplan-Meier Plotter and analyzed the transcriptional and posttranscriptional expression profile of MTDH in several breast cancer cell lines. The cell viability and MTDH mRNA level were detected under the si-MTDH vector and different concentrations of berberine. The MTDH-expression vector was transfected into MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, and the changes of cell viability and apoptosis were determined after berberine (50 μM) treatment. RESULTS High MTDH expression was related to worse relapse-free survival (RFS) of breast cancer (P-value=6.2e-08). High-expressed MTDH is common in breast cancer cells, compared with that in normal breast cells (P<0.01). MTDH knockout could inhibit the viabilities of MCF-7 and MDA-MA-231 cells (P<0.01). When the concentration was higher than 10 μM, the suppressive effects of berberine on viability and MTDH reached significant level. As MTDH expression increased, the enhanced apoptosis rates of breast cancer cells by berberine were remarkably inhibited. CONCLUSIONS High-expressed MTDH was helpful to cell proliferation and survival in breast cancer. The anti-cancer ability of berberine in breast cancer may be partially dependent on the regulation of MTDH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Sun
- Department of Breast Surgery, Maternity and Child Health Care of Zaozhuang, Zaozhuang, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Wentao Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Maternity and Child Health Care of Zaozhuang, Zaozhuang, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Yuwen Tong
- Department of Breast Surgery, Maternity and Child Health Care of Zaozhuang, Zaozhuang, Shandong, China (mainland)
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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: 268] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.6] [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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23
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Lin YS, Chiu YC, Tsai YH, Tsai YF, Wang JY, Tseng LM, Chiu JH. Different mechanisms involved in the berberine-induced antiproliferation effects in triple-negative breast cancer cell lines. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:13531-13544. [PMID: 30957305 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Berberine (BBR) is known to be effective at inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis in various cancer cells. However, the effects of BBR on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the cell inhibition effects of BBR on different subtypes of TNBC cells. METHODS Using human TNBC cell lines of different subtypes, namely, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-453, and BT-549 as in vitro models, antiproliferative effects of BBR were investigated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, trypan blue exclusion assay, and clonogenic assay. Furthermore, cell apoptosis and autophagy were analyzed by flow cytometry, immunofluorescent staining, and LC3 I/II-targeted Western blotting. Various cell growth-related signaling pathways (AKT/ERK/p38) and the expression of proteins present in various cell cycle kinase complexes were analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS BBR concentration-dependently suppressed cell proliferation in MDA-MB-468 (0, 3, 6, and 12 μM) and MDA-MB-231 (0, 6.25, 12.5, and 25 μM). The inhibitory effect was not brought about by inducing cell apoptosis, necrosis, or autophagy. Cell cycle analysis disclosed an increased S+G2/M fraction among the BBR-treated MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453 cells; while with the BBR-treated MDA-MB-468 and BT-549 lines, an increased G0/G1 fraction was found. In MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453 cells, by Western blotting, BBR decreased the expression of Cyclin A and CDK1, On the other hand, in BBR-treated MDA-MB-468 and BT-549 cells, there was a decrease in Cyclin D and CDK4 expression. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that the antiproliferation effects of BBR occur via different mechanisms in different subtypes of TNBC cells, which suggests that BBR has potential as a personalized treatment for TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Shu Lin
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Breast Health Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Chou Chiu
- Division of General Surgery, Cheng-Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Hsiu Tsai
- School of Medicine, Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Fang Tsai
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Breast Health Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.,School of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jir-You Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ling-Ming Tseng
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Breast Health Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jen-Hwey Chiu
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Breast Health Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.,Division of General Surgery, Cheng-Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.,School of Medicine, Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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24
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Ma Z, Fan Y, Wu Y, Kebebe D, Zhang B, Lu P, Pi J, Liu Z. Traditional Chinese medicine-combination therapies utilizing nanotechnology-based targeted delivery systems: a new strategy for antitumor treatment. Int J Nanomedicine 2019; 14:2029-2053. [PMID: 30962686 PMCID: PMC6435121 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s197889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a major public health problem, and is now the world’s leading cause of death. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-combination therapy is a new treatment approach and a vital therapeutic strategy for cancer, as it exhibits promising antitumor potential. Nano-targeted drug-delivery systems have remarkable advantages and allow the development of TCM-combination therapies by systematically controlling drug release and delivering drugs to solid tumors. In this review, the anticancer activity of TCM compounds is introduced. The combined use of TCM for antitumor treatment is analyzed and summarized. These combination therapies, using a single nanocarrier system, namely codelivery, are analyzed, issues that require attention are determined, and future perspectives are identified. We carried out a systematic review of >280 studies published in PubMed since 1985 (no patents involved), in order to provide a few basic considerations in terms of the design principles and management of targeted nanotechnology-based TCM-combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Ma
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China, ; .,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China, ;
| | - Yuqi Fan
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China, ; .,School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China
| | - Yumei Wu
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China, ; .,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China, ;
| | - Dereje Kebebe
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China, ; .,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China, ; .,School of Pharmacy, Institute of Health Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Bing Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China, ; .,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China, ;
| | - Peng Lu
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China, ; .,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China, ;
| | - Jiaxin Pi
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China, ; .,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China, ;
| | - Zhidong Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China, ; .,Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China, ;
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25
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Liu D, Meng X, Wu D, Qiu Z, Luo H. A Natural Isoquinoline Alkaloid With Antitumor Activity: Studies of the Biological Activities of Berberine. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:9. [PMID: 30837865 PMCID: PMC6382680 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Coptis, a traditional medicinal plant, has been used widely in the field of traditional Chinese medicine for many years. More recently, the chemical composition and bioactivity of Coptis have been studied worldwide. Berberine is a main component of Rhizoma Coptidis. Modern medicine has confirmed that berberine has pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, hypolipidemic, and blood pressure-lowering effects. Importantly, the active ingredient of berberine has clear inhibitory effects on various cancers, including colorectal cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, and cervical cancer. Cancer, ranked as one of the world’s five major incurable diseases by WHO, is a serious threat to the quality of human life. Here, we try to outline how berberine exerts antitumor effects through the regulation of different molecular pathways. In addition, the berberine-mediated regulation of epigenetic mechanisms that may be associated with the prevention of malignant tumors is described. Thus, this review provides a theoretical basis for the biological functions of berberine and its further use in the clinical treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory of Effective Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Xue Meng
- Department of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory of Effective Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Donglu Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory of Effective Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Zhidong Qiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory of Effective Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Haoming Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory of Effective Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
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McCubrey JA, Lertpiriyapong K, Steelman LS, Abrams SL, Yang LV, Murata RM, Rosalen PL, Scalisi A, Neri LM, Cocco L, Ratti S, Martelli AM, Laidler P, Dulińska-Litewka J, Rakus D, Gizak A, Lombardi P, Nicoletti F, Candido S, Libra M, Montalto G, Cervello M. Effects of resveratrol, curcumin, berberine and other nutraceuticals on aging, cancer development, cancer stem cells and microRNAs. Aging (Albany NY) 2018; 9:1477-1536. [PMID: 28611316 PMCID: PMC5509453 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Natural products or nutraceuticals have been shown to elicit anti-aging, anti-cancer and other health-enhancing effects. A key target of the effects of natural products may be the regulation of microRNA (miR) expression which results in cell death or prevents aging, diabetes, cardiovascular and other diseases. This review will focus on a few natural products, especially on resveratrol (RES), curcumin (CUR) and berberine (BBR). RES is obtained from the skins of grapes and other fruits and berries. RES may extend human lifespan by activating the sirtuins and SIRT1 molecules. CUR is isolated from the root of turmeric (Curcuma longa). CUR is currently used in the treatment of many disorders, especially in those involving an inflammatory process. CUR and modified derivatives have been shown to have potent anti-cancer effects, especially on cancer stem cells (CSC). BBR is also isolated from various plants (e.g., Coptis chinensis) and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat diseases such as adult- onset diabetes. Understanding the benefits of these and other nutraceuticals may result in approaches to improve human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Kvin Lertpiriyapong
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Steve L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Li V Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Section, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Ramiro M Murata
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.,Department of Foundational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Pedro L Rosalen
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Aurora Scalisi
- Unit of Oncologic Diseases, ASP-Catania, Catania 95100, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Piotr Laidler
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
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Jiang SX, Qi B, Yao WJ, Gu CW, Wei XF, Zhao Y, Liu YZ, Zhao BS. Berberine displays antitumor activity in esophageal cancer cells in vitro. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:2511-2518. [PMID: 28465635 PMCID: PMC5394514 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i14.2511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the effects of berberine on esophageal cancer (EC) cells and its molecular mechanisms.
METHODS Human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line KYSE-70 and esophageal adenocarcinoma cell line SKGT4 were used. The effects of berberine on cell proliferation were evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. For cell cycle progression, KYSE-70 cells were stained with propidium iodide (PI) staining buffer (10 mg/mL PI and 100 mg/mL RNase A) for 30 min and cell cycle was analyzed using a BD FACSCalibur flow cytometer. For apoptosis assay, cells were stained with an Annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis detection kit. The rate of apoptotic cells was analyzed using a dual laser flow cytometer and estimated using BD ModFit software. Levels of proteins related to cell cycle and apoptosis were examined by western blotting.
RESULTS Berberine treatment resulted in growth inhibition of KYSE-70 and SKGT4 cells in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. KYSE-70 cells were more susceptible to the inhibitory activities of berberine than SKGT4 cells were. In KYSE-70 cells treated with 50 μmol/L berberine for 48 h, the number of cells in G2/M phase (25.94% ± 5.01%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (9.77% ± 1.28%, P < 0.01), and berberine treatment resulted in p21 up-regulation in KYSE-70 cells. Flow cytometric analyses showed that berberine significantly augmented the KYSE-70 apoptotic population at 12 and 24 h post-treatment, when compared with control cells (0.83% vs 43.78% at 12 h, P < 0.05; 0.15% vs 81.86% at 24 h, P < 0.01), and berberine-induced apoptotic effect was stronger at 24 h compared with 12 h. Western blotting showed that berberine inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin and p70S6K, and enhanced AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation in a sustained manner.
CONCLUSION Berberine is an inhibitor of human EC cell growth and could be considered as a potential drug for the treatment of EC patients.
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Ma W, Zhu M, Zhang D, Yang L, Yang T, Li X, Zhang Y. Berberine inhibits the proliferation and migration of breast cancer ZR-75-30 cells by targeting Ephrin-B2. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2017; 25:45-51. [PMID: 28190470 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2016.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 12/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Berberine, a plant-derived compound isolated from Coptis chinensis used in traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown to possess anti-cancer properties. However, no study has shown that berberine could target ephrin-B2, which plays a critical role in cell proliferation and migration. PURPOSE The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of berberine on cancer cell growth and migration, through the regulation of ephrin-B2 and downstream signaling molecules. METHODS In this study, a high ephrin-B2-expressing cell membrane chromatography method was developed to investigate 48 crude extracts from traditional Chinese medicine that could act on ephrin-B2. Cell proliferative and wound-healing assays were used to study the effect of berberine on cancer cell growth and migration. The mechanism of berberine was investigated using western blot. RESULTS Berberine was isolated from C. chinensis extracts and showed activity on the HEK293/ephrin-B2 cell membrane chromatography column. Berberine showed a greater inhibitory effect in high-expressing ephrin-B2 cells (HEK293/ephrin-B2 cells) than in normal HEK293 cells, and decreased the expression of ephrin-B2 and its PDZ binding proteins, which indicates that ephrin-B2 is a target of berberine. Furthermore, berberine downregulates the phosphorylation of VEGFR2 and downstream signaling members (AKT and Erk1/2), which in turn downregulates the expression of MMP2 and MMP9. CONCLUSION The above data confirm the inhibitory effects of berberine on ZR-75-30 cell proliferation and cell migration. Overall, our studies demonstrate that berberine inhibits cell growth and migration by targeting ephrin-B2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weina Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta Weststreet, #54, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710061, PR China
| | - Man Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta Weststreet, #54, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710061, PR China
| | - Dongdong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta Weststreet, #54, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710061, PR China
| | - Liu Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta Weststreet, #54, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710061, PR China
| | - Tianfeng Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta Weststreet, #54, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710061, PR China
| | - Xin Li
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta Weststreet, #54, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710061, PR China
| | - Yanmin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta Weststreet, #54, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710061, PR China.
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