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Zheng H, Huang L, An G, Guo L, Wang N, Yang W, Zhu Y. A Nanoreactor Based on Metal-Organic Frameworks With Triple Synergistic Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2401743. [PMID: 39015058 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202401743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
The transformation of monotherapy into multimodal combined targeted therapy to fully exploit synergistic efficacy is of increasing interest in tumor treatment. In this work, a novel nanodrug-carrying platform based on iron-based MOFs, which is loaded with doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX), dihydroartemisinin (DHA), and glucose oxidase (GOx), and concurrently covalently linked to the photosensitizer 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (TCPP) in polydopamine (PDA)-encapsulated MIL-101(Fe) (denoted as MIL-101(Fe)-DOX-DHA@TCPP/GOx@PDA, MDDTG@P), is successfully developed. Upon entering the tumor microenvironment, MDDTG@P catalyzes the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and depletes glutathione (GSH); thus, exerting the role of chemodynamic therapy (CDT). The reduced Fe2+ can also activate DHA, further expanding CDT and promoting tumor cell apoptosis. The introduced GOx will rapidly consume glucose and oxygen (O2) in the tumor; while, replenishing H2O2 for Fenton reaction, starving the cancer cells; and thus, realizing starvation and chemodynamic therapy. In addition, the covalent linkage of TCPP endows MDDTG@P with good photodynamic therapeutic (PDT) properties. Therefore, this study develops a nanocarrier platform for triple synergistic chemodynamic/photodynamic/starvation therapy, which has promising applications in the efficient treatment of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heming Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Featured Metal Materials and Life-cycle Safety for Composite Structures, MOE Key Laboratory of New Processing Technology for Nonferrous Metals and Materials, and School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Lei Huang
- School of Stomatology, Minzhu Clinic of Stomatology Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, 530007, China
| | - Guanghui An
- State Key Laboratory of Featured Metal Materials and Life-cycle Safety for Composite Structures, MOE Key Laboratory of New Processing Technology for Nonferrous Metals and Materials, and School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Lianshan Guo
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530007, China
| | - Nannan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Featured Metal Materials and Life-cycle Safety for Composite Structures, MOE Key Laboratory of New Processing Technology for Nonferrous Metals and Materials, and School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Wenhui Yang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Yanqiu Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Featured Metal Materials and Life-cycle Safety for Composite Structures, MOE Key Laboratory of New Processing Technology for Nonferrous Metals and Materials, and School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
- College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QF, UK
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2
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Meng J, Yang W, Li C, Li F. Synergistic anticancer effects of SMYD2 inhibitor BAY-598 and doxorubicin in non-small cell lung cancer. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32015. [PMID: 38947456 PMCID: PMC11214464 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Non-small cell lung Cancer (NSCLC) persists as a lethal neoplastic manifestation, exhibiting a diminished 5-year survival rate, partially attributable to chemotherapeutic resistance. This investigative endeavor aimed to elucidate the synergistic antineoplastic effects and underlying mechanisms of the SMYD2 inhibitor BAY-598 and the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DOX) in NSCLC. Methods The human non-small cell lung cancer cell lines A549 and H460 were subjected to treatment regimens involving BAY-598 and/or DOX. Cellular viability, apoptotic events, invasive capacity, and migratory potential were evaluated through the implementation of CCK-8 assays, flow cytometric analyses, and Transwell assays, respectively. Protein expression levels were quantified via Western blot analyses. An in vivo xenograft murine model was established to assess therapeutic efficacy. Results BAY-598 and DOX synergistically suppressed the viability, invasiveness, and migratory capabilities of NSCLC cells. Co-treatment Promoting cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Additionally, Furthermore, co-administration significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion. Mechanistic studies revealed coordinately inhibited JAK-STAT signaling upon combination treatment. In vivo study further validated the synergistic antitumor efficacy of BAY-598 and DOX against NSCLC xenografts. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that BAY-598 potentiates the anti-cancer effects of DOX in non-small cell lung cancer cells by modulating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway as a synergistic strategy. The combination holds promise as an emerging therapeutic strategy for NSCLC. Further optimization and validation are warranted to promote its translational potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Meng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Nanchang, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330008, Jiangxi, China
- Medical Department of Graduate School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Weichang Yang
- Medical Department of Graduate School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Can Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Nanchang, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330008, Jiangxi, China
| | - Fengyuan Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Nanchang, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330008, Jiangxi, China
- Medical Department of Graduate School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
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Namli I, Karavelioglu Z, Sarraf SS, Aghdam AS, Varol R, Yilmaz A, Sahin SB, Ozogul B, Bozkaya DN, Acar HF, Uvet H, Çetinel S, Kutlu Ö, Ghorbani M, Koşar A. On the application of hydrodynamic cavitation on a chip in cellular injury and drug delivery. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:2640-2653. [PMID: 37183761 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00177f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) is a phase change phenomenon, where energy release in a fluid occurs upon the collapse of bubbles, which form due to the low local pressures. During recent years, due to advances in lab-on-a-chip technologies, HC-on-a-chip (HCOC) and its potential applications have attracted considerable interest. Microfluidic devices enable the performance of controlled experiments by enabling spatial control over the cavitation process and by precisely monitoring its evolution. In this study, we propose the adjunctive use of HC to induce distinct zones of cellular injury and enhance the anticancer efficacy of Doxorubicin (DOX). HC caused different regions (lysis, necrosis, permeabilization, and unaffected regions) upon exposure of different cancer and normal cells to HC. Moreover, HC was also applied to the confluent cell monolayer following the DOX treatment. Here, it was shown that the combination of DOX and HC exhibited a more pronounced anticancer activity on cancer cells than DOX alone. The effect of HC on cell permeabilization was also proven by using carbon dots (CDs). Finally, the cell stiffness parameter, which was associated with cell proliferation, migration and metastasis, was investigated with the use of cancer cells and normal cells under HC exposure. The HCOC offers the advantage of creating well-defined zones of bio-responses upon HC exposure simultaneously within minutes, achieving cell lysis and molecular delivery through permeabilization by providing spatial control. In conclusion, micro scale hydrodynamic cavitation proposes a promising alternative to be used to increase the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilayda Namli
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, 34956 Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey.
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, 34956 Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Karavelioglu
- Department of Bioengineering, Yildiz Technical University, 34349, Besiktas, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Seyedali Seyedmirzaei Sarraf
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, 34956 Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey.
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, 34956 Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Araz Sheibani Aghdam
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, 34956 Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey.
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, 34956 Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Rahmetullah Varol
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, 34349, Besiktas, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Abdurrahim Yilmaz
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, 34349, Besiktas, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sevilay Burcu Sahin
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, 34956 Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey.
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, 34956 Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Beyzanur Ozogul
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, 34956 Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey.
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, 34956 Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Dila Naz Bozkaya
- Department of Biology, Istanbul University, Beyazit, 34452, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Havva Funda Acar
- Department of Chemistry, Koç University, Sariyer, 34450, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Huseyin Uvet
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, 34349, Besiktas, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sibel Çetinel
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, 34956 Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
- Center of Excellence for Functional Surfaces and Interfaces for Nano-Diagnostics (EFSUN), Sabanci University, Orhanli, 34956, Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Özlem Kutlu
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, 34956 Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
- Center of Excellence for Functional Surfaces and Interfaces for Nano-Diagnostics (EFSUN), Sabanci University, Orhanli, 34956, Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Morteza Ghorbani
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, 34956 Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey.
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, 34956 Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
- Center of Excellence for Functional Surfaces and Interfaces for Nano-Diagnostics (EFSUN), Sabanci University, Orhanli, 34956, Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ali Koşar
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, 34956 Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey.
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, 34956 Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
- Center of Excellence for Functional Surfaces and Interfaces for Nano-Diagnostics (EFSUN), Sabanci University, Orhanli, 34956, Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
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Guo Y, Tang Y, Lu G, Gu J. p53 at the Crossroads between Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity and Resistance: A Nutritional Balancing Act. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15102259. [PMID: 37242146 DOI: 10.3390/nu15102259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is a highly effective chemotherapeutic drug, but its long-term use can cause cardiotoxicity and drug resistance. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that p53 is directly involved in DOX toxicity and resistance. One of the primary causes for DOX resistance is the mutation or inactivation of p53. Moreover, because the non-specific activation of p53 caused by DOX can kill non-cancerous cells, p53 is a popular target for reducing toxicity. However, the reduction in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) via p53 suppression is often at odds with the antitumor advantages of p53 reactivation. Therefore, in order to increase the effectiveness of DOX, there is an urgent need to explore p53-targeted anticancer strategies owing to the complex regulatory network and polymorphisms of the p53 gene. In this review, we summarize the role and potential mechanisms of p53 in DIC and resistance. Furthermore, we focus on the advances and challenges in applying dietary nutrients, natural products, and other pharmacological strategies to overcome DOX-induced chemoresistance and cardiotoxicity. Lastly, we present potential therapeutic strategies to address key issues in order to provide new ideas for increasing the clinical use of DOX and improving its anticancer benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanfang Guo
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yufeng Tang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Guangping Lu
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Junlian Gu
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
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Shi H, Xiong L, Yan G, Du S, Liu J, Shi Y. Susceptibility of cervical cancer to dihydroartemisinin-induced ferritinophagy-dependent ferroptosis. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1156062. [PMID: 37065442 PMCID: PMC10102504 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1156062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical therapeutics of cervical cancer is limited due to the drug resistance and metastasis of tumor. As a novel target for antitumor therapy, ferroptosis is deemed to be more susceptible for those cancer cells with resistance to apoptosis and chemotherapy. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), the primary active metabolites of artemisinin and its derivatives, has exhibited a variety of anticancer properties with low toxicity. However, the role of DHA and ferroptosis in cervical cancer remained unclear. Here, we showed that DHA could time-dependently and dose-dependently inhibit the proliferation of cervical cancer cells, which could be alleviated by the inhibitors of ferroptosis rather than apoptosis. Further investigation confirmed that DHA treatment initiated ferroptosis, as evidenced by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and liquid peroxidation (LPO) levels and simultaneously depletion of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and glutathione (GSH). Moreover, nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4)-mediated ferritinophagy was also induced by DHA leading to subsequent increases of intracellular labile iron pool (LIP), exacerbated the Fenton reaction resulting in excessive ROS production, and enhanced cervical cancer ferroptosis. Among them, we unexpectedly found that heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) played an antioxidant role in DHA-induced cell death. In addition, the results of synergy analysis showed that the combination of DHA and doxorubicin (DOX) emerged a highly synergistic lethal effect for cervical cancer cells, which was related also to ferroptosis. Overall, our data revealed the molecular mechanisms that DHA triggered ferritinophagy-dependent ferroptosis and sensitized to DOX in cervical cancer, which may provide novel avenues for future therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanqiang Shi
- Central Laboratory of Molecular Medicine Research Center, Jiaxing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Jiaxing, China
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory of Diabetic Angiopathy Research, Jiaxing, China
| | - Lie Xiong
- Central Laboratory of Molecular Medicine Research Center, Jiaxing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Jiaxing, China
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory of Diabetic Angiopathy Research, Jiaxing, China
| | - Guang Yan
- Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuqin Du
- Central Laboratory of Molecular Medicine Research Center, Jiaxing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Jiaxing, China
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Oncology Department, Jiaxing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yanbo Shi
- Central Laboratory of Molecular Medicine Research Center, Jiaxing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Jiaxing, China
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory of Diabetic Angiopathy Research, Jiaxing, China
- *Correspondence: Yanbo Shi,
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Dihydroartemisinin Reduces Irradiation-Induced Mitophagy and Radioresistance in Lung Cancer A549 Cells via CIRBP Inhibition. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12081129. [PMID: 36013308 PMCID: PMC9410454 DOI: 10.3390/life12081129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is a major therapeutic strategy for lung cancer, and radiation resistance (radioresistance) is an important cause of residual and recurring cancer after treatment. However, the mechanism of radioresistance remains unclear. Mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy), an important selective autophagy, plays an important role in maintaining cell homeostasis and affects the response to therapy. Recent studies have shown that dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a derivative of artemisinin, can increase the sensitivity to treatment in multiple types of cancer, including lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the function and molecular mechanisms of DHA-regulating mitophagy and DHA-reducing radioresistance in lung cancer A549 cells. We first constructed the radioresistant lung cancer A549 cells model (A549R) through fractional radiation, then elucidated the function and mechanism of DHA-regulating mitophagy to reduce the radioresistance of lung cancer by genomic, proteomic, and bioinformatic methods. The results showed that fractional radiation can significantly induce radioresistance and mitophagy in A549 cells, DHA can reduce mitophagy and radioresistance, and the inhibition of mitophagy can reduce radioresistance. Protein chip assay and bioinformatics analysis showed the following: Cold-Inducible RNA Binding Protein (CIRBP) might be a potential target of DHA-regulating mitophagy; CIRBP is highly expressed in A549R cells; the knockdown of CIRBP increases the effect of DHA, reduces mitophagy and radioresistance, and inhibits the mitophagy-related PINK1/Parkin pathway. In conclusion, we believe that DHA reduces radiation-induced mitophagy and radioresistance of lung cancer A549 cells via CIRBP inhibition.
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Rao Q, Li R, Yu H, Xiang L, He B, Wu F, Zhao G. Effects of dihydroartemisinin combined with cisplatin on proliferation, apoptosis and migration of HepG2 cells. Oncol Lett 2022; 24:275. [PMID: 35782905 PMCID: PMC9247656 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin (DDP) is a potent and widely applied chemotherapeutic agent. However, its clinical efficacy for the treatment of liver cancer is limited by adverse effects and the development of resistance. Combinatorial therapy may alleviate these issues. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is a first-generation derivative of artemisinin. The effects of DDP on liver cancer when applied in combination with DHA have not previously been studied. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of DHA combined with DDP on HepG2 cells and their potential underlying molecular mechanisms. HepG2 cells were treated with different concentrations of DHA and/or DDP. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was used to assess the cell viability. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were quantified using flow cytometry, acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) fluorescent dual staining and the colony formation assay. Cell migration was quantified using the Transwell and wound healing assays. The HepG2 cell protein expression levels of Fas, Fas-associated death domain (FADD), procaspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, pro-caspase-8, cleaved caspase-8, Bax, Bcl-2, E-cadherin and N-cadherin, were detected via western blotting. Gelatin zymography was used to assess the levels of MMP-9 secreted by HepG2 cells into the supernatant. Following combined DHA and DDP treatment, the percentage of apoptotic cells was significantly increased, whereas cell proliferation and migration were significantly reduced, compared with cells treated with DDP only. DHA and DPP in combination significantly inhibited the expression of MMP-9, significantly increased the protein expression levels of Fas, FADD, Bax and E-cadherin, significantly increased the ratio of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-8 to their precursor proteins and significantly decreased the protein expression levels of Bcl-2 and N-cadherin. The findings of the present study suggested that, DHA may confer synergistic effects with DDP in potentially promoting apoptosis and inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition for the treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Rao
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, P.R. China
| | - Ruochan Li
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, P.R. China
| | - He Yu
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, P.R. China
| | - Lei Xiang
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, P.R. China
| | - Bin He
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, P.R. China
| | - Fenghua Wu
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, P.R. China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, P.R. China
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8
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Ren G, Duan D, Wang G, Wang R, Li Y, Zuo H, Zhang Q, Zhang G, Zhao Y, Wang R, Zhang S. Construction of reduction-sensitive heterodimer prodrugs of doxorubicin and dihydroartemisinin self-assembled nanoparticles with antitumor activity. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2022; 217:112614. [PMID: 35700564 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.112614] [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: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is used as a first-line chemotherapeutic drug, whereas dihydroartemisinin (DHA) also shows a certain degree of antitumor activity. Disulfide bonds (-SS-) in prodrug molecules can be degraded in highly reducing environments. Thus, heterodimer prodrugs of DOX and DHA linked by a disulfide bond was designed and subsequently prepared as reduction-responsive self-assembled nanoparticles (DOX-SS-DHA NPs). In an in vitro release study, DOX-SS-DHA NPs exhibited reduction-responsive activity. Upon cellular evaluation, DOX-SS-DHA NPs were found to have better selectivity toward tumor cells and less cytotoxicity to normal cells. Compared to free DiR, DOX-SS-DHA NPs showed improved accumulation at the tumor site and even had a longer clearance half-life. More importantly, DOX-SS-DHA NPs possessed a much higher tumor inhibition efficacy than DOX-sol and MIX-sol in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. Our results suggested the superior antitumor efficacy of DOX-SS-DHA NPs with less cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guolian Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Danyu Duan
- School of Pharmacy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Geng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Rongrong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yujie Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Hengtong Zuo
- School of Pharmacy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Qichao Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Guoshun Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yongdan Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Ruili Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
| | - Shuqiu Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
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9
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Nikmaneshi MR, Firoozabadi B. Investigation of cancer response to chemotherapy: a hybrid multi-scale mathematical and computational model of the tumor microenvironment. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2022; 21:1233-1249. [PMID: 35614373 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-022-01587-0] [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: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) is a multi-scale biological environment that can control tumor dynamics with many biomechanical and biochemical factors. Investigating the physiology of TME with a heterogeneous structure and abnormal functions not only can achieve a deeper understanding of tumor behavior but also can help develop more efficient anti-cancer strategies. In this work, we develop a hybrid multi-scale mathematical model of TME to simulate the progression of a three-dimensional tumor and elucidate its response to different chemotherapy approaches. The chemotherapy approaches include multiple low dose (MLD) of anti-cancer drug, maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of anti-cancer drug, combination therapy of MLD and anti-angiogenic drug, and combination therapy of MTD and anti-angiogenic drug. The results show that combining anti-angiogenic agent with anti-cancer drug increases the performance of cancer treatment and decreases side effects for normal tissue. Indeed, the vascular normalization caused by anti-angiogenic therapy improves anti-cancer drug delivery for both MLD and MTD approaches. The results show that anti-cancer drug administered in a lower dose than the maximum tolerated dose repetitively over a long period treats cancer with a considerable performance and fewer side effects. We also show that tumor morphology and distribution of cancer cell phenotypes can be considered as the characteristics to distinguish different chemotherapy approaches. This robust model can be applied to predict the behavior of any type of cancer and quantify cancer response to different chemotherapy approaches. The computational results of cancer response to chemotherapy are in good agreement with experimental measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bahar Firoozabadi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
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10
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Ma Z, Woon CYN, Liu CG, Cheng JT, You M, Sethi G, Wong ALA, Ho PCL, Zhang D, Ong P, Wang L, Goh BC. Repurposing Artemisinin and its Derivatives as Anticancer Drugs: A Chance or Challenge? Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:828856. [PMID: 35035355 PMCID: PMC8758560 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.828856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer has become a global health problem, accounting for one out of six deaths. Despite the recent advances in cancer therapy, there is still an ever-growing need for readily accessible new therapies. The process of drug discovery and development is arduous and takes many years, and while it is ongoing, the time for the current lead compounds to reach clinical trial phase is very long. Drug repurposing has recently gained significant attention as it expedites the process of discovering new entities for anticancer therapy. One such potential candidate is the antimalarial drug, artemisinin that has shown anticancer activities in vitro and in vivo. In this review, major molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effect of artemisinin and its derivatives are summarised. Furthermore, major mechanisms of action and some key signaling pathways of this group of compounds have been reviewed to explore potential targets that contribute to the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells. Despite its established profile in malaria treatment, pharmacokinetic properties, anticancer potency, and current formulations that hinder the clinical translation of artemisinin as an anticancer agent, have been discussed. Finally, potential solutions or new strategies are identified to overcome the bottlenecks in repurposing artemisinin-type compounds as anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaowu Ma
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Clariis Yi-Ning Woon
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chen-Guang Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Jun-Ting Cheng
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Mingliang You
- Hangzhou Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.,Affiliated Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andrea Li-Ann Wong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Paul Chi-Lui Ho
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Daping Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Peishi Ong
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Boon-Cher Goh
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
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11
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Immunomolecular evaluation of dihydroartemisinin effects on apoptosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell lines. Leuk Res 2021; 110:106702. [PMID: 34571432 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2021.106702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin, has recently shown to induce apoptosis in many types of cancer cells. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of DHA on apoptosis in human chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cell lines. METHODS The cells were treated separately and combined by DHA and Fludurabine (FLU) during 24, 48 and 72 hours. The cell viabilities determined by XTT method. Following separate and combined treatment of IC50 concentrations of DHA and FLU to the cells during 24 hours, the cells were analyzed by flow cytometry to determine the effects on apopotis staining with AnnexinV FITC and PI. mRNA and protein expression levels of TCTP, Mcl-1, Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 were analyzed to find out the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis by using quantitative real-time PCR and flow cytometric methods. RESULTS Treatment with DHA alone or in combination with FLU induced apoptosis in a dose dependent manner in CLL cells. DHA alone was more effective than FLU alone or combined treatment with DHA and FLU. Our results suggest that Bcl-2 protein family member Bax was active in the apoptotic response of CLL cells after DHA treatment. Moreover, the apoptotic response induced by DHA was independent from the p53 mutation status of the CLL cells. CONCLUSION DHA might be a potential anti-cancer therapeutic for CLL.
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12
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Khongsti K, Pasupuleti BG, Das B, Bez G. 1,2,3-Triazole tethered 1,2,4‑trioxane trimer induces apoptosis in metastatic cancer cells and inhibits their proliferation, migration and invasion. Bioorg Chem 2021; 112:104952. [PMID: 33971565 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin (ART) has been in use against different cancer cells and its derivatives and conjugates are more cytotoxic to iron-rich cancer cells. It is desirable to develop easily achievable synthetic 1,2,4-trioxanes having the same pharmacophore as that of ART. To explore more efficient compounds, a 1,2,3-triazole tethered 1,2,4‑trioxane trimer (4T) was synthesized and the anti-cancer effects of ART and 4T on MDA-MB-435 and MDA-MB-231 cells were investigated concerning regulation of osteopontin (OPN) expression, which is associated with cancer progression and malignancy. 1H NMR and 13C NMR, oxidative stress analysis, flow cytometry, western blot, Real-Time PCR, transfections, luciferase assay, cell viability, proliferation, migration and chemotactic invasion assays were used in this study. It was observed that the 4T induced apoptosis by inhibiting Bcl-2 (~0.6-fold) and cleavage of caspase-3 (intrinsic pathway) in these metastatic cancer cells, and also reduced colony formation, migration and invasion of these cancer cells. The treatment of 4T decreased the reduced glutathione level and increased the activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glutathione reductase in the 4T treated cancer cells as compared to their respective controls. Further, the expression of OPN was diminished (~0.5-fold) by the 4T in these cell lines. It was also observed that the key mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway proteins, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase1/2 (~1.8-fold) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (~16-fold), were also activated following the treatment of the 4T. However, the phosphorylated c-Jun level, a component of activator protein-1, was significantly reduced in these cancer cells upon 4T treatment. Taken together, we hypothesize that 4T may be useful for controlling cancer progression and malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kitboklang Khongsti
- Department of Zoology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793022, India
| | | | - Bidyadhar Das
- Department of Zoology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793022, India.
| | - Ghanashyam Bez
- Department of Chemistry, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793022, India.
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13
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Li Q, Ma Q, Cheng J, Zhou X, Pu W, Zhong X, Guo X. Dihydroartemisinin as a Sensitizing Agent in Cancer Therapies. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:2563-2573. [PMID: 33880035 PMCID: PMC8053502 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s297785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the major threats to human health. Although humans have struggled with cancer for decades, the efficacy of treatments for most tumors is still very limited. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is a derivative of artemisinin, a first-line antimalarial drug originally developed in China. Beyond the anti-malarial effect, DHA has also been reported to show anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitosis, and immune-modulating properties in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, an increasing number of studies report that DHA possesses anticancer activities on a wide range of cancer types both in vitro and in vivo, as well as enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and even radiotherapy. However, the mechanisms of DHA on different tumors differ in various ways. In this review, we intend to summarize how DHA sensitizes cancer cells to anti-cancer therapies, highlight its molecular mechanisms and pharmacological effects in vitro and in vivo as well as in current clinical trials, and discuss potential issues concerning DHA. Hopefully, more attention will be paid to DHA as a sensitizer for cancer therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingrong Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China.,Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China.,Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jibing Cheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China.,Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China.,Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjie Pu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China.,Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaowu Zhong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China.,Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolan Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China.,Translational Medicine Research Center, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China
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14
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Shu Y, Liu X, Huang H, Wen Q, Shu J. Research progress of natural compounds in anti-liver fibrosis by affecting autophagy of hepatic stellate cells. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:1915-1924. [PMID: 33609264 PMCID: PMC7925445 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06171-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases caused by various pathogenesis are marked by inflammatory infiltration and wound healing reaction, while their normal regeneration ability is impaired. The unbalance between the generation and the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) leads to collagen accumulation and develops into liver fibrosis. Inflammation, oxidative stress, and autophagy interact closely in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) can not only stimulate Kupffer cells to release massive inflammatory factors, but induce autophagy. However, the latter may suppress inflammatory reaction by inhibiting proinflammatory complex formation directly, and removing damaged organelles or pathogenic microorganism indirectly. At present, effective anti-fibrosis drugs are still lacking. Previous studies have found various natural compounds enabled liver protection through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other mechanisms. In recent years, autophagy, a vital life activity, has been found to be involved in the mechanism of liver fibrosis. As a new target, developing anti-liver fibrosis drugs that regulate the activity of autophagy is very promising. In this review, we summarize the latest studies about natural compounds in the treatment of liver fibrosis by regulating autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxiang Shu
- Department of Gastroenterology, GuangZhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510220 China
| | - Xuyou Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, GuangZhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510220 China
| | - Haifeng Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, GuangZhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510220 China
| | - Qi Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology, GuangZhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510220 China
| | - Jianchang Shu
- Department of Gastroenterology, GuangZhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510220 China
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15
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Dai X, Zhang X, Chen W, Chen Y, Zhang Q, Mo S, Lu J. Dihydroartemisinin: A Potential Natural Anticancer Drug. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:603-622. [PMID: 33613116 PMCID: PMC7893584 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.50364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is an active metabolite of artemisinin and its derivatives (ARTs), and it is an effective clinical drug widely used to treat malaria. Recently, the anticancer activity of DHA has attracted increasing attention. Nevertheless, there is no systematic summary on the anticancer effects of DHA. Notably, studies have shown that DHA exerts anticancer effects through various molecular mechanisms, such as inhibiting proliferation, inducing apoptosis, inhibiting tumor metastasis and angiogenesis, promoting immune function, inducing autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the latest progress regarding the anticancer activities of DHA in cancer. Importantly, the underlying anticancer molecular mechanisms and pharmacological effects of DHA in vitro and in vivo are the focus of our attention. Interestingly, new methods to improve the solubility and bioavailability of DHA are discussed, which greatly enhance its anticancer efficacy. Remarkably, DHA has synergistic anti-tumor effects with a variety of clinical drugs, and preclinical and clinical studies provide stronger evidence of its anticancer potential. Moreover, this article also gives suggestions for further research on the anticancer effects of DHA. Thus, we hope to provide a strong theoretical support for DHA as an anticancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshuo Dai
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450052, PR China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China
| | - Yihuan Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China
| | - Qiushuang Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China
| | - Saijun Mo
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China
| | - Jing Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450052, PR China
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16
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Zhao Y, Long Z, Liu Y, Luo M, Qiu Y, Idris NFB, Song A, Wang K, He G. Dihydroartemisinin Ameliorates Decreased Neuroplasticity-Associated Proteins and Excessive Neuronal Apoptosis in APP/PS1 Mice. Curr Alzheimer Res 2021; 17:916-925. [PMID: 33327914 DOI: 10.2174/1567205017666201215124746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the worst neurodegenerative disorders worldwide, with extracellular senile plaques (SP), subsequent intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and final neuron loss and synaptic dysfunction as the main pathological characteristics. Excessive apoptosis is the main cause of irreversible neuron loss. Thus, therapeutic intervention for these pathological features has been considered a promising strategy to treat or prevent AD. Dihydroartemisin (DHA) is a widely used first-line drug for malaria. Our previous study showed that DHA treatment significantly accelerated Aβ clearance, improved memory and cognitive deficits in vivo and restored autophagic flux both in vivo and in vitro. METHODS The present study intended to explore the neuroprotective effect of DHA on neuron loss in APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice and the underlying mechanisms involved. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis showed that DHA significantly reduced the swollen endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in APP/PS1 mice. Western blot analysis indicated that DHA upregulated the level of NeuN, NeuroD, MAP2, and synaptophysin and promoted neurite outgrowth. Meanwhile, DHA greatly corrected the abnormal levels of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and rescued the neuronal loss in the hippocampal CA1 area. Western blot analysis revealed that DHA notably down-regulated the protein expression of full length caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3 and Bax. In parallel, the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 increased after oral DHA treatment. RESULTS Altogether, these results indicate that DHA protected AD mice from neuron loss via promoting the expression of BDNF and other neuroplasticity-associated proteins and suppressing the inhibition of neuronal apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyang Zhao
- Neuroscience Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zhimin Long
- Neuroscience Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yuanjie Liu
- Neuroscience Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Min Luo
- Department of Pathology, Suining Municipal Hospital of TCM, Suining City, Si Chuan Province, 629000, China
| | - Yu Qiu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Nur F B Idris
- Neuroscience Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Aijia Song
- Laboratory of Medical Experiment Technology, Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Kejian Wang
- Neuroscience Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Guiqiong He
- Neuroscience Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
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17
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Yuan B, Liao F, Shi ZZ, Ren Y, Deng XL, Yang TT, Li DY, Li RF, Pu DD, Wang YJ, Tan Y, Yang Z, Zhang YH. Dihydroartemisinin Inhibits the Proliferation, Colony Formation and Induces Ferroptosis of Lung Cancer Cells by Inhibiting PRIM2/SLC7A11 Axis. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:10829-10840. [PMID: 33149601 PMCID: PMC7602909 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s248492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Lung cancer is the first leading cause of cancer-related deaths both worldwide and in China and threatens human health and quality of life. New drugs and therapeutic methods are urgently needed. Our study evaluated the roles of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) in lung cancer and further explored its underlying mechanisms. Methods CCK-8, colony formation and trypan blue exclusion assays were used to detect the cell viability, colony formation ability and cell death. qRT-PCR and Western blotting assays were applied to analyze the expressions of key molecules. Results DHA inhibited the proliferation and colony formation abilities and enhanced the cell death and induced ferroptosis of lung NCI-H23 and XWLC-05 cancer cells. DHA reduced PRIM2 expression and silencing PRIM2 mimicked the inhibitory roles on proliferation and colony formation and promotive roles on cell death and ferroptosis of DHA in lung NCI-H23 and XWLC-05 cancer cells. We further found that DHA treatment and loss of PRIM2 reduced the GSH level and increased the cellular lipid ROS and mitochondrial MDA levels, and further downregulated the expressions of SLC7A11 and β-catenin in lung cancer cells, respectively. Exogenetic overexpression of PRIM2 recovered the inhibitory effects of DHA on proliferation and colony formation in lung NCI-H23 cancer cells, meanwhile loss of PRIM2 sensitizes NCI-H23 cells to DHA therapy. In vivo experiment further showed that DHA treatment significantly suppressed the tumor growth and downregulated PRIM2 and SLC7A11. Conclusion Our study suggested that DHA inhibited the proliferation, colony formation and enhanced cell death and induced ferroptosis of lung cancer cells by inactivating PRIM2/SLC7A11 axis. Loss of PRIM2 induced ferroptosis might developed to be a novel therapeutic method in lung cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Yuan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Liao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Zhou Shi
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Ren
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Li Deng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting-Ting Yang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Deng-Yuan Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ru-Fang Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan-Dan Pu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Jue Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Tan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun-Hui Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
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18
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Cheong DHJ, Tan DWS, Wong FWS, Tran T. Anti-malarial drug, artemisinin and its derivatives for the treatment of respiratory diseases. Pharmacol Res 2020; 158:104901. [PMID: 32405226 PMCID: PMC7217791 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinins are sesquiterpene lactones with a peroxide moiety that are isolated from the herb Artemisia annua. It has been used for centuries for the treatment of fever and chills, and has been recently approved for the treatment of malaria due to its endoperoxidase properties. Progressively, research has found that artemisinins displayed multiple pharmacological actions against inflammation, viral infections, and cell and tumour proliferation, making it effective against diseases. Moreover, it has displayed a relatively safe toxicity profile. The use of artemisinins against different respiratory diseases has been investigated in lung cancer models and inflammatory-driven respiratory disorders. These studies revealed the ability of artemisinins in attenuating proliferation, inflammation, invasion, and metastasis, and in inducing apoptosis. Artemisinins can regulate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), promote cell cycle arrest, drive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and induce Bak or Bax-dependent or independent apoptosis. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive update of the current knowledge of the effects of artemisinins in relation to respiratory diseases to identify gaps that need to be filled in the course of repurposing artemisinins for the treatment of respiratory diseases. In addition, we postulate whether artemisinins can also be repurposed for the treatment of COVID-19 given its anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy H J Cheong
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593, Singapore
| | - Daniel W S Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Fred W S Wong
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Immunology Program, Life Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 117456, Singapore; Singapore-HUJ Alliance for Research and Enterprise, National University of Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Thai Tran
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593, Singapore.
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19
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Trebinska-Stryjewska A, Swiech O, Opuchlik LJ, Grzybowska EA, Bilewicz R. Impact of Medium pH on DOX Toxicity toward HeLa and A498 Cell Lines. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:7979-7986. [PMID: 32309708 PMCID: PMC7161040 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b04479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The influence of the pH of the multicomponent cell medium on the performance of doxorubicin (DOX), an anticancer drug, was studied on the examples of cervical (HeLa) and kidney (A498) cancer cell lines. The change of pH of the cell medium to more acidic led to a decrease of DOX toxicity on both cell lines due to the change of drug permeability across the cell membrane as a result of drug protonation. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) studies and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release tests have shown low toxicity of the drug, especially in the case of A498 cells, which are characterized by an extremely high glycolytic metabolism. The behavior was ascribed primarily to the increased proton concentration in the peripheral blood follicle in the presence of products of the acidic glycolytic metabolism. It is not observed in the measurements performed in commercially available media since they usually have a neutral pH. In earlier reports on kidney cancer, several mechanisms were discussed, including the metabolism of DOX to its less toxic derivative, doxorubicinol, overexpression of ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) transporters, that remove DOX from the inside of cells; however, there was no focus on the simple but very important contribution of drug protonation described in the present study. Drug pH-dependent equilibria in the cell medium should be considered since changes in the drug form may be an additional reason for multidrug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Trebinska-Stryjewska
- Institute
of Optoelectronics, Biomedical Engineering Centre, Military University of Technology, 00-908 Warsaw, Poland
- Department
of Molecular and Translational Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Olga Swiech
- Faculty
of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Ewa A. Grzybowska
- Department
of Molecular and Translational Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Renata Bilewicz
- Faculty
of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
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20
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Li N, Guo W, Li Y, Zuo H, Zhang H, Wang Z, Zhao Y, Yang F, Ren G, Zhang S. Construction and anti-tumor activities of disulfide-linked docetaxel-dihydroartemisinin nanoconjugates. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2020; 191:111018. [PMID: 32304917 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2020.111018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Co-delivery of anti-tumor agents with outstanding stimulus-triggered drug release in tumor cells, especially with the aid of nanotechnology, provided the possibility to enhance delivery efficiency for targeting tumor cells and antitumor efficacy. In this paper, docetaxel-dihydroartemisinin nanoconjugates linked by disulfide bond were designed to increase co-delivery and anti-tumor efficacy. Docetaxel and dihydroartemisinin were synthesized using two-step reaction and furtherly assembled to nanoconjugates. Nanoprescription was optimized to evaluate its physicochemical properties. In vitro anti-tumor activities of nanoformulation were assessed by MTT. The flow cytometry was adopted to analyze cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. The wound healing assay was used to evaluate antimigratory-property. In vivo pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies were investigated in rats and 4T1 bearing Balb/c mice model after intravenous injection, respectively. The chemical structure of conjugate was confirmed. The prepared nanoparticles possessed uniform size distribution (172.10 ± 1.70 nm, PDI 0.05 ± 0.01), was stable during storage period, sustained release profiles and sensitive reduction responsiveness. MTT assay indicated that the toxicity of nanoconjugates was slightly weak. Flow cytometry studies showed that nanoconjugates could promote early apoptosis significantly and mainly arose from G0/G1 phase. The wound healing assay provided an obvious antimetastatic potential of nanoparticles in 4T1 cells. The result of pharmacokinetic study suggested that nanoconjugates exhibited higher exposure levels. In vivo pharmacodynamic research showed that mice treated with docetaxel-dihydroartemisinin nanoconjugates had lower systemic toxicity and higher survival ratio than those of control groups. This potential of nanoconjugates was developed as a novel nanoplateform to treat tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Wenju Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yujie Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Hengtong Zuo
- School of Pharmacy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Huihui Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Zhaoyun Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yongdan Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Fan Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Guolian Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
| | - Shuqiu Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
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21
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Ma L, Fei H. Antimalarial drug artesunate is effective against chemoresistant anaplastic thyroid carcinoma via targeting mitochondrial metabolism. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2020; 52:123-130. [PMID: 32036542 DOI: 10.1007/s10863-020-09824-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the most aggressive type of thyroid malignancies and resistant to chemotherapy. Novel therapeutic strategy is required for better management of ATC. In this work, we show that artesunate, an antimalarial drug, is active against chemoresistant ATC cells. Artesunate dose-dependently inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in chemo-sensitive (8505C and KAT-4) and -resistant (8505C-r and KAT-4-r) ATC cells, and acts synergistically with doxorubicin. Using multiple xenograft mouse models, artesunate is active against chemo-sensitive and -resistant ATC cells in vivo at doses that do not cause toxicity in mice. Our mechanism analysis reveals that artesunate acts on ATC cells through suppressing mitochondrial functions without affecting glycolysis, leading to oxidative stress and damage, regardless of whether they are sensitive or resistant to chemotherapy. Interestingly, KAT-4-r cells demonstrate decreased glycolysis, increased mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial respiration compared to KAT-4 cells whereas such phenomenon is not observed between 8505C and 8505C-r cells. This suggests that some but not all ATC cells gain enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis after prolonged exposure to chemotherapy drug, which may explain the different sensitivities of 8505C-r and KAT-4-r to artesunate. Our work demonstrates that artesunate is a potential addition to the treatment armamentarium for ATC, particularly those with chemoresistance. Our findings also highlight the therapeutic value of targeting mitochondria in chemoresistant ATC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ma
- Department of Endocrinology, First Affiliated Hospital, First Clinical Medical College, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, 434000, China
| | - Honghua Fei
- Department of Endocrinology, People's Hospital of Rizhao, No.126, Taian Road, Rizhao, 276826, Shandong, China.
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22
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Zha L, Wang B, Qian J, Fletcher B, Zhang C, Dong Q, Chen W, Hong L. Preparation, characterization and preliminary pharmacokinetic study of pH-sensitive Hydroxyapatite/Zein nano-drug delivery system for doxorubicin hydrochloride. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 72:496-506. [PMID: 31975457 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.13223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Zein nanoparticles (Zein NPs) were used as a hydroxyapatite (HA) biomineralization template to generate HA/Zein NPs. Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) was loaded on HA/Zein NPs (HA/Zein-DOX NPs) to improve its pH-sensitive release, bioavailability and decrease cardiotoxicity. METHODS HA/Zein-DOX NPs were prepared by phase separation and biomimetic mineralization method. Particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), Zeta potential, transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy of HA/Zein-DOX NPs were characterized. The nanoparticles were then evaluated in vitro and in vivo. KEY FINDINGS The small PDI and high Zeta potential demonstrated that HA/Zein-DOX NPs were a stable and homogeneous dispersed system and that HA was mineralized on Zein-DOX NPs. HA/Zein-DOX NPs showed pH-sensitive release. Compared with free DOX, HA/Zein-DOX NPs increased cellular uptake which caused 7 times higher in-vitro cytotoxicity in 4T1 cells. Pharmacokinetic experiments indicated the t1/2β and AUC0- t of HA/Zein-DOX NPs were 2.73- and 3.12-fold higher than those of DOX solution, respectively. Tissue distribution exhibited HA/Zein-DOX NPs reduced heart toxicity with lower heart targeting efficiency (18.58%) than that of DOX solution (37.62%). CONCLUSION In this study, HA/Zein-DOX NPs represented an antitumour drug delivery system for DOX in clinical tumour therapy with improved bioavailability and decreased cardiotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiong Zha
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Beilei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Jiajia Qian
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Brock Fletcher
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Caiyun Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Qiannian Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Weidong Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Lufeng Hong
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
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23
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Dihydroartemisinin inhibits endothelial cell tube formation by suppression of the STAT3 signaling pathway. Life Sci 2019; 242:117221. [PMID: 31881224 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.117221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Endothelial cell (EC) tube formation is crucial for tumor angiogenesis, which becomes a target for chemotherapy. The anti-malaria agent dihydroartemisinin (DHA) inhibited tumor growth and angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of DHA on EC tube formation and the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured with different concentrations of DHA, and the tube formation was measured by in vitro angiogenesis assay. The protein levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 3 (STAT3), phosphorylated STAT3 and fatty acid synthase (FASN) were detected by Western blotting. The gene expression of FASN was determined by real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The FASN siRNA and STAT3 (Y705D) vector were introduced into HUVECs by lipofectin transfection. KEY FINDINGS DHA treatment inhibited tube formation, and the phosphorylation of STAT3 on Y705 of HUVECs. The expression of FASN was down-regulated by DHA and STAT3 inhibitor. The inhibitory effect of DHA on FASN expression in HUVECs was eliminated by co-treatment with the STAT3 inhibitor. Over-expression of STAT3 (Y705D) relieved the inhibitory effect of DHA on tube-formation and FASN expression. Under hypoxia condition, expression of FASN was up-regulated but inhibited by DHA treatment in HUVECs through suppression of STAT3 phosphorylation. SIGNIFICANCE We demonstrate that DHA inhibits the protein level of FASN via attenuation of the Y705 phosphorylation of STAT3, and subsequently inhibits tube formation of HUVECs. Our results support the therapeutic potential of DHA on angiogenesis.
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24
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Wang Y, Ding Y, Zhao J, Wang C, Gao M, Chi X, Zhang B, Ma X, Li L. Dihydroartemisinin and doxorubicin co-loaded Soluplus ®-TPGS mixed micelles: formulation characterization, cellular uptake, and pharmacodynamic studies. Pharm Dev Technol 2019; 24:1125-1132. [PMID: 31305197 DOI: 10.1080/10837450.2019.1641726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Clinically, co-delivery of chemotherapeutics has been limited by poor water-solubility and severe systemic toxicity. This study was aimed at integrating the merits of combination chemotherapy and mixed micellar technology and demonstrating the anticancer potential of doxorubicin (DOX) and dihydroartemisinin (DHA) co-loaded Soluplus®-TPGS mixed micellar system. In this study, physiochemically stable multidrug loaded mixed micelles were successfully prepared, encapsulation efficiencies of DOX and DHA were as high as 90%, and the average diameter of the micelles was 64.27 nm. The cellular uptake of DOX from the mixed micelles increased by 1.3 and 1.2 times for MCF-7 and MCF-7/ADR cell lines, respectively. The micelles were more cytotoxic than free DHA-DOX. Surprisingly, the co-loaded mixed micelles exhibited higher antitumor activity, while the systemic toxicity was reduced during the treatment. Therefore, the DOX and DHA mixed micelle might be a potential, effective, and less toxic drug-delivery system for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University , Dalian , P.R. China
| | - Yanfang Ding
- School of Basic Medicine, Dalian Medical University , Dalian , P.R. China
| | - Jing Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University , Dalian , P.R. China
| | - Changyuan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University , Dalian , P.R. China
| | - Meng Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University , Dalian , P.R. China
| | - Xinming Chi
- School of Basic Medicine, Dalian Medical University , Dalian , P.R. China
| | - Baojing Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University , Dalian , P.R. China
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University , Dalian , P.R. China
| | - Lei Li
- School of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University , Dalian , P.R. China.,Key Laboratory for Basic and Applied Research on Pharmacodynamic Substances of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Liaoning Province, Dalian Medical University , Dalian , P.R. China
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25
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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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26
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Kumari K, Keshari S, Sengupta D, Sabat SC, Mishra SK. Transcriptome analysis of genes associated with breast cancer cell motility in response to Artemisinin treatment. BMC Cancer 2017; 17:858. [PMID: 29246124 PMCID: PMC5732364 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-017-3863-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Well-known anti-malarial drug artemisinin exhibits potent anti-cancerous activities. In-vivo and in-vitro studies showed its anti-tumor and immunomodulatory properties signifying it as a potent drug candidate for study. The studies of mechanisms of cell movement are relevant which can be understood by knowing the involvement of genes in an effect of a drug. Although cytotoxicity and anti-proliferative activity of artemisinin is evident, the genes participating in its anti-migratory and reduced invasive effect are not well studied. The present study reports the alteration in the expression of 84 genes involved in cell motility upon artemisinin treatment in MCF-7 breast cancer cells using pathway focused gene expression PCR array. In addition, the effect of artemisinin on epigenetic modifier HDACs is studied. Methods We checked the functional stimulus of artemisinin on cell viability, migration, invasion and apoptosis in breast cancerous cell lines. Using qRT-PCR and western blot, we validated the altered expression of relevant genes associated with proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis and mammary gland development. Results Artemisinin inhibited cell proliferation of estrogen receptor negative breast cancer cells with fewer efficacies in comparison to estrogen receptor positive ones. At the same time, cell viability and proliferation of normal breast epithelial MCF10A cells was un-affected. Artemisinin strongly inhibited cancer cell migration and invasion. Along with orphan nuclear receptors (ERRα, ERRβ and ERRγ), artemisinin altered the ERα/ERβ/PR/Her expression status of MCF-7 cells. The expression of genes involved in the signaling pathways associated with proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis was significantly altered which cooperatively resulted into reduced growth promoting activities of breast cancer cells. Interestingly, artemisinin exhibited inhibitory effect on histone deacetylases (HDACs). Conclusions Upregulated expression of tumor suppressor genes along with reduced expression of oncogenes significantly associated with growth stimulating signaling pathways in response to artemisinin treatment suggests its efficacy as an effective drug in breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanchan Kumari
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Institute of Life Sciences (Government of India), Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751023, India
| | | | | | - Surendra C Sabat
- Molecular biology of abiotic stress, Institute of Life Sciences, Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751023, India
| | - Sandip K Mishra
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Institute of Life Sciences (Government of India), Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751023, India.
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27
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Poupel F, Aghaei M, Movahedian A, Jafari SM, Shahrestanaki MK. Dihydroartemisinin Induces Apoptosis in Human Bladder Cancer Cell Lines Through Reactive Oxygen Species, Mitochondrial Membrane Potential, and Cytochrome C Pathway. Int J Prev Med 2017; 8:78. [PMID: 29114376 PMCID: PMC5651661 DOI: 10.4103/ijpvm.ijpvm_258_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is a semisynthetic derivative of artemisinin and has antiproliferative effect. However, such effects of DHA have not yet been revealed for bladder cancer cells. Methods: We used as bladder cancer cell lines to examine the effect of DHA on the cell viability, cell apoptosis, and monitoring of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) changes. Furthermore, the effect of DHA on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cytochrome c release were also detected. We employed MTT assay to investigate the cell proliferation effect of DHA on the EJ-138 and HTB-9 human bladder cancer cells. Annexin/PI staining, caspase-3 activity assay, Bcl-2/Bax protein expression, mitochondrial membrane potential assay, cytochrome c release, and ROS analysis were used for apoptosis detection. Results: DHA significantly reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Cytotoxicity of DHA was suppressed by N-acetylcysteine. The growth inhibition effect of DHA was related to the induction of cell apoptosis, which were manifested by annexin V-FITC staining, activation of caspase-3. DHA also increased ROS generation, cytochrome c release, and loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) in cells. In addition, the downregulation of regulatory protein Bcl-2 and upregulation of Bax protein by DHA were also observed. Conclusions: These findings demonstrated that DHA induces apoptosis through mitochondrial signaling pathway. These suggest that DHA may be a potential agent for induction of apoptosis in human bladder cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Poupel
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Aghaei
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ahmad Movahedian
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Seyyed Mehdi Jafari
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Keyvanloo Shahrestanaki
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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28
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Cancer combination therapies with artemisinin-type drugs. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 139:56-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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29
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Wong YK, Xu C, Kalesh KA, He Y, Lin Q, Wong WSF, Shen HM, Wang J. Artemisinin as an anticancer drug: Recent advances in target profiling and mechanisms of action. Med Res Rev 2017. [PMID: 28643446 DOI: 10.1002/med.21446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives (collectively termed as artemisinins) are among the most important and effective antimalarial drugs, with proven safety and efficacy in clinical use. Beyond their antimalarial effects, artemisinins have also been shown to possess selective anticancer properties, demonstrating cytotoxic effects against a wide range of cancer types both in vitro and in vivo. These effects appear to be mediated by artemisinin-induced changes in multiple signaling pathways, interfering simultaneously with multiple hallmarks of cancer. Great strides have been taken to characterize these pathways and to reveal their anticancer mechanisms of action of artemisinin. Moreover, encouraging data have also been obtained from a limited number of clinical trials to support their anticancer property. However, there are several key gaps in knowledge that continue to serve as significant barriers to the repurposing of artemisinins as effective anticancer agents. This review focuses on important and emerging aspects of this field, highlighting breakthroughs in unresolved questions as well as novel techniques and approaches that have been taken in recent studies. We discuss the mechanism of artemisinin activation in cancer, novel and significant findings with regards to artemisinin target proteins and pathways, new understandings in artemisinin-induced cell death mechanisms, as well as the practical issues of repurposing artemisinin. We believe these will be important topics in realizing the potential of artemisinin and its derivatives as safe and potent anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Kwan Wong
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chengchao Xu
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Karunakaran A Kalesh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yingke He
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qingsong Lin
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - W S Fred Wong
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Han-Ming Shen
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jigang Wang
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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30
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Interaction between autophagy and senescence is required for dihydroartemisinin to alleviate liver fibrosis. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2886. [PMID: 28617435 PMCID: PMC5520911 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Revised: 04/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy and cellular senescence are stress responses essential for homeostasis. Therefore, they may represent new pharmacologic targets for drug development to treat diseases. In this study, we sought to evaluate the effect of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) on senescence of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms. We found that DHA treatment induced the accumulation of senescent activated HSCs in rat fibrotic liver, and promoted the expression of senescence markers p53, p16, p21 and Hmga1 in cell model. Importantly, our study identified the transcription factor GATA6 as an upstream molecule in the facilitation of DHA-induced HSC senescence. GATA6 accumulation promoted DHA-induced p53 and p16 upregulation, and contributed to HSC senescence. By contrast, siRNA-mediated knockdown of GATA6 dramatically abolished DHA-induced upregulation of p53 and p16, and in turn inhibited HSC senescence. Interestingly, DHA also appeared to increase autophagosome generation and autophagic flux in activated HSCs, which was underlying mechanism for DHA-induced GATA6 accumulation. Autophagy depletion impaired GATA6 accumulation, while autophagy induction showed a synergistic effect with DHA. Attractively, p62 was found to act as a negative regulator of GATA6 accumulation. Treatment of cultured HSCs with various autophagy inhibitors, led to an inhibition of DHA-induced p62 degradation, and in turn, prevented DHA-induced GATA6 accumulation and HSC senescence. Overall, these results provide novel implications to reveal the molecular mechanism of DHA-induced senescence, by which points to the possibility of using DHA based proautophagic drugs for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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31
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Structural modifications in the sugar moiety as a key to improving the anticancer effectiveness of doxorubicin. Life Sci 2017; 178:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2017.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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