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Ye X, Yang C, Xu H, He Q, Sheng L, Lin J, Wang X. Exploring the therapeutic mechanisms of Coptidis Rhizoma in gastric precancerous lesions: a network pharmacology approach. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:211. [PMID: 38837097 PMCID: PMC11153449 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01070-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric precancerous lesions are a critical stage in the development of gastric cancer or gastric adenocarcinoma, and their outcome plays an important role in the malignant progression of gastric cancer. Coptidis Rhizoma has a good effect on Gastric precancerous lesions. However, the specific mechanisms of its action remain incompletely elucidated. METHODS Network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques were used to explore the active ingredients and molecular mechanism of Coptidis Rhizoma in treating gastric precancerous lesions. The active compounds of Coptidis Rhizoma and their potential gastric precancerous lesions related targets were obtained from TCMSP, GeneCards, and OMIM databases. An interaction network based on protein-protein interactions (PPIs) was constructed to visualize the interactions between hub genes. Analysis of GO enrichment and KEGG pathway were conducted using the DAVID database. An investigation of interactions between active compounds and potential targets was carried out by molecular docking. Finally, animal experiments were conducted to verify the effect and mechanism of Coptidis Rhizoma in treating precancerous lesions of gastric cancer. RESULTS A total of 11 active compounds and 95 anti-gastric precancerous lesions targets of Coptidis Rhizoma were screened for analysis. GO enrichment analysis showed that the mechanism of Coptidis Rhizoma acting on gastric precancerous lesions involves gene expression regulation and apoptosis regulation. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that Coptidis Rhizoma against gastric precancerous lesions involving the AKT /HIF-1α/VEGF signalling pathway. Molecular docking simulations indicated potential interactions between these compounds and core targets involved in anti-gastric precancerous lesions activity. In addition, it was confirmed in vivo that Berberine and Coptidis Rhizoma may reverse atrophy and potential intestinal metaplasia by inhibiting the expression of p-AKT, HIFA, and VEGF. CONCLUSION Bioactive compounds in Coptidis Rhizoma have the potential to prevent atrophy and intestinal metaplasia. These compounds function by regulating the proteins implicated in AKT /HIF-1α/VEGF signalling pathways that are crucial in gastric epithelial cell differentiation, proliferation and maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuxing Ye
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital, 351 Mingyue Street, Wucheng District, Jinhua, 321000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chao Yang
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 548 Binwen Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Hanzhi Xu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Qin He
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital, 351 Mingyue Street, Wucheng District, Jinhua, 321000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lin Sheng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital, Jinhua, 321000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junmei Lin
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital, 351 Mingyue Street, Wucheng District, Jinhua, 321000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 548 Binwen Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, 310000, China.
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Zhu M, Chu Z, Dai X, Pan F, Luo Y, Feng X, Hu Y, Wang H, Liu Y. Effect of Celastrus Orbiculatus Extract on proliferation and apoptosis of human Burkitt lymphoma cells. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1361371. [PMID: 38633608 PMCID: PMC11021594 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1361371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The lymphoma incidence rate is on the rise, with invasive forms particularly prone to relapse following conventional treatment, posing a significant threat to human life and wellbeing. Numerous studies have shown that traditional Chinese botanical drug medicine offers promising therapeutic benefits for various malignancies, with previous experimental findings indicating that Celastrus orbiculatus extract effectively combats digestive tract tumors. However, its impact on lymphoma remains unexplored. This study aims to investigate the impact and underlying mechanisms of COE on the proliferation and apoptosis of Burkitt lymphoma cells. We diluted COE in RPMI-1640 medium to create various working concentrations and introduced it to human Burkitt lymphoma Raji and Ramos cells. To evaluate cell viability, we used the CCK-8 assay, and we observed morphological changes using HE staining. We also conducted Annexin V-PI and JC-1 staining experiments to assess apoptosis. By combining the cell cycle experiment with the EDU assay, we gained insights into the effects of COE on DNA replication in lymphoma cells. Using Western blotting, we detected alterations in apoptosis-related proteins. In vivo experiments revealed that following COE intervention, tumor volume decreased, survival time was prolonged, spleen size reduced, and the expression of tumor apoptosis-related proteins changed. Our findings indicate that COE effectively inhibits lymphoma cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis by regulating these apoptosis-related proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Zhu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Gastric Cancer of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zewen Chu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Gastric Cancer of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Dai
- The Key Laboratory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Gastric Cancer of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Yangzhou, Yangzhou, China
| | - Fan Pan
- Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Luo
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Gastric Cancer of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xingyi Feng
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Gastric Cancer of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yaqi Hu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Gastric Cancer of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Haibo Wang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Gastric Cancer of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yanqing Liu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Gastric Cancer of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Xu M, Yao C, Zhang W, Gao S, Zou H, Gao J. Anti-Cancer Activity Based on the High Docetaxel Loaded Poly(2-Oxazoline)s Micelles. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:2735-2749. [PMID: 33859475 PMCID: PMC8043799 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s298093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Nanocarriers, with a high drug loading content and good safety, to achieve desirable therapeutic effect are always the goals for industry and research. METHODS AND RESULTS In the present study, we developed a docetaxel loaded poly-2-oxazoline polymer micellar system which employed poly-2-butyl-2 oxazoline and poly-2-methyl-2 oxazoline as the hydrophobic chain and hydrophilic chain, respectively. This micellar system achieves a high load up to 25% against the docetaxel, and further demonstrates an IC50 as low as 40% of the commercialized docetaxel injection in vitro and a double maximum tolerated dose in MCF-7 cells in vivo. CONCLUSION The high drug loading content, superior safety, and considerable anti-cancer activity make this newly developed docetaxel loaded poly(2-oxazoline) micelle go further in future clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
- Department of Pharmacy, Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Chong Yao
- Clinical Pharmacy Center, Department of Pharmacy, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100850, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Shen Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Zou
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, People's Republic of China
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Kozak J, Forma A, Czeczelewski M, Kozyra P, Sitarz E, Radzikowska-Büchner E, Sitarz M, Baj J. Inhibition or Reversal of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Gastric Cancer: Pharmacological Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010277. [PMID: 33383973 PMCID: PMC7795012 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) constitutes one of the hallmarks of carcinogenesis consisting in the re-differentiation of the epithelial cells into mesenchymal ones changing the cellular phenotype into a malignant one. EMT has been shown to play a role in the malignant transformation and while occurring in the tumor microenvironment, it significantly affects the aggressiveness of gastric cancer, among others. Importantly, after EMT occurs, gastric cancer patients are more susceptible to the induction of resistance to various therapeutic agents, worsening the clinical outcome of patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need to search for the newest pharmacological agents targeting EMT to prevent further progression of gastric carcinogenesis and potential metastases. Therapies targeted at EMT might be combined with other currently available treatment modalities, which seems to be an effective strategy to treat gastric cancer patients. In this review, we have summarized recent advances in gastric cancer treatment in terms of targeting EMT specifically, such as the administration of polyphenols, resveratrol, tangeretin, luteolin, genistein, proton pump inhibitors, terpenes, other plant extracts, or inorganic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kozak
- Department of Human Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Alicja Forma
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (A.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Marcin Czeczelewski
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (A.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Paweł Kozyra
- Student Research Group, Independent Radiopharmacy Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, PL-20093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Elżbieta Sitarz
- 1st Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention, Medical University of Lublin, Gluska Street 1, 20-439 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Elżbieta Radzikowska-Büchner
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of the Interior in Warsaw, 01-211 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Monika Sitarz
- Department of Conservative Dentistry with Endodontics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Jacek Baj
- Department of Human Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
- Correspondence:
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Guo W, Xu B, Wang X, Zheng B, Du J, Liu S. The Analysis of the Anti-Tumor Mechanism of Ursolic Acid Using Connectively Map Approach in Breast Cancer Cells Line MCF-7. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:3469-3476. [PMID: 32523377 PMCID: PMC7237111 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s241957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ursolic acid (UA), a primary bioactive triterpenoid, was reported as an anti-cancer agent. However, the current knowledge of UA and its potential anti-cancer mechanisms and targets in breast cancer cells are limited. In this study, we aimed to illustrate the potential mechanisms and targets of UA in breast cancer cells MCF-7. METHODS The effect of UA on cell growth was determined in MCF-7 cells by MTT assay. The anti-tumor mechanism of UA was evaluated by microarray, CAMP, and Western blot. Moreover, the molecular docking between UA and potential receptors were predicted by iGEMDOCK software. RESULTS The result of MTT assay demonstrated that UA could inhibit MCF-7 cell growth with IC50 values of 20 μM. Microarray and CMAP analysis, validated by Western blot, indicated that UA significantly modulated IKK/NF-κB, RAF/ERK pathways, and down-regulated the phosphorylation level of PLK1 in MCF-7 cells. CONCLUSION Our data indicated that the anti-tumor effects of UA are due to the inhibited RAF/ERK pathway and IKK/NF-κB pathway. It could also be explained by the reduced phosphorylation of PLK1 in MCF-7 cells. This study provides a new insight for deep understanding of the new anti-cancer mechanisms of UA in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqiang Guo
- School of Chemistry, Biology and Material Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou215009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Xu
- School of Chemistry, Biology and Material Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou215009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wang
- Suzhou Key Laboratory for Medical Biotechnology, Suzhou Vocational Health College, Suzhou215009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Zheng
- School of Chemistry, Biology and Material Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou215009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiahui Du
- Suzhou Key Laboratory for Medical Biotechnology, Suzhou Vocational Health College, Suzhou215009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Songbai Liu
- Suzhou Key Laboratory for Medical Biotechnology, Suzhou Vocational Health College, Suzhou215009, People’s Republic of China
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Yang L, Zhao L, Zeng T, Chen H, Shao J, Yang S, Tao Z, Yang J, Chen T, Lin X, Chen X, Tang M. Mechanisms Underlying Therapeutic Effects Of Traditional Chinese Medicine On Gastric Cancer. Cancer Manag Res 2019; 11:8407-8418. [PMID: 31571996 PMCID: PMC6754335 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s218214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world. It is the fourth most common cancer and has the second highest mortality rate globally. Metastasis is an important feature of gastric cancer and is the most common cause of death. Exploring the mechanism underlying the metastasis of gastric cancer and searching for new drug targets has become the focus of several studies. Traditional Chinese medicine may show promise for treatment of gastric cancer. In this review, we report the recent progress in research on the anti-metastasis activity of Chinese medicine, to facilitate clinical development of treatments for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linjun Yang
- Department of Laboratory Animal Centre, Laboratory Animal Centre, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liqian Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Animal Centre, Laboratory Animal Centre, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tianni Zeng
- Department of Laboratory Animal Centre, Laboratory Animal Centre, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Laboratory Animal Centre, Laboratory Animal Centre, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Shao
- Department of Laboratory Animal Centre, Laboratory Animal Centre, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Song Yang
- Department of Laboratory Animal Centre, Laboratory Animal Centre, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheying Tao
- Department of Laboratory Animal Centre, Laboratory Animal Centre, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingqin Yang
- Department of Laboratory Animal Centre, Laboratory Animal Centre, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tongke Chen
- Department of Laboratory Animal Centre, Laboratory Animal Centre, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaokun Lin
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiwen Chen
- Department of Laboratory Animal Centre, Laboratory Animal Centre, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mosheng Tang
- Department of Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy, Lishui City People’s Hospital, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
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Qian YY, Li WY, Yan Y, Zhao XY, Yang T, Fang CC, Hou JJ, Liu YQ. Celastrus orbiculatus Extracts Inhibit Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Growth by Targeting mTOR Signaling Pathways. Chin J Integr Med 2019; 25:845-852. [PMID: 31127506 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-019-3035-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the molecular mechanism underlying the antineoplastic activity of Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb. extracts (COE). METHODS The human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) knockdown expressed (HepG2/mTOR) were constructed using molecular biological technology. In vitro, the HepG2/mTOR- cells were treated with COE at various concentrations (10, 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320 µ g/mL). Cell viability was determined using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. According to the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value (140 mg/L), the concentrations of COE in the subsequent experiment was set to alleviate cytotoxicity. The HepG2/mTOR- cells were divided into 5 groups: negative control (untreated), COE treatment groups (40, 80, 120 mg/L COE) and positive control group (cisplatin, DDP, 2 mg/L), respectively. Wild-type HepG2 cells were used as a blank control. The effects of COE on the cell apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry and transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), respectively. The protein expression levels of mTOR signal pathways were determined by Western blotting. In vivo, HepG2/mTOR- cells (2 × 106 cell/mice) were subcutaneously injected into the right flank of nude mice. Thirty-six female nude mice were randomly assigned to 6 groups according to body weight (6 mice per group) as follows: solvent vehicle control, Banmao Capsule treated group (BM, 195 mg/kg), Tegafur, Gimeracil and Oteracil Potassium Capsules (10 mg/kg) treated group, and different dosages of COE (10, 20, 40 mg/kg) groups. Tumor growth was monitored and immunohistochemical staining was used to examine the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in tumor tissues. RESULTS COE inhibited the proliferation significantly in a concentration-dependent manner in HepG2/mTOR- cells (P<0.01). COE significantly induced the apoptosis of HepG2/mTOR- cells (P<0.01), and the apoptotic bodies can be observed under TEM. COE significantly inhibits the proteins expression of mTOR-related signal pathways. In vivo, COE significantly inhibited tumor growth in nude mice (P<0.01). Moreover, the results showed that COE down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, and up-regulated the levels of Bax and caspase-3 protein (P<0.01). CONCLUSION COE was a potential chemotherapeutic drug in HCC treatments via targeting mTOR signal pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Yun Qian
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China. .,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu Province, China. .,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Wen-Yuan Li
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yan Yan
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xue-Yu Zhao
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chuan-Ci Fang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jing-Jing Hou
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yan-Qing Liu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, China
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Qian Y, Yang T, Zhao X, Yan Y, Li W, Fang C, Hou J, Tao L, Liu Y. Celastrus orbiculatus extracts induce apoptosis in mTOR-overexpressed human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 18:328. [PMID: 30526568 PMCID: PMC6286504 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-018-2397-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Celastrus orbiculatus (Celastraceae) are used as traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammation and cancer. This study aims to evaluate the effect of Celastrus orbiculatus extract (COE) on the apoptosis in human hepatic carcinoma HepG2 cells with mTOR overexpression. Methods The stable expression of mTOR in HepG2 cells (HepG2/mTOR+) were established by lipofectin transfection of GV238-mTOR recombinant plasmids and further antibiotic selection. Human hepatic carcinoma HepG2/mTOR+ cells were treated with different concentrations (20, 40, 80, 160, and 320 μg/mL) of COE for 24 h. The cell proliferation upon COE treatment was detected by MTT. Apoptosis was measured by Flow Cytometry. The activity of mTOR signaling pathway was detected by Western Blotting. Results COE significantly inhibited the proliferation of HepG2/mTOR+ cells. The expression levels of Bax and Caspase-3 protein were increased in the HepG2/mTOR+ cells in a dose-dependent manner. The proteins expression of Bcl2, Bcl-2 L12, mTOR, phospho-mTOR, 4EBP1, phospho-4EBP1, P70S6k, and phospho-P70S6k in HepG2/mTOR+ cells were reduced in dose-dependent manners. Furthermore, COE and mTOR inhibitor rapamycin (RAPA) synergistically induced apoptosis in HepG2/mTOR+ cells by regulating apoptosis-related proteins and inhibiting mTOR signaling pathways. Conclusion COE could inhibit the proliferation of HepG2/mTOR+ cells, and induce the cell apoptosis. The mechanisms may be related to the regulation of the expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-2 L12, and mTOR signaling pathways. These data suggest that COE may be a potential treatment for human hepatocellular carcinoma.
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