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Liu FY, Ding DN, Wang YR, Liu SX, Peng C, Shen F, Zhu XY, Li C, Tang LP, Han FJ. Icariin as a potential anticancer agent: a review of its biological effects on various cancers. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1216363. [PMID: 37456751 PMCID: PMC10347417 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1216363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous chemical compounds used in cancer treatment have been isolated from natural herbs to address the ever-increasing cancer incidence worldwide. Therein is icariin, which has been extensively studied for its therapeutic potential due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidepressant, and aphrodisiac properties. However, there is a lack of comprehensive and detailed review of studies on icariin in cancer treatment. Given this, this study reviews and examines the relevant literature on the chemopreventive and therapeutic potentials of icariin in cancer treatment and describes its mechanism of action. The review shows that icariin has the property of inhibiting cancer progression and reversing drug resistance. Therefore, icariin may be a valuable potential agent for the prevention and treatment of various cancers due to its natural origin, safety, and low cost compared to conventional anticancer drugs, while further research on this natural agent is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Yuan Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Dan-Ni Ding
- First Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Yun-Rui Wang
- First Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Shao-Xuan Liu
- First Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- First Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Fang Shen
- First Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Xiao-Ya Zhu
- First Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Chan Li
- First Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Li-Ping Tang
- Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Feng-Juan Han
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
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Fu Y, Liu H, Long M, Song L, Meng Z, Lin S, Zhang Y, Qin J. Icariin attenuates the tumor growth by targeting miR-1-3p/TNKS2/Wnt/β-catenin signaling axis in ovarian cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:940926. [PMID: 36185280 PMCID: PMC9516086 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.940926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Despite various therapy advances, ovarian cancer remains an incurable disease for which survival rates have only modestly improved. Natural products are important sources of anti-cancer lead compounds. Icariin exhibited broad anti-cancer efficacy. However, the mechanism of icariin against ovarian cancer is poorly elucidated. Methods Cell viability was detected to evaluate the effect of icariin on SKOV-3 cells. The cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed. The transcript of SKOV-3 cells was profiled by RNA-seq. GSEA and DEGs analyses were performed to interpret gene expression data. Western blot and TOP/FOP flash assay were applied to detect Wnt/β-catenin signaling. MiRDB database and dual-luciferase reporter assay was applied to study the regulation of miR-1-3p on TNKS2. Anti-tumor efficacy of icariin was evaluated by xenograft mouse model. Immunohistochemistry was performed with antibodies against Ki67. Results Icariin significantly suppressed the proliferation of SKOV-3 cells. Furthermore, icariin stalled cell cycle and induced apoptosis by blocking TNKS2/Wnt/β-catenin pathway through upregulating the level of miR-1-3p. Finally, icariin dramatically suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Conclusions In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that icariin significantly attenuated the growth of ovarian tumor in xenograft mouse model. Furthermore, we systematically revealed that icariin attenuates the tumor progression by suppressing TNKS2/Wnt/β-catenin signaling via upregulating the level of miR-1-3p in ovarian cancer with transcriptome analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjin Fu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiquan Liu
- Huizhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mengsha Long
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linliang Song
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zuyu Meng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaozi Lin
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiyao Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - JiaJia Qin
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: JiaJia Qin,
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Xu J, Shen X, Sun D, Zhu Y. Cordycepin Suppresses The Malignant Phenotypes of Colon Cancer Cells through The GSK3ß/ß-catenin/cyclin D1 Signaling Pathway. CELL JOURNAL 2022; 24:255-260. [PMID: 35717567 PMCID: PMC9445518 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2022.8160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cordycepin, also known as 3'-deoxyadenosine, is the main bioactive ingredient of Cordyceps militaris and possesses various pharmacological effects. This study was performed to investigate the role of cordycepin in regulating the biological behaviors of colon cancer cells and the potential mechanism behind it. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, after treatment of colon cancer cells with different concentrations of cordycepin, inhibition of proliferation was detected by the 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Colon cancer cell migration and invasion abilities were analyzed by wound healing and Transwell assays. Flow cytometry was performed to detect cell apoptosis. A lung metastasis model in nude mice was utilized to examine the effect of cordycepin on the metastasis of colon cancer cells in in vivo. Western blot was used to quantify GSK3β, β-catenin and cyclin D1 expression levels. RESULTS Cordycepin inhibited colon cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion, induced apoptosis in vitro, and inhibited lung metastasis of colon cancer cells in vivo. GSK-3β inhibitor (CHIR99021) treatment abolished the effects of cordycepin on cell viability, migration, invasion and apoptosis. Additionally, cordycepin promoted the expressions of GSK3β, and inhibited β-catenin and cyclin D1 in colon cancer cells, while co-treatment with CHIR99021 reversed the above effects. CONCLUSION Cordycepin suppresses the malignant phenotypes of colon cancer through the GSK3β/β-catenin/cyclin D1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Zhejiang Greentown Cardiovascular Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xia Shen
- Department of Emergency, Zhejiang Greentown Cardiovascular Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Daozhong Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Zhejiang Greentown Cardiovascular Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanjie Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second People's Hospital of Yuhang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,Department of DermatologyThe Second People's Hospital of Yuhang DistrictHangzhouZhejiangChina
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He X, Liao Y, Liu J, Sun S. Research Progress of Natural Small-Molecule Compounds Related to Tumor Differentiation. Molecules 2022; 27:2128. [PMID: 35408534 PMCID: PMC9000768 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor differentiation is a therapeutic strategy aimed at reactivating the endogenous differentiation program of cancer cells and inducing cancer cells to mature and differentiate into other types of cells. It has been found that a variety of natural small-molecule drugs can induce tumor cell differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Relevant molecules involved in the differentiation process may be potential therapeutic targets for tumor cells. Compared with synthetic drugs, natural small-molecule antitumor compounds have the characteristics of wide sources, structural diversity and low toxicity. In addition, natural drugs with structural modification and transformation have relatively concentrated targets and enhanced efficacy. Therefore, using natural small-molecule compounds to induce malignant cell differentiation represents a more targeted and potential low-toxicity means of tumor treatment. In this review, we focus on natural small-molecule compounds that induce differentiation of myeloid leukemia cells, osteoblasts and other malignant cells into functional cells by regulating signaling pathways and the expression of specific genes. We provide a reference for the subsequent development of natural small molecules for antitumor applications and promote the development of differentiation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli He
- Molecular Biology Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; (X.H.); (Y.L.)
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Yongkang Liao
- Molecular Biology Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; (X.H.); (Y.L.)
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Molecular Biology Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; (X.H.); (Y.L.)
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Shuming Sun
- Molecular Biology Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; (X.H.); (Y.L.)
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
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Zhang T, Qiu F. Icariin Protects Mouse Insulinoma Min6 Cell Function by Activating the PI3K/AKT Pathway. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e924453. [PMID: 32885795 PMCID: PMC7491232 DOI: 10.12659/msm.924453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance. Icariin (ICA), a flavonoid from Epimedium, possesses anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is unclear whether ICA acts on pancreatic β-cells. The present study was designed to explore the effects and latent mechanism of ICA on uric acid (UA)-stimulated pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. Material/Methods Min6 cells were exposed to various concentrations of ICA for 24 h, and cell viability was assessed by MTT assays. Min6 cells were treated with ICA for 2 h, followed by 5 mg/dl UA for 24 h, and cell viability, apoptosis, apoptosis-associated protein levels and insulin secretion were assessed by MTT, flow cytometry, western blotting and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion assays, respectively. The effects of ICA and UA on the PI3K/Akt pathway were also analyzed by western blotting, as were the effects of the specific PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002. Results ICA was not cytotoxic toward Min6 cells. UA decreased Min6 cell viability, enhanced cell apoptosis and levels of cleaved caspase-3, and reduced pro-caspase3 levels and insulin secretion, with all of these effects reversed by ICA in a dose-dependent manner. UA inhibited the PI3K/AKT pathway, an effect reversed by ICA treatment. The specific PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002, however, reversed these effects of ICA on UA-treated Min6 cells. Conclusions ICA protected Min6 cell function, an effect likely mediated by the PI3K pathway. ICA may inhibit the progression of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Fen Qiu
- Teaching Experiment Training Center, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
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Liu Y, Xi Y, Chen G, Wu X, He M. URG4 mediates cell proliferation and cell cycle in osteosarcoma via GSK3β/β-catenin/cyclin D1 signaling pathway. J Orthop Surg Res 2020; 15:226. [PMID: 32552851 PMCID: PMC7301506 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-020-01681-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteosarcoma is one of the most common malignant bone tumors with the annual global incidence of approximately four per million. Upregulated gene 4 (URG4) expression in the osteosarcoma tissue is closely associated with recurrence, metastasis, and poor prognosis of osteosarcoma. However, the biological function and underlying mechanisms of URG4 in osteosarcoma have not been elucidated. This study aimed to explore the expression and underlying mechanism of URG4 in osteosarcoma. METHODS The expression level of URG4 in osteosarcoma and normal tissues was compared using immunohistochemistry (IHC). PCR and western blotting (WB) techniques are used to detect URG4 mRNA and protein levels. Wound healing and Transwell analysis to assess the effect of URG4 on osteosarcoma cell migration and invasion. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and colony proliferation assay were performed to evaluate the effects of silencing URG4 on the inhibition of cell proliferation. The cell cycle distribution was detected by flow cytometry, and a xenograft mouse model was used to verify the function of URG4 in vivo. RESULTS URG4 was found to be highly expressed in osteosarcoma tissues and cells, and its high expression was correlated with advanced Enneking stage, large tumor size, and tumor metastasis in osteosarcoma patients. The proliferation in osteosarcoma cell lines and cell cycle in the S phase was suppressed when siRNA was used to downregulate URG4. URG4 promoted cell proliferation and tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo. WB verified that URG4 promotes cell proliferation in osteosarcoma via pGSK3β/β-catenin/cyclinD1 signaling. CONCLUSION URG4, which is high-expressed in osteosarcoma, promotes cell cycle progression via GSK3β/β-catenin/cyclin D1 signaling pathway and may be a novel biomarker and potential target for the treatment of osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yayun Liu
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, No. 152 Aiguo Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yizhe Xi
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, No. 152 Aiguo Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xidong Wu
- Department of drug safety evaluation, Jiangxi Testing Center of Medical Device, No. 181 Nanjing East Road, Nanchang, 330000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Maolin He
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
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Zhang Y, Li M, Han X. Icariin affects cell cycle progression and proliferation of human retinal pigment epithelial cells via enhancing expression of H19. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8830. [PMID: 32219038 PMCID: PMC7087489 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aberrant proliferation of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells under pathologic condition results in the occurrence of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Icariin (ICA)-a flavonol glucoside-has been shown to inhibit proliferation of many cell types, but the effect on RPE cells is unknown. This study aimed to clarify the inhibitory effects of ICA on RPE cells against platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced cell proliferation, and discuss the regulatory function of H19 in RPE cells. Methods MTS assay was conducted to determine the effects of ICA on cell proliferation. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to detect cell cycle progression. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot assay were used to measure the expression patterns of genes in RPE cells. Results ICA significantly suppressed PDGF-BB-stimulated RPE cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, since administration of ICA induced cell cycle G0/G1 phase arrest, the anti-proliferative activity of ICA may be due to G0/G1 phase arrest in RPE cells. At molecular levels, cell cycle regulators cyclin D1, CDK4, CDK6, p21 and p53 were modulated in response to treatment with ICA. Most importantly, H19 was positively regulated by ICA and H19 depletion could reverse the inhibitory effects of ICA on cell cycle progression and proliferation in PDGF-BB-stimulated RPE cells. Further mechanical explorations showed that H19 knockdown resulted in alternative expressions levels of cyclin D1, CDK4, CDK6, p21 and p53 under ICA treatment. Conclusions Our findings revealed that ICA was an effective inhibitor of PDGF-BB-induced RPE cell proliferation through affecting the expression levels of cell cycle-associated factors, and highlighted the potential application of ICA in PVR therapy. H19 was described as a target regulatory gene of ICA whose disruption may contribute to excessive proliferation of RPE cells, suggesting that modulation of H19 expression may be a novel therapeutic approach to treat PVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibing Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jilin University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Xue Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Lei K, Ma B, Shi P, Jin C, Ling T, Li L, He X, Wang L. Icariin Mitigates the Growth and Invasion Ability of Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma via Inhibiting Toll-Like Receptor 4 and Phosphorylation of NF-κB P65. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:299-307. [PMID: 32021276 PMCID: PMC6971293 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s214514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an aggressive malignancy worldwide. Icariin (ICA), an active ingredient of flavonoids, has been demonstrated to possess antitumor activity in diverse cancers. Whereas, the role of ICAin OSCC is still unclear. METHODS Herein, we investigated the anti-tumor effects of ICA in vitro and in vivo. CCK-8, colony formation and trans-well assay were used to examined viability, proliferation and invasion in SCC-9 and SCC-15 cell lines, respectively. Next, we tested the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and NF-κB P65 by western blot or immunofluorescence staining. Finally, we constructed a xenograft mice model to investigate the effect of ICA in vivo. RESULTS In vitro, ICA decreased the human oral squamous cells viability, proliferation and invasion in a concentration-dependent manner. Besides, ICA decreased the phosphorylation level of P65 and down-regulated TLR4 protein. In vivo, compared with control, ICA significantly suppressed the tumor size and weight. In addition, ICA downregulated the levels of Ki67 and VEGF markedly. Dramatically, ICA decreased the phosphorylation level of P65 in tumor tissues. CONCLUSION Taken together, ICA could act as a anticancer drug against OSCC to mitigate the growth and invasion ability, the underlying mechanism may due to the down-regulation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Lei
- Department of Stomatology, Central Hospital of Guangyuan, Guangyuan628000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bing Ma
- Department of Respiratory, Central Hospital of Guangyuan, Guangyuan628000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ping Shi
- Department of Respiratory, Central Hospital of Guangyuan, Guangyuan628000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Che Jin
- Endodontics Department, Dental Hospital of Lanzhou, Lanzhou730000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tan Ling
- Department of Stomatology, Central Hospital of Guangyuan, Guangyuan628000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Longjiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangyi He
- Department of Prosthodontics, School of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou730000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lunchang Wang
- Department of Stomatology, Central Hospital of Guangyuan, Guangyuan628000, People’s Republic of China
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Icariin induces apoptosis by suppressing autophagy in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cell line MCF-7/TAM. Breast Cancer 2019; 26:766-775. [PMID: 31172425 PMCID: PMC6821666 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-019-00980-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Icariin is a major component isolated from Epimedium brevicornum Maxim and has been reported to exhibit anti-tumor activity. However, whether icariin could reverse the acquired drug resistance in breast cancer remains largely unclear. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the antitumor effects of icariin and its underlying mechanisms in a tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cell line MCF-7/TAM. Methods 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay were performed to determine the effects of icariin on cell viability and cell death. Cell cycle progression and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry analysis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) assay was utilized to observe cell autophagy. The downstream protein levels were measured using western blotting. Results Here, we observed that icariin treatment not only inhibited the growth of MCF-7 but also has a potential function to overcome tamoxifen resistance in MCF-7/TAM. Moreover, icariin significantly induced cell cycle G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis, as well as suppressed autophagy. At molecular levels, icariin treatment remarkably down-regulated the expression levels of CDK2, CDK4, Cyclin D1, Bcl-2, LC3-1, LC3-II, AGT5, Beclin-1, but upregulated the expression levels of caspase-3, PARP and p62. Most importantly, we found inhibition of autophagy via 3-MA treatment could significantly enhance the effects of icariin on cell viability and apoptosis. Enhanced autophagy via autophagy related 5 (ATG5) overexpression could partially reverse the effects of icariin on cell viability and apoptosis. Conclusion These results revealed that icariin might potentially be useful as an adjuvant agent in cancer chemotherapy to enhance the effect of tamoxifen through suppression of autophagy in vitro and provide insight into the therapeutic potential of icariin for the treatment of chemo-resistant breast cancer.
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