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Dong J, Ye T, Dong Y, Hui J, Wang X. Ursolic acid attenuates oligospermia in busulfan-induced mice by promoting motor proteins. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17691. [PMID: 38978752 PMCID: PMC11229684 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Oligospermia is one of the most common reasons for male infertility which is troubling numerous couples of child-bearing age. This investigation scrutinizes the implications and mechanistic underpinnings of ursolic acid's effect on busulfan-induced oligospermia in mouse models. Methods A singular intraperitoneal injection of busulfan at a dosage of 30 mg/kg induced oligospermia. Two weeks subsequent to this induction, mice were subjected to various dosages of ursolic acid (10, 30, and 50 mg/kg body weight, respectively) on a daily basis for four consecutive weeks. Following this treatment period, a meticulous analysis of epididymal sperm parameters, encompassing concentration and motility, was conducted using a computer-assisted sperm analysis system. The histopathology of the mice testes was performed utilizing hematoxylin and eosin staining, and the cytoskeleton regeneration of the testicular tissues was analyzed via immunofluorescent staining. Serum hormone levels, including testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone, as well as reactive oxygen species levels (inclusive of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde), were gauged employing specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Differentially expressed genes of testicular mRNA between the oligospermia-induced group and the various ursolic acid treatment groups were identified through RNA sequencing analysis. Results The results revealed that a dosage of 50 mg/kg ursolic acid treatment could increase the concentration of epididymal sperm in oligospermia mice, promote the recovery of testicular morphology, regulate hormone levels and ameliorate oxidative damage. The mechanism research results indicated that ursolic acid increased the expression level of genes related to motor proteins in oligospermia mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Dong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Nantong Institute of Genetics and Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Genetics and Reproductive Medicine, Nantong, JIangsu, China
| | - Taowen Ye
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanli Dong
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Hui
- Lianyungang Higher Vocational Technical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaorong Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Nantong Institute of Genetics and Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Genetics and Reproductive Medicine, Nantong, JIangsu, China
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Islam MR, Rauf A, Alash S, Fakir MNH, Thufa GK, Sowa MS, Mukherjee D, Kumar H, Hussain MS, Aljohani ASM, Imran M, Al Abdulmonem W, Thiruvengadam R, Thiruvengadam M. A comprehensive review of phytoconstituents in liver cancer prevention and treatment: targeting insights into molecular signaling pathways. Med Oncol 2024; 41:134. [PMID: 38703282 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02333-5] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the liver. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a primary liver cancer that usually affects adults. Liver cancer is a fatal global condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite advances in technology, the mortality rate remains alarming. There is growing interest in researching alternative medicines to prevent or reduce the effects of liver cancer. Recent studies have shown growing interest in herbal products, nutraceuticals, and Chinese medicines as potential treatments for liver cancer. These substances contain unique bioactive compounds with anticancer properties. The causes of liver cancer and potential treatments are discussed in this review. This study reviews natural compounds, such as curcumin, resveratrol, green tea catechins, grape seed extracts, vitamin D, and selenium. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that these medications reduce the risk of liver cancer through their antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-angiogenic, and antimetastatic properties. This article discusses the therapeutic properties of natural products, nutraceuticals, and Chinese compounds for the prevention and treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Rezaul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Abdur Rauf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar, 23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
| | - Shopnil Alash
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Md Naeem Hossain Fakir
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Gazi Kaifeara Thufa
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Mahbuba Sharmin Sowa
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Dattatreya Mukherjee
- Raiganj Government Medical College and Hospital, Pranabananda Sarani, Raiganj, 733134, West Bengal, India
| | - Harendra Kumar
- Dow University of Health Sciences, Mission Rd, New Labour Colony Nanakwara, Karachi, 74200, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Md Sadique Hussain
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Mahal Road, Jagatpura, Jaipur, 302017, Rajasthan, India
| | - Abdullah S M Aljohani
- Department of Medical Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, 61413, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Al Abdulmonem
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rekha Thiruvengadam
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical & Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Muthu Thiruvengadam
- Department of Crop Science, College of Sanghuh Life Science, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, South Korea
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Ding J, Tan J, Peng X, Cheng L, Huang W, Luo B. Ursolic acid loaded tri-block copolymer nanoparticles based on triphenylphosphine for mitochondria-targeted cancer therapy. Biomed Mater 2024; 19:035013. [PMID: 38422539 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ad2ecf] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
A novel biodegradable amphiphilic triblock copolymer, polyphosphate, polyethylene glycol, and polylactic acid (PAEEP-PEG-PLLA), was synthesized by twice ring-opening polymerization and triphenylphosphine (TPP) was grafted onto the block copolymer to synthesize a carrier material TPP-PAEEP-PEG-PLLA, which was identified by1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy. The TPP-PAEEP-PEG-PLLA nanoparticles encapsulated with ursolic acid (UA) were prepared by the emulsion-solvent evaporation method and characterized by dynamic light scattering. The mitochondrial targeting ability of fluorescently labeled nanoparticles was evaluated by laser confocal microscopy. The average particle size and surface charge of the UA -loaded nanoparticle solution were 180.07 ± 1.67 nm and +15.57 ± 1.33 mV, respectively. The biocompatibility of nanoparticles was briefly evaluated by erythrocyte hemolysis assay.In vitrocell proliferation assay and scratch migration assay were performed to compare the difference in anti-tumor effect between UA and UA nanoparticles. The results showed that TPP-modified triblock copolymers had good mitochondrial targeting and improved the low bioavailability of UA, and UA nanoparticles exhibited more pronounced anti-tumor capabilities. In summary, the results suggested that our UA nanoparticles were a promising drug-targeted delivery system for the treatment of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieqiong Ding
- Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Tan
- Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohang Peng
- Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, People's Republic of China
| | - Liyuan Cheng
- Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiling Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xianning Central Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, People's Republic of China
| | - Binhua Luo
- Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, People's Republic of China
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Zhou Y, Wang F, Li G, Xu J, Zhang J, Gullen E, Yang J, Wang J. From immune checkpoints to therapies: understanding immune checkpoint regulation and the influence of natural products and traditional medicine on immune checkpoint and immunotherapy in lung cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1340307. [PMID: 38426097 PMCID: PMC10902058 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1340307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is a disease of global concern, and immunotherapy has brought lung cancer therapy to a new era. Besides promising effects in the clinical use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and low response rates are problems unsolved. Natural products and traditional medicine with an immune-modulating nature have the property to influence immune checkpoint expression and can improve immunotherapy's effect with relatively low toxicity. This review summarizes currently approved immunotherapy and the current mechanisms known to regulate immune checkpoint expression in lung cancer. It lists natural products and traditional medicine capable of influencing immune checkpoints or synergizing with immunotherapy in lung cancer, exploring both their effects and underlying mechanisms. Future research on immune checkpoint modulation and immunotherapy combination applying natural products and traditional medicine will be based on a deeper understanding of their mechanisms regulating immune checkpoints. Continued exploration of natural products and traditional medicine holds the potential to enhance the efficacy and reduce the adverse reactions of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibin Zhou
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fenglan Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Guangda Li
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Elizabeth Gullen
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale Medical School, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Luo Y, Xiang J, Tang S, Huang S, Zhou Y, Shen H. Ursolic acid induces apoptosis and pyroptosis in Reh cells by upregulating of the JNK signalling pathway based on network pharmacology and experimental validation. Heliyon 2023; 9:e23079. [PMID: 38144346 PMCID: PMC10746475 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23079] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the mechanism of ursolic acid (UA) against acute B lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL) based on network pharmacological analysis, molecular docking and experimental verification. Methods The core targets, functional processes, and biological pathways of UA in B-ALL were predicted by network pharmacology and molecular docking. The efficacy and mechanism of UA against B-ALL were verified through in vitro experiments such as cell viability assays, CCK-8 assays, LDH assays, AO/EB staining, flow cytometry, and Western blot assays. Results Network pharmacology analysis of the core targets indicated that the effects of UA on B-ALL were related to programmed cell death (apoptosis and pyroptosis). Molecular docking results showed that FOS, CASP8, MAPK8, IL-1β and JUN were the key targets of UA against B-ALL. The MTS assay showed that UA decreased the viability of Reh cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Cellular and Western blot experiments found that UA induced Reh cell apoptosis and pyroptosis by upregulating the JNK signalling pathway. Conclusions Our findings demonstrated that UA could induce Reh cell apoptosis and pyroptosis by activating the JNK signalling pathway to exert anti-B-ALL effects. This indicates that UA may become a potential drug for the effective treatment of B-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Luo
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of the Education Department of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Jing Xiang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of the Education Department of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Shuangyang Tang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of the Education Department of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Shiting Huang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of the Education Department of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yishan Zhou
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of the Education Department of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Haiyan Shen
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of the Education Department of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
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Xu R, Kuang M, Li N. Phytochemistry and pharmacology of plants in the genus Chaenomeles. Arch Pharm Res 2023; 46:825-854. [PMID: 38062238 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-023-01475-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Chaenomeles plants belong to the Rosaceae family and include five species, Chaenomeles speciosa (Sweet) Nakai, Chaenomeles sinensis (Thouin) Koehne, Chaenomeles japonica (Thunb.) Lindl, Chaenomeles cathayensis (Hemsl.) Schneid and Chaenomeles thibetica Yu. Chaenomeles plants are found and cultivated in nearly every country worldwide. China serves as both the origin and distribution hub for the plants in the Chaenomeles genus, and all Chaenomeles species except for C. japonica are indigenous to China. Chaenomeles spp. is a type of edible medicinal plant that has been traditionally used in China to treat various ailments, such as rheumatism, cholera, dysentery, enteritis, beriberi, and scurvy. A variety of chemical constituents have been extracted from this genus, including terpenoids, phenolics, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids and their derivatives, benzoic acid derivatives, biphenyls, oxylipins, and alkaloids. The biological activity of some of these constituents has already been evaluated. Pharmacological investigations have demonstrated that the plants in the genus Chaenomeles exhibit anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, gastrointestinal protective, antitumor, immunomodulatory, antibacterial, antiviral, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and other pharmacological activities. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date summary of the available information on the genus Chaenomeles to serve as a valuable reference for further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoling Xu
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Mengting Kuang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ning Li
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
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Liu G, Qin P, Cheng X, Wu L, Wang R, Gao W. Ursolic acid: biological functions and application in animal husbandry. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1251248. [PMID: 37964910 PMCID: PMC10642196 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1251248] [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: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a plant-derived pentacyclic triterpenoid with 30 carbon atoms. UA has anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antimicrobial, hepato-protective, anticancer, and other biological activities. Most studies on the biological functions of UA have been performed in mammalian cell (in vitro) and rodent (in vivo) models. UA is used in animal husbandry as an anti-inflammatory and antiviral agent, as well as for enhancing the integrity of the intestinal barrier. Although UA has been shown to have significant in vitro bacteriostatic effects, it is rarely used in animal nutrition. The use of UA as a substitute for oral antibiotics or as a novel feed additive in animal husbandry should be considered. This review summarizes the available data on the biological functions of UA and its applications in animal husbandry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanhui Liu
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Peng Qin
- Chenguang Biotechnology Group Handan Co., Ltd., Handan, China
| | - Xinying Cheng
- Chenguang Biotechnology Group Handan Co., Ltd., Handan, China
| | - Lifei Wu
- Hebei Plant Extraction Innovation Center Co., Ltd., Handan, China
- Hebei Province Plant Source Animal Health Products Technology Innovation Center, Handan, China
| | - Ruoning Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Hebei Plant Extraction Innovation Center Co., Ltd., Handan, China
- Hebei Province Plant Source Animal Health Products Technology Innovation Center, Handan, China
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Zunica ERM, Axelrod CL, Kirwan JP. Phytochemical Targeting of Mitochondria for Breast Cancer Chemoprevention, Therapy, and Sensitization. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214152. [PMID: 36430632 PMCID: PMC9692881 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a common and deadly disease that causes tremendous physical, emotional, and financial burden on patients and society. Early-stage breast cancer and less aggressive subtypes have promising prognosis for patients, but in aggressive subtypes, and as cancers progress, treatment options and responses diminish, dramatically decreasing survival. Plants are nutritionally rich and biologically diverse organisms containing thousands of metabolites, some of which have chemopreventive, therapeutic, and sensitizing properties, providing a rich source for drug discovery. In this study we review the current landscape of breast cancer with a central focus on the potential role of phytochemicals for treatment, management, and disease prevention. We discuss the relevance of phytochemical targeting of mitochondria for improved anti-breast cancer efficacy. We highlight current applications of phytochemicals and derivative structures that display anti-cancer properties and modulate cancer mitochondria, while describing future applicability and identifying areas of promise.
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How Should the Worldwide Knowledge of Traditional Cancer Healing Be Integrated with Herbs and Mushrooms into Modern Molecular Pharmacology? Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15070868. [PMID: 35890166 PMCID: PMC9320176 DOI: 10.3390/ph15070868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional herbal medicine (THM) is a “core” from which modern medicine has evolved over time. Besides this, one third of people worldwide have no access to modern medicine and rely only on traditional medicine. To date, drugs of plant origin, or their derivates (paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine, vinorelbine, etoposide, camptothecin, topotecan, irinotecan, and omacetaxine), are very important in the therapy of malignancies and they are included in most chemotherapeutic regimes. To date, 391,000 plant and 14,000 mushroom species exist. Their medical and biochemical capabilities have not been studied in detail. In this review, we systematized the information about plants and mushrooms, as well as their active compounds with antitumor properties. Plants and mushrooms are divided based on the regions where they are used in ethnomedicine to treat malignancies. The majority of their active compounds with antineoplastic properties and mechanisms of action are described. Furthermore, on the basis of the available information, we divided them into two priority groups for research and for their potential of use in antitumor therapy. As there are many prerequisites and some examples how THM helps and strengthens modern medicine, finally, we discuss the positive points of THM and the management required to transform and integrate THM into the modern medicine practice.
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Chan MH, Huang WT, Satpathy A, Su TY, Hsiao M, Liu RS. Progress and Viewpoints of Multifunctional Composite Nanomaterials for Glioblastoma Theranostics. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020456. [PMID: 35214188 PMCID: PMC8875488 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The most common malignant tumor of the brain is glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in adults. Many patients die shortly after diagnosis, and only 6% of patients survive more than 5 years. Moreover, the current average survival of malignant brain tumors is only about 15 months, and the recurrence rate within 2 years is almost 100%. Brain diseases are complicated to treat. The reason for this is that drugs are challenging to deliver to the brain because there is a blood–brain barrier (BBB) protection mechanism in the brain, which only allows water, oxygen, and blood sugar to enter the brain through blood vessels. Other chemicals cannot enter the brain due to their large size or are considered harmful substances. As a result, the efficacy of drugs for treating brain diseases is only about 30%, which cannot satisfy treatment expectations. Therefore, researchers have designed many types of nanoparticles and nanocomposites to fight against the most common malignant tumors in the brain, and they have been successful in animal experiments. This review will discuss the application of various nanocomposites in diagnosing and treating GBM. The topics include (1) the efficient and long-term tracking of brain images (magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, and near-infrared light (NIR)); (2) breaking through BBB for drug delivery; and (3) natural and chemical drugs equipped with nanomaterials. These multifunctional nanoparticles can overcome current difficulties and achieve progressive GBM treatment and diagnosis results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Hsien Chan
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan; (M.-H.C.); (W.-T.H.); (A.S.); (T.-Y.S.)
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Tse Huang
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan; (M.-H.C.); (W.-T.H.); (A.S.); (T.-Y.S.)
| | - Aishwarya Satpathy
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan; (M.-H.C.); (W.-T.H.); (A.S.); (T.-Y.S.)
| | - Ting-Yi Su
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan; (M.-H.C.); (W.-T.H.); (A.S.); (T.-Y.S.)
| | - Michael Hsiao
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (M.H.); (R.-S.L.)
| | - Ru-Shi Liu
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan; (M.-H.C.); (W.-T.H.); (A.S.); (T.-Y.S.)
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (M.H.); (R.-S.L.)
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Antitumor Effects of Natural Bioactive Ursolic Acid in Embryonic Cancer Stem Cells. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:6737248. [PMID: 35222644 PMCID: PMC8866021 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6737248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic cancer cells (CSCs) could cause different types of cancer, a skill that makes them even more dangerous than other cancer cells. Identifying CSCs using natural products is a good option as it inhibits the recurrence of cancer with moderate various effects. Ursolic acid (UA) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid extracted from fruit and herbal remedies and has known anticancer functions against various cancer cells. However, its potential against CSCs remains uncertain. This study was planned to examine the induction of cell apoptosis by the UA. For cell signaling studies, we performed experiments, which are real-time qPCR and immunoblotting. Also, various cellular processes were analyzed using flow cytometry. The results raised a barrier to cell proliferation by the UA in NTERA-2 and NCCIT cells. Morphological studies also confirmed the UA's ability to cause cell death in embryonic CSCs. Examination of cell death importation showed that the UA formed the expression of the iNOS and thus the cell generation and mitochondrial reactive oxygen generation, which created a reaction to cellular DNA damage by raising the protein levels of phospho-histone ATR and ATM. In addition, the UA created the binding of the G0/G1 cell cycle to NTERA-2 and NCCIT cells, improved the expression levels of p21 and p27, and reduced the expression levels of CDK4, cyclin D1, and cyclin E, confirming the UA's ability to initiate cell cycle arrest. Finally, the UA created an internal mechanism of apoptosis in the embryonic CSC using BAX and cytochrome c regulation as well as the regulation of BCL-xL and BCL-2 proteins. Therefore, UA could be the best candidate for targeting CSCs and thus suppressing the emergence of cancer.
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Luan M, Wang H, Wang J, Zhang X, Zhao F, Liu Z, Meng Q. Advances in Anti-inflammatory Activity, Mechanism and Therapeutic Application of Ursolic Acid. Mini Rev Med Chem 2022; 22:422-436. [PMID: 34517797 DOI: 10.2174/1389557521666210913113522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In vivo and in vitro studies reveal that Ursolic Acid (UA) is able to counteract endogenous and exogenous inflammatory stimuli and has favorable anti-inflammatory effects. The antiinflammatory mechanisms mainly include decreasing the release of histamine in mast cells, suppressing the activities of lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase and phospholipase, and reducing the production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species, blocking the activation of the signal pathway, downregulating the expression of inflammatory factors, and inhibiting the activities of elastase and complement. These mechanisms can open up new avenues for the scientific community to develop or improve novel therapeutic approaches to tackle inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis, atherosclerosis, neuroinflammation, liver diseases, kidney diseases, diabetes, dermatitis, bowel diseases, cancer. The anti-inflammatory activity, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of ursolic acid and its therapeutic applications are reviewed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhu Luan
- School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, P.R. China
| | - Huiyun Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Shandong Province, 276826, P.R. China
| | - Jiazhen Wang
- The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province, 230601, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, P.R. China
| | - Fenglan Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, P.R. China
| | - Zongliang Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, P.R. China
| | - Qingguo Meng
- School of Pharmacy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, P.R. China
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13
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Ghosh A, Panda CK. Role of Pentacyclic Triterpenoid Acids in the Treatment of Bladder Cancer. Mini Rev Med Chem 2021; 22:1331-1340. [PMID: 34719363 DOI: 10.2174/1389557521666211022145052] [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: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Bladder cancer carries a poor prognosis and has proven resistance to chemotherapy. Pentacyclic Triterpenoid Acids (PTAs) are natural bioactive compounds that have a well-known impact on cancer research because of their cytotoxic and chemopreventive activities. This review focuses on bladder cancer which can no longer be successfully treated by DNA damaging drugs. Unlike most of the existing drugs against bladder cancer, PTAs are non-toxic to normal cells. Collecting findings from both in vitro and in vivo studies, it has been concluded that PTAs may serve as promising agents in future bladder cancer therapy. In this review, the roles of various PTAs in bladder cancer have been explored, and their mechanisms of action in the treatment of bladder cancer have been described. Specific PTAs have been shortlisted from each of the chief skeletons of pentacyclic triterpenoids, which could be effective against bladder cancer because of their mode of action. This review thereby throws light on the multi targets and mechanisms of PTAs, which are responsible for their selective anticancer effects and provides guidelines for further research and development of new natural antitumor compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anindita Ghosh
- Department of Oncogene Regulation, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata. India
| | - Chinmay Kumar Panda
- Department of Oncogene Regulation, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata. India
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14
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Evaluation of the In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity of Ursolic Acid PLGA Nanoparticles against Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14174917. [PMID: 34501007 PMCID: PMC8434451 DOI: 10.3390/ma14174917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Among all the types of cancer, Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma remains one of the deadliest and hardest to fight and there is a critical unmet need for new drugs and therapies for its treatment. Naturally derived compounds, such as pentacyclic triterpenoids, have gathered attention because of their high cytotoxic potential towards pancreatic cancer cells, with a wide biological activity spectrum, with ursolic acid (UA) being one of the most interesting. However, due to its minimal water solubility, it is necessary to prepare a nanocarrier vehicle to aid in the delivery of this compound. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) or PLGA polymeric nanocarriers are an essential tool for ursolic acid delivery and can overcome the lack in its biological activity observed after incorporating within liposomes. We prepared UA-PLGA nanoparticles with a PEG modification, to achieve a long circulation time, by using a nanoprecipitation method and subsequently performed an MTT cytotoxicity assay towards AsPC-1 and BxPC-3 cells, with TEM visualization of the nanoparticles and their cellular uptake. We established repeatable preparation procedures of the nanoparticles and achieved biologically active nanocarriers with an IC50 below 30 µM, with an appropriate size for intravenous dosage (around 140 nm), high sample homogeneity (below 0.2) and reasonable encapsulation efficiency (up to 50%). These results represent the first steps in the development of potentially effective PDAC therapies based on novel biologically active and promising triterpenoids.
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15
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Tumor-suppressing effect of bartogenic acid in ovarian (SKOV-3) xenograft mouse model. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2021; 394:1815-1826. [PMID: 34255109 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-021-02088-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Bartogenic acid (BA), a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid, proved to have chemomodulatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-arthritic, and anti-inflammatory activity. Based on structure-activity relationship (SAR) approaches, BA has close structural resemblance to oleanolic acid and ursolic acid. These two pentacyclic triterpenoids are well accepted with respect to their therapeutic value in various ailments including anti-cancer activity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of BA as a possible antitumor agent, along with its safety in SKOV-3 ovarian cancer. In vitro cytotoxicity of BA and paclitaxel on human ovarian cancer cells (SKOV-3) was assessed using MTT assay. Antitumor potential of BA alone, standard anticancer drug (paclitaxel) alone, and BA in combination with paclitaxel were evaluated in SKOV-3 xenografted SCID mice. Immunohistochemical analysis of NF-κB was performed and analyzed in SKOV-3 tumors. BA alone and BA in combination with paclitaxel significantly inhibited the tumor growth. IC50 of BA was found to be 15.72 μM. Similarly, paclitaxel showed significant antitumor effect with IC50 of 3.234 μM. Treatments of paclitaxel, BA, and combination of BA with paclitaxel were well tolerated during treatment period. Immunohistochemical analysis of NF-κB in SKOV-3 tumors treated with BA in combination with paclitaxel revealed antitumor effect in terms of inhibition of NF-κB. Our results suggested that BA exhibits promising antitumor effect in the restriction of SKOV-3 cells and tumors with considerable safety.
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16
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Jöhrer K, Ҫiҫek SS. Multiple Myeloma Inhibitory Activity of Plant Natural Products. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2678. [PMID: 34072312 PMCID: PMC8198565 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A literature search on plant natural products with antimyeloma activity until the end of 2020 resulted in 92 compounds with effects on at least one human myeloma cell line. Compounds were divided in different compound classes and both their structure-activity-relationships as well as eventual correlations with the pathways described for Multiple Myeloma were discussed. Each of the major compound classes in this review (alkaloids, phenolics, terpenes) revealed interesting candidates, such as dioncophyllines, a group of naphtylisoquinoline alkaloids, which showed pronounced and selective induction of apoptosis when substituted in position 7 of the isoquinoline moiety. Interestingly, out of the phenolic compound class, two of the most noteworthy constituents belong to the relatively small subclass of xanthones, rendering this group a good starting point for possible further drug development. The class of terpenoids also provides noteworthy constituents, such as the highly oxygenated diterpenoid oridonin, which exhibited antiproliferative effects equal to those of bortezomib on RPMI8226 cells. Moreover, triterpenoids containing a lactone ring and/or quinone-like substructures, e.g., bruceantin, whitaferin A, withanolide F, celastrol, and pristimerin, displayed remarkable activity, with the latter two compounds acting as inhibitors of both NF-κB and proteasome chymotrypsin-like activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Jöhrer
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innrain 66, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Serhat Sezai Ҫiҫek
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Kiel University, Gutenbergstraße 76, 24118 Kiel, Germany
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17
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Kang DY, Sp N, Lee JM, Jang KJ. Antitumor Effects of Ursolic Acid through Mediating the Inhibition of STAT3/PD-L1 Signaling in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9030297. [PMID: 33805840 PMCID: PMC7998465 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9030297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapy based on natural compounds is one of the best approaches against non-small cell lung cancer. Ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid derived from medicinal herbs, has anticancer activity. Studies on the molecular mechanism underlying UA’s anticancer activity are ongoing. Here, we demonstrated UA’s anticancer activity and the underlying signaling mechanisms. We used Western blotting and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction for molecular signaling analysis. We also used in vitro angiogenesis, wound healing, and invasion assays to study UA’s anticancer activity. In addition, we used tumorsphere formation and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays for binding studies. The results showed that UA inhibited the proliferation of A549 and H460 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. UA exerted anticancer effects by inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. It also inhibited tumor angiogenesis, migration, invasion, and tumorsphere formation. The molecular mechanism underlying UA activity involves UA’s binding to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), reducing the level of phospho-EGFR, and thus inhibiting the downstream JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Furthermore, UA reduced the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), metalloproteinases (MMPs) and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), as well as the formation of STAT3/MMP2 and STAT3/PD-L1 complexes. Altogether, UA exhibits anticancer activities by inhibiting MMP2 and PD-L1 expression through EGFR/JAK2/STAT3 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Young Kang
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea; (D.Y.K.); (N.S.)
| | - Nipin Sp
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea; (D.Y.K.); (N.S.)
| | - Jin-Moo Lee
- Pharmacological Research Division, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Osong Health Technology Administration Complex, Cheongju-si 28159, Korea;
| | - Kyoung-Jin Jang
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea; (D.Y.K.); (N.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2030-7839
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18
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Zvikas V, Urbanaviciute I, Bernotiene R, Kulakauskiene D, Morkunaite U, Balion Z, Majiene D, Liaudanskas M, Viskelis P, Jekabsone A, Jakstas V. Investigation of Phenolic Composition and Anticancer Properties of Ethanolic Extracts of Japanese Quince Leaves. Foods 2020; 10:foods10010018. [PMID: 33374689 PMCID: PMC7822480 DOI: 10.3390/foods10010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme is an aggressive and invasive disease with no efficient therapy available, and there is a great need for finding alternative treatment strategies. This study aimed to investigate anticancer activity of the extracts of the Japanese quince (JQ) cultivars ‘Darius’, ‘Rondo’, and ‘Rasa’ leaf extracts on glioblastoma C6 and HROG36 cells. As identified by ultra high performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, the extracts contained three prevailing groups of phenols: hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives; flavan-3-ols; and flavonols. Sixteen phenols were detected; the predominant compound was chlorogenic acid. The sum of detected phenols varied significantly between the cultivars ranging from 9322 µg/g (‘Rondo’) to 17,048 µg/g DW (‘Darius’). Incubation with the extracts decreased the viability of glioblastoma HROG36 cells with an efficiency similar to temozolomide, a drug used for glioblastoma treatment. In the case of C6 glioblastoma cells, the extracts were even more efficient than temozolomide. Interestingly, primary cerebellar neuronal-glial cells were significantly less sensitive to the extracts compared to the cancer cell lines. The results showed that JQ leaf ethanol extracts are rich in phenolic compounds, can efficiently reduce glioblastoma cell viability while preserving non-cancerous cells, and are worth further investigations as potential anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaidotas Zvikas
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukilėlių av. 13, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania; (V.Z.); (D.K.); (U.M.); (Z.B.); (M.L.); (P.V.); (A.J.)
| | - Ieva Urbanaviciute
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Technology, Institute for Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Kauno str. 30, LT-54333 Babtai, Lithuania;
| | - Rasa Bernotiene
- Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eivenių str. 4, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (R.B.); (D.M.)
| | - Deimante Kulakauskiene
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukilėlių av. 13, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania; (V.Z.); (D.K.); (U.M.); (Z.B.); (M.L.); (P.V.); (A.J.)
| | - Urte Morkunaite
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukilėlių av. 13, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania; (V.Z.); (D.K.); (U.M.); (Z.B.); (M.L.); (P.V.); (A.J.)
| | - Zbigniev Balion
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukilėlių av. 13, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania; (V.Z.); (D.K.); (U.M.); (Z.B.); (M.L.); (P.V.); (A.J.)
- Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eivenių str. 4, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (R.B.); (D.M.)
| | - Daiva Majiene
- Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eivenių str. 4, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (R.B.); (D.M.)
| | - Mindaugas Liaudanskas
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukilėlių av. 13, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania; (V.Z.); (D.K.); (U.M.); (Z.B.); (M.L.); (P.V.); (A.J.)
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukilėlių av. 13, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Pranas Viskelis
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukilėlių av. 13, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania; (V.Z.); (D.K.); (U.M.); (Z.B.); (M.L.); (P.V.); (A.J.)
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Technology, Institute for Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Kauno str. 30, LT-54333 Babtai, Lithuania;
| | - Aiste Jekabsone
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukilėlių av. 13, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania; (V.Z.); (D.K.); (U.M.); (Z.B.); (M.L.); (P.V.); (A.J.)
- Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukilėlių av. 17, LT-50009 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Valdas Jakstas
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukilėlių av. 13, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania; (V.Z.); (D.K.); (U.M.); (Z.B.); (M.L.); (P.V.); (A.J.)
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukilėlių av. 13, LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +370-672-00844
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Guerra ÂR, Paulino AF, Castro MM, Oliveira H, Duarte MF, Duarte IF. Triple Negative Breast Cancer and Breast Epithelial Cells Differentially Reprogram Glucose and Lipid Metabolism upon Treatment with Triterpenic Acids. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1163. [PMID: 32784479 PMCID: PMC7464159 DOI: 10.3390/biom10081163] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant-derived pentacyclic triterpenic acids (TAs) have gained increasing attention due to their multiple biological activities. Betulinic acid (BA) and ursolic acid (UA) modulate diverse pathways in carcinogenesis, offering increased changes of success in refractory cancers, such as triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). The present work aimed to assess the metabolic effects of BA and UA in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells (TNBC model), as well as in MCF-10A non-cancer breast epithelial cells, with a view to unveiling the involvement of metabolic reprogramming in cellular responses to these TAs. Cell viability and cell cycle analyses were followed by assessment of changes in the cells exo- and endometabolome through 1H NMR analysis of cell culture medium supernatants, aqueous and organic cell extracts. In MDA-MB-231 cells, BA was suggested to induce a transient upregulation of glucose consumption and glycolytic conversion, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intensification, and hydrolysis of neutral lipids, while UA effects were much less pronounced. In MCF-10A cells, boosting of glucose metabolism by the two TAs was accompanied by diversion of glycolytic intermediates to the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP) and the synthesis of neutral lipids, possibly stored in detoxifying lipid droplets. Additionally, breast epithelial cells intensified pyruvate consumption and TCA cycle activity, possibly to compensate for oxidative impairment of pyruvate glycolytic production. This study provided novel insights into the metabolic effects of BA and UA in cancer and non-cancer breast cells, thus improving current understanding of the action of these compounds at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ângela R. Guerra
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
- Centro de Biotecnologia Agrícola e Agro-Alimentar do Alentejo (CEBAL)/Instituto Politécnico de Beja (IPBeja), Apartado 6158, 7801-908 Beja, Portugal; (A.F.P.); (M.M.C.)
| | - Ana F. Paulino
- Centro de Biotecnologia Agrícola e Agro-Alimentar do Alentejo (CEBAL)/Instituto Politécnico de Beja (IPBeja), Apartado 6158, 7801-908 Beja, Portugal; (A.F.P.); (M.M.C.)
| | - Maria M. Castro
- Centro de Biotecnologia Agrícola e Agro-Alimentar do Alentejo (CEBAL)/Instituto Politécnico de Beja (IPBeja), Apartado 6158, 7801-908 Beja, Portugal; (A.F.P.); (M.M.C.)
| | - Helena Oliveira
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
| | - Maria F. Duarte
- Centro de Biotecnologia Agrícola e Agro-Alimentar do Alentejo (CEBAL)/Instituto Politécnico de Beja (IPBeja), Apartado 6158, 7801-908 Beja, Portugal; (A.F.P.); (M.M.C.)
- MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, CEBAL, 7801-908 Beja, Portugal
| | - Iola F. Duarte
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
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20
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Nguyen NH, Ta QTH, Pham QT, Luong TNH, Phung VT, Duong TH, Vo VG. Anticancer Activity of Novel Plant Extracts and Compounds from Adenosma bracteosum (Bonati) in Human Lung and Liver Cancer Cells. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25122912. [PMID: 32599892 PMCID: PMC7356985 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25122912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, and despite the advances in drug development, it is still necessary to develop new plant-derived medicines. Compared with using conventional chemical drugs to decrease the side effects induced by chemotherapy, natural herbal medicines have many advantages. The present study aimed to discover the potential cytotoxicity of ethanol extract and its derived fractions (chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol, and aqueous) of Adenosma bracteosum Bonati. (A. bracteosum) on human large cell lung carcinoma (NCI-H460) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2). Among these fractions, the chloroform showed significant activity in the inhibition of proliferation of both cancerous cells because of the presence of bioactive compounds including xanthomicrol, 5,4’-dihydroxy-6,7,8,3’-tetramethoxyflavone, and ursolic acid which were clearly revealed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, Heteronuclear Multiple Bond Coherence, and Heteronuclear Single Quantum Coherence Spectroscopy) analyses. According to the radical scavenging capacity, the 5,4’-dihydroxy-6,7,8,3’-tetramethoxyflavone compound (AB2) exhibited the highest anticancer activity on both NCI-H460 and HepG2 with IC50 values of 4.57 ± 0.32 and 5.67 ± 0.09 µg/mL respectively, followed by the ursolic acid with the lower percent inhibition at 13.05 ± 0.55 and 10.00 ± 0.16 µg/mL, respectively (p < 0.05). Remarkably, the AB2 compound induced to significant increase in the production of reactive oxygen species accompanied by attenuation of mitochondrial membrane potential, thus inducing the activation of caspase-3 activity in both human lung and liver cancer cells. These results suggest that A. bracteosum is a promising source of useful natural products and AB2 offers opportunities to develop the novel anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc Hong Nguyen
- CirTech Institute, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH), Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam;
| | - Qui Thanh Hoai Ta
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Danang 550000, Vietnam;
| | - Quang Thang Pham
- Institute of Applied Science, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH), Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam; (Q.T.P.); (T.N.H.L.)
| | - Thi Ngoc Han Luong
- Institute of Applied Science, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH), Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam; (Q.T.P.); (T.N.H.L.)
| | - Van Trung Phung
- Center for Research and Technology Transfer, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam;
| | - Thuc-Huy Duong
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Education, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam;
| | - Van Giau Vo
- Bionanotechnology Research Group, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
- Correspondence:
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Srinivasan R, Aruna A, Lee JS, Kim M, Shivakumar MS, Natarajan D. Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Potential of Bioactive Molecules Ursolic Acid and Thujone Isolated from Memecylon edule and Elaeagnus indica and Their Inhibitory Effect on Topoisomerase II by Molecular Docking Approach. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:8716927. [PMID: 32149143 PMCID: PMC7042705 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8716927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and antiproliferative potential of ursolic acid and thujone isolated from leaves of Elaeagnus indica and Memecylon edule and their inhibitory effect on topoisomerase II using molecular docking study. The isolated ursolic acid and thujone were examined for different types of free radicals scavenging activity, the antiproliferative potential on U-937 and HT-60 cell lines by adopting standard methods. Further, these compounds were docked with the active site of the ATPase region of topoisomerase II. The findings of the research revealed that ursolic acid harbor strong antioxidant and antiproliferative capacity with low IC50 values than the thujone in all tested methods. Moreover, ursolic acid shows significant inhibition effect on topoisomerase II with a considerable docking score (-8.0312) and GLIDE energy (-51.86 kca/mol). The present outcome concludes that ursolic acid possesses significant antioxidant and antiproliferative potential, which can be used in the development of novel antioxidant and antiproliferative agents in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramalingam Srinivasan
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 38541, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biotechnology, K. S. Rangasamy College of Arts and Science, K. S. R. Kalvi Nagar, Tiruchengode 637215, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Periyar University, Salem 636 011, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Arumugam Aruna
- Department of Biotechnology, K. S. Rangasamy College of Arts and Science, K. S. R. Kalvi Nagar, Tiruchengode 637215, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jong Suk Lee
- Department of Food & Nutrition & Cook, Taegu Science University, Daegu 41453, Republic of Korea
| | - Myunghee Kim
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 38541, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Devarajan Natarajan
- Department of Biotechnology, Periyar University, Salem 636 011, Tamil Nadu, India
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