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Iranpanah A, Majnooni MB, Biganeh H, Amirian R, Rastegari-Pouyani M, Filosa R, Cheang WS, Fakhri S, Khan H. Exploiting new strategies in combating head and neck carcinoma: A comprehensive review on phytochemical approaches passing through PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Phytother Res 2024; 38:3736-3762. [PMID: 38776136 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8228] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Recently, malignant neoplasms have growingly caused human morbidity and mortality. Head and neck cancer (HNC) constitutes a substantial group of malignancies occurring in various anatomical regions of the head and neck, including lips, mouth, throat, larynx, nose, sinuses, oropharynx, hypopharynx, nasopharynx, and salivary glands. The present study addresses the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway as a possible therapeutic target in cancer therapy. Finding new multitargeting agents capable of modulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR and cross-linked mediators could be viewed as an effective strategy in combating HNC. Recent studies have introduced phytochemicals as multitargeting agents and rich sources for finding and developing new therapeutic agents. Phytochemicals have exhibited immense anticancer effects, including targeting different stages of HNC through the modulation of several signaling pathways. Moreover, phenolic/polyphenolic compounds, alkaloids, terpenes/terpenoids, and other secondary metabolites have demonstrated promising anticancer activities because of their diverse pharmacological and biological properties like antiproliferative, antineoplastic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. The current review is mainly focused on new therapeutic strategies for HNC passing through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway as new strategies in combating HNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Iranpanah
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | - Hossein Biganeh
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Roshanak Amirian
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- USERN Office, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rastegari-Pouyani
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Rosanna Filosa
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - Wai San Cheang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
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Sun J, Tian Z, Wu J, Li J, Wang Q, Huang S, Wang M. Pristimerin Exerts Pharmacological Effects Through Multiple Signaling Pathways: A Comprehensive Review. Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:1673-1694. [PMID: 38779590 PMCID: PMC11110813 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s460093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Pristimerin, a natural triterpenoid isolated from the plants of southern snake vine and Maidenwood in the family Weseraceae, is anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, antibacterial, and antiviral substance and has been used for its cardioprotective and antitumor effects and in osteoporosis treatment. These qualities explain Pristimerin's therapeutic effects on different types of tumors and other diseases. More and more studies have shown that pristimerin acts in a wide range of biological activities and has shown great potential in various fields of modern and Chinese medicine. While Pristimerin's wide range of pharmacological effects have been widely studied by others, our comprehensive review suggests that its mechanism of action may be through affecting fundamental cellular events, including blocking the cell cycle, inducing apoptosis and autophagy, and inhibiting cell migration and invasion, or through activating or inhibiting certain key molecules in several cell signaling pathways, including nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian-targeted macromycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK1/2/3), reactive oxygen species (ROS), wingless/integrin1 (Wnt)/β-catenin, and other signaling pathways. This paper reviews the research progress of Pristimerin's pharmacological mechanism of action in recent years to provide a theoretical basis for the molecular targeting therapy and further development and utilization of Pristimerin. It also provides insights into improved treatments and therapies for clinical patients and the need to explore pristimerin as a potential facet of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Sun
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhaochun Tian
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Wu
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiafei Li
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qixia Wang
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuhong Huang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
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Cheng Y, Chen J, Shi Y, Fang X, Tang Z. MAPK Signaling Pathway in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Biological Function and Targeted Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194625. [PMID: 36230547 PMCID: PMC9563402 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma accounts for 95% of human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cases. It is highly malignant and aggressive, with a poor prognosis and a 5-year survival rate of <50%. In recent years, basic and clinical studies have been performed on the role of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in oral cancer. The MAPK signaling pathway is activated in over 50% of human oral cancer cases. Herein, we review research progress on the MAPK signaling pathway and its potential therapeutic mechanisms and discuss its molecular targeting to explore its potential as a therapeutic strategy for oral squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Cheng
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Yuxin Shi
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Xiaodan Fang
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Correspondence: (X.F.); (Z.T.)
| | - Zhangui Tang
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Correspondence: (X.F.); (Z.T.)
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Ghafouri-Fard S, Noie Alamdari A, Noee Alamdari Y, Abak A, Hussen BM, Taheri M, Jamali E. Role of PI3K/AKT pathway in squamous cell carcinoma with an especial focus on head and neck cancers. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:254. [PMID: 35964082 PMCID: PMC9375325 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02676-x] [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: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PI3K/AKT pathway is an important pathway in the carcinogenesis since it has central impacts in the regulation of metabolic pathways, cell proliferation and survival, gene expression and protein synthesis. This pathway has been reported to be dysregulated in several types of cancers. In the current review, we summarize the role of this signaling pathway in squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) originated from different parts of body cervix, oral cavity, head and neck and skin. The data presented in the current review shows the impact of dysregulation of PI3K/AKT pathway in survival of patients with SCC. Moreover, targeted therapies against this pathway have been found to be effective in reduction of tumor burden both in animal models and clinical settings. Finally, a number of molecules that regulate PI3K/AKT pathway can be used as diagnostic markers for different types of SCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Noie Alamdari
- Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Atefe Abak
- Men's Health and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq.,Center of Research and Strategic Studies, Lebanese French University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany. .,Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Elena Jamali
- Department of Pathology, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Role of Plant-Derived Active Constituents in Cancer Treatment and Their Mechanisms of Action. Cells 2022; 11:cells11081326. [PMID: 35456005 PMCID: PMC9031068 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite significant technological advancements in conventional therapies, cancer remains one of the main causes of death worldwide. Although substantial progress has been made in the control and treatment of cancer, several limitations still exist, and there is scope for further advancements. Several adverse effects are associated with modern chemotherapy that hinder cancer treatment and lead to other critical disorders. Since ancient times, plant-based medicines have been employed in clinical practice and have yielded good results with few side effects. The modern research system and advanced screening techniques for plants’ bioactive constituents have enabled phytochemical discovery for the prevention and treatment of challenging diseases such as cancer. Phytochemicals such as vincristine, vinblastine, paclitaxel, curcumin, colchicine, and lycopene have shown promising anticancer effects. Discovery of more plant-derived bioactive compounds should be encouraged via the exploitation of advanced and innovative research techniques, to prevent and treat advanced-stage cancers without causing significant adverse effects. This review highlights numerous plant-derived bioactive molecules that have shown potential as anticancer agents and their probable mechanisms of action and provides an overview of in vitro, in vivo and clinical trial studies on anticancer phytochemicals.
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Xue W, Li Y, Zhang M. Pristimerin inhibits neuronal inflammation and protects cognitive function in mice with sepsis-induced brain injuries by regulating PI3K/Akt signalling. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2021; 59:1351-1358. [PMID: 34590530 PMCID: PMC8491740 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2021.1981399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory disease; pristimerin exhibits strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. OBJECTIVES We explored whether pristimerin protected against cognitive dysfunction and neuroinflammation in C57BL/6 J mice with sepsis-induced brain injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sepsis was induced by intraperitoneal administration of 2 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS). C57BL/6 J mice were separated into four groups (n = 10 per group): positive control, negative control, pristimerin 10 mg/kg and pristimerin 100 mg/kg. Pristimerin was administered orally for 28 days prior to LPS administration and for six days thereafter. Behavioural changes were assessed one day after LPS administration using the Morris water maze and via neurological dysfunction scoring. Molecular pathogenesis was explored by measurement of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokine levels in mouse brains. Neuronal apoptosis was evaluated using the TUNEL assay. The levels of p-Akt/Akt, p-PI3K/PI3K, mTOR, Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 proteins were determined via Western blotting. RESULTS Pristimerin improved cognitive function and reduces the neurological score to 1.15 ± 0.03. Pristimerin significantly reduced all cytokine levels: TNF-α by 18 ± 0.6 pg/mg, IL-1β by 43 ± 1.3 pg/mg and IL-6 by 34 ± 1.12 pg/mg. There was significant (p < 0.01) improvement in PI3K/Akt signalling and histopathological changes in the brain tissue of sepsis induced brain injured rats. CONCLUSIONS Pristimerin ameliorated neuronal injury by regulating PI3K/Akt signalling in mice with sepsis-induced brain injuries. Pristimerin may merit further development for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weimin Xue
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Science and Technology, First People's Hospital of Huainan, Huainan, China
| | - Yaqiang Li
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Science and Technology, First People's Hospital of Huainan, Huainan, China
| | - Mei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Science and Technology, First People's Hospital of Huainan, Huainan, China
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Huanglianjiedu Decoction as an effective treatment for oral squamous cell carcinoma based on network pharmacology and experimental validation. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:553. [PMID: 34674717 PMCID: PMC8529748 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02201-6] [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: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of malignant tumors in oral and maxillofacial region with high fatality. Huanglianjiedu Decoction (HLJDD) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal prescription, which consists of Coptis chinensis Franch, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Phellodendron amurense Rupr and Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis. Some clinical studies showed HLJDD had good effectiveness on OSCC, but the mechanism is unclear. Methods In this study, potential components of HLJDD and putative targets were screened by Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Combining with potential targets of OSCC searched from Therapeutic Target Database (TTD) and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), we drew protein–protein interaction (PPI) network by Cytoscape v3.2.0 software. After topological analysis we got core targets and further did Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Then we did the in vitro experiments to verify the major biological processes (cell cycle, apoptosis and proliferation) and signaling pathways (mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), protein kinase B (AKT)) on OSCC cell lines, SCC-25 and CAL-27. Results The potential component targets number of Coptis chinensis Franch, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Phellodendron amurense Rupr and Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis were 39, 93, 81and 88, respectively. Then we got 52 core targets which enriched in cell cycle, apoptosis, proliferation, MAPK activation etc. and obtained TOP30 pathways. On SCC-25 and CAL-27, HLJDD suppressed cell proliferation, induced late apoptosis and inhibited cell invasion and migration which were consistent with the results from network pharmacology analysis. Additionally, in cell cycle, we confirmed HLJDD inhibited G1 phase and arrested in S phase to reduce cell proliferation on SCC-25. In signaling pathways, HLJDD inhibited the phosphorylation of extracellular regulatory protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and NF-κB p65 (S468) on SCC-25 and CAL-27. Conclusions HLJDD played a potential therapeutic role on OSCC via inhibiting p-ERK1/2 and p-NF-κB p65 (S468). Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02201-6.
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Chen RZ, Yang F, Zhang M, Sun ZG, Zhang N. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Pristimerin in Cancer Therapy: Recent Advances. Front Oncol 2021; 11:671548. [PMID: 34026649 PMCID: PMC8138054 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.671548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Seeking an efficient and safe approach to eliminate tumors is a common goal of medical fields. Over these years, traditional Chinese medicine has attracted growing attention in cancer treatment due to its long history. Pristimerin is a naturally occurring quinone methide triterpenoid used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various cancers. Recent studies have identified alterations in cellular events and molecular signaling targets of cancer cells under pristimerin treatment. Pristimerin induces cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy to exhibit anti-proliferation effects against tumors. Pristimerin also inhibits the invasion, migration, and metastasis of tumor cells via affecting cell adhesion, cytoskeleton, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cancer stem cells, and angiogenesis. Molecular factors and pathways are associated with the anti-cancer activities of pristimerin. Furthermore, pristimerin reverses multidrug resistance of cancer cells and exerts synergizing effects with other chemotherapeutic drugs. This review aims to discuss the anti-cancer potentials of pristimerin, emphasizing multi-targeted biological and molecular regulations in cancers. Further investigations and clinical trials are warranted to understand the advantages and disadvantages of pristimerin treatment much better.
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Affiliation(s)
- Run-Ze Chen
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fei Yang
- Department of Pathology, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Ilimaquinone Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy in Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8090296. [PMID: 32825464 PMCID: PMC7555415 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8090296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, the anti-tumor activity of ilimaquinone (IQ), a sesquiterpene quinone isolated from marine sponge Halichondria sp., in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells, was investigated. IQ suppressed the viability of the OSCC cell lines SCC4 and SCC2095 with IC50 values of 7.5 and 8.5 μM, respectively. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that IQ induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in SCC4 cells and modulated the expression of several cell growth-related gene products, including Akt, p38, Mcl-1, and p53. Notably, p53 knockdown caused higher resistance to IQ’s anti-tumor activity. In addition, IQ increased reactive oxygen species generation, which was partially reversed by the addition of antioxidants. Furthermore, it triggered autophagy, as evidenced by acidic organelle formation and LC3B-II and Atg5 expression in SCC4 cells. Pretreatment with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine or chloroquine partially decreased IQ-induced apoptosis, suggesting that IQ induced protective autophagy. In summary, IQ has potential to be used in OSCC therapy.
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Gonçalves ECD, Baldasso GM, Bicca MA, Paes RS, Capasso R, Dutra RC. Terpenoids, Cannabimimetic Ligands, beyond the Cannabis Plant. Molecules 2020; 25:E1567. [PMID: 32235333 PMCID: PMC7181184 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25071567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Medicinal use of Cannabis sativa L. has an extensive history and it was essential in the discovery of phytocannabinoids, including the Cannabis major psychoactive compound-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC)-as well as the G-protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors (CBR), named cannabinoid receptor type-1 (CB1R) and cannabinoid receptor type-2 (CB2R), both part of the now known endocannabinoid system (ECS). Cannabinoids is a vast term that defines several compounds that have been characterized in three categories: (i) endogenous, (ii) synthetic, and (iii) phytocannabinoids, and are able to modulate the CBR and ECS. Particularly, phytocannabinoids are natural terpenoids or phenolic compounds derived from Cannabis sativa. However, these terpenoids and phenolic compounds can also be derived from other plants (non-cannabinoids) and still induce cannabinoid-like properties. Cannabimimetic ligands, beyond the Cannabis plant, can act as CBR agonists or antagonists, or ECS enzyme inhibitors, besides being able of playing a role in immune-mediated inflammatory and infectious diseases, neuroinflammatory, neurological, and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as in cancer, and autoimmunity by itself. In this review, we summarize and critically highlight past, present, and future progress on the understanding of the role of cannabinoid-like molecules, mainly terpenes, as prospective therapeutics for different pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine C. D. Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Immunopharmacology (LAIF), Department of Health Sciences, Campus Araranguá, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Araranguá 88906-072, Brazil; (E.C.D.G.); (G.M.B.); (R.S.P.)
- Graduate Program of Neuroscience, Center of Biological Sciences, Campus Florianópolis, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Gabriela M. Baldasso
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Immunopharmacology (LAIF), Department of Health Sciences, Campus Araranguá, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Araranguá 88906-072, Brazil; (E.C.D.G.); (G.M.B.); (R.S.P.)
| | - Maíra A. Bicca
- Neurosurgery Department, Neurosurgery Pain Research institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA;
| | - Rodrigo S. Paes
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Immunopharmacology (LAIF), Department of Health Sciences, Campus Araranguá, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Araranguá 88906-072, Brazil; (E.C.D.G.); (G.M.B.); (R.S.P.)
| | - Raffaele Capasso
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80,055 Portici, Italy
| | - Rafael C. Dutra
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Immunopharmacology (LAIF), Department of Health Sciences, Campus Araranguá, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Araranguá 88906-072, Brazil; (E.C.D.G.); (G.M.B.); (R.S.P.)
- Graduate Program of Neuroscience, Center of Biological Sciences, Campus Florianópolis, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
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Zhang Q, Ding J, Sun S, Liu H, Lu M, Wei X, Gao X, Zhang X, Fu Q, Zheng J. Akt inhibition at the initial stage of CAR-T preparation enhances the CAR-positive expression rate, memory phenotype and in vivo efficacy. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:2379-2396. [PMID: 31815041 PMCID: PMC6895454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The adoptive transfer of chimeric antigen receptor-modified T (CAR-T) cells is a novel cancer treatment that has led to encouraging breakthroughs in the treatment of haematological malignancies. The efficacy of infused CAR-T cells is associated with a high CAR-positive expression rate, a strong proliferative response and the persistence of CAR-T cells in vivo. Manufacturing CAR-T cells is a process usually associated with the decreased CAR-positive expression rate and terminal differentiation of the infused CAR-T cells, which causes decreased proliferation and persistence of CAR-T cells in vivo. Therefore, the preparation of a high CAR-positive expression rate and few differentiated CAR-T cells is particularly important for clinical cancer treatment. In this study, we transduced and expanded CAR-T cells targeting the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in the presence of an Akt inhibitor (MK2206) during the initial stage of CAR-T cell preparation. We show that the Akt inhibitor did not suppress the proliferation or effector function of the EpCAM-CAR-T cells but increased the CAR-positive expression rate and decreased the number of terminally differentiated EpCAM-CAR-T cells. Furthermore, EpCAM-CAR-T cells prepared using this protocol appeared to have enhanced antitumor activity in vivo. Taken together, these findings suggest that Akt inhibition during the initial stage of CAR-T cell preparation could improve the performance of CAR-T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Jiage Ding
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Shishuo Sun
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Hongyan Liu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- The Second People’s Hospital of LianyungangLianyungang, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Mengmeng Lu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohuan Wei
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoge Gao
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Xiaokang Zhang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical UniversityYantai, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
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Li JJ, Yan YY, Sun HM, Liu Y, Su CY, Chen HB, Zhang JY. Anti-Cancer Effects of Pristimerin and the Mechanisms: A Critical Review. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:746. [PMID: 31354475 PMCID: PMC6640652 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As a quinonemethide triterpenoid extracted from species of the Celastraceae and Hippocrateaceae, pristimerin has been shown potent anti-cancer effects. Specifically, it was found that pristimerin can affect many tumor-related processes, such as apoptosis, autophagy, migration and invasion, vasculogenesis, and drug resistance. Various molecular targets or signaling pathways are also involved, such as cyclins, reactive oxygen species (ROS), microRNA, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways. In this review, we will focus on the research about pristimerin-induced anti-cancer activities to achieve a deeper understanding of the targets and mechanisms, which offer evidences suggesting that pristimerin can be a potent anti-cancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jun Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Yan Yan
- Institute of Respiratory and Occupational Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer, Medical College, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China.,School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Yun Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao-Yue Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hu-Biao Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jian-Ye Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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