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Feng Y, An Q, Zhao Z, Wu M, Yang C, Liang W, Xu X, Jiang T, Zhang G. Beta-elemene: A phytochemical with promise as a drug candidate for tumor therapy and adjuvant tumor therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 172:116266. [PMID: 38350368 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116266] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND β-Elemene (IUPAC name: (1 S,2 S,4 R)-1-ethenyl-1-methyl-2,4-bis(prop-1-en-2-yl) cyclohexane), is a natural compound found in turmeric root. Studies have demonstrated its diverse biological functions, including its anti-tumor properties, which have been extensively investigated. However, these have not yet been reviewed. The aim of this review was to provide a comprehensive summary of β-elemene research, with respect to disease treatment. METHODS β-Elemene-related articles were found in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases to systematically summarize its structure, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and pharmacological activity. We also searched the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology database for therapeutic targets of β-elemene. We further combined these targets with the relevant literature for KEGG and GO analyses. RESULTS Studies on the molecular mechanisms underlying β-elemene activity indicate that it regulates multiple pathways, including STAT3, MAPKs, Cyclin-dependent kinase 1/cyclin B, Notch, PI3K/AKT, reactive oxygen species, METTL3, PTEN, p53, FAK, MMP, TGF-β/Smad signaling. Through these molecular pathways, β-elemene has been implicated in tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion and improving the immune microenvironment. Additionally, β-elemene increases chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity and reverses resistance by inhibiting DNA damage repair and regulating pathways including CTR1, pak1, ERK1/2, ABC transporter protein, Prx-1 and ERCC-1. Nonetheless, owing to its lipophilicity and low bioavailability, additional structural modifications could improve the efficacy of this drug. CONCLUSION β-Elemene exhibits low toxicity with good safety, inhibiting various tumor types via diverse mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. When combined with chemotherapeutic drugs, it enhances efficacy, reduces toxicity, and improves tumor killing. Thus, β-elemene has vast potential for research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yewen Feng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Qingwen An
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Zhengqi Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Mengting Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Chuqi Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - WeiYu Liang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Xuefei Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China.
| | - Guangji Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China.
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Zhao P, Qiu J, Pan C, Tang Y, Chen M, Song H, Yang J, Hao X. Potential roles and molecular mechanisms of bioactive ingredients in Curcumae Rhizoma against breast cancer. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 114:154810. [PMID: 37075623 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer worldwide, with high morbidity and mortality. Despite great advances in the therapeutic strategies, the survival rate in the past decades of patients with breast cancer remains unsatisfactory. Growing evidence has demonstrated that Curcumae Rhizoma, called Ezhu in Chinese, showed various pharmacological properties, including anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities. It has been widely used in Chinese medicine to treat many types of human cancer. PURPOSE To comprehensively summarize and analyze the effects of active substances in Curcumae Rhizoma on breast cancer malignant phenotypes and the underlying mechanisms, as well as discuss its medicinal value and future perspectives. METHOD We used "Curcumae Rhizoma" or the name of crude extracts and bioactive components in Curcumae Rhizoma in combination with "breast cancer" as key words. Studies focusing on their anti-breast cancer activities and mechanisms of action were extracted from Pubmed, Web of Science and CNKI databases up to October 2022. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guideline was followed. RESULTS Crude extracts and 7 main bioactive phytochemicals (curcumol, β-elemene, furanodiene, furanodienone, germacrone, curdione and curcumin) isolated from Curcumae Rhizoma have shown many anti-breast cancer pharmacological properties, including inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, invasion and stemness, reversing chemoresistance, and inducing cell apoptosis, cycle arrest and ferroptosis. The mechanisms of action were involved in regulating MAPK, PI3K/AKT and NF-κB signaling pathways. In vivo and clinical studies demonstrated that these compounds exhibited high anti-tumor efficacy and safety against breast cancer. CONCLUSION These findings provide strong evidence that Curcumae Rhizoma acts as a rich source of phytochemicals and has robust anti-breast cancer properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang & Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China; The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academic of Sciences, Guiyang, China
| | - Jianfei Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology and Characteristics, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Chaolan Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang & Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China; The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academic of Sciences, Guiyang, China
| | - Yunyan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang & Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China; The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academic of Sciences, Guiyang, China
| | - Meijun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang & Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China; The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academic of Sciences, Guiyang, China
| | - Hui Song
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang & Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China; Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.
| | - Jue Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang & Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China; The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academic of Sciences, Guiyang, China; State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaojiang Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang & Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China; The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academic of Sciences, Guiyang, China.
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Han CH, Ma JY, Zou W, Qu JL, Du Y, Li N, Liu Y, Jin G, Leng AJ, Liu J. 3D Microfluidic System for Evaluating Inhibitory Effect of Chinese Herbal Medicine Oldenlandia diffusa on Human Malignant Glioma Invasion Combined with Network Pharmacology Analysis. Chin J Integr Med 2023; 29:52-60. [PMID: 36401750 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-021-3726-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the anti-invasion efficacy of the ethanol extract of Oldenlandia diffusa Will. (EEOD) on a three-dimensional (3D) human malignant glioma (MG) cell invasion and perfusion model based on microfluidic chip culture and the possible mechanism of action of Oldenlandia diffusa Will. (OD). METHODS The comprehensive pharmacodynamic analysis method in this study was based on microfluidic chip 3D cell perfusion culture technology, and the action mechanism of Chinese medicine (CM) on human MG cells was investigated through network pharmacology analysis. First, the components of EEOD were analyzed by ultraperformance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS). Then, cell viability and apoptosis were assessed to determine the optimum concentration of EEOD for invasion experiments, and two-dimensional (2D) migration and invasion abilities of U87 and U251 MG cells were evaluated using scratch wound and Transwell assays. The possible mechanism underlying the effects of EEOD on glioma was analyzed through a network pharmacology approach. RESULTS Thirty-five compounds of EEOD were detected by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. EEOD suppressed the viability of MG cells, promoted their apoptosis, and inhibited their migratory and invasive potentials (all P<0.05). Network pharmacology analysis showed that OD inhibited the invasion of MG cells by directly regulating MAPK and Wnt pathways through MAPK, EGFR, MYC, GSK3B, and other targets. The anti-invasion effect of OD was also found to be related to the indirect regulation of microtubule cytoskeleton organization. CONCLUSIONS ]EEOD could inhibit the invasion of human MG cells, and the anti-invasion mechanism of OD might be regulating MAPK and Wnt signaling pathways and microtubule cytoskeleton organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hui Han
- Stem Cells Clinical Research Institution, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, Liaoning Province, China.,Dalian Innovation Institute of Stem Cell and Precision Medicine, Dalian, 116023, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jing-Yun Ma
- Stem Cells Clinical Research Institution, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, Liaoning Province, China.,Dalian Innovation Institute of Stem Cell and Precision Medicine, Dalian, 116023, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Wei Zou
- Dalian Innovation Institute of Stem Cell and Precision Medicine, Dalian, 116023, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jia-Lin Qu
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yang Du
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Na Li
- Stem Cells Clinical Research Institution, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Guo Jin
- Dalian Innovation Institute of Stem Cell and Precision Medicine, Dalian, 116023, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Ai-Jing Leng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Stem Cells Clinical Research Institution, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, Liaoning Province, China. .,Dalian Innovation Institute of Stem Cell and Precision Medicine, Dalian, 116023, Liaoning Province, China.
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Preliminary Study on Phytochemical Constituents and Biological Activities of Essential Oil from Myriactis nepalensis Less. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27144631. [PMID: 35889501 PMCID: PMC9324352 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In response to the need for novel therapeutic strategies to combat the development of microbial resistance, plant essential oils may represent a promising alternative source. This study set out to characterize the chemical composition and assess the antibacterial potential of Myriactis nepalensis Less. essential oil (MNEO). Essential oil isolated from M. nepalensis by hydrodistillation was analyzed using a GC–MS technique. The antibacterial properties of MNEO alone and combined with antibiotics (chloramphenicol and streptomycin) were tested via the disc diffusion, microbroth dilution, and checkerboard methods. MNEO was represented by oxygenated sesquiterpenes (60.3%) and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (28.6%), with caryophyllene oxide, spathulenol, humulene epoxide II, β-elemene, neointermedeol, and β-caryophyllene as the main compounds. MNEO exhibited a strong antibacterial effect against Gram-positive bacteria, with MIC and MBC values of 0.039 mg/mL and 0.039–0.156 mg/mL, respectively, and synergistic effects were observed in both combinations with chloramphenicol and streptomycin. Furthermore, the antibiofilm and cytotoxic activities of MNEO were also evaluated. The crystal violet assay was used for quantification of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation, and an MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay was conducted to determine cell viability. The results revealed MNEO could dose-dependently inhibit Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation and possessed potential cytotoxic on both normal and cancer cells (IC50 values from 13.13 ± 1.90 to 35.22 ± 8.36 μg/mL). Overall, the results indicate that MNEO may have promising applications in the field of bacterial infections.
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β-Elemene Promotes Apoptosis Induced by Hyperthermia via Inhibiting HSP70. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:7313026. [PMID: 35903296 PMCID: PMC9325567 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7313026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Thermotherapy has been presented as a promising strategy to be used as an effective nonsurgical technique for colorectal carcinoma. Although this strategy presents several advantages, including low toxicity and high repeatability, thermotherapy often needs to be combined with other therapies because residual tumor cells that survive hyperthermal treatment often lead to relapse. In this study, we evaluated the effects of β-elemene, which has been proven to have the potential to reverse chemotherapy drug resistance, on promoting the antitumor effects of hyperthermia. β-elemene treatment significantly promoted apoptosis after 2 hours of hyperthermia treatment and blocked cell cycle phases at G1/G0. β-elemene also significantly decreased colony formation and tumor formation abilities after hyperthermia treatment. β-elemene treatment significantly decreased HSP70, but not HSP90 or HSP27, induced by hyperthermia treatment without disturbing HSP70 mRNA. It was also found that β-elemene decreased phosphorylated ERK1/2 induced by hyperthermia. Regain of HSP70 reversed β-elemene-mediated apoptosis, indicating that β-elemene may induce apoptosis by decreasing HSP70. Moreover, β-elemene treatment significantly decreased invasion capacity by decreasing the EMT, which was induced by hyperthermia treatment. Taken together, our results offer a potential strategy for CRC therapy via the combination of hyperthermia and β-elemene.
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Liang Q, Jiang C, Zhao Q, Guo Z, Xie M, Zou Y, Cai X, Su J, He Z, Zhao K. Application and prospect of exosomes combined with Chinese herbal medicine in orthopedics. J Herb Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2022.100589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Cui MY, Yi X, Zhu DX, Wu J. The Role of Lipid Metabolism in Gastric Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:916661. [PMID: 35785165 PMCID: PMC9240397 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.916661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer has been one of the most common cancers worldwide with extensive metastasis and high mortality. Chemotherapy has been found as a main treatment for metastatic gastric cancer, whereas drug resistance limits the effectiveness of chemotherapy and leads to treatment failure. Chemotherapy resistance in gastric cancer has a complex and multifactorial mechanism, among which lipid metabolism plays a vital role. Increased synthesis of new lipids or uptake of exogenous lipids can facilitate the rapid growth of cancer cells and tumor formation. Lipids form the structural basis of biofilms while serving as signal molecules and energy sources. It is noteworthy that lipid metabolism is capable of inducing drug resistance in gastric cancer cells by reshaping the tumor micro-environment. In this study, new mechanisms of lipid metabolism in gastric cancer and the metabolic pathways correlated with chemotherapy resistance are reviewed. In particular, we discuss the effects of lipid metabolism on autophagy, biomarkers treatment and drug resistance in gastric cancer from the perspective of lipid metabolism. In brief, new insights can be gained into the development of promising therapies through an in-depth investigation of the mechanism of lipid metabolism reprogramming and resensitization to chemotherapy in gastric cancer cells, and scientific treatment can be provided by applying lipid-key enzyme inhibitors as cancer chemical sensitizers in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jun Wu
- *Correspondence: Jun Wu, ; Dan-Xia Zhu,
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Ma YH, Ma WT, Zhou ZK, Huang X, Jiang XR, Du KJ, Sun MZ, Zhang H, Fang H, Zhao Y, Zhu HM, Liu HX, Chen P, Liu YQ. Synthesis of 8-Fluoroneocryptolepine and Evaluation for Cytotoxic Activity against AGS Cancer Cells. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2022; 85:963-971. [PMID: 35191714 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c01078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Neocryptolepine derivatives have attracted great interest because of their unique cytotoxic activity. 8-Fluoroneocryptolepine (8FNC) was synthesized, and its cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay in AGS gastric cancer cells and gastric mucosa GES-1 cells. 8-Fluoroneocryptolepine showed greater selectivity and cytotoxicity to AGS cells than the cisplatin (CIS) and fluorouracil (5-Fu) commonly used in clinical treatment of gastric cancer. Most importantly, we significantly improved the cytotoxic effect of 8FNC against AGS cells by structural modification and reduced the cytotoxicity against GES-1 cells compared with neocryptolepine. We further evaluated the activity of 8FNC against AGS cells in vitro. Our results indicate that 8FNC arrests the AGS cell cycle in the G2/M phase, reduces the mitochondrial membrane potential of AGS cells, and drives the initiation of apoptotic body formation in 8FNC-induced apoptosis. Moreover, 8FNC exhibits strong inhibitory effects on AGS cell migration. Studies on the molecular mechanisms of the cytotoxic activities of 8FNC revealed that it may play a significant role in the inhibitory effect on AGS human gastric cancer cells through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In conclusion, 8FNC may become a promising lead compound in the development of potential clinical drug candidates for the treatment of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Hao Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Wan-Tong Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong-Kun Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiu Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Rong Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Kang-Jia Du
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng-Ze Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Fang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Mei Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan-Xiang Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Qian Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, People's Republic of China
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Diban N, Mantecón-Oria M, Berciano MT, Puente-Bedia A, Rivero MJ, Urtiaga A, Lafarga M, Tapia O. Non-homogeneous dispersion of graphene in polyacrylonitrile substrates induces a migrastatic response and epithelial-like differentiation in MCF7 breast cancer cells. Cancer Nanotechnol 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s12645-021-00107-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Recent advances from studies of graphene and graphene-based derivatives have highlighted the great potential of these nanomaterials as migrastatic agents with the ability to modulate tumor microenvironments. Nevertheless, the administration of graphene nanomaterials in suspensions in vivo is controversial. As an alternative approach, herein, we report the immobilization of high concentrations of graphene nanoplatelets in polyacrylonitrile film substrates (named PAN/G10) and evaluate their potential use as migrastatic agents on cancer cells.
Results
Breast cancer MCF7 cells cultured on PAN/G10 substrates presented features resembling mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition, e.g., (i) inhibition of migratory activity; (ii) activation of the expression of E-cadherin, cytokeratin 18, ZO-1 and EpCAM, four key molecular markers of epithelial differentiation; (iii) formation of adherens junctions with clustering and adhesion of cancer cells in aggregates or islets, and (iv) reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton resulting in a polygonal cell shape. Remarkably, assessment with Raman spectroscopy revealed that the above-mentioned events were produced when MCF7 cells were preferentially located on top of graphene-rich regions of the PAN/G10 substrates.
Conclusions
The present data demonstrate the capacity of these composite substrates to induce an epithelial-like differentiation in MCF7 breast cancer cells, resulting in a migrastatic effect without any chemical agent-mediated signaling. Future works will aim to thoroughly evaluate the mechanisms of how PAN/G10 substrates trigger these responses in cancer cells and their potential use as antimetastatics for the treatment of solid cancers.
Graphical Abstract
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Chen Y, Zhu Z, Chen J, Zheng Y, Limsila B, Lu M, Gao T, Yang Q, Fu C, Liao W. Terpenoids from Curcumae Rhizoma: Their anticancer effects and clinical uses on combination and versus drug therapies. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 138:111350. [PMID: 33721752 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a fatal disease with high mortality and low survival rate worldwide. At present, there is still no known cure for most cancers. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) represents a noteworthy reservoir for anticancer agents in drug discovery and development. Curcumae Rhizoma (called Ezhu in Chinese) is widely prescribed in TCM for anticancer therapy owing to its broad-spectrum antineoplastic activities. Especially, the terpenoids isolated from the essential oil of Curcumae Rhizoma form an integral part of cancer research and are well established as a potential anticancer agent. For example, β-elemene has been developed into a new drug for the treatment of solid tumors in China, and is currently undergoing clinical trials in the United States. The review aims to systematically summarize the recent advances on the anticancer effects and related molecular mechanisms of Curcumae Rhizoma, and its terpenoids (β-elemene, Furanodiene, Furanodienone, Germacrone, Curcumol, Curdione). In addition, we evaluated and compared the anticancer efficacy and clinical use of the terpenoids with combination therapies and traditional therapies. Therefore, this review provides sufficient evidence for the anticancer therapeutic potential of Curcumae Rhizoma and its terpenoids, and will contribute to the development of potential anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chen
- College of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Drug Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Zongping Zhu
- College of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Drug Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Jiao Chen
- College of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Drug Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Yongfeng Zheng
- College of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Drug Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Boonjai Limsila
- Institute of Thai-Chinese Medicine Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicines, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok 11000, Thailand
| | - Meigui Lu
- Huachiew TCM Hospital, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
| | - Tianhui Gao
- College of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Drug Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Qingsong Yang
- College of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Drug Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Chaomei Fu
- College of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Drug Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, PR China.
| | - Wan Liao
- College of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Drug Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, PR China.
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Anti-Tumor Drug Discovery Based on Natural Product β-Elemene: Anti-Tumor Mechanisms and Structural Modification. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26061499. [PMID: 33801899 PMCID: PMC7998186 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26061499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural products are important sources for drug discovery, especially anti-tumor drugs. β-Elemene, the prominent active ingredient extract from the rhizome of Curcuma wenyujin, is a representative natural product with broad anti-tumor activities. The main molecular mechanism of β-elemene is to inhibit tumor growth and proliferation, induce apoptosis, inhibit tumor cell invasion and metastasis, enhance the sensitivity of chemoradiotherapy, regulate the immune system, and reverse multidrug resistance (MDR). Elemene oral emulsion and elemene injection were approved by the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) for the treatment of various cancers and bone metastasis in 1994. However, the lipophilicity and low bioavailability limit its application. To discover better β-elemene-derived anti-tumor drugs with satisfying drug-like properties, researchers have modified its structure under the premise of not damaging the basic scaffold structure. In this review, we comprehensively discuss and summarize the potential anti-tumor mechanisms and the progress of structural modifications of β-elemene.
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Kiyama R. Nutritional implications of ginger: chemistry, biological activities and signaling pathways. J Nutr Biochem 2020; 86:108486. [PMID: 32827666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2020.108486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) has been used as a food, spice, supplement and flavoring agent and in traditional medicines due to its beneficial characteristics such as pungency, aroma, nutrients and pharmacological activity. Ginger and ginger extracts were reported to have numerous effects, such as those on diabetes and metabolic syndrome, cholesterol levels and lipid metabolism, and inflammation, revealed by epidemiological studies. To understand the beneficial characteristics of ginger, especially its physiological and pharmacological activities at the molecular level, the biological effects of ginger constituents, such as monoterpenes (cineole, citral, limonene and α/β-pinenes), sesquiterpenes (β-elemene, farnesene and zerumbone), phenolics (gingerols, [6]-shogaol, [6]-paradol and zingerone) and diarylheptanoids (curcumin), and the associated signaling pathways are summarized. Ginger constituents are involved in biological activities, such as apoptosis, cell cycle/DNA damage, chromatin/epigenetic regulation, cytoskeletal regulation and adhesion, immunology and inflammation, and neuroscience, and exert their effects through specific signaling pathways associated with cell functions/mechanisms such as autophagy, cellular metabolism, mitogen-activated protein kinase and other signaling, and development/differentiation. Estrogens, such as phytoestrogens, are one of the most important bioactive materials in nature, and the molecular mechanisms of estrogen actions and the assays to detect them have been discussed. The molecular mechanisms of estrogen actions induced by ginger constituents and related applications, such as the chemoprevention of cancers, and the improvement of menopausal syndromes, osteoporosis, endometriosis, prostatic hyperplasia, polycystic ovary syndrome and Alzheimer's disease, were summarized by a comprehensive search of references to understand more about their health benefits and associated health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoiti Kiyama
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Life Science, Kyushu Sangyo Univ., 2-3-1 Matsukadai, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 813-8503, Japan.
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β-Elemene Inhibits the Proliferation and Migration of Human Glioblastoma Cell Lines via Suppressing Ring Finger Protein 135. Balkan J Med Genet 2020; 23:43-49. [PMID: 32953408 PMCID: PMC7474225 DOI: 10.2478/bjmg-2020-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
β-Elemene is commonly used as an anti-cancer agent in different types of cancers and its effects on glioblastoma have been studied through different pathways. However, its effect through ring finger protein 135 (RNF135, OMIM 611358) (RNF135), which is upregulated in glioblastomas, has not yet been explored. The current study is focused on the effects of β-elemene on human glioblastoma cell lines U251, U118, A172 and U87 through RNF13 5. A cell counting kit-8 assay and wound healing assay have been utilized to test the proliferation and migration of the cells. Western blot and quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to evaluate the level of expression of RNF135. A model of nude mice was used to explore progression of the tumor in vivo. It was observed that increasing treatment time or dose of β-elemene remarkably decreased viability of the cells. The cells that were treated with β-elemene had a much lower speed of moving toward the gap in comparison to untreated cell lines. β-Elemene-treated cells showed a much lower level of expression of RNF135 mRNA than control groups (p <0.05) and the levels of RNF135 protein were lower in the cells treated with β-elemene than in control groups (p <0.05). Moreover, tumor progression in subcutaneous xenograft nude mice was delayed with the injection of β-elemene. Altogether, our findings suggest that β-elemene inhibits proliferation, migration and tumorigenicity of human glioblastoma cells through suppressing RNF135.
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Deng M, Liu B, Song H, Yu R, Zou D, Chen Y, Ma Y, Lv F, Xu L, Zhang Z, Lv Q, Yang X, Che X, Qu X, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Hu X. β-Elemene inhibits the metastasis of multidrug-resistant gastric cancer cells through miR-1323/Cbl-b/EGFR pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 69:153184. [PMID: 32199253 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND β-Elemene is a natural agent extracted from the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Curcuma wenyujin that is a promising novel plant-derived drug with broad-spectrum anticancer activity. Our previous study identified an enhanced capacity for metastasis in multidrug resistant (MDR) gastric cancer and breast cancer cells. However, the anti-metastatic effects of β-Elemene on MDR cancer cells remain unknown. PURPOSE In this study, we posit the hypothesis that β-elemene possesses antimetastatic effects on MDR cancer cells. METHODS Cell viability assay was used to assess the resistance of SGC7901/ADR cells and the cytotoxic effects of β-Elemene. Wound healing, transwell assay and lung metastatic mice model were used to the anti-metastasis effects of β-Elemene. MicroRNA microarray analysis was used to explore potential regulated miRNAs. Luciferase reporter assay was used to identify the direct target. Human MMP antibody array, western blot, immunoprecipitation, qRT-PCR analyses and immunohistochemistry were conducted to investigate the underlying anti-metastasis mechanism of β-Elemene. RESULTS In this study, we found that β-Elemene significantly inhibited the metastatic capacity of MDR gastric cells in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, we found that β-Elemene regulated MMP-2/9 expression and reversed epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Further studies showed that β-Elemene upregulated Cbl-b expression, resulting in inhibition of the EGFR-ERK/AKT pathways, which regulate MMP-2/9. Additionally, we confirmed that β-Elemene upregulated Cbl-b by inhibiting miR-1323 expression. Finally, we found that numbers of metastatic tumor nodules were significantly decreased in the lungs of nude mice after β-Elemene treatment. CONCLUSION Our results suggested that β-Elemene inhibits the metastasis of MDR gastric cancer cells by modulating the miR-1323/Cbl-b/EGFR signaling axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Deng
- Department of Respiratory and Infectious Disease of Geriatrics, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China; Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Bofang Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huicong Song
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Ruoxi Yu
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Dan Zou
- The First Laboratory of Cancer Institute, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Infectious Disease of Geriatrics, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Yanju Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang 110042, China
| | - Fei Lv
- The First Laboratory of Cancer Institute, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Ling Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Qingjie Lv
- Department of Pathology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Xianghong Yang
- Department of Pathology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Xiaofang Che
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Xiujuan Qu
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Yunpeng Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- The First Laboratory of Cancer Institute, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.
| | - Xuejun Hu
- Department of Respiratory and Infectious Disease of Geriatrics, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.
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Hsiao YH, Lin CW, Wang PH, Hsin MC, Yang SF. The Potential of Chinese Herbal Medicines in the Treatment of Cervical Cancer. Integr Cancer Ther 2020; 18:1534735419861693. [PMID: 31271066 PMCID: PMC6611015 DOI: 10.1177/1534735419861693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a global health issue and places a considerable economic and medical burden on society. Thus, a concerted effort to improve the treatment of cervical cancer is warranted. Although several treatment options are currently available for treating patients with cervical cancer, such as chemoradiation and neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy, more aggressive systemic therapies and newer therapeutic agents are under investigation. Medicinal herbs have long been used to treat diseases. In this review, we summarize studies analyzing the antitumor effects and underlying mechanisms of Chinese herbal medicines, including the effects of crude extracts and compounds in vitro or in animal models for inducing apoptosis and inhibiting invasion or metastasis. Chinese herbal medicines with therapeutic targeting, such as those that interfere with tumor growth and progression in cervical cancer, have been widely investigated. To apply Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of cervical cancer, adequate clinical studies are required to confirm its clinical safety and efficiency. Further investigations focused on the purification, pharmacokinetics, and identification of compounds from Chinese herbal medicines in cervical cancer treatment are necessary to achieve the aforementioned treatment goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsuan Hsiao
- 1 Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung.,2 School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung.,3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua
| | - Chiao-Wen Lin
- 4 Institute of Oral Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung.,5 Department of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung
| | - Po-Hui Wang
- 1 Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung.,2 School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung.,6 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung
| | - Min-Chien Hsin
- 1 Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung
| | - Shun-Fa Yang
- 1 Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung.,7 Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung
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Luo H, Vong CT, Chen H, Gao Y, Lyu P, Qiu L, Zhao M, Liu Q, Cheng Z, Zou J, Yao P, Gao C, Wei J, Ung COL, Wang S, Zhong Z, Wang Y. Naturally occurring anti-cancer compounds: shining from Chinese herbal medicine. Chin Med 2019; 14:48. [PMID: 31719837 PMCID: PMC6836491 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-019-0270-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 264] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous natural products originated from Chinese herbal medicine exhibit anti-cancer activities, including anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic, anti-angiogenic effects, as well as regulate autophagy, reverse multidrug resistance, balance immunity, and enhance chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. To provide new insights into the critical path ahead, we systemically reviewed the most recent advances (reported since 2011) on the key compounds with anti-cancer effects derived from Chinese herbal medicine (curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, berberine, artemisinin, ginsenoside Rg3, ursolic acid, silibinin, emodin, triptolide, cucurbitacin B, tanshinone I, oridonin, shikonin, gambogic acid, artesunate, wogonin, β-elemene, and cepharanthine) in scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, and Clinical Trials). With a broader perspective, we focused on their recently discovered and/or investigated pharmacological effects, novel mechanism of action, relevant clinical studies, and their innovative applications in combined therapy and immunomodulation. In addition, the present review has extended to describe other promising compounds including dihydroartemisinin, ginsenoside Rh2, compound K, cucurbitacins D, E, I, tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone in view of their potentials in cancer therapy. Up to now, the evidence about the immunomodulatory effects and clinical trials of natural anti-cancer compounds from Chinese herbal medicine is very limited, and further research is needed to monitor their immunoregulatory effects and explore their mechanisms of action as modulators of immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Luo
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Chi Teng Vong
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Hanbin Chen
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Peng Lyu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Ling Qiu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Mingming Zhao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Qiao Liu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Zehua Cheng
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jian Zou
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Peifen Yao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Caifang Gao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jinchao Wei
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Carolina Oi Lam Ung
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Shengpeng Wang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yitao Wang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
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Tong H, Liu Y, Jiang L, Wang J. Multi-Targeting by β-Elemene and Its Anticancer Properties: A Good Choice for Oncotherapy and Radiochemotherapy Sensitization. Nutr Cancer 2019; 72:554-567. [PMID: 31387393 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2019.1648694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have focused on chemical agents, tailored from natural edible products, used to prevent and treat various diseases. β-elemene is a well-known compound derived from Curcuma wenyujin that possesses a wide spectrum of anticancer properties under preclinical and clinical conditions. Several studies have demonstrated its inhibitory effect both in humans and animals with cancers. Numerous in vivo and in vitro experimental models have revealed that β-elemene can modulate multiple molecular pathways involved in carcinogenesis. In general, (1) β-elemene itself can inhibit and kill tumor cells through a variety of mechanisms, and (2) can synergistically enhance the effect of radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, (3) also can regulate autoimmune in the treatment of tumors. In this article, we critically focused on the available scientific evidence discussing the use of β-elemene in cancer prevention, and its molecular targets and mechanisms of action in different types of cancer. In addition, we have discussed its sources, chemistry, bioavailability, and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxuan Tong
- Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yihua Liu
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lijie Jiang
- Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingshang Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Deng M, Zhang Y, Liu B, Chen Y, Song H, Yu R, Che X, Qu X, Liu Y, Hu X, Xu X. β‐Elemene inhibits peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer cells by modulating FAK/Claudin‐1 signaling. Phytother Res 2019; 33:2448-2456. [PMID: 31342604 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Deng
- Department of Respiratory and Infectious Disease of GeriatricsThe First Hospital of China Medical University Shenyang China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Hospital of China Medical University Shenyang China
| | - Bofang Liu
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Hospital of China Medical University Shenyang China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Infectious Disease of GeriatricsThe First Hospital of China Medical University Shenyang China
| | - Huicong Song
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Hospital of China Medical University Shenyang China
| | - Ruoxi Yu
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Hospital of China Medical University Shenyang China
| | - Xiaofang Che
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Hospital of China Medical University Shenyang China
| | - Xiujuan Qu
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Hospital of China Medical University Shenyang China
| | - Yunpeng Liu
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Hospital of China Medical University Shenyang China
| | - Xuejun Hu
- Department of Respiratory and Infectious Disease of GeriatricsThe First Hospital of China Medical University Shenyang China
| | - Xiuying Xu
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Hospital of China Medical University Shenyang China
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Molecular targets of β-elemene, a herbal extract used in traditional Chinese medicine, and its potential role in cancer therapy: A review. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 114:108812. [PMID: 30965237 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
β-Elemene is a sesquiterpene compound extracted from the herb Curcuma Rhizoma and is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat several types of cancer, with no reported severe adverse effects. Recent studies, using in vitro and in vivo studies combined with molecular methods, have shown that β-elemene can inhibit cell proliferation, arrest the cell cycle, and induce cell apoptosis. Recent studies have identified the molecular targets of β-elemene that may have a role in cancer therapy. This review aims to discuss the anticancer potential of β-elemene through its actions on several molecular targets including kinase enzymes, transcription factors, growth factors and their receptors, and proteins. β-Elemene also regulates the expression of several key molecules that are involved in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin. Also, β-elemene has been shown to have regulatory effects on the immune response and increases the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemoradiotherapy and has shown effects on multidrug resistance (MDR) in malignancy. Recent studies have shown that β-elemene can induce autophagy, which prevents cancer cells from undergoing apoptosis. Therefore, the molecular mechanisms for the treatment effects on cancer of the herbal extract, β-elemene, which has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, are now being studied and identified.
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Qureshi MZ, Attar R, Romero MA, Sabitaliyevich UY, Nurmurzayevich SB, Ozturk O, Wakim LH, Lin X, Ozbey U, Yelekenova AB, Farooqi AA. Regulation of signaling pathways by β-elemene in cancer progression and metastasis. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:12091-12100. [PMID: 30912190 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Entry of β-elemene into various phases of clinical trials advocates its significance as a premium candidate likely to gain access to mainstream medicine. Based on the insights gleaned from decades of research, it seems increasingly transparent that β-elemene has shown significant ability to modulate multiple cell signaling pathways in different cancers. We partition this multicomponent review into how β-elemene strategically modulates various signal transduction cascades. We have individually summarized regulation of tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis-inducing ligand, signal transducers and activators of transcription, transforming growth factor/SMAD, NOTCH, and mammalian target of rapamycin pathways by β-elemene. Last, we will discuss the results of clinical trials of β-elemene and how effectively we can use these findings to stratify patients who can benefit most from β-elemene.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rukset Attar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yeditepe University, Turkey
| | - Mirna A Romero
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Laboratorio de Investigación Clínica, Av. Solidaridad S/N, Colonia Hornos Insurgentes, cp 39355, Acapulco, Guerrero, México
| | | | | | - Ozlem Ozturk
- Institute prévention santé et longévité, Paris, France
| | - Lara H Wakim
- Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Lebanon
| | - Xiukun Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, Southwest Medical Univerisity, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Ulku Ozbey
- Department of Genetics, Health High School, Munzur University, 62000, Tunceli, Turkey
| | | | - Ammad A Farooqi
- Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), Islamabad, Pakistan
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Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Alkyl Amine Substituted Icariside II Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23092146. [PMID: 30150543 PMCID: PMC6225249 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23092146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of novel alkyl amine-substituted icariside II (ICA II) derivatives were synthesized by Mannich reactions at the 6-C position (compounds 4a–d) and changing the carbon chain length at the 7-OH position (compounds 7a–h), and their in vitro antitumor activity towards human breast cancer lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and human hepatoma cell lines (HepG2 and HCCLM3-LUC) were evaluated by the MTT assay. Compared with ICA II, most of the twelve derivatives showed good micromole level activity and a preliminary structure-activity relationship (SAR) for the anticancer activity was obtained. Compound 7g showed the most potent inhibitory activity for the four cancer cell lines (13.28 μM for HCCLM3-LUC, 3.96 μM for HepG2, 2.44 μM for MCF-7 and 4.21 μM for MDA-MB-231), which was 2.94, 5.54, 12.56 and 7.72-fold stronger than that of ICA II. The preliminary SAR showed that the introduction of a alkyl amine substituent at 6-C was not favorable for the anticancer activity, while most of the 7-O-alkylamino derivatives exhibited good antitumor activity and the anticancer activity 7-O-alkylamino derivatives were influenced by the alkyl chain length and the different terminal amine substituents. Furthermore, the effects of compound 7g on apoptosis and cell cycle of MCF-7 cells were further investigated, which showed that compound 7g triggered apoptosis and arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase in MCF-7 cells. Our findings indicate that compound 7g may be a promising anticancer drug candidate lead.
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Xu L, Guo T, Qu X, Hu X, Zhang Y, Che X, Song H, Gong J, Ma R, Li C, Fan Y, Ma Y, Hou K, Wu P, Dong H, Liu Y. β-elemene increases the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to TRAIL by promoting the formation of DISC in lipid rafts. Cell Biol Int 2018; 42:1377-1385. [PMID: 29957841 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
β-Elemene, an anti-cancer drug extracted from traditional Chinese medicinal herb, showed anti-tumor effects on gastric cancer cells. Our previous studies reported gastric cancer cells are insensitive to TRAIL. However, whether β-elemene could enhance anti-cancer effects of TRAIL on gastric cancer cells is unknown. In our present study, β-elemene prevented gastric cancer cell viability in dose-dependent manner, and when combined with TRAIL, obviously inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. Compared to β-elemene or TRAIL alone, treatment with β-elemene and TRAIL obviously promoted DR5 clustering as well as translocation of Caspase-8, DR5 and FADD into lipid rafts. This led to cleavage of Caspase-8 and the formation of death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) in lipid rafts. The cholesterol-sequestering agent nystatin partially reversed DR5 clustering and DISC formation, preventing apoptosis triggered by the combination of β-elemene and TRAIL. Our results suggest that β-elemene increases the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to TRAIL partially by promoting the formation of DISC in lipid rafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Tianshu Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Xiujuan Qu
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Xuejun Hu
- Department of Respiratory and Infectious Disease of Geriatrics, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Xiaofang Che
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Huicong Song
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Jing Gong
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Rui Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Ce Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Yibo Fan
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Yanju Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Kezuo Hou
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Peihong Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Hang Dong
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Yunpeng Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
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Wei M, Chu C, Wang S, Yan J. Quantitative analysis of sesquiterpenes and comparison of three Curcuma wenyujin herbal medicines by micro matrix solid phase dispersion coupled with MEEKC. Electrophoresis 2018; 39:1119-1128. [PMID: 29355994 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201700454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
A simple, efficient and environmental friendly method was proposed for determining five sesquiterpenoids of Curcuma wenyujin by MSPD extraction coupled with MEEKC separation. Molecular sieve was applied as a solid support for extraction of sesquiterpenoids for the first time. Various parameters affecting extraction and separation efficiency were investigated. The optimized conditions involved dispersing sample (200 mg) with 200 mg of TS-1 for 150 s and using 1000 μL of methanol to elute five target analytes. Finally, they were well separated by using a running buffer containing 1.3% SDS, 5.0% 1-butanol, 0.5% ethyl acetate and 10% acetonitrile in 10 mM borate buffer at pH 9.0. Consequently, the developed method was fully validated and successfully applied to determine the five sesquiterpenoids including curdine, curcumenol, germacrone, furanodiene and β-elemene in Curcuma wenyujin origin's Chinese herbal medicines. Furthermore, hierarchical cluster analysis was performed based on the contents of target compounds for distinguishing steamed and non-steamed drugs. The present study provided a promising method for fast investigation and discrimination of chemical difference in steam & non-steamed Chinese medicines from Curcuma wenyujin origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Wei
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Chu Chu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Shan Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jizhong Yan
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, P. R. China
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24
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Wang L, Zhao Y, Wu Q, Guan Y, Wu X. Therapeutic effects of β-elemene via attenuation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in cervical cancer cells. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:4299-4306. [PMID: 29363722 PMCID: PMC5802201 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Concurrent radio chemotherapy treatment prolongs the survival rate of patients with advanced cervical cancer; however, it has adverse side-effects. β-elemene, an active component of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Curcuma zedoaria, is a promising alternative therapeutic drug for the treatment of advanced cervical cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antitumor effects of β-elemene in human cervical cancer SiHa cells and to determine its underlying therapeutic molecular mechanisms. Cell viability, cell cycle progression and apoptosis were detected using an MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis. Furthermore, the levels of cell migration and cell invasion were investigated using Transwell and wound healing assays. The expression levels of Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2B (P15), Cyclin D1, cellular tumor antigen p53, apoptosis regulator Bcl-2 (Bcl-2), apoptosis regulator BAX (Bax), 72 kDa type IV collagenase (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), β-catenin, transcription factor 7 (TCF7), and Myc proto-oncogene protein (c-Myc) were analyzed via western blotting. The results revealed that β-elemene inhibited the proliferation of SiHa cells in a dose and time-dependent manner. Administration of β-elemene induced G1 phase cell-cycle arrest, as demonstrated by the upregulation of P15 expression and the downregulation of Cyclin D1 expression. Furthermore, the present study revealed that β-elemene induced apoptosis in SiHa cells by enhancing the expression of p53 and Bax, and suppressing the expression of Bcl-2. In addition, treatment with β-elemene inhibited cell migration and invasion via downregulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression levels. Western blotting demonstrated that β-elemene reduced the expression levels of β-catenin and its downstream target molecule TCF7, thus resulting in reduced levels of their target proteins, including c-Myc, Cyclin D1, Bax and MMP-2 in cervical cancer cells. The results of the present study suggested that β-elemene may inhibit cell proliferation and invasion, in addition to inducing apoptosis, via attenuation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in cervical cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lufang Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, P.R. China
| | - Yanyan Zhao
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, P.R. China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, P.R. China
| | - Yifu Guan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, P.R. China
| | - Xin Wu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, P.R. China
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25
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Kiyama R. Estrogenic Potentials of Traditional Chinese Medicine. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2017; 45:1365-1399. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x17500756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen, a steroid hormone, is associated with several human activities, including environmental, industrial, agricultural, pharmaceutical and medical fields. In this review paper, estrogenic activity associated with traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) is discussed first by focusing on the assays needed to detect estrogenic activity (animal test, cell assay, ligand-binding assay, protein assay, reporter-gene assay, transcription assay and yeast two-hybrid assay), and then, their sources, the nature of activities (estrogenic or anti-estrogenic, or other types), and pathways/functions, along with the assay used to detect the activity, which is followed by a summary of effective chemicals found in or associated with TCM. Applications of estrogens in TCM are then discussed by a comprehensive search of the literature, which include basic study/pathway analysis, cell functions, diseases/symptoms and medicine/supplements. Discrepancies and conflicting cases about estrogenicity of TCM among assays or between TCM and their effective chemicals, are focused on to enlarge estrogenic potentials of TCM by referring to omic knowledge such as transcriptome, proteome, glycome, chemome, cellome, ligandome, interactome and effectome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoiti Kiyama
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Life Science, Kyushu Sangyo University, Fukuoka, Japan
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26
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Kiyama R. Estrogenic terpenes and terpenoids: Pathways, functions and applications. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 815:405-415. [PMID: 28970013 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.09.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Terpenes are made of the isoprene unit (C5), and along with their derivatives, terpenoids, they are widely distributed in plants as active ingredients involved in anti-inflammation, anti-carcinogenesis and neuroprotection. Estrogenic terpenes and terpenoids are an important category of phytoestrogens and have been used as traditional medicines. The comprehensive list of estrogenic terpenes and terpenoids includes hemi-, mono-, sesqui-, di-, tri-, tetra- and polyterpenes, their derivatives, and meroterpenes, along with the signaling pathways and cellular functions on which their estrogenicity is exerted. Signaling pathways are further classified as bidirectional or unidirectional, the latter being further divided into two types depending upon the presence of both ligands, or the absence of one or both ligands. Although estrogenic activity of terpenes and terpenoids was evaluated by ligand-binding assays, yeast two-hybrid assays, reporter-gene assays, transcription assays, protein assays, cell assays and animal testing, the mechanism of estrogenic activity is still not fully understood. Applications of estrogenic terpenes and terpenoids are categorized into cancer treatment and prevention, cardioprotection, endocrine toxicity/reproductive dysfunction, food/supplement/traditional medicine, immunology/inflammation, menopausal syndromes and neuroprotection, where their benefits are discussed based on their availability, stability and variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoiti Kiyama
- Faculty of Life Science, Kyushu Sangyo University, Fukuoka, Japan.
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27
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Zhang Y, Sun X, Nan N, Cao KX, Ma C, Yang GW, Yu MW, Yang L, Li JP, Wang XM, Zhang GL. Elemene inhibits the migration and invasion of 4T1 murine breast cancer cells via heparanase. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:794-800. [PMID: 28560389 PMCID: PMC5482194 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Elemene (ELE), a natural plant drug extracted from Curcumae Rhizoma, has been widely used for cancer treatment in China for more than 20 years. Although it is reported to be a broad‑spectrum anticancer drug, the mechanism underlying the action of ELE in the treatment of breast cancer remains to be fully elucidated. Heparanase, a mammalian endo‑D‑glucuronidase, is involved in degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and thus promotes tumor progression and metastasis. The downregulation of heparanase can effectively reduce tumor malignant behaviors. In the present study, the inhibitory effects of ELE were evaluated in breast cancer cells using a Cell Counting kit 8 assay. The migratory and invasive capabilities of cancer cells were investigated using a wound healing assay, real‑time cell analysis and a Transwell assay. In addition, western blot analysis was used to assess alterations in the expression levels of key proteins. The present results confirmed the antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects of ELE, using low‑molecular weight heparin (LMWH) as a positive control. In addition, ELE was demonstrated to downregulate the expression of heparanase, and decrease the phosphorylation of extracellular signal‑regulated kinase and AKT. These findings suggested that ELE may be a promising agent targeting heparanase in the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, P.R. China
| | - Xu Sun
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, P.R. China
| | - Nan Nan
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, P.R. China
| | - Ke-Xin Cao
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, P.R. China
| | - Cong Ma
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, P.R. China
| | - Guo-Wang Yang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, P.R. China
| | - Ming-Wei Yu
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, P.R. China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Ping Li
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Min Wang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, P.R. China
| | - Gan-Lin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, P.R. China
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28
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Sun W, Wang S, Zhao W, Wu C, Guo S, Gao H, Tao H, Lu J, Wang Y, Chen X. Chemical constituents and biological research on plants in the genus Curcuma. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2017; 57:1451-1523. [PMID: 27229295 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2016.1176554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Curcuma, a valuable genus in the family Zingiberaceae, includes approximately 110 species. These plants are native to Southeast Asia and are extensively cultivated in India, China, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Peru, Australia, and the West Indies. The plants have long been used in folk medicine to treat stomach ailments, stimulate digestion, and protect the digestive organs, including the intestines, stomach, and liver. In recent years, substantial progress has been achieved in investigations regarding the chemical and pharmacological properties, as well as in clinical trials of certain Curcuma species. This review comprehensively summarizes the current knowledge on the chemistry and briefly discusses the biological activities of Curcuma species. A total of 720 compounds, including 102 diphenylalkanoids, 19 phenylpropene derivatives, 529 terpenoids, 15 flavonoids, 7 steroids, 3 alkaloids, and 44 compounds of other types isolated or identified from 32 species, have been phytochemically investigated. The biological activities of plant extracts and pure compounds are classified into 15 groups in detail, with emphasis on anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Sun
- a State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau , Macao , China
| | - Sheng Wang
- b State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Wenwen Zhao
- a State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau , Macao , China
| | - Chuanhong Wu
- a State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau , Macao , China
| | - Shuhui Guo
- a State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau , Macao , China
| | - Hongwei Gao
- a State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau , Macao , China
| | - Hongxun Tao
- a State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau , Macao , China
| | - Jinjian Lu
- a State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau , Macao , China
| | - Yitao Wang
- a State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau , Macao , China
| | - Xiuping Chen
- a State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau , Macao , China
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29
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Zhong ZF, Tan W, Tian K, Yu H, Qiang WA, Wang YT. Combined effects of furanodiene and doxorubicin on the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in vitro. Oncol Rep 2017; 37:2016-2024. [PMID: 28184941 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Furanodiene is one of the major bioactive components isolated from the natural product of the plant, Curcuma wenyujin Y.H. Chen et C. Ling. Furanodiene has been found to exert anticancer effects in various types of cancer cell lines, as well as exhibit antimetastatic activities. However, the antimetastatic capacity of furanodiene in combination with the common chemotherapy drug doxorubicin has not been investigated. We found that doxorubicin at a non-toxic concentration induced cell migration and cell invasion in highly metastatic breast cancer cells. Combinational treatments with furanodiene and doxorubicin blocked the invasion and migration of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in vitro. We also clarified the effects of the combination on the signaling pathways involved in migration, invasion, and cytoskeletal organization. When combined with doxorubicin, furanodiene downregulated the expression of integrin αV and β-catenin and inhibited the phosphorylation of paxillin, Src, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), p85, and Akt. Moreover, combinational treatments also resulted in a decrease in matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Further study demonstrated that the co-treatments with furanodiene did not significantly alter the effects of doxorubicin on the tubulin cytoskeleton, represented by no influence on the expression levels of RhoA, Cdc42, N-WASP, and α/β tubulin. These observations indicate that furanodiene is a potential agent that may be utilized to improve the anticancer efficacy of doxorubicin and overcome the risk of chemotherapy in highly metastatic breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang-Feng Zhong
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, P.R. China
| | - Wen Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Ke Tian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P.R. China
| | - Hua Yu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, P.R. China
| | - Wen-An Qiang
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Yi-Tao Wang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, P.R. China
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30
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Wilkinson RDA, Young A, Burden RE, Williams R, Scott CJ. A bioavailable cathepsin S nitrile inhibitor abrogates tumor development. Mol Cancer 2016; 15:29. [PMID: 27097645 PMCID: PMC4839156 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-016-0513-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cathepsin S has been implicated in a variety of malignancies with genetic ablation studies demonstrating a key role in tumor invasion and neo-angiogenesis. Thus, the application of cathepsin S inhibitors may have clinical utility in the treatment of cancer. In this investigation, we applied a cell-permeable dipeptidyl nitrile inhibitor of cathepsin S, originally developed to target cathepsin S in inflammatory diseases, in both in vitro and in vivo tumor models. Methods Validation of cathepsin S selectivity was carried out by assaying fluorogenic substrate turnover using recombinant cathepsin protease. Complete kinetic analysis was carried out and true Ki values calculated. Abrogation of tumour invasion using murine MC38 and human MCF7 cell lines were carried out in vitro using a transwell migration assay. Effect on endothelial tube formation was evaluated using primary HUVEC cells. The effect of inhibitor in vivo on MC38 and MCF7 tumor progression was evaluated using cells propagated in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice respectively. Subsequent immunohistochemical staining of proliferation (Ki67) and apoptosis (TUNEL) was carried out on MCF7 tumors. Results We confirmed that this inhibitor was able to selectively target cathepsin S over family members K, V, L and B. The inhibitor also significantly reduced MC38 and MCF7 cell invasion and furthermore, significantly reduced HUVEC endothelial tubule formation in vitro. In vivo analysis revealed that the compound could significantly reduce tumor volume in murine MC38 syngeneic and MCF7 xenograft models. Immunohistochemical analysis of MCF7 tumors revealed cathepsin S inhibitor treatment significantly reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis. Conclusions In summary, these results highlight the characterisation of this nitrile cathepsin S inhibitor using in vitro and in vivo tumor models, presenting a compound which may be used to further dissect the role of cathepsin S in cancer progression and may hold therapeutic potential. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12943-016-0513-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard D A Wilkinson
- Molecular Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Young
- Molecular Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, United Kingdom
| | - Roberta E Burden
- Molecular Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, United Kingdom
| | - Rich Williams
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, United Kingdom.
| | - Christopher J Scott
- Molecular Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, United Kingdom.
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31
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Structure, expression and functions of MTA genes. Gene 2016; 582:112-21. [PMID: 26869315 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2016.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Revised: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic associated proteins (MTA) are integrators of upstream regulatory signals with the ability to act as master coregulators for modifying gene transcriptional activity. The MTA family includes three genes and multiple alternatively spliced variants. The MTA proteins neither have their own enzymatic activity nor have been shown to directly interact with DNA. However, MTA proteins interact with a variety of chromatin remodeling factors and complexes with enzymatic activities for modulating the plasticity of nucleosomes, leading to the repression or derepression of target genes or other extra-nuclear and nucleosome remodeling and histone deacetylase (NuRD)-complex independent activities. The functions of MTA family members are driven by the steady state levels and subcellular localization of MTA proteins, the dynamic nature of modifying signals and enzymes, the structural features and post-translational modification of protein domains, interactions with binding proteins, and the nature of the engaged and resulting features of nucleosomes in the proximity of target genes. In general, MTA1 and MTA2 are the most upregulated genes in human cancer and correlate well with aggressive phenotypes, therapeutic resistance, poor prognosis and ultimately, unfavorable survival of cancer patients. Here we will discuss the structure, expression and functions of the MTA family of genes in the context of cancer cells.
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32
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Zhu T, Li X, Luo L, Wang X, Li Z, Xie P, Gao X, Song Z, Su J, Liang G. Reversion of malignant phenotypes of human glioblastoma cells by β-elemene through β-catenin-mediated regulation of stemness-, differentiation- and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-related molecules. J Transl Med 2015; 13:356. [PMID: 26563263 PMCID: PMC4642639 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-015-0727-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma is the most common and lethal type of primary brain tumor. β-Elemene, a natural plant drug extracted from Curcuma wenyujin, has shown strong anti-tumor effects in various tumors with low toxicity. However, the effects of β-elemene on malignant phenotypes of human glioblastoma cells remain to be elucidated. Here we evaluated the effects of β-elemene on cell proliferation, survival, stemness, differentiation and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and in vivo, and investigated the mechanisms underlying these effects. Methods Human primary and U87 glioblastoma cells were treated with β-elemene, cell viability was measured using a cell counting kit-8 assay, and treated cells were evaluated by flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was carried out to determine the expression levels of stemness markers, differentiation-related molecules and EMT-related effectors. Transwell assays were performed to further determine EMT of glioblastoma cells. To evaluate the effect of β-elemene on glioblastoma in vivo, we subcutaneously injected glioblastoma cells into the flank of nude mice and then intraperitoneally injected NaCl or β-elemene. The tumor xenograft volumes were measured every 3 days and the expression of stemness-, differentiation- and EMT-related effectors was determined by Western blot assays in xenografts. Results β-Elemene inhibited proliferation, promoted apoptosis, impaired invasiveness in glioblastoma cells and suppressed the growth of animal xenografts. The expression levels of the stemness markers CD133 and ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2 as well as the mesenchymal markers N-cadherin and β-catenin were significantly downregulated, whereas the expression levels of the differentiation-related effectors glial fibrillary acidic protein, Notch1, and sonic hedgehog as well as the epithelial marker E-cadherin were upregulated by β-elemene in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, the expression of vimentin was increased by β-elemene in vitro; this result was opposite that for the in vivo procedure. Inhibiting β-catenin enhanced the anti-proliferative, EMT-inhibitory and specific marker expression-regulatory effects of β-elemene. Conclusions β-Elemene reversed malignant phenotypes of human glioblastoma cells through β-catenin-involved regulation of stemness-, differentiation- and EMT-related molecules. β-Elemene represents a potentially valuable agent for glioblastoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingzhun Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area Command, No. 83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110840, China.
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area Command, No. 83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110840, China.
| | - Lihan Luo
- Health Care Centre, Shenyang Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Shenyang, China.
| | - Xiaogang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area Command, No. 83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110840, China.
| | - Zhiqing Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area Command, No. 83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110840, China.
| | - Peng Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area Command, No. 83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110840, China.
| | - Xu Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area Command, No. 83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110840, China.
| | - Zhenquan Song
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area Command, No. 83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110840, China.
| | - Jingyuan Su
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area Command, No. 83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110840, China.
| | - Guobiao Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area Command, No. 83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110840, China.
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Abstract
Since the initial recognition of the metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1) as a metastasis-relevant gene approximately 20 years ago, our appreciation for the complex role of the MTA family of coregulatory proteins in human cancer has profoundly grown. MTA proteins consist of six family members with similar structural units and act as central signaling nodes for integrating upstream signals into regulatory chromatin-remodeling networks, leading to regulation of gene expression in cancer cells. Substantial experimental and clinical evidence demonstrates that MTA proteins, particularly MTA1, are frequently deregulated in a wide range of human cancers. The MTA family governs cell survival, the invasive and metastatic phenotypes of cancer cells, and the aggressiveness of cancer and the prognosis of patients with MTA1 overexpressing cancers. Our discussion here highlights our current understanding of the regulatory mechanisms and functional roles of MTA proteins in cancer progression and expands upon the potential implications of MTA proteins in cancer biology and cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Qiang Li
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Epigenetics in Shanghai, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas M.D., Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
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Zhu TZ, Li XM, Luo LH, Xu YH, Cao P, Liu Y, Liang GB. β-Elemene inhibits proliferation through crosstalk between glia maturation factor β and extracellular signal‑regulated kinase 1/2 and impairs drug resistance to temozolomide in glioblastoma cells. Mol Med Rep 2014; 10:1122-8. [PMID: 24866280 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
β-elemene, a plant-derived drug extracted from Curcuma wenyujin, has demonstrated marked antiproliferative effects on glioblastoma, while toxicity remains low. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of the antitumor activity of β-elemene remain to be elucidated. Previously, it was identified that the glia maturation factor β (GMFβ)/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPK) 3/6/p38 pathway participates in the antiproliferative activity of β-elemene on glioblastoma. In the present study, in order to illustrate the association of GMFβ and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) pathway, U87 and U251 cells were treated with β-elemene at various doses and for different durations, and the expression of phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2), ERK1/2, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl2-associated X and survivin was examined by western blot analysis. Following treatment with β-elemene and the ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059, U87 cell viability was evaluated using a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and the expression levels of Bcl-2 and survivin were examined by western blot analysis. GMFβ was then downregulated by RNA interference in β-elemene-treated U87 cells, and the effect of this on the expression of ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2 was determined by western blot analysis. Finally, the chemosensitisation of U87 cells to temozolomide (TMZ) through β-elemene was examined using the CCK-8 assay. The results demonstrated that β-elemene inhibited the proliferation of U87 glioblastoma cells through the GMFβ‑dependent inactivation of the ERK1/2-Bcl-2/survivin pathway. Furthermore, inhibition of ERK1/2 by PD98059 enhanced the antitumor effect of β-elemene and impaired the expression levels of Bcl-2 and survivin. β-elemene also increased the sensitivity of U87 glioblastoma cells to the chemotherapeutic TMZ, which was synergistically enhanced by PD98059. In conclusion, these results suggested that GMFβ-dependent inactivation of the ERK1/2-Bcl-2/survivin pathway mediated the antiproliferative effect of β-elemene on glioblastoma. Therefore, β-elemene is a promising chemosensitizer or adjuvant therapeutic for TMZ against glioblastoma brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Zhun Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region, Shenyang, Liaoning 110840, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Ming Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region, Shenyang, Liaoning 110840, P.R. China
| | - Li-Han Luo
- Health Care Centre, Shenyang Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, P.R. China
| | - Ying-Hui Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116011, P.R. China
| | - Peng Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region, Shenyang, Liaoning 110840, P.R. China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region, Shenyang, Liaoning 110840, P.R. China
| | - Guo-Biao Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region, Shenyang, Liaoning 110840, P.R. China
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Zhu TZ, Li XM, Luo LH, Song ZQ, Gao X, Li ZQ, Su JY, Liang GB. β-elemene inhibits stemness, promotes differentiation and impairs chemoresistance to temozolomide in glioblastoma stem-like cells. Int J Oncol 2014; 45:699-709. [PMID: 24841897 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2014.2448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs) are key factors in tumour development, recurrence and chemoresistance. The impairment of stemness and the enhancement of differentiation contributes to the weakening of radiation and chemotherapy resistance of GSCs. We previously found that β-elemene was an effective anti-glioblastoma agent and chemosensitizer. In this study, we examined the distribution of CD133(+) cells in human glioblastoma tissues by immunohistochemistry. Following treatment with β-elemene, the formation of GSC spheres was investigated by manual counting, the proliferation of GSCs was measured with a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and the dispersion of GSC spheres was observed with an inverted microscope. GSC spheres were treated with β-elemene, and the expression levels of CD133, ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were examined by western blotting. After treatment with β-elemene, the volumes and weights of GSC xenografts were measured, and the expression of CD133, ABCG2 and GFAP was evaluated through immunohistochemistry analysis. After treatment with β-elemene and temozolomide (TMZ), GSC viability was examined by the CCK-8 assay, and the volumes and weights of xenografts were measured. We found that CD133(+) cells were assembled in some vascular walls and also sparsely distributed in other parts of glioblastoma tissues. β-elemene decreased the formation of GSC spheres, dispersed GSC spheres and inhibited the proliferation of GSCs in vitro and in vivo. In the GSC spheres and xenografts treated with β-elemene, the expression of CD133 and ABCG2 was significantly downregulated, and the expression of GFAP increased. Furthermore, the sensitivity of GSCs to TMZ was enhanced in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that β-elemene impaired the stemness of GSC spheres, promoted their differentiation and sensitized GSCs to TMZ. β-elemene will hopefully become a valuable agent to enhance the effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Zhun Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area Command, Shenyang 110840, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Ming Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area Command, Shenyang 110840, P.R. China
| | - Li-Han Luo
- Health Care Centre, Shenyang Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Shenyang 110016, P.R. China
| | - Zhen-Quan Song
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area Command, Shenyang 110840, P.R. China
| | - Xu Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area Command, Shenyang 110840, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Qing Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area Command, Shenyang 110840, P.R. China
| | - Jing-Yuan Su
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area Command, Shenyang 110840, P.R. China
| | - Guo-Biao Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area Command, Shenyang 110840, P.R. China
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