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Liu X, Lv T, Li X, Xue J, Lin L, Lu L, Li X, Yang Y, Wu Y, Wei Q, Cao W, Li T. Comprehensive transcriptomic analyses identify the immunosuppressive effects of LLDT-8 in ART-treated SIV-infected rhesus macaques. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 126:111173. [PMID: 37984249 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111173] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic immune activation plays a significant role in the pathogenesis and disease progression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and the existing interventions to address this issue are limited. In a phase II clinical trial, (5R)-5-hydroxytriptolide (LLDT-8) demonstrated promising potential in enhancing CD4+ T cell recovery. However, the therapeutical effects of LLDT-8 remained to be systemic explored. METHODS To assess the treatment effects of LLDT-8, we conducted flow cytometry and RNA-seq analyses on eight Chinese rhesus monkeys infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). Additionally, we performed comprehensive transcriptomic analyses, including cross-sectional and longitudinal differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and deconvolution analysis using peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples from 14-time points. These findings were further validated with RNA-seq analysis on patients who received LLDT-8 treatment, along with in vitro cellular experiments using human PBMCs. RESULTS Flow cytometry analysis revealed that LLDT-8 treatment significantly reduced the percentage of HLA-DR+CD38+CD8+ T cells in SIV-infected rhesus monkeys (P < 0.001). The cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis identified 2531 and 1809 DEGs, respectively. GSEA analysis indicated that LLDT-8 treatment led to significant downregulation of proliferation-related pathways, such as E2F targets, G2M checkpoint, and mitotic spindle pathways. WGCNA analysis identified two modules and 202 hub genes associated with CD8 activation levels. Deconvolution analysis showed a significant decrease in the proportion of CD8+ T cells and activated CD4+ T cells during LLDT-8 treatment. Gene ontology results demonstrated that the common DEGs between LLDT-8-treated patients and rhesus monkeys were primarily enriched in cell activation and cell cycle progression. Furthermore, in vitro cellular experiments validated the consistent impact of LLDT-8 in inhibiting proliferation, activation (HLA-DR and CD38 expression), exhaustion (PD-1 expression), and IFN-γ production in human CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. CONCLUSION LLDT-8 exhibited notable efficacy in alleviating immune activation in both an in vivo animal model and in vitro human cell experiments. These findings suggest that LLDT-8 may hold potential as a drug for managing systemic immune activation associated with SIV/HIV infection, warranting further prospective clinical exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaosheng Liu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tingxia Lv
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuxia Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Jing Xue
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Remerging Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lianfeng Lu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodi Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanni Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Wei
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Models of Emerging and Remerging Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Cao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Taisheng Li
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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AbdulHussein AH, Al-Taee MM, Radih ZA, Aljuboory DS, Mohammed ZQ, Hashesh TS, Riadi Y, Hadrawi SK, Najafi M. Mechanisms of cancer cell death induction by triptolide. Biofactors 2023; 49:718-735. [PMID: 36876465 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Drug resistance is a hot topic issue in cancer research and therapy. Although cancer therapy including radiotherapy and anti-cancer drugs can kill malignant cells within the tumor, cancer cells can develop a wide range of mechanisms to resist the toxic effects of anti-cancer agents. Cancer cells may provide some mechanisms to resist oxidative stress and escape from apoptosis and attack by the immune system. Furthermore, cancer cells may resist senescence, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, and autophagic cell death by modulating several critical genes. The development of these mechanisms leads to resistance to anti-cancer drugs and also radiotherapy. Resistance to therapy can increase mortality and reduce survival following cancer therapy. Thus, overcoming mechanisms of resistance to cell death in malignant cells can facilitate tumor elimination and increase the efficiency of anti-cancer therapy. Natural-derived molecules are intriguing agents that may be suggested to be used as an adjuvant in combination with other anticancer drugs or radiotherapy to sensitize cancer cells to therapy with at least side effects. This paper aims to review the potential of triptolide for inducing various types of cell death in cancer cells. We review the induction or resistance to different cell death mechanisms such as apoptosis, autophagic cell death, senescence, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necrosis following the administration of triptolide. We also review the safety and future perspectives for triptolide and its derivatives in experimental and human studies. The anticancer potential of triptolide and its derivatives may make them effective adjuvants for enhancing tumor suppression in combination with anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yassine Riadi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salema K Hadrawi
- Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Technical Engineering Department, College of Technical Engineering, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Medical Technology Research Center, Institute of Health Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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3
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Wang Z, Gao J, Xu C. Tackling cellular senescence by targeting miRNAs. Biogerontology 2022; 23:387-400. [PMID: 35727469 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-022-09972-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cellular senescence, which is characterized by permanent proliferation arrest, has become an important target for the amelioration of various human diseases. The activity of senescent cells is mainly related to the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The SASP can cause chronic inflammation in local tissues and organs through autocrine and paracrine mechanisms, and a series of factors secreted by senescent cells can deteriorate the cellular microenvironment, promoting tumor formation and exacerbating aging-related diseases. Therefore, avoiding the promotion of cancer is an urgent problem. In recent years, increased attention has been given to the mechanistic study of microRNAs in senescence. As important posttranscriptional regulators, microRNAs possess unique tissue-specific expression in senescence. MicroRNAs can regulate the SASP by regulating proteins in the senescence signaling pathway, the reverse transcriptase activity of telomerase, the generation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative damage to mitochondria. Numerous studies have confirmed that removing senescent cells does not cause significant side effects, which also opens the door to the development of treatment modalities against senescent cells. Herein, this review discusses the double-edged sword of cellular senescence in tumors and aging-related diseases and emphasizes the roles of microRNAs in regulating the SASP, especially the potential of microRNAs to be used as therapeutic targets to inhibit senescence, giving rise to novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of aging-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehua Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jianwen Gao
- School of Medical Engineering, Ma'anshan University, No. 8, Huangchi Road, Gushu Town, Dangtu County, Ma'anshan, 243100, Anhui, China. .,Major of Biotechnological Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Pharmaceutical School, Shanghai, 200135, China.
| | - Congjian Xu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
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4
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Al Mamun A, Sufian MA, Uddin MS, Sumsuzzman DM, Jeandet P, Islam MS, Zhang HJ, Kong AN, Sarwar MS. Exploring the role of senescence inducers and senotherapeutics as targets for anticancer natural products. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 928:174991. [PMID: 35513016 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
During the last few decades, cancer has remained one of the deadliest diseases that endanger human health, emphasizing urgent drug discovery. Cellular senescence has gained a great deal of attention in recent years because of its link to the development of cancer therapy. Senescent cells are incapable of proliferating due to irreversibly inhibited the initiation of the cell cycle pathways. However, senescent cells aggregate in tissues and produce a pro-inflammatory secretome called senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) that can cause serious harmful effects if not managed properly. There is mounting evidence that senescent cells lead to various phases of tumorigenesis in various anatomical sites, owing mostly to the paracrine activities of the SASP. Therefore, a new treatment field called senotherapeutics has been established. Senotherapeutics are newly developed anticancer agents that have been demonstrated to inhibit cancer effectively. In light of recent findings, several promising natural products have been identified as senescence inducers and senotherapeutics, including, miliusanes, epigallocatechin gallate, phloretin, silybin, resveratrol, genistein, sulforaphane, quercetin, allicin, fisetin, piperlongumine, berberine, triptolide, tocotrienols and curcumin analogs. Several of them have already been validated through preclinical trials and exert an enormous potential for clinical trials. This review article focuses on and summarises the latest advances on cellular senescence and its potential as a target for cancer treatment and highlights the well-known natural products as senotherapeutics for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Al Mamun
- Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, 7 Baptist University Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | | | - Md Sahab Uddin
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Pharmakon Neuroscience Research Network, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Philippe Jeandet
- University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Research Unit, Induced Resistance and Plant Bioprotection, EA 4707, SFR Condorcet FR CNRS 3417, Faculty of Sciences, PO Box 1039, 51687, Reims, Cedex 2, France
| | - Mohammad Safiqul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Hong-Jie Zhang
- Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, 7 Baptist University Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Ah-Ng Kong
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Md Shahid Sarwar
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh; Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
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5
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Targeting cellular senescence in cancer by plant secondary metabolites: A systematic review. Pharmacol Res 2021; 177:105961. [PMID: 34718135 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Senescence suppresses tumor growth, while also developing a tumorigenic state in the nearby cells that is mediated by senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs). The dual function of cellular senescence stresses the need for identifying multi-targeted agents directed towards the promotion of cell senescence in cancer cells and suppression of the secretion of pro-tumorigenic signaling mediators in neighboring cells. Natural secondary metabolites have shown favorable anticancer responses in recent decades, as some have been found to target the senescence-associated mediators and pathways. Furthermore, phenolic compounds and polyphenols, terpenes and terpenoids, alkaloids, and sulfur-containing compounds have shown to be promising anticancer agents through the regulation of paracrine and autocrine pathways. Plant secondary metabolites are potential regulators of SASPs factors that suppress tumor growth through paracrine mediators, including growth factors, cytokines, extracellular matrix components/enzymes, and proteases. On the other hand, ataxia-telangiectasia mutated, ataxia-telangiectasia and Rad3-related, extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin, nuclear factor-κB, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription, and receptor tyrosine kinase-associated mediators are main targets of candidate phytochemicals in the autocrine senescence pathway. Such a regulatory role of phytochemicals on senescence-associated pathways are associated with cell cycle arrest and the attenuation of apoptotic/inflammatory/oxidative stress pathways. The current systematic review highlights the critical roles of natural secondary metabolites in the attenuation of autocrine and paracrine cellular senescence pathways, while also elucidating the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic capabilities of these compounds. Additionally, we discuss current challenges, limitations, and future research indications.
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Yun BD, Son SW, Choi SY, Kuh HJ, Oh TJ, Park JK. Anti-Cancer Activity of Phytochemicals Targeting Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1 Alpha. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189819. [PMID: 34575983 PMCID: PMC8467787 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) is overexpressed in cancer, leading to a poor prognosis in patients. Diverse cellular factors are able to regulate HIF-1α expression in hypoxia and even in non-hypoxic conditions, affecting its progression and malignant characteristics by regulating the expression of the HIF-1α target genes that are involved in cell survival, angiogenesis, metabolism, therapeutic resistance, et cetera. Numerous studies have exhibited the anti-cancer effect of HIF-1α inhibition itself and the augmentation of anti-cancer treatment efficacy by interfering with HIF-1α-mediated signaling. The anti-cancer effect of plant-derived phytochemicals has been evaluated, and they have been found to possess significant therapeutic potentials against numerous cancer types. A better understanding of phytochemicals is indispensable for establishing advanced strategies for cancer therapy. This article reviews the anti-cancer effect of phytochemicals in connection with HIF-1α regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ba Da Yun
- Department of Biomedical Science and Research Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology, Hallym University, Chunchon 24252, Korea; (B.D.Y.); (S.W.S.); (S.Y.C.)
| | - Seung Wan Son
- Department of Biomedical Science and Research Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology, Hallym University, Chunchon 24252, Korea; (B.D.Y.); (S.W.S.); (S.Y.C.)
| | - Soo Young Choi
- Department of Biomedical Science and Research Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology, Hallym University, Chunchon 24252, Korea; (B.D.Y.); (S.W.S.); (S.Y.C.)
| | - Hyo Jeong Kuh
- Department of Medical Life Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea;
| | - Tae-Jin Oh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Biotechnology, SunMoon University, 70 Sunmoon-ro 221, Tangjeong-myeon, Asan-si 31460, Korea;
| | - Jong Kook Park
- Department of Biomedical Science and Research Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology, Hallym University, Chunchon 24252, Korea; (B.D.Y.); (S.W.S.); (S.Y.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-33-248-2114
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7
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Gao J, Zhang Y, Liu X, Wu X, Huang L, Gao W. Triptolide: pharmacological spectrum, biosynthesis, chemical synthesis and derivatives. Theranostics 2021; 11:7199-7221. [PMID: 34158845 PMCID: PMC8210588 DOI: 10.7150/thno.57745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Triptolide, an abietane-type diterpenoid isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F., has significant pharmacological activity. Research results show that triptolide has obvious inhibitory effects on many solid tumors. Therefore, triptolide has become one of the lead compounds candidates for being the next "blockbuster" drug, and multiple triptolide derivatives have entered clinical research. An increasing number of researchers have developed triptolide synthesis methods to meet the clinical need. To provide new ideas for researchers in different disciplines and connect different disciplines with researchers aiming to solve scientific problems more efficiently, this article reviews the research progress made with analyzes of triptolide pharmacological activity, biosynthetic pathways, and chemical synthesis pathways and reported in toxicological and clinical studies of derivatives over the past 20 years, which have laid the foundation for subsequent researchers to study triptolide in many ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, China
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Xihong Liu
- Basic Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xiayi Wu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Luqi Huang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Wei Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
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Liu Y, Yang S, Wang K, Lu J, Bao X, Wang R, Qiu Y, Wang T, Yu H. Cellular senescence and cancer: Focusing on traditional Chinese medicine and natural products. Cell Prolif 2020; 53:e12894. [PMID: 32881115 PMCID: PMC7574878 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the principal cause of death and a dominant public health problem which seriously threatening human life. Among various ways to treat cancer, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and natural products have outstanding anti‐cancer effects with their unique advantages of high efficiency and minimal side effects. Cell senescence is a physiological process of cell growth stagnation triggered by stress, which is an important line of defence against tumour development. In recent years, active ingredients of TCM and natural products, as an interesting research hotspot, can induce cell senescence to suppress the occurrence and development of tumours, by inhibiting telomerase activity, triggering DNA damage, inducing SASP, and activating or inactivating oncogenes. In this paper, the recent research progress on the main compounds derived from TCM and natural products that play anti‐cancer roles by inducing cell senescence is systematically reviewed, aiming to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of pro‐senescent cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiman Liu
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shenshen Yang
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Kailong Wang
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jia Lu
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaomei Bao
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuling Qiu
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Haiyang Yu
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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Wang X, Xu M, Peng Y, Naren Q, Xu Y, Wang X, Yang G, Shi X, Li X. Triptolide enhances lipolysis of adipocytes by enhancing ATGL transcription via upregulation of p53. Phytother Res 2020; 34:3298-3310. [PMID: 32614500 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Lipolysis is an essential physiological activity of adipocytes. The Patatin Like Phospholipase Domain Containing 2 (PNPLA2) gene encodes the enzyme adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) responsible for triglyceride hydrolysis, the first step in lipolysis. In this study, we investigated the potential of triptolide (TP), a natural plant extract, to induce weight loss by examining its effect on ATGL expression. We found that long- and short-term TP administration reduced body weight and fat weight and increased heat production in brown adipose tissue in wild-type C57BL/6 mice. In 3T3-L1 fibroblasts and porcine adipocytes, TP treatment reduced the number of lipid droplets as determined by Oil Red O and BODIPY staining, with concomitant increases in free fatty acid and triglyceride levels in the culture medium. Combined treatment with TP and p53 inhibitor reversed these lipolytic effects. We next amplified the ATGL promoter region and identified conserved p53 binding sites in the sequence by in silico analysis. The results of the dual-luciferase reporter assay using a construct containing the ATGL promoter harboring the p53 binding site showed that p53 induces ATGL promoter activity and consequently, ATGL transcription. These results demonstrate that TP has therapeutic value as an anti-obesity agent and acts by promoting lipolysis via upregulation of p53 and ATGL transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Meixue Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ying Peng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qimuge Naren
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yanting Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Gongshe Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xin'E Shi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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Hussain F, Basu S, Heng JJH, Loo LH, Zink D. Predicting direct hepatocyte toxicity in humans by combining high-throughput imaging of HepaRG cells and machine learning-based phenotypic profiling. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:2749-2767. [PMID: 32533217 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02778-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Accurate prediction of drug- and chemical-induced hepatotoxicity remains to be a problem for pharmaceutical companies as well as other industries and regulators. The goal of the current study was to develop an in vitro/in silico method for the rapid and accurate prediction of drug- and chemical-induced hepatocyte injury in humans. HepaRG cells were employed for high-throughput imaging in combination with phenotypic profiling. A reference set of 69 drugs and chemicals was screened at a range of 7 concentrations, and the cellular response values were used for training a supervised classifier and for determining assay performance by using tenfold cross-validation. The results showed that the best performing phenotypic features were related to nuclear translocation of RELA (RELA proto-oncogene, NF-kB subunit; also known as NF-kappa B p65), DNA organization, and the F-actin cytoskeleton. Using a subset of 30 phenotypic features, direct hepatocyte toxicity in humans could be predicted with a test sensitivity, specificity and balanced accuracy of 73%, 92%, and 83%, respectively. The method was applied to another set of 26 drugs and chemicals with unclear annotation and their hepatocyte toxicity in humans was predicted. The results also revealed that the identified discriminative phenotypic changes were related to cell death and cellular senescence. Whereas cell death-related endpoints are widely applied in in vitro toxicology, cellular senescence-related endpoints are not, although cellular senescence can be induced by various drugs and other small molecule compounds and plays an important role in liver injury and disease. These findings show how phenotypic profiling can reveal unexpected chemical-induced mechanisms in toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezah Hussain
- NanoBio Lab and Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN), 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos, Singapore, 138669, Singapore
| | - Sreetama Basu
- Bioinformatics Institute, 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore, 138671, Singapore
| | - Javen Jun Hao Heng
- NanoBio Lab and Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN), 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos, Singapore, 138669, Singapore
| | - Lit-Hsin Loo
- Bioinformatics Institute, 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore, 138671, Singapore. .,Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117600, Singapore.
| | - Daniele Zink
- NanoBio Lab and Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN), 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos, Singapore, 138669, Singapore.
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Wu Q, Bao G, Pan Y, Qian X, Gao F. Discovery of potential targets of Triptolide through inverse docking in ovarian cancer cells. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8620. [PMID: 32219016 PMCID: PMC7085293 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Triptolide (TPL) is proposed as an effective anticancer agent known for its anti-proliferation of a variety of cancer cells including ovarian cancer cells. Although some studies have been conducted, the mechanism by which TPL acts on ovarian cancer remains to be clearly described. Herein, systematic work based on bioinformatics was carried out to discover the potential targets of TPL in SKOV-3 cells. TPL induces the early apoptosis of SKOV-3 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner with an IC50 = 40 ± 0.89 nM when cells are incubated for 48 h. Moreover, 20 nM TPL significantly promotes early apoptosis at a rate of 40.73%. Using a self-designed inverse molecular docking protocol, we fish the top 19 probable targets of TPL from the target library, which was built on 2,250 proteins extracted from the Protein Data Bank. The 2D-DIGE assay reveals that the expression of eight genes is affected by TPL. The results of western blotting and qRT-PCR assay suggest that 40 nM of TPL up-regulates the level of Annexin A5 (6.34 ± 0.07 fold) and ATP syn thase (4.08 ± 0.08 fold) and down-regulates the level of β-Tubulin (0.11 ± 0.12 fold) and HSP90 (0.21 ± 0.09 fold). More details of TPL affecting on Annexin A5 signaling pathway will be discovered in the future. Our results define some potential targets of TPL, with the hope that this agent could be used as therapy for the preclinical treatment of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinhang Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gang Bao
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Pan
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoqi Qian
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Furong Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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12
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Li H, Li L, Mei H, Pan G, Wang X, Huang X, Wang T, Jiang Z, Zhang L, Sun L. Antitumor properties of triptolide: phenotype regulation of macrophage differentiation. Cancer Biol Ther 2019; 21:178-188. [PMID: 31663424 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2019.1679555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which generally exhibit an M2-like phenotype, play a critical role in tumor development. Triptolide exerts a unique bioactive spectrum of anticancer activities. The aim of this study was to determine whether triptolide has any effect on the activation of TAMs and the production of tumor-promoting mediators. ICR-1 mice with azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium (AOM/DSS)-induced colon tumors and BALB/c mice co-inoculated with 4T1 cells and M2-polarized RAW264.7 cells were used to examine whether the inhibitory effect of triptolide on tumor progression was mediated by the targeting of TAMs. Real-time PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence staining, and flow cytometry assays were performed to determine the expression of cell surface markers and cytokine production. The results showed that triptolide inhibited macrophage differentiation toward the M2 phenotype and abolished M2 macrophage-mediated tumor progression. Furthermore, triptolide inhibited the expression of M2 markers, such as CD206, Arginase 1, and CD204, and inhibited the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Thus our study indicated that triptolide selectively inhibited the functions of M2-polarized macrophages and TAMs, and this inhibitory effect of triptolide on TAM viability, differentiation, and cytokine production might elucidate the major mechanisms underlying its antitumor activity. Our findings provide important information for the potential clinical application of triptolide in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, China
| | - Liping Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huifang Mei
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guofeng Pan
- Department of TCM, Beijing Shijitan Hospital Affiliated with Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinzhi Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenzhou Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Luyong Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Center for Drug Screening and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lixin Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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13
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Li C, Li Z, Zhang T, Wei P, Li N, Zhang W, Ding X, Li J. 1H NMR-Based Metabolomics Reveals the Antitumor Mechanisms of Triptolide in BALB/c Mice Bearing CT26 Tumors. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1175. [PMID: 31680959 PMCID: PMC6798008 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Triptolide, the main active ingredient in Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. (Celastraceae), has shown promising effects against a variety of tumors. However, the molecular pharmacological mechanisms explaining the action of triptolide remain unknown. In this study, the CT26 colon tumor cell line was inoculated subcutaneously into BALB/c mice, and plasma samples were subjected to 1H NMR metabolomics analysis. The metabolic signature identified five metabolites whose levels were lower and 15 whose levels were higher in CT26 tumor-bearing mice than in normal control mice. Triptolide treatment significantly reversed the levels of nine of these metabolites, including isoleucine, glutamine, methionine, proline, 3-hydroxybutyric acid, 2-hydroxyisovalerate, 2-hydroxyisobutyrate, and low-density lipoprotein/very low-density lipoprotein. Based on the identities of these potential biomarkers, we conclude that the antitumor mechanism of triptolide might rely on correcting perturbations in branched-chain amino acid metabolism, serine/glycine/methionine biosynthesis, and ketone bodies metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongfeng Li
- Department of Chemistry, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Peihuang Wei
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Nuo Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Ding
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Li SG, Shi QW, Yuan LY, Qin LP, Wang Y, Miao YQ, Chen Z, Ling CQ, Qin WX. C-Myc-dependent repression of two oncogenic miRNA clusters contributes to triptolide-induced cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2018. [PMID: 29523159 PMCID: PMC5845216 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-018-0698-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triptolide is a structurally unique diterpene triepoxide with potent antitumor activity. However,the effect and mechanism of triptolide on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not well studied. METHODS Cells were treated with triptolide, and the anti-HCC activity of triptolide was evaluated using flow cytometry, western blot, and xenograft studies. MicroRNA microarray and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to identify differential microRNAs induced by triptolide. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was employed to study the interaction between c-Myc and genomic regions of miR106b-25. MicroRNAs overexpression and knockdown experiments were performed to determine the role of these microRNAs in triptolide-induced apoptosis. RESULTS Triptolide inhibited cell proliferation and induced marked apoptosis in multiple HCC cell lines with different p53 status. Several signaling molecules involved in different pathways were altered after the treatment of triptolide. Xenograft tumor volume was significantly reduced in triptolide-treated group compared with vehicle control group. Two miRNA clusters, miR-17-92 and miR-106b-25, were significantly suppressed by triptolide, which resulted in the upregulation of their common target genes, including BIM, PTEN, and p21. In HCC samples, high levels of these miRNA clusters correlated with shorter recurrence free survival. Triptolide inhibited the expression of theses miRNAs in a c-Myc-dependent manner, which enhanced triptolide-induced cell death. We further showed that triptolide down-regulated the expression of c-Myc through targeting ERCC3, a newly identified triptolide-binding protein. CONCLUSIONS The triptolide-induced modulation of c-Myc/miRNA clusters/target genes axis enhances its potent antitumor activity, which indicates that triptolide serves as an attractive chemotherapeutic agent against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Guang Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Department of Endocrinology, General Hospital of Wuhan, People's Liberation Army, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian-Wei Shi
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Guang An' men Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling-Yan Yuan
- Department of oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Ping Qin
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Qing Miao
- Department of oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang-Quan Ling
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wen-Xing Qin
- Department of oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Inducers of Senescence, Toxic Compounds, and Senolytics: The Multiple Faces of Nrf2-Activating Phytochemicals in Cancer Adjuvant Therapy. Mediators Inflamm 2018; 2018:4159013. [PMID: 29618945 PMCID: PMC5829354 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4159013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The reactivation of senescence in cancer and the subsequent clearance of senescent cells are suggested as therapeutic intervention in the eradication of cancer. Several natural compounds that activate Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2) pathway, which is involved in complex cytoprotective responses, have been paradoxically shown to induce cell death or senescence in cancer. Promoting the cytoprotective Nrf2 pathway may be desirable for chemoprevention, but it might be detrimental in later stages and advanced cancers. However, senolytic activity shown by some Nrf2-activating compounds could be used to target senescent cancer cells (particularly in aged immune-depressed organisms) that escape immunosurveillance. We herein describe in vitro and in vivo effects of fifteen Nrf2-interacting natural compounds (tocotrienols, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, genistein, resveratrol, silybin, phenethyl isothiocyanate, sulforaphane, triptolide, allicin, berberine, piperlongumine, fisetin, and phloretin) on cellular senescence and discuss their use in adjuvant cancer therapy. In light of available literature, it can be concluded that the meaning and the potential of adjuvant therapy with natural compounds in humans remain unclear, also taking into account the existence of few clinical trials mostly characterized by uncertain results. Further studies are needed to investigate the therapeutic potential of those compounds that display senolytic activity.
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