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Yang J, Qin L, Zhou S, Li J, Tu Y, Mo M, Liu X, Huang J, Qin X, Jiao A, Wei W, Yang P. Network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental study of CEP in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 323:117667. [PMID: 38159821 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Stephania cephalantha Hayata is an important traditional medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine to treat cancer. Cepharanthine (CEP) was extracted from the roots of Stephania cephalantha Hayata. It has been found to exhibit anticancer activity in different types of cancer cells. Nevertheless, the activity of CEP against nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and its underlying mechanism warrant further investigation. AIMS OF THE STUDY NPC is an invasive and highly metastatic malignancy that affects the head and neck region. This research aimed to investigate the pharmacological properties and underlying mechanism of CEP against NPC, aiming to offer novel perspectives on treating NPC using CEP. MATERIALS AND METHODS In vitro, the pharmacological activity of CEP against NPC was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. To predict and elucidate the anticancer mechanism of CEP against NPC, we employed network pharmacology, conducted molecular docking analysis, and performed Western blot experiments. In vivo validation was performed through a nude mice xenograft model of human NPC, Western blot and immunohistochemical (IHC) assays to confirm pharmacological activity and the mechanism. RESULTS In a dose-dependent manner, the proliferation and clonogenic capacity of NPC cells were significantly inhibited by CEP. Additionally, NPC cell migration was suppressed by CEP. The results obtained from network pharmacology experiments revealed that anti-NPC effect of CEP was associated with 8 core targets, including EGFR, AKT1, PIK3CA, and mTOR. By performing molecular docking, the binding capacity of CEP to the candidate core proteins (EGFR, AKT1, PIK3CA, and mTOR) was predicted, resulting in docking energies of -10.0 kcal/mol for EGFR, -12.4 kcal/mol for PIK3CA, -10.8 kcal/mol for AKT1, and -8.6 kcal/mol for mTOR. The Western blot analysis showed that CEP effectively suppressed the expression of EGFR and the phosphorylation levels of downstream signaling proteins, including PI3K, AKT, mTOR, and ERK. After CEP intervention, a noteworthy decrease in tumor size, without inducing any toxicity, was observed in NPC xenograft nude mice undergoing in vivo treatment. Additionally, IHC analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in the expression levels of EGFR and Ki-67 following CEP treatment. CONCLUSION CEP exhibits significant pharmacological effects on NPC, and its mechanistic action involves restraining the activation of the EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway. CEP represents a promising pharmaceutical agent for addressing and mitigating NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangping Yang
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Liujie Qin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Shouchang Zhou
- Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Jixing Li
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Yu Tu
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Minfeng Mo
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xuenian Liu
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Jinglun Huang
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xiumei Qin
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Aijun Jiao
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China; Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
| | - Wei Wei
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
| | - Peilin Yang
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
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Yang Y, Li C, Yang S, Zhang Z, Bai X, Tang H, Huang J. Cepharanthine maintains integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in stroke via the VEGF/VEGFR2/ZO-1 signaling pathway. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:5905-5915. [PMID: 38517394 PMCID: PMC11042958 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Dysfunction of tight junctions such as zonula occludens protein-1 (ZO-1)-associated aggravation of blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability plays an important role in the progression of stroke. Cepharanthine (CEP) is an extract from the plant Stephania cepharantha. However, the effects of CEP on stroke and BBB dysfunction have not been previously reported. In this study, we report that CEP improved dysfunction in neurological behavior in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model. Importantly, CEP suppressed blood-brain barrier (BBB) hyperpermeability by increasing the expression of ZO-1. Notably, we found that CEP inhibited the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in the cortex of MCAO mice. Additionally, the results of in vitro experiments demonstrate that treatment with CEP ameliorated cytotoxicity of human bEnd.3 brain microvascular endothelial cells against hypoxia/reperfusion (H/R). Also, CEP attenuated H/R-induced aggravation of endothelial permeability in bEND.3 cells by restoring the expression of ZO-1. Further study proved that the protective effects of CEP are mediated by inhibition of VEGF-A and VEGFR2. Based on the results, we conclude that CEP might possess a therapeutic prospect in stroke through protecting the integrity of the BBB mediated by the VEGF/VEGFR2/ZO-1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfang Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Changjiang Li
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Sijin Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646099, Sichuan, China
| | - Xue Bai
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongmei Tang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiang Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
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Sun Y, Liu Z, Shen S, Zhang M, Liu L, Ghonaim AH, Li Y, Zhang S, Li W. Inhibition of porcine deltacoronavirus entry and replication by Cepharanthine. Virus Res 2024; 340:199303. [PMID: 38145807 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is an emerging swine enteropathogenic coronavirus (CoV) that mainly causes acute diarrhea/vomiting, dehydration, and mortality in piglets, possessing economic losses and public health concerns. However, there are currently no proven effective antiviral agents against PDCoV. Cepharanthine (CEP) is a naturally occurring alkaloid used as a traditional remedy for radiation-induced symptoms, but its underlying mechanism of CEP against PDCoV has remained elusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-PDCoV effects and mechanisms of CEP in LLC-PK1 cells. The results showed that the antiviral activity of CEP was based on direct action on cells, preventing the virus from attaching to host cells and virus replication. Importantly, Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) results showed that CEP has a moderate affinity to PDCoV receptor, porcine aminopeptidase N (pAPN) protein. AutoDock predicted that CEP can form hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues (R740, N783, and R790) in the binding regions of PDCoV and pAPN. In addition, RT-PCR results showed that CEP treatment could significantly reduce the transcription of ZBP1, cytokine (IL-1β and IFN-α) and chemokine genes (CCL-2, CCL-4, CCL-5, CXCL-2, CXCL-8, and CXCL-10) induced by PDCoV. Western blot analysis revealed that CEP could inhibit viral replication by inducing autophagy. In conclusion, our results suggest that the anti-PDCoV activity of CEP is not only relies on competing the virus binding with pAPN, but also affects the proliferation of the virus in vitro by downregulating the excessive immune response caused by the virus and inducing autophagy. CEP emerges as a promising candidate for potential anti-PDCoV therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Sun
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology & Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China; The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zhongzhu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Shiyi Shen
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology & Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China; The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Mengjia Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology & Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China; The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Lina Liu
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Ahmed H Ghonaim
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology & Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China; The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Desert Research Center, Cairo 11435, Egypt
| | - Yongtao Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Shujun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Wentao Li
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology & Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China; The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
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Lu C, Cheng RJ, Zhang Q, Hu Y, Pu Y, Wen J, Zhong Y, Tang Z, Wu L, Wei S, Tsou PS, Fox DA, Li S, Luo Y, Liu Y. Herbal compound cepharanthine attenuates inflammatory arthritis by blocking macrophage M1 polarization. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 125:111175. [PMID: 37976601 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cepharanthine (CEP) is a drug candidate for tumor, viral infection, and some inflammatory diseases, but its effect on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the underlying mechanism are incompletely understood. METHODS CEP was administered intraperitoneally to a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model. Joints went radiological and histological examination and serum cytokines were examined with cytometry-based analysis. M1 macrophages were induced from THP-1 cells or mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages with LPS and IFN-γ. Bulk RNA-seq was performed on macrophage undergoing M1-polarizatioin. Western blotting was applied to determine pathways involved in monocyte chemotaxis and polarization. Glycolysis metabolites were measured by chemiluminescence while glycolytic enzymes were examined by quantitative PCR. RESULTS We found CEP significantly ameliorated synovial inflammation and joint destruction of CIA mice. It downregulated TNF-α levels in serum and in joints. The number of M1 macrophages were reduced in CEP-treated mice. In vitro, CEP inhibited monocyte chemotaxis to MCP-1 by downregulating CCR2 and reducing ERK1/2 signaling. Additionally, CEP suppressed M1 polarization of macrophages induced by LPS and IFN-γ. Genes involved in IFN-γ signaling, IL-6-JAK/STAT3 signaling, glycolysis, and oxidative phosphorylation process were downregulated by CEP. Several enzymes critically involved in glycolytic metabolism were suppressed by CEP, which resulted in reduced citrate in M1-polarizing macrophages. The inhibitory effect of CEP on macrophage polarization might be attributed to the blockage of TLRs-MyD88/IRAK4-IRF5 signaling pathway together with suppression of overactivated glycolytic metabolism in M1-polarizing macrophages. CONCLUSION CEP attenuated joint inflammation by suppressing monocyte chemotaxis and proinflammatory differentiation. It has the potential to be developed into a complementary or alternative therapy for RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyang Lu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Rui-Juan Cheng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qiuping Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yidan Hu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yaoyu Pu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ji Wen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yutong Zhong
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhigang Tang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Liang Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shixiong Wei
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, NO. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wang Fu Jing Street, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Pei-Suen Tsou
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Autoimmunity Center of Excellence, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - David A Fox
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Autoimmunity Center of Excellence, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shasha Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetology & Guangzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Mechanistic and Translational Obesity Research, Medical Center for Comprehensive Weight Control, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| | - Yubin Luo
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Shi L, Wang S, Zhang S, Wang J, Chen Y, Li Y, Liu Z, Zhao S, Wei B, Zhang L. Research progress on pharmacological effects and mechanisms of cepharanthine and its derivatives. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2023; 396:2843-2860. [PMID: 37338575 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02537-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Cepharanthine (CEP) is a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid compound found in plants of the Stephania genus, which has biological functions such as regulating autophagy, inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. It is often used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, viral infections, cancer, and immune disorders and has great clinical translational value. However, there is no detailed research on its specific mechanism and dosage and administration methods, especially clinical research is limited. In recent years, CEP has shown significant effects in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, suggesting its potential medicinal value waiting to be discovered. In this article, we comprehensively introduce the molecular structure of CEP and its derivatives, describe in detail the pharmacological mechanisms of CEP in various diseases, and discuss how to chemically modify and design CEP to improve its bioavailability. In summary, this work will provide a reference for further research and clinical application of CEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangliang Shi
- Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shuaizhe Wang
- Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shangzu Zhang
- Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yaping Chen
- Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yangyang Li
- Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhiwei Liu
- Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Sichen Zhao
- Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Benjun Wei
- Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Dunhuang Medicine and Transformation at Provincial and Ministerial Level, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Liying Zhang
- Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Exploration and Innovation Transformation in Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.
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Chen J, Xia CL, Dong R, Liu XG, Xia J. Cepharanthine Inhibits Doxorubicin-Induced Cellular Senescence by Activating Autophagy via the mTOR Signaling Pathway. Discov Med 2023; 35:777-786. [PMID: 37811615 DOI: 10.24976/discov.med.202335178.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Doxorubicin (Dox) is a clinical first-line broad-spectrum anticancer agent. A dose-dependent cardiotoxic and myelosuppressive response limits the clinical use of Dox. Recent research indicates that Dox-induced cardiotoxicity is associated with senescent cell accumulation and that antiaging therapy can alleviate aging-related disorders. Cepharanthine (Cep) is commonly used to treat various acute and chronic illnesses, including leukopenia, snakebites, dry mouth, and hair loss. Whether Cep alleviates Dox-induced senescence is unknown. METHODS The expression of genes and proteins associated with aging was examined using NIH3T3 cell lines. The experiments were divided into a control group, a Dox group, and a Cep group on different days. NIH3T3 senescent cells were detected by senescence-β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining, and Western blotting was used to detect the protein levels of p16, p53, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR), p62, and Light Chain 3 (LC3). Fluorescence was used to detect the expression of monomeric red fluorescence protein-green fluorescence protein-Light Chain 3 (mRFP-GFP-LC3) and LC3 puncta in NIH3T3 cells. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‒qPCR) was used to test the expression of senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASP: Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and Interleukin 8 (IL-8)). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to assess NIH3T3 cell viability. RESULTS Here, we reported that Cep reversed the Dox-induced increase in the proportion of SA-β-Gal-positive cells and the high expression of aging-related proteins (p53, p < 0.05; p16, p < 0.05) and aging-related genes (IL-6, p < 0.05; IL-1β, p < 0.05; IL-8, p < 0.05) on the 3rd day. Mechanistically, Cep reduced the increase in the levels of phospho-mTOR (p < 0.05) on Days 1 and 3 and p62 protein (p < 0.05) caused by Dox on Day 1 and reversed the decline in LC3II/LC3I levels (p < 0.05) caused by Dox on Day 3, which is associated with the regulation of senescence. Additionally, the viability of NIH3T3 cells was significantly increased in the concentration range of 0.5-5 μM Cep (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS We first found that Cep could suppress SA-β-Gal activity (p < 0.05) and the development of SASP. Additionally, in Cep-treated cells, Cep could restore autophagy dysfunction and suppress the mTOR signaling pathway. This research provides a new view on the mechanics of aging and autophagy and aids in developing novel antiaging drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Chen
- Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Chinese Medicine Hospital of Shizhong District of Leshan 12511002451599964Y, 614000 Leshan, Sichuan, China
| | - Cheng Lei Xia
- Department of Gynaecology, Leshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 614000 Leshan, Sichuan, China
| | - Rui Dong
- Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Chinese Medicine Hospital of Shizhong District of Leshan 12511002451599964Y, 614000 Leshan, Sichuan, China
| | - Xian Guo Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Chengdu 363 Hospital of Southwest Medical University, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Xia
- School of Basic Medicine, Department of Human Anatomy Histology and Embryology, Dali University, 671000 Dali, Yunnan, China
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Yang L, Wang Z. Bench-to-bedside: Innovation of small molecule anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs in China. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 257:115503. [PMID: 37229831 PMCID: PMC10193775 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in millions of deaths globally, highlighting the need to develop potent prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2. Small molecule inhibitors (remdesivir, Paxlovid, and molnupiravir) are essential complements to vaccines and play important roles in clinical treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Many advances have been made in development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors in China, but progress in discovery and characterization of pharmacological activity, antiviral mechanisms, and clinical efficacy are limited. We review development of small molecule anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs (azvudine [approved by the NMPA of China on July 25, 2022], VV116 [approved by the NMPA of China on January 29, 2023], FB2001, WPV01, pentarlandir, and cepharanthine) in China and summarize their pharmacological activity, potential mechanisms of action, clinical trials and use, and important milestones in their discovery. The role of structural biology in drug development is also reviewed. Future studies should focus on development of diverse second-generation inhibitors with excellent oral bioavailability, superior plasma half-life, increased antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, high target specificity, minimal side effects, reduced drug-drug interactions, and improved lung histopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Yang
- School of Physics and Physical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, PR China; Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.
| | - Zhonglei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Green Natural Products and Pharmaceutical Intermediates in Colleges and Universities of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, PR China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus, Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China.
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Wang Y, Wang T, Wang H, Liu W, Li X, Wang X, Zhang Y. A mechanistic updated overview on Cepharanthine as potential anticancer agent. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115107. [PMID: 37423171 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The antitumor effects of traditional drugs have received increasing attention and active antitumor components extracted from traditional drugs have shown good efficacy with minimal adverse events. Cepharanthine(CEP for short) is an active component derived from the Stephania plants of Menispermaceae, which can regulate multiple signaling pathways alone or in combination with other therapeutic drugs to inhibit tumor cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, regulate autophagy, and inhibit angiogenesis, thereby inhibiting tumor progression. Therefore, we retrieved studies concerning CEP's antitumor effects in recent years and summarized the antitumor mechanism and targets, in order to gain new insights and establish a theoretical basis for further development and application of CEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- YingZheng Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province 250355, China
| | - Tong Wang
- School of Nursing, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shangdong Province 250355, China
| | - HuaXin Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province 250355, China
| | - WeiDong Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province 250355, China
| | - Xiao Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province 250355, China
| | - XiaoYan Wang
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province 250355, China
| | - YaNan Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province 250355, China.
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Sun F, Liu J, Tariq A, Wang Z, Wu Y, Li L. Unraveling the mechanism of action of cepharanthine for the treatment of novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) from the perspectives of systematic pharmacology. ARAB J CHEM 2023; 16:104722. [PMID: 36910427 PMCID: PMC9987614 DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2023.104722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural products play an irreplaceable role in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanisms involved remain elusive. To better understand their potential therapeutic effects, more validation studies are needed to explore underlying mechanisms systematically. This study aims to explore the potential targets of action and signaling pathways of cepharanthine for the treatment of COVID-19. This study revealed that a total of 173 potential targets of action for Cepharanthine and 86 intersectional targets for Cepharanthine against COVID-19 were screened and collected. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis suggested that inflammatory, immune cell and enzyme activities were the critical terms for cepharanthine against COVID-19. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that five pathways associated with COVID-19 were the main signaling pathways for the treatment of COVID-19 via cepharanthine. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations suggested that 6 core targets were regarded as potential targets for cepharanthine against COVID-19. In brief, the study demonstrates that cepharanthine may play an important role in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection through its harmonious activity against SARS-CoV-2 pathways and multiple related targets. This article provides valuable insights required to respond effectively to concerns of western medical community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Sun
- Animal-Derived Food Safety Innovation Team, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Chinese Academy of Medical Science Research Unit (2019RU014), Beijing 100017, China
| | - Jinde Liu
- Animal-Derived Food Safety Innovation Team, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Ali Tariq
- College of Veterinary Sciences, University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Zhonglei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Green Natural Products and Pharmaceutical Intermediates in Colleges and Universities of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, PR China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Yongning Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Chinese Academy of Medical Science Research Unit (2019RU014), Beijing 100017, China
| | - Lin Li
- Animal-Derived Food Safety Innovation Team, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
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Wang Y, Zhou X, Wei S, Wang G, Xi J. Current status and future challenges in extraction, purification and identification of Cepharanthine (a potential drug against COVID-19). Sep Purif Technol 2023; 309:123038. [PMID: 36593875 PMCID: PMC9797411 DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2022.123038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
With the outbreak of the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the rapid spread of the virus has brought huge economic losses and life threats to the world. So far, we have entered the third year of the epidemic and there is an urgent need to provide more anti-viral treatment along with vaccination. Recent studies have confirmed that Cepharanthine (CEP) has strong antiviral efficacy, which is a potential drug against COVID-19. As a natural active alkaloid, the development of CEP-incorporated products is dependent on the extraction, purification and identification of CEP. This review gives a brief introduction of CEP, including its origin and classification, and its conventional and novel extraction techniques. In addition, the purification and identification techniques are summarized. In the last, the future research directions are proposed. It can be found from this review that the extraction from plants is still the main way to obtain CEP, and it is necessary to use innovative techniques and their hybrid extractions to extract CEP. More efficient extraction and purification techniques should be used to extract CEP in the future. This review provides a basis for the development of novel extraction and purification techniques and industrial utilization of CEP.
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Zhang MN, Xie R, Wang HG, Wen X, Wang JY, He L, Zhang MH, Yang XZ. Cepharanthine Alleviates DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis via Regulating Aconitate Decarboxylase 1 Expression and Macrophage Infiltration. Molecules 2023; 28. [PMID: 36770726 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cepharanthine (CEP), a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid from tubers of Stephania, protects against some inflammatory diseases. Aconitate decarboxylase 1 (ACOD1) is also known as immune-responsive gene 1 (IRG1), which plays an important immunometabolism role in inflammatory diseases by mediating the production of itaconic acid. ACOD1 exhibits abnormal expression in ulcerative colitis (UC). However, whether CEP can combat UC by affecting ACOD1 expression remains unanswered. This study was designed to explore the protective effects and mechanisms of CEP in treating colitis through in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vitro assays indicated that CEP inhibited LPS-induced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and ACOD1 expression in RAW264.7 macrophages. Additionally, in the mouse model of DSS-induced colitis, CEP decreased macrophage infiltration and ACOD1 expression in colon tissue. After treatment with antibiotics (Abx), the expression of ACOD1 changed with the composition of gut microbiota. Correlation analysis also revealed that Family-XIII-AD3011-group and Rumini-clostridium-6 were positively correlated with ACOD1 expression level. Additionally, data of the integrative Human Microbiome Project (iHMP) showed that ACOD1 was highly expressed in the colon tissue of UC patients and this expression was positively correlated with the severity of intestinal inflammation. Collectively, CEP can counter UC by modulating gut microbiota and inhibiting the expression of ACOD1. CEP may serve as a potential pharmaceutical candidate in the treatment of UC.
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Liu J, Sun T, Liu S, Liu J, Fang S, Tan S, Zeng Y, Zhang B, Li W. Dissecting the molecular mechanism of cepharanthine against COVID-19, based on a network pharmacology strategy combined with RNA-sequencing analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation. Comput Biol Med 2022; 151:106298. [PMID: 36403355 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.106298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recently, it has been reported that cepharanthine (CEP) is highly likely to be an agent against Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In the present study, a network pharmacology-based approach combined with RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was performed to determine hub targets and potential pharmacological mechanism of CEP against COVID-19. METHODS Targets of CEP were retrieved from public databases. COVID-19-related targets were acquired from databases and RNA-seq datasets GSE157103 and GSE155249. The potential targets of CEP and COVID-19 were then validated by GSE158050. Hub targets and signaling pathways were acquired through bioinformatics analysis, including protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and enrichment analysis. Subsequently, molecular docking was carried out to predict the combination of CEP with hub targets. Lastly, MD simulation was conducted to further verify the findings. RESULTS A total of 700 proteins were identified as CEP-COVID-19-related targets. After the validation by GSE158050, 97 validated targets were retained. Enrichment results indicated that CEP acts on COVID-19 through multiple pathways, multiple targets, and overall cooperation. Specifically, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway is the most important pathway. Based on PPI network analysis, 9 central hub genes were obtained (ACE2, STAT1, SRC, PIK3R1, HIF1A, ESR1, ERBB2, CDC42, and BCL2L1). Molecular docking suggested that the combination between CEP and 9 central hub genes is extremely strong. Noteworthy, ACE2, considered the most important gene in CEP against COVID-19, binds to CEP most stably, which was further validated by MD simulation. CONCLUSION Our study comprehensively illustrated the potential targets and underlying molecular mechanism of CEP against COVID-19, which further provided the theoretical basis for exploring the potential protective mechanism of CEP against COVID-19.
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Iqbal A, Najam R, Simjee S, Athar Ishaqui A, Ashfaq Ahmad S, Ahmed Z, Ahmed S, Ahmed S, Jaweed L, Maboos M, Muhammad Uzairullah M, Jabeen S, Imran M. Cepharanthine action in preventing obesity and hyperlipidemia in rats on a high-fat high sucrose diet. Saudi Pharm J 2022; 30:1683-90. [PMID: 36601507 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2022.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It was demonstrated that cepharanthine (CEP), derived from Stephania cepharantha hayata, is a potent inhibitor of the ABCC10 transmembrane protein. It is approved to be a natural product or remedy. The present study focuses on investigating whether cepharanthine effectively reduces hyperlipidemia and obesity in an experimental hyperlipidemic rat model. Method Four groups of Wistar rats were assigned randomly to the following groups: a high-fat high sucrose diet (HFHS), normal-fat diet (NFD), HFHS plus cepraranthine (10 mg/kg) (HFHS-C), and a HFHS diet with atorvastatin (HFHS-A). The responses of rats were observed on the basis of serum and hepatic biochemical parameters, food intake, and body weight after CEP treatment, and assessing the histopathological modifications by the optical microscope in the liver and its cells. Results Significant improvement in the serum total cholesterol (TC), serum triglycerides (TG), and serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were observed following CEP treatment. We have also observed significant improvement in the structure of liver tissue and reduced-fat droplets in the cytoplasm. Moreover, CEP had a significant effect in preventing the gain in body weight of animals, and food intake was not significantly affected. Conclusion Our research results revealed that CEP significantly improved dyslipidemia and prevented the accumulation of fatty deposits in the rats' liver tissue fed an HFHS diet. In addition, CEP exerted an anti-obesity effect.
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Zheng J, Lu C, Yang M, Sun J, Zhang J, Meng Y, Wang Y, Li Z, Yang Y, Gong W, Gao C. Lung-Targeted Delivery of Cepharanthine by an Erythrocyte-Anchoring Strategy for the Treatment of Acute Lung Injury. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091820. [PMID: 36145566 PMCID: PMC9505324 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
As one of the most frequent complications of critical illness, acute lung injury (ALI) carries a high risk of clinical morbidity and mortality. Cepharanthine (CPA) has significant anti-inflammatory activity, however, due to poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and short half-life, it fails to provide effective clinical management measures. Here, we explored the flexibility of an erythrocyte-anchoring strategy using CPA-encapsulated chitosan-coating nanoparticles (CPA-CNPs) anchored onto circulating erythrocytes for the treatment of ALI. CPA-CNPs adhered to erythrocytes successfully (E-CPA-CNPs) and exhibited high erythrocyte adhesion efficiency (>80%). Limited toxicity and favorable biocompatibility enabled further application of E-CPA-CNPs. Next, the reticuloendothelial system evasion features were analyzed in RAW264.7 macrophages and Sprague-Dawley rats. Compared with bare CPA-CNPs, erythrocyte-anchored CNPs significantly decreased cellular uptake in immune cells and prolonged circulation time in vivo. Notably, the erythrocyte-anchoring strategy enabled CNPs to be delivered and accumulated in the lungs (up to 6-fold). In the ALI mouse model, E-CPA-CNPs attenuated the progression of ALI by inhibiting inflammatory responses. Overall, our results demonstrate the outstanding advantages of erythrocyte-anchored CPA-CNPs in improving the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of CPA, which offers great promise for a lung-targeted drug delivery system for the effective treatment of ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinpeng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Caihong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Meiyan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
- Correspondence: (M.Y.); (C.G.)
| | - Jiejie Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Jinbang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, China
| | - Yuanyuan Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yuli Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Zhiping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Wei Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Chunsheng Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
- Correspondence: (M.Y.); (C.G.)
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Wei XY, Long JD, Chai JR, Chen J, Gao JP, Wang YJ, Liu JG. Antinociceptive activities and mechanism of action of Cepharanthine. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 614:219-224. [PMID: 35636221 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.04.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Cepharanthine is an alkaloid that isolated from Stephania cepharantha Hayata, however,its analgesic properties are unclear and the molecular targets that mediating Cepharanthine-induced analgesia are not explored yet. In the current study, mice pain models including hot plate, acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin tests were conducted to evaluate the antinociceptive actions of Cepharanthine. [3H]-ligand competitive binding assay was applied to determine the binding affinity and selectivity of Cepharanthine at κ, μ and δ opioid receptors. Cepharanthine-induced constipation was investigated using the small intestinal transit test. The results showed that intraperitoneal injection of Cepharanthine produced potent antinociception with an ED50 value of 24.5 mg/kg in the acetic acid-induced writhing test. In the formalin test, Cepharanthine produced moderate antinociception with the maximum analgesic activity of 42.6 ± 11.3% in phase I and 60.1 ± 7.7% in phase Ⅱ, respectively. Cepharanthine had no effects in the hot plate test. In vitro radioligand binding assay, Cepharanthine exhibited a high affinity for μ opioid receptors with a Ki value of 80 nM, without binding to κ and δ opioid receptors. Correspondingly, Cepharanthine-mediated antinociceptive effects were antagonized by pretreatment with opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. Cepharanthine also decreased the small intestine propulsion rates in the small intestinal transit test. Together, this study firstly demonstrates that Cepharanthine produces potent antinociception in acetic acid-induced visceral pain and moderate antinociception in formalin-induced inflammatory pain, and its mechanism of action may be through activation of μ opioid receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Yan Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jian-Dong Long
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jing-Rui Chai
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jian-Ping Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Yu-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Jing-Gen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
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Feng F, Pan L, Wu J, Li L, Xu H, Yang L, Xu K, Wang C. Cepharanthine inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth and proliferation by regulating amino acid metabolism and suppresses tumorigenesis in vivo. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:4340-4352. [PMID: 34803502 PMCID: PMC8579440 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.64675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cepharanthine (CEP), a natural compound extracted from Stephania cepharantha Hayata, has been found to have the potential to treat a variety of tumors in recent years. This study aims to evaluate the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) effect of CEP and determine its in-depth mechanism. In this study, Hep3B and HCCLM3 cells were selected to evaluate the antitumor effects of CEP in vitro, whereas tumor xenograft in nude mice was performed to make in vivo anti-tumor assessment. RNA-sequence (RNA-seq) was used to identify possible molecular targets and pathways. Further, gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was performed to assess the differential metabolites involved in mediating the effect of CEP on the HCC cell line. Our results showed that CEP treatment resulted in the dose-dependent inhibition of cell viability, migration, and proliferation and could also induce apoptosis in HCC cells. RNA-seq following CEP treatment identified 168 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were highly enriched in metabolism-associated pathways. In addition, CEP down-regulated many metabolites through the amino acid metabolism pathway. In vivo experiment showed that CEP significantly suppressed tumor growth. Our results indicate that CEP has significant antitumor effects and has the potential to be a candidate drug for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Feng
- National Innovation and Attracting Talents “111” base, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Lianhong Pan
- National Innovation and Attracting Talents “111” base, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Antitumor Natural Drugs, Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Jiaqin Wu
- National Innovation and Attracting Talents “111” base, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Lanqing Li
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Materia Medica Processing, College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Haiying Xu
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Materia Medica Processing, College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Li Yang
- National Innovation and Attracting Talents “111” base, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Kang Xu
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Materia Medica Processing, College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Chunli Wang
- National Innovation and Attracting Talents “111” base, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
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Li G, Qiao K, Xu X, Wang C. Cepharanthine Regulates Autophagy via Activating the p38 Signaling Pathway in Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 22:1523-1529. [PMID: 34477532 DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666210903163407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cepharanthine (CEP) is an alkaloid extracted from Stephania cepharantha Hayata. This compound has been reported as a promising anti-tumor drug, although its potential molecular mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we studied the anti-tumor effect of CEP on human lung cancer cells and evaluated its molecular mechanism. METHODS The A549 cells were treated with CEP, the cell viability was measured by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and formation of autophagosome was observed by acridine orange staining under a fluorescence microscope. The cell migration and invasion were determined by wound healing and transwell assay. The protein levels of autophagy-associated molecules, light chain 3 (LC3)、p38、and phospho-p38 in A549 cells, were determined by western blot analysis. RESULT The results showed that CEP inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion in A549 cells. Moreover, we found that CEP resulted in significant increases in levels of the autophagy marker protein LC3 in A549 cells. The number of intracellular acid dye follicular bright red fluorescence in A549 cells was significantly increased after CEP treatment. At the molecular levels, CEP markedly increased the phosphorylation of p38 in A549 cells. The knockdown of p38 expression by siRNA-p38 impaired the autophagy-regulating effect of CEP. Our results indicated that CEP-regulated autophagy was an anti-tumor effect and not a protective response to CEP. CONCLUSION Taken together, these results demonstrated that CEP regulated autophagy by activating the p38 signaling pathway, which could be provided a potential application for preventing lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Li
- Emergency Department, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Kesen Qiao
- Department of Pharmacy, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaodan Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Emergency Department, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, Shandong, China
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Zhang X, Zhang G, Zhao Z, Xiu R, Jia J, Chen P, Liu Y, Wang Y, Yi J. Cepharanthine, a novel selective ANO1 inhibitor with potential for lung adenocarcinoma therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Res 2021; 1868:119132. [PMID: 34450215 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2021.119132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Anoctamin-1 (ANO1), also known as transmembrane protein 16A (TMEM16A), is identified as a Ca2+-activated Cl- channel that is expressed in many organs and tissues. It is involved in numerous major physiological functions and especially in tumor growth. By screening 530 natural compounds, we identified cepharanthine as a potent blocker of ANO1 channels with an IC50 of 11.2 ± 0.9 μM and Emax of 92.7 ± 1.7%. The Lys384, Arg535, Thr539, and Glu624 in ANO1 are critical for the inhibitory effect of cepharanthine. Similar to its effect on ANO1, cepharanthine inhibits ANO2, the closest analog of TMEM16A. In contrast, up to 30 μM of cepharanthine showed limited inhibitory effects on recombinant ANO6 and bestrophin-1-encoded Ca2+-activated Cl- currents, but it showed no effects on endogenous volume-regulated anion currents (VRAC). Cepharanthine could also potently suppress endogenous ANO1 currents, significantly inhibit cell proliferation and migration, and induce apoptosis in LA795 lung adenocarcinoma cells. Moreover, animal experiments have shown that cepharanthine can dramatically inhibit the growth of xenograft tumors in mice. The high specificity provided by cepharanthine could be an important foundation for future studies of the physiological role of ANO1 channels, and these findings may reveal a new mechanism of its anticancer effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Research on Active Ingredients in Natural Medicine of Jiangxi Province, Yichun University, Yichun, China.; Department of Pharmacology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Gaohua Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhijun Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ruilian Xiu
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jie Jia
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Pingping Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yanshuang Liu
- Department of Diagnostics, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jianfeng Yi
- Research Center for Differentiation and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Theory, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China; Key Laboratory for Research on Active Ingredients in Natural Medicine of Jiangxi Province, Yichun University, Yichun, China..
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Liu Y, Tang Q, Rao Z, Fang Y, Jiang X, Liu W, Luan F, Zeng N. Inhibition of herpes simplex virus 1 by cepharanthine via promoting cellular autophagy through up-regulation of STING/TBK1/P62 pathway. Antiviral Res 2021; 193:105143. [PMID: 34303748 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2021.105143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cepharanthine (CEP), a naturally occurring isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from the genus CEP of the Tetrandrine family, was reported to possess many biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antiviral, and immune-enhancing effects. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms of CEP against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) are still elusive. In this study, we explored the anti-HSV effects and mechanisms of CEP in vitro. The results showed that CEP possessed a strong inhibitory effect against HSV-1 infection with the TC50 of 5.4 μg/mL, the IC50 of 0.835 μg/mL, and the TI of 6.47. Most importantly, CEP could promote the phosphorylation of STING, TBK1, and P62 and the expression of LC3II without induction of interferon by directly targeting the STING/TBK1/P62 signaling pathways. Electron microscopy showed that autophagy induced by CEP could degrade viral particles and cellular components. RT-PCR results revealed that a sharp reduction of large numbers of virus gene transcription in 16 h after CEP treatment. Furthermore, CEP also reduced the HSV-1 gB and gC transcription. In conclusion, one of the effects of CEP was to promote interferon-independent autophagy through STING mediated signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of South Western Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, PR China; School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610083, PR China
| | - Qiong Tang
- State Key Laboratory of South Western Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, PR China
| | - Zhili Rao
- State Key Laboratory of South Western Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, PR China
| | - Yang Fang
- State Key Laboratory of South Western Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, PR China
| | - Xinni Jiang
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610083, PR China
| | - Wenjun Liu
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610083, PR China
| | - Fei Luan
- State Key Laboratory of South Western Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, PR China.
| | - Nan Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of South Western Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, PR China.
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Yang C, Zuo Q, Liu X, Zhao Q, Pu H, Gao L, Zhao L, Guo Z, Lin Y, Liu J, Bi J, Yin G. Small molecule screening identified cepharanthine as an inhibitor of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection in vitro by suppressing integrins/ILK/RACK1/PKCα/NF-κB signalling axis. Vet Microbiol 2021; 255:109016. [PMID: 33677370 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2021.109016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is a devastating disease among the most notorious threats to the swine industry worldwide and is characterized by respiratory distress and reproductive failure. Highly evolving porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) strains with complicated genetic diversity make the current vaccination strategy far from cost-effective and thus urge identification of potent lead candidates to provide prevention and treatment approaches. From an in vitro small molecule screening with the TargetMol Natural Compound Library comprising 623 small molecules, cytopathic effect (CPE) observations and RT-qPCR analysis of viral ORF7 gene expression identified cepharanthine (CEP) to be one of the most protent inhibitors of PRRSV infection in Marc-145 cells. When compared with tilmicosin, which is one of the most commonly used antibiotics in swine industry to inhibit infections, CEP more prominently inhibited PRRSV infection represented by both RNA and protein levels, further reduced the TCID50 by 5.6 times, and thus more remarkably protected Marc-145 cells against PRRSV infection. Mechanistically, western blot analyses of the Marc-145 cells and the porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) with or without CEP treatment and PRRSV infection at various time points revealed that CEP can inhibit the expression of integrins β1 and β3, integrin-linked kinase (ILK), RACK1 and PKCα, leading to NF-κB suppression and consequent alleviation of PRRSV infection. Collectively, our small molecule screening identified cepharanthine as an inhibitor of PRRSV infection in vitro by suppressing Integrins/ILK/RACK1/PKCα/NF-κB signalling axis, which may enlighten the deeper understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of PRRSV infection and more importantly, suggested CEP as a potential promising drug for PRRS control in veterinary clinics.
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Xu Y, Zheng J, Sun P, Guo J, Zheng X, Sun Y, Fan K, Yin W, Li H, Sun N. Cepharanthine and Curcumin inhibited mitochondrial apoptosis induced by PCV2. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:345. [PMID: 32948186 PMCID: PMC7499946 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02568-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is an immunosuppressive pathogen with high prevalence rate in pig farms. It has caused serious economic losses to the global pig industry. Due to the rapid mutation of PCV2 strain and co-infection of different genotypes, vaccination could not eradicate the infection of PCV2. It is necessary to screen and develop effective new compounds and explore their anti-apoptotic mechanism. The 13 natural compounds were purchased, with a clear plant origin, chemical structure and content and specific biological activities. Results The maximum no-cytotoxic concentration (MNTC) and 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of 13 tested compounds were obtained by the cytopathologic effect (CPE) assay and (3-(4,5-dimethyithiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method in PK-15 cells. The results of qPCR and Western blot showed that, compared with the PCV2 infected group, the expression of Cap in Paeonol (0.4 mg/mL and 0.2 mg/mL), Cepharanthine (0.003 mg/mL, 0.0015 mg/mL and 0.00075 mg/mL) and Curcumin (0.02 mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mL and 0.005 mg/mL) treated groups were significantly lowered in a dose-dependent manner. The results of Annexin V-FITC/PI, JC-1, Western blot and ROS analysis showed that the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax were up-regulated Bcl-2 was down-regulated in Cepharanthine or Curcumin treated groups, while ROS and MMP value were decreased at different degrees and the apoptosis rate was reduced. In this study, Ribavirin was used as a positive control. Conclusions Paeonol, Cepharanthine and Curcumin have significant antiviral effect. And the PCV2-induced Mitochondrial apoptosis was mainly remitted by Cepharanthine and Curcumin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinlan Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China
| | - Jiangang Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China
| | - Panpan Sun
- Laboratory Animal Center, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Jianhua Guo
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Schubot Exotic Bird Health Center, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Xiaozhong Zheng
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Yaogui Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China
| | - Kuohai Fan
- Laboratory Animal Center, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Wei Yin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China
| | - Hongquan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China.
| | - Na Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China.
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22
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Cierluk K, Szlasa W, Rossowska J, Tarek M, Szewczyk A, Saczko J, Kulbacka J. Cepharanthine induces ROS stress in glioma and neuronal cells via modulation of VDAC permeability. Saudi Pharm J 2020; 28:1364-73. [PMID: 33250643 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2020.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cepharanthine (CEP) is a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid. Molecular dynamics studies show that CEP interacts with Voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), inducing the voltage-independent channel narrowing. In the new conformation, transport between mitochondria and cytoplasm is altered, which leads to the dose-dependent cytotoxicity. The biological effects of the interaction were investigated on glioblastoma multiforme (SNB-19) and neuronal (PC-12 + NGF) cell lines. The cytotoxic potential of cepharanthine was determined by MTT assay and flow cytometry apoptosis/necrosis studies. T-type calcium channel and VDAC were labelled by the immunocytochemical method. Additionally, fluorescent labelling of reactive oxygen species and mitochondria was performed. Changes in the pore size of VDAC were calculated as well. Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to examine the interactions of cepharanthine with VDAC. The obtained results prove that cepharanthine enhances the apoptosis in glioma and neuronal cells by the release of reactive oxygen species. Cepharanthine alters the mitochondria-to-cytoplasm transport and thus induces the cytotoxicity with no selectivity.
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Xu W, Chen S, Wang X, Tanaka S, Onda K, Sugiyama K, Yamada H, Hirano T. Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic implications of tetrandrine and cepharanthine in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and autoimmune diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 217:107659. [PMID: 32800789 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Inappropriately activated T cells mediate autoimmune diseases and T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Glucocorticoid and chemotherapeutic agents have largely extended lives of these patients. However, serious side effects and drug resistance often limit the prognosis of considerable number of the patients. The efficient treatment of autoimmune diseases or T-ALL with drug resistance remains an important unmet demand clinically. Bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids tetrandrine and cepharanthine have been applied for the treatment of certain types of autoimmune diseases and cancers, while studies on their action mechanisms and their further applications combined with glucocorticoids or chemotherapeutic agents remains to be expanded. This review introduced molecular mechanisms of tetrandrine and cepharanthine in T cells, including their therapeutic implications. Both tetrandrine and cepharnthine influence the growth of activated T cells via several kinds of signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, caspase cascades, cell cycle, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR. According to recent preclinical and clinical studies, P-glycoprotein inhibitory effect of tetrandrine and cepharnthine could play a significant role on T cell-involved refractory diseases. Therefore, tetrandrine or cepharanthine combined with glucocorticoid or other anti-leukemia drugs would bring a new hope for patients with glucocorticoid-resistant autoimmune disease or refractory T-ALL accompanied with functional P-glycoprotein. In conclusion, bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids tetrandrine and cepharanthine can regulate several signaling pathways in abnormally activated T cells with low toxicity. Bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids deserve to be paid more attention as a lead compound to develop new drugs for the treatment of T cell-involved diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencheng Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, PR China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Shuhe Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, PR China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Xiaoqin Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, PR China.
| | - Sachiko Tanaka
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Kenji Onda
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Kentaro Sugiyama
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Haruki Yamada
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan.
| | - Toshihiko Hirano
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan.
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Rogosnitzky M, Okediji P, Koman I. Cepharanthine: a review of the antiviral potential of a Japanese-approved alopecia drug in COVID-19. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 72:1509-16. [PMID: 32700247 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00132-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Cepharanthine (CEP) is a naturally occurring alkaloid derived from Stephania cepharantha Hayata and demonstrated to have unique anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, immunomodulating, antiparasitic, and antiviral properties. Its therapeutic potential as an antiviral agent has never been more important than in combating COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. Cepharanthine suppresses nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide (NO) production, cytokine production, and expression of cyclooxygenase; all of which are crucial to viral replication and inflammatory response. Against SARS-CoV-2 and homologous viruses, CEP predominantly inhibits viral entry and replication at low doses; and was recently identified as the most potent coronavirus inhibitor among 2406 clinically approved drug repurposing candidates in a preclinical model. This review critically analyzes and consolidates available evidence establishing CEP’s potential therapeutic importance as a drug of choice in managing COVID-19 cases.
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25
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Wang Y, Su GF, Huang ZX, Wang ZG, Zhou PJ, Fan JL, Wang YF. Cepharanthine hydrochloride induces mitophagy targeting GPR30 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:389-402. [PMID: 32106726 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1737013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Cepharanthine exhibits a wide range of therapeutic effects against numerous cancers by virtue of its pleiotropic mechanisms. However, cepharanthine monotherapy has insufficient drug efficacy for cancers in animal models and clinical trials. The mechanism of its limited efficacy is unknown.Methods: We investigated the possible mechanism for the limited drug efficacy of cepharanthine in cancer therapy using both hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) primary cells and cell lines, in vitro and in mouse xenograft models.Results: We found that cepharanthine hydrochloride (CH), a semi-synthetic derivative of cepharanthine, induced mitophagy independent of mTOR signaling, and played an AMPK-dependent protective role in the cell fate of HCC in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that CH may bind to GPR30 receptor to activate the subsequent signal cascade involving mitochondrial fission, thus facilitating mitophagy. Therefore, we proposed a new therapeutic regimen for HCC involving CH combined with an autophagy inhibitor. This regimen exhibited remarkable anti-cancer effects in HCC xenograft mouse model.Conclusion: These results identify CH as a new mitophagy inducer targeting GPR30 receptor. The combination therapy of CH and an autophagy inhibitor may become a novel strategy for enhancing the anti-tumor potential of cepharanthine in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China.,Guangzhou Jinan Biomedicine Research and Development Center Co.ltd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Gui-Feng Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Ze-Xiu Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Zhen-Guang Wang
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng-Jun Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China.,The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiang-Lin Fan
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi, Chuo-City, Japan
| | - Yi-Fei Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China.,Guangzhou Jinan Biomedicine Research and Development Center Co.ltd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
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26
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Kutlu Kaya C, Gümrükçü S, Saraç AS, Kök FN. A multifunctional long-term release system for treatment of hypothyroidism. J Biomed Mater Res A 2019; 108:760-759. [PMID: 31788940 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.36855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease associated with underactive thyroid gland. In this study, a dual effect polymeric system was designed to release Cepharanthine (CEP) to block T cell activation and Selenium (Se) to decrease the anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPOAb) concentration in order to treat hypothyroidism. For this purpose, poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) (PEVA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) nanoparticles (NPs) including CEP were synthesized by emulsion solvent evaporation method and they were loaded to polyurethane (PU)/PEG-PUSe-PEG block copolymer blends which were fabricated by particulate leaching technique as porous sponges. Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR), Raman, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis showed successful synthesis of PEG-PUSe-PEG block copolymer. A long-term zero-order release profile was obtained for CEP. Se release rate from matrices showed an oxidative stress-mediated release which can be used to adjust Se amount. According to MTS results conducted by NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, both NPs and matrices have no adverse effect on cell viability. Fluorescence microscopy and SEM images confirm the MTS results. The dual release system has potential to be effectively used in long-term treatment of hypothyroidism by addressing both auto-immune response and hormone regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceren Kutlu Kaya
- NanoScience & Nanoengineering Program, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Selin Gümrükçü
- Chemistry Department, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Abdulkadir Sezai Saraç
- NanoScience & Nanoengineering Program, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Polymer Science and Technology, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatma Neşe Kök
- NanoScience & Nanoengineering Program, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Molecular Biology & Genetics Department, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Bailly C. Cepharanthine: An update of its mode of action, pharmacological properties and medical applications. Phytomedicine 2019; 62:152956. [PMID: 31132753 PMCID: PMC7126782 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2019.152956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cepharanthine (CEP) is a drug used in Japan since the 1950s to treat a number of acute and chronic diseases, including treatment of leukopenia, snake bites, xerostomia and alopecia. It is the only approved drug for Human use in the large class of bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids. This natural product, mainly isolated from the plant Stephania cephalantha Hayata, exhibits multiple pharmacological properties including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, immuno-regulatory, anti-cancer, anti-viral and anti-parasitic properties. PURPOSE The mechanism of action of CEP is multifactorial. The drug exerts membrane effects (modulation of efflux pumps, membrane rigidification) as well as different intracellular and nuclear effects. CEP interferes with several metabolic axes, primarily with the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and NFκB signaling pathways. In particular, the anti-inflammatory effects of CEP rely on AMPK activation and NFκB inhibition. CONCLUSION In this review, the historical discovery and development of CEP are retraced, and the key mediators involved in its mode of action are presented. The past, present, and future of CEP are recapitulated. This review also suggests new opportunities to extend the clinical applications of this well-tolerated old Japanese drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Bailly
- UMR-S 1172, Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert, INSERM, University of Lille, CHU Lille, 59045, Lille, France; OncoWitan, Lille, Wasquehal, France.
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28
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Xu W, Wang X, Tu Y, Masaki H, Tanaka S, Onda K, Sugiyama K, Yamada H, Hirano T. Tetrandrine and cepharanthine induce apoptosis through caspase cascade regulation, cell cycle arrest, MAPK activation and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal modification in glucocorticoid resistant human leukemia Jurkat T cells. Chem Biol Interact 2019; 310:108726. [PMID: 31255635 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2019.108726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Tetrandrine (TET) and cepharanthine (CEP) are two bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids isolated from the traditional herbs. Recent molecular investigations firmly supported that TET or CEP would be a potential candidate for cancer chemotherapy. Prognosis of patients with glucocorticoid resistant T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) remains poor; here we examined the anti-T-ALL effects of TET and CEP and the underlying mechanism by using the glucocorticoid resistant human leukemia Jurkat T cell line in vitro. TET and CEP significantly inhibited cell viabilities and induced apoptosis in dose- and time-dependent manner. Further investigations showed that TET or CEP not only upregulated the expression of initiator caspases such as caspase-8 and 9, but also increased the expression of effector caspases such as caspase-3 and 6. As the important markers of apoptosis, p53 and Bax were both upregulated by the treatment of TET and CEP. However, TET and CEP paradoxically increased the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins such as Bcl-2 and Mcl-1, and activated the survival protein NF-κB, leading to high expression of p-NF-κB. Cell cycle arrest at S phase accompanied by increase in the amounts of cyclin A2 and cyclin B1, and decrease in cylcin D1 amount in cells treated with TET or CEP will be another possible mechanism. During the process of apoptosis in Jurkat T cells, treatment with TET or CEP also increased the phosphorylation of JNK and p38. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway modification appears to play significant role in the Jurkat T cell apoptosis induced by TET or CEP. Moreover, TET and CEP seemed to downregulate the expressions of p-PI3K and mTOR in an independent way from Akt, since these two drugs strongly stimulated the p-Akt expression. These results provide fundamental insights into the clinical application of TET or CEP for the treatment of patients with relapsed T-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencheng Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, PR China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Xiaoqin Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, PR China; Department of Nephrology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Yuanchao Tu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, PR China; Department of Nephrology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Hiroshi Masaki
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan
| | - Sachiko Tanaka
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan
| | - Kenji Onda
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan
| | - Kentaro Sugiyama
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan
| | - Haruki Yamada
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Hirano
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan.
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Tang ZH, Cao WX, Guo X, Dai XY, Lu JH, Chen X, Zhu H, Lu JJ. Identification of a novel autophagic inhibitor cepharanthine to enhance the anti-cancer property of dacomitinib in non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Lett 2018; 412:1-9. [PMID: 29024815 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of autophagy is a promising strategy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment, which is in the clinical trials. However, only chloroquine is used in clinic as an autophagic inhibitor and the inhibitory effect of chloroquine on autophagy is finite. Therefore, the development of an alternative autophagic inhibitor for NSCLC therapy becomes necessary. In the present study, cepharanthine (CEP), an alkaloid extracted from Stephania cepharantha Hayata, was identified as a novel autophagic inhibitor in NSCLC cells. The potential mechanism of the CEP-inhibited autophagy was by blockage of autophagosome-lysosome fusion and inhibition of lysosomal cathepsin B and cathepsin D maturation. Furthermore, we found for the first time that dacomitinib (DAC), a second-generation epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor that in the phase III clinical trials for NSCLC treatment, induced a protective autophagy to decrease its anti-cancer effect. Combined treatment with CEP increased the anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of DAC in vitro and enhanced the anti-cancer effect of DAC in NCI-H1975 xenograft mice. Collectively, CEP might be further developed as an autophagic inhibitor, and combined treatment of CEP and DAC could offer an effective strategy for NSCLC treatment.
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30
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Lyu J, Yang EJ, Head SA, Ai N, Zhang B, Wu C, Li RJ, Liu Y, Yang C, Dang Y, Kwon HJ, Ge W, Liu JO, Shim JS. Pharmacological blockade of cholesterol trafficking by cepharanthine in endothelial cells suppresses angiogenesis and tumor growth. Cancer Lett 2017; 409:91-103. [PMID: 28923401 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterol is an important modulator of membrane protein function and signaling in endothelial cells, thus making it an emerging target for anti-angiogenic agents. In this study, we employed a phenotypic screen that detects intracellular cholesterol distribution in endothelial cells (HUVEC) and identified 13 existing drugs as cholesterol trafficking inhibitors. Cepharanthine, an approved drug for anti-inflammatory and cancer management use, was amongst the candidates, which was selected for in-depth mechanistic studies to link cholesterol trafficking and angiogenesis. Cepharanthine inhibited the endolysosomal trafficking of free-cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein in HUVEC by binding to Niemann-Pick disease, type C1 (NPC1) protein and increasing the lysosomal pH. The blockade of cholesterol trafficking led to a cholesterol-dependent dissociation of mTOR from the lysosomes and inhibition of its downstream signaling. Cepharanthine inhibited angiogenesis in HUVEC and in zebrafish in a cholesterol-dependent manner. Furthermore, cepharanthine suppressed tumor growth in vivo by inhibiting angiogenesis and it enhanced the antitumor activity of the standard chemotherapy cisplatin in lung and breast cancer xenografts in mice. Altogether, these results strongly support the idea that cholesterol trafficking is a viable drug target for anti-angiogenesis and that the inhibitors identified among existing drugs, such as cepharanthine, could be potential anti-angiogenic and antitumor agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfang Lyu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Eun Ju Yang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Sarah A Head
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The SJ Yan and HJ Mao Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Nana Ai
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Baoyuan Zhang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Changjie Wu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Ruo-Jing Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The SJ Yan and HJ Mao Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yifan Liu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yongjun Dang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ho Jeong Kwon
- Chemical Genomics Global Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Republic of Korea
| | - Wei Ge
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Jun O Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The SJ Yan and HJ Mao Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Joong Sup Shim
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China; Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The SJ Yan and HJ Mao Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Gao S, Li X, Ding X, Qi W, Yang Q. Cepharanthine Induces Autophagy, Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest in Breast Cancer Cells. Cell Physiol Biochem 2017; 41:1633-1648. [PMID: 28359054 DOI: 10.1159/000471234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cepharanthine (CEP) is a biscoclaurine alkaloid extracted from Stephania cepharantha and has been shown to have an anti-tumour effect on different types of cancers. However, the anti-cancer effect of CEP on human breast cancer cells is still unclear. METHODS We used MTT, clone formation, in vitro scratch, invasion and migration assays to confirm the inhibitory role of CEP on the proliferation of breast cancer cells. Flow cytometry, plasmid construction and western blot analysis were used to study the detailed mechanisms. RESULTS Our study showed that CEP could inhibit cell proliferation by inducing autophagy, apoptosis, and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, we found that CEP induced autophagy and apoptosis by inhibiting the AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. CONCLUSION We found that CEP could inhibit growth and motility of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell. Our study revealed an anti-tumour effect of CEP on breast cancer cells and suggests that CEP could be a potential new clinical therapy for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumei Gao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xia Ding
- Department of Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenwen Qi
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qifeng Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Pathology Tissue Bank, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Samra YA, Said HS, Elsherbiny NM, Liou GI, El-Shishtawy MM, Eissa LA. Cepharanthine and Piperine ameliorate diabetic nephropathy in rats: role of NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome. Life Sci 2016; 157:187-199. [PMID: 27266851 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Hyperglycemia leads to elevation of oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines which are the main causes of diabetic nephropathy (DN). NLRP3 inflammasome and thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) are recently assumed to participate in the development of DN. We aimed to investigate the effects of Cepharanthine (CEP), Piperine (Pip) and their combination in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN focusing on their role to modulate NLRP3 and TXNIP induced inflammation. MAIN METHODS Diabetic rats were treated with intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of CEP (10mg/kg/day), Pip (30mg/kg/day) or their combination for 8weeks. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were assessed by ELISA technique. TXNIP and NLRP3 genes expressions were evaluated by real time-PCR. KEY FINDINGS Diabetic rats showed significant increase in renal TXNIP and NLRP3 expression. CEP, Pip or their combination significantly decreased TXNIP and NLRP3 expression in diabetic kidneys. Hyperglycemia induced NF-κB activation leading to increased IL-1β and TNF-α levels. CEP, Pip or their combination showed significant inhibition of NF-κB together with decreased IL-1β and TNF-α levels in diabetic rats. Also, diabetic rats showed significant decrease in creatinine clearance and increase in blood glucose, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, malondialdehyde, proteinuria, and kidney weight to body Weight ratio. All of these changes were reversed by CEP, Pip or their combination. SIGNIFICANCE The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of CEP and Pip which were accompanied by inhibition of NF-κB and NLRP3 activation might be helpful mechanisms to halt the progression of DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara A Samra
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
| | - Heba S Said
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Nehal M Elsherbiny
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Gregory I Liou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Mamdouh M El-Shishtawy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Laila A Eissa
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
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Matsuda K, Hattori S, Komizu Y, Kariya R, Ueoka R, Okada S. Cepharanthine inhibited HIV-1 cell-cell transmission and cell-free infection via modification of cell membrane fluidity. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2014; 24:2115-7. [PMID: 24704028 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2014] [Revised: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The anti-HIV-1 activity of cepharanthine (CEP), a natural product derived from Stephania cepharantha Hayata, was evaluated. CEP stabilized plasma membrane fluidity and inhibited HIV-1 envelope-dependent cell-to-cell fusion of HIV-1-infected cells as well as cell-free infection. It is suggested that CEP inhibited the HIV-1 entry process by reducing plasma membrane fluidity, and the plasma membrane is therefore an identical target to prevent viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kouki Matsuda
- Division of Hematopoiesis, Center for AIDS Research, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Hattori
- Division of Hematopoiesis, Center for AIDS Research, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Yuji Komizu
- Division of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Sojo University, 4-22-1 Ikeda, Kumamoto 860-0082, Japan
| | - Ryusho Kariya
- Division of Hematopoiesis, Center for AIDS Research, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Ueoka
- Division of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Sojo University, 4-22-1 Ikeda, Kumamoto 860-0082, Japan
| | - Seiji Okada
- Division of Hematopoiesis, Center for AIDS Research, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan.
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