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Bufalin Reverses HGF-Induced Resistance to EGFR-TKIs in EGFR Mutant Lung Cancer Cells via Blockage of Met/PI3k/Akt Pathway and Induction of Apoptosis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:243859. [PMID: 23533466 PMCID: PMC3603503 DOI: 10.1155/2013/243859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs), such as gefitinib and erlotinib, have shown promising therapeutic efficacy in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harboring epidermal growth factor receptor- (EGFR-) activating mutation. However, the inevitable recurrence resulting from acquired resistance has limited the clinical improvement in therapy outcomes. Many studies demonstrate that hepatocyte growth factor- (HGF-) Met axis plays an important role in tumor progression and drug sensitivity. HGF may induce resistance to EGFR-TKIs in EGFR mutant lung cancer cells by Met/PI3K/Akt signaling. The purpose of this study was to determine whether bufalin, a major bioactive component of Venenum Bufonis, could reverse HGF-induced resistance to reversible and irreversible EGFR-TKIs in mutant lung cancer cells PC-9, HCC827, and H1975. Our studies showed that bufalin could reverse resistance to reversible and irreversible EGFR-TKIs induced by exogenous HGF in EGFR mutant lung cancer cells by inhibiting the Met/PI3K/Akt pathway and inducing death signaling. These results suggested that bufalin might have a potential to overcome HGF-induced resistance to molecular-targeted drugs for lung cancer.
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Attoub S, Mechkarska M, Sonnevend A, Radosavljevic G, Jovanovic I, Lukic ML, Conlon JM. Esculentin-2CHa: a host-defense peptide with differential cytotoxicity against bacteria, erythrocytes and tumor cells. Peptides 2013; 39:95-102. [PMID: 23159562 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2012.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2012] [Revised: 11/06/2012] [Accepted: 11/06/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The host-defense peptide, esculentin-2CHa (GFSSIFRGVA(10)KFASKGLGK D(20)LAKLGVDLVA(30) CKISKQC) shows potent (MIC≤6 μM) growth inhibitory activity against clinical isolates of multidrug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and differential cytotoxic activity against human erythrocytes (LC(50)=150 μM) and human non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells (LC(50)=10 μM). Esculentin-2CHa significantly (P<0.01) stimulates the release of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 by mouse lymphoid cells and elevates its production after stimulation with concanavalin A and significantly (P<0.05) stimulates TNF-α production by peritoneal macrophages. Effects on IL-6 and IL-1β production were not significant. Removal of the hydrophobic N-terminal hexapeptide (GFSSIF) from esculentin-2CHa results in abolition of growth inhibitory activity against S. aureus and cytotoxic activity against erythrocytes and A549 cells as well as a marked (≥16-fold) reduction in potency against A. baumannii and S. maltophilia. The primary structure of esculentin-2 has been poorly conserved between frog species but evolutionary pressure has acted to maintain the hydrophobic character of this N-terminal hexapeptide sequence. Removal of the cyclic C-terminal domain (CKISKQC) and replacement of the Cys(31) and Cys(37) residues by serine resulted in appreciable decreases in cytotoxicity against all microorganisms and against mammalian cells. The more cationic [D20K, D27K] analog showed a modest increase in potency against all microorganisms (up to 4-fold) but a marked increase in cytotoxicity against erythrocytes (LC(50)=11 μM) and A549 cells (LC(50)=3 μM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Attoub
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, 17666 Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Cultivable microbiota of Lithobates catesbeianus and advances in the selection of lactic acid bacteria as biological control agents in raniculture. Res Vet Sci 2012; 93:1160-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2012.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2011] [Revised: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Alves RRN, Rosa IL, Santana GG, Vieira KS, Montenegro PFGP. Herpetofauna Used in Traditional Folk Medicine: Conservation Implications. ANIMALS IN TRADITIONAL FOLK MEDICINE 2012. [PMCID: PMC7123210 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-29026-8_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of the global use of herpetofauna in traditional folk medicine and the implications for conservation. The results indicate that 331 species (284 reptiles and 47 amphibians) are used in traditional folk medicine around the world. Among the species recorded, 182 reptiles and 42 amphibians are listed in the IUCN Red List. Additionally, 93 reptiles are in some of the appendices of CITES. These numbers demonstrate the importance of understanding such medicinal uses in the context of reptile conservation as well as the need for considering sociocultural factors when establishing management plans directed toward the sustainable use of these reptiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rômulo Romeu Nóbrega Alves
- grid.412307.30000000101676035, CCBS - Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Estadual da Paraiba, Av. Baraúnas 351, Campina Grande, 58-109753 Paraíba Brazil
| | - Ierecê Lucena Rosa
- grid.411216.10000000403975145, CCEN / Depto. de Sistemático, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, 58059-900 Paraíba Brazil
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Transformation of the naturally occurring frog skin peptide, alyteserin-2a into a potent, non-toxic anti-cancer agent. Amino Acids 2012; 44:715-23. [PMID: 22965637 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-012-1395-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Accepted: 08/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Alyteserin-2a (ILGKLLSTAAGLLSNL.NH(2)) is a cationic, amphipathic α-helical cell-penetrating peptide, first isolated from skin secretions of the midwife toad Alytes obstetricans. Structure-activity relationships were investigated by synthesizing analogs of alyteserin-2a in which amino acids on the hydrophobic face of the helix were replaced by L-tryptophan and amino acids on the hydrophilic face were replaced by one or more L-lysine or D-lysine residues. The Trp-containing peptides display increased cytotoxic activity against non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells (up to 11-fold), but hemolytic activity against human erythrocytes increases in parallel. The potency of the N15K analog against A549 cells (LC(50) = 13 μM) increases sixfold relative to alyteserin-2a and the therapeutic index (ratio of LC(50) for erythrocytes and tumor cells) increases twofold. Incorporation of a D-Lys(11) residue into the N15K analog generates a peptide that retains potency against A549 cells (LC(50) = 15 μM) but whose therapeutic index is 13-fold elevated relative to the native peptide. [G11k, N15K] alyteserin-2a is also active against human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells (LC(50) = 26 μM), breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells (LC(50) = 20 μM), and colorectal adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells (LC(50) = 28 μM). [G11k, N15K] alyteserin-2a, in concentrations as low as 1 μg/mL, significantly (P < 0.05) inhibits the release of the immune-suppressive cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β from unstimulated and concanavalin A-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The data suggest a strategy of increasing the cationicity while reducing the helicity of naturally occurring amphipathic α-helical peptides to generate analogs with improved cytotoxicity against tumor cells but decreased activity against non-neoplastic cells.
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Bowie JH, Separovic F, Tyler MJ. Host-defense peptides of Australian anurans. Part 2. Structure, activity, mechanism of action, and evolutionary significance. Peptides 2012; 37:174-88. [PMID: 22771617 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2012.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2012] [Revised: 06/26/2012] [Accepted: 06/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
A previous review summarized research prior to 2004 carried out on the bioactive host-defense peptides contained in the skin secretions of Australian anurans (frogs and toads). This review covers the extension of that research from 2004 to 2012, and includes membrane-active peptides (including antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal and antiviral peptides) together with the mechanisms by which these peptides interact with model membranes, peptides that may be classified as "neuropeptides" (including smooth muscle active peptides, opioids and immunomodulators) and peptides which inhibit the formation of nitric oxide from neuronal nitric oxide synthase. The review discusses the outcome of cDNA sequencing of signal-spacer-active peptides from an evolutionary viewpoint, and also lists those peptides for which activities have not been found to this time.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Bowie
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Physics, The University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia.
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Yin P, Wang Y, Qiu Y, Hou L, Liu X, Qin J, Duan Y, Liu P, Qiu M, Li Q. Bufalin-loaded mPEG-PLGA-PLL-cRGD nanoparticles: preparation, cellular uptake, tissue distribution, and anticancer activity. Int J Nanomedicine 2012; 7:3961-9. [PMID: 22888239 PMCID: PMC3414086 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s32063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have shown that bufalin has a good antitumor effect but has high toxicity, poor water solubility, a short half-life, a narrow therapeutic window, and a toxic dose that is close to the therapeutic dose, which all limit its clinical application. This study aimed to determine the targeting efficacy of nanoparticles (NPs) made of methoxy polyethylene glycol (mPEG), polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), poly-L-lysine (PLL), and cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (cRGD) loaded with bufalin, ie, bufalin-loaded mPEG-PLGA-PLL-cRGD nanoparticles (BNPs), in SW620 colon cancer-bearing mice. METHODS BNPs showed uniform size. The size, shape, zeta potential, drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, and release of these nanoparticles were studied in vitro. The tumor targeting, cellular uptake, and growth-inhibitory effect of BNPs in vivo were tested. RESULTS BNPs were of uniform size with an average particle size of 164 ± 84 nm and zeta potential of 2.77 mV. The encapsulation efficiency was 81.7% ± 0.89%, and the drug load was 3.92% ± 0.16%. The results of in vitro cytotoxicity studies showed that although the blank NPs were nontoxic, they enhanced the cytotoxicity of bufalin in BNPs. Drug release experiments showed that the release of the drug was prolonged and sustained. The results of confocal laser scanning microscopy indicated that BNPs could effectively bind to human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In the SW620 xenograft mice model, the BNPs could effectively target the tumor in vivo. The BNPs were significantly more effective than other NPs in preventing tumor growth. CONCLUSION BNPs had even size distribution, were stable, and had a slow-releasing and tumor-targeting effect. BNPs significantly inhibited colon cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. As a novel drug carrier system, BNPs are a potentially promising targeting treatment for colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peihao Yin
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Putuo Hospital and Interventional Cancer Institute of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Putuo Hospital and Interventional Cancer Institute of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - YanYan Qiu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Putuo Hospital and Interventional Cancer Institute of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - LiLi Hou
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Putuo Hospital and Interventional Cancer Institute of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Putuo Hospital and Interventional Cancer Institute of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianmin Qin
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Putuo Hospital and Interventional Cancer Institute of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yourong Duan
- Shanghai Cancer Institute, Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peifeng Liu
- Shanghai Cancer Institute, Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Putuo Hospital and Interventional Cancer Institute of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Ma L, Song B, Jin H, Pi J, Liu L, Jiang J, Cai J. Cinobufacini induced MDA-MB-231 cell apoptosis-associated cell cycle arrest and cytoskeleton function. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2011; 22:1459-63. [PMID: 22225634 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2011.11.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2011] [Revised: 11/18/2011] [Accepted: 11/21/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cinobufacini is a traditional Chinese anti-tumor drug and widely used in clinic experiences. But little is known about its effect on the cells. In this study, the effects of cinobufacini on breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell were evaluated by CCK-8 assay, and the data showed cinobufacini could inhibit the MDA-MB-231 cells growth effectively in dose-dependent and time-dependent manners. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry analysis. After the cells being treated with 50 μg/mL cinobufacini for 48 h, the early apoptosis percentage (20.45 ± 1.46%) is much higher than the normal group (7.73 ± 1.21%). The cell cycle data indicated that cinobufacini caused a cell cycle arrest at S phase. What's more, cinobufacini can affect the disruption of cytoskeleton, and these alterations changed the cell-surface ultrastructure and the cell morphology which were detected by atomic force microscopy (AFM) at nanoscale level. It indicated that the cell membrane structure and cytoskeleton networks were destroyed and the cell tails were narrowed after the cell being treated with cinobufacini. The present study is to provide valuable new insights to understand the mechanism of the drug in anti-tumor process. Furthermore, the knowledge concerning the signaling of cell cycle is potentially important to clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Ma
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Nano-Chemistry, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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Induction of apoptosis by cinobufacini preparation through mitochondria- and Fas-mediated caspase-dependent pathways in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Food Chem Toxicol 2011; 50:295-302. [PMID: 22019693 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2011.10.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2010] [Revised: 07/17/2011] [Accepted: 10/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cinobufacini (Huachansu), an aqueous extract from the skins of Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor, is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine widely used in clinical cancer therapy in China. However, the precise mechanisms induced by cinobufacini in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells are still not very clear. The aim of present study was to investigate possible apoptotic mechanisms induced by cinobufacini in HCC cell lines HepG(2) and Bel-7402. We found that cinobufacini treatment resulted in a significant decrease in cell proliferation and induced apoptotic cell death with the increase of treatment time. It indicated that cinobufacini-induced apoptosis was associated with mitochondria-mediated pathway including the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), the increase of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, cytochrome c release, caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) degradation. Additionally, cinobufacini also activated Fas-mediated apoptosis pathway obviously as evident by an increase in Fas expression, and caspase-8 and caspase-10 activation. Moreover, the BH3-only protein Bid was cleaved into a truncated Bid (tBid) after cinobufacini treatment. Taken together, these data suggested cinobufacini could induce apoptosis of HCC cells through mitochondria- and Fas-mediated caspase-dependent pathways with the increase of treatment time, which might provide an experimental evidence for cinobufacini treatment of HCC.
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Harris F, Dennison SR, Singh J, Phoenix DA. On the selectivity and efficacy of defense peptides with respect to cancer cells. Med Res Rev 2011; 33:190-234. [PMID: 21922503 DOI: 10.1002/med.20252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Here, we review potential determinants of the anticancer efficacy of innate immune peptides (ACPs) for cancer cells. These determinants include membrane-based factors, such as receptors, phosphatidylserine, sialic acid residues, and sulfated glycans, and peptide-based factors, such as residue composition, sequence length, net charge, hydrophobic arc size, hydrophobicity, and amphiphilicity. Each of these factors may contribute to the anticancer action of ACPs, but no single factor(s) makes an overriding contribution to their overall selectivity and toxicity. Differences between the anticancer actions of ACPs seem to relate to different levels of interplay between these peptide and membrane-based factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick Harris
- School of Forensic and Investigative Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom
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Abstract
RNases are enzymes that cleave RNAs, resulting in remarkably diverse biological consequences. Many RNases are cytotoxic. In some cases, they attack selectively malignant cells triggering an apoptotic response. A number of eukaryotic and bacterial RNase-based strategies are being developed for use in anticancer and antiviral therapy. However, the physiological functions of these RNases are often poorly understood. This review focuses on the properties of the extracellular RNases from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (barnase) and Bacillus intermedius (binase), the characteristics of their biosynthesis regulation and their physiological role, with an emphasis on the similarities and differences. Barnase and binase can be regarded as molecular twins according to their highly similar structure, physical-chemical and catalytic properties. Nevertheless, the 'life paths' of these enzymes are not the same, as their expression in bacteria is controlled by diverse signals. Binase is predominantly synthesized under phosphate starvation, whereas barnase production is strictly dependent on the multifunctional Spo0A regulator controlling sporulation, biofilm formation and cannibalism. Barnase and binase also have some distinctions in practical applications. Barnase was initially suggested to be useful in research and biotechnology as a tool for studying protein-protein interactions, for RNA elimination from biological samples, for affinity purification of RNase fusion proteins, for the development of cloning vectors and for sterility acquisition by transgenic plants. Binase, as later barnase, was tested for antiviral, antitumour and immunogenic effects. Both RNases have found their own niche in cancer research as a result of success in targeted delivery and selectivity towards tumour cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Ulyanova
- Department of Microbiology, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan, Russia
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Chia CSB, Gong Y, Bowie JH, Zuegg J, Cooper MA. Membrane binding and perturbation studies of the antimicrobial peptides caerin, citropin, and maculatin. Biopolymers 2011; 96:147-57. [PMID: 20564028 DOI: 10.1002/bip.21438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Citropin 1.1, maculatin 1.1, and caerin 1.1 are short antibacterial cationic peptides from the skin glands of the Australian tree frog Litoria species. Several analogues have been synthesized to give a better insight into the relationship between the structure of the peptides and their antibacterial and haemolytic activity. Binding studies using a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor together with a vesicle-capture sensor chip have been used to investigate selectivity of the peptides and their analogues for 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoglycerol (DMPG) and 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) vesicles, as well as for vesicles made from lipid extracts from Escherichia coli and bovine brain. Data obtained for membrane selectivity using natural lipid extracts show better correlation with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against Gram-positive bacteria and haemolytic activity than that obtained using synthetic DMPG and DMPC. Electron microscopy and membrane leakage studies using Gram-positive bacteria gave further insight into the membrane disruption properties of the peptides. For maculatin 1.1, it was found that the central proline residue, which is responsible for a bend in the alpha-helical structure, is essential not only for the antibacterial activity but also for binding, and perturbation of membranes. The caerin analogues showed only small variations in their MIC values and membrane binding. In contrast, for citropin 1.1, the analogue replacing the aspartate with a lysine showed the lowest MIC against Gram-positive bacteria and best membrane binding to E. coli lipid extracts, coinciding with an increased hydrophobic moment of the peptide. These data give further insight into these antimicrobial natural products, toward the development and evaluation of these and other analogues as potential antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Brian Chia
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, 31 Biopolis Way, #03-01 Nanos, 138669, Singapore
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Qi F, Li A, Inagaki Y, Kokudo N, Tamura S, Nakata M, Tang W. Antitumor activity of extracts and compounds from the skin of the toad Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor. Int Immunopharmacol 2010; 11:342-9. [PMID: 21185919 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2010.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2010] [Accepted: 12/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The skin of the toad Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor is known to be rich in bufadienolides, peptides and alkaloids. It has been found to be a source of some extracts and biologically active compounds with antitumor activity. Cinobufacini (Huachansu), a Chinese medicine prepared from the dried toad skin, has been widely used in clinical therapy for various cancers in China. Bufadienolides, such as bufalin, cinobufagin, resibufogenin, and telocinobufagin, are the major active compounds derived from the toad skin. They are the maker biologically active compounds of cinobufagin while the antitumor activity of cinobufagin may be due to this kind of components. Experimental research has suggested that cinobufacini and its active compounds (e.g. bufalin and cinobufagin) exhibit significant antitumor activity, including inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of cell differentiation, induction of apoptosis, disruption of the cell cycle, inhibition of cancer angiogenesis, reversal of multi-drug resistance, and regulation of the immune response. Clinical data have indicated that cinobufacini may have effective anticancer activity with low toxicity and few side effects. Data to date suggest it may also enhance quality of life for patients with cancer. Thus, this review briefly summarizes recent studies on the anticancer activity of cinobufacini and some of its active compounds from the skin of the toad Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor. This might provide additional evidence for further study of the extracts and active compounds from the toad skin in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanghua Qi
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
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Yiang GT. RC6 Exerts an Anticancer Effect Through the Caspase-dependent Apoptosis Pathway. Tzu Chi Med J 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s1016-3190(10)60070-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Langsdorf M, Ghassempour A, Römpp A, Spengler B. Characterization of a peptide family from the skin secretion of the Middle East tree frog Hyla savignyi by composition-based de novo sequencing. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2010; 24:2885-2899. [PMID: 20857449 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.4717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
A new tryptophyllin-like peptide family was found in the skin secretion of the tree frog Hyla savignyi. Peptides were characterized by database-independent sequencing strategies and specific ion fragmentation features were investigated. Skin secretions from specimens of Hyla savignyi were collected by mild electrical stimulation. Peptides were separated by reversed-phase nano-high-performance liquid chromatography (nanoHPLC) and mass spectra were acquired online by electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS). Peptides were characterized by manual de novo sequencing and by composition-based sequencing (CBS), appearing mostly as C-terminal free acids and as their acid amide analogs. Amide peptides yielded lower intensities of y-type ions after collision-induced dissociation (CID) than their acid analogs. A mechanism of internal b-ion formation (positive ion mode) and of CO(2) elimination (negative ion mode) is proposed. We also exemplified phenomena such as the proline effect and formation of non-direct sequence ions after sequence rearrangements. The occurrence of rearrangement products, of internal ions and of the proline effect made the CID spectra highly complex. CBS analysis nevertheless resulted in successful and highly reliable sequence analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Langsdorf
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
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Isolation and sequence analysis of peptides from the skin secretion of the Middle East tree frog Hyla savignyi. Anal Bioanal Chem 2010; 398:2853-65. [PMID: 20835817 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-010-4131-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2010] [Revised: 08/12/2010] [Accepted: 08/15/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Novel peptides were identified in the skin secretion of the tree frog Hyla savignyi. Skin secretions were collected by mild electrical stimulation. Peptides were separated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Mass spectra were acquired by electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS), and fragment ion spectra were obtained after collision-induced dissociation and electron capture dissociation. Peptides were analyzed by manual de novo sequencing and composition-based sequencing (CBS). Sequence analyses of three so far undescribed, structurally unrelated peptides are presented in this paper, having the sequences DDSEEEEVE-OH, P*EEVEEERJK-OH, and GJJDPJTGJVGGJJ-NH(2). The glutamate-rich sequences are assumed to be acidic spacer peptides of the prepropeptide. One of these peptides contains the modified amino acid hydroxyproline, as identified and localized by high-accuracy FTICR-MS. Combination of CBS and of experience-based manual sequence analysis as complementary and database-independent sequencing strategies resulted in peptide identification with high reliability.
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Isolation and characterization of a trypsin inhibitor from the skin secretions of Kaloula pulchra hainana. Toxicon 2010; 56:502-7. [PMID: 20580731 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2010.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2010] [Revised: 05/07/2010] [Accepted: 05/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Amphibian skin secretions contain many bioactive compounds. A trypsin inhibitor termed KPHTI was purified from the skin secretions of frog Kaloula pulchra hainana by successive ion-exchange and gel-filtration chromatography. KPHTI is a single chain glycoprotein, with an apparent molecular weight of 23 kDa in SDS-PAGE. It is a competitive inhibitor and effectively inhibits trypsin catalytic activity on peptide substrate with the inhibitor constant (K(i)) value of 27 nM. KPHTI shows no inhibitory effect on chymotrypsin, thrombin, elastase, and subtilisin. The N-terminal sequence of KPHTI is DHEVTS, which shows no similarity with other known trypsin inhibitors. DTT apparently affected the inhibitory activity of KPHTI. But it was not sensitive to temperature and pH range, which suggested that it possessed stable trypsin inhibitory activity in natural environment, and maybe play an important role in against predators.
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Qi F, Li A, Zhao L, Xu H, Inagaki Y, Wang D, Cui X, Gao B, Kokudo N, Nakata M, Tang W. Cinobufacini, an aqueous extract from Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor, induces apoptosis through a mitochondria-mediated pathway in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2010; 128:654-61. [PMID: 20193751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2010.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2009] [Revised: 01/18/2010] [Accepted: 02/11/2010] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY Cinobufacini (Huachansu), an aqueous extract from the skin and parotid venom glands of Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor, is a traditional Chinese medicine widely used in clinical cancer therapy in China. The present study sought to investigate the possible signaling pathway implicated in cinobufacini-induced apoptosis in the hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines HepG(2) and Bel-7402. MATERIALS AND METHODS The effects of cinobufacini on cell proliferation of HepG(2) and Bel-7402 cells were evaluated by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. Cell apoptosis was detected by Hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometry analysis. The mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsim) and caspase-9 and -3 activity were detected using MitoCapture reagent staining and colorimetric assays, respectively. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins and release of cytochrome c were assessed by Western blot analysis. RESULTS Cinobufacini significantly inhibited cell proliferation of both cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Marked changes in apoptotic morphology and apoptosis rates were clearly observed after cinobufacini treatment. The protein expression of Bax increased whereas that of Bcl-2 decreased, leading to an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Subsequently, cinobufacini disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsim) and resulted in the release of cytochrome c, activation of both caspase-9 and -3, and cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). CONCLUSION The present study indicated that cinobufacini can induce apoptosis of HepG(2) and Bel-7402 cells through a mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanghua Qi
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Provincial Hospital affiliated with Shandong University, Jinan 250021, China
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Ardelt W, Ardelt B, Darzynkiewicz Z. Ribonucleases as potential modalities in anticancer therapy. Eur J Pharmacol 2009; 625:181-9. [PMID: 19825371 PMCID: PMC2784098 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2009.06.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2009] [Revised: 05/20/2009] [Accepted: 06/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Antitumor ribonucleases are small (10-28 kDa) basic proteins. They were found among members of both, ribonuclease A and T1 superfamilies. Their cytotoxic properties are conferred by enzymatic activity, i.e., the ability to catalyze cleavages of phosphodiester bonds in RNA. They bind to negatively charged cell membrane, enter cells by endocytosis and translocate to cytosol where they evade mammalian protein ribonuclease inhibitor and degrade RNA. Here, we discuss structures, functions and mechanisms of antitumor activity of several cytotoxic ribonucleases with particular emphasis to the amphibian Onconase, the only enzyme of this class that reached clinical trials. Onconase is the smallest, very stable, less catalytically efficient and more cytotoxic than most RNase A homologues. Its cytostatic, cytotoxic and anticancer effects were extensively studied. It targets tRNA, rRNA, mRNA as well as the non-coding RNA (microRNAs). Numerous cancer lines are sensitive to Onconase; their treatment with 10-100 nM enzyme leads to suppression of cell cycle progression, predominantly through G(1), followed by apoptosis or cell senescence. Onconase also has anticancer properties in animal models. Many effects of this enzyme are consistent with the microRNAs, one of its critical targets. Onconase sensitizes cells to a variety of anticancer modalities and this property is of particular interest, suggesting its application as an adjunct to chemotherapy or radiotherapy in treatment of different tumors. Cytotoxic RNases as exemplified by Onconase represent a new class of antitumor agents, with an entirely different mechanism of action than the drugs currently used in the clinic. Further studies on animal models including human tumors grafted on severe combined immunodefficient (SCID) mice and clinical trials are needed to explore clinical potential of cytotoxic RNases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Ardelt
- Brander Cancer Research Institute and Department of Pathology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA.
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