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Bozzuto G, Calcabrini A, Colone M, Condello M, Dupuis ML, Pellegrini E, Stringaro A. Phytocompounds and Nanoformulations for Anticancer Therapy: A Review. Molecules 2024; 29:3784. [PMID: 39202863 PMCID: PMC11357218 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29163784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease that affects millions of people and remains a major public health problem worldwide. Conventional cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy, have limited achievements and multiple drawbacks, among which are healthy tissue damage and multidrug-resistant phenotype onset. Increasing evidence shows that many plants' natural products, as well as their bioactive compounds, have promising anticancer activity and exhibit minimal toxicity compared to conventional anticancer drugs. However, their widespread use in cancer therapy is severely restricted by limitations in terms of their water solubility, absorption, lack of stability, bioavailability, and selective targeting. The use of nanoformulations for plants' natural product transportation and delivery could be helpful in overcoming these limitations, thus enhancing their therapeutic efficacy and providing the basis for improved anticancer treatment strategies. The present review is aimed at providing an update on some phytocompounds (curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, and cannabinoids, among others) and their main nanoformulations showing antitumor activities, both in vitro and in vivo, against such different human cancer types as breast and colorectal cancer, lymphomas, malignant melanoma, glioblastoma multiforme, and osteosarcoma. The intracellular pathways underlying phytocompound anticancer activity and the main advantages of nanoformulation employment are also examined. Finally, this review critically analyzes the research gaps and limitations causing the limited success of phytocompounds' and nanoformulations' clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Bozzuto
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (M.C.); (M.C.); (M.L.D.); (A.S.)
| | - Annarica Calcabrini
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (M.C.); (M.C.); (M.L.D.); (A.S.)
| | - Marisa Colone
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (M.C.); (M.C.); (M.L.D.); (A.S.)
| | - Maria Condello
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (M.C.); (M.C.); (M.L.D.); (A.S.)
| | - Maria Luisa Dupuis
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (M.C.); (M.C.); (M.L.D.); (A.S.)
| | - Evelin Pellegrini
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Annarita Stringaro
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (M.C.); (M.C.); (M.L.D.); (A.S.)
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Yoon YE, Jung YJ, Lee SJ. The Anticancer Activities of Natural Terpenoids That Inhibit Both Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4423. [PMID: 38674007 PMCID: PMC11050645 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of two major types of skin cancer, melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, has been increasing worldwide. Skin cancer incidence is estimated to rise continuously over the next 20 years due to ozone depletion and an increased life expectancy. Chemotherapeutic agents could affect healthy cells, and thus may be toxic to them and cause numerous side effects or drug resistance. Phytochemicals that are naturally occurring in fruits, plants, and herbs are known to possess various bioactive properties, including anticancer properties. Although the effects of phytochemicals are relatively milder than chemotherapeutic agents, the long-term intake of phytochemicals may be effective and safe in preventing tumor development in humans. Diverse phytochemicals have shown anti-tumorigenic activities for either melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancer. In this review, we focused on summarizing recent research findings of the natural and dietary terpenoids (eucalyptol, eugenol, geraniol, linalool, and ursolic acid) that have anticancer activities for both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. These terpenoids may be helpful to protect skin collectively to prevent tumorigenesis of both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Eun Yoon
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02855, Republic of Korea;
| | - Young Jae Jung
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02855, Republic of Korea;
| | - Sung-Joon Lee
- Department of Food Bioscience and Technology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02855, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, BK21 Four Institute of Precision Public Health, Korea University, Seoul 02846, Republic of Korea
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Forouzanfar F, Moshirian Farahi SM, Rakhshandeh H, Memar B, Rashidi R, Mahdipour R, Riahi-Zanjani B. Immunomodulation Induced in BALB/c Mice after Subacute Exposure to Hydroalcoholic Extract of Artimisia Dracunculus. Curr Drug Discov Technol 2024; 21:e240124226142. [PMID: 38279720 DOI: 10.2174/0115701638279953231222062644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tarragon, with the scientific name of Artemisia dracunculus, is a perennial herbaceous plant with a wide spectrum of pharmacologic properties. In the current investigation, BALB/c mice were used to examine the immunomodulatory effects of hydroalcoholic extract of tarragon (HET). METHODS Mice were treated with hydroalcoholic extract of Artimisia dracunculus (HET) at two doses (250 and 500 mg/kg) for 14 days. The host hematological parameters, spleen cellularity histopathology, hemagglutination titer assay (HA), delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses, IFN-γ and IL-4 levels produced by spelenocytes, and the proliferation of lymphocytes were assayed. RESULTS HET at a high dose significantly could increase the number of white blood cells and lymphocytes compared to the control group. The lymphocyte proliferation in exposure to PHA significantly increased in the HET group at both doses compared to the control group, whilst this index in the presence of LPS increased significantly for the 500 mg/kg-HET group only. Moreover, in the HA and DTH tests, HET significantly increased the proliferation of lymphocytes as compared with the control group. Furthermore, HET significantly increased the amount of IFN-γ parallel to a decrease in the level of IL-4 in compared to the control group. CONCLUSION Based on our findings, HET has potent immunostimulant characteristics. More investigation into tarragon's potential to be used in the treatment of disorders caused by a weakened immune response should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Forouzanfar
- Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Hassan Rakhshandeh
- Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Bahram Memar
- Faculty of Medicine, Cancer Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Roghayeh Rashidi
- Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ramin Mahdipour
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Bamdad Riahi-Zanjani
- Medical Toxicology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Grudzińska M, Stachnik B, Galanty A, Sołtys A, Podolak I. Progress in Antimelanoma Research of Natural Triterpenoids and Their Derivatives: Mechanisms of Action, Bioavailability Enhancement and Structure Modifications. Molecules 2023; 28:7763. [PMID: 38067491 PMCID: PMC10707933 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer, characterized by early metastasis and rapid development. In search for effective treatment options, much attention is given to triterpenoids of plant origin, which are considered promising drug candidates due to their well described anticancer properties and relatively low toxicity. This paper comprehensively summarizes the antimelanoma potential of natural triterpenoids, that are also used as scaffolds for the development of more effective derivatives. These include betulin, betulinic acid, ursolic acid, maslinic acid, oleanolic acid, celastrol and lupeol. Some lesser-known triterpenoids that deserve attention in this context are 22β-hydroxytingenone, cucurbitacins, geoditin A and ganoderic acids. Recently described mechanisms of action are presented, together with the results of preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as the use of drug delivery systems and pharmaceutical technologies to improve the bioavailability of triterpenoids. This paper also reviews the most promising structural modifications, based on structure-activity observations. In conclusion, triterpenoids of plant origin and some of their semi-synthetic derivatives exert significant cytotoxic, antiproliferative and chemopreventive effects that can be beneficial for melanoma treatment. Recent data indicate that their poor solubility in water, and thus low bioavailability, can be overcome by complexing with cyclodextrins, or the use of nanoparticles and ethosomes, thus making these compounds promising antimelanoma drug candidates for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Grudzińska
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, Poland; (M.G.); (B.S.); (A.S.); (I.P.)
- Department of Food Chemistry and Nutrition, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
- Doctoral School of Medical and Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Łazarza 16, 31-530 Kraków, Poland
| | - Bogna Stachnik
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, Poland; (M.G.); (B.S.); (A.S.); (I.P.)
| | - Agnieszka Galanty
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, Poland; (M.G.); (B.S.); (A.S.); (I.P.)
| | - Agnieszka Sołtys
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, Poland; (M.G.); (B.S.); (A.S.); (I.P.)
| | - Irma Podolak
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, Poland; (M.G.); (B.S.); (A.S.); (I.P.)
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Karimi G, Fatemi S, Memar B, Khorrami MB, Amali A, Sadeghi M, Esmaeili SA, Riahi-Zanjani B. Melittin as a safe compound to BALB/c mice immune system; a tiered approach immunotoxicity screening. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:377. [PMID: 37880739 PMCID: PMC10598946 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04228-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maintenance of immune system integrity is a vital requirement to protect human body against pathogens/cancers. Natural compounds have long been used due to their benefits for the immune system. One of which is bee venom that contains a peptide called melittin having antimicrobial and anticancer effects. Since a limited number of studies regarding the effects of melittin on the immune system have been carried out, we aimed to evaluate the effects of melittin on BALB/c mice immune system parameters. METHODS Female BALB /c mice were treated intraperitoneally (i.p) with 0.75 and 1.5 mg/kg doses of melittin for 14 days (5 doses per week). The negative control group received i.p normal saline whereas the positive controls received i.p 20 mg/kg cyclophosphamide (CYP). Immunological parameters such as hematological parameters, delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), hemagglutination titer (HA), spleen cellularity, splenocytes proliferation, as well as spleen and bone marrow histopathological assessment were evaluated. RESULTS Our findings showed that melittin has no gross pathological effect on the spleen and bone marrow. It was also demonstrated that melittin has no any significant effect on hematological parameters. Melittin did not cause any significant changes to proliferation response of splenocytes to PHA and LPS, spleen cellularity, DTH response, as well as the production of anti-SRBC antibodies. According to our results, melittin at 0.75 and 1.5 mg/kg doses could not induce significant changes on immune parameters and as a result, melittin was found to be safe for the mice immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gholamreza Karimi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sina Fatemi
- School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Bahram Memar
- Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Arian Amali
- Student Research Committee, Paramedical Department, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmood Sadeghi
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Seyed-Alireza Esmaeili
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Bamdad Riahi-Zanjani
- Medical Toxicology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Antiproliferative Activity of Buddleja saligna (Willd.) against Melanoma and In Vivo Modulation of Angiogenesis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15121497. [PMID: 36558948 PMCID: PMC9782150 DOI: 10.3390/ph15121497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma cells secrete pro-angiogenic factors, which stimulates growth, proliferation and metastasis, and therefore are key therapeutic targets. Buddleja saligna (BS), and an isolated triterpenoid mixture (DT-BS-01) showed a fifty percent inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 33.80 ± 1.02 and 5.45 ± 0.19 µg/mL, respectively, against melanoma cells (UCT-MEL-1) with selectivity index (SI) values of 1.64 and 5.06 compared to keratinocytes (HaCat). Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition was observed with IC50 values of 35.06 ± 2.96 (BS) and 26.40 ± 4.19 µg/mL (DT-BS-01). BS (30 µg/mL) significantly inhibited interleukin (IL)-6 (83.26 ± 17.60%) and IL-8 (100 ± 0.2%) production, whereas DT-BS-01 (5 µg/mL) showed 51.07 ± 2.83 (IL-6) and 0 ± 6.7% (IL-8) inhibition. Significant vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibition, by 15.84 ± 4.54 and 12.21 ± 3.48%, respectively, was observed. In the ex ovo chick embryo yolk sac membrane assay (YSM), BS (15 µg/egg) significantly reduced new blood vessel formation, with 53.34 ± 11.64% newly formed vessels. Silver and palladium BS nanoparticles displayed noteworthy SI values. This is the first report on the significant anti-angiogenic activity of BS and DT-BS-01 and should be considered for preclinical trials as there are currently no US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs to inhibit angiogenesis in melanoma.
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Abildgaard C, Rizza S, Christiansen H, Schmidt S, Dahl C, Abdul-Al A, Christensen A, Filomeni G, Guldberg P. Screening of metabolic modulators identifies new strategies to target metabolic reprogramming in melanoma. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4390. [PMID: 33623106 PMCID: PMC7902673 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83796-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of metastatic melanoma remains poor due to de novo or acquired resistance to immune and targeted therapies. Previous studies have shown that melanoma cells have perturbed metabolism and that cellular metabolic pathways represent potential therapeutic targets. To support the discovery of new drug candidates for melanoma, we examined 180 metabolic modulators, including phytochemicals and anti-diabetic compounds, for their growth-inhibitory activities against melanoma cells, alone and in combination with the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib. Two positive hits from this screen, 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) and ursolic acid (UA), were subjected to validation and further characterization. Metabolic analysis showed that 4-MU affected cellular metabolism through inhibition of glycolysis and enhanced the effect of vemurafenib to reduce the growth of melanoma cells. In contrast, UA reduced mitochondrial respiration, accompanied by an increase in the glycolytic rate. This metabolic switch potentiated the growth-inhibitory effect of the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase inhibitor dichloroacetate. Both drug combinations led to increased production of reactive oxygen species, suggesting the involvement of oxidative stress in the cellular response. These results support the potential use of metabolic modulators for combination therapies in cancer and may encourage preclinical validation and clinical testing of such treatment strategies in patients with metastatic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Abildgaard
- Molecular Diagnostics Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Lillebaelt Hospital - University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Salvatore Rizza
- Redox Biology Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Helle Christiansen
- Lundbeckfonden Center of Excellence NanoCAN, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Molecular Oncology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen, Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Steffen Schmidt
- Lundbeckfonden Center of Excellence NanoCAN, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Molecular Oncology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen, Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Christina Dahl
- Molecular Diagnostics Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ahmad Abdul-Al
- Molecular Diagnostics Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Annette Christensen
- Molecular Diagnostics Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Giuseppe Filomeni
- Redox Biology Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biology, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Center for Healthy Aging, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Per Guldberg
- Molecular Diagnostics Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
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AlQathama A, Shao L, Bader A, Khondkar P, Gibbons S, M Prieto J. Differential Anti-Proliferative and Anti-Migratory Activities of Ursolic Acid, 3- O-Acetylursolic Acid and Their Combination Treatments with Quercetin on Melanoma Cells. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E894. [PMID: 32545262 PMCID: PMC7356947 DOI: 10.3390/biom10060894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We evaluate how 3-acetylation modulates the in vitro activity of ursolic acid in melanoma cells alone or in combination treatments with quercetin. Anti-proliferative studies on A375 cells and adult human dermal fibroblasts included analyses on cell cycle distribution, caspase activity, phosphatidylserine translocation, cell morphology and Bax/Bcl-2 protein expression. Then, 2D and 3D migration of B16F10 cells were studied using scratch and Transwell assays, respectively. Ursolic acid and 3-O-acetylursolic acid have shown similar GI50 on A375 cells (26 µM vs. 32 µM, respectively) significantly increased both early and late apoptotic populations, activated caspases 3/7 (48-72 h), and enhanced Bax whilst attenuating Bcl-2 expression. Ursolic acid caused elevation of the sub-G1 population whilst its 3-acetyl derivative arrested cell cycle at S phase and induced strong morphological changes. Combination treatments showed that ursolic acid and quercetin act synergistically in migration assays but not against cell proliferation. In summary, 3-O-acetylursolic acid maintains the potency and overall apoptotic mechanism of the parent molecule with a more aggressive influence on the morphology of A375 melanoma cells but the 3-acetylation suppresses its anti-migratory properties. We also found that ursolic acid can act in synergy with quercetin to reduce cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aljawharah AlQathama
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK; (L.S.); (P.K.); (S.G.)
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Pharmacy College, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Luying Shao
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK; (L.S.); (P.K.); (S.G.)
| | - Ammar Bader
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Pharmacy College, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Proma Khondkar
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK; (L.S.); (P.K.); (S.G.)
| | - Simon Gibbons
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK; (L.S.); (P.K.); (S.G.)
- School of Pharmacy, University East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Jose M Prieto
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK; (L.S.); (P.K.); (S.G.)
- Centre for Natural Products Discovery, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
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Unraveling the molecular mechanisms and the potential chemopreventive/therapeutic properties of natural compounds in melanoma. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 59:266-282. [PMID: 31233829 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is the most fatal form of skin cancer. Current therapeutic approaches include surgical resection, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. However, these treatment strategies are associated with development of drug resistance and severe side effects. In recent years, natural compounds have also been extensively studied for their anti-melanoma effects, including tumor growth inhibition, apoptosis induction, angiogenesis and metastasis suppression and cancer stem cell elimination. Moreover, a considerable number of studies reported the synergistic activity of phytochemicals and standard anti-melanoma agents, as well as the enhanced effectiveness of their synthetic derivatives and novel formulations. However, clinical data confirming these promising effects in patients are still scanty. This review emphasizes the anti-tumor mechanisms and potential application of the most studied natural products for melanoma prevention and treatment.
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Taghizadeh SF, Davarynejad G, Asili J, Riahi-Zanjani B, Nemati SH, Karimi G. Chemical composition, antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxic evaluation of the essential oil from pistachio (Pistacia khinjuk) hull. Microb Pathog 2018; 124:76-81. [PMID: 30138753 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Chemical composition, antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of (Pistacia khinjuk) hull essential oil (EO) were evaluated in this study. The EO was isolated and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined using 6 strains of Gram-positive and negative bacteria. DPPH radical scavenging (DPPH) and β-Caroten Bleaching (BCB) assays were used to measure antioxidant activity of the EO. In vitro cytotoxic activity was measured using MTT assay. Fifty-six compounds representing 99.5% of the total oil composition were identified. In the antibacterial results, Staphylococcus aureus was found to be the most susceptible strain (MIC and MBC = 16 μg/ml). Antioxidant IC50 values were respectively 19.03 ± 0.001 and 49.22 ± 0.005 μg/mL. The IC50 indexes of cytotoxic tests were 29.6, 37.3 and 41.1 μg/mL for MCF-7, PC3 and DU-145 cell lines, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Faezeh Taghizadeh
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gholamhossein Davarynejad
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Javad Asili
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Bamdad Riahi-Zanjani
- Medical Toxicology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Hossein Nemati
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Karimi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Strzemski M, Wojnicki K, Sowa I, Wojas-Krawczyk K, Krawczyk P, Kocjan R, Such J, Latalski M, Wnorowski A, Wójciak-Kosior M. In Vitro Antiproliferative Activity of Extracts of Carlina acaulis subsp. caulescens and Carlina acanthifolia subsp. utzka. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:371. [PMID: 28659804 PMCID: PMC5469354 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Various species of the Carlina genus have been used in traditional medicine in many countries to treat numerous skin disorders, including cancer. The objective of this work was to assess the anticancer properties of root and leaf extracts from Carlina acaulis subsp. caulescens and C. acanthifolia subsp. utzka. Anti-tumor properties of the extracts were explored using a tetrazolium-based cell viability assay and flow cytometric apoptosis analysis, followed by immunodetection of phosphoactive ERK1/2 in UACC-903, C32, and UACC-647 human melanoma cell lines. Normal human fibroblasts were used as a control. Leaf extracts inhibited the viability of all tested melanoma cell lines in a dose-dependent fashion while the fibroblasts were less sensitive to such extract. The root extracts inhibited the proliferation of UACC-903 and UACC-647 cells only at the highest doses (300 μg/mL). However, the C32 and fibroblast cells exhibited an increase in the cellular proliferation rate and no caspase activity was observed in response to the root extracts (100 μg/mL). An increase in caspase activity was observed in melanoma cells treated with the leaf extracts of both Carlina species. Leaf extracts from C. acaulis subsp. caulescens (100 μg/mL) inhibited proliferatory ERK1/2 in UACC-903 and C32 cells, as demonstrated by the decrease in ERK1/2 phosphorylation. No reduction in phospho-ERK1/2 was observed in the tested cell lines treated with the root extracts, apart from UACC-647 after incubation with the C. acanthifolia subsp. utzka root extract (100 μg/mL). There was no change in ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the fibroblasts. The extracts from the leaves and roots were analyzed by HPLC and the analysis showed the presence of triterpenes and phenolic acids as the main extract components. The research demonstrated that the extracts from the leaves of the plants were cytotoxic against the human melanoma line and induced apoptosis of the cells. The triterpene fraction present in the tested extracts may be responsible for this activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Strzemski
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of LublinLublin, Poland
| | - Kamil Wojnicki
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology Polish Academy of SciencesWarszawa, Poland.,Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances, Medical University of LublinLublin, Poland
| | - Ireneusz Sowa
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of LublinLublin, Poland
| | - Kamila Wojas-Krawczyk
- Department of Pneumology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University of LublinLublin, Poland
| | - Paweł Krawczyk
- Department of Pneumology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University of LublinLublin, Poland
| | - Ryszard Kocjan
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of LublinLublin, Poland
| | - Justyna Such
- Department of Biopharmacy, Medical University of LublinLublin, Poland
| | - Michał Latalski
- Children's Orthopedics Department, Medical University of LublinLublin, Poland
| | - Artur Wnorowski
- Department of Biopharmacy, Medical University of LublinLublin, Poland
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Cargnin ST, Gnoatto SB. Ursolic acid from apple pomace and traditional plants: A valuable triterpenoid with functional properties. Food Chem 2017; 220:477-489. [PMID: 27855928 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Apple juice production generates a large amount of residue comprising mainly peels, seeds, and pulp, known as apple pomace. In the global context, Brazil ranks 11th in apple production and thousands of tons of apple pomace are produced every year. This by-product is little explored, since it is a rich and heterogeneous mixture, containing interesting phytochemical groups. Among them, ursolic acid (UA) has attracted attention because of its therapeutic potential. UA is a pentacyclic triterpene found too in several traditional plants, and has shown several functional properties such as antibacterial, antiprotozoal, anti-inflammatory and antitumor. Therefore, this review attempts to shed some light on the economical viability of apple and apple pomace as sources of bioactive compounds, highlighting the UA extraction, and its main functional properties published in the last 5years (2010-2015).
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Tasca Cargnin
- Phytochemistry and Organic Synthesis Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Simone Baggio Gnoatto
- Phytochemistry and Organic Synthesis Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Antônio E, Antunes ODR, de Araújo IS, Khalil NM, Mainardes RM. Poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles loaded with ursolic acid: Characterization and in vitro evaluation of radical scavenging activity and cytotoxicity. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2017; 71:156-166. [PMID: 27987693 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2016.09.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanoparticles containing ursolic acid (UA) by an emulsification-solvent evaporation technique and evaluate the radical scavenging activity over hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and cytotoxicity over erythrocytes and tumor cells. Nanoparticles were successfully obtained and presented mean size of 246nm with spherical or slightly oval morphology, negative zeta potential and 96% of UA encapsulation efficiency. Analyses of FTIR, XRD and DSC-DTG suggest interaction/complexation of UA with PLA matrix and drug amorphization promoted by nanoencapsulation process. Stability study showed that room temperature was the best condition for nanoparticles storage. The in vitro release study showed UA was released from the polymeric matrix over two constants (α, β), suggesting a second order kinetics. After 120h of assay, 60% of UA were released by diffusion. In the HOCl scavenging activity, after 72h of assay UA-loaded nanoparticles presented the same efficacy of free drug. In cytotoxicity test over red blood cells, UA-loaded nanoparticles showed less toxicity on cells than free drug. The cytotoxicity assay over melanoma cells line (B16-F10) showed after 72h that nanoparticles were able to reduce the cell viability in 70%. PLA nanoparticles showed be potential carriers for UA maintaining the antioxidant and antitumor activity of the UA and decreasing its cytotoxicity over normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilli Antônio
- Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sá 03, 85040-080 Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
| | - Osmar Dos Reis Antunes
- Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sá 03, 85040-080 Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
| | - Isis Souza de Araújo
- Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sá 03, 85040-080 Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
| | - Najeh Maissar Khalil
- Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sá 03, 85040-080 Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
| | - Rubiana Mara Mainardes
- Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sá 03, 85040-080 Guarapuava, PR, Brazil.
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Wu S, Zhang T, Du J. Ursolic acid sensitizes cisplatin-resistant HepG2/DDP cells to cisplatin via inhibiting Nrf2/ARE pathway. Drug Des Devel Ther 2016; 10:3471-3481. [PMID: 27822011 PMCID: PMC5087784 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s110505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combinations of adjuvant sensitizers with anticancer drugs is a promising new strategy to reverse chemoresistance. Ursolic acid (UA) is one of the natural pentacyclic triterpene compounds known to have many pharmacological characteristics such as anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. This study investigates whether UA can sensitize hepatocellular carcinoma cells to cisplatin. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cells were transfected with nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) small interfering RNA and Nrf2 complementary DNA by using Lipofectin 2000. The cytotoxicity of cells was investigated by Cell Counting Kit 8 assay. Cell apoptosis, cell cycle, reactive oxygen species, and mitochondrial membrane potential were detected by flow cytometry fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The protein level of Nrf2, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) was detected by Western blot analysis. RESULTS The results showed that the reverse index was 2.9- and 9.69-fold by UA of 1.125 μg/mL and 2.25 μg/mL, respectively, for cisplatin to HepG2/DDP cells. UA-cisplatin combination induced cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species, blocked the cell cycle in G0/G1 phase, and reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential. Mechanistically, UA-cisplatin dramatically decreased the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream genes. The sensibilization of UA-cisplatin combination was diminished in Nrf2 small interfering RNA-transfected HepG2/DDP cells, as well as in Nrf2 complementary DNA-transfected HepG2/DDP cells. CONCLUSION The results confirmed the sensibilization of UA on HepG2/DDP cells to cisplatin, which was possibly mediated via the Nrf2/antioxidant response element pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shouhai Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University
- Center for Regenerative and Translational Medicine
| | | | - Jingsheng Du
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
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Sohn EJ, Won G, Lee J, Yoon SW, Lee I, Kim HJ, Kim SH. Blockage of epithelial to mesenchymal transition and upregulation of let 7b are critically involved in ursolic acid induced apoptosis in malignant mesothelioma cell. Int J Biol Sci 2016; 12:1279-1288. [PMID: 28090191 PMCID: PMC5236005 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.13453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPN), which is caused by asbestos exposure, is one of aggressive lung tumors. In the present study, we elucidated the anti-tumor mechanism of ursolic acid in malignant mesotheliomas. Ursolic acid significantly exerted cytotoxicity in a time and dose dependent manner in H28, H2452 and MSTO-211H mesothelioma cells and inhibited cell proliferation by colony formation assay in a dose-dependent fashion. Also, ursolic acid treatment accumulated the sub-G1 population, attenuated the expression of procapase 9, cyclin D1, pAKT, p-glycogen synthase kinase 3-alpha/beta (pGSK3α/β), β-catenin and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFkB) and also cleaved caspase 3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in mesothelioma cells. Furthermore, ursolic acid treatment blocked epithelial and mesenchymal transition (EMT) molecules by activating E-cadherin as an epithelial marker and attenuating Vimentin, and Twist as mesenchymal molecules. Interestingly, miRNA array revealed that 23 miRNAs (>2 folds) including let-7b and miRNA3613-5p, miRNA134 and miRNA196b were significantly upregulated while 33 miRNAs were downregulated in ursolic acid treated H2452 cells. Furthermore, overexpression of let 7b using let-7b mimics enhanced the antitumor effect of ursolic acid to attenuate the expression of procaspases 3, pro-PARP, pAKT, β-catenin and Twist and increase sub-G1 accumulation in H2452 mesothelioma cells. Overall, our findings suggest that ursolic acid induces apoptosis via inhibition of EMT and activation of let7b in mesothelioma cells as a potent chemotherapeutic agent for treatment of malignant mesotheliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sung-Hoon Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 130-701, Republic of Korea
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Yang LJ, Tang Q, Wu J, Chen Y, Zheng F, Dai Z, Hann SS. Inter-regulation of IGFBP1 and FOXO3a unveils novel mechanism in ursolic acid-inhibited growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2016; 35:59. [PMID: 27036874 PMCID: PMC4815122 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-016-0330-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ursolic acid (UA), a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid, exerts anti-tumor effects in various cancer types including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this remain largely unknown. METHODS Cell viability and cell cycle were examined by MTT and Flow cytometry assays. Western blot analysis was performed to measure the phosphorylation and protein expression of p38 MAPK, insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) and forkhead box O3A (FOXO3a). Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to examine the mRNA levels of IGFBP1 gene. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) method was used to knockdown IGFBP1 gene. Exogenous expressions of IGFBP1 and FOXO3a were carried out by transient transfection assays. IGFBP1 promoter activity was measured by Secrete-Pair™ Dual Luminescence Assay Kit . In vivo nude mice xenograft model and bioluminescent imaging system were used to confirm the findings in vitro. RESULTS We showed that UA stimulated phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. In addition, UA increased the protein, mRNA levels, and promoter activity of IGFBP1, which was abrogated by the specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK (SB203580). Intriguingly, we showed that UA increased the expression of FOXO3a and that overexpressed FOXO3a enhanced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, all of which were not observed in cells silencing of endogenous IGFBP1 gene. Moreover, exogenous expressed IGFBP1 strengthened UA-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and FOXO3a protein expression, and more importantly, restored the effect of UA-inhibited growth in cells silencing of endogenous IGFBP1 gene. Consistent with these, UA suppressed tumor growth and increased phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, protein expressions of IGFBP1 and FOXO3a in vivo. CONCLUSION Collectively, our results show that UA inhibits growth of HCC cells through p38 MAPK-mediated induction of IGFBP1 and FOXO3a expression. The interactions between IGFBP1 and FOXO3a, and feedback regulatory loop of p38 MAPK by IGFBP1 and FOXO3a resulting in reciprocal pathways, contribute to the overall effects of UA. This in vitro and in vivo study corroborates a potential novel mechanism by which UA controls HCC growth and implies that the rational targeting IGFBP1 and FOXO3a can be potential for the therapeutic strategy against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Jun Yang
- />Laboratory of Tumor Biology and Target Therapy, The Second Clinical Medical Collage, University of Guangzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510120 China
| | - Qing Tang
- />Laboratory of Tumor Biology and Target Therapy, The Second Clinical Medical Collage, University of Guangzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510120 China
| | - Jingjing Wu
- />Laboratory of Tumor Biology and Target Therapy, The Second Clinical Medical Collage, University of Guangzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510120 China
| | - Yuqing Chen
- />Laboratory of Tumor Biology and Target Therapy, The Second Clinical Medical Collage, University of Guangzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510120 China
| | - Fang Zheng
- />Laboratory of Tumor Biology and Target Therapy, The Second Clinical Medical Collage, University of Guangzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510120 China
| | - Zhenhui Dai
- />Department of Radiation Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical Collage, University of Guangzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510120 China
| | - Swei Sunny Hann
- />Laboratory of Tumor Biology and Target Therapy, The Second Clinical Medical Collage, University of Guangzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510120 China
- />No. 55, Neihuan West Road, Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510006 P. R. China
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Broniatowski M, Flasiński M, Hąc-Wydro K. Antagonistic effects of α-tocopherol and ursolic acid on model bacterial membranes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2015; 1848:2154-62. [PMID: 26003534 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2015.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
α-tocopherol (Toc), the most active component of vitamin E can exert antagonistic effects disabling the therapy of cancers and bacterial infections. Such antagonisms were observed also between Toc and bioactive pentacyclic triterpenes (PT) exhibiting anticancer and antibacterial properties. Both Toc and PT are water-insoluble membrane active substances. Thus, our idea was to emulate their interactions with model Escherichia coli membranes. E. coli inner membranes were selected for the experiments because their lipid composition is quite simple and well characterized and the two main components are phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. As a model of E. coli membranes we applied Langmuir monolayers formed by the E. coli total extract of polar lipids (Etotal) as well as by the main lipid components: phosphatidylethanolamine (POPE) and phosphatidylglycerol (ECPG). The antagonistic effects of ursolic acid (Urs) and Toc were investigated with the application of ternary Langmuir monolayers formed by Urs, Toc and one of the phospholipids POPE or ECPG. Our studies indicated that the affinities of Urs and Toc towards the POPE molecule are comparable; whereas there are profound differences in the interactions of Urs and Toc with ECPG. Thus, the model experiments prove that in the case of E. coli membrane, the differences in the interactions between Urs and Toc with the anionic bacterial phosphatidylglycerol can be the key factor responsible for the antagonistic effects observed between PT and Toc in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Broniatowski
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 3, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Michał Flasiński
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 3, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Hąc-Wydro
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 3, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
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