Apoptotic effect of berberine via Bcl-2, ROR1, and mir-21 in patients with B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Natural anti-cancer products: insights from herbal medicine

Herbal medicine exhibits a broad spectrum of potent anti-cancer properties, including the enhancement of tumor immune responses, reversal of multidrug resistance, regulation of autophagy and ferroptosis, as well as anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-metastatic effects. This review systematically explores recent advances (primarily documented since 2019) in research on key anti-cancer compounds derived from herbal medicine, such as apigenin, artemisinin, berberine, curcumin, emodin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), ginsenosides, icariin, resveratrol, silibinin, triptolide, and ursolic acid (UA). These studies were sourced from scientific databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, and Clinical Trials. The review focuses on the significant role that these natural products play in modern oncology, exploring their efficacy, mechanisms of action, and the challenges and prospects of integrating them into conventional cancer therapies. Furthermore, it highlights cutting-edge approaches in cancer research, such as the utilization of gut microbiota, omics technologies, synthetic derivatives, and advanced drug delivery systems (DDS). This review underscores the potential of these natural products to advance the development of novel anti-cancer treatments and support contemporary medicine. Additionally, recent multi-omics findings reveal how these compounds reshape transcriptional and metabolic networks, further broadening their therapeutic scope. Many natural products exhibit synergy with first-line chemotherapies or targeted therapies, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing side effects. Advanced nano-formulations and antibody-drug conjugates have also substantially improved their bioavailability, making them promising candidates for future translational research.

Alkaloids in Chelidonium majus L: a review of its phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology

Chelidonium majus L. (C. majus), commonly known as "Bai Qu Cai" in China, belongs to the genus Chelidonium of the Papaveraceae family. It has rich medicinal value, such as alleviating coughs, asthma, spasms and pain. Recent studies have demonstrated that C. majus is abundant in various alkaloids, which are the primary components of C. majus and have a range of pharmacological effects, including anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-tumor effects. So far, 94 alkaloids have been isolated from C. majus, including benzophenanthridine, protoberberine, aporphine, protopine and other types of alkaloids. This paper aims to review the research progress in phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of C. majus alkaloids, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the application of C. majus in the field of medicinal chemistry and to afford reference for further research and development efforts.

Berberine: An inspiring resource for the treatment of colorectal diseases

Colorectal cancer is a prevalent malignant tumor with a complex and diverse pathogenesis. In recent years, natural products have shown promising application prospects as sources of anticancer drugs. BBR, a class of benzoquinoline alkaloids extracted from various plants, is widely used in disease treatments owing to its pharmacological activities, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-angiogenesis properties. Research has demonstrated that BBR exerts an anti-Salmonella and -Escherichia coli infection effect, attenuating inflammatory reactions by inhibiting harmful bacteria. During the stage of colorectal precancerous lesions, BBR inhibits the activity of cell cyclin by regulating the PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and Wnt signaling pathways, thereby decelerating the cell cycle progression of polyp or adenoma cells. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of BBR on colorectal cancer primarily occurs through the regulation of the cancer cell cycle, anti-angiogenesis, gut microbiota, and antioxidant pathways. The specific involved pathways include the MPK/ERK, NF-kB, and EGFR signaling pathways, encompassing the regulation of Bcl-2 family proteins, vascular endothelial growth factor, and superoxide dismutase. This study reviews and summarizes, for the first time, the specific mechanisms of action of BBR in the carcinogenesis process of colorectal cancer, providing novel insights for its clinical application in intestinal diseases.

System analysis of Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang and their key active ingredients for overcoming CML resistance by suppression of leukemia stem cells

BACKGROUND

BCR-ABL1-based resistance to imatinib, mainly resulting from BCR-ABL1 mutations, is largely solved after second- and third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are discovered. Nonetheless, imatinib resistance without BCR-ABL1 mutations, including intrinsic resistance induced by stem cells within chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), remains the major clinical challenge for many patients.

PURPOSE

To study the key active ingredients and corresponding target proteins in Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT) against BCR-ABL1-independent CML resistance to therapeutics, and then explore its mechanism of against CML drug resistance.

METHODS

Cytotoxicity of HLJDT and its active ingredients in BCR-ABL1-independent imatinib resistance cells was analyzed through MTT assay. The cloning ability was measured through soft agar assay. Monitoring therapeutic effect on Xenografted mice CML model by in vivo imaging technology and mice survival time. Predicting the potential target protein binding sites by the technology of photocrosslinking sensor chip, molecular space simulation docking, and use Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) technology . Flow cytometry to detect the ratio of stem progenitor cells (CD34+). Constructing bone marrow transplantation mice CML leukemia model, detect the effects on leukemia stem cells LSK (Lin-\ Sca-1+ \C-kit+) self-renewal.

RESULTS

Treatment with HLJDT, berberine and baicalein inhibited cell viability and colony formation of BCR-ABL1-independent imatinib-resistant cells in vitro while prolonging survival in mouse with CML xenografts and transplatation CML-like mouse models in vivo. JAK2 and MCL1were identified as targets of berberine and baicalein. JAK2 and MCL1 are involved in multi-leukemia stem cell-related pathways. Moreover, the ratio of CD34+ cells in resistant CML cells is higher than in treatment-sensitive CML cells. Treatment with BBR or baicalein partially suppressed CML leukemic stem cells (LSCs) self-renewal in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION

From the above, we concluded that HLJDT and its key active ingredients (BBR and baicalein) allowed to overcome imatinib resistance with BCR-ABL1 independent by eradication of LSCs by targeting the JAK2 and MCL1 protein levels. Our results lay the foundation for applying HLJDT in patients with TKI-resistant CML.

Anti-tumor effect of berberine on chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a blood malignancy that is characterized by remarkable expression of CD69 and Ki67 in CLL cells. Elevated levels of Cleaved-Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) and microRNA-155 (MiR-155) are related to poor prognosis of disease. Berberine as a natural isoquinoline alkaloid, has shown an anti-tumor potential in tumor cells. The objective of present study was to explore some aspects of molecular mechanisms of berberine effect in CLL cells. To analyze the expression of CD69 and Ki67 using flow cytometry, 16 peripheral blood samples and seven bone marrow aspirates were collected from CLL patients. Isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs) were treated with 25 µM of berberine for 24 h. The level of miR-155 expression was subsequently evaluated by real-time PCR. Furthermore, western blot was used for assessment of cleaved PARP1. Our results demonstrated a significant reduction in CD69 and Ki67 expression on CD19⁺ cells when the cells were treated by berberine. Interestingly, the expression level of miR-155 was reduced after berberine treatment in compare to the control group. Furthermore, western blotting revealed an increased level of cleaved PARP1 in dose-dependently manner in CLL cells. The results confirmed the anti-tumor impact of berberine on CLL cells through reducing CD69, Ki67, and miR-155 expression and increasing cleaved PARP1 may be considered as an option for future clinical studies.

Berberine: An Important Emphasis on Its Anticancer Effects through Modulation of Various Cell Signaling Pathways

Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of disease and a major cause of death worldwide. Despite advancement in various treatment modules, there has been little improvement in survival rates and side effects associated with this disease. Medicinal plants or their bioactive compounds have been extensively studied for their anticancer potential. Novel drugs based on natural products are urgently needed to manage cancer through attenuation of different cell signaling pathways. In this regard, berberine is a bioactive alkaloid that is found in variety of plants, and an inverse association has been revealed between its consumption and cancer. Berberine exhibits an anticancer role through scavenging free radicals, induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of angiogenesis, inflammation, PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Wnt/β-catenin, and the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. In addition, synergistic effects of berberine with anticancer drugs or natural compounds have been proven in several cancers. This review outlines the anticancer effects and mechanisms of action of berberine in different cancers through modulation of various cell signaling pathways. Moreover, the recent developments in the drug delivery systems and synergistic effect of berberine are explained.

The Ror-Family Receptors in Development, Tissue Regeneration and Age-Related Disease

The Ror-family proteins, Ror1 and Ror2, act as receptors or co-receptors for Wnt5a and its related Wnt proteins to activate non-canonical Wnt signaling. Ror1 and/or Ror2-mediated signaling plays essential roles in regulating cell polarity, migration, proliferation and differentiation during developmental morphogenesis, tissue-/organo-genesis and regeneration of adult tissues following injury. Ror1 and Ror2 are expressed abundantly in developing tissues in an overlapping, yet distinct manner, and their expression in adult tissues is restricted to specific cell types such as tissue stem/progenitor cells. Expression levels of Ror1 and/or Ror2 in the adult tissues are increased following injury, thereby promoting regeneration or repair of these injured tissues. On the other hand, disruption of Wnt5a-Ror2 signaling is implicated in senescence of tissue stem/progenitor cells that is related to the impaired regeneration capacity of aged tissues. In fact, Ror1 and Ror2 are implicated in age-related diseases, including tissue fibrosis, atherosclerosis (or arteriosclerosis), neurodegenerative diseases, and cancers. In these diseases, enhanced and/or sustained (chronic) expression of Ror1 and/or Ror2 is observed, and they might contribute to the progression of these diseases through Wnt5a-dependent and -independent manners. In this article, we overview recent advances in our understanding of the roles of Ror1 and Ror2-mediated signaling in the development, tissue regeneration and age-related diseases, and discuss their potential to be therapeutic targets for chronic inflammatory diseases and cancers.

Anticancer mechanisms of Berberine: a good choice for glioblastoma multiforme therapy

The most typical malignant brain tumor, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), seems to have a grim outcome, despite the intensive multi-modality interventions. Literature suggests that biologically active phytomolecules may exert anticancer properties by regulating several signaling pathways. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, has various pharmacological applications to combat severe diseases like cancer. Mechanistically, Berberine inhibits cell proliferation and invasion, suppresses tumor angiogenesis, and induces cell apoptosis. The effect of the antitumoral effect of Berberine in GBM is increasingly recognized. This review sheds new light on the regulatory signaling mechanisms of Berberine in various cancer, proposing its potential role as a therapeutic agent for GBM. ‎.

Phytochemicals from Indian Ethnomedicines: Promising Prospects for the Management of Oxidative Stress and Cancer

Oxygen is indispensable for most organisms on the earth because of its role in respiration. However, it is also associated with several unwanted effects which may sometimes prove fatal in the long run. Such effects are more evident in cells exposed to strong oxidants containing reactive oxygen species (ROS). The adverse outcomes of oxidative metabolism are referred to as oxidative stress, which is a staple theme in contemporary medical research. Oxidative stress leads to plasma membrane disruption through lipid peroxidation and has several other deleterious effects. A large body of literature suggests the involvement of ROS in cancer, ageing, and several other health hazards of the modern world. Plant-based cures for these conditions are desperately sought after as supposedly safer alternatives to mainstream medicines. Phytochemicals, which constitute a diverse group of plant-based substances with varying roles in oxidative reactions of the body, are implicated in the treatment of cancer, aging, and all other ROS-induced anomalies. This review presents a summary of important phytochemicals extracted from medicinal plants which are a part of Indian ethnomedicine and Ayurveda and describes their possible therapeutic significance.

ACNPD: The Database for Elucidating the Relationships Between Natural Products, Compounds, Molecular Mechanisms, and Cancer Types

Objectives: Cancer is well-known as a collection of diseases of uncontrolled proliferation of cells caused by mutated genes which are generated by external or internal factors. As the mechanisms of cancer have been constantly revealed, including cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis and so on, a series of new emerging anti-cancer drugs acting on each stage have also been developed. It is worth noting that natural products are one of the important sources for the development of anti-cancer drugs. To the best of our knowledge, there is not any database summarizing the relationships between natural products, compounds, molecular mechanisms, and cancer types.

Materials and methods: Based upon published literatures and other sources, we have constructed an anti-cancer natural product database (ACNPD) (http://www.acnpd-fu.com/). The database currently contains 521 compounds, which specifically refer to natural compounds derived from traditional Chinese medicine plants (derivatives are not considered herein). And, it includes 1,593 molecular mechanisms/signaling pathways, covering 10 common cancer types, such as breast cancer, lung cancer and cervical cancer.

Results: Integrating existing data sources, we have obtained a large amount of information on natural anti-cancer products, including herbal sources, regulatory targets and signaling pathways. ACNPD is a valuable online resource that illustrates the complex pharmacological relationship between natural products and human cancers.

Conclusion: In summary, ACNPD is crucial for better understanding of the relationships between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and cancer, which is not only conducive to expand the influence of TCM, but help to find more new anti-cancer drugs in the future.

Circulating miR-21 as a potential biomarker in human digestive system carcinoma: a systematic review and diagnostic meta-analysis

Purpose: Gastrointestinal cancers (GICs) account for about a quarter of cancers. Lately, the circulating microRNAs as a non-invasive biomarker for identifying and monitoring diseases have been recognized. Several studies have examined the role of miR-21 in digestive system carcinoma. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the diagnostic role of miR-21 in GICs.Methods: Seventeen studies involving 1700 individuals were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR, AUC, SROC, and Q* index were calculated based on true-positive, true-negative, false-negative, and false-positive. Moreover, the subgroup analyses have been performed for miR-21 based on sample types (serum/plasma), normalized genes (U6, miR-16, and miR-39), and ethnicity.Results: The pooled sensitivity 0.722 (95% CI: 0.70-0.74), specificity 0.820 (95% CI: 0.801-0.838), PLR 4.375 (95% CI: 3.226-5.933), NLR 0.308 (95% CI: 0.239-0.398), DOR 16.06 (95% CI: 9.732-26.53) as well as AUC 0.86, and Q* index 0.79 represented the high-grade diagnostic precision of miR-21 in identifying GICs (ESCC, GC, CRC, HCC, and PC).Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrated that circulating miR-21 levels can be used to monitor the digestive system carcinomas. Therefore, miR-21 can be a useful biomarker of progression and fair diagnosis in GICs patients.