Ethanol extract of Hedyotis diffusa willd upregulates G0/G1 phase arrest and induces apoptosis in human leukemia cells by modulating caspase cascade signaling and altering associated genes expression was assayed by cDNA microarray

Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Lung Cancer Management: A Review

With the continuous advancements in modern medicine, significant progress has been made in the treatment of lung cancer. Current standard treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, have notably improved patient survival. However, the adverse effects associated with these therapies limit their use and impact the overall treatment process. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown holistic, multi-target, and multi-level therapeutic effects. Numerous studies have highlighted the importance of TCM's role in the comprehensive management of lung cancer, demonstrating its benefits in inhibiting tumor growth, reducing complications, mitigating side effects, and enhancing the efficacy of conventional treatments. Here, we review the main mechanisms of TCM in combating lung cancer, inducing cancer cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. These include inhibiting lung cancer cell growth and proliferation, inhibiting cancer cell invasion and metastasis, suppressing angiogenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and modulating antitumor inflammatory responses and immune evasion. This paper aims to summarize recent advancements in the application of TCM for lung cancer, emphasizing its unique advantages and distinctive features. In promoting the benefits of TCM, we seek to provide valuable insights for the integrated treatment of lung cancer.

Telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of Oldenlandia diffusa

We report the complete telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of Oldenlandia diffusa which renowned in traditional Chinese medicine, comprising 16 chromosomes and spanning 499.7 Mb. The assembly showcases 28 telomeres and minimal gaps, with a total of only five. Repeat sequences constitute 46.41% of the genome, and 49,701 potential protein-coding genes have been predicted. Compared with O. corymbosa, O. diffusa exhibits chromosome duplication and fusion events, diverging 20.34 million years ago. Additionally, a total of 11 clusters of terpene synthase have been identified. The comprehensive genome sequence, gene catalog, and terpene synthase clusters of O. diffusa detailed in this study will significantly contribute to advancing research in this species' genetic, genomic, and pharmacological aspects.

Evaluation of Therapeutic Mechanism of Hedyotis Diffusa Willd (HDW)‒ Scutellaria Barbata (SB) in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma via Singlecell RNA Sequencing and Network Pharmacology

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Hedyotis diffusa Willd (HDW) and Scutellaria barbata (SB) in ccRCC using a combination of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and network pharmacology.

METHODS

The active ingredients and potential molecular targets of HDW-SB were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. Gene expression data (GSE53757) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The hub genes of HDW-SB against ccRCC were identified via the protein-protein interaction network, and further analyzed by molecular complex detection. The roles of these genes in the diagnosis and immune infiltration of ccRCC were analyzed. The clinical significance of hub genes was verified using scRNA-seq data (GSE121638) and molecular docking.

RESULTS

Following the PPI network analysis, 29 hub genes of HDW-SB against ccRCC were identified. All hub genes, except for CENPE, had significantly different expressions in tumor tissue and a more accurate diagnosis of ccRCC. Fifteen cell clusters were defined based on the scRNA-seq dataset, and the clusters were annotated as six cell types using marker genes. TYMS and KIAA0101 from hub genes were highly expressed in NK cells. Three active compounds, quercetin, luteolin, and baicalein, were found to target TYMS and KIAA0101 from the compound-target interaction network.

CONCLUSION

29 hub genes of HDW-SB against ccRCC were identified and showed good performance in terms of diagnosis and prognosis. Moreover, among these hub genes docking with the main ingredients of HDW-SB, TYMS and KIAA0101 exerted anti-ccRCC effects through NK cells.

Total flavonoids of Oldenlandia diffusa (Willd.) Roxb. suppresses the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma through endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated autophagy and apoptosis

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world. Although the current treatment methods for HCC are gradually increasing, its efficacy still cannot meet the medical needs of patients with liver cancer, and new and effective treatment strategies are urgently needed. The total flavonoids of Oldenlandia diffusa (FOD) are the main active components in Oldenlandia diffusa, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-tumor effects, but their mechanism of action in liver cancer is unclear. In this study, we examined the effect of FOD on HCC. Using both in vitro and in vivo models, we confirmed that FOD inhibited HCC proliferation and induced apoptosis and autophagy. Mechanistic studies have shown that FOD induces apoptosis and activates autophagy in HCC cells by inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) and activating the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 signaling pathway. Taken together, our results suggest that FOD is a potential anticancer drug targeting ER stress for the treatment of HCC.

Hedyotis diffusa plus Scutellaria barbata Suppress the Growth of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer via NLRP3/NF-κB/MAPK Signaling Pathways

Hedyotis diffusa (HD) plus Scutellaria barbata (SB) have been widely used in antitumor clinical prescribes as one of herb pairs in China. We investigated the effect of aqueous extract from Hedyotis diffusa plus Scutellaria barbata at the equal weight ratio (HDSB11) in inhibiting the growth of murine non-small-cell lung cancer cell (NSCLC) line LLC in vivo and in vitro in this study. Compared with other aqueous extracts, HDSB11 showed the lowest IC₅₀ in inhibiting cell proliferation at 0.43 mg/ml. Besides, HDSB11 effectively suppressed colony formation and induced cell apoptosis. The further assessment of HDSB11 on the murine Lewis-lung-carcinoma-bearing mouse model showed it significantly inhibited tumors' bioluminescence at the dose of 30 g crude drug/kg. Mechanistically, HDSB11 attenuated the expressions of NLRP3, procaspase-1, caspase-1, PRAP, Bcl-2, and cyclin D1 and downregulated the phosphorylation levels of NF-κB, ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK. In conclusion, HDSB11 could alleviate cell proliferation and colony formation and induce apoptosis in vitro and tumor growth in vivo, partly via NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways to suppress NLRP3 expression.

Ethyl Acetate Fraction from Hedyotis diffusa plus Scutellaria barbata Exerts Anti-Breast Cancer Effect via miR-200c-PDE7B/PD-L1-AKT/MAPK Axis

Background

Hedyotis diffusa (HD) Willd. and Scutellaria barbata (SB) D. Don in different ratios have been frequently used to treat various cancers in clinical Traditional Chinese Medicine prescriptions. However, the optimal ratio, active fraction, and molecular mechanisms associated with the anti-breast cancer role of this herbal couplet have not been elaborated.

Methods

To screen out the optimal ratio of this herbal couplet, we compare aqueous extracts of HD, SB, or HD plus SB in different weight ratios (HS11, HS12, HS21) for their anticancer effects on murine breast cancer 4T1 cells in vitro and in vivo. EA11, the ethyl acetate fraction from HS11 (the aqueous extract of the couplet at an equal weight ratio), is further assessed for its antiproliferative effect as well as the antitumorigenic impact with the aid of immunocompetent mice. Colony formation, flow cytometry, western blot, ELISA, and qRT-PCR are used to elucidate mechanisms underlying EA11-led effects.

Results

HS11 presents the most potential suppression of 4T1 cell proliferation and tumor growth among these aqueous extracts. The comparison results show that EA11 is more effective than HS11 in vitro and in vivo. EA11 inhibits colony formation and induces apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. EA11 reduces the protein expressions of PDE7B, PD-L1, β-catenin, and cyclin D1 while elevating the concentration of cellular cAMP and miR-200c expression in 4T1 cells. Additionally, EA11 exerts its anticancer effect partially via the inactivation of MAPK and AKT signaling pathways.

Conclusions

This study implicates that EA11 prevents breast tumor development by interfering with the miR-200c-PDE7B/PD-L1-AKT/MAPK axis. EA11 may represent a potential therapeutic candidate for breast cancer.

Synergistic Effect of Network-Based Multicomponent Drugs: An Investigation on the Treatment of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer with Compound Liuju Formula

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death with high morbidity and mortality, which non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for the majority. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is effective in the treatment of complex diseases, especially cancer. However, TCM is still in the conceptual stage. The interaction between different components remains unknown due to its multicomponent and multitarget characteristics. In this study, compound Liuju formula was taken as an example to isolate compounds with synergistic biological activity through systems pharmacology strategy. Through pharmacokinetic evaluation, 37 potentially active compounds were screened out. Meanwhile, 116 targets of these compounds were obtained by combing with the target prediction model. Through network analysis, we found that multicomponent drugs can present a synergistic effect through regulating inflammatory signaling pathway, invasion pathway, proliferation, and apoptosis pathway. Finally, it was confirmed that the bioactive compounds of compound Liuju formula have not only a killing effect on NSCLC tumor cells but also a synergistic effect on inhibiting the secretion of correlative inflammatory mediators, including TNF-α and IL-1β. The systems pharmacology method was applied in this study, which provides a new direction for analyzing the mechanism of TCM.

Natural Products and Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Review Highlighting Mechanisms of Action

Recent findings have shown great potential of alternative interventions such as immunotherapy and natural products for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This study aims to review the anti-AML effect of various natural compounds. Natural compounds were classified into five groups: alkaloids, carotenoids, nitrogen-containing compounds, organosulfur compounds or phenolics based on each compound’s chemical properties. Fifty-eight studies were collected and reviewed in this article. Phenolics are the most abundant group to have an apoptotic effect over AML cells, while other groups have also shown significant apoptotic effects. Some compounds induced apoptosis by regulating unique mechanism like human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) or laminin receptor (67LR), while others modified caspases, poly (adp-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and p53. Further study is required to identify side-effects of potent compounds and the synergistic effects of combination of two or more natural compounds or existing conventional anti-AML drugs to treat this dreadful disease.

Systems pharmacology uncover the mechanism of anti-non-small cell lung cancer for Hedyotis diffusa Willd

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has become one of the most general malignancies in the world and has been shown to be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is considered to be a useful medicine for survival, and has been used in Asia for thousands of years. Hedyotis diffusa Willd (HDW) is an important folk herb that is used in clinical treatment of various cancers in various Chinese medicine prescriptions. However, its underlying mechanism of action remains unclear. Presently, we used an innovative system-pharmacology platform to systematically uncover the pharmacological mechanisms of HDW in the treatment of NSCLC from molecules, targets, and pathway levels. The results show that HDW treatment of NSCLC may activate immunity, achieve anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and anti-migration therapeutic effects by regulating multiple pathways. This research provides a new idea for understanding the mechanism of TCM and promotes to develop potential drugs from HDW in modern medicine.

Network Pharmacology-Based Approach to Investigate the Mechanisms of Hedyotis diffusa Willd. in the Treatment of Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND

Hedyotis diffusa Willd. (HDW) is one of the renowned herbs often used in the treatment of gastric cancer (GC). However, its curative mechanism has not been fully elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically investigate the mechanisms of HDW in GC.

METHODS

A network pharmacology approach mainly comprising target prediction, network construction, and module analysis was adopted in this study.

RESULTS

A total of 353 targets of the 32 bioactive compounds in HDW were obtained. The network analysis showed that CA isoenzymes, p53, PIK3CA, CDK2, P27Kip1, cyclin D1, cyclin B1, cyclin A2, AKT1, BCL2, MAPK1, and VEGFA were identified as key targets of HDW in the treatment of GC. The functional enrichment analysis indicated that HDW probably produced the therapeutic effects against GC by synergistically regulating many biological pathways, such as nucleotide excision repair, apoptosis, cell cycle, PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, VEGF signaling pathway, and Ras signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

This study holistically illuminates the fact that the pharmacological mechanisms of HDW in GC might be strongly associated with its synergic modulation of apoptosis, cell cycle, differentiation, proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis.

Bu-Fei decoction and modified Bu-Fei decoction inhibit the growth of non-small cell lung cancer, possibly via inhibition of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1

Human apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) is a ubiquitous multifunctional protein, which possesses DNA repair and redox activities. High levels of APE1 are associated with chemo‑ and radioresistance, and poor prognosis in various types of cancer, including non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Bu‑Fei decoction (BFD) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula, which is believed to supplement Qi, clear away heat and nourish the lungs. BFD and modified Bu‑Fei decoction (MBFD) have been used in China to treat patients with lung cancer. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential antitumor effects of BFD and MBFD on NSCLC in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the possible contribution of APE1 was examined. MTT assay was used to investigated the anti-tumor activity of BFD and MBFD on H1975 and H292 NSCLC cell lines. The DNA damage of cells in the control and the experimental groups was detected using comet assay. The in vivo anti-tumor effects of BFD and MBFD were evaluated in a NSCLC tumor nude mouse xenograft model. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR (RT‑qPCR) analysis and western blot analysis were applied to analyze the mRNA and protein expression levels of APE1 in H1975 and H292 cells, so as to the xenograft tumor tissues. The concentration of APE1 in mice plasma was determined using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In vitro, BFD and MBFD inhibited the growth of cultured H1975 and H292 NSCLC cells. The results of a comet assay revealed that BFD and MBFD increased DNA damage. Furthermore, the expression levels of APE1 were decreased in response to BFD and MBFD at the mRNA and protein levels. In mice carrying NSCLC xenografts, BFD and MBFD inhibited tumor growth and decreased APE1 expression. In addition, in normal human lung bronchial epithelial BEAS‑2B cells, the half maximal inhibitory concentrations of BFD and MBFD were much higher compared with in NSCLC cells, and they had no effect on DNA damage. These results suggested that BFD and MBFD may inhibit the growth of NSCLC, possibly by inhibiting APE1 expression.

Hedyotis diffusa Willd inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of 5‑FU resistant colorectal cancer cells by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Hedyotis diffusa Willd (HDW) is a major component frequently used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the clinical treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) and its associated drug resistance. However, the underlying mechanism of HDW circumventing drug resistance of cancer cells remains to be elucidated. Cancer cell resistance to apoptosis and activation of the phosphatidylinositol‑3‑kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway have been implicated as major factors in the acquired resistance to chemotherapeutic anti‑cancer drugs. The present study investigated the effect and mechanisms of action of ethanol extract of Hedyotis diffusa Willd (EEHDW) on the proliferation and apoptosis of CRC 5‑fluorouracil (5‑FU) resistant (HCT‑8/5‑FU) cells. CRC HCT‑8/5‑FU cell viability following treatment with EEHDW was determined using MTT and colony formation assay. In addition, Annexin V/propidium iodide staining with flow cytometry analysis and 4',6‑diamidino‑2‑phenylindole staining were used to determine the apoptosis of drug‑resistant cancer cells following treatment with EEHDW. The mRNA and protein expression levels of B cell leukemia/lymphoma (Bcl‑2), Bcl‑2 associated X (Bax), cyclin dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), cyclin D1 and p21 were evaluated using reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis, respectively. Furthermore, activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), PI3K, AKT and phosphorylated (p)‑AKT were determined. EEHDW significantly reduced cell viability, inhibited cell colony formation and promoted apoptosis of HCT‑8/5‑FU cells. Furthermore, EEHDW significantly downregulated the expression of Bcl‑2, cyclin D1 and CDK4 and upregulated the expression of Bax and p21. In addition, EEHDW inhibited the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway by increasing expression of PTEN and suppressing the expression of PI3K and p‑AKT. The present study provided the first direct evidence that EEHDW may overcome drug‑resistance in human CRC cells by inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and provides a basis for the improved therapeutic use of HDW in the clinical treatment of cancer.

Cytotoxic effect of methanolic extract, alkaloid and terpenoid fractions of Stachys pilifera against HT-29 cell line

Stachys pilifera (S. pilifera) Benth (Lamiaceae) is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of diseases. Despite some reports on the antitumor effects of some species of this genus, anticancer activity of S. pilifera has not been yet reported. Here, we examined the cytotoxic effect and cell death mechanisms of methanolic extract of S. pilifera and its alkaloid and terpenoid fractions on the HT-29 colorectal cell line. HT-29 cells were cultivated and then incubated in the methanolic extract of S. pilifera and its fractions at various concentrations for 24 h. Cell viability was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Morphology of cells was evaluated by contrast microscopy. Furthermore, effects of the tested extract and fractions were tested on some regulators of cell death and proliferation such as caspase-8, caspase-9, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and nitric oxide (NO). Cisplatin was used as positive control. The estimated IC₅₀ values of the methanolic extract, alkaloid and terpenoid fractions, and cisplatin against HT29 cell after 24 h were determined to be 612, 48.12, 46.44, and 4.02 μg/mL, respectively. Morphological changes such as plasma membrane blebbing, cell size reduction, and apoptotic bodies were observed in cells faced with the extract and fractions. S. pilifera extract and its fractions induced apoptosis through inhibition of NF-κB, NO, and activation of caspase-8 and caspase-9. Data showed considerable cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects of S. plifera on colorectal cell line through induction of apoptosis. These findings provide a basis for the therapeutic potential of S. pilfera in the treatment of colon cancer.

Effect of bis(hydroxymethyl) alkanoate curcuminoid derivative MTH-3 on cell cycle arrest, apoptotic and autophagic pathway in triple-negative breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells: An in vitro study

Curcumin has been shown to exert potential antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo involved in multiple signaling pathways. However, the application of curcumin is still limited because of its poor hydrophilicity and low bio-availability. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of a novel and water soluble bis(hydroxymethyl) alkanoate curcuminoid derivative, MTH-3, on human breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells. This study investigated the effect of MTH-3 on cell viability, cell cycle and induction of autophagy and apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. After 24-h treatment with MTH-3, a concentration-dependent decrease in MDA-MB-231 cell viability was observed, and the IC₅₀ value was 5.37±1.22 μM. MTH-3 significantly triggered G₂/M phase arrest and apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. Within a 24-h treatment, MTH-3 decreased the CDK1 activity by decreasing CDK1 and cyclin B1 protein levels. MTH-3-induced apoptosis was further confirmed by morphological assessment and Annexin V/PI staining assay. Induction of apoptosis caused by MTH-3 was accompanied by an apparent increase of DR3, DR5 and FADD and, as well as a marked decrease of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL protein expression. MTH-3 also decreased the protein levels of Ero1, PDI, PERK and calnexin, as well as increased the expression of IRE1α, CHOP and Bip that consequently led to ER stress and MDA-MB-231 cell apoptosis. In addition, MTH-3-treated cells were involved in the autophagic process and cleavage of LC3B was observed. MTH-3 enhanced the protein levels of LC3B, Atg5, Atg7, Atg12, p62 and Beclin-1 in MDA-MB-231 cells. Finally, DNA microarray was carried out to investigate the level changes of gene expression modulated by MTH-3 in MDA-MB-231 cells. Taken together, our results suggest that MTH-3 might be a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer in the near future.

Synergistic inhibition of leukemia WEHI-3 cell growth by arsenic trioxide and Hedyotis diffusa Willd extract in vitro and in vivo

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is clinically used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL); however, the therapeutic dose of ATO may prompt critical cardiac side effects. Combination therapy may be used to improve the therapeutic efficiency. To evaluate this possibility, the present study determined the combined effects of Hedyotis diffusa Willd (HDW) extract and ATO in leukemic WEHI-3 cells. The results demonstrated that co-treatment of HDW with ATO resulted in a synergistic augmentation of cytotoxicity in cells at the concentration tested. In order to investigate the potential therapeutic application for leukemia, the combined effects of HDW and ATO were analyzed on the WEHI-3 cell-induced orthotopic leukemia animal model in vivo. The WEHI-3 cells in mice with leukemia were established by injecting murine WEHI-3 cells into BALB/c mice, and treating them with HDW and/or combined with ATO. The results indicated that HDW alone or HDW combined with ATO promoted the total survival rate of mice with leukemia, and these effects are dose-dependent. HDW alone or HDW combined with ATO did not affect the body weight, decreased the spleen weight and did not affect the liver weight. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that HDW alone or HDW combined with ATO resulted in a synergistic augmentation of apoptosis in WEHI-3 cells at the concentration tested. In order to further reveal the detailed mechanism of this synergistic effect on apoptosis, apoptosis-related proteins were also evaluated. The data revealed that HDW alone or HDW combined with ATO induced the expression of death receptor 4 (DR4) and DR5 and the activation of poly adenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase, caspase-3, -8 and -9. Furthermore, HDW alone or HDW combined with ATO decreased the expression levels of B-cell lymphoma 2, B-cell lymphoma-extra large and survivin, and increased the expression levels of Bak and t-Bid. Altogether, the results indicate that the combination of HDW with ATO may be a promising strategy used to increase the clinical efficacy of ATO in the treatment of APL.

Complementary Chinese herbal medicine therapy improves survival of patients with gastric cancer in Taiwan: A nationwide retrospective matched-cohort study

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Many patients with gastric cancer seek traditional medicine consultations in Asian countries. This study aimed to investigate the prescription of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) and its benefits for the patients with gastric cancer in Taiwan.

METHODS

From the Registry for Catastrophic Illness Patients Database, we included all patients with gastric cancer whose age at diagnosis was ≥18 from 1997 to 2010 in Taiwan. We used 1:1 frequency matching by age, sex, Charlson comorbidity score, treatment and index year to compare the CHM users and non-CHM users. We used the Cox regression model to compare the hazard ratios (HR) for the risk of mortality and the Kaplan-Meier curve for the survival time.

RESULTS

There was a total of 1333 patients in the CHM-cohort and 44786 patients in the non-CHM cohort. After matching, we compared 962 newly diagnosed CHM users and 962 non-CHM users. Adjusted HRs (aHR) were higher among patients of above 60-year-old group, with a Charlson Comorbidity Index score ≥2 before the index date, and those who need surgery combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. CHM users had a lower HR of mortality risk (adjusted HR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.48-0.62). Compared to the non-CHM users, the aHR among CHM-users is 0.37 (95% CI:0.2-0.67) for those who used CHM more than 180 days annually. The Kaplan-Meier curve revealed that the survival probability was higher for complementary CHM-users. Bai-Hua-She-She-Cao (Herba Hedyotidis Diffusae) was the most commonly used single herb and Xiang-Sha-Liu-Jun-Zi-Tang was the most commonly used herbal formula among CHM prescriptions.

CONCLUSIONS

Complementary CHM improves the overall survival among patients with gastric cancer in Taiwan. Further ethnopharmacological investigations and clinical trials are required to validate the efficacy and safety.

DNA Microarray-Based Screening and Characterization of Traditional Chinese Medicine

The application of DNA microarray assay (DMA) has entered a new era owing to recent innovations in omics technologies. This review summarizes recent applications of DMA-based gene expression profiling by focusing on the screening and characterizationof traditional Chinese medicine. First, herbs, mushrooms, and dietary plants analyzed by DMA along with their effective components and their biological/physiological effects are summarized and discussed by examining their comprehensive list and a list of representative effective chemicals. Second, the mechanisms of action of traditional Chinese medicine are summarized by examining the genes and pathways responsible for the action, the cell functions involved in the action, and the activities found by DMA (silent estrogens). Third, applications of DMA for traditional Chinese medicine are discussed by examining reported examples and new protocols for its use in quality control. Further innovations in the signaling pathway based evaluation of beneficial effects and the assessment of potential risks of traditional Chinese medicine are expected, just as are observed in other closely related fields, such as the therapeutic, environmental, nutritional, and pharmacological fields.

Total coumarins of Hedyotis diffusa induces apoptosis of myelodysplastic syndrome SKM-1 cells by activation of caspases and inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway proteins

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Hedyotis diffusa is an ethno-medicine used for anti-cancer treatment in the clinic of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The total coumarins of Hedyotis diffusa (TCHD) was a selected extract with observed antiproliferative activity, which has not been tested in treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to evaluate the apoptosis-inducing effect of TCHD on human MDS cell line (SKM-1) and explore its action mechanism in association with caspase family and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical constituents and total coumarins content of TCHD were determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) and UV-vis spectrophotometry, respectively. MTT assay, Hoechst 33258 staining, and Annexin V-FITC/PI double labeling were applied to evaluate TCHD's efficacy on SKM-1 cells. Western blot analysis was also used to clarify the action mechanism of TCHD on protein expression level.

RESULTS

Two compounds, p-coumaric acid and E-6-O-p-coumaroyl scandoside methyl ester, were identified in TCHD, and its total coumarins content reached 87.4%. By MTT assay, apoptosis-inducing effect of TCHD on SKM-1 cells was found in a dose-dependent manner after 24-48h treatment, with IC₅₀ values of 104.48μg/ml and 100.66μg/ml, respectively. Morphological and flow cytometry observation also confirmed such effect of TCHD. Western blot analysis clarified its action mechanism associating with the activation of caspases and inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report regarding the apoptosis-inducing efficacy and mechanism of TCHD on SKM-1 cells, providing a promising candidate of TCM for MDS and AML therapy with fewer side effects.

Sulforaphane-induced apoptosis in human leukemia HL-60 cells through extrinsic and intrinsic signal pathways and altering associated genes expression assayed by cDNA microarray

Sulforaphane (SFN), one of the isothiocyanates, is a biologically active compound extracted from cruciferous vegetables, and has been shown to induce cytotoxic effects on many human cancer cells including human leukemia cells. However, the exact molecular mechanism and altered gene expression associated with apoptosis is unclear. In this study, we investigated SFN-induced cytotoxic effects and whether or not they went through cell-cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis and further examined molecular mechanism and altered gene expression in human leukemia HL-60 cells. Cell viability, cell-cycle distribution, sub-G1 (apoptosis), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca²⁺ production, levels of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ_m ), and caspase-3, -8, and -9 activities were assayed by flow cytometry. Apoptosis-associated proteins levels and gene expressions were examined by Western blotting and cDNA microarray assays, respectively. Results indicated that SFN decreased viable cells, induced G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis based on sub-G1 phase development. Furthermore, SFN increased ROS and Ca²⁺ production and decreased the levels of ΔΨ_m and activated caspase-3, -8, and -9 activities in HL-60 cells. SFN significantly upregulated the expression of BAX, Bid, Fas, Fas-L, caspase-8, Endo G, AIF, and cytochrome c, and inhibited the antiapoptotic proteins such as Bcl-x and XIAP, that is associated with apoptosis. We also used cDNA microarray to confirm several gene expressions such as caspase -8, -3, -4, -6, and -7 that are affected by SFN. Those results indicated that SFN induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells via Fas- and mitochondria-dependent pathways. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 311-328, 2017.

Suppression of the migration and invasion is mediated by triptolide in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells through the NF-kappaB-dependent pathway

Melanoma cancer is one of the major causes of death in humans worldwide. Triptolide is one of the active components of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, and has biological activities including induced cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis but its antimetastatic effects on murine melanoma cells have not yet been elucidated. Herein, we investigated the effect of triptolide on the inhibition of migration and invasion and possible associated signal pathways in B16F10 murine melanoma cancer cells. Wound healing assay and Matrigel Cell Migration Assay and Invasion System demonstrated that triptolide marked inhibiting the migration and invasion of B16F10 cells. Gelatin zymography assay demonstrated that triptolide significantly inhibited the activities of matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2). Western blotting showed that triptolide markedly reduced CXCR4, SOS1, GRB2, p-ERK, FAK, p-AKT, Rho A, p-JNK, NF-κB, MMP-9, and MMP-2 but increased PI3K and p-p38 and COX2 after compared to the untreated (control) cells. Real time PCR indicated that triptolide inhibited the gene expression of MMP-2, FAK, ROCK-1, and NF-κB but did not significantly affect TIMP-1 and -2 gene expression in B16F10 cells in vitro. EMSA assay also showed that triptolide inhibited NF-κB DNA binding in a dose-dependent manner. Confocal laser microscopy examination also confirmed that triptolide inhibited the expression of NF-κB in B16F10 cells. Taken together, we suggest that triptolide inhibited B16F10 cell migration and invasion via the inhibition of NF-κB expression then led to suppress MMP-2 and -9 expressions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1974-1984, 2016.

Ethyl acetate extract of Peperomia tetraphylla induces cytotoxicity, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in lymphoma U937 cells

The current study evaluated the cytotoxicity and the mechanism of apoptotic induction by Peperomia tetraphylla in U937 lymphoma cells. The results showed that P. tetraphylla ethyl acetate extract (EAEPT) inhibited the cell growth in U937 cells by MTT assay. After the U937 cells were treated with EAEPT, the cells exhibited marked morphological features of apoptosis (Hoechst 33342 staining) and the number of apoptotic cell (Annexin V-FITC/PI staining) increased. The treatment of EAEPT could induce loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and increase the ROS level. Moreover, EAEPT treatment resulted in the accumulation of cells at S phase. We found that EAEPT could induce the cleavage of the caspase 3, caspase 8, caspase 9 and Bid. And the treatment of EAEPT could increase expression of Bax and down-regulate the expression of CCNB1, CCND1 and CDK1. The sub-fraction of EAEPT, namely EASub1 demonstrated the highest cytotoxicity activity on U937 cells. It was confirmed that EAEPT could inhibit the growth of U937 cells by blocking the cell cycle and prompted apoptosis via the ROS-medicated mitochondria pathway in vitro.

Evaluating the cytotoxic effects of the water extracts of four anticancer herbs against human malignant melanoma cells

Malignant melanoma (MM) is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, killing more than 1,100 people each year in Canada. Prognosis for late stage and recurrent MM is extremely poor due to insensitivity to chemotherapy drugs, and thus many patients seek complementary and alternative medicines. In this study, we examined four commonly used anticancer herbs in traditional Chinese medicine, Hedyotis diffusa, Scutellaria barbata, Lobelia chinensis, and Solanum nigrum, for their in vitro antitumor effects toward human MM cell line A-375. The crude water extract of S. nigrum (1 g of dry herb in 100 mL water) and its 2-fold dilution caused 52.8%±13.0% and 17.3%±2.7% cytotoxicity in A-375 cells, respectively (P<0.01). The crude water extract of H. diffusa caused 11.1%±12.4% cytotoxicity in A-375 cells with no statistical significance (P>0.05). Higher concentrated formulation might be needed for H. diffusa to exert its cytotoxic effect against A-375 cells. No cytotoxicity was observed in A-375 cells treated with crude water extract of S. barbata and L. chinensis. Further high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy analysis of the herbal extracts implicated that S. nigrum and H. diffusa might have adopted the same bioactive components for their cytotoxic effects in spite of belonging to two different plant families. We also showed that the crude water extract of S. nigrum reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species generation in A-375 cells, which may lead to a cytostatic effect. Furthermore, synergistic effect was achieved when crude water extract of S. nigrum was coadministered with temozolomide, a chemotherapy drug for skin cancer.

The Hedyotis diffusa Willd. (Rubiaceae): A Review on Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Quality Control and Pharmacokinetics

Hedyotis diffusa Willd (H. diffusa) is a well-known Chinese medicine with a variety of activities, especially its anti-cancer effect in the clinic. Up to now, 171 compounds have been reported from H. diffusa, including 32 iridoids, 26 flavonoids, 24 anthraquinones, 26 phenolics and their derivatives, 50 volatile oils and 13 miscellaneous compounds. In vitro and in vivo studies show these phytochemicals and plant extracts to exhibit a range of pharmacological activities of anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibroblast, immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects. Although a series of methods have been established for the quality control of H. diffusa, a feasible and reliable approach is still needed in consideration of its botanical origin, collecting time and bioactive effects. Meanwhile, more pharmacokinetics researches are needed to illustrate the characteristics of H. diffusa in vivo. The present review aims to provide up-to-date and comprehensive information on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, quality control and pharmacokinetic characteristics of H. diffusa for its clinical use and further development.

Sulforaphane Induces Cell Death Through G2/M Phase Arrest and Triggers Apoptosis in HCT 116 Human Colon Cancer Cells

Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate, exists exclusively in cruciferous vegetables, and has been shown to possess potent antitumor and chemopreventive activity. However, there is no available information that shows SFN affecting human colon cancer HCT 116 cells. In the present study, we found that SFN induced cell morphological changes, which were photographed by contrast-phase microscopy, and decreased viability. SFN also induced G2/M phase arrest and cell apoptosis in HCT 116 cells, which were measured with flow cytometric assays. Western blotting indicated that SFN increased Cyclin A, cdk 2, Cyclin B and WEE1, but decreased Cdc 25C, cdk1 protein expressions that led to G2/M phase arrest. Apoptotic cell death was also confirmed by Annexin V/PI and DAPI staining and DNA gel electrophoresis in HCT 116 cells after exposure to SFN. The flow cytometric assay also showed that SFN induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca[Formula: see text] and decreased mitochondria membrane potential and increased caspase-8, -9 and -3 activities in HCT 116 cell. Western blotting also showed that SFN induced the release of cytochrome c, and AIF, which was confirmed by confocal microscopy examination. SFN induced ER stress-associated protein expression. Based on those observations, we suggest that SFN may be used as a novel anticancer agent for the treatment of human colon cancer in the future.

The advantages of using traditional Chinese medicine as an adjunctive therapy in the whole course of cancer treatment instead of only terminal stage of cancer

Recent studies indicate that Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can play an important role in the whole course of cancer treatment such as recovery stages of post-operative, radiotherapy or chemotherapy stages instead of only terminal stage of cancer. In this review, we have summarized current evidence for using TCM as adjuvant cancer treatment in different stages of cancer lesions. Some TCMs (e.g., TJ-41, Liu-jun-zi-tang, PHY906, Coumarin, and Aescine) are capable of improving the post-operative symptoms such as fatigue, pain, appetite, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and lymphedema. Some TCMs (e.g., Ginseng, Huang-Qi, BanZhiLian, TJ-48, Huachansu injection, Shenqi fuzheng injection, and Kanglaite injection) in combination with chemo- or radio-therapy are capable of enhancing the efficacy of and diminishing the side effects and complications caused by chemo- and radiotherapy. Taken together, they have great advantages in terms of suppressing tumor progression, relieving surgery complications, increasing the sensitivity of chemo- and radio- therapeutics, improving an organism's immune system function, and lessening the damage caused by surgery, chemo- or radio-therapeutics. They have significant effects on relieving breast cancer-related lymphedema, reducing cancer-related fatigue and pain, improving radiation pneumonitis and gastrointestinal side effects, protecting liver function, and even ameliorating bone marrow suppression. This review of those medicines should contribute to an understanding of Chinese herbal medicines as an adjunctive therapy in the whole course of cancer treatment instead of only terminal stage of cancer, by providing useful information for development of more effective anti-cancer drugs and making more patients "survival with cancer" for a long time.