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Kang Q, He L, Zhang Y, Zhong Z, Tan W. Immune-inflammatory modulation by natural products derived from edible and medicinal herbs used in Chinese classical prescriptions. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 130:155684. [PMID: 38788391 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Edible and medicinal herbs1 (EMHs) refer to a class of substances with dual attribution of food and medicine. These substances are traditionally used as food and also listed in many international pharmacopoeias, including the European Pharmacopoeia, the United States Pharmacopoeia, and the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Some classical formulas that are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine include a series of EMHs, which have been shown to be effective with obvious characteristics and advantages. Notably, these EMHs and Chinese classical prescriptions2 (CCPs) have also attracted attention in international herbal medicine research because of their low toxicity and high efficiency as well as the rich body of experience for their long-term clinical use. PURPOSE Our purpose is to explore the potential therapeutic effect of EMHs with immune-inflammatory modulation for the study of modern cancer drugs. STUDY DESIGN In the present study, we present a detailed account of some EMHs used in CCPs that have shown considerable research potential in studies exploring modern drugs with immune-inflammatory modulation. METHODS Approximately 500 publications in the past 30 years were collected from PubMed, Web of Science and ScienceDirect using the keywords, such as natural products, edible and medicinal herbs, Chinese medicine, classical prescription, immune-inflammatory, tumor microenvironment and some related synonyms. The active ingredients instead of herbal extracts or botanical mixtures were focused on and the research conducted over the past decade were discussed emphatically and analyzed comprehensively. RESULTS More than ten natural products derived from EMHs used in CCPs are discussed and their immune-inflammatory modulation activities, including enhancing antitumor immunity, regulating inflammatory signaling pathways, lowering the proportion of immunosuppressive cells, inhibiting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, immunosuppressive factors, and inflammatory mediators, are summarized. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate the immune-inflammatory modulating role of those EMHs used in CCPs and provide new ideas for cancer treatment in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianming Kang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Luying He
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China.
| | - Wen Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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2
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Bartoszewska E, Molik K, Woźniak M, Choromańska A. Telomerase Inhibition in the Treatment of Leukemia: A Comprehensive Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:427. [PMID: 38671875 PMCID: PMC11047729 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13040427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Leukemia, characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation and differentiation blockage of myeloid or lymphoid precursor cells, presents significant therapeutic challenges despite current treatment modalities like chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation. Pursuing novel therapeutic strategies that selectively target leukemic cells is critical for improving patient outcomes. Natural products offer a promising avenue for developing effective chemotherapy and preventive measures against leukemia, providing a rich source of biologically active compounds. Telomerase, a key enzyme involved in chromosome stabilization and mainly active in cancer cells, presents an attractive target for intervention. In this review article, we focus on the anti-leukemic potential of natural substances, emphasizing vitamins (such as A, D, and E) and polyphenols (including curcumin and indole-3-carbinol), which, in combination with telomerase inhibition, demonstrate reduced cytotoxicity compared to conventional chemotherapies. We discuss the role of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), particularly its mRNA expression, as a potential therapeutic target, highlighting the promise of natural compounds in leukemia treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Bartoszewska
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Mikulicza-Radeckiego 5, 50-345 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.B.); (K.M.)
| | - Klaudia Molik
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Mikulicza-Radeckiego 5, 50-345 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.B.); (K.M.)
| | - Marta Woźniak
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Division of General and Experimental Pathology, Wroclaw Medical University, Marcinkowskiego 1, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Anna Choromańska
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
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Bouabdallah S, Al-Maktoum A, Amin A. Steroidal Saponins: Naturally Occurring Compounds as Inhibitors of the Hallmarks of Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3900. [PMID: 37568716 PMCID: PMC10417465 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a global health burden responsible for an exponentially growing number of incidences and mortalities, regardless of the significant advances in its treatment. The identification of the hallmarks of cancer is a major milestone in understanding the mechanisms that drive cancer initiation, development, and progression. In the past, the hallmarks of cancer have been targeted to effectively treat various types of cancers. These conventional cancer drugs have shown significant therapeutic efficacy but continue to impose unfavorable side effects on patients. Naturally derived compounds are being tested in the search for alternative anti-cancer drugs. Steroidal saponins are a group of naturally occurring compounds that primarily exist as secondary metabolites in plant species. Recent studies have suggested that steroidal saponins possess significant anti-cancer capabilities. This review aims to summarize the recent findings on steroidal saponins as inhibitors of the hallmarks of cancer and covers key studies published between the years 2014 and 2024. It is reported that steroidal saponins effectively inhibit the hallmarks of cancer, but poor bioavailability and insufficient preclinical studies limit their utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salwa Bouabdallah
- Theranostic Biomarkers, LR23ES02, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1006, Tunisia
| | - Amna Al-Maktoum
- Biology Department, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Amr Amin
- Biology Department, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates;
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Ren QL, Wang Q, Zhang XQ, Wang M, Hu H, Tang JJ, Yang XT, Ran YH, Liu HH, Song ZX, Liu JG, Li XL. Anticancer Activity of Diosgenin and Its Molecular Mechanism. Chin J Integr Med 2023:10.1007/s11655-023-3693-1. [PMID: 36940072 PMCID: PMC10026233 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-023-3693-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Diosgenin, a steroidal sapogenin, obtained from Trigonella foenum-graecum, Dioscorea, and Rhizoma polgonati, has shown high potential and interest in the treatment of various cancers such as oral squamous cell carcinoma, laryngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, glioma, and leukemia. This article aims to provide an overview of the in vivo, in vitro, and clinical studies reporting the diosgenin's anticancer effects. Preclinical studies have shown promising effects of diosgenin on inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and growth, promoting apoptosis, inducing differentiation and autophagy, inhibiting tumor cell metastasis and invasion, blocking cell cycle, regulating immunity and improving gut microbiome. Clinical investigations have revealed clinical dosage and safety property of diosgenin. Furthermore, in order to improve the biological activity and bioavailability of diosgenin, this review focuses on the development of diosgenin nano drug carriers, combined drugs and the diosgenin derivatives. However, further designed trials are needed to unravel the diosgenin's deficiencies in clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun-Li Ren
- Special Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources and Drug Development, Higher Education Institution, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563000, China
- School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563000, China
- Institute of Life Sciences, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563000, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Special Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources and Drug Development, Higher Education Institution, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563000, China
- School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563000, China
- Institute of Life Sciences, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563000, China
| | - Xin-Qun Zhang
- Zheng'an County people's Hospital, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563000, China
| | - Miao Wang
- Special Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources and Drug Development, Higher Education Institution, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563000, China
- School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563000, China
- Institute of Life Sciences, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563000, China
| | - Huan Hu
- Special Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources and Drug Development, Higher Education Institution, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563000, China
- School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563000, China
- Institute of Life Sciences, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563000, China
| | - Jun-Jie Tang
- School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563000, China
| | - Xiong-Tong Yang
- School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563000, China
| | - Ying-Hui Ran
- School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563000, China
| | - Huan-Huan Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563000, China
| | - Zhi-Xing Song
- School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563000, China
| | - Jian-Guo Liu
- School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563000, China
| | - Xiao-Lan Li
- Special Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources and Drug Development, Higher Education Institution, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563000, China.
- School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563000, China.
- Institute of Life Sciences, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563000, China.
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Majnooni MB, Fakhri S, Ghanadian SM, Bahrami G, Mansouri K, Iranpanah A, Farzaei MH, Mojarrab M. Inhibiting Angiogenesis by Anti-Cancer Saponins: From Phytochemistry to Cellular Signaling Pathways. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13030323. [PMID: 36984763 PMCID: PMC10052344 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13030323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Saponins are one of the broadest classes of high-molecular-weight natural compounds, consisting mainly of a non-polar moiety with 27 to 30 carbons and a polar moiety containing sugars attached to the sapogenin structure. Saponins are found in more than 100 plant families as well as found in marine organisms. Saponins have several therapeutic effects, including their administration in the treatment of various cancers. These compounds also reveal noteworthy anti-angiogenesis effects as one of the critical strategies for inhibiting cancer growth and metastasis. In this study, a comprehensive review is performed on electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest. Accordingly, the structural characteristics of triterpenoid/steroid saponins and their anti-cancer effects were highlighted, focusing on their anti-angiogenic effects and related mechanisms. Consequently, the anti-angiogenic effects of saponins, inhibiting the expression of genes related to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α (HIF-1α) are two main anti-angiogenic mechanisms of triterpenoid and steroidal saponins. The inhibition of inflammatory signaling pathways that stimulate angiogenesis, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs), and phosphoinositide 3-kinases/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), are other anti-angiogenic mechanisms of saponins. Furthermore, the anti-angiogenic and anti-cancer activity of saponins was closely related to the binding site of the sugar moiety, the type and number of their monosaccharide units, as well as the presence of some functional groups in their aglycone structure. Therefore, saponins are suitable candidates for cancer treatment by inhibiting angiogenesis, for which extensive pre-clinical and comprehensive clinical trial studies are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Bagher Majnooni
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6714415153, Iran
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran
| | - Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran
| | - Syed Mustafa Ghanadian
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Bahrami
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran
| | - Kamran Mansouri
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6714415185, Iran
| | - Amin Iranpanah
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hosein Farzaei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran
- Correspondence: or (M.H.F.); (M.M.); Tel.: +98-08334266780 (M.M.)
| | - Mahdi Mojarrab
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran
- Correspondence: or (M.H.F.); (M.M.); Tel.: +98-08334266780 (M.M.)
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D’Amico M, De Amicis F. Aberrant Notch signaling in gliomas: a potential landscape of actionable converging targets for combination approach in therapies resistance. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2022; 5:939-953. [PMID: 36627893 PMCID: PMC9771760 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2022.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The current therapeutic protocols and prognosis of gliomas still depend on clinicopathologic and radiographic characteristics. For high-grade gliomas, the standard of care is resection followed by radiotherapy plus temozolomide chemotherapy. However, treatment resistance develops due to different mechanisms, among which is the dynamic interplay between the tumor and its microenvironment. Different signaling pathways cause the proliferation of so-called glioma stem cells, a minor cancer cell population with stem cell-like characteristics and aggressive phenotype. In the last decades, numerous studies have indicated that Notch is a crucial pathway that maintains the characteristics of resistant glioma stem cells. Data obtained from preclinical models indicate that downregulation of the Notch pathway could induce multifaceted drug sensitivity, acting on the expression of drug-transporter proteins, inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and shaping the tumor microenvironment. This review provides a brief overview of the published data supporting the roles of Notch in drug resistance and demonstrates how potential novel strategies targeting Notch could become an efficacious action to improve the therapy of high-grade glioma to overcome drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria D’Amico
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Rende 87036, Italy
| | - Francesca De Amicis
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Rende 87036, Italy.,Health Center, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Rende 87036, Italy.,Correspondence to: Prof. Francesca De Amicis, Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Rende 87036, Italy. E-mail:
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Chen L, Lan J, Li Z, Zeng R, Wang Y, Zhen L, Jin H, Ding Y, Zhang T. A Novel Diosgenin-Based Liposome Delivery System Combined with Doxorubicin for Liver Cancer Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:1685. [PMID: 36015311 PMCID: PMC9416271 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As a malignant tumor, liver cancer is mainly treated with chemotherapy, while chemotherapeutic drugs, such as doxorubicin (DOX), may lead to toxicity, drug resistance and poor prognosis. The targeted delivery systems of combining natural products and chemotherapeutic drugs are useful to eliminate cancers with reduced toxicity and increased efficiency. In this study, a diosgenin-based liposome loaded with DOX (Dios-DOX-LP) was developed for synergistic treatment of liver cancer, in which Dios not only replaced cholesterol as the membrane regulator to keep stability of liposomes, but also became the chemotherapy adjuvant of DOX for synergistic treatment. Dios-DOX-LP was characterized by particle size (99.4 ± 6.2 nm), zeta potential (-33.3 ± 2.5 mV), and entrapment efficiency (DOX: 98.77 ± 2.04%, Dios: 87.75 ± 2.93%), which had a good stability and slow-release effect. Compared with commercial DOX liposome (CHOL-DOX-LP), Dios-DOX-LP had an improved anti-tumor effect in vitro and in vivo by inducing the apoptosis and inhibiting the proliferation of the tumor cell, which was 1.6 times better than CHOL-DOX-LP in cytotoxicity, and had 78% of the tumor inhibition rate on tumor-bearing nude mice. Dios-DOX-LP provided a novel idea to achieve synergistic tumor treatment using diosgenin as a liposome material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jinshuai Lan
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Experiment Center of Teaching & Learning, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhe Li
- Experiment Center of Teaching & Learning, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ruifeng Zeng
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lu Zhen
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Haojieyin Jin
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yue Ding
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Experiment Center of Teaching & Learning, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
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Gu L, Zheng H, Zhao R, Zhang X, Wang Q. Diosgenin inhibits the proliferation of gastric cancer cells via inducing mesoderm posterior 1 down-regulation-mediated alternative reading frame expression. Hum Exp Toxicol 2021; 40:S632-S645. [PMID: 34806916 DOI: 10.1177/09603271211053292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Whether and how mesoderm posterior 1 (MESP1) plays a role in the proliferation of gastric cancer cells remain unclear. METHODS The expression of MESP1 was compared in 48 human gastric cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues. Knockdown of MESP1 was performed to investigate the role of MESP1 in the proliferation and apoptosis of BGC-823 and MGC-803 gastric cancer cells. Knockdown of alternative reading frame (ARF) was performed to study the role of ARF in the inhibitory effect of MESP1 knockdown on cell proliferation in gastric cancer cells. Mouse subcutaneous xenograft tumor model bearing BGC-823 cells was used to investigate the role of MESP1 in the growth of gastric tumor in vivo. The effect of seven active ingredients from T. terrestris on MESP1 expression was tested. The anti-cancer effect of diosgenin was confirmed in gastric cancer cells. MESP1 dependence of the anti-cancer effect of diosgenin was confirmed by MESP1 knockdown. RESULTS MESP1 was highly expressed in human gastric cancer tissues (p < 0.05). MESP1 knockdown induced apoptosis and up-regulated the expression of ARF in gastric cancer cells (p < 0.05). Knockdown of ARF attenuated the anti-cancer effect of MESP1 knockdown (p < 0.05). In addition, MESP1 knockdown also suppressed tumor growth in vivo (p < 0.05). Diosgenin inhibits both mRNA and protein expression of MESP1 (p < 0.05). MESP1 knockdown attenuated the anti-cancer effect of diosgenin (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS MESP1 promotes the proliferation of gastric cancer cells via inhibiting ARF expression. Diosgenin exerts anti-cancer effect through inhibiting MESP1 expression in gastric cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Gu
- Department of Gastroenterology, 74540The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, P. R. China
| | - Hailun Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, 74540The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, P. R. China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, 74540The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojing Zhang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, 74540The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, P. R. China
| | - Qizhi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, 74540The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, P. R. China
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Natural Compounds in Glioblastoma Therapy: Preclinical Insights, Mechanistic Pathways, and Outlook. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102317. [PMID: 34065960 PMCID: PMC8150927 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Glioblastoma (GBM) is a tumor of the brain or spinal cord with poor clinical prognosis. Current interventions, such as chemotherapy and surgical tumor resection, are constrained by tumor invasion and cancer drug resistance. Dietary natural substances are therefore evaluated for their potential as agents in GBM treatment. Various substances found in fruits, vegetables, and other natural products restrict tumor growth and induce GBM cell death. These preclinical effects are promising but remain constrained by natural substances’ varying pharmacological properties. While many of the reviewed substances are available as over-the-counter supplements, their anti-GBM efficacy should be corroborated by clinical trials moving forward. Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive, often fatal astrocyte-derived tumor of the central nervous system. Conventional medical and surgical interventions have greatly improved survival rates; however, tumor heterogeneity, invasiveness, and chemotherapeutic resistance continue to pose clinical challenges. As such, dietary natural substances—an integral component of the lifestyle medicine approach to chronic diseases—are examined as potential chemotherapeutic agents. These heterogenous substances exert anti-GBM effects by upregulating apoptosis and autophagy, inducing cell cycle arrest, interfering with tumor metabolism, and inhibiting proliferation, neuroinflammation, chemoresistance, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Although these beneficial effects are promising, natural substances’ efficacy in GBM is constrained by their bioavailability and blood–brain barrier permeability; various chemical formulations are proposed to improve their pharmacological properties. Many of the reviewed substances are available as over-the-counter dietary supplements, underscoring their viability as lifestyle interventions. However, clinical trials remain necessary to substantiate the in vitro and in vivo properties of natural substances.
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Marahatha R, Gyawali K, Sharma K, Gyawali N, Tandan P, Adhikari A, Timilsina G, Bhattarai S, Lamichhane G, Acharya A, Pathak I, Devkota HP, Parajuli N. Pharmacologic activities of phytosteroids in inflammatory diseases: Mechanism of action and therapeutic potentials. Phytother Res 2021; 35:5103-5124. [PMID: 33957012 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Natural products and their derivatives are known to be useful for treating numerous diseases since ancient times. Because of their high therapeutic potentials, the use of different medicinal plants is possible to treat varied inflammation-mediated chronic diseases. Among natural products, phytosteroids have emerged as promising compounds mostly because they have diverse pharmacological activities. Currently, available medications exert numerous systemic toxicities, including hypertension, immune suppression, osteoporosis, and metabolic abnormalities. Thus, further research on phytosteroids to subside these complications is of significant importance. In this study, the information on phytosteroids, their types, and actions against inflammation, and allergic complications was collected by a systematic survey of literature on several scientific search engines. The literature review suggested that phytosteroids exhibit antiinflammatory action via different modes through transrepression or selective COX-2 enzymes. Also, in silico ADMET analysis was carried out on available phytosteroids to uncover their pharmacokinetic properties. Our analysis has shown that eight compounds: withaferin A, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, guggulsterone, diosgenin, sarsasapogenin, physalin A, and dioscin, -isolated from medicinal plants show similar pharmacokinetic properties as compared to dexamethasone, commercially available glucocorticoid. These phytosteroids could be useful for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, multiple sclerosis, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, systematic research is required to explore potent phytosteroids with lesser side effects, which might substitute the current medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishab Marahatha
- Biological Chemistry Lab, Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Nepal
| | - Kabita Gyawali
- Biological Chemistry Lab, Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Nepal
| | - Kabita Sharma
- Biological Chemistry Lab, Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Nepal
| | - Narayan Gyawali
- Biological Chemistry Lab, Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Nepal
| | - Parbati Tandan
- Biological Chemistry Lab, Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Nepal
| | - Ashma Adhikari
- Biological Chemistry Lab, Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Nepal
| | - Grishma Timilsina
- Biological Chemistry Lab, Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Nepal
| | - Salyan Bhattarai
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Ganesh Lamichhane
- Biological Chemistry Lab, Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Nepal
| | - Ashis Acharya
- Central Department of Geology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Nepal
| | - Ishwor Pathak
- Department of Chemistry, Amrit Campus, Tribhuvan University, Thamel, Nepal
| | - Hari Prasad Devkota
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Niranjan Parajuli
- Biological Chemistry Lab, Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Nepal
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Synthesis and Characterization of Diosgenin Encapsulated Poly-ε-Caprolactone-Pluronic Nanoparticles and Its Effect on Brain Cancer Cells. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13081322. [PMID: 33919483 PMCID: PMC8073865 DOI: 10.3390/polym13081322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Diosgenin encapsulated PCL-Pluronic nanoparticles (PCL-F68-D-NPs) were developed using the nanoprecipitation method to improve performance in brain cancer (glioblastoma) therapy. The nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS)/Zeta potential, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The encapsulation efficiency, loading efficiency, and yield were calculated. The in vitro release rate was determined, and the kinetic model of diosgenin release was plotted and ascertained. The cytotoxicity was checked by MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide)assay against U87-MG cells (glioblastoma cell lines). The obtained nanoparticles demonstrated good size distribution, stability, morphology, chemical, and mechanical properties. The nanoparticles also possessed high encapsulation efficiency, loading efficiency, and yield. The release rate of Diosgenin was shown in a sustained manner. The in vitro cytotoxicity of PCL-F68-D-NPs showed higher toxicity against U87-MG cells than free Diosgenin.
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Yu L, Lu H, Yang X, Li R, Shi J, Yu Y, Ma C, Sun F, Zhang S, Zhang F. Diosgenin alleviates hypercholesterolemia via SRB1/CES-1/CYP7A1/FXR pathway in high-fat diet-fed rats. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 412:115388. [PMID: 33383043 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Phytosterol diosgenin (DG) exhibits cholesterol-lowering properties. Few studies focused on the underlying mechanism of DG attenuation of hypercholesterolemia by promoting cholesterol metabolism. To investigate the roles of SRB1/CES-1/CYP7A1/FXR pathways in accelerating cholesterol elimination and alleviating hypercholesterolemia, a rat model of hypercholesterolemia was induced by providing a high-fat diet (HFD). Experimental rat models were randomly divided into a normal control (Con) group, HFD group, low-dose DG (LDG) group (150 mg/kg/d), high-dose DG (HDG) group (300 mg/kg) and Simvastatin (Sim) group (4 mg/kg/d). Body weights, serum and hepatic lipid parameters of rats were tested. The expression levels of scavenger receptor class B type I (SRB1), carboxylesterase-1 (CES-1), cholesterol7α- hydroxylase (CYP7A1), and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) were determined. The results showed that DG reduced weight and lowered lipid levels in HFD-fed rats. Pathological morphology analyses revealed that DG notably improved hepatic steatosis and intestinal structure. Further studies showed the increased hepatic SRB1, CES-1, CYP7A1 and inhibited FXR-mediated signaling in DG-fed rats, which contributing to the decrease of hepatic cholesterol. DG also increased intestinal SRB1 and CES-1, inhibiting cholesterol absorption and promoting RCT. The expression levels of these receptors in the HDG group were higher than LDG and Sim groups. These data suggested that DG accelerated reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) and enhanced cholesterol elimination via SRB1/CES-1/CYP7A1/FXR pathway, and DG might be a new candidate for the alleviation of hypercholesterolemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250011, China
| | - Haifei Lu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250011, China
| | - Xiufen Yang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250011, China
| | - Ruoqi Li
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jingjing Shi
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250011, China
| | - Yantong Yu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250011, China
| | - Chaoqun Ma
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250011, China
| | - Fengcui Sun
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250011, China
| | - Shizhao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250011, China
| | - Fengxia Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250011, China.
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