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Wang L, Otkur W, Wang A, Wang W, Lyu Y, Fang L, Shan X, Song M, Feng Y, Zhao Y, Piao HL, Qi H, Liu JW. Norcantharidin overcomes vemurafenib resistance in melanoma by inhibiting pentose phosphate pathway and lipogenesis via downregulating the mTOR pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:906043. [PMID: 36034784 PMCID: PMC9411668 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.906043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer with a high incidence and low survival rate. More than half of melanomas present the activating BRAF mutations, along which V600E mutant represents 70%–90%. Vemurafenib (Vem) is an FDA-approved small-molecule kinase inhibitor that selectively targets activated BRAF V600E and inhibits its activity. However, the majority of patients treated with Vem develop acquired resistance. Hence, this study aims to explore a new treatment strategy to overcome the Vem resistance. Here, we found that a potential anticancer drug norcantharidin (NCTD) displayed a more significant proliferation inhibitory effect against Vem-resistant melanoma cells (A375R) than the parental melanoma cells (A375), which promised to be a therapeutic agent against BRAF V600E-mutated and acquired Vem-resistant melanoma. The metabolomics analysis showed that NCTD could, especially reverse the upregulation of pentose phosphate pathway and lipogenesis resulting from the Vem resistance. In addition, the transcriptomic analysis showed a dramatical downregulation in genes related to lipid metabolism and mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in A375R cells, but not in A375 cells, upon NCTD treatment. Moreover, NCTD upregulated butyrophilin (BTN) family genes, which played important roles in modulating T-cell response. Consistently, we found that Vem resistance led to an obvious elevation of the p-mTOR expression, which could be remarkably reduced by NCTD treatment. Taken together, NCTD may serve as a promising therapeutic option to resolve the problem of Vem resistance and to improve patient outcomes by combining with immunomodulatory therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- Department of Geriatric Oncology, Dalian Friendship Hospital, Dalian, China
| | - Wuxiyar Otkur
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Aman Wang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Wen Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Yitong Lyu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Lei Fang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Dalian, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiu Shan
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Mingzhou Song
- Department of Computer Science, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
- Graduate Program in Molecular Biology and Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
| | - Yan Feng
- Department of Geriatric Oncology, Dalian Friendship Hospital, Dalian, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hai-Long Piao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- *Correspondence: Hai-Long Piao, ; Ji-Wei Liu, ; Huan Qi,
| | - Huan Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- *Correspondence: Hai-Long Piao, ; Ji-Wei Liu, ; Huan Qi,
| | - Ji-Wei Liu
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- *Correspondence: Hai-Long Piao, ; Ji-Wei Liu, ; Huan Qi,
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2
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Chen X, Cai X, Zheng D, Huang X, Chen Y, Deng T, Mo L, Li H, Li J, Chen S. Norcantharidin counteracts acquired everolimus resistance in renal cell carcinoma by dual inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 and complex 2 pathways in Vitro. Anticancer Drugs 2022; 33:e94-e102. [PMID: 34261913 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Everolimus, an oral mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) inhibitor, presents a therapeutic option in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients who were intolerant to, or previously failed, immune- and vascular endothelial growth factor-targeted therapies. However, the onset of drug resistance limits its clinical use. One possible mechanism underpinning the resistance is that inhibiting mTORC1 by everolimus results in mTORC2-dependent activation of v-Akt murine thymoma viral oncogene (AKT) and upregulation of hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIF). Norcantharidin (NCTD) is a demethylated derivative of cantharidin with antitumor properties which is an active ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicine Mylabris. In this study, everolimus-resistant RCC cells (786-O-R) obtained by chronic everolimus treatment revealed higher level of HIF2α and over-activated mTORC2 pathway and NCTD inhibits cell proliferation in both everolimus-resistant and -sensitive RCC cells by arresting cell cycle in G0/G1 phase and reducing cell cycle-related proteins of C-Myc and cyclin D. Furthermore, NCTD shows synergistic anticancer effects combined with everolimus in everolimus-resistant 786-O-R cells. Mechanically, NCTD repressed both mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling pathways as well as downstream molecular signaling pathways, such as p-4EBP1, p-AKT, HIF1α and HIF2α. Our findings provide sound evidence that combination of NCTD and everolimus is a potential therapeutic strategy for treating RCC and overcoming everolimus resistance by dual inhibition of mTORC1 and mTORC2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinglu Chen
- Department of Urology
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou
| | - Xiangsheng Cai
- Center for Medical Experiments, University of Chinese Academy of Science-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong
| | - Dianpeng Zheng
- Institute of Genetic, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
| | | | | | | | - Lijun Mo
- Institute of Biotherapy, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongwei Li
- Institute of Genetic, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
| | - Jinlong Li
- Institute of Biotherapy, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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3
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Pan MS, Cao J, Fan YZ. Insight into norcantharidin, a small-molecule synthetic compound with potential multi-target anticancer activities. Chin Med 2020; 15:55. [PMID: 32514288 PMCID: PMC7260769 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-020-00338-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD) is a demethylated derivative of cantharidin, which is an anticancer active ingredient of traditional Chinese medicine, and is currently used clinically as a routine anti-cancer drug in China. Clarifying the anticancer effect and molecular mechanism of NCTD is critical for its clinical application. Here, we summarized the physiological, chemical, pharmacokinetic characteristics and clinical applications of NCTD. Besides, we mainly focus on its potential multi-target anticancer activities and underlying mechanisms, and discuss the problems existing in clinical application and scientific research of NCTD, so as to provide a potential anticancer therapeutic agent for human malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Su Pan
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jin Cao
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue-Zu Fan
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065 People’s Republic of China
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Nazim UM, Yin H, Park SY. Downregulation of c‑FLIP and upregulation of DR‑5 by cantharidin sensitizes TRAIL‑mediated apoptosis in prostate cancer cells via autophagy flux. Int J Mol Med 2020; 46:280-288. [PMID: 32319535 PMCID: PMC7255450 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apop-tosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), a type II transmembrane protein, is a part of the TNF superfamily of cytokines. Cantharidin, a type of terpenoid, is extracted from the blister beetles (Mylabris genus) used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Cantharidin elicits antibiotic, antiviral and antitumor effects, and can affect the immune response. The present study demonstrated that a cantharidin and TRAIL combination treatment regimen elicited a synergistic outcome in TRAIL-resistant DU145 cells. Notably, it was also identified that cantharidin treatment initiated the downregulation of cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) and upregulation of death receptor 5 (DR-5), and sensitized cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis by initiating autophagy flux. In addition, cantharidin treatment increased lipid-modified microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B expression and significantly attenuated sequestosome 1 expression. Attenuation of autophagy flux by a specific inhibitor such as chloroquine and genetic modification using ATG5 small interfering RNA abrogated the cantharidin-mediated TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Overall, the results of the present study revealed that cantharidin effectively sensitized cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis and its effects are likely to be mediated by autophagy, the downregulation of c-FLIP and the upregulation of DR-5. They also suggested that the combination of cantharidin and TRAIL may be a successful therapeutic strategy for TRAIL-resistant prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uddin Md Nazim
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Biosafety Research Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Honghua Yin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Biosafety Research Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Youel Park
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Biosafety Research Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54596, Republic of Korea
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Chi J, Jiang Z, Chen X, Peng Y, Liu W, Han B, Han B. Studies on anti-hepatocarcinoma effect, pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of carboxymethyl chitosan based norcantharidin conjugates. Carbohydr Polym 2019; 226:115297. [PMID: 31582090 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.115297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Aiming to enhance therapeutic efficiency and reduce toxic effect of norcantharidin (NCTD), NCTD-conjugated carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) conjugates (CNC) were prepared and evaluated for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. In vitro cellular assays revealed that CNC conjugates possessed potent inhibitory effects on the proliferation and migration of BEL-7402 cells. Besides, CNC could change nuclear morphology of tumor cells. In comparison with free NCTD at equivalent dose, CNC exerted enhanced therapeutic efficiency and diminished systemic toxicity in H22 tumor-bearing mice with a tumor inhibition rate of 56.20%. Further investigation about pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis indicated that CNC showed a longer retention time in blood circulation and reduced distribution in heart and kidney tissues, thereby exerting different antitumor efficacy and toxicity compared with free NCTD. Our results suggested that CNC conjugates based on CMCS as polymer carriers might be used as a potential clinical alternative for NCTD in tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhua Chi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biomedical Materials, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, PR China
| | - Zhiwen Jiang
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biomedical Materials, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266235, PR China
| | - Xiaotong Chen
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biomedical Materials, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, PR China
| | - Yanfei Peng
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biomedical Materials, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266235, PR China
| | - Wanshun Liu
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biomedical Materials, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, PR China
| | - Baosan Han
- Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, PR China.
| | - Baoqin Han
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biomedical Materials, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266235, PR China.
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Li L, Zhu L, Zhu J, Fan X, Ye X. Mechanisms of inhibiting human leukemia cell lines by serum of rats treated with compound banmao capsule. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:4092-4098. [PMID: 28989536 PMCID: PMC5620485 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Compound banmao capsule (CBC) is a traditional Chinese medicinal formula composed of extracts from 11 organisms. The present study investigated the mechanism of CBC on the biological behavior of human leukemia cell lines using seropharmacological methods. CBC-containing rat serum was prepared by intragastrical administration of CBC to rats. The proliferation of human leukemia HL60 and K562 cell lines was assayed by measuring cell viability with the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium method, while cell cycle distribution and the rate of apoptosis were evaluated with flow cytometry. The mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and chemotactic and inflammatory genes in human leukemia cell lines was examined using reverse transcription quantitative-polymerase chain reaction methods. It was revealed that the proliferation of K562 and HL60 cells was significantly inhibited by the CBC-containing rat serum at 72 h. The CBC-containing serum also promoted the apoptosis of K562 and HL60 cell lines. The CBC-containing serum altered the cell cycle progression of K562 and HL60, increasing the proportion of the cells in G1 phase and decreasing the proportion of the cells in S phase. Attenuated expression of VEGF-A and a decreasing trend in the expression of chemotactic and inflammatory genes were identified following treatment with CBC-containing serum in HL60 and K562 cells. In conclusion, CBC-containing serum exerted an inhibitory effect on the growth of K562 and HL60 cells by decreasing cellular proliferation, promoting apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, and decreasing the expression of VEGF-A, and chemotactic and inflammatory genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Lixia Zhu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Jingjing Zhu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofen Fan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Xiujin Ye
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
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Liu X, Tao X, Zheng Q, Xu H, Zhang Y, Lei T, Yin T, He H, Tang X. Development and validation of an LC-ESI-MS/MS approach to determine a highly hydrophobic drug, norcantharidin palmitate, and apply to a preliminary pharmacokinetic study in rats. Biomed Chromatogr 2017; 31. [PMID: 28500645 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.4010] [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: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 04/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In order to investigate the pharmacokinetics of norcantharidin palmitate (NCTD-PAL) in rats, we developed and validated an LC-ESI-MS/MS method. The NCTD-PAL and internal standard (triamcinoloneacetonide palmitate, TAP) were separated on a Phenomenex Kinetex®XB C18 column, and the mobile phase was composed of tetrahydrofuran (THF)-acetonitrile (20/80, v/v) and an aqueous phase containing 0.2% ammonium hydroxide at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The ESI interface operated in positive mode was used to acquire the mass spectrometric data, and the transition ions were m/z 635.50 → 168.95 and 673.65 → 397.13 for NCTD-PAL and IS, respectively. The method had a linear range of 10-2000 ng/mL with a correlation coefficient of >0.99. The accuracy (RE, %) was within ±10.1%, and the intra- and inter-day precisions (RSD, %) were 10.9 and 13.8%, respectively. The extraction recovery of NCTD-PAL at different concentrations ranged from 89.3 to 102.0%. The validated approach was efficaciously applied to a pharmacokinetic study of NCTD-PAL in rats via intravenous injection. Based on these results obtained, this method is practical and suitable for a wide range of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoguang Tao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Zheng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Hang Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Kanion Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Lei
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Yin
- School of Functional food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.,School of Chinese Materia Media, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Haibing He
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing Tang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
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Ren Y, Zhang SW, Xie ZH, Xu XM, Chen LL, Lou ZG, Weng GB, Yao XP. Cantharidin induces G2/M arrest and triggers apoptosis in renal cell carcinoma. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:5614-5618. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Wang W, Deng L, Hu C, Zhang Y, Li Y, Zuo S. Synthesis of Isoxazole‐Linked Norcantharidin Analogues of Substituted Chromones. J Heterocycl Chem 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/jhet.2767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering InstituteShaoxing University Shaoxing 312000 People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Supor Pharmaceuticals Shaoxing 312000 People's Republic of China
| | - Liping Deng
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering InstituteShaoxing University Shaoxing 312000 People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Supor Pharmaceuticals Shaoxing 312000 People's Republic of China
| | - Chunqi Hu
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering InstituteShaoxing University Shaoxing 312000 People's Republic of China
| | - Yaohong Zhang
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering InstituteShaoxing University Shaoxing 312000 People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Li
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering InstituteShaoxing University Shaoxing 312000 People's Republic of China
| | - Shufeng Zuo
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering InstituteShaoxing University Shaoxing 312000 People's Republic of China
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Zeng L, Zhang Y. Development, optimization and in vitro evaluation of norcantharidin loadedself-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (NCTD-SNEDDS). Pharm Dev Technol 2016; 22:399-408. [PMID: 27487261 DOI: 10.1080/10837450.2016.1219915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This study focused on developing a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) containing bioactive surfactants under an efficient screening approach for overcoming problems associated with the delivery of norcantharidin (NCTD), a high dose chemotherapy agent having pH dependent solubility. Preliminary screening was implemented to select proper components combination. Besides the solubility of NCTD in the oil phase, emulsifying efficiency, droplet size and size distribution were also employed to select components of the SNEDDS. Moreover, the influence of surfactant and co-surfactant on the interfacial tension and droplets of nanoemulsions were investigated to further understand the mechanism of spontaneous emulsification. Co-surfactant addition promoted the emulsification via reducing the water/oil interfacial tension and viscosity. Ternary phase diagrams were constructed to investigate the phase behavior and designate the optimum systems. The alternative formulations were characterized for cloud point, dilution robustness, droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In vitro dissolution study showed that the dissolution rate of optimized formulation (NCTD 10 mg/g, EO 50 wt.%, Cremophor EL 35 wt.%, ethylene glycol 15 wt.%) was slower than drug suspension under the same conditions, confirming that the developed SNEDDS formulation would exhibit sustained release potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Zeng
- a Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, Ministry of Education , College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University , Yangling , China
| | - Yalin Zhang
- a Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, Ministry of Education , College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University , Yangling , China
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Le AP, Zhang LL, Liu W, Shi YF. Cantharidin inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis through G2/M phase cell cycle arrest in hepatocellular carcinoma stem cells. Oncol Rep 2016; 35:2970-6. [PMID: 26986084 DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.4684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was designed to investigate the effect of cantharidin on cell proliferation, ability of selfrenewal, cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis in HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma stem cells (HCSCs). It was observed that cantharidin treatment exhibited dose- and time-dependent inhibitory effect on the viability of HCSCs. The inhibition of cell viability by cantharidin in HepG2 CD133+ and parental cells was significant at the concentration 5 and 15 µM, respectively after 48 h. Cantharidin treatment inhibited the self-renewal ability of the HCSCs and the expression of β-catenin and cyclin D1. Flow cytometry revealed that cantharidin treatment at 5 µM concentration significantly increased the cell population in G2/M phase and decreased the population in the G1 phase. Cantharidin treatment in the HCSCs for 48 h increased expression of histone H2AX, Myt1, cyclin A2, cyclin B1, p53 and cdc2 (Tyr15) phosphorylation significantly compared to the parental cells. Exposure of the HCSCs to cantharidin for 48 h at a concentration of 5 µM caused a significant increase in the proportion of apoptotic cells. Therefore, cantharidin is a promising agent for the hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ping Le
- Department of Blood Transfusion, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Lun-Li Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Fei Shi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
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Pachuta-Stec A, Szuster-Ciesielska A. New Norcantharidin Analogs: Synthesis and Anticancer Activity. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2015; 348:897-907. [PMID: 26548647 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.201500255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The reaction of direct condensation between S-ethyl-N-(7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]heptane-2,3-dicarbonyl)isothiosemicarbazide (1) and primary amines was used for synthesizing new N-substituted amides of 3-(3-ethylthio-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)-7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]heptane-2-carboxylic acid (2-12) as norcantharadin analogs. Moreover, the anticancer activity of the obtained compounds was studied. Among all compounds, the N-3-methylbutyl amide of 3-(3-ethylthio-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)-7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]heptane-2-carboxylic acid (4) presented selective in vitro toxic and antiproliferative effects against the human hepatoma cell line Hep3B, without affecting normal human liver stellate cells (LX-2 cell line).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pachuta-Stec
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Szuster-Ciesielska
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
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A potential small-molecule synthetic antilymphangiogenic agent norcantharidin inhibits tumor growth and lymphangiogenesis of human colonic adenocarcinomas through blocking VEGF-A,-C,-D/VEGFR-2,-3 "multi-points priming" mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. BMC Cancer 2015; 15:527. [PMID: 26187792 PMCID: PMC4506614 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-015-1521-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tumor lymphangiogenesis plays an important role in promoting growth and metastasis of tumors, but no antilymphangiogenic agent is used clinically. Based on the effect of norcantharidin (NCTD) on lymphangiogenesis of human lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), we firstly investigated the antilymphangiogenic activity of NCTD as a tumor lymphangiogenic inhibitor for human colonic adenocarcinomas (HCACs). Methods In vivo and in vitro experiments to determine the effects of NCTD on tumor growth and lymphangiogenesis of the in-situ colonic xenografts in nude mice, and lymphatic tube formation of the three-dimensional (3-D) of the co-culture system of HCAC HT-29 cells and LECs were done. Proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, Ki-67, Bcl-2 and cell cycle of LECs and the co-culture system in vitro were respectively determined. Streparidin-peroxidase staining, SABC, western blotting and RT-PCR were respectively used to examine the expression of LYVE-1, D2-40, CK20 (including their LMVD), and VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 in vitro and in vivo. Results NCTD inhibited tumor growth and lymphangiogenesis of the in-situ colonic xenografts in vivo, and these observations were confirmed by facts that lymphatic tube formation, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, S-phase cell cycle, and Ki-67 and Bcl-2 expression in vitro, and LYVE-1, D2-40, CK20 expression and their LMVD in vitro and in vivo were inhibited and affected. Furthermore, the expression of VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 at protein/mRNA levels in the process of lymphatic tube formation in vitro and tumor lymphangiogenesis in vivo was downregulated; NCTD in combination with mF4-31C1 or Sorafenib enhanced these effects. Conclusions NCTD inhibits tumor growth and lymphangiogenesis of HCACs through “multi-points priming” mechanisms i.e. affecting related malignant phenotypes, inhibiting Ki-67 and Bcl-2 expression, inducing S-phase cell cycle arrest, and directly or indirectly downregulating VEGF-A,-C,-D/VEGFR-2,-3 signaling pathways. The present finding strongly suggests that NCTD could serve as a potential antilymphangiogenic agent for tumor lymphangiogenesis and is of importance to explore NCTD is used for antitumor metastatic comprehensive therapy for HCACs.
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Xi Y, Garshott D, Brownell A, Yoo G, Lin HS, Freeburg T, Yoo N, Kaufman R, Callaghan M, Fribley A. Cantharidins induce ER stress and a terminal unfolded protein response in OSCC. J Dent Res 2015; 94:320-9. [PMID: 25425581 PMCID: PMC4300301 DOI: 10.1177/0022034514559376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mortality and morbidity associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain unacceptably high with disfiguring treatment options and a death rate of 1 per hour in the United States. The approval of cituximab for advanced OSCC has been the only new treatment for these patients since the 1970s, although it has not significantly increased overall survival. To address the paucity of effective new therapies, we undertook a high-throughput screen to discover small molecules and natural products that could induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and enforce a terminal unfolded protein response (UPR) in OSCC. The terpenoid cantharidin (CNT), previously used to treat various malignancies in culture-specific medical practices for over 2,000 y, emerged as a hit. CNT and its analog, cantharidic acid, potently induced protein and gene expression profiles consistent with the activation of ER stress, the UPR, and apoptosis in OSCC cells. Murine embryonic fibroblasts null for the UPR-associated transcription factors Atf4 or Chop were significantly protected from CNT, implicating a key role for the UPR in the death response. These data validate that our high-throughput screen can identify novel modulators of UPR signaling and that such compounds might provide a new therapeutic approach to treating patients with OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y. Xi
- The Key Laboratory of Pathiobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Carmen and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - D.M. Garshott
- Carmen and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - A.L. Brownell
- Carmen and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - G.H. Yoo
- Department of Otolaryngology, Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - H.-S. Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology, Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - T.L. Freeburg
- Department of Otolaryngology, Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - N.G. Yoo
- Department of Otolaryngology, Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - R.J. Kaufman
- Degenerative Diseases Program, Sanford|Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, CA and Department of Pharmacology, University of California Medical Center, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - M.U. Callaghan
- Carmen and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - A.M. Fribley
- Carmen and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
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ZHU WEI, SUN WEI, ZHANG JINGTAO, LIU ZHONGYAN, LI XINPING, FAN YUEZU. Norcantharidin enhances TIMP-2 anti-vasculogenic mimicry activity for human gallbladder cancers through downregulating MMP-2 and MT1-MMP. Int J Oncol 2014; 46:627-40. [DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2014.2753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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A highly stable norcantharidin loaded lipid microspheres: Preparation, biodistribution and targeting evaluation. Int J Pharm 2014; 473:475-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2014.07.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Revised: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Wang H, Sun W, Zhang WZ, Ge CY, Zhang JT, Liu ZY, Fan YZ. Inhibition of tumor vasculogenic mimicry and prolongation of host survival in highly aggressive gallbladder cancers by norcantharidin via blocking the ephrin type a receptor 2/focal adhesion kinase/paxillin signaling pathway. PLoS One 2014; 9:e96982. [PMID: 24811250 PMCID: PMC4014585 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a newly-defined tumor microcirculation pattern in highly aggressive malignant tumors. We recently reported tumor growth and VM formation of gallbladder cancers through the contribution of the ephrin type a receptor 2 (EphA2)/focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/Paxillin signaling pathways. In this study, we further investigated the anti-VM activity of norcantharidin (NCTD) as a VM inhibitor for gallbladder cancers and the underlying mechanisms. In vivo and in vitro experiments to determine the effects of NCTD on tumor growth, host survival, VM formation of GBC-SD nude mouse xenografts, and vasculogenic-like networks, malignant phenotypes i.e., proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration of GBC-SD cells. Expression of VM signaling-related markers EphA2, FAK and Paxillin in vivo and in vitro were examined by immunofluorescence, western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. The results showed that after treatment with NCTD, GBC-SD cells were unable to form VM structures when injecting into nude mouse, growth of the xenograft was inhibited and these observations were confirmed by facts that VM formation by three-dimensional (3-D) matrix, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration of GBC-SD cells were affected; and survival time of the xenograft mice was prolonged. Furthermore, expression of EphA2, FAK and Paxillin proteins/mRNAs of the xenografts was downregulated. Thus, we concluded that NCTD has potential anti-VM activity against human gallbladder cancers; one of the underlying mechanisms may be via blocking the EphA2/FAK/Paxillin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Zhong Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Hospital, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Chun-Yan Ge
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Yangpu Geriatric Hospital, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Jing-Tao Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Zhong-Yan Liu
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yue-Zu Fan
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, P.R. China
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Yan F, Li B, Shen F, Fu Q. Formulation and characterization of albumin microspheres containing norcantharidate for liver tumor targeting. Drug Deliv 2014; 22:862-8. [DOI: 10.3109/10717544.2014.898715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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19
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Zhang JT, Sun W, Zhang WZ, Ge CY, Liu ZY, Zhao ZM, Lu XS, Fan YZ. Norcantharidin inhibits tumor growth and vasculogenic mimicry of human gallbladder carcinomas by suppression of the PI3-K/MMPs/Ln-5γ2 signaling pathway. BMC Cancer 2014; 14:193. [PMID: 24628713 PMCID: PMC3985599 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a novel tumor blood supply in some highly aggressive malignant tumors. Recently, we reported VM existed in gallbladder carcinomas (GBCs) and the formation of the special passage through the activation of the PI3K/MMPs/Ln-5γ2 signaling pathway. GBC is a highly aggressive malignant tumor with disappointing treatments and a poor prognosis. Norcantharidin (NCTD) has shown to have multiple antitumor activities against GBCs, etc; however the exact mechanism is not thoroughly elucidated. In this study, we firstly investigated the anti-VM activity of NCTD as a VM inhibitor for GBCs and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS In vitro and in vivo experiments to determine the effects of NCTD on proliferation, invasion, migration, VM formation, hemodynamic and tumor growth of GBC-SD cells and xenografts were respectively done by proliferation, invasion, migration assays, H&E staining and CD31-PAS double stainings, optic/electron microscopy, tumor assay, and dynamic micro-MRA. Further, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Western blotting and RT-PCR were respectively used to examine expression of VM signaling-related markers PI3-K, MMP-2, MT1-MMP and Ln-5γ2 in GBC-SD cells and xenografts in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS After treatment with NCTD, proliferation, invasion, migration of GBC-SD cells were inhibited; GBC-SD cells and xenografts were unable to form VM-like structures; tumor center-VM region of the xenografts exhibited a decreased signal in intensity; then cell or xenograft growth was inhibited. Whereas all of untreated GBC-SD cells and xenografts formed VM-like structures with the same conditions; the xenograft center-VM region exhibited a gradually increased signal; and facilitated cell or xenograft growth. Furthermore, expression of MMP-2 and MT1-MMP products from sections/supernates of 3-D matrices and the xenografts, and expression of PI3-K, MMP-2, MM1-MMP and Ln-5γ2 proteins/mRNAs of the xenografts were all decreased in NCTD or TIMP-2 group; (all P < 0.01, vs. control group); NCTD down-regulated expression of these VM signaling-related markers in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS NCTD inhibited tumor growth and VM of human GBCs in vitro and in vivo by suppression of the PI3-K/MMPs/Ln-5γ2 signaling pathway. It is firstly concluded that NCTD may be a potential anti-VM agent for human GBCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yue-Zu Fan
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, P,R, China.
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Shen B, He PJ, Shao CL. Norcantharidin induced DU145 cell apoptosis through ROS-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and energy depletion. PLoS One 2013; 8:e84610. [PMID: 24367681 PMCID: PMC3868658 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD), a demethylated analog of cantharidin derived from blister beetles, has attracted considerable attentions in recent years due to their definitely toxic properties and the noteworthy advantages in stimulating bone marrow and increasing the peripheral leukocytes. Hence, it is worth studying the anti-tumor effect of NCTD on human prostate cancer cells DU145. It was found that after the treatment of NCTD with different concentrations (25-100 μM), the cell proliferation was significantly inhibited, which led to the appearance of micronucleus (MN). Moreover, the cells could be killed in a dose-/ time-dependent manner along with the reduction of PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) expression, destruction of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), down-regulation of MnSOD, induction of ROS, depletion of ATP, and activation of AMPK (Adenosine 5‘-monophosphate -activated protein kinase) . In addition, a remarkable release of cytochrome c was found in the cells exposed to 100 μM NCTD and exogenous SOD-PEG could eliminate the generation of NCTD-induced MN. In conclusion, our studies indicated that NCTD could induce the collapse of MMP and mitochondria dysfunction. Accumulation of intercellular ROS could eventually switch on the apoptotic pathway by causing DNA damage and depleting ATP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Shen
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (C-LS); (BS)
| | - Pei-Jie He
- Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chun-Lin Shao
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (C-LS); (BS)
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Norcantharidin, derivative of cantharidin, for cancer stem cells. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:838651. [PMID: 24073010 PMCID: PMC3773992 DOI: 10.1155/2013/838651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2013] [Revised: 07/28/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) existing in human cancers have been demonstrated to be a major cause of cancer treatment resistance, invasion, metastasis, and relapse. Self-renewal pathways, Wnt/β-catenin, Sonic hedgehog (Shh), and the Notch signaling pathway play critical roles in developing CSCs and lead to angiogenesis, migration, invasion, and metastasis. Multidrug resistance (MDR) is an unfavorable factor causing the failure of treatments against cancer cells. The most important and thoroughly studied mechanism involved in MDR is the active efflux of chemotherapeutic agents through membrane drug transporters. There is growing evidence that Norcantharidin (NCTD), a water-soluble synthetic small molecule derivative of naturally occurring cantharidin from the medicinal insect blister beetle (Mylabris phalerata Pallas), is capable of chemoprevention and tumor inhibition. We summarize investigations into the modulation of self-renewal pathways and MDR in CSCs by NCTD. This review may aid in further investigation of using NCTD to develop more effective strategies for cancer treatment to reduce resistance and recurrence.
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Suppressions of Migration and Invasion by Cantharidin in TSGH-8301 Human Bladder Carcinoma Cells through the Inhibitions of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2/-9 Signaling. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:190281. [PMID: 23431332 PMCID: PMC3568914 DOI: 10.1155/2013/190281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis becomes an initial cause of cancer death in human population. In many cancers, it has been shown that the high levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and/or MMP-9 are associated with the invasive phenotypes of cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of cantharidin, a derivative of blister beetles which is one of the traditional Chinese medicines, on the adhesion, migration, and invasion of human bladder cancer TSGH-8301 cells. Cantharidin effectively suppressed TSGH-8301 cell adhesion, migration, and invasion in a concentration-dependent manner. Results from Western blotting, RT-PCR, and gelatin zymography assays indicated that cantharidin blocked the protein levels, gene expression (mRNA), and activities of MMP-2 and -9 in TSGH-8301 cells. Cantharidin also significantly suppressed the protein expressions of p-p38 and p-JNK1/2 in TSGH-8301 cells. Taken together, cantharidin was suggested to present antimetastatic potential via suppressing the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression that might be mediated by targeting the p38 and JNK1/2 MAPKs pathway in TSGH-8301 human bladder cancer cells.
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Zhang F, Zheng XL, Lin QY, Wang PP, Song WJ. Two novel cadmium(II) complexes with demethylcantharate and polypyridyl: Crystal structure, interactions with DNA and bovine serum albumin. Inorganica Chim Acta 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ica.2012.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Zhang F, Lin QY, Li SK, Zhao YL, Wang PP, Chen MM. Synthesis, interaction with DNA and bovine serum albumin of the transition metal complexes of demethylcantharate and 2-aminobenzothiazole. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2012; 98:436-443. [PMID: 22995471 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2012.08.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Revised: 08/17/2012] [Accepted: 08/24/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Four new transition metal complexes (Habtz)(2)[M(DCA)(2)]·6H(2)O (M=Co(II) (1), Ni(II) (2), Cu(II) (3), Zn(II) (4); DCA=demethylcantharate, 7-oxabicyclo [2.2.1]heptane-2,3-dicarboxylate, C(8)H(8)O(5); Habtz=2-aminobenzothiazole acid, C(7)H(7)N(2)S) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, infrared spectra and thermogravimetric analysis. The coordination number of complex was six. The X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that complex 3 crystallized in the triclinic crystal system with P1¯ space group. The DNA-binding properties of the complexes were investigated by electronic absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra, viscosity measurements. Title complexes could bind to DNA via partial intercalative mode. The K(b) of the complexes were 5.33×10(4) (1), 7.04×10(4) (2), 9.91×10(4) (3) and 5.03×10(4) L mol(-1) (4). The results of agarose gel electrophoresis showed that Cu(II) complex could cleave pBR322 plasmid DNA via radical-based mechanism. The complexes could quench the intrinsic fluorescence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) through a static quenching with the binding constants K(a) of 1.11×10(4) (1), 1.24×10(6) (2), 8.42×10(5) (3) and 1.75×10(4) L mol(-1) (4). The complexes had intense antiproliferative activities against human hepatoma cell lines (SMMC7721) and human gastric cancer cells (MGC80-3) lines in vitro. Cu(II) complex had the strongest activity against human gastric cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Reactive Chemistry on Solid Surfaces, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, PR China
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Lin X, Zhang B, Zhang K, Zhang Y, Wang J, Qi N, Yang S, He H, Tang X. Preclinical evaluations of norcantharidin-loaded intravenous lipid microspheres with low toxicity. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2012; 9:1449-62. [PMID: 22971185 DOI: 10.1517/17425247.2012.724675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to perform a systematic preclinical evaluation of norcantharidin (NCTD)-loaded intravenous lipid microspheres (NLM). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, antitumor efficacy and drug safety assessment (including acute toxicity, subchronic toxicity, hemolysis testing, intravenous stimulation and injection anaphylaxis) of NLM were carried out in comparison with the commercial product disodium norcantharidate injection (NI). RESULTS The pharmacokinetics of NLM in rats was similar to that of NI, and a non-linear correlation was observed between AUC and dose. A comparable antitumor efficacy of NLM and NI was observed in mice inoculated with A549, BEL7402 and BCAP-37 cell lines. It was worth noting that the NLM produced a lower drug concentration in heart compared with NI, and significantly reduced the cardiac and renal toxicity. The LD(50) of NLM was twice higher than that of NI. In NLM, over 80% of NCTD was loaded in the lipid phase or bound with phospholipids. Thus, NCTD was sequestered by direct contacting with body fluids and largely avoided distribution into tissues, consequently leading to significantly reduced cardiac and renal toxicity. CONCLUSIONS These preclinical results suggested that NLM could be a useful potential carrier for parenteral administration of NCTD, while providing a superior safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Lin
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Department of Pharmaceutics Science, Wenhua Road 103 Shenyang 110016 Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
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Yeh CH, Yang YY, Huang YF, Chow KC, Chen MF. Induction of apoptosis in human Hep3B hepatoma cells by norcantharidin through a p53 independent pathway via TRAIL/DR5 signal transduction. Chin J Integr Med 2012; 18:676-82. [DOI: 10.1007/s11655-012-1206-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Liu ZY, Qiu HO, Yuan XJ, Ni YY, Sun JJ, Jing W, Fan YZ. Suppression of lymphangiogenesis in human lymphatic endothelial cells by simultaneously blocking VEGF-C and VEGF-D/VEGFR-3 with norcantharidin. Int J Oncol 2012; 41:1762-72. [PMID: 22922710 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2012.1603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2012] [Accepted: 07/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymph node metastasis of tumors is a crucial early step in the metastatic process. Tumor lymphangiogenesis plays an important role in promoting tumor metastasis to regional lymph nodes. Norcantharidin (NCTD) has been reported to possess potent anti-angiogenesis and antitumor properties in several cell lines and xenograft tumor models. However, its role in tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effect of NCTD on proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and the lymphatic tube formation, lymphangiogenesis, of human lymphatic endothelial cells (HLECs) in vitro by MTT, proliferation assay, Hoechst staining and flow cytometry, scraping line method, Matrigel invasion assay, inverted or fluorescence microscope and transmission electron microscope. Moreover, the underlying mechanisms, such as VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGFR-3 at protein and mRNA levels in lymphangiogenesis using 3-dimensional (3-D) culture of HLECs were measured by immunohistochemistry, western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). It was shown that NCTD inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion and lymphatic tube formation (forming-lymphatic and/or formed-lymphatic) of HLECs, induced HLEC apoptosis (all P<0.01) significantly, in a dose- and time-dependent manner (IC50 6.8 µg/ml); and downregulated the expression of VEGF-C, VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 at protein or/and mRNA levels (P<0.01) in HLEC lymphatic tube formation. Thus, we identified for the first time that NCTD inhibited HLEC lymphangiogenesis by simultaneously blocking VEGF-C and VEGF-D/VEGFR-3 in vitro. The present findings may be of importance to explore the therapeutical target or strategy of NCTD for tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Yan Liu
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
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Liu D, Shi P, Yin X, Chen Z, Zhang X. Effect of norcantharidin on the human breast cancer Bcap-37 cells. Connect Tissue Res 2012; 53:508-12. [PMID: 22606958 DOI: 10.3109/03008207.2012.694928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD), a chemically modified form of cantharidin, is a potential anticancer drug. In this study, the effects of NCTD on the cellular viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and DNA damage in the human breast cancer cell line Bcap-37 were investigated with confocal and fluorescence microscopy. The cell cycle was further analyzed using the CellQuest software of a Becton-Dickinson FACS flow cytometer. The results indicated that the cellular viability was decreased with the growing concentrations of NCTD and time exposure. Moreover, the fluorescence intensity of ROS was increased, whereas the MMP was decreased in Bcap-37 cells with the growing concentrations of NCTD. NCTD induced a dose-dependent DNA damage and reduced the G1 peak in Bcap-37 cells. The G2/M peak of Bcap-37 was also decreased by the higher concentration of NCTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongwu Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
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Bei YY, Chen XY, Liu Y, Xu JY, Wang WJ, Gu ZL, Xing KL, Zhu AJ, Chen WL, Shi LS, Wang Q, Zhang XN, Zhang Q. Novel norcantharidin-loaded liver targeting chitosan nanoparticles to enhance intestinal absorption. Int J Nanomedicine 2012; 7:1819-27. [PMID: 22619530 PMCID: PMC3356165 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s29958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, two novel liver-targeting nanoparticles, norcantharidin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (NCTD-CS-NPs) and norcantharidin-associated galactosylated chitosan nanoparticles (NCTD-GC-NPs), were prepared using ionic cross-linkage. The physical properties, particle size, encapsulation efficiency, and drug release characteristics of the nanoparticles were investigated in vitro. To investigate the intestinal absorption mechanisms of the two preparations, a series of experiments was carried out, including in situ circulation method, in vitro everted gut sacs, and Ussing chamber perfusion technique. The absorption rate constants (Ka) of NCTD at different segments were found to be duodenum > jejunum > ileum > colon. The concentration had no distinctive effect on absorption kinetics, suggesting that drug absorption is not dose-dependent. The transport of NCTD was found to be inhibited by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitor, indicating that NCTD might be the substrate of P-gp. The order of the absorption enhancer effects were as follows: low molecular weight chitosan (CS-8kDa) > high molecular weight chitosan (CS-30kDa) > Poloxamer > sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) > sodium deoxycholate (SDCh). The results indicate that the chitosan nanoparticles can improve intestinal absorption of NCTD.
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MESH Headings
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1/metabolism
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/administration & dosage
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/adverse effects
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacokinetics
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/administration & dosage
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/adverse effects
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/pharmacokinetics
- Chitosan/chemistry
- Drug Carriers/chemistry
- Drug Delivery Systems
- In Vitro Techniques
- Intestinal Absorption
- Liver/drug effects
- Liver/metabolism
- Male
- Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
- Nanomedicine
- Nanoparticles/chemistry
- Nanoparticles/ultrastructure
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-yan Bei
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou
| | - Xiao-yan Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou
| | - Yang Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou
| | - Jing-yu Xu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou
| | - Wen-juan Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou
| | - Zong-lin Gu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou
| | - Kong-lang Xing
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou
| | - Ai-jun Zhu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou
| | - Wei-liang Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou
| | - Lin-seng Shi
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou
| | - Qin Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou
| | - Xue-nong Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Peking University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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Qiu-Yue L, Yun-Yun W, Yun-Long F, Dong-Mei Y, Yan-Jun W, Fan Z. Crystal structure, DNA interaction, and antiproliferative activity of the cobalt(II) complex of demethylcantharate and imidazole. J COORD CHEM 2011. [DOI: 10.1080/00958972.2011.557150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Qiu-Yue
- a Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Reactive Chemistry on Solid Surfaces, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University , Jinhua , Zhejiang 321004 , China
- b College of Chemical and Life Science, Zhejiang Normal University , Jinhua , Zhejiang 321004 , China
| | - Wang Yun-Yun
- a Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Reactive Chemistry on Solid Surfaces, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University , Jinhua , Zhejiang 321004 , China
- b College of Chemical and Life Science, Zhejiang Normal University , Jinhua , Zhejiang 321004 , China
| | - Feng Yun-Long
- a Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Reactive Chemistry on Solid Surfaces, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University , Jinhua , Zhejiang 321004 , China
- b College of Chemical and Life Science, Zhejiang Normal University , Jinhua , Zhejiang 321004 , China
| | - Yan Dong-Mei
- c Institute of Materia Medica, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences , Hangzhou , Zhejiang 310013 , China
| | - Wang Yan-Jun
- b College of Chemical and Life Science, Zhejiang Normal University , Jinhua , Zhejiang 321004 , China
| | - Zhang Fan
- b College of Chemical and Life Science, Zhejiang Normal University , Jinhua , Zhejiang 321004 , China
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31
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Deng L, Tao W, Lv J, Wang W. Synthesis of novel pyrazole-linked norcantharidin derivatives of substituted aromatic amines with efficient 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. J Heterocycl Chem 2009. [DOI: 10.1002/jhet.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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32
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Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles as carriers for norcantharidin. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2009.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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33
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Reithofer MR, Valiahdi SM, Galanski M, Jakupec MA, Arion VB, Keppler BK. Novel endothall-containing platinum(IV) complexes: synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxic activity. Chem Biodivers 2008; 5:2160-2170. [PMID: 18972539 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.200890197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Two platinum(IV) complexes (OC-6-33)-dichlorido(ethane-1,2-diamine)dihydroxidoplatinum(IV) and (OC-6-33)-diammine(dichlorido)dihydroxidoplatinum(IV) were carboxylated using demethylcantharidin as carboxylation agent. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, multinuclear (1H, 13C, 15N, and 195Pt) NMR spectroscopy, and, in case of (OC-6-33)-diamminebis(3-carboxy-7exo-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-carboxylato)dichloridoplatinum(IV) via X-ray diffraction. Cytotoxicity of the complexes was studied in seven human cancer cell lines representing five tumor entities, i.e., ovarian carcinoma (CH1, SK-OV-3), cervical carcinoma (HeLa), colon carcinoma (SW480, HCT-116), osteosarcoma (U-2 OS), and hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep G2) by means of the MTT (=3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium hydrobromide) assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Reithofer
- University of Vienna, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Währinger Strasse 42, A-1090 Vienna
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34
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Sagawa M, Nakazato T, Uchida H, Ikeda Y, Kizaki M. Cantharidin induces apoptosis of human multiple myeloma cells via inhibition of the JAK/STAT pathway. Cancer Sci 2008; 99:1820-6. [PMID: 18544087 DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2008.00872.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma is an incurable B-cell malignancy requiring new therapeutic strategies in clinical settings. Interleukin (IL)-6 signaling pathways play a critical role in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma. The traditional Chinese medicine cantharidin (CTD) has been shown to inhibit cellular proliferation and induce apoptosis of various cancer cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of CTD as a novel therapeutic agent for the patients with multiple myeloma. We investigated the in vitro effects of CTD for its antimyeloma activity, and further examined the molecular mechanisms of CTD-induced apoptosis. CTD inhibited the cellular growth of human myeloma cell lines as well as freshly isolated myeloma cells in patients. Cultivation with CTD induced apoptosis of myeloma cells in a cell-cycle-independent manner. Treatment with CTD induced caspase-3, -8, and -9 activities, and it was completely blocked by each caspase inhibitor. We further examined the effect of CTD on the IL-6 signaling pathway in myeloma cells, and found that CTD inhibited phosphorylation of STAT3 at tyrosine 705 residue as early as 1 h after treatment and down-regulated the expression of the antiapoptotic bcl-xL protein. STAT3 directly bound and activated the transcription of bcl-xL gene promoter, resulting in the induction of the expression of bcl-xL in myeloma cells. The essential role of STAT3 in CTD effects was confirmed by transfection with the constitutively active and dominant negative form of STAT3 in U266 cells. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that CTD is a promising candidate to be a new therapeutic agent in signal transduction therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morihiko Sagawa
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinano-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
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35
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Cui DL, Chen W, Yao XX. Progress in the treatment of hepatitis B and digestive tumors with cantharidin and its analogues. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2008; 16:498-502. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v16.i5.498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Blister beetle or mylabris, pungent in flavor and toxic in nature, has been used for more than 2000 years as traditional Chinese medicine in China. Cantharidin, an active ingredient of the blister beetle, is an effective therapeutic agent against cancers of the liver, breast, esophagus, lung and intestine, etc. However, it is very toxic. Nocantharidin (NCTD), a derivative of cantharidin first synthesized in China, is a new anti-tumor drug with strong anti-tumor activities and increases the number of while blood cells. Cantharidin can be used in the treatment of hepatitis B and pointed condyloma. This paper reviews the progress in its clinical applications at home and abroad.
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36
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Liu FY, Li Y, Peng YM, Ye K, Li J, Liu YH, Duan SB, Ling GH, Xu XQ, Zhou LT. Norcantharidin ameliorates proteinuria, associated tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis in protein overload nephropathy. Am J Nephrol 2008; 28:465-77. [PMID: 18176075 DOI: 10.1159/000112850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2007] [Accepted: 10/26/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD), the demethylated analog of cantharidin isolated from Mylabris, is an anticancer drug routinely used against various human cancers in China. The aims of this study are to learn if NCTD has a protective action against severe proteinuria and consequent interstitial inflammation and fibrosis, and if the inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) by NCTD might be involved. Male Sprague-Dawley rats with protein overload nephropathy induced by intraperitoneally injected bovine serum albumin were used as a model. The histopathological examination of kidney tissue in the 9th week by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed that inflammatory cells had extensively infiltrated into the tubulointerstitial areas with interstitial fibrosis. The administration of NCTD at 0.1 mg/kg/day to the bovine-serum-albumin-injected animal models effectively reduced the proteinuria, and prevented the proteinuria-induced interstitial inflammation and fibrosis. Expressions of the NF-kappaB p65 subunit and CTGF, detected by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, were upregulated in protein overload nephropathy and were attenuated by NCTD. Inhibition of the expressions of the NF-kappaB p65 subunit and CTGF was one beneficial effect of NCTD. These results suggest that in addition to the antiproteinuric action of NCTD, due to its anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects as shown in the present study, it may become a therapeutic agent for proteinuria and its associated chronic inflammatory and fibrotic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu You Liu
- Division of Nephrology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Research Institute of Nephrology, Central-South University and Key Laboratory of Nephrology and Blood Purification in Hunan, Changsha, China
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37
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Liao HF, Su SL, Chen YJ, Chou CH, Kuo CD. Norcantharidin preferentially induces apoptosis in human leukemic Jurkat cells without affecting viability of normal blood mononuclear cells. Food Chem Toxicol 2007; 45:1678-87. [PMID: 17442474 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2007.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2006] [Revised: 10/27/2006] [Accepted: 03/02/2007] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD) is known to have anti-cancer potentials. The aim of this study was to assess the apoptosis-inducing effect of NCTD on human leukemic Jurkat cells. We found that NCTD preferentially inhibited the growth of Jurkat cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, but not the growth of normal blood mononuclear cells (MNC). Pretreatment with agonistic (CH-11) and antagonistic (ZB4) Fas antibodies on Jurkat cells showed that NCTD-induced apoptosis might not involve Fas-FasL signaling. Flow cytometric assay of Jurkat cells treated with NCTD showed a markedly increased sub-G1 DNA phase and cell cycle arrest at S phase. Western blot analysis of NCTD-treated cells showed increased expressions of cytochrome c, active caspase-9 and -3, and cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), but the expressions of Bcl-2, Bax and apoptosis-inducing factor were not increased. The transcription factor STAT1 was translocated from cytosol to nucleus. Pancaspase inhibitor z-VAD-FMK not only limited the level of sub-G1 phase, but also prevented the degradation of PARP in NCTD-treated cells. The NCTD-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were mediated through the regulation of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM), rather than P63 protein. The conditioned medium produced from human MNC (NCTD-MNC-CM) increased the percentage of apoptotic cells and the expression of PARP cleavage in Jurkat cells. Protein array assay of NCTD-MNC-CM showed 32.4- and 6.2-folds increases in TNF-alpha and GM-CSF, respectively, and the expression of MCP-1, GRO, RANTES and IL-10 was decreased. We conclude that NCTD can induce apoptosis in human leukemic Jurkat cells via a caspase-dependent pathway without affecting the viability of normal MNC, and that the apoptosis-inducing effect of NCTD can also be achieved by soluble cytokines produced from peripheral MNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Fen Liao
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Department of Research and Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan
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38
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Rauh R, Kahl S, Boechzelt H, Bauer R, Kaina B, Efferth T. Molecular biology of cantharidin in cancer cells. Chin Med 2007; 2:8. [PMID: 17610718 PMCID: PMC1934358 DOI: 10.1186/1749-8546-2-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2007] [Accepted: 07/04/2007] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Herbal medicine is one of the forms of traditional medical practice. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and traditional Vietnamese medicine (TVM) are well-known for their long-standing tradition of herbal medicine. Secreted by many species of blister beetle, most notably by the 'Spanish fly' (Lytta vesicatoria), cantharidin inhibits protein phosphatases 1 and 2A (PP1, PP2A). Blister beetle has been used in Asian traditional medicine to treat Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) infections and associated warts, and is now also used for cancer treatment. A combination of both genomic and postgenomic techniques was used in our studies to identify candidate genes affecting sensitivity or resistance to cantharidin. Cantharidin was not found to be related to multidrug resistance phenotype, suggesting its potential usefulness for the treatment of refractory tumors. Oxidative stress response genes diminish the activity of cantharidin by inducing DNA strand breaks which may be subject to base excision repair and induce apoptosis in a p53- and Bcl2-dependent manner. Cantharidin is one of many natural products used in traditional Chinese medicine and traditional Vietnamese medicine for cancer treatment. Combined methods of pharmaceutical biology and molecular biology can help elucidate modes of action of these natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolf Rauh
- State of Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Maryland, USA
| | - Stefan Kahl
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Rudolf Bauer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Bernd Kaina
- Institute of Toxicology, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Pharmaceutical Biology (C015), German Cancer Research Centre, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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39
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Deng L, Hu Y. 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction: Synthesis and configuration of norcantharidin derivatives of substituted aromatic amine. J Heterocycl Chem 2007. [DOI: 10.1002/jhet.5570440314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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40
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Kok SHL, Chui CH, Lam WS, Chen J, Lau FY, Wong RSM, Cheng GYM, Lai PBS, Leung TWT, Yu MWY, Tang JCO, Chan ASC. Synthesis and structure evaluation of a novel cantharimide and its cytotoxicity on SK-Hep-1 hepatoma cells. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2006; 17:1155-9. [PMID: 17240140 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2006.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2006] [Revised: 11/22/2006] [Accepted: 12/12/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A remarkable control of the potency of cantharimide is described based on the electronic properties of functional group and it exhibits a relatively less toxic effect to the non-malignant hematological disorder bone marrow cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanton Hon Lung Kok
- Lo Ka Chung Centre for Natural Anti-Cancer Drug Development, Institute of Molecular Technology for Drug Discovery and Synthesis, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, PR China
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41
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Liu X, Heng WS, Li Q, Chan LW. Novel polymeric microspheres containing norcantharidin for chemoembolization. J Control Release 2006; 116:35-41. [PMID: 17050026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2006.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2006] [Revised: 08/01/2006] [Accepted: 08/28/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Chemoembolization has been found to be a potentially effective method of treating certain types of cancer. It involves arterial embolization of a tumor, in combination with simultaneous or subsequent local delivery of chemotherapeutic agents. In this study, PLGA-alginate microspheres were evaluated for their potential application in chemoembolization. Norcantharidin, which possesses anti-tumor properties, was used to investigate the application of drug-containing microspheres for chemoembolization. The release profiles of alginate, PLGA and PLGA-alginate microspheres were markedly different in phosphate buffered saline, with the composite microspheres showing the most appropriate release rate for chemoembolization. Burst effect decreased while particle size increased with increasing proportion of alginate in the PLGA-alginate microspheres. PLGA-alginate microspheres containing norcantharidin were effective in destroying the cancer cells used in this study. The growth inhibitory effect was concentration and time dependent. These microspheres also exhibited excellent embolization and therapeutic effects on rats with transplanted tumors.
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MESH Headings
- Alginates
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/administration & dosage
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/pharmacology
- Carcinoma 256, Walker/drug therapy
- Carcinoma 256, Walker/pathology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Chemoembolization, Therapeutic
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Humans
- Kinetics
- Lactic Acid
- Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Male
- Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
- Microspheres
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- Particle Size
- Polyglycolic Acid
- Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
- Polymers
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Solubility
- Survival
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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42
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Deng L, Hu Y. Synthesis of novel pyrazole-linked norcantharidin derivatives of substituted aromatic amines with efficient 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. J Heterocycl Chem 2006. [DOI: 10.1002/jhet.5570430646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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43
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To KKW, Ho YP, Au-Yeung SCF. In vitro and in vivo suppression of growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by novel traditional Chinese medicine-platinum anti-cancer agents. Anticancer Drugs 2005; 16:825-35. [PMID: 16096430 DOI: 10.1097/01.cad.0000175586.31940.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a new target for platinum (Pt)-based cancer chemotherapeutic agents. A series of novel Pt complexes containing demethylcantharidin, a modified component of a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), [Pt(C8H8O5)(NH2R)2] 1-5 have been shown to inhibit PP2A both in its purified form and in cell homogenates. In this study, the potential efficacy of compounds 1-5 in suppressing the growth of PP2A-highly expressed liver cancer was evaluated. The in vitro anti-proliferative activity of compounds 1-5 was investigated in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines using the MTT assay. Compounds 1-5 were about 2-20 and 20-200 times more potent than cisplatin and carboplatin, respectively, in SK-Hep1 and HepG2 cells. The in vivo anti-tumor efficacies of 1-5 were evaluated in a s.c. inoculated SK-Hep1 xenograft model in nude mice. Compounds 1-5 demonstrated definite in vivo activity (giving rise to an optimal %T/C as low as 14.5%) without inducing undue toxicity, contrasting the lack of activity of cisplatin and carboplatin. In a cisplatin-resistant model established in vivo in human HCC, compounds 1-5 could still elicit the same level of tumor growth suppression as in the control tumors, demonstrating the circumvention of cisplatin cross-resistance. An acute toxicity study in ICR mice showed that compounds 1-5 are not nephrotoxic at LD10. The high potency of the novel TCM-Pt compounds against liver cancer and the minimal toxicity suggest that they have significant potential to be developed into useful Pt-based anti-tumor drugs.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/therapeutic use
- Carboplatin/toxicity
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Cisplatin/toxicity
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects
- Humans
- Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Male
- Medicine, Chinese Traditional
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred ICR
- Mice, Nude
- Organoplatinum Compounds/therapeutic use
- Phosphoprotein Phosphatases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Protein Phosphatase 2
- Structure-Activity Relationship
- Time Factors
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth K W To
- School of Pharmacy, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR
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Chen YJ, Shieh CJ, Tsai TH, Kuo CD, Ho LT, Liu TY, Liao HF. Inhibitory effect of norcantharidin, a derivative compound from blister beetles, on tumor invasion and metastasis in CT26 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. Anticancer Drugs 2005; 16:293-9. [PMID: 15711181 DOI: 10.1097/00001813-200503000-00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD), a potential anti-cancer drug, is the demethylated analog of cantharidin isolated from blister beetles. The present study investigated the effect of NCTD on tumor invasion and metastasis. A cytotoxicity assay of NCTD in CT26 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells showed a dose- and time-dependent decrease in cell viability. NCTD (50 microM)-treated CT26 cells not only showed an inhibited cell invasion of 65.6%, but also decreased the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9. NCTD decreased the adhesive ability of CT26 cells in a dose-dependent manner. At a concentration of 100 microM, NCTD showed a down-expression of several cadherin-catenin adhesion molecules, including Desmoglein, N-cadherin, and alpha- and beta-catenin, while there were no obvious changes in E-cadherin and gamma-catenin. Intraperitoneal injection of NCTD (2 mg/kg/day) in BALB/c mice reduced both the pulmonary metastatic capacity of CT26 cells and prolonged the survival day of the mice. These results demonstrated that it was effective in blocking both tumor invasion and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jen Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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45
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Fan YZ, Fu JY, Zhao ZM, Chen CQ. Effect of norcantharidin on proliferation and invasion of human gallbladder carcinoma GBC-SD cells. World J Gastroenterol 2005; 11:2431-7. [PMID: 15832413 PMCID: PMC4305630 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v11.i16.2431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the effect of norcantharidin on proliferation and invasion of human gallbladder carcinoma GBC-SD cells in vitro and its anticancer mechanism.
METHODS: Human gallbladder carcinoma GBC-SD cells were cultured by cell culture technique. The growth and the invasiveness of GBC-SD cells in vitro were evaluated by the tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay and by the Matrigel experiment and the crossing-river test. Expression of PCNA, Ki-67, MMP2 and TIMP2 proteins of GBC-SD cells was determined by streptavidin–biotin complex method.
RESULTS: In vitro norcantharidin inhibited the growth and proliferation of GBC-SD cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, with the IC50 value of 56.18 μg/mL at 48 h. Norcantharidin began to inhibit the invasion of GBC-SD cells at the concentration of 5 μg/mL, and the invasive action of GBC-SD cells was inhibited completely and their crossing-river time was prolonged significantly at 40 μg/mL. After treatment with norcantharidin, the expression of PCNA, Ki-67, and MMP2 was significantly decreased. With the increase in TIMP2 expression, the MMP2 to TIMP2 ratio was decreased significantly (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION: Norcantharidin inhibits the proliferation and growth of human gallbladder carcinoma cells in vitro at relatively low concentrations by inhibiting PCNA and Ki-67 expression. Its anti-invasive activity may be the result of decrease in MMP2 to TIMP2 ratio and reduced cell motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Zu Fan
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital of Tongji University, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai 200065, China.
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Efferth T, Rauh R, Kahl S, Tomicic M, Böchzelt H, Tome ME, Briehl MM, Bauer R, Kaina B. Molecular modes of action of cantharidin in tumor cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2005; 69:811-8. [PMID: 15710358 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2004.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2004] [Accepted: 12/03/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Cancer chemotherapy is often limited by patient's toxicity and tumor drug resistance indicating that new drug development and modification of existing drugs is critical for improving the therapeutic response. Traditional Chinese medicine is a rich source of potential anticancer agents. In particular, cantharidin (CAN), the active principle ingredient from the blister beetle, Mylabris, has anti-tumor activity, but the cytotoxic mechanism is unknown. In leukemia cells, cantharidin induces apoptosis by a p53-dependent mechanism. Cantharidin causes both DNA single- and double-strand breaks. Colony-forming assays with knockout and transfectant cells lines showed that DNA polymerase beta, but not ERCC1, conferred increased cell survival after cantharidin treatment, indicating that base excision repair (BER), rather than nucleotide excision repair (NER), is important for CAN-induced DNA lesions. Oxidative stress-resistant thymic lymphoma-derived WEHI7.2 variants are also more resistant to cantharidin. These data suggest that cantharidin treatment causes oxidative stress that provokes DNA damage and p53-dependent apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Efferth
- German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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47
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Ho YP, Au-Yeung SCF, To KKW. Platinum-based anticancer agents: innovative design strategies and biological perspectives. Med Res Rev 2003; 23:633-55. [PMID: 12789689 DOI: 10.1002/med.10038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The impact of cisplatin on cancer chemotherapy cannot be denied. Over the past 20 years, much effort has been dedicated to discover new platinum-based anticancer agents that are superior to cisplatin or its analogue, carboplatin. Most structural modifications are based on changing one or both of the ligand types coordinated to platinum. Altering the leaving group can influence tissue and intracellular distribution of the drug, whereas the carrier ligand usually determines the structure of adducts formed with DNA. DNA-Pt adducts produced by cisplatin and many of its classical analogues are almost identical, and would explain their similar patterns of tumor sensitivity and susceptibility to resistance. Recently some highly innovative design strategies have emerged, aimed at overcoming platinum resistance and/or to introduce novel mechanisms of antitumor action. Platinum compounds bearing the 1,2-diaminocyclohexane carrier ligand; and those of multinuclear Pt complexes giving rise to radically different DNA-Pt adducts, have resulted in novel anticancer agents capable of circumventing cisplatin resistance. Other strategies have focused on integrating biologically active ligands with platinum moieties intended to selectively localizing the anticancer properties. With the rapid advance in molecular biology, combined with innovation, it is possible new Pt-based anticancer agents will materialize in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee-Ping Ho
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong.
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48
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Chen YN, Chen JC, Yin SC, Wang GS, Tsauer W, Hsu SF, Hsu SL. Effector mechanisms of norcantharidin-induced mitotic arrest and apoptosis in human hepatoma cells. Int J Cancer 2002; 100:158-65. [PMID: 12115564 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.10479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
NCTD is a demethylated form of cantharidin with antitumor properties, which is now in use as a routine anticancer drug against hepatoma. However, there is limited information on the effect of NCTD on human cancer cells. In the present study, NCTD inhibited proliferation, caused mitotic arrest, then progressed to apoptosis within 96 hr in 3 human hepatoma cell lines: HepG2, Hep3B and Huh-7. NCTD treatment (5 microg/ml) enhanced the expression of Cdc25C and p21(Cip1/Waf1), increasing the phosphorylation of these 2 proteins. In addition, NCTD treatment induced an earlier increase in cyclin B1-associated histone H1 kinase activity within 48 hr, but an approximately 70% reduction of both protein level and kinase activity of cyclin B1 was observed at 72 hr. Treatment with NCTD significantly decreased the expression of p53 protein but did not affect the expression of Cdk1 and p27(Kip1). Moreover, NCTD treatment also increased the phosphorylation of Bcl-2 and Bcl-X(L) but did not affect the expression of Bax or Bad. Bcl-2 phosphorylation appears to inhibit its binding to Bax since less Bax was detected in immunocomplex with Bcl-2 in NCTD-treated HepG2 cells. In addition, NCTD treatment caused activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3, preceding DNA fragmentation and morphologic features of apoptosis. Pretreatment with the broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk markedly inhibited NCTD-induced caspase-3 activity and cell death. These results suggest that phosphorylation of p21(Cip1/Waf1) and Cdc25C and biphasic regulation of cyclin B1-associated kinase activity may contribute to NCTD-induced M-phase cell-cycle arrest. Furthermore, the increase of p21(Cip1/Waf1), phosphorylation of Bcl-2 and Bcl-X(L), activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 may be the molecular mechanism through which NCTD induces apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Nian Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical College, Taichung, Taiwan
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49
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Wu LT, Chung JG, Chen JC, Tsauer W. Effect of norcantharidin on N-acetyltransferase activity in HepG2 cells. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2001; 29:161-72. [PMID: 11321474 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x01000186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The inhibition ofarylamine N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity by norcantharidin (NCTD), the demethylated form of cantharidin, in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells was investigated. By using high performance liquid chromatography, NAT activity on acetylation of 2-aminofluorene (AF) and p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) were examined. Two assay systems were performed, one with cellular cytosols, the other with intact HepG2 cell suspensions. The NAT activity in HepG2 cell line was inhibited by norcantharidin in a dose-dependent manner in both types of examined systems: i.e. the greater the concentration of norcantharidin in the reaction, the greater the inhibition of NAT activities. This report is the first to show that norcantharidin has an inhibitory effect on NAT activity in HepG2 cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- L T Wu
- Department of Microbiology, China Medical College, Taichung, Taiwan
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50
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Ahn MY, Ryu KS, Lee YW, Kim YS. Cytotoxicity and L-amino acid oxidase activity of crude insect drugs. Arch Pharm Res 2000; 23:477-81. [PMID: 11059827 DOI: 10.1007/bf02976576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The cytotoxicity of crude insect drugs was measured using HeLa cells originating from human cervix and uterine cancer, using the dye uptake assay in order to find potential anticancer agents. Three kinds of extracts (buffer, methanol and ethylacetate) were prepared from 26 insects and used as raw materials for the activity assay. Among these, the buffer extracts from Tabanus, Mylabris and Huechys showed a potent anticancer activity, and those from Catharsius, Red ant, Scorpion, Tabanus and Vespae Nidus showed a strong L-amino acid oxidase (AAO) activity as well as cytotoxicity. In contrast, buffer extracts from Gryllotalpa orientalis and Apriona germari larvae showed greater/more rapid Hela cell growth than that of other insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Y Ahn
- Department of Sericulture and Entomology, National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, Suwon, Korea.
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