1
|
Lin J, Chen R, Liao H, Zhang Y, Zheng Z, Hong C. Mechanisms of cordycepin in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in rats based on metabonomics and transcriptomics. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12431. [PMID: 38816406 PMCID: PMC11139979 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62163-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a fatal disease featured by high morbidity and mortality. Although Cordycepin is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune-enhancing effects, its role in PAH treatment and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The therapeutic effects of Cordycepin on rats with PAH were investigated using a monocrotaline (MCT)-induced rat model. The metabolic effects of Cordycepin were assessed based on the plasma metabolome. The potential mechanisms of Cordycepin in PAH treatment were investigated through transcriptome sequencing and validated in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC). Evaluations included hematoxylin and eosin staining for pulmonary vascular remodeling, CCK-8 assay, EDU, and TUNEL kits for cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis, respectively, and western blot for protein expression. Cordycepin significantly reduced right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI) in PAH rats, and mitigated pulmonary vascular remodeling. Plasma metabolomics showed that Cordycepin could reverse the metabolic disorders in the lungs of MCT-induced PAH rats, particularly impacting linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism pathways. Transcriptomics revealed that the P53 pathway might be the primary pathway involved, and western blot results showed that Cordycepin significantly increased P53 and P21 protein levels in lung tissues. Integrated analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics suggested that these pathways were mainly enriched in linoleic acid metabolism and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism pathway. In vitro experiments demonstrated that Cordycepin significantly inhibited the PDGFBB (PD)-induced abnormal proliferation and migration of PASMC and promoted PD-induced apoptosis. Meanwhile, Cordycepin enhanced the expression levels of P53 and P21 proteins in PD-insulted PASMC. However, inhibitors of P53 and P21 eliminated these effects of Cordycepin. Cordycepin may activate the P53-P21 pathway to inhibit abnormal proliferation and migration of PASMC and promote apoptosis, offering a potential approach for PAH treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiangpeng Lin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524003, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Riken Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524003, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Huizhao Liao
- Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuzhuo Zhang
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Nanshan School, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Zhenzhen Zheng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524003, Guangdong, China.
| | - Cheng Hong
- Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang H, Yang J, Luo S, Liu L, Yang G, Gao B, Fan H, Deng L, Yang M. A novel complementary pathway of cordycepin biosynthesis in Cordyceps militaris. Int Microbiol 2023:10.1007/s10123-023-00448-9. [PMID: 37987892 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-023-00448-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
We determined whether there exists a complementary pathway of cordycepin biosynthesis in wild-type Cordyceps militaris, high-cordycepin-producing strain C. militaris GYS60, and low-cordycepin-producing strain C. militaris GYS80. Differentially expressed genes were identified from the transcriptomes of the three strains. Compared with C. militaris, in GYS60 and GYS80, we identified 145 and 470 upregulated and 96 and 594 downregulated genes. Compared with GYS80, in GYS60, we identified 306 upregulated and 207 downregulated genes. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that upregulated genes were mostly involved in detoxification, antioxidant, and molecular transducer in GYS60. By Clusters of Orthologous Groups of Proteins and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses, eight genes were significantly upregulated: five genes related to purine metabolism, one to ATP production, one to secondary metabolite transport, and one to RNA degradation. In GYS60, cordycepin was significantly increased by upregulation of ATP production, which promoted 3',5'-cyclic AMP production. Cyclic AMP accelerated 3'-AMP accumulation, and cordycepin continued to be synthesized and exported. We verified the novel complementary pathway by adding the precursor adenosine and analyzing the expression of four key genes involved in the main pathway of cordycepin biosynthesis. Adenosine addition increased cordycepin production by 51.2% and 10.1%, respectively, in C. militaris and GYS60. Four genes in the main pathway in GYS60 were not upregulated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hucheng Zhang
- Bioengineering College Beijing Polytechnic, Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Bioengineering College Beijing Polytechnic, Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Shuai Luo
- Bioengineering College Beijing Polytechnic, Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Linying Liu
- Bioengineering College Beijing Polytechnic, Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Guowei Yang
- Bioengineering College Beijing Polytechnic, Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Bo Gao
- Bioengineering College Beijing Polytechnic, Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Haitao Fan
- Bioengineering College Beijing Polytechnic, Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Lina Deng
- Department of English, Beijing Health Vocational College, Beijing, 102402, China.
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery Institute of Cardiac Surgery, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100141, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li J, Yuan M, Qiu T, Lu M, Zhan S, Bai Y, Yang M, Liu X, Zhang X. A glutathione-sensitive drug delivery system based on carboxymethyl chitosan co-deliver Rose Bengal and oxymatrine for combined cancer treatment. JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE, POLYMER EDITION 2022; 34:650-673. [PMID: 36272104 DOI: 10.1080/09205063.2022.2139977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
At present, monotherapy of tumor has not met the clinical needs, due to high doses, poor efficacy, and the emergence of drug resistance. Combination therapy can effectively solve these problems, which is a better option for tumor suppression. Based on this, we developed a novel glutathione-sensitive drug delivery nanoparticle system (OMT/CMCS-CYS-RB NPs) for oral cancer treatment. Briefly, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) was used as a carrier to simultaneously load Rose Bengal (RB) and oxymatrine (OMT). The OMT/CMCS-CYS-RB NPs prepared by ion crosslinking were spheres with a stable structure. In addition, the nanoparticles can be excited in vitro to generate a large amount of singlet oxygen, which has a good photodynamic effect. In vitro anti-tumor activity study showed that the nanoparticles after the laser enhanced therapeutic efficacy on tumor cells compared with the free drug and exhibited well security. Furthermore, OMT/CMCS-CYS-RB NPs could inhibit the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in oxidative stress, and realize tumor apoptosis through mitochondria-related pathways. In conclusion, this combination delivery system for delivering RB and OMT is a safe and effective strategy, which may provide a new avenue for the tumor treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juncan Li
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ming Yuan
- Wuhan Wuchang District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, China
| | - Tong Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengli Lu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Siwen Zhan
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuting Bai
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Xia Liu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xueqiong Zhang
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu Y, Guo ZJ, Zhou XW. Chinese Cordyceps: Bioactive Components, Antitumor Effects and Underlying Mechanism-A Review. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27196576. [PMID: 36235111 PMCID: PMC9572669 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Chinese Cordyceps is a valuable source of natural products with various therapeutic effects. It is rich in various active components, of which adenosine, cordycepin and polysaccharides have been confirmed with significant immunomodulatory and antitumor functions. However, the underlying antitumor mechanism remains poorly understood. In this review, we summarized and analyzed the chemical characteristics of the main components and their pharmacological effects and mechanism on immunomodulatory and antitumor functions. The analysis revealed that Chinese Cordyceps promotes immune cells' antitumor function by via upregulating immune responses and downregulating immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment and resetting the immune cells' phenotype. Moreover, Chinese Cordyceps can inhibit the growth and metastasis of tumor cells by death (including apoptosis and autophagy) induction, cell-cycle arrest, and angiogenesis inhibition. Recent evidence has revealed that the signal pathways of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB), cysteine-aspartic proteases (caspases) and serine/threonine kinase Akt were involved in the antitumor mechanisms. In conclusion, Chinese Cordyceps, one type of magic mushroom, can be potentially developed as immunomodulator and anticancer therapeutic agents.
Collapse
|
5
|
Shi L, Cao H, Fu S, Jia Z, Lu X, Cui Z, Yu D. Cordycepin enhances hyperthermia-induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by modulating the MAPK pathway in human lymphoma U937 cells. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:8673-8683. [PMID: 35763180 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07705-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperthermia induces cancer cell death. However, the cytotoxic effect of hyperthermia is not sufficient. Cordycepin can also induce apoptosis in cancer cells and enhance the antitumoral activity of irradiation. To examine cordycepin-mediated enhancement of hyperthermia-induced apoptosis, this study investigated the combined effects and apoptotic mechanisms of hyperthermia and cordycepin on human leukemia U937 cells. METHODS Cell viability and apoptosis were measured using MTT assays, Hoechst 33342 staining and Annexin V/PI double staining. The distribution of the cell cycle and sub-G1 phase, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were examined by flow cytometry. The expression of related proteins was analyzed by western blotting. RESULTS Combined treatment with hyperthermia and cordycepin markedly augmented apoptosis by upregulating Bax and suppressing Bcl-2, Bid and activated caspase 3 and 8 expression, and apoptosis was decreased by Z-VAD-fmk (a pan caspase inhibitor). We also found that the MMP was significantly decreased and excessive ROS generation occurred. The combination treatment also induced arrest in the G2/M phase by downregulating cyclin dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) and cyclin B1 protein expression. Furthermore, it was observed that mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway including ERK, JNK and p38 signals was involved in the induction of apoptosis. The phosphorylated p38 and JNK were increased and ERK phosphorylation was decreased by the combined treatment. In addition, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) significantly protected the cells by restoring ROS levels and the activity of caspase-3, inactivating the MAPK pathway. CONCLUSION Cordycepin significantly enhanced hyperthermia-induced apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest in U937 cells. The combined treatment enhanced apoptosis through the MAPK pathway and mitochondrial dysfunction, and these effects could be rescued by NAC. We report for the first time that cordycepin can be used as a hyperthermia sensitizer to treat leukemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liying Shi
- The School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University, Dalian, 116622, People's Republic of China
| | - He Cao
- The School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University, Dalian, 116622, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyu Fu
- The School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University, Dalian, 116622, People's Republic of China
| | - Zixian Jia
- The School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University, Dalian, 116622, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan Lu
- The School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University, Dalian, 116622, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengguo Cui
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Fukui School of Medical Science, University of Fukui, Eiheiji, 910-1193, Japan.
| | - Dayong Yu
- The School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University, Dalian, 116622, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cordycepin ameliorates acute hypobaric hypoxia induced blood-brain barrier disruption, and cognitive impairment partly by suppressing the TLR4/NF-κB/MMP-9 pathway in the adult rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 924:174952. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
7
|
Ma L, Lu Y, Li Y, Yang Z, Mao Y, Wang Y, Man S. A novel halogenated adenosine analog 5'-BrDA displays potent toxicity against colon cancer cells in vivo and in vitro. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 436:115857. [PMID: 34979143 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Adenosine, as a naturally occurring nucleoside, plays an important role in human health maintenance. In recent years, many studies have shown that adenosine has the effect of cancer inhibition, and some of its analogs have been successfully marketed as anticancer drugs. This report mainly describes the anti-colon cancer activities and mechanism of a novel halogenated adenosine analog named 5'-bromodeoxyadenosine (5'-BrDA). As a result, 5'-BrDA concentration-dependently inhibited colon cancer cells proliferation, induced autophagy without disruption of lysosomal stability, and promoted autophagy-independently cellular mitochondrial apoptosis by increasing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, 5'-BrDA inhibited the tumor growth of colon cancer in CT26 inbred mice without affecting the body weight in vivo. Collectively, the above-mentioned mechanisms contributed to the anticancer activity of 5'-BrDA. It is rare to discover novel anticancer adenosine analogs during the past couple of decades. We believe that our work will enrich the understanding of adenosine analogs, also, pave the way for adenosine analogs product based anticancer drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Long Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China.
| | - Yingying Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Yaqin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Zhizhen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Yu Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Shuli Man
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
V B, Femina T A, Iyengar D, K A, Ravi M. Approaches for Head and Neck Cancer Research - Current Status and the Way Forward. Cancer Invest 2021; 40:151-172. [PMID: 34806936 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2021.2009850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are seeing an increasing trend in their prevalence among both genders and are the seventh most common cancer type occurring at the global level. Studies addressing both the cancer cell physiology and individual differences in response to a specific treatment modality should be understood for arriving at effective treatment and management of the HNCs. In this article, we discuss the trends in HNC research and their various approaches starting from 2D in vitro models, which are the traditional experimental materials to recently established Cancer-Tissue Originated Spheroids (CTOS) distinctly contributing towards personalized or precision medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barghavi V
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Arokia Femina T
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - DivyaSowrirajan Iyengar
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Archana K
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Maddaly Ravi
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Huang T, Zhou Y, Lu X, Tang C, Ren C, Bao X, Deng Z, Cao X, Zou J, Zhang Q, Ma B. Cordycepin, a major bioactive component of Cordyceps militaris, ameliorates diabetes-induced testicular damage through the Sirt1/Foxo3a pathway. Andrologia 2021; 54:e14294. [PMID: 34811786 DOI: 10.1111/and.14294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes-induced male dysfunction is considered as a worldwide challenge, and testicular damage mainly caused by oxidative stress is its most common manifestation. Cordycepin, a natural antioxidant, has been used in the treatment of diabetic complications. However, the protective action and underlying mechanism of cordycepin on hyperglycaemia-induced testicular damage are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of cordycepin against diabetes-induced testicular damage. The type 2 diabetes model was established in C57BL/6 male mice via high-fat diet for 4 weeks and injected intraperitoneally with 50 mg/kg/day streptozotocin for five consecutive days. Then mice were treated with cordycepin (10 and 20 mg/kg, respectively) for 8 weeks. At the end of experiment, biochemical indicators, microstructure of testicular tissue, sperm morphology, TUNEL staining and protein expressions were evaluated. In the present study, cordycepin alleviated the testicular damage, restored disruption of the blood-testis barrier, and improved spermatogenic function via the antiapoptotic and antioxidant capacity. Mechanistically, cordycepin significantly enhanced SIRT1 expression and triggered the activity of Foxo3a, further to induce the expression of its downstream antioxidant enzymes, including Mn-SOD and CAT. These findings indicated that cordycepin could improve hyperglycaemia-induced testicular damage by regulating downstream antioxidant enzymes activity through the SIRT1/Foxo3a signalling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanfen Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuanzhao Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chenglun Tang
- Luzhou Pinchuang Technology Co. Ltd., Luzhou, China.,Nanjing Sheng Ming Yuan Health Technology Co. Ltd., Nanjing, China
| | - Chaoxing Ren
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaowen Bao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhewen Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaomei Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianjun Zou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bo Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Radhi M, Ashraf S, Lawrence S, Tranholm AA, Wellham PAD, Hafeez A, Khamis AS, Thomas R, McWilliams D, de Moor CH. A Systematic Review of the Biological Effects of Cordycepin. Molecules 2021; 26:5886. [PMID: 34641429 PMCID: PMC8510467 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted a systematic review of the literature on the effects of cordycepin on cell survival and proliferation, inflammation, signal transduction and animal models. A total of 1204 publications on cordycepin were found by the cut-off date of 1 February 2021. After application of the exclusion criteria, 791 papers remained. These were read and data on the chosen subjects were extracted. We found 192 papers on the effects of cordycepin on cell survival and proliferation and calculated a median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 135 µM. Cordycepin consistently repressed cell migration (26 papers) and cellular inflammation (53 papers). Evaluation of 76 papers on signal transduction indicated consistently reduced PI3K/mTOR/AKT and ERK signalling and activation of AMPK. In contrast, the effects of cordycepin on the p38 and Jun kinases were variable, as were the effects on cell cycle arrest (53 papers), suggesting these are cell-specific responses. The examination of 150 animal studies indicated that purified cordycepin has many potential therapeutic effects, including the reduction of tumour growth (37 papers), repression of pain and inflammation (9 papers), protecting brain function (11 papers), improvement of respiratory and cardiac conditions (8 and 19 papers) and amelioration of metabolic disorders (8 papers). Nearly all these data are consistent with cordycepin mediating its therapeutic effects through activating AMPK, inhibiting PI3K/mTOR/AKT and repressing the inflammatory response. We conclude that cordycepin has excellent potential as a lead for drug development, especially for age-related diseases. In addition, we discuss the remaining issues around the mechanism of action, toxicity and biodistribution of cordycepin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masar Radhi
- Pain Centre Versus Arthritis, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (M.R.); (A.A.T.); (D.M.)
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (S.L.); (P.A.D.W.); (A.H.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Sadaf Ashraf
- Aberdeen Centre for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Health, Institute of Medical Sciences, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK;
| | - Steven Lawrence
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (S.L.); (P.A.D.W.); (A.H.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Asta Arendt Tranholm
- Pain Centre Versus Arthritis, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (M.R.); (A.A.T.); (D.M.)
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (S.L.); (P.A.D.W.); (A.H.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Peter Arthur David Wellham
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (S.L.); (P.A.D.W.); (A.H.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Abdul Hafeez
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (S.L.); (P.A.D.W.); (A.H.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Ammar Sabah Khamis
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (S.L.); (P.A.D.W.); (A.H.); (A.S.K.)
| | - Robert Thomas
- The Primrose Oncology Unit, Bedford Hospital NHS Trust, Bedford MK42 9DJ, UK;
- Department of Oncology, Addenbrooke’s Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Daniel McWilliams
- Pain Centre Versus Arthritis, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (M.R.); (A.A.T.); (D.M.)
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Cornelia Huiberdina de Moor
- Pain Centre Versus Arthritis, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (M.R.); (A.A.T.); (D.M.)
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (S.L.); (P.A.D.W.); (A.H.); (A.S.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
The Role of Autophagy in Anti-Cancer and Health Promoting Effects of Cordycepin. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26164954. [PMID: 34443541 PMCID: PMC8400201 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26164954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cordycepin is an adenosine derivative isolated from Cordyceps sinensis, which has been used as an herbal complementary and alternative medicine with various biological activities. The general anti-cancer mechanisms of cordycepin are regulated by the adenosine A3 receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β, leading to cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. Notably, cordycepin also induces autophagy to trigger cell death, inhibits tumor metastasis, and modulates the immune system. Since the dysregulation of autophagy is associated with cancers and neuron, immune, and kidney diseases, cordycepin is considered an alternative treatment because of the involvement of cordycepin in autophagic signaling. However, the profound mechanism of autophagy induction by cordycepin has never been reviewed in detail. Therefore, in this article, we reviewed the anti-cancer and health-promoting effects of cordycepin in the neurons, kidneys, and the immune system through diverse mechanisms, including autophagy induction. We also suggest that formulation changes for cordycepin could enhance its bioactivity and bioavailability and lower its toxicity for future applications. A comprehensive understanding of the autophagy mechanism would provide novel mechanistic insight into the anti-cancer and health-promoting effects of cordycepin.
Collapse
|
12
|
Man S, Lu Y, Yin L, Cheng X, Ma L. Potential and promising anticancer drugs from adenosine and its analogs. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:1490-1500. [PMID: 33639248 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, many studies have shown that adenosine has efficacy for treating cancer. More importantly, some adenosine analogs have been successfully marketed to fulfill anticancer purposes. In this review, we summarize the anticancer effects of adenosine and its analogs in clinical trials and preclinical studies, with focus on their anticancer mechanisms. In addition, we link the anticancer activities of adenosine analogs with their structures through structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis, and highlight additional promising anticancer drug candidates. We hope that this review will be of help in understanding the importance of adenosine and its analogs with anticancer activities and directing future research and development of such compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuli Man
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Yingying Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Lijuan Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Xinkuan Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Long Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Özenver N, Boulos JC, Efferth T. Activity of Cordycepin From Cordyceps sinensis Against Drug-Resistant Tumor Cells as Determined by Gene Expression and Drug Sensitivity Profiling. Nat Prod Commun 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x21993350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cordycepin is one of the substantial components of the parasitic fungus Cordyceps sinensis as well as other Cordyceps species. It exerts various effects such as antimetastatic, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective activities. Assorted studies revealed in vitro and in vivo anticancer influence of cordycepin and put forward its potential for cancer therapy. However, the role of multidrug resistance-associated mechanisms for the antitumor effect of cordycepin has not been investigated in great detail thus far. Therefore, we searched cordycepin’s cytotoxicity with regard to well-known anticancer drug resistance mechanisms, including ABCB1, ABCB5, ABCC1, ABCG2, EGFR, and TP53, and identified putative molecular determinants related to the cellular responsiveness of cordycepin. Bioinformatic analyses of NCI microarray data and gene promoter transcription factor binding motif analyses were performed to specify the mechanisms of cordycepin towards cancer cells. COMPARE and hierarchical analyses led to the detection of the genes involved in cordycepin’s cytotoxicity and sensitivity and resistance of cell lines towards cordycepin. Tumor-type dependent response and cross-resistance profiles were further unravelled. We found transcription factors potentially involved in the common transcriptional regulation of the genes identified by COMPARE analyses. Cordycepin bypassed resistance mediated by the expression of ATP-binding cassete (ABC) transporters (P-gp, ABCB5, ABCC1 and BCRP) and mutant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The drug sensitivity profiles of several DNA Topo I and II inhibitors were significantly correlated with those of cordycepin’s activity. Among eight different tumor types, prostate cancer was the most sensitive, whereas renal carcinoma was the most resistant to cordycepin. NF-κB was discovered as a common transcription factor. The potential of cordycepin is set forth as a potential new drug lead by bioinformatic evaluations. Further experimental studies are warranted for better understanding of cordycepin’s activity against cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadire Özenver
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Joelle C. Boulos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|