Enhanced anti-tumor activity and reduced toxicity by combination andrographolide and bleomycin in ascitic tumor-bearing mice

Andrographolide: A promising therapeutic agent against organ fibrosis

Fibrosis is the terminal pathology of chronic illness in many organs, marked by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins. These changes influence organ function, ultimately resulting in organ failure. Although significant progress has been achieved in comprehending the molecular pathways responsible for fibrosis in the last decades, effective and approved clinical therapies for the condition are still lacking. Andrographolide is a diterpenoid isolated and purified mainly from the aboveground parts of the Andrographis paniculata plant, which possesses good effects of purging heat, detoxifying, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. In-depth research has gradually confirmed the anticancer, antioxidant, antiviral and other effects of Andro so that it can play a preventive and therapeutic role in various diseases. Over the past few years, an increasing number of research findings have indicated that Andro exerts antifibrotic effects in various organs by acting on transforming growth factor-β/small mother against decapentaplegic protein, mitogen-activated protein kinases, nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2, nuclear factor kappa-B and other signalling molecules to inhibit inflammation, oxidative stress, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, fibroblast activation and collagen buildup. This review presents a compilation of findings regarding the antifibrotic impact of Andro in tissue and cell models in vitro and in vivo. Emphasis is placed on the potential therapeutic benefits of Andro in diseases related to organ fibrosis. Existing studies and cutting-edge technologies on Andro pharmacokinetics, toxicity and bioavailability are briefly discussed to provide evidence for accelerating its clinical conversion and adoption.

The therapeutic potential of andrographolide in cancer treatment

Cancer poses a substantial global health challenge, necessitating the widespread use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Despite these efforts, issues like resistance development and severe side effects remain. As such, the search for more effective alternatives is critical. Andrographolide, a naturally occurring compound, has recently gained attention for its extensive biological activities. This review explores the role of andrographolide in cancer therapy, especially focusing on the molecular mechanisms that drive its anti-tumor properties. It also examines innovative methods to enhance andrographolide's bioavailability, thus boosting its effectiveness against cancer. Notably, andrographolide has potential for use in combination with various clinical drugs, and both preclinical and clinical studies provide strong evidence supporting its broader anticancer applications. Additionally, this paper proposes future research directions for andrographolide's anti-cancer effects and discusses the challenges in its clinical usage along with current research efforts to address these issues. In summary, this review underscores andrographolide's potential roles and contributes to the development of improved cancer treatment strategies.

Combination of Pirfenidone and Andrographolide Ameliorates Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Liver Fibrosis by Mediating TGF-β/Smad Signaling Pathway

Background

Biliary atresia (BA) is a devastating congenital disease characterized by inflammation and progressive liver fibrosis. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) plays a central role in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Our study aimed to investigate the pharmacological effect and potential mechanism of pirfenidone (PFD) and andrographolide (AGP) separately and together on liver fibrosis of BA.

Materials and Methods

The bile ducts of male C57BL/6J mice were ligated or had the sham operation. The in vivo effects of PFD and/or AGP on liver fibrosis of BA were evaluated. Human hepatic stellate cells (LX-2) were also treated with PFD and/or AGP in vitro.

Results

PFD and/or AGP ameliorates liver fibrosis and inflammation in the mice model of BA, as evidenced by significant downregulated in the accumulation of collagen fibers, hepatic fibrosis markers (α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen IV), and inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α). Moreover, compared with monotherapy, these changes are more obvious in the combined treatment of PFD and AGP. Consistent with animal experiments, hepatic fibrosis markers (α-SMA, collagen I, and CTGF) and inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) were significantly decreased in activated LX-2 cells after PFD and/or AGP treatment. In addition, PFD and/or AGP inhibited the activation of HSCs by blocking the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, and the combined treatment of PFD and AGP synergistically inhibited the phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3.

Conclusion

The combined application of PFD and AGP exerted superior inhibitive effects on HSC activation and liver fibrosis by mediating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway as compared to monotherapy. Therefore, the combination of PFD and AGP may be a promising treatment strategy for liver fibrosis in BA.

Antioxidant Effects of Catechins (EGCG), Andrographolide, and Curcuminoids Compounds for Skin Protection, Cosmetics, and Dermatological Uses: An Update

Here we have chosen to highlight the main natural molecules extracted from Camellia sinensis, Andrographis paniculata, and Curcuma longa that may possess antioxidant activities of interest for skin protection. The molecules involved in the antioxidant process are, respectively, catechins derivatives, in particular, EGCG, andrographolide, and its derivatives, as well as various curcuminoids. These plants are generally used as beverages for Camellia sinensis (tea tree), as dietary supplements, or as spices. The molecules they contain are known for their diverse therapeutic activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-cancer, antidiabetic, and dermatological treatment. Their common antioxidant activities and therapeutic applications are widely documented, but their use in cosmetics is more recent. We will see that the use of pharmacomodulated derivatives, the addition of co-antioxidants, and the use of various formulations enable better skin penetration and greater ingredient stability. In this review, we will endeavor to compile the cosmetic uses of these natural molecules of interest and the various structural modulations reported with the aim of improving their bioavailability as well as establishing their different mechanisms of action.

Nano-drug co-delivery system of natural active ingredients and chemotherapy drugs for cancer treatment: a review

Chemotherapy drugs have been used for a long time in the treatment of cancer, but serious side effects are caused by the inability of the drug to be solely delivered to the tumor when treating cancer with chemotherapy. Natural products have attracted more and more attention due to the antitumor effect in multiple ways, abundant resources and less side effects. Therefore, the combination of natural active ingredients and chemotherapy drugs may be an effective antitumor strategy, which can inhibit the growth of tumor and multidrug resistance, reduce side effects of chemotherapy drugs. Nano-drug co-delivery system (NDCDS) can play an important role in the combination of natural active ingredients and chemotherapy drugs. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the research status and application prospect of nano-delivery strategies for the combination of natural active ingredients and chemotherapy drugs, aiming to provide a basis for the development of anti-tumor drugs.

Drug-Herb Interactions among Thai Herbs and Anticancer Drugs: A Scoping Review

More than half of Thai patients with cancer take herbal preparations while receiving anticancer therapy. There is no systematic or scoping review on interactions between anticancer drugs and Thai herbs, although several research articles have that Thai herbs inhibit cytochrome P450 (CYP) or efflux transporter. Therefore, we gathered and integrated information related to the interactions between anticancer drugs and Thai herbs. Fifty-two anticancer drugs from the 2020 Thailand National List of Essential Medicines and 75 herbs from the 2020 Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia were selected to determine potential anticancer drug-herb interactions. The pharmacological profiles of the selected anticancer drugs were reviewed and matched with the herbal pharmacological activities to determine possible interactions. A large number of potential anticancer drug-herb interactions were found; the majority involved CYP inhibition. Efflux transporter inhibition and enzyme induction were also found, which could interfere with the pharmacokinetic profiles of anticancer drugs. However, there is limited knowledge on the pharmacodynamic interactions between anticancer drugs and Thai herbs. Therefore, further research is warranted. Information regarding interactions between anticancer drugs and Thai herbs should provide as a useful resource to healthcare professionals in daily practice. It could enable the prediction of possible anticancer drug-herb interactions and could be used to optimize cancer therapy outcomes.

Evaluating the Therapeutic Mechanisms of Selected Active Compounds in Houttuynia cordata Thunb. in Pulmonary Fibrosis via Network Pharmacology Analysis

Pulmonary fibrosis, a common outcome of pulmonary interstitial disease of various different etiologies, is one of the most important causes of respiratory failure. Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (family: Saururaceae) (H. cordata), as has been reported, is a Chinese herbal medicine commonly used to treat upper respiratory tract infection and bronchitis. Our previous study has proven that sodium houttuyfonate (an additional compound from sodium bisulfite and houttuynin) had beneficial effects in the prevention of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) induced by bleomycin (BLM) in mice. In the present study, network pharmacology was used to investigate the efficiency and potential mechanisms of H. cordata in PF treatment. Upon manual collection from the literature and databases such as TCMSP and TCM-ID, 10 known representative ingredients of H. cordata species were screened. Then, the prediction of the potential active ingredients, action targets, and signaling pathways were conducted through the Gene Ontology (GO), protein–protein interaction (PPI),and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. The results of network pharmacology prediction suggested that H. cordata may act through multiple signaling pathways to alleviate PF, including the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathways, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) pathways, and interleukin-17 (IL-17) signaling pathways. Molecular docking experiments showed that the chemical constituents of H. cordata had good affinity with TNF, MAPK1, and AKT1, and using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced A549 cells, a model was established to verify the anti-pulmonary fibrosis effects and related mechanisms of H. cordata–relevant constituents. Finally, these evidences collectively suggest H. cordata may alleviate PF progression via PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and TNF signaling pathways and provide novel insights to verify the mechanism of H. cordata in the treatment of PF.

miR‑29b suppresses proliferation and induces apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma ascites H22 cells via regulating TGF‑β1 and p53 signaling pathway

MicroRNA (miR)‑29b is a key tumor regulator. It can inhibit tumor cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, suppress tumor invasion and migration, thus delaying tumor progression. Our previous studies revealed an increased level of miR‑29b in hepatoma 22 (H22) cells in ascites tumor‑bearing mice. The present study investigated the effect of miR‑29b on proliferation and apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma ascites H22 cells and its association with the transforming growth factor‑β1 (TGF‑β1) signaling pathway and p53‑mediated apoptotic pathway. Briefly, H22 cells were transfected with miR‑29b‑3p (hereinafter referred to as miR‑29b) mimic or miR‑29b inhibitor. MTS cell proliferation assay and flow cytometry were used to analyze cell viability and apoptosis. The expression change of the TGF‑β1 signaling pathway and p53‑mediated apoptotic pathway were detected by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence. Furthermore, cells were treated with exogenous TGF‑β1 and TGF‑β1 small interfering RNA to evaluate the crosstalk between TGF‑β1 and p53 under miR‑29b regulation. The overexpression of miR‑29b decreased cell viability, increased cell apoptosis, activated the TGF‑β1 signaling pathway and p53‑mediated apoptotic pathway. Conversely, these effects were reversed by the miR‑29b inhibitor. Moreover, the effect of miR‑29b mimic was further increased after treating cells with exogenous TGF‑β1. The activation of the TGF‑β1 signaling pathway and p53‑mediated apoptotic pathway induced by miR‑29b overexpression were reversed by TGF‑β1 inhibition. In summary, these data indicated that miR‑29b has an important role in proliferation and apoptosis of H22 cells by regulating the TGF‑β1 signaling pathway, the p53‑dependent apoptotic pathway, and the crosstalk between TGF‑β1 and p53.

Anticancer potential of andrographolide from Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees and its mechanisms of action

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Synthetic drugs used for cancer treatment have side effects that may be immunosupressive, can cause liver, kidney and cardiac toxicity, and infertility and ovarian failure, among others. Thus, herbal drugs could be used in the cancer treatment as an adjuvant therapy. Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees (AP) is one of the traditional herbs used in different alternative medicinal systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, Chinese, Malayi, Siddha, etc. for the treatment of various disorders and diseases including cancer.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of writing this review is to highlight the medicinal importance of AP and its main phytoconstituent andrographolide (AG). The main emphasis was given on the anticancer activity of AG, its proposed mechanisms of action, novel approaches used to improve its biopharmaceutical properties with the perspective of evidence-based research, and its development as an adjuvant therapy for cancer treatment in future.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literature survey was conducted and research papers were retrieved from different databases such as Pubmed, Google Scholar, ACS, Wiley online library, ScienceDirect, Springer, and Scopus during 1970-2020. Research articles, review articles, and short communications, etc. were used for this purpose. The papers were selected on the basis of exclusion and inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Different anticancer mechanisms of AG have been reportedly proven such as cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, NF-κβ inhibition, antiangiogenesis, cytokine inhibition, etc. whereas its pharmacokinetic properties showed its highly protein bound nature, Cyt P400 (CYP) inhibition, low aqueous solubility, poor oral bioavailability, etc. Different novel formulations of AG have been investigated to increase its bioavailability for better efficacy.

CONCLUSION

This review can provide knowledge about the potential applicability of AP or AG as an adjuvant therapy in cancer treatment. Further research is needed before making any conclusion about the efficacy in humans as an adjuvant therapy in cancer.

Exploring the protective effects of schizandrol A in acute myocardial ischemia mice by comprehensive metabolomics profiling integrated with molecular mechanism studies

Schizandrol A (SA) is an bioactive component isolated from the Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill., which has been used as a remedy to prevent oxidative injury. However, whether the cardioprotective effect of SA is associated with regulating endogenous metabolites remains unclear, thus we performed comprehensive metabolomics profiling in acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) mice following SA treatment. AMI was induced in ICR mice by coronary artery ligation, then SA (6 mg·kg-1·d-1, ip) was administered. SA treatment significantly decreased the infarct size, preserved the cardiac function, and improved the biochemical indicators and cardiac pathological alterations. Moreover, SA (10, 100 M) significantly decreased the apoptotic index in OGD-treated H8c2 cardiomycytes in vitro. By using HPLC-Q-TOF/MS, we conducted metabonomics analysis to screen the significantly changed endogenous metabolites and construct the network in both serum and urine. The results revealed that SA regulated the pathways of glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, lysine biosynthesis, pyrimidine metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis under the pathological conditions of AMI. Furthermore, we selected the regulatory enzymes related to heart disease, including ecto-5'-nucleotidase (NT5E), guanidinoacetate N-methyltransferase (GAMT), platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor (PD-ECGF) and methionine synthase (MTR), for validation. In addition, SA was found to facilitate PI3K/Akt activation and inhibit the expression of NOX2 in AMI mice and OGD-treated H9c2 cells. In conclusion, we have elucidated SA-regulated endogenous metabolic pathways and constructed a regulatory metabolic network map. Furthermore, we have validated the new potential therapeutic targets and underlying molecular mechanisms of SA against AMI, which might provide a reference for its future application in cardiovascular diseases.

Metabolomic profiling of metoprolol-induced cardioprotection in a murine model of acute myocardial ischemia

Metoprolol (Met) is widely applied in the treatment of myocardial infarction and coronary heart disease in clinic. However, the metabolic network in vivo affected by Met manipulation is still unclear and it's therapeutic molecular mechanisms were remained to be furthered elucidated except β1 adrenergic receptor. Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced by permanent CAL for 24 h in ICR mice. Myocardial infarct size, biochemical indicators such as creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive Protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and cardiac troponin I(cTn-I), cardiac function and myocardial pathological changes were detected to ensure the improvement of Met on MI. Subsequently, the significantly changed endogenous metabolites and the network in both serum and urine were screened and constructed through metabolomics by using HPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Finally, the potential regulatory enzymes that could be the possible new therapeutic targets of Met were selected and validated by western blotting and immunohistochemistry based on the screened differential metabolites and the enrichment analysis. Met effectively reduced the infarct size of myocardial infarction mice, improved the biochemical indicators, and ameliorated the cardiac function and pathological conditions. Our study further found that Met could regulate the pathways of glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, purine and pyrimidine metabolism under the pathological conditions of MI. Moreover, several regulatory enzymes involved GATM, CSE and NT5E were demonstrated to be regulated by Met. This study constructed the regulatory metabolic network map of Met, elucidated the endogenous metabolic pathway regulated by Met, and validated the new potential therapeutic targets of Met in MI, which might provide a further reference for the clinical application of Met.

Antileishmanial Activity and Synergistic Effects of Amphotericin B Deoxycholate with Allicin and Andrographolide against Leishmania martiniquensis In Vitro

Leishmania (Mundinia) martiniquensis is a causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis, but in HIV-infected patients both visceral and disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis are presented. Recurrence of the disease after treatment has been reported in some cases indicating that improved chemotherapy is required. In this study, the susceptibility of L. martiniquensis to Amphotericin B deoxycholate (AmB), allicin, and andrographolide was evaluated and the synergistic effects of allicin or andrographolide combined with AmB against L. martiniquensis intracellular amastigotes in mouse peritoneal exudate macrophages (PEMs) were investigated in vitro for the first time. The results showed that L. martiniquensis was highly susceptible to AmB as expected, but allicin and andrographolide had selectivity index (SI) values greater than 10, indicating promise in both compounds for treatment of host cells infected with L. martiniquensis. Four AmB/allicin combinations presented combination index (CI) values less than 1 (0.58–0.68) for intracellular amastigotes indicating synergistic effects. The combination with the highest dose reduction index (DRI) allowed an approximately four-fold reduction of AmB use in that combination. No synergistic effects were observed in AmB/andrographolide combinations. The data provided in this study leads for further study to develop novel therapeutic agents and improve the treatment outcome for leishmaniasis caused by this Leishmania species.

The Application of Nanotechnology in the Codelivery of Active Constituents of Plants and Chemotherapeutics for Overcoming Physiological Barriers during Antitumor Treatment

Antitumor therapy using a combination of drugs has shown increased clinical efficacy. Active constituents derived from plants can offer several advantages, such as high efficiacy, low toxicity, extensive effects, and multiple targets. At present, the combination of plants' active constituents and chemotherapeutic drugs has attracted increased attention. Nanodrug delivery systems (NDDSs) have been widely used in tumor-targeted therapy because of their efficacy of delivering antitumor drugs. The in vivo process of tumor-targeted NDDSs has several steps. They include blood circulation, tumor accumulation and penetration, target cell internalization and uptake, and drug release and drug response. In each step, NDDSs encounter multiple barriers that prevent their effective delivery to target sites. Studies have been performed to find alternative strategies to overcome these barriers. We reviewed the recent progress of codelivery of active constituents of plants and chemotherapeutics using NDDSs. Progress into transversing the physiological barriers for more effective in vivo antitumor delivery will be discussed in this review.

Andrographolide, a Natural Antioxidant: An Update

Traditionally, Andrographis paniculata has been used as an herbal remedy for lung infection treatments. Its leaves contain a diterpenoid labdane called andrographolide responsible for a wide range of biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. This manuscript is a brief review of the antioxidant mechanisms and the regulation of the Nrf2 (nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2) signaling pathway by andrographolide.

Pectin-guar gum-zinc oxide nanocomposite enhances human lymphocytes cytotoxicity towards lung and breast carcinomas

Pectin-guar gum-zinc oxide (PEC-GG-ZnO) nanocomposite was prepared by precipitation technique. The composite was characterized by using FT-IR, XRD, HRTEM, SAED, EDS, and SEM. TEM images showed the hexagonal shape of nanocomposite with the size range of 50-70 nm. Further, PEC-GG-ZnO was used as an immunomodulator for the first time to improve the cancer cells killing capabilities of human peripheral-blood lymphocytes (PBL). The lymphocyte proliferation assay proved the immunostimulatory property of the PEC-GG-ZnO which increased with the increase in concentration (25 μg/ml to 200 μg/ml). ELISA detection confirmed a significant increase in the release of IFN-γ, IL-2 and TNF-α cytokines and flow cytometry analysis revealed enhanced expression of CD3, CD8, and CD56 after treating PBL with PEC-GG-ZnO as compared to PEC and GG treatment. Moreover, we also found that nanocomposite pretreated human PBL displayed enhanced cytotoxicity towards lung (A549) and breast carcinoma (MCF-7) cells as compared to untreated PBL. The microcytotoxicity assay also demonstrated that with increase in effector: target ratios from 2.5:1 to 20:1, there was an increase in the cancer cell death. Taken together, the current data corroborates the immunostimulatory activities of PEC-GG-ZnO, a novel nanocomposite, hence it can serve as a promising cancer therapeutic agent.

Andrographolide, a diterpene lactone from Andrographis paniculata and its therapeutic promises in cancer

The diterpene lactone andrographolide, isolated from Andrographis paniculata, has been proven to possess several important protective biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiseptic, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, hypolipidemic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective effects. In addition, it has been reported to play a therapeutic role in the treatment of major human diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and colitis. This systematic review aims to highlight andrographolide as a promising agent in cancer treatment. To this purpose, a number of databases were used to search for the cytotoxic/anticancer effects of andrographolide in pre-clinical and clinical studies. Among 1703 identified literature articles, 139 were included in this review; 109 were investigated as non-clinical, whereas 24, 3, and 3 were pre-clinical, clinical, and non-pre-clinical trials, respectively. Among the model systems, cultured cell lines appeared as the most frequently (79.14%) used, followed by in vivo models using rodents, among others. Furthermore, andrographolide was found to exert cytotoxic/anticancer effects on almost all types of cell lines with the underlying mechanisms involving oxidative stress, cell cycle arrest, anti-inflammatory and immune system mediated effects, apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, inhibition of cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, invasion, anti-angiogenic activity, and other miscellaneous actions. After careful consideration of the relevant evidence, we suggest that andrographolide can be one of the potential agents in the treatment of cancer in the near future.

A systematic investigation of the maximum tolerated dose of cytotoxic chemotherapy with and without supportive care in mice

Background

Cytotoxic chemotherapeutics form the cornerstone of systemic treatment of many cancers. Patients are dosed at maximum tolerated dose (MTD), which is carefully determined in phase I studies. In contrast, in murine studies, dosages are often based on customary practice or small pilot studies, which often are not well documented. Consequently, research groups need to replicate experiments, resulting in an excess use of animals and highly variable dosages across the literature. In addition, while patients often receive supportive treatments in order to allow dose escalation, mice do not. These issues could affect experimental results and hence clinical translation.

Methods

To address this, we determined the single-dose MTD in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice for a range of chemotherapeutics covering the canonical classes, with clinical score and weight as endpoints.

Results

We found that there was some variation in MTDs between strains and the tolerability of repeated cycles of chemotherapy at MTD was drug-dependent. We also demonstrate that dexamethasone reduces chemotherapy-induced weight loss in mice.

Conclusion

These data form a resource for future studies using chemotherapy in mice, increasing comparability between studies, reducing the number of mice needed for dose optimisation experiments and potentially improving translation to the clinic.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-017-3677-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Anti-tumor effect of cisplatin in human oral squamous cell carcinoma was enhanced by andrographolide via upregulation of phospho-p53 in vitro and in vivo

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common neoplasm in the world. Despite the improvements in diagnosis and treatment, the outcome is still poor now. Thus, the development of novel therapeuticapproaches is needed. The aim of this study is to assess the synergistic anti-tumor effect of andrographolide with cisplatin (DDP) in oral squamous cell carcinoma CAL-27 cells in vitro and in vivo. We performed Cell Counting Kit-8 proliferation assay, apoptosis assay, and western blotting on CAL-27 cells treated with andrographolide, DDP or the combination in vitro. In vivo, we also treated CAL-27 xenografts with andrographolide or the combination, and performed terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling assay and immunohistochemical analysis of Ki-67. The results showed the combination of andrographolide and DDP synergistically inhibited CAL-27 cell proliferation in vitro and caused tumor regression in vivo in the CAL-27 xenografts. In addition, the synergistic anti-tumor effect of andrographolide with synergistic was due to an enhanced apoptosis. Moreover, the combination therapy upregulated the expression level of p-p53 in vitro and decreased Ki-67 expression in vivo. Our data indicate that the combination treatment of andrographolide and DDP results in synergistic anti-tumor growth activity against oral squamous cell carcinoma CAL-27 in vitro and in vivo. These results demonstrated that combination of andrographolide with DDP was likely to represent a potential therapeutic strategy for oral squamous cell carcinoma.

YiQiFuMai Powder Injection attenuates coronary artery ligation-induced myocardial remodeling and heart failure through modulating MAPKs signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

YiQiFuMai Powder Injection (YQFM), a traditional Chinese medicine prescription re-developed based on Sheng-Mai-San, is a classical and traditional therapeutic for clinical heart failure (HF) and angina. However, its potential mechanism against HF remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study observes the therapeutic role of YQFM and mechanisms underlying its effects on coronary artery ligation (CAL)-induced myocardial remodeling (MR) and HF.

METHODS

MR and HF were induced by permanent CAL for 2 weeks in ICR mice. Then mice were treated with YQFM (0.13g/kg, 0.26g/kg and 0.53g/kg) once a day until 2 weeks later. Cardiac structure and function were evaluated by echocardiography. Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by biochemical kits and cardiomyocyte morphology was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Myocardial hydroxyproline (HYP), serum amino-terminal pro-peptide of pro-collagen type III (PIIINP), and Masson's trichrome staining were employed to evaluate cardiac fibrosis. Circulating level of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was tested by ELISA kit to predict prognosis of CAL-induced HF. Effects of YQFM on the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathway after CAL operation was evaluated by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry assay.

RESULTS

YQFM (0.53g/kg) improved the left ventricular (LV) function and structure impairment after 2 weeks in CAL mice. YQFM administration also decreased LDH and CK activities, circulating levels of MDA, PIIINP, NT-proBNP, and HYP contents. Moreover, YQFM ameliorated cardiac injury and fibrosis. Furthermore, YQFM (0.53g/kg) inhibited the myocardial phosphorylation of MAPKs in HF mice.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that YQFM attenuates CAL-induced HF via improving cardiac function, attenuating structure damage, oxidative stress, necrosis, collagen deposition, and fibrosis. In addition, YQFM ameliorates cardiac remodeling and HF, partially through inhibiting the MAPKs signaling pathways. These data provide insights and mechanisms into the widely application of YQFM in patients with HF, MI and other ischemic heart diseases.

Traditional Chinese medicine for pulmonary fibrosis therapy: Progress and future prospects

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic, debilitating and often lethal lung disorder. Despite the molecular mechanisms of PF are gradually clear with numerous researchers' efforts, few effective drugs have been developed to reverse human PF or even halt the chronic progression to respiratory failure. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the main component of the medical practice used for more than 5000 years especially in China, often exerts wider action spectrum than previously attempted options in treating human diseases. Recent data have shown the anti-fibrotic benefits of the active ingredients from TCM in this field, which may represent an attractive source of the drug discovery against PF.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review summarizes the pre-clinical and clinical evidence on the benefits of TCM and their active ingredients, and provides a comprehensive information and reliable basis for the exploration of new treatment strategies of botanical drugs in the therapy of PF.

METHODS

The literature information was obtained from the scientific databases on ethnobotany and ethno medicines (up to Aug 2016), mainly from the Pubmed, Web of Science and CNKI databases, and was to identify the experimental studies on the anti-fibrotic role of the active agents from TCM and the involved mechanisms. The search keywords for such work included: "lung fibrosis" or "pulmonary fibrosis", and "traditional Chinese medicine", "extract" or "herb".

RESULTS

A number of studies have shown that the active agents of single herbs and TCM formulas, particularly the flavonoids, glycosides and alkaloids, exhibit potential benefits against PF, the mechanisms of which appear to involve the regulation of inflammation, oxidant stress, and pro-fibrotic signaling pathways, etc. Besides, the processing methods for discovering TCM in treating PF were prospectively discussed.

CONCLUSION

These research work have shown the therapeutic benefits of TCM in the treatment of PF. However, more continued researches should be undertaken to clarify the unconfirmed chemical composition and regulatory mechanisms, conduct standard clinical trials, and evaluate the possible side effects. The insights provided in present review will be needed for further exploration of botanical drugs in the development of PF therapy.

Flavored black ginseng exhibited antitumor activity via improving immune function and inducing apoptosis

Flavored black ginseng rich in ginsenoside F2, Rg5 and protopanaxadiol exhibited antitumor activity via improving immune function and inducing apoptosis.