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Zhao Z, Cui T, Wei F, Zhou Z, Sun Y, Gao C, Xu X, Zhang H. Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma: pathogenic role and therapeutic target. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1367364. [PMID: 38634048 PMCID: PMC11022604 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1367364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant liver tumor and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway is a highly conserved pathway involved in several biological processes, including the improper regulation that leads to the tumorigenesis and progression of cancer. New studies have found that abnormal activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway is a major cause of HCC tumorigenesis, progression, and resistance to therapy. New perspectives and approaches to treating HCC will arise from understanding this pathway. This article offers a thorough analysis of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway's function and its therapeutic implications in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekun Zhao
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tenglu Cui
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Radiotherapy Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fengxian Wei
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhiming Zhou
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuan Sun
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chaofeng Gao
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Xu
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Huihan Zhang
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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Michalkova R, Mirossay L, Kello M, Mojzisova G, Baloghova J, Podracka A, Mojzis J. Anticancer Potential of Natural Chalcones: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10354. [PMID: 37373500 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
There is no doubt that significant progress has been made in tumor therapy in the past decades. However, the discovery of new molecules with potential antitumor properties still remains one of the most significant challenges in the field of anticancer therapy. Nature, especially plants, is a rich source of phytochemicals with pleiotropic biological activities. Among a plethora of phytochemicals, chalcones, the bioprecursors of flavonoid and isoflavonoids synthesis in higher plants, have attracted attention due to the broad spectrum of biological activities with potential clinical applications. Regarding the antiproliferative and anticancer effects of chalcones, multiple mechanisms of action including cell cycle arrest, induction of different forms of cell death and modulation of various signaling pathways have been documented. This review summarizes current knowledge related to mechanisms of antiproliferative and anticancer effects of natural chalcones in different types of malignancies including breast cancers, cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, lung cancers, renal and bladder cancers, and melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radka Michalkova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Ladislav Mirossay
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Martin Kello
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Gabriela Mojzisova
- Center of Clinical and Preclinical Research MEDIPARK, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Janette Baloghova
- Department of Dermatovenerology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Anna Podracka
- Department of Dermatovenerology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Jan Mojzis
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
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Michalkova R, Kello M, Cizmarikova M, Bardelcikova A, Mirossay L, Mojzis J. Chalcones and Gastrointestinal Cancers: Experimental Evidence. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065964. [PMID: 36983038 PMCID: PMC10059739 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal (CRC) and gastric cancers (GC) are the most common digestive tract cancers with a high incidence rate worldwide. The current treatment including surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy has several limitations such as drug toxicity, cancer recurrence or drug resistance and thus it is a great challenge to discover an effective and safe therapy for CRC and GC. In the last decade, numerous phytochemicals and their synthetic analogs have attracted attention due to their anticancer effect and low organ toxicity. Chalcones, plant-derived polyphenols, received marked attention due to their biological activities as well as for relatively easy structural manipulation and synthesis of new chalcone derivatives. In this study, we discuss the mechanisms by which chalcones in both in vitro and in vivo conditions suppress cancer cell proliferation or cancer formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radka Michalkova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Martin Kello
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Martina Cizmarikova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Annamaria Bardelcikova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Ladislav Mirossay
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Jan Mojzis
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
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Biological Activities of Paper Mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera): More than a Skin-Lightening Agent. COSMETICS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/cosmetics9060112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Paper mulberry is one of the most common skin-lightening agents in the beauty industry due to its strong anti-tyrosinase activity. This narrative review aims to summarize the chemical composition, biological activities, and applications of paper mulberry in cosmetics. Method: The literature for this article was acquired from the PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases before September 2022. The keywords for searching included “paper mulberry”, “Broussonetia papyrifera”, “skin-lightening”, “skin-whitening”, “depigmentation”, “pharmacological activity”, and “biological activity”. Results: Paper mulberry consists of various components, including flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, phenols, saponins, coumarins, glycosides, and polysaccharides, which possess a wide range of pharmacological properties. Apart from its anti-tyrosinase activity, paper mulberry and its compounds exhibited anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, antidiabetic, anticholinesterase, antigout, antinociceptive, and hepatoprotective effects. Phenols and flavonoids were demonstrated to be the main contributors to the biological activities of paper mulberry. Paper mulberry is widely applied in cosmetics for skin lightening and skin moisturizing purposes and shows potential for application in hair care products due to the hair nourishing effects. The safety of paper mulberry for topical application was proven in clinical studies. Conclusion: The current review provides a better understanding of paper mulberry’s properties and allows us to extend the application of this plant and its bioactive components in cosmetics.
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Chen Y, Wang L, Liu X, Wang F, An Y, Zhao W, Tian J, Kong D, Zhang W, Xu Y, Ba Y, Zhou H. The Genus Broussonetia: An Updated Review of Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Applications. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27165344. [PMID: 36014582 PMCID: PMC9414938 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The Broussonetia genus (Moraceae), recognized for its value in many Chinese traditional herbs, mainly includes Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) L’Hér. ex Vent. (BP), Broussonetia kazinoki Siebold (BK), and Broussonetia luzonica (Blanco) Bureau (BL). Hitherto, researchers have found 338 compounds isolated from BP, BK, and BL, which included flavonoids, polyphenols, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, and others. Moreover, its active compounds and extracts have exhibited a variety of pharmacological effects such as antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, and its use against skin wrinkles. In this review, the phytochemistry and pharmacology of Broussonetia are updated systematically, after its applications are first summarized. In addition, this review also discusses the limitations of investigations and the potential direction of Broussonetia. This review can help to further understand the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and other applications of Broussonetia, which paves the way for future research.
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Oliveira LFS, Predes D, Borges HL, Abreu JG. Therapeutic Potential of Naturally Occurring Small Molecules to Target the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14020403. [PMID: 35053565 PMCID: PMC8774030 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an emerging public health problem and the second leading cause of death worldwide, with a significant socioeconomic impact in several countries. The 5-year survival rate is only 12% due to the lack of early diagnosis and resistance to available treatments, and the canonical Wnt signaling pathway is involved in this process. This review underlines the importance of understanding the fundamental roles of this pathway in physiological and pathological contexts and analyzes the use of naturally occurring small molecules that inhibits the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in experimental models of CRC. We also discuss the progress and challenges of moving these small molecules off the laboratory bench into the clinical platform. Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks second in the number of cancer deaths worldwide, mainly due to late diagnoses, which restrict treatment in the potentially curable stages and decrease patient survival. The treatment of CRC involves surgery to remove the tumor tissue, in addition to radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy sessions. However, almost half of patients are resistant to these treatments, especially in metastatic cases, where the 5-year survival rate is only 12%. This factor may be related to the intratumoral heterogeneity, tumor microenvironment (TME), and the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which is impossible to resolve with the standard approaches currently available in clinical practice. CSCs are APC-deficient, and the search for alternative therapeutic agents such as small molecules from natural sources is a promising strategy, as these substances have several antitumor properties. Many of those interfere with the regulation of signaling pathways at the central core of CRC development, such as the Wnt/β-catenin, which plays a crucial role in the cell proliferation and stemness in the tumor. This review will discuss the use of naturally occurring small molecules inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in experimental CRC models over the past decade, highlighting the molecular targets in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and the mechanisms through which these molecules perform their antitumor activities.
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Broussochalcone A Induces Apoptosis in Human Renal Cancer Cells via ROS Level Elevation and Activation of FOXO3 Signaling Pathway. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:2800706. [PMID: 34745413 PMCID: PMC8566040 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2800706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Broussochalcone A (BCA) is a chalcone compound extracted from the cortex of Broussonetiapapyrifera (L.) Ventenat that exerts various effects, such as potent antioxidant, antiplatelet, and anticancer effects. However, the effects of BCA against cancers have been seldom studied. This study is aimed at demonstrating the apoptotic mechanisms of BCA in A498 and ACHN cells, which are two types of human renal cancer cell lines. MTT, cell counting, and colony formation assays indicated that BCA treatment inhibited cell viability and cell growth. Further, cell cycle analysis revealed that BCA induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. Annexin V/PI staining and TUNEL assays were performed to determine the apoptotic effects and DNA fragmentation after treatment with BCA. Based on western blot analysis, BCA induced the upregulation of cleaved PARP, FOXO3, Bax, p21, p27, p53, phosphorylated p53 (ser15, ser20, and ser46), and active forms of caspase-3, caspase-7, and caspase-9 proteins, but downregulated the proforms of the proteins. The expression levels of pAkt, Bcl-2, and Bcl-xL were also found to be downregulated. Western blot analysis of nuclear fractionation results revealed that BCA induced the nuclear translocation of FOXO3, which might be induced by DNA damage owing to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Elevated intracellular ROS levels were also found following BCA treatment. Furthermore, DNA damage was detected after BCA treatment using a comet assay. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the apoptotic effects of BCA against renal cancer A498 and ACHN cells. Collectively, our study findings revealed that the apoptotic effects of BCA against human renal cancer cells occur via the elevation of ROS level and activation of the FOXO3 signaling pathway.
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Michalkova R, Mirossay L, Gazdova M, Kello M, Mojzis J. Molecular Mechanisms of Antiproliferative Effects of Natural Chalcones. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112730. [PMID: 34073042 PMCID: PMC8198114 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite the important progress in cancer treatment in the past decades, the mortality rates in some types of cancer have not significantly decreased. Therefore, the search for novel anticancer drugs has become a topic of great interest. Chalcones, precursors of flavonoid synthesis in plants, have been documented as natural compounds with pleiotropic biological effects including antiproliferative/anticancer activity. This article focuses on the knowledge on molecular mechanisms of antiproliferative action of chalcones and draws attention to this group of natural compounds that may be of importance in the treatment of cancer disease. Abstract Although great progress has been made in the treatment of cancer, the search for new promising molecules with antitumor activity is still one of the greatest challenges in the fight against cancer due to the increasing number of new cases each year. Chalcones (1,3-diphenyl-2-propen-1-one), the precursors of flavonoid synthesis in higher plants, possess a wide spectrum of biological activities including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer. A plethora of molecular mechanisms of action have been documented, including induction of apoptosis, autophagy, or other types of cell death, cell cycle changes, and modulation of several signaling pathways associated with cell survival or death. In addition, blockade of several steps of angiogenesis and proteasome inhibition has also been documented. This review summarizes the basic molecular mechanisms related to the antiproliferative effects of chalcones, focusing on research articles from the years January 2015–February 2021.
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Lee HS, Kim SH, Kim BM, Safe S, Lee SO. Broussochalcone A Is a Novel Inhibitor of the Orphan Nuclear Receptor NR4A1 and Induces Apoptosis in Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Molecules 2021; 26:2316. [PMID: 33923503 PMCID: PMC8073833 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The orphan nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1) is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer and exhibits pro-oncogenic activity, and NR4A1 silencing and treatment with its inactivators has been shown to inhibit pancreatic cancer cells and tumor growth. In this study, we identified broussochalcone A (BCA) as a new NR4A1 inhibitor and demonstrated that BCA inhibits cell growth partly by inducing NR4A1-mediated apoptotic pathways in human pancreatic cancer cells. BCA downregulated specificity protein 1 (Sp1)-mediated expression of an anti-apoptotic protein, survivin, and activated the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated apoptotic pathway. These results suggest that NR4A1 inactivation contributes to the anticancer effects of BCA, and that BCA represents a potential anticancer agent targeting NR4A1 that is overexpressed in many types of human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo-Seon Lee
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Korea;
| | - Soo-Hyun Kim
- National Institute for Korean Medicine Development, Gyeongsan 38540, Korea; (S.-H.K.); (B.-M.K.)
| | - Bo-Mi Kim
- National Institute for Korean Medicine Development, Gyeongsan 38540, Korea; (S.-H.K.); (B.-M.K.)
| | - Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4466, USA;
| | - Syng-Ook Lee
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Korea;
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Hearing Loss Caused by HCMV Infection through Regulating the Wnt and Notch Signaling Pathways. Viruses 2021; 13:v13040623. [PMID: 33917368 PMCID: PMC8067389 DOI: 10.3390/v13040623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent sensory disabilities worldwide with huge social and economic burdens. The leading cause of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in children is congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Though the implementation of universal screening and early intervention such as antiviral or anti-inflammatory ameliorate the severity of CMV-associated diseases, direct and targeted therapeutics is still seriously lacking. The major hurdle for it is that the mechanism of CMV induced SNHL has not yet been well understood. In this review, we focus on the impact of CMV infection on the key players in inner ear development including the Wnt and Notch signaling pathways. Investigations on these interactions may gain new insights into viral pathogenesis and reveal novel targets for therapy.
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Xiao Y, Han F, Kim MJ, Lee KY, Lee IS. Microbial Transformation of Broussochalcones A and B by Aspergillus niger. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2021; 84:601-607. [PMID: 33527835 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c01102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Broussochalcones A (BCA, 1) and B (BCB, 2) are major bioactive constituents isolated from Broussonetia papyrifera, a polyphenol-rich plant belonging to the family Moraceae. Due to their low yields from natural sources, BCA (1) and BCB (2) were prepared synthetically by employing Claisen-Schmidt condensation, and these were used as substrates for microbial transformation to obtain novel derivatives. Microbial transformation of BCA (1) and BCB (2) with the endophytic fungus Aspergillus niger KCCM 60332 yielded 10 previously undescribed chalcones (1a-1e and 2a-2e). Their structures were established based on the spectroscopic methods. The cytotoxicity of BCA (1), BCB (2), and their metabolites (1a-1e and 2a-2e) was determined by human cancer cell lines A375P, A549, HT-29, MCF-7, and HepG2, with 1e shown to be most cytotoxic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yina Xiao
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Fubo Han
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeong Ji Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Youl Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Ik-Soo Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
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Chen Q, Lei J, Zhou J, Ma S, Huang Q, Ge B. Chemopreventive effect of 4'-hydroxychalcone on intestinal tumorigenesis in ApcMin mice. Oncol Lett 2021; 21:213. [PMID: 33510814 PMCID: PMC7836395 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12474] [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: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Chalcones and its derivatives are reported to exhibit anti-cancer effects in several cancer cell lines, including colon cancer cells. However, the in vivo anticancer effects and associated mechanisms of chalcones against intestinal tumorigenesis currently remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the chemopreventive effect of a chalcone derivative, 4'-hydroxychalcone (4-HC), in a transgenic adenomatous polyposis coli multiple intestinal neoplasia mouse model (ApcMin) of spontaneous intestinal adenomas. ApcMin mice were fed 4-HC (10 mg/kg/day) or the vehicle control by oral gavage starting at 8 weeks of age, and were sacrificed at 20 weeks. The administration of 4-HC significantly decreased the number of colon adenomas by 45% and the size of colon adenomas by 35% compared with the respective controls. Similarly, the number of adenomas in the distal small intestine (DSI) and proximal small intestine also decreased by 35 and 33%, respectively, in 4-HC-treated mice, and adenoma size in the DSI decreased by 39% compared with the respective controls. Treatment with 4-HC strongly decreased proliferation in colon and DSI adenomas, as detected by immunofluorescence staining with the proliferation marker protein Ki-67, and promoted apoptosis in colon adenomas, as detected by TUNEL immunofluorescence staining. In addition, decreased mRNA expression of β-catenin target genes, including c-Myc, Axin2 and CD44, in colon adenomas of 4-HC-treated animals demonstrated the involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the initiation and progression of colon neoplasms. Treatment with 4-HC also decreased the protein levels of β-catenin in colon adenomas, as demonstrated by immunofluorescence staining. The results suggested that 4-HC may be a promising candidate for the chemoprevention of intestinal tumorigenesis, and further investigations are required to evaluate its clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, P.R. China
| | - Jiahong Lei
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Department of Pediatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
| | - Jinzhe Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Shaoze Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Qi Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Bujun Ge
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
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Cytotoxic Activity of Aplykurodin A Isolated From Aplysia kurodai against AXIN1-Mutated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Promoting Oncogenic β-Catenin Degradation. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18040210. [PMID: 32294900 PMCID: PMC7230895 DOI: 10.3390/md18040210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is involved in the development of human hepatocellular carcinoma and has thus emerged as a therapeutic target for this malignant tumor. In this study, we employed sensitive cell-based assays to identify aplykurodin A isolated from Aplysia kurodai as an antagonist of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Aplykurodin A inhibited β-catenin responsive transcription, which was stimulated by a Wnt3a-conditioned medium or a glycogen synthase kinase 3β inhibitor by accelerating intracellular β-catenin degradation. Aplykurodin A downregulated the level of oncogenic β-catenin and decreased the expression of β-catenin-dependent gene, leading to inhibition of human hepatoma Hep3B and SNU475 cell proliferation. Moreover, apoptosis and autophagy were elicited by aplykurodin A, as indicated by an increase the number of Annexin V-FITC-stained cells and the formation of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 puncta, respectively, in Hep3B and SNU475 cells. Our findings suggest that aplykurodin A provides a novel therapeutic strategy for human hepatocellular carcinoma via stimulation of oncogenic β-catenin degradation.
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