Compound Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza extract inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma progression via miR-145/miR-21 mediated Smad3 phosphorylation

Anticancer Mechanism of Astragalus Polysaccharide and Its Application in Cancer Immunotherapy

Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) derived from A. membranaceus plays a crucial role in traditional Chinese medicine. These polysaccharides have shown antitumor effects and are considered safe. Thus, they have become increasingly important in cancer immunotherapy. APS can limit the spread of cancer by influencing immune cells, promoting cell death, triggering cancer cell autophagy, and impacting the tumor microenvironment. When used in combination with other therapies, APS can enhance treatment outcomes and reduce toxicity and side effects. APS combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors, relay cellular immunotherapy, and cancer vaccines have broadened the application of cancer immunotherapy and enhanced treatment effectiveness. By summarizing the research on APS in cancer immunotherapy over the past two decades, this review elaborates on the anticancer mechanism of APS and its use in cancer immunotherapy and clinical trials. Considering the multiple roles of APS, this review emphasizes the importance of using APS as an adjunct to cancer immunotherapy and compares other polysaccharides with APS. This discussion provides insights into the specific mechanism of action of APS, reveals the molecular targets of APS for developing effective clinical strategies, and highlights the wide application of APS in clinical cancer therapy in the future.

A comprehensive review of miR-21 in liver disease: Big impact of little things

microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of non-coding RNA with 20-24 nucleotides, are defined as the powerful regulators for gene expression. miR-21 is a multifunctional miRNA enriched in the circulatory system and multiple organs, which not only serves as a non-invasive biomarker in disease diagnosis, but also participates in many cellular activities. In various chronic liver diseases, the increase of miR-21 affects glycolipid metabolism, viral infection, inflammatory and immune cell activation, hepatic stellate cells activation and tissue fibrosis, and autophagy. Moreover, miR-21 is also a liaison in the deterioration of chronic liver disease to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and it impacts on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, immune escape, and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation by regulating target genes expression in different signaling pathways. In current research on miRNA therapy, some natural products can exert the hepatoprotective effects depending on the inhibition of miR-21 expression. In addition, miR-21-based therapeutic also play a role in regulating intracellular miR-21 levels and enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs. Herein, we systemically summarized the recent progress of miR-21 on biosynthesis, biomarker function, molecular mechanism and miRNA therapy in chronic liver disease and HCC, and looked forward to outputting some information to enable it from bench to bedside.

Cycloastragenol restrains keratinocyte hyperproliferation by promoting autophagy via the miR-145/STC1/Notch1 axis in psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is characterized by inflammation and hyperproliferation of epidermal keratinocytes. Cycloastragenol (CAG) is an active molecule of Astragalus membranaceus that potentially plays a repressive role in psoriasis. Activated cell autophagy is an effective pathway for alleviating psoriasis progression. Thus, we investigated the role of CAG in the proliferation and autophagy of interleukin (IL)-22-stimulated keratinocytes.

METHODS

A psoriasis model was established by stimulating HaCaT cells with IL-22. Gene or protein expression levels were measured by qRT-PCR or western blot. Autophagy flux was observed with mRFP-GFP-LC3 adenovirus transfection assay under confocal microscopy. Stanniocalcin-1 (STC1) secretion levels were determined using ELISA kits. The apoptosis rate was assessed using flow cytometry. Interactions between miR-145 and STC1 or STC1 and Notch1 were validated by luciferase reporter gene assays, RIP, and Co-IP assays.

RESULTS

CAG repressed cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis and autophagy in IL-22-stimulated HaCaT cells. Additionally, CAG promoted autophagy by enhancing miR-145. STC1 silencing ameliorated autophagy repression in IL-22-treated HaCaT cells. Moreover, miR-145 negatively regulated STC1, and STC1 was found to activate Notch1. Lastly, STC1 overexpression reversed CAG-promoted autophagy.

CONCLUSION

CAG alleviated keratinocyte hyperproliferation through autophagy enhancement via regulating the miR-145/STC1/Notch1 axis in psoriasis.

Nrf2 knockout attenuates the astragaloside IV therapeutic effect on kidney fibrosis from liver cancer by regulating pSmad3C/3L pathways

Fibrotic kidney injury from hepatocarcinogenesis seriously impacts treatment effect. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), an extract of Astragalus membranaceus, has several pharmacological activities, which are useful in the treatment of edema and fibrosis. Nrf2/HO-1 is a key antioxidant stress pathway and help treatment of kidney injury. Smad3 phosphorylation is implicated in hepatocarcinogenesis. Our previous study clarified that Smad3 is differentially regulated by different phosphorylated forms of Smad3 on hepatocarcinogenesis. Therefore, we investigated the contribution of AS-IV on the therapy of kidney fibrosis from hepatocarcinogenesis. And the focus was on whether the phosphorylation of Smad3 and the regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway were involved during AS-IV therapy and whether there is an effect of Nrf2 knockout on the phosphorylation of Smad3. We performed TGF-β1 stimulation on HK-2 cells and intervened with AS-IV. Furtherly, we investigated renal injury of AS-IV on Nrf2 knockout mice during hepatocarcinogenesis and its mechanism of action. On the one hand, in vitro results showed that AS-IV reduced the ROS and α-SMA expression of HK-2 by promoting the expression pSmad3C/p21 of and Nrf2/HO-1 and suppressed the expression of pSmad3L/PAI-1. On the other hand, the in vivo results of histopathological features, serological biomarkers, and oxidative damage indicators showed that Nrf2 knockout aggravated renal injury. Besides, Nrf2 deletion decreased the nephroprotective effect of AS-IV by suppressing the pSmad3C/p21 pathway and promoting the pSmad3L/PAI-1 pathway. The experimental results were as we suspected. And we identify for the first time that Nrf2 deficiency increases renal fibrosis from hepatocarcinogenesis and attenuates the therapeutic effects of AS-IV via regulating pSmad3C/3L signal pathway.

Antitumor immunostimulatory activity of the traditional Chinese medicine polysaccharide on hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent malignancy, often associated with compromised immune function in affected patients. This can be attributed to the secretion of specific factors by liver cancer cells, which hinder the immune response and lead to a state of immune suppression. Polysaccharides derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are valuable constituents known for their immunomodulatory properties. This review aims to look into the immunomodulatory effects of TCM polysaccharides on HCC. The immunomodulatory effects of TCM polysaccharides are primarily manifested through the activation of effector T lymphocytes, dendritic cells, NK cells, and macrophages against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) both in vivo and in vitro settings. Furthermore, TCM polysaccharides have demonstrated remarkable adjuvant antitumor immunomodulatory effects on HCC in clinical settings. Therefore, the utilization of TCM polysaccharides holds promising potential for the development of novel therapeutic agents or adjuvants with advantageous immunomodulatory properties for HCC.

Aidi injection enhances the anti-tumor impact of doxorubicin in H22 tumor-containing mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Aidi injection (AD) is a traditional medical preparation that has a Chinese origin. It is extensively used particularly in combination with doxorubicin (DOX) for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the combination's synergistic mechanism has not yet been clarified.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the anti-tumor impact of AD in combination with DOX and their synergistic mechanism in HCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An H22 mouse xenograft model was utilized to study the impact of AD, DOX, and their combination on HCC in vivo. Their effects on cell vitality, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression were also investigated in H22 cells in vitro. Subsequently, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were utilized to investigate the impacts of AD, DOX, and their combination on cell viability, migration, invasion, tube formation, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein expression.

RESULTS

The study established that the tumor inhibition rate of AD combined with DOX reached 79.51%, which was significantly higher than that of AD (25.14%) or DOX (49.48%) alone. Additionally, the Q-value characterizing the synergy between AD and DOX was 1.72, demonstrating a strong synergistic effect. Furthermore, compared to AD or DOX administration alone, the combined administration group significantly decreased the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level in the serum, increased the tumor necrosis area, increased the Bax/Bcl-2, Cyt-c, caspase-9, Fas, Fasl, caspase-8, and caspase-3 protein expression, and significantly increased the CD31 and Ki67 protein expression in tumor tissue. Compared to AD or DOX alone, AD combined with DOX treatment had a synergistic effect on H22 cells (combination index values < 0.9), which inhibited cell viability, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), induced apoptosis, promoted MMP loss, and increased ROS generation, cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3 levels, and caspase-3 activity. Moreover, combined administration showed a more pronounced inhibition of cell viability, migration, invasion, tube formation, and VEGF protein expression in HUVECs.

CONCLUSIONS

AD enhances the anti-tumor effect of DOX by promoting apoptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis and cell proliferation. The findings of this study lay experimental foundations for the clinical combination of AD and DOX.

Suppressive effects of bioactive herbal polysaccharides against different cancers: From mechanisms to translational advancements

BACKGROUND

Fueled by rapidly evolving comprehension of multifaceted nature of cancers, recently emerging preclinical and clinical data have supported researchers in the resolution of knowledge gaps to deepen the understanding of the molecular mechanisms. The extra-ordinary and bewildering chemical diversity encompassed by biologically active natural products continues to be of relevance to drug discovery. Accumulating evidence has spurred a remarkable evolution of concepts related to pharmacological target of oncogenic signaling pathways by polysaccharides in different cancers.

PURPOSE

The objective of the current review is to provide new insights into study progress on anticancer effects of bioactive herbal polysaccharides.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and other databases were searched for articles related to anticancer effects of polysaccharides. Searches were conducted to locate relevant publications published up to October 2022.

RESULTS

Polysaccharides have been reported to pleiotropically modulate TGF/SMAD, BMP/SMAD, TLR4, mTOR, CXCR4 and VEGF/VEGFR cascades. We have also summarized how different polysaccharides regulated apoptosis and non-coding RNAs. Additionally, this mini-review describes increasingly sophisticated understanding related to polysaccharides mediated tumor suppressive and anti-metastatic effects in tumor-bearing mice. We have also provided an overview of the clinical trials related to chemopreventive role of polysaccharides.

CONCLUSION

Genomic and proteomic findings from these studies will facilitate 'next-generation' clinical initiatives in the prevention/inhibition of cancer.

Non-Coding RNA Related to MAPK Signaling Pathway in Liver Cancer

The advancement in high-throughput sequencing analysis and the evaluation of chromatin state maps have revealed that eukaryotic cells produce many non-coding transcripts/RNAs. Further, a strong association was observed between some non-coding RNAs and cancer development. The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) belong to the serine–threonine kinase family and are the primary signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation from the cell surface to the nucleus. They play an important role in various human diseases. A few non-coding RNAs associated with the MAPK signaling pathway play a significant role in the development of several malignancies, including liver cancer. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms and interactions of microRNA, lncRNA, and other non-coding RNAs in the development of liver cancer that are associated with the MAPK signaling pathway. Further, we briefly discuss the therapeutic strategies for liver cancer related to ncRNA and the MAPK signaling pathway.

Polysaccharide-Rich Fractions from Ganoderma resinaceum (Ganodermataceae) as Chemopreventive Agents in N-Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Wistar Rats

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and lethal diseases worldwide. Its treatment remains ineffective and the prognosis remains severe, thus favoring the emergence of a preventive approach. Mushroom-derived polysaccharides offer great opportunities because of their less toxicity and bioactivities. The present study aimed to investigate the chemopreventive effects of water-soluble polysaccharides from Ganoderma resinaceum on HCC. Two G. resinaceum polysaccharide-rich fractions (GRP I and GRP II) were obtained following hot water and alcohol precipitation. Their proteins, phenol compounds, and total neutral sugar content were assayed. The in vitro antiproliferative effect was assessed in MDA-MB 231, Hela, and HepG₂ using the MTT assay. Further, for the in vivo study, seven groups of nine rats each received N-diethylnitrosamine (100 mg/kg BW), vehicle (NaCl 0.9%), doxorubicin (10 mg/kg BW), or G. resinaceum polysaccharides (125 and 250 mg/kg BW). Liver cancer initiation and progression was assessed by evaluating histomorphology of liver section, hepatic injury markers, hematology, cytokines/chemokines levels, and stress oxidative markers. GRP II presented higher protein and sugar and lower phenol compound content than GRP I. GRP exhibited CC₅₀ of 340 and 261.7 in HepG₂ cells after 48 h. Moreover, GRP I and GRP II (125 and 250 mg/kg) prevented the alteration of the histoarchitecture of the liver induced by the DEN. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), proinflammatory cytokines (G-CSF, IFNγ, and TNFα), and chemokines (eotaxin and fractalkine) levels were significantly decreased in the GRP I- and GRP II-treated groups, while anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and IL-12p70) levels were increased. The antioxidant defense was also stimulated by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO₂) levels, increasing catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and reducing glutathione (GSH) levels. Our results indicate that GRP I exhibits chemopreventive effects by inhibiting cell proliferation and restoring liver architecture, antioxidant enzymes, and cytokines/chemokines balance.

Astragaloside IV suppresses migration and invasion of TGF-β1-induced human hepatoma HuH-7 cells by regulating Nrf2/HO-1 and TGF-β1/Smad3 pathways

Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), one of the major compounds extract from Astragalus membranaceus, has shown attractive anti-cancer effects in certain malignancies. Oxidative stress (OS) is considered as a crucial factor in promoting the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In response to OS, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) upregulates and induces heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) to combat oxidative damages. The phosphorylation of the COOH-terminal of Smad3 (pSmad3C) activates p21 to resist HCC progression, while the phosphorylation of the linker region of Smad3 (pSmad3L) up-regulates c-Myc transcription to exert promoting effect towards HCC. This study aimed to explore whether AS-IV suppresses migration and invasion of human hepatoma HuH-7 cells by regulating Nrf2/HO-1 and TGF-β₁/Smad3 pathways. HuH-7 cells were induced with TGF-β₁ (9 or 40 pM) to establish HCC model in vitro and pretreated with AS-IV at different concentration (5, 10, and 20 μM) for 24 h. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) of HuH-7 cells were measured. The expression of Nrf2, pSmad3C, Nrf2/pNrf2, HO-1, pSmad3C/3L, c-Myc, and p21 were detected. Exposure of HuH-7 cells to TGF-β₁ enhanced the cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and ROS production. Pretreatment with AS-IV (5, 10, and 20 μM) significantly reduced the cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and ROS production in HuH-7 cells. Furthermore, AS-IV increased the expressions of Nrf2/pNrf2, HO-1, pSmad3C, and p21, meanwhile reduced the expressions of pSmad3L and c-Myc. In conclusion, our study suggested that AS-IV inhibit HuH-7 cells migration and invasion, which related to activate Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, up-regulation pSmad3C/p21 pathway, and down-regulation pSmad3L/c-Myc pathway. The present research supports the notion that AS-IV may be a latent agent for the treatment of HCC.

Astragalus polysacharin inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma-like phenotypes in a murine HCC model through repression of M2 polarization of tumour-associated macrophages

CONTEXT

Astragalus polysaccharin (APS), an extract of Astragalus propinquus Schischk, exerts antitumor effects in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the mechanism of action of APS in HCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) were treated with APS (0, 8, 16 mg/mL) for 24 h. APS (16 mg/mL)-treated TAMs were co-cultured with MHCC97H/Huh7 cells for 24 h. Finally, BALB/c nude mice were divided into PBS, APS (50 mg/kg), APS (100 mg/kg), APS (200 mg/kg) groups: mice were inoculated with Huh7 cells to construct tumour xenograft model, followed by administration of APS (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) or PBS daily for 30 days. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, tumour growth, macrophage markers and proportions were measured.

RESULTS

APS 16 mg/mL treatment enhanced the expression of M1 macrophage markers (iNOS, IL-1β and TNF-α) and M1 macrophage proportions, while reducing the expression of M2 macrophage markers (IL-10, Arg-1) and M2 macrophage proportions in TAMs. Moreover, the APS-mediated M1 phenotype of TAMs significantly repressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion of MHCC97H and Huh7 cells. Moreover, APS (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) enhanced M1 macrophage proportions and reduced M2 macrophage proportions in the tumour tissues, and thus inhibited tumour growth of HCC.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

APS inhibits HCC-like phenotypes in a murine HCC model through repression of M2 polarization of TAMs. This work provides a novel theoretical basis for the application of APS in the clinical treatment of HCC.

Astragaloside IV inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma by continually suppressing the development of fibrosis and regulating pSmad3C/3L and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Astragalus is a medicinal herb used in China for the prevention and treatment of diseases such as diabetes and cancer. As one of the main active ingredients of astragalus, Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) has a wide range of pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammation and anti-cancer effects.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Different phosphorylated forms of Smad3 differentially regulate the progression of hepatic carcinoma. The phosphorylation of the COOH-terminal of Smad3 (pSmad3C) and activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway inhibits hepatic carcinoma, while phosphorylation of the linker region of Smad3 (pSmad3L) promotes progression. Thus, pSmad3C/3L and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways are potential targets for drug of anti-cancer development. AS-IV is anti-apoptotic and can inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma cell (HCC) proliferation, invasion, and tumor growth in nude mice. However, it is not clear whether AS-IV has a therapeutic effect on inhibiting the progression of primary liver cancer by regulating the pSmad3C/3L and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether AS-IV inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating pSmad3C/3L and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

primary liver cancer in mice induced by DEN/CCl₄/C₂H₅OH (DCC) and HSC-T6/HepG2 cell models activated by TGF-β₁ was investigated for the mechanisms of AS-IV. In vivo assays included liver biopsy, histopathology and post-mortem analysis included immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescent, and Western blotting analysis, and in vitro assays included immunofluorescent, and Western blotting analysis.

RESULTS

AS-IV significantly inhibited the development of primary liver cancer, reflecting improved liver biopsy, histopathology. The incidence and multiplicity of primary liver cancer were markedly decreased by AS-IV treatment at the 20th week. AS-IV had observable effects on the TGF-β₁/Smad and Nrf2/HO-1 expression in vivo, especially up-regulated pSmad3C, pNrf2, HO-1, and NQO1, while it down-regulated pSmad2C, pSmad2L, pSmad3L, PAI-1, and α-SMA at the 12th week and the 20th week. Furthermore, in vitro analysis further confirmed that AS-IV regulated the expression of pSmad3C/3L and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in HSC-T6 and HepG2 cells activated by TGF-β₁.

CONCLUSION

AS-IV administration delays the occurrence of primary liver cancer by continually suppressing the development of fibrosis, the mechanism of the therapeutic effect involving the regulation of the pSmad3C/3L and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways, especially in regulation reversibility and antagonism of pSmad3C and pSmad3L and promoting the phosphorylation of Nrf2.

Phospho-Smad3L promotes progression of hepatocellular carcinoma through decreasing miR-140-5p level and stimulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition

BACKGROUND

The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) activates JNK, phosphorylates Smad3 to linker-phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3L), resulting in liver tumorigenesis. However, the effect of pSmad3L on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognosis is obscure.

AIM

To detect the effect of pSmad3L on HCC prognosis and investigate the mechanism.

METHODS

The expressions of pSmad3L, E-cadherin, vimentin and MicroRNA-140-5p (miR-140-5p) were detected by using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization. Next, the relationships of pSmad3L and HCC patients' prognoses, pSmad3L and EMT markers, pSmad3L and miR-140-5p were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation test. JNK/pSmad3L specific inhibitor SP600125 or Smad3 mutant plasmid was used to suppress JNK/pSmad3L pathway, and QPCR assay was performed to investigate the effect of pSmad3L on miR-140-5p level. The proliferation and invasion of hepatoma cells were observed using colony formation assay and transwell assay.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that patient with high level of pSmad3L predicted poor prognosis. Next, we verified that pSmad3L promoted EMT of hepatoma cells in vivo and in vitro. In order to investigate the mechanism, we verified a negative correlation between pSmad3L and miR-140-5p, which was an EMT inhibitor, in the liver tissues of HCC patient and diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced rat HCC model. We further used SP600125 or pSmad3L mutant plasmid to decrease pSmad3L level of hepatoma cells, and inhibition of pSmad3L increased miR-140-5p level and suppressed EMT of hepatoma cells.

CONCLUSIONS

JNK/pSmad3L pathway induces EMT by inhibiting miR-140-5p in HCC progression.

Alkaloidal extract from Carica papaya seeds ameliorates CCl4-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third cause of cancer-related mortality globally. However, available treatments are expensive and are associated with adverse effects or poor treatment outcomes in advanced disease. Meanwhile, plants like Carica papaya have demonstrated various biological activities that further studies may lead to the identification of newer and safer treatment options for HCC.

Aim

To evaluate the anticancer activity of an alkaloidal extract derived from Carica papaya seeds using rodent models of HCC.

Experimental procedure

Carica Papaya fruits were collected and authenticated. The seeds were isolated and air-dried. Alkaloidal extract was prepared from a 70% ethanol soxhlet crude extract and referred to as Carica papaya alkaloidal extract (CPAE). HCC was induced in 68 out of 84 healthy male Sprague Dawley rats by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) for 16 weeks. These rats were put into five groups of 10; Carica papaya alkaloidal extract [(CPAE) (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg), Lenvatinib (4 mg/kg)], 1% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), and 2 untreated groups (control and model). A prophylaxis study was performed with 10 rats by co-administration of CPAE (200 mg/kg) and CCl₄ six hours apart for 16 weeks. Rats were sacrificed after a twelve-week treatment program under anesthesia for histological, hematological, and biochemical analyses.

Results and conclusion

CPAE (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly restored weight loss (48.44 and 51.75% respectively), reduced tumor multiplicity, and dose-dependently reversed liver histomorphological changes induced by CCl₄ compared to the model group. The CPAE (100 and 200 mg/kg) further reduced bleeding time, improved prothrombin time and restored platelet count (p < 0.01) compared to the model. The CPAE (200 mg/kg) again significantly (p < 0.0001) reduced serum alpha-fetoprotein levels compared to the model group and prevented the establishment of HCC in rats when concerrently administered with CCl₄ in 16 weeks prophylactic study.

Huxie Huaji Ointment Induced Apoptosis of Liver Cancer Cells In Vivo and In Vitro by Activating the Mitochondrial Pathway

Huxie Huaji (HXHJ) Ointment is a famous traditional Chinese medicinal prescription and is commonly used for the clinical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma by boosting immunity and detoxification. However, the scientific evidence for the effect of HXHJ Ointment on hepatocellular carcinoma and the underlying molecular mechanism are lacking. The present study aimed to identify the effects of HXHJ Ointment on hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo as well as investigating the mechanistic basis for the anticancer effect of HXHJ ointment. First, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to verify the composition of HXHJ Ointment and quality control. Second, in vitro, Cell Counting Kit (CCK8) cell viability assay and Hoechst 33342 staining assay were performed to explain the cell apoptosis. The protein levels of tumor suppressor protein (p53), B-cell lymphoma 2 gene (Bcl-2), cytochrome C (Cyt-C), and aspartate proteolytic enzyme-3 (caspase-3) were examined by immunofluorescence. Finally, in vivo, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to observe the pathological changes in hepatocellular carcinoma samples. Western blots and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the anticancer properties of HXHJ ointment. The results in vitro showed that 20% HXHJ Ointment serum could significantly inhibit HepG2 cell proliferation, increased tumor suppressor gene p53, downregulated antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2, promoted the release of mitochondrial Cyt-C, activated caspase-3, and induced HepG2 cell apoptosis. Furthermore, in vivo experiments showed that HXHJ Ointment could effectively inhibit tumor growth in nude mice xenotransplanted with HepG2 cells, changed the morphology of tumor cells, and regulated the expression of apoptosis-related protein pathway p53/Bcl-2/Cyt-C/caspase-3. HXHJ Ointment can significantly inhibit the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of p53/Bcl-2/Cyt-C/caspase-3 signaling pathway to induce cell mitochondrial apoptosis.

Sodium Danshensu inhibits the progression of lung cancer by regulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

Sodium Danshensu, extracted from the root of the Salvia miltiorrhiza, has pleiotropic effects including anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation and anti-tumor. However, whether Sodium Danshensu has an anti-cancer effect in lung cancer remains to be elucidated. The present study aimed to illustrate the effects of Sodium Danshensu on lung cancer cells and the potential molecular mechanisms. BEAS-2B, A549, and NCI-H1299 cells were stimulated with 25, 50, and 100 μM Sodium Danshensu for 24, 48, and 72 h, and then cell viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion were determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), flow cytometry and Transwell assays, respectively. Moreover, the levels of Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) associated X (Bax), Bcl-2, phosphorylated (p)-phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and p-Protein kinase B (AKT) in lung cancer cells were evaluated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and/or Western blot assays. We observed that Sodium Danshensu suppressed cells viability, migration, and invasion, as well as promoted cells apoptosis in A549 and NCI-H1299 cells in a dose-dependent manner, while Sodium Danshensu had no cytotoxic effect on the proliferation activity of BEAS-2B cells. Moreover, the expression of PCNA, MMP9, Bcl-2 were decreased, but Bax was up-regulated in Sodium Danshensu-treated A549 and NCI-H1299 cells. Our findings also revealed that Sodium Danshensu inhibited PI3K/AKT pathway in A549 and NCI-H1299 cells. In conclusion, our study provided the first evidence that Sodium Danshensu suppressed the malignant biological behaviors of lung cancer cells, indicating that Sodium Danshensu might be a latent candidate for lung cancer therapy.

A cytokine in turmoil: Transforming growth factor beta in cancer

Cancer remains one of the debilitating health threats to mankind in view of its incurable nature. Many factors are complicit in the initiation, progression and establishment of cancers. Early detection of cancer is the only window of hope that allows for appreciable management and possible limited survival. However, understanding of cancer biology and knowledge of the key factors that interplay at multi-level in the initiation and progression of cancer may hold possible avenues for cancer treatment and management. In particular, dysregulation of growth factor signaling such as that of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and its downstream mediators play key roles in various cancer subtypes. Expanded understanding of the context/cell type-dependent roles of TGF-β and its downstream signaling mediators in cancer may provide leads for cancer pharmacotherapy. Reliable information contained in original articles, reviews, mini-reviews and expert opinions on TGF-β, cancer and the specific roles of TGF-β signaling in various cancer subtypes were retrieved from major scientific data bases including PubMed, Scopus, Medline, Web of Science core collections just to mention but a sample by using the following search terms: TGF-β in cancer, TGF-β and colorectal cancer, TGF-β and brain cancer, TGF-β in cancer initiation, TGF-β and cell proliferation, TGF-β and cell invasion, and TGF-β-based cancer therapy. Retrieved information and reports were carefully examined, contextualized and synchronized into a coherent scientific content to highlight the multiple roles of TGF-β signaling in normal and cancerous cells. From a conceptual standpoint, development of pharmacologically active agents that exert non-specific inhibitory effects on TGF-β signaling on various cell types will undoubtedly lead to a plethora of serious side effects in view of the multi-functionality and pleiotropic nature of TGF-β. Such non-specific targeting of TGF-β could derail any beneficial therapeutic intention associated with TGF-β-based therapy. However, development of pharmacologically active agents designed specifically to target TGF-β signaling in cancer cells may improve cancer pharmacotherapy. Similarly, specific targeting of downstream mediators of TGF-β such as TGF-β type 1 and II receptors (TβRI and TβRII), receptor-mediated Smads, mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and importing proteins in cancer cells may be crucial for cancer pharmacotherapy.

Astragalus polysaccharides inhibit ovarian cancer cell growth via microRNA-27a/FBXW7 signaling pathway

Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), a natural antioxidant found in Astragalus membranaceus emerging as a novel anticancer agent, exerts antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activity in various cancer cell types, but its effect on ovarian cancer (OC) remains unknown. In the present study, we tried to elucidate the role and mechanism of APS in OC cells. Our results showed that APS treatment suppressed the proliferation and induced apoptosis in OC cells. Afterward, the microRNA (miRNA) profiles in APS-treated cells were determined by a microarray assay, and whether APS affected OV-90 cells through regulation of miRNA was determined. Among these aberrant miRNAs, miR-27a was selected for further study as its oncogenic roles in various human cancers. Moreover, we found overexpression of miR-27a reversed the antiproliferation and pro-apoptotic effects of APS on OC cells. F-box and WD-40 domain protein 7 (FBXW7), a classical tumor suppressor, was found directly targeted by miR-27a and its translation was suppressed by miR-27a in OC cells. Finally, it was also observed that knockdown of FBXW7 by si-FBXW7 reversed the tumor suppressive activity of APS in OC cells, which is similar to the effects of miR-27a overexpression. Our findings demonstrate that APS can suppress OC cell growth in vitro via miR-27a/FBXW7 axis, and this observation reveals the therapeutic potential of APS for treatment of OC.

Regulation of microRNA-21 expression by natural products in cancer

Natural products have been of much interest in research studies owing to their wide pharmacological applications, chemical diversity, low side effects, and multitarget activities. Examples of these compounds include matrine, sulforaphane, silibinin, curcumin, berberin, resveratrol, and quercetin. Some of the present anticancer drugs, such as taxol, vincristine, vinblastine, and doxorubicin are also derived from natural products. The anti-carcinogenic effects of these products are partly mediated through modulation of microRNA-21 (miR-21) expression. To date, numerous downstream targets of miR-21 have been recognized, which include phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), ras homolog gene family member B (RHOB), phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4), signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathways. These signaling pathways, their regulation by oncomiR-21 in cancer, and the modulating impact of natural products are the main focus of this review.

Overview of Salvia miltiorrhiza as a Potential Therapeutic Agent for Various Diseases: An Update on Efficacy and Mechanisms of Action

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (S. miltiorrhiza) is a medicinal herb that has been used for the treatment for various diseases such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in East Asia including Korea. Considering its extensive usage as a therapeutic agent for multiple diseases, there is a need to review previous research regarding its therapeutic benefits and their mechanisms. Therefore, we searched PubMed and PubMed Central for articles reporting its therapeutic effects on certain disease groups including cancers, cardiovascular, liver, and nervous system diseases. This review provides an overview of therapeutic benefits and targets of S. miltiorrhiza, including inflammation, fibrosis, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. The findings on multi-functional properties of S. miltiorrhiza discussed in this article support the efficacy of S. miltiorrhiza extract on various diseases, but also call for further research on the multiple mechanisms that mediate its therapeutic effects.

MicroRNAs in Animal Models of HCC

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Molecular heterogeneity and absence of biomarkers for patient allocation to the best therapeutic option contribute to poor prognosis of advanced stages. Aberrant microRNA (miRNA) expression is associated with HCC development and progression and influences drug resistance. Therefore, miRNAs have been assayed as putative biomarkers and therapeutic targets. miRNA-based therapeutic approaches demonstrated safety profiles and antitumor efficacy in HCC animal models; nevertheless, caution should be used when transferring preclinical findings to the clinics, due to possible molecular inconsistency between animal models and the heterogeneous pattern of the human disease. In this context, models with defined genetic and molecular backgrounds might help to identify novel therapeutic options for specific HCC subgroups. In this review, we describe rodent models of HCC, emphasizing their representativeness with the human pathology and their usefulness as preclinical tools for assessing miRNA-based therapeutic strategies.

Relevance function of microRNA-708 in the pathogenesis of cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally responsible for regulating >70% of human genes. MicroRNA-708 (miR-708) is encoded in the intron 1 of the Odd Oz/ten-m homolog 4 (ODZ4) gene. Numerous researches have confirmed that the abnormal expressed miR-708 is involved in the regulation of multiple types of cancer. Notably, the expression level of miR-708 was higher in lung cancer, bladder cancer (BC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines while lower in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), prostate cancer (PC), gastric cancer (GC) and so on. This review provides a current view on the association between miR-708 and several cancers and focuses on the recent studies of miR-708 regulation, discussing its potential as an epigenetic biomarker and therapeutic target for these cancers. In particular, the regulated mechanisms and clinical application of miR-708 in these cancers are also discussed.