Anticachectic effects of Coptidis rhizoma, an anti-inflammatory herb, on esophageal cancer cells that produce interleukin 6

Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Properties of Berberis vulgaris (L.) Stem Bark Dry Extract

Berberis vulgaris (L.) has remarkable ethnopharmacological properties and is widely used in traditional medicine. The present study investigated B. vulgaris stem bark (Berberidis cortex) by extraction with 50% ethanol. The main secondary metabolites were quantified, resulting in a polyphenols content of 17.6780 ± 3.9320 mg Eq tannic acid/100 g extract, phenolic acids amount of 3.3886 ± 0.3481 mg Eq chlorogenic acid/100 g extract and 78.95 µg/g berberine. The dried hydro-ethanolic extract (BVE) was thoroughly analyzed using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS) and HPLC, and 40 bioactive phenolic constituents were identified. Then, the antioxidant potential of BVE was evaluated using three methods. Our results could explain the protective effects of Berberidis cortex EC50FRAP = 0.1398 mg/mL, IC50ABTS = 0.0442 mg/mL, IC50DPPH = 0.2610 mg/mL compared to ascorbic acid (IC50 = 0.0165 mg/mL). Next, the acute toxicity and teratogenicity of BVE and berberine-berberine sulfate hydrate (BS)-investigated on Daphnia sp. revealed significant BS toxicity after 24 h, while BVE revealed considerable toxicity after 48 h and induced embryonic developmental delays. Finally, the anticancer effects of BVE and BS were evaluated in different tumor cell lines after 24 and 48 h of treatments. The MTS assay evidenced dose- and time-dependent antiproliferative activity, which was higher for BS than BVE. The strongest diminution of tumor cell viability was recorded in the breast (MDA-MB-231), colon (LoVo) cancer, and OSCC (PE/CA-PJ49) cell lines after 48 h of exposure (IC50 < 100 µg/mL). However, no cytotoxicity was reported in the normal epithelial cells (HUVEC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HT-29) cell lines. Extensive data analysis supports our results, showing a significant correlation between the BVE concentration, phenolic compounds content, antioxidant activity, exposure time, and the viability rate of various normal cells and cancer cell lines.

Blocking LTB4 signaling-mediated TAMs recruitment by Rhizoma Coptidis sensitizes lung cancer to immunotherapy

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) induces durable immune responses across a spectrum of advanced cancers and revolutionizes the oncology field. However, only a subset of patients achieves long-lasting clinical benefits. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) usually secrete immunosuppressive cytokines and contribute to the failure of ICB therapy. Therefore, it is crucial to mechanically manipulate the abundance and function of TAMs in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which can offer a promising molecular basis to improve the clinical response efficacy of ICB in cancer patients.

PURPOSE

This study aims to investigate TAMs in the immunosuppressive microenvironment to identify new therapeutic targets, improve the ability to predict and guide responses to clinical immunotherapy, and develop new strategies for immunotherapy of lung tumors.

METHODS

Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) xenograft-bearing mouse models were established to analyze the antitumor activity of Rhizoma Coptidis (RC) in vivo. A systems pharmacology strategy was used to predict the correlation between RC and M2 macrophages. The effect of RC on the abundance of M2 macrophages was analyzed by flow cytometry of murine samples. Western blot was performed to analyze the expression of Leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) and LTB4 receptor 1 (BLT1) in harvested lung cancer tissues. The impact of blocking leukotriene B4 (LTB4) signaling by RC on the recruitment of M2 macrophages was assessed in vitro and in vivo. Transwell migration assays were conducted to clarify the inhibition of macrophage migration by blocking LTB4. Lta4h-/- mice were used to investigate the sensitivity of immunotherapy to lung cancer by blocking the LTB4 signaling.

RESULTS

Here, we report that RC, an herbal medicine from the family Ranunculaceae, suppresses the recruitment and immunosuppressive function of TAMs, which in turn sensitizes lung cancer to ICB therapy. Firstly, a systems pharmacology strategy was proposed to identify combinatorial drugs for ICB therapy with a systems biology perspective of drug-target-pathway-TME phenotype. We predicted and verified that RC significantly inhibits tumor growth and the infiltration of M2-TAMs into TME of LLC tumor-bearing mice. Then, RC inhibits the recruitment of macrophages to the tumor TME via blocking LTB4 signaling, and suppresses the expression of immunosuppressive factors (IL-10, TGF-β and VEGF). As a result, RC enables CD8+ T cells to retain their proliferative and infiltrative abilities within the TME. Ultimately, these events promote cytotoxic T-cell-mediated clearance of tumor cells, which is further enhanced by the addition of anti-PD-L1 therapy. Furthermore, we employed LTA4H deficient mice (Lta4h-/- mice) to evaluate the antitumor efficiency, the results showed that the efficacy of immunotherapy was enhanced due to the synergistic effect of LTB4 signaling blockage and ICB inhibition, leading to remarkable inhibition of tumor growth in a mouse model of lung adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these findings suggest that RC enhances antitumor immunity, providing a rationale for combining RC with immunotherapies as a potential anti-cancer treatment strategy.

The Role of Natural Products in the Improvement of Cancer-Associated Cachexia

The enormous library of natural products and herbal medicine prescriptions presents endless research avenues. However, the lack of research evidence and trials on cancer-induced cachexia limit the therapeutic potential of natural products. Cancer-induced cachexia is a systemic wasting syndrome characterized by continuous body weight loss with skeletal muscle and adipose tissue atrophy. Cancer cachexia is a problem in itself and reduces the quality of life by lessening the treatment efficacy of anticancer drugs. This review summarizes single natural product extracts for cancer-induced cachexia, not compounds derived from natural products and herbal medicine prescriptions. This article also discusses the effect of natural products on cachexia induced by anticancer drugs and the role of AMPK in cancer-induced cachexia. The article included the mice model used in each experiment to encourage researchers to utilize animal models for research on cancer-induced cachexia in the future.

Natural Products for Cancer Therapy: A Review of Their Mechanism of Actions and Toxicity in the Past Decade

The ethnopharmacological information gathered over many centuries and the presence of diverse metabolites have made the medicinal plants as the prime source of drugs. Despite the positive attributes of natural products, there are many questions pertaining to their mechanism of actions and molecular targets that impede their development as therapeutic agents. One of the major challenges in cancer research is the toxicity exerted by investigational agents towards the host. An understanding of their molecular targets, underlying mechanisms can reveal their anticancer efficacy, help in optimal therapeutic dose selection, to mitigate their side effects and toxicity towards the host. The purpose of this review is to collate details on natural products that are recently been investigated extensively in the past decade for their anticancer potential. Besides, critical analysis of their molecular targets and underlying mechanisms on multiple cancer cell lines, an in-depth probe of their toxicological screening on rodent models is outlined as well to observe the prevalence of their toxicity towards host. This review can provide valuable insights for researchers in developing methods, strategies during preclinical and clinical evaluation of anticancer candidates.

Current Advances in Coptidis Rhizoma for Gastrointestinal and Other Cancers

Cancer is a serious disease with an increasing number of reported cases and high mortality worldwide. Gastrointestinal cancer defines a group of cancers in the digestive system, e.g., liver cancer, colorectal cancer, and gastric cancer. Coptidis Rhizoma (C. Rhizoma; Huanglian, in Chinese) is a classical Chinese medicinal botanical drug for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and has been shown to have a wide variety of pharmacological activity, including antifungal, antivirus, anticancer, antidiabetic, hypoglycemic, and cardioprotective effects. Recent studies on C. Rhizoma present significant progress on its anticancer effects and the corresponding mechanisms as well as its clinical applications. Herein, keywords related to C. Rhizoma, cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, and omics were searched in PubMed and the Web of Science databases, and more than three hundred recent publications were reviewed and discussed. C. Rhizoma extract along with its main components, berberine, palmatine, coptisine, magnoflorine, jatrorrhizine, epiberberine, oxyepiberberine, oxyberberine, dihydroberberine, columbamine, limonin, and derivatives, are reviewed. We describe novel and classic anticancer mechanisms from various perspectives of pharmacology, pharmaceutical chemistry, and pharmaceutics. Researchers have transformed the chemical structures and drug delivery systems of these components to obtain better efficacy and bioavailability of C. Rhizoma. Furthermore, C. Rhizoma in combination with other drugs and their clinical application are also summarized. Taken together, C. Rhizoma has broad prospects as a potential adjuvant candidate against cancers, making it reasonable to conduct additional preclinical studies and clinical trials in gastrointestinal cancer in the future.

ROS-Mediated Anti-Tumor Effect of Coptidis Rhizoma against Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Hep3B Cells and Xenografts

Coptidis Rhizoma is the dried rhizome from the Coptis chinensis Franch. that has been shown to have a number of beneficial pharmacological properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. However, the anti-cancer effects of Coptidis Rhizoma on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer properties of Coptidis Rhizoma ethanol extract (CR) in HCC Hep3B cells and in a xenograft mouse model. Our results showed that the CR significantly inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in Hep3B cells through increased expression of Bcl-2 associated x-protein (Bax) and cleavage of poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP), reduced expression of Bcl-2, and activated caspases. CR also increased the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), which caused a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP, ΔΨm) and activation of the mitochondria-mediated intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Moreover, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a ROS inhibitor, markedly blocked the effects of CR on apoptotic pathways. CR also induced the expression of light chain 3 (LC3)-I/II, a key autophagy regulator, whereas CR-mediated autophagy was significantly suppressed by NAC. In addition, pre-treatment with NAC perfectly attenuated the inhibition of cell invasion and migration of CR-stimulated Hep3B cells. Furthermore, oral administration of CR suppressed Hep3B tumor growth in xenograft mice without toxicity, alterations to body weight, or changes in hematological and biochemical profiles. Taken together, our findings suggest that CR has anti-tumor effects that result from ROS generation, and may be a potential pharmacological intervention for HCC.

Nutraceuticals and Exercise against Muscle Wasting during Cancer Cachexia

Cancer cachexia (CC) is a debilitating multifactorial syndrome, involving progressive deterioration and functional impairment of skeletal muscles. It affects about 80% of patients with advanced cancer and causes premature death. No causal therapy is available against CC. In the last few decades, our understanding of the mechanisms contributing to muscle wasting during cancer has markedly increased. Both inflammation and oxidative stress (OS) alter anabolic and catabolic signaling pathways mostly culminating with muscle depletion. Several preclinical studies have emphasized the beneficial roles of several classes of nutraceuticals and modes of physical exercise, but their efficacy in CC patients remains scant. The route of nutraceutical administration is critical to increase its bioavailability and achieve the desired anti-cachexia effects. Accumulating evidence suggests that a single therapy may not be enough, and a bimodal intervention (nutraceuticals plus exercise) may be a more effective treatment for CC. This review focuses on the current state of the field on the role of inflammation and OS in the pathogenesis of muscle atrophy during CC, and how nutraceuticals and physical activity may act synergistically to limit muscle wasting and dysfunction.

Berberine: A novel therapeutic strategy for cancer

Cancer, even currently, is one of the main reasons for mortality and morbidity, worldwide. In recent years, a great deal of effort has been made to find efficient therapeutic strategies for cancer, however, particularly with regards to side effects and the possibility of complete remission. Berberine (BBR) is a nature-driven phytochemical component originated from different plant groups such as Berberis vulgaris, Berberis aquifolium, and Berberis aristata. BBR is a well-known nutraceutical because of its wide range of pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antidiarrheal, antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, and fungicide. In addition, it exhibits inhibitory effects on multiple types of cancers. In this review, we have elaborated on the anticancer effects of BBR through the regulation of different molecular pathways such as: inducing apoptosis, autophagy, arresting cell cycle, and inhibiting metastasis and invasion.

Preventive and Therapeutic Roles of Berberine in Gastrointestinal Cancers

Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from various types of plants, including those from the Berberidaceae, Ranunculaceae, and Papaveraceae families. It has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating diarrhea and gastrointestinal disorders. The medicinal properties of BBR include antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, lipid-regulatory, and antidiabetic actions. Importantly, the efficacy of BBR against cancers has been assessed in several experimental studies and clinical trials. Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are a group of the most prevalent cancers worldwide that are associated with high morbidity and mortality, and their associated mortality has been increasing over the years. Thus, GI cancers have become a burden to the patients and health care systems. This review summarizes the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of BBR and explores its potential preventive and therapeutic applications against GI cancers.

Coptidis Rhizoma: a comprehensive review of its traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology

CONTEXT

Coptidis rhizome (CR), also known as Huanglian in Chinese, is the rhizome of Coptis chinensis Franch., C. deltoidea C.Y. Cheng et Hsiao, or C. teeta Wall (Ranunculaceae). It has been widely used to treat bacillary dysentery, diabetes, pertussis, sore throat, aphtha, and eczema in China.

OBJECTIVES

The present paper reviews the latest advances of CR, focusing on the botany, phytochemistry, traditional usages, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology and toxicology of CR and its future perspectives.

METHODS

Studies from 1985 to 2018 were reviewed from books; PhD. and MSc. dissertations; the state and local drug standards; PubMed; CNKI; Scopus; the Web of Science; and Google Scholar using the keywords Coptis, Coptidis Rhizoma, Huanglian, and goldthread.

RESULTS

Currently, 128 chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from CR. Alkaloids are the characteristic components, together with organic acids, coumarins, phenylpropanoids and quinones. The extracts/compounds isolated from CR cover a wide pharmacological spectrum, including antibacterial, antivirus, antifungal, antidiabetic, anticancer and cardioprotective effects. Berberine is the most important active constituent and the primary toxic component of CR.

CONCLUSIONS

As an important herbal medicine in Chinese medicine, CR has the potential to treat various diseases. However, further research should be undertaken to investigate the clinical effects, toxic constituents, target organs and pharmacokinetics, and to establish criteria for quality control, for CR and its related medications. In addition, the active constituents, other than alkaloids, in both raw and processed products of CR should be investigated.

Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of 10 alkaloids in beagle plasma after the oral administration of the three Coptidis rhizoma extracts

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Coptidis rhizoma (CR) is the dried rhizome of the ranunculaceous plant CR. For decades in China, this plant has been used to treat hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and chronic diarrhea and has been officially included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The present paper presents a review of the pharmacokinetics of CR.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The pharmacokinetic studies and differences of 10 alkaloids among Coptis deltoidea C. Y. cheng et Hsiao, Coptis chinensis Franch and Coptis teeta Wall. Are seldom reported. This study is the first to determine corydaline, dehydrocorydaline, tetrahydropalmatine, palmatine, magnoflorine, jatrorrhizine, berberine, worenine, berberrubine, and coptisine, which adopted an ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry, simultaneously.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chromatographic separation was performed within 8 min by using an Agilent SB-C₁₈ column (150 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.8 μm) with gradient mobile phase consisting of 0.3% acetic acid water (v/v) and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. Multiple reaction monitoring mode was used to detect the tandem mass spectrum in the positive ionization mode by electrospray ionization source.

RESULTS

The method was fully validated to be linear over a wide concentration (r > 0.9916), and the linear concentration range was 0.195-2260 ng/mL. Intra- and interday precisions were below 14.19% and 18.56% for the 10 analytes, respectively. The accuracy ranged from -9.30% to 6.31%. The extraction recovery of the 10 alkaloids and internal standard ranged from 79.76% to 95.37%. Pharmacokinetic comparative study showed that the C_max and AUC_0-∞ values of dehydrocorydaline, tetrahydropalmatine, palmatine, magnoflorine, jatrorrhizine, berberine, worenine, berberrubine, and coptisine increased significantly (p < 0.05), which was different for beagles after oral administration. The results can help determine the mechanism of action and guide clinical application of these three extracts.

CONCLUSION

This validated method was successfully applied for the pharmacokinetics study of beagle plasma after oral administration of three CR extract types.

A systematic review of herbal medicines for the treatment of cancer cachexia in animal models

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to summarize preclinical studies on herbal medicines used to treat cancer cachexia and its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

We searched four representing databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, and the Web of Science up to December 2016. Randomized animal studies were included if the effects of any herbal medicine were tested on cancer cachexia. The methodological quality was evaluated by the Collaborative Approach to Meta-Analysis and Review of Animal Data from Experimental Studies (CAMARADE) checklist.

RESULTS

A total of fourteen herbal medicines and their compounds were identified, including Coptidis Rhizoma, berberine, Bing De Ling, curcumin, Qing-Shu-Yi-Qi-Tang, Scutellaria baicalensis, Hochuekkito, Rikkunshito, hesperidin, atractylodin, Sipjeondaebo-tang, Sosiho-tang, Anemarrhena Rhizoma, and Phellodendri Cortex. All the herbal medicines, except curcumin, have been shown to ameliorate the symptoms of cancer cachexia through anti-inflammation, regulation of the neuroendocrine pathway, and modulation of the ubiquitin proteasome system or protein synthesis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that herbal medicines might be a useful approach for treating cancer cachexia. However, more detailed experimental studies on the molecular mechanisms and active compounds are needed.

Signal pathways, diseases, and functions associated with the miR-19a/92a cluster and the use of berberine to modulate the expression of this cluster in multiple myeloma cells

BACKGROUND

Berberine downregulated miR-19a/92a cluster expression in multiple myeloma (MM) cells.

METHODS

The cell viability of MM cells after berberine treatment was measured by CCK8 assay. qRT-PCR assay validated miR-19a/92a expression in multiple myeloma cells. TAM database analyzed miR-19a/92a-associated disease. miREnvironment database revealed that effects of environmental factors on the miR-19a/92a cluster. By targeting the seed region in the miRNA, the role of t-anti-miR-19a/92a cluster was evaluated by cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation.

RESULTS

Berberine inhibited the cell viability of MM cells and downregulated the expression of miR-19a/92a. Seven kinds of hematological malignancies are closely associated with miR-19a/92a expression. By targeting the seed region of the miRNA, t-anti-miR-19a/92a significantly inhibits multiple myeloma cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation.

CONCLUSION

Our findings may exhibit that miR-19a/92a cluster is a therapeutic target for MM and provide new mechanistic insight into the anti-MM effects of certain compounds in traditional Chinese herbal medicines.

Quantitative analysis of the anti-inflammatory activity of orengedokuto II: berberine is responsible for the inhibition of NO production

Orengedokuto is a Kampo formula that has been used for removing "heat" and "poison" to treat inflammation, hypertension, gastrointestinal disorders, and liver and cerebrovascular diseases. We report here our analysis of the anti-inflammatory effect of the component crude drugs of orengedokuto and their constituents using the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in the murine macrophage-like cell line J774.1. An initial comparison of NO production inhibitory activities of the extracts of the component crude drugs and their combinations revealed that the activity could be attributed to Phellodendron Bark and Coptis Rhizome. Berberine (1), the major constituent of these crude drugs, showed potent activity (IC₅₀ 4.73 ± 1.46 μM). Quantitative analysis of 1 in the extracts of all combinations of component crude drugs revealed that the amount of 1 in each extract of the combination of Scutellaria Root with either Phellodendron Bark and/or Coptis Rhizome was lower than that in the corresponding mixtures of the extracts of the individual crude drugs and that 1 was present in the precipitates formed during the decoction process. To the contrary, the differences in the amounts of 1 were smaller in the extracts containing Gardenia Fruit. These results indicated that the constituents of Scutellaria Root precipitated with 1 and that the constituents of Gardenia Fruit dissolved the precipitates. To identify the constituents affecting the solubility of 1, we fractionated the hot-water extracts of Scutellaria Root based on solubility tests of 1 to give baicalin (2), wogonin (3) and oroxyloside (4), which formed precipitates with 1.

Coptidis Rhizoma Prevents Heat Stress-Induced Brain Damage and Cognitive Impairment in Mice

Heat stress conditions lead to neuroinflammation, neuronal death, and memory loss in animals. Coptidis Rhizoma (CR) exhibits potent fever-reducing effects and has been used as an important traditional medicinal herb for treating fever. However, to date, the effects of antipyretic CR on heat-induced brain damages have not been investigated. In this study, CR significantly reduced the elevation of ear and rectal temperatures after exposure to heat in mice. Additionally, CR attenuated hyperthermia-induced stress responses, such as release of cortisol into the blood, and upregulation of heat shock protein and c-Fos in the hypothalamus and hippocampus of mice. The administration of CR inhibited gliosis and neuronal loss induced by thermal stress in the hippocampal CA3 region. Treatment with CR also reduced the heat stress-induced expression of nuclear factor kappa β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the hippocampus. Moreover, CR significantly decreased proinflammatory mediators such as IL-9 and IL-13 in the heat-stressed hypothalamus. Furthermore, CR attenuated cognitive dysfunction triggered by thermal stress. These results indicate that CR protects the brain against heat stress-mediated brain damage via amelioration of hyperthermia and neuroinflammation in mice, suggesting that fever-reducing CR can attenuate thermal stress-induced neuropathology.

The herbal decoction modified Danggui Buxue Tang attenuates immune-mediated bone marrow failure by regulating the differentiation of T lymphocytes in an immune-induced aplastic anemia mouse model

Angelicae Sinensis, Radix Astragali and Rhizoma Coptidis are all herbs of modified Danggui Buxue Tang (DGBX) and are extensively applied herbs in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of anemia and inflammation. In this study, immune-induced AA mice were used as an animal model, and the immunosuppressive agent, Ciclosporin A (CsA), was used as a positive control. Multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines were examined by bead-based multiplex flow cytometry. The T-cell subsets were assessed using a fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS). Western blot analysis was used to estimate the protein expression levels of specific transcription factors for T helper cells (Th1, Th2 and Th17) and key molecules of the Janus-activated kinase (Jak)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat3) signaling pathway. DGBX treatment could significantly increase the production of whole blood cells in peripheral blood (PB); inhibit the expansion of Th1 and Th17 cells; increase the differentiation of Th2 and Tregs cells; regulate the expression levels of T-bet, GATA-3, RORγ and proinflammatory cytokines; and decrease the expression levels of key molecules in the Jak/Stat signaling pathway. These results indicate that DGBX can regulate the differentiation of T lymphocytes, resulting in immunosuppressive and hematogenic functions on AA mice. DGBX might be a good candidate for inclusion in a randomized study for AA with more data on the possible side effects and doses used in humans. Ultimately, it may be used for applications of traditional medicine against AA in modern complementary and alternative immunosuppressive therapeutics.

Nutrition Modulation of Cachexia/Proteolysis

Cachexia represents progressive wasting of muscle and adipose tissue and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Although anorexia usually accompanies cachexia, cachexia rarely responds to increased food intake alone. Our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms responsible for cachexia remains incomplete. However, most states of cachexia are associated with underlying inflammatory processes and/or cancer. These processes activate protein degradation and lipolytic pathways, resulting in tissue loss. In this article, we briefly review the pathophysiology of cachexia and discuss the role of specific nutrient supplements for the treatment of cachexia. The branched chain amino acid leucine, the leucine metabolite beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate, arginine, glutamine, omega-3 long chain fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid, and polyphenols have demonstrated some efficacy in animal and/or human studies. Optimal treatment for cachexia is likely aimed at maximizing muscle and adipose synthesis while minimizing degradation.

Sosiho‑tang ameliorates cachexia‑related symptoms in mice bearing colon 26 adenocarcinoma by reducing systemic inflammation and muscle loss

Cachexia accompanied by muscle wasting is a key determinant of poor prognosis in cancer patients and cancer‑related death. Previous studies have demonstrated that inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin‑6 (IL‑6), tumor necrosis factor‑α (TNF‑α), IL‑1 and interferon‑γ (IFN‑γ) secreted from host cells and tumor cells participate in skeletal muscle wasting followed by severe loss of body weight. Therefore, blockade of the inflammatory response is thought to be a logical target for pharmacological and nutritional interventions to preserve skeletal muscle mass under cachectic conditions. Sosiho‑tang (SO; Xiaocharihu‑tang in Chinese and Sho‑saiko‑to in Japanese) is an Oriental herbal medicine that has been used to treat chronic hepatic diseases and to control fever. In recent studies, SO inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‑stimulated macrophages, prevented thrombus formation and suppressed cancer progression. However, the anti‑cachectic activity of SO in tumor‑bearing mice has not yet been examined. In the present study, we characterized the effect of SO administration on cancer‑induced cachexia in CT‑26‑bearing mice, and elucidated the anti‑cachectic mechanisms. Daily oral administration of SO at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg to CT‑26‑bearing mice significantly retarded tumor growth and prevented the loss of final body weight, carcass weight, heart weight, gastrocnemius muscle, and epididymal fat, compared with saline‑treated control mice. In addition, serum IL‑6 levels elevated by cancer were decreased by SO administration. In the J774A.1 macrophage cell line, SO efficiently suppressed LPS‑mediated increases in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, nitric oxide (NO), and procachectic inflammatory cytokine production through inhibition of nuclear factor‑κB (NF‑κB) and p38 activation. In addition, SO attenuated muscle atrophy caused by cancer cells by affecting myoblast proliferation and differentiation, and C2C12 myotube wasting. Taken together, these results suggest that SO is a safe and useful anti‑cachectic therapy for cancer patients with severe weight loss.

In vivo and in vitro antitumor effects of platycodin d, a saponin purified from platycodi radix on the h520 lung cancer cell

Platycodin D is a major pharmacological constituent of Platycodi radix and has showed various pharmacological activities through oxidative stress defense mechanisms. Here, possible antitumor, anticachexia, and immunomodulatory activities of platycodin D were observed on the H520 tumor cell-bearing athymic nude mice after confirming the in vitro cytotoxicity. Platycodin D was orally administered at dose levels of 200, 100, and 50 mg/kg, once a day for 35 days from 15 days after implantation. The results were compared with gemcitabine 160 mg/kg intraperitoneally treated mice (7-day intervals). Platycodin D showed favorable cytotoxic effects on the H520 cells, and also dose-dependently decreased the tumor volumes and weights with increases of apoptotic cells (caspase-3 and PARP immunopositive cells), iNOS and TNF-α immunoreactivities, decreases of COX-2 immunoreactivities in tumor masses. Platycodin D also showed dose-dependent immunostimulatory and anticachexia effects. Gemcitabine showed favorable cytotoxity against H520 tumor cell and related in vivo antitumor effects but aggravated the cancer related cachexia and immunosuppress in H520 tumor cell-bearing athymic nude mice. Taken together, it is considered that oral treatment of platycodin D has potent antitumor activities on H520 cells through direct cytotoxic effects, increases of apoptosis in tumor cells, and immunostimulatory effects and can be control cancer related cachexia.

Herbal medicines for cancer cachexia: protocol for a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

To assess the efficacy of herbal medicines as a treatment of cancer cachexia.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will search the following 13 electronic databases from their inception. MEDLINE (PubMed), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, Journal Integration Platform (VIP) and six Korean Medical Databases (KoreaMed, the Korean Traditional knowledge Portal, OASIS, DBPIA, the Research Information Service System and the Korean Studies Information Service System) without restrictions on time or language. The data will be extracted independently by two authors using predefined criteria. Disagreements will be resolved by discussion between the authors. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.

DISSEMINATION

The review will be published in a journal. The review will also be disseminated electronically and in print. An update of the review will be conducted to inform and guide healthcare practice and policy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO 2013:CRD42013006612.

Set9, NF-κB, and microRNA-21 mediate berberine-induced apoptosis of human multiple myeloma cells

AIM

To investigate the mechanisms by which berberine suppressed the proliferation of human multiple myeloma cells.

METHODS

Human U266 multiple myeloma cell line was tested. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, ultramicrostructure and secretion function were examined using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), flow cytometry (FCM), electron and fluorescence microscopy, as well as ELISA assay. The microRNAs (miRs) and transcription factors in U266 cells were detected using arrays and verified by qRT-PCR. EMSA and luciferase assays were used to verify the p65-dependent transactivation of miR-21 gene.

RESULTS

Treatment of U266 cells with berberine (40-160 μmol/L) suppressed cell proliferation and IL-6 secretion in dose- and time-dependent manners. Meanwhile, berberine dose-dependently induced ROS generation, G(2)/M phase arrest and apoptosis in U266 cells, and decreased the levels of miR-21 and Bcl-2. Overexpression of miR-21 counteracted berberine-induced suppression of cell proliferation and IL-6 secretion. In U266 cells treated with berberine (80 μmol/L), the activity of NF-κB was decreased by approximately 50%, followed by significant reduction of miR-21 level. berberine (80-160 μmol/L) increased the level of Set9 (lysine methyltransferase) by more than 2-fold, caused methylation of the RelA subunit, which inhibited NF-κB nuclear translocation and miR-21 transcription. In U266 cells treated with berberine (80 μmol/L), knockdown of Set9 with siRNAs significantly increased NF-κB protein level accompanying with a partial recovery of proliferation.

CONCLUSION

In U266 cells, berberine suppresses NF-κB nuclear translocation via Set9-mediated lysine methylation, leads to decrease in the levels miR21 and Bcl-2, which induces ROS generation and apoptosis.

Identification of molecular target proteins in berberine-treated cervix adenocarcinoma HeLa cells by proteomic and bioinformatic analyses

In this study, the apoptosis of HeLa cells induced by berberine was investigated. Fifty-one differentially expressed proteins were identified before and after berberine treatment by a proteomic method, which either interacted with each other directly or through one intermediate protein to form a connected protein interaction sub-network. Nine of them were selected and validated. Compared with the cells in the control group, the expressions of 14-3-3σ and lamin-A/C of the cells treated by berberine for 48 h increased by 94.12 and 5.24 times, respectively, and the expressions of annexin A5, cytokeratin 17, prohibitin, heat shock cognate 71 kDa protein (HSPA8), programmed cell death 6 and vimentin decreased by 4.1, 1.34, 23.8, 11.85, 4.63 and 5.24 times, respectively. In addition, tubulin-β decreased from 9537 to 6908 ng/L. Furthermore, the inverse dock program (INVDOCK) was used to predict the possible drug-target of berberine's anticancer activity, and the results showed that HSPA8 and annexin A5 might be the drug targets. This study suggests that the anticancer effect of berberine on HeLa cells was a complex process based on affecting multiple protein expression and acting on an interaction network. Our work could be helpful to elucidate the mechanism of berberine's anticancer activity on HeLa cells.

Decrease in the production of β-amyloid by berberine inhibition of the expression of β-secretase in HEK293 cells

BACKGROUND

Berberine (BER), the major alkaloidal component of Rhizoma coptidis, has multiple pharmacological effects including inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, reduction of cholesterol and glucose levels, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects. It has also been demonstrated that BER can reduce the production of beta-amyloid40/42, which plays a critical and primary role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. However, the mechanism by which it accomplishes this remains unclear.

RESULTS

Here, we report that BER could not only significantly decrease the production of beta-amyloid40/42 and the expression of beta-secretase (BACE), but was also able to activate the extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) pathway in a dose- and time-dependent manner in HEK293 cells stably transfected with APP695 containing the Swedish mutation. We also find that U0126, an antagonist of the ERK1/2 pathway, could abolish (1) the activation activity of BER on the ERK1/2 pathway and (2) the inhibition activity of BER on the production of beta-amyloid40/42 and the expression of BACE.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that BER decreases the production of beta-amyloid40/42 by inhibiting the expression of BACE via activation of the ERK1/2 pathway.

Potential ex vivo immunomodulatory effects of San-Huang-Xie-Xin-Tang and its component herbs on mice and humans

AIM OF THE STUDY

San-Huang-Xie-Xin-Tang (SHXXT), an important Chinese medicine formula, contains Rhei Rhizoma (RR), Scutellariae Radix (SR) and Coptidis Rhizoma (CR). RR and SR are abundant in anthraquinone and flavonoid polyphenols. Pharmacokinetic study of SHXXT indicated that glucuronides were the predominant forms of polyphenols in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

As an extension of pharmacokinetic study, the serum metabolites of SHXXT, RR, SR and CR were prepared from rats and quantitated, then the immunomodulation effects were examined by culturing these serum metabolites with murine and human immune cells.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the inhibitions on nitric oxide (NO) and cytokine production from mitogen-activated peritoneal macrophages by the serum metabolites of SHXXT, RR, SR and CR were through reducing the protein expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and the IC(50) were 0.8%, 1.5%, 3.0% and 0.8% of their blood concentrations, respectively. In addition, the serum metabolites of SHXXT, RR, SR and CR significantly decreased the ratios of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) to interleukin (IL)-4 in mitogen-stimulated mice spleen cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Moreover, the serum metabolites of SHXXT and SR significantly arrested the mitogen-stimulated mice spleen cells at G2/M stage.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the serum metabolites of SHXXT and the component herbs exerted promising modulation activities on the immune functions and the cell cycle distribution of mice and human immune cells. We suggest that SHXXT is a promising remedy for immunomodulation through Th1/Th2 regulation.

A systematic review of the anticancer properties of berberine, a natural product from Chinese herbs

Natural products represent a rich reservoir of potential small chemical molecules exhibiting antiproliferation and anticancer properties. An example is berberine, a protoberberine alkaloid widely distributed in medical plants used in traditional Chinese prescriptions. Recent advances have shown that berberine exerts anticancer activities both in vitro and in vivo through different mechanisms. Berberine shows inhibitory effects on the proliferation and reproduction of certain tumorigenic microorganisms and viruses, such as Heliobacter pylori and hepatitis B virus. Transcriptional regulation of some oncogene and carcinogenesis-related gene expression and interaction with both DNA and RNA are also well documented. Besides, berberine is a broad spectrum enzyme inhibitor, which affects N-acetyltransferase, cyclooxygenase-2, and topoisomerase activities and gene/protein expression. These actions, together with the regulation of reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and nuclear factor-kappaB activation might underlie its antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects. More importantly, the suppression of tumor growth and metastasis, the beneficial application in combined medication, and the improvement of multidrug resistance both in vivo and in vitro clearly show its potential as an alternative medicine for tumor chemotherapy.

Berberine and Coptidis rhizoma as novel antineoplastic agents: a review of traditional use and biomedical investigations

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Coptidis rhizoma (huanglian) and its major component, berberine, have drawn extensive attention toward their antineoplastic effects in the recent years. The antineoplastic effects are related to the Chinese Medicine (CM) properties of huanglian in treating diseases by removing damp-heat and purging fire and counteracting toxicity.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

To trace the long history of the traditional use of huanglian from folk medicines, especially from Chinese medicine, to recent pharmacological studies of huanglian and berberine, with an emphasis on their antineoplastic effects and the promise as novel antineoplastic agents.

METHODS

A total of seven databases were extensively searched for literature research. The terms and keywords for searching included huanglian, berberine, Coptis, Coptidis rhizoma, anticancer, anti-invasion, antimatastasis and mechanism. The papers including ours with studies on anticancer and mechanism, pharmacology and toxicology of huanglian and/or berberine were focused.

RESULTS

In view of traditional use, the anticancer effects of huanglian can be ascribed to its CM trait by removing damp-heat, fire and toxicity. From modern biomedical studies, anticancer effects have been demonstrated in both huanglian and berberine. The underlying molecular mechanisms involve cell-cycle arrest, apoptosis induction and anti-inflammation. Berberine is an essential anticancer compound in huanglian. In some studies, the use of huanglian was shown to be more effective and beneficial than the use of berberine alone. The presence of other protoberberine-type alkaloids in huanglian might give synergistic effects for the anticancer effects. Berberine also demonstrates effects of antiangiogenesis, anti-invasion and anti-metastasis in some cancer cell lines, however, more investigations are required to unravel the underlying mechanisms involved.

CONCLUSIONS

The modern evidences of treating cancer with huanglian and berberine have a strong linkage with traditional concept and rules of using huanglian in CM practice. As anticancer candidates with low toxicity, berberine and its altered structure, as well as huanglian and its formulae, will attract scientists to pursue the potential anticancer effects and the mechanisms by using technologies of genomics, proteomics and other advanced approaches. On the other hand, relatively few in vivo studies have been conducted on anticancer effects of huanglian and berberine. The clinical application of berberine or huanglian as novel cancer therapeutic agents requires in vivo validations and further investigations of their anticancer mechanisms.

Growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis in U937 cells by Coptis chinensis extract

Dried Coptidis Rizoma was extracted with boiling water. Conditioned medium was prepared by stimulating human peripheral blood mononuclear cells with Coptidis Rizoma extract (CR). The conditioned medium was then added to human leukemic U937 cells suspension for investigating the antiproliferation effect and the induction of apoptosis. Apparent DNA fragmentation and morphological changes occurred in U937 cells after incubating for 48 h to 72 h with the conditioned medium that had been prepared with 400 microg CR solids/mL. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the percentage of apoptotic U937 cells increased in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The upregulation of Bax expression, the downregulation of Bcl-2 and procaspase-3 expression, and the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria in U937 cells were all observed. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction detected cytokine-related mRNA expressions in human mononuclear cells incubated with CR. An increase in the concentration of CR in culturing medium downregulated granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulatory factor mRNA expression while upregulated interleuken-2 mRNA expression. All the above-mentioned evidences suggest that CR induces the apoptosis of human leukemic U937 cells via the changes in cytokine profile and protein expressions in mitochondria pathway and that CR has the potential to be used in the therapy of leukemia due to its strong apoptosis-promoting effect.

Pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Berberis vulgaris and its active constituent, berberine

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris L. family Berberidaceae) is well known in Iran and various parts of this plant including its root, bark, leaf and fruit have been used as folk medicine. The two decades of research has demonstrated different pharmacological and therapeutic effects of B. vulgaris and its isoquinoline alkaloids (particularly berberine). Studies carried out on the chemical composition of the plant show that the most important constituents of this plant are isoquinoline alkaloids such as berberine, berbamine and palmatine. Berberine represents one of the most studied among the naturally occurring protoberberine alkaloids. In addition to B. vulgaris (barberry), berberine is present in many other plants and is used for the treatment of different diseases. This article reviews the traditional uses and pharmacological effects of total extract and the most active ingredient of B. vulgaris (berberine).

Magnoflorine from Coptidis Rhizoma protects high density lipoprotein during oxidant stress

The objective of the present study was to investigate the beneficial properties of magnoflorine, an alkaloid isolated from coptidis rhizoma, on protecting human high density lipoprotein (HDL) against lipid peroxidation. Magnoflorine exerts an inhibitory effect against Cu2+-induced lipid peroxidation of HDL, as showed by prolongation of lag time from 62 to 123 min at the concentration of 3.0 microM. It also inhibits the generation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the dose-dependent manners with IC50 values of 2.3+/-0.2 microM and 6.2+/-0.5 microM since HDL oxidation mediated by either catalytic Cu2+ or thermo-labile radical initiator (AAPH), respectively. Separately, Cu2+ oxidized HDL lost the antioxidant action but the inclusion of magnoflorine/Cu2+ oxidized HDL can protect LDL oxidation according to increasing magnoflorine concentration. The results suggest that magnoflorine may have a role to play in preventing the HDL oxidation.

Berberine chloride can ameliorate the spatial memory impairment and increase the expression of interleukin-1beta and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the rat model of Alzheimer's disease

Background

Berberine is the major alkaloidal component of Rhizoma coptidis, and has multiple pharmacological effects including inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, reducing cholesterol and glucose, lowering mortality in patients with chronic congestive heart failure and anti-inflammation etc. Thus berberine is a promising drug for diabetes, hyperlipemia, coronary artery disease and ischemic stroke etc. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of berberine chloride on the spatial memory, inflammation factors interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in the rat model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) which was established by injecting Abeta (1–40) (5 microgram) into the rats hippocampuses bilaterally.

Results

The rats were given berberine chloride (50 mg/kg) by intragastric administration once daily for 14 days. The spatial memory was assayed by Morris water maze test, IL-1beta and iNOS in the hippocampus were assayed by immunohistochemistry and real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Intragastric administration of berberine significantly ameliorated the spatial memory impairment and increased the expression of IL-1beta, iNOS in the rat model of AD.

Conclusion

Berberine might be beneficial to AD by intragastric administration though it might exaggerate the inflammation reaction.

Spacer length and attaching position-dependent binding of synthesized protoberberine dimers to double-stranded DNA

Six jatrorrhizine homodimers and berberine-jatrorrhizine heterodimers have been synthesized in moderate to good yields from the reaction of jatrorrhizine with alpha,omega-dibromoalkanes and 9-O-(omega-bromoalkyl)berberines, respectively. Their binding activities toward calf thymus (CT) DNA and three double-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides, d(AAGAATTCTT)(2), d(TAAGAATTCTTA)(2), and d(TTAAGAATTCTTAA)(2), were investigated by means of spectrofluorimetric and spectrophotometric titrations. The results indicate that these dimers exhibit enhanced DNA-binding affinities due to the cooperative interaction of the two protoberberine subunits. A comparative study of the DNA-binding behaviors of berberine homodimers, jatrorrhizine homodimers, and berberine-jatrorrhizine heterodimers suggests that spacer length and attaching position are of great importance in modulating their DNA-binding affinities.

The protective role of Chinese prescription Kangen-karyu extract on diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in rats

This study was carried out to investigate the protective potential of Chinese prescription Kangen-karyu, comprising six crude drugs, on coronary heart disease which is the principal cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rat model, which shows an elevation in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and atherosclerosis, was employed. The control rats fed a diet of 1% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid showed the highest cholesterol levels in serum and feces relative to those fed a normal diet, however, the rats administered Kangen-karyu extract showed reductions in these levels without changes in liver cholesterol, indicating that the reduction of serum total cholesterol by Kangen-karyu extract probably arises from an increase in cholesterol excretion. Furthermore, the administration of Kangen-karyu extract significantly prevented the elevation of serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, known as marker enzymes of liver damage. The elevated serum levels of LDL cholesterol were lowered, however, the high density lipoprotein cholesterol level was significantly elevated by Kangen-karyu extract and these were dose-dependent decreases in the atherogenic index to 15.2, 8.8 and 7.5 at oral doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg from the 19.4 control value, respectively. In addition, Kangen-karyu extract inhibited LDL oxidation in a dose-dependent manner, and the elevated level of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in control rats showed a decline by the administration of Kangen-karyu extract. The present study suggests that Kangen-karyu could play a protective role against hypercholesterolemia through the regulation of cholesterol levels and inhibition of lipid peroxidation.

Selective inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation by coptisine isolated from Coptis rhizoma, one of the crude drugs composing Kampo medicines Unsei-in

Acceleration of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation is closely linked to the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. We, therefore, focused on traditional Japanese herbal medicines (Kampo medicines) used to ameliorate the impairment of microcirculation or blood stasis and screened them for their ability to inhibit rat VSMC proliferation. Among them, Unsei-in was found to effectively suppress VSMC proliferation, and Coptis rhizome was the responsible constituent crude drug. The extract of Coptis rhizome inhibited VSMC proliferation with the GI(50) value of 4.4 microg/ml, which was much lower than those against the proliferation of 3Y1, dRLh-84, B16, and HeLa cells. The Coptis rhizome extract inhibited the progression of VSMC arrested at G(0)/G(1) phase from G(0)/G(1) to S phase, but not that of 3Y1 cells. Biological assay-guided fractionation revealed that an alkaloid of Coptis rhizome, coptisine, was the active ingredient in selectively preventing VSMC proliferation with GI(50) of 3.3 microM (1.2 microg/ml). When the structurally-related isoquinoline alkaloids of protoberberine class were studied for their inhibitory activities, berberine decreased the VSMC proliferation with GI(50) of 95.1 microM (35.4 microg/ml), about 30 times higher concentration than coptisine, while palmatine failed to show any activity. This study provides evidence that coptisine, an ingredient of Unsei-in, prevents VSMC proliferation selectively at lower concentrations compared with various cells or other structurally related alkaloids.

Coptis japonica root extract induces apoptosis through caspase3 activation in SNU-668 human gastric cancer cells

Apoptosis-modulating approaches offer an attractive opportunity for therapeutic use for many tumors. We investigated the effects of the roots of Coptis japonica var. dissecta (Ranunculaceae) on human gastric cancer cells, SNU-668. The cytotoxicity of Coptis japonica at 100 microg/ml (methanol extract) by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was 13.89 +/- 1.91% of control value. Considering the features by 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, it was confirmed that the death of SNU-668 cells was due to apoptosis. In the apoptosis-regulating genes, BCL2 expression was diminished out, whereas BAX and CASP3 expressions were increased, compared with control. Furthermore, the activity of caspase3 was significantly increased by Coptis japonica treatment. These results suggest that Coptis japonica could induce apoptotic anticancer effect through caspase3 activation on SNU-668 human gastric cancer cells.

The extract of huanglian, a medicinal herb, induces cell growth arrest and apoptosis by upregulation of interferon-beta and TNF-alpha in human breast cancer cells

Huanglian (Coptidis rhizoma), a widely used herb in traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown recently to possess anticancer activities. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the anticancer effect of the herb is poorly understood. Specifically, whether huanglian extract affects the expression of cancer-related genes has not been defined. This study used DNA microarray technology to examine the effect of the herbal extract on expression of the common genes involved in carcinogenesis in two human breast cancer cell lines, the ER-positive MCF-7 and ER-negative MDA-MB-231 cells. Treatment of the cancer cells with huanglian extract markedly inhibited their proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The growth inhibitory effect was much more profound in MCF-7 cell line than that in MDA-MB-231 cells. DNA microarray assay revealed that treatment with huanglian dramatically increased the mRNA expression of interferon-beta (IFN-beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in MCF-7 cells. Quantitative analysis by real-time PCR or western blotting confirmed the upregulation of the two genes (especially IFN-beta) in MCF-7 cells, but not in MDA-MB-231 cells. Addition of neutralizing antibody against IFN-beta to culture medium markedly inhibited the huanglian-induced antiproliferative effect, confirming the involvement of IFN-beta in the huanglian's effect and also suggesting an autocrine pathway for the action of IFN-beta in this setting. Given that IFN-beta is among the most important anticancer cytokines, the upregulation of this gene by huanglian is, at least in part, responsible for its antiproliferative effect. The results of this study implicate huanglian as a promising herb for chemoprevention and chemotherapy of certain cancers.

Coptidis rhizoma induces apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells SNU-C4

Coptidis rhizoma has been used as traditional herb medicine in gastrointestinal disorders in the Eastern Asia. We investigated whether the anticancer effects of the C. rhizoma induced apoptosis on human colorectal cancer cells SNU-C4. The cytotoxic effect of C. rhizoma was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. To determine apoptotic cell death, 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and caspase-3 enzyme assay were performed. In this study, C. rhizoma treatment (100 microg/ml) revealed typical morphological apoptotic features. Additionally, C. rhizoma treatment (100 microg/ml) increased levels of BAX and CASPASE-3, and decreased levels of BCL-2. Caspase-3 enzyme activity by treatment of C. rhizoma (100 microg/ml) also significantly increased compared to the control (p < 0.05). These data indicate that C. rhizoma caused cell death by apoptosis through caspase pathways on human colorectal cancer cells SNU-C4.

Protective effect of Coptidis Rhizoma on S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP)-induced apoptosis and necrosis in pancreatic RINm5F cells

Coptidis rhizoma (CR) is a herb used in many traditional prescriptions against diabetes mellitus in Asia for centuries. Our purpose was to determine the protective effect and its action mechanism of CR on the cytotoxicity of pancreatic beta-cells. Nitric oxide (NO) is believed to play a key role in the process of pancreatic beta-cell destruction leading to insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Exposure of RINm5F cells to chemical NO donor such as S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) induced apoptotic events such as the disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsim), cytochrome c release from mitochondria, activation of caspase-3, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage and DNA fragmentation. Also, exposure of SNAP led to LDH release into medium, one of the necrotic events. However, pretreatment of RINm5F cells with CR extract protected both apoptosis and necrosis through the inhibition of Deltapsim disruption in SNAP-treated RINm5F cells. In addition, rat islets pretreated with CR extract retained the insulin-secretion capacity even after the treatment with IL-1beta. These results suggest that CR may be a candidate for a therapeutic or preventing agent against IDDM.

The role of Coptidis Rhizoma extract in a renal ischemia-reperfusion model

The effect of Coptidis Rhizoma extract on ischemia-reperfusion in rats was examined. The blood levels of urea nitrogen and creatinine increased significantly more in rats subjected to 24-h reperfusion than those subjected to 6-h reperfusion following 1-h ischemia, indicating functional kidney damage was more severe after the longer reperfusion time. These parameters were reduced by oral administration of Coptidis Rhizoma extract. Greater activity was found in rats given the extract for 30 days than in rats given the extract for 10 days prior to ischemia-reperfusion. In addition, the serum malondialdehyde level was lower, while the glutathione/glutathione disulfide ratio and the activities of the antioxidation enzymes, superoxide dismutase and catalase, were higher in rats given Coptidis Rhizoma extract orally for 30 consecutive days prior to 1-h ischemia and 24-h reperfusion in comparison with control rats given water. These results indicate that Coptidis Rhizoma has a protective action against the renal dysfunction caused by the ischemia and reperfusion process. Furthermore, renal DNA of rats given Coptidis Rhizoma extract orally showed a significantly lower DNA fragmentation rate, which was dose-dependent, implying that the extract afforded the kidneys protection against oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis during the process and ameliorated renal function impairment.

Identification of common or distinct genes related to antitumor activities of a medicinal herb and its major component by oligonucleotide microarray

Although the physiological actions of many herbs are gradually being elucidated at the molecular level, it remains unclear how individual components of herbs contribute to their biological activities. In the present study, the antiproliferative activity of Coptidis rhizoma, a medicinal herb, and the major component berberine was investigated in 8 human pancreatic cancer cell lines. Gene expression patterns associated with sensitivities to each agent were analyzed with oligonucleotide arrays that comprised approximately 11,000 genes. We used a tetrazolium dye (MTT) assay to determine ID(50) values after the 8 cell lines were exposed to the 2 agents for 72 hr. The ID(50) value for berberine was correlated positively with that for C. rhizoma (r=0.725, p=0.0401). C. rhizoma killed tumor cells more effectively than purified berberine when normalized to the level of berberine present in the herb. From the oligonucleotide array data, we selected 20 and 13 genes with strong correlations (r(2)>0.81) to ID(50) values for berberine and C. rhizoma, respectively. Among these 33 genes, the levels of expression of 12 were correlated with the ID(50) values of both agents, suggesting that these genes are associated with tumor-killing activity of berberine in C. rhizoma. Expression of the remaining 21 genes was correlated with the ID(50) value of either purified berberine or C. rhizoma. Thus, we identified common and distinct genes responsible for anti-proliferative activities of purified berberine and C. rhizoma. This strategy may improve our understanding of the actions of herbs with antitumor activities.

Mode of binding of the cytotoxic alkaloid berberine with the double helix oligonucleotide d(AAGAATTCTT)(2)

Berberine, an isoquinoline plant alkaloid, belongs to the structural class of protoberberines. Recently, the ability of these compounds to act as Topoisomerase I or II poisons, was related to the antitumor activity. The binding of protoberberins to DNA has been studied and the partial intercalation into the double helix has been considered responsible for their activity. We have studied the interaction of berberine with the double helix oligonucleotides d(AAGAATTCTT)(2), d(GCGATCGC)(2), d(CGTATACG)(2), d(CGTACG)(2), 5'-d(ACCTTTTTGATGT)-3'/5(ACATCAAAAAGGT)-3' and with the single strand 5'-d(ACATCAAAAAGGT)-3', by 1H, 31P NMR and UV spectroscopy. Phosphorus resonance experiments were performed to detect small conformational changes of the phosphoribose backbone, in the case that an intercalation process occurs. Our data reveal that berberine does not intercalate into the duplexes studied, and binds preferentially to AT rich sequences. The structure of the complex with d(AAGAATTCTT)(2) was determined by using proton 2D NOESY spectra, which allowed to obtain several NOE contacts between the drug and the nucleotide. Structural models were built up by Molecular Mechanics (MM) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) calculations, by using the inter-proton distances derived from the NOE values. Berberine results to be located in the minor groove, lying with the convex side on the helix groove and presenting the positively charged nitrogen atom close to the negative ionic surface of the oligomer. The large 1H chemical shifts variation, observed for the drug when it is added to the above duplexes, as well as to the single strand oligomer, was interpreted with non-specific ionic interactions. The binding constants were measured by UV and NMR spectroscopy. They are strongly affected by the ionic strength and by the self-association process, which commonly occurs with this type of drugs. A dimerisation constant was measured and the value was included in the calculations of the binding constants. The results obtained show that the non-specific ionic interactions represent the major contribution to the values of the binding constants. These parameters, as well as the protons chemical shift variation of the ligand, are thus not diagnostic for the identification of a drug/DNA complex.

The effects of Coptidis Rhizoma extract on a hypercholesterolemic animal model

The serum cholesterol (total, free, esterified, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and oxidized LDL) levels of rats fed a diet containing, by weight, 1% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid increased, as compared with those of rats fed a normal diet. The levels, especially of total cholesterol, LDL and oxidized LDL, were reduced significantly in a dose-dependent manner, in rats given Coptidis Rhizoma extract orally at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body wt./day for 30 days. These results indicate that Coptidis Rhizoma extract is effective in reducing the pathological damage caused by hypercholesterolemia, through lowering of serum cholesterol levels. In addition, Coptidis Rhizoma extract reduced the level of liver cholesterol, but it did not reduce that of fecal cholesterol, suggesting that the cholesterol level-lowering effect resulted from the reduction of cholesterol synthesis, not the enhancement of its excretion. Furthermore, the serum thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance level decreased after oral administration of Coptidis Rhizoma extract, indicating that Coptidis Rhizoma could prevent hypercholesterolemic disease through reducing lipid peroxidation. This study demonstrates that Coptidis Rhizoma may be a useful therapy for hypercholesterolemia through reducing oxidative stress and cholesterol levels.

Anticachectic effects of the natural herb Coptidis rhizoma and berberine on mice bearing colon 26/clone 20 adenocarcinoma

We previously showed that the natural herb Coptidis rhizoma has an anticachectic effect in nude mice bearing human esophageal cancer cells. We further investigated this phenomenon by examining the anticachectic effect of C. rhizoma in syngeneic mice bearing colon 26/clone 20 carcinoma cells, which cause IL-6-related cachexia after cell injection. We evaluated nutritional parameters such as serum glucose level and wasting of adipose tissue and muscle in tumor-bearing and non-tumor-bearing mice treated with C. rhizoma (CR) supplement or a normal diet. IL-6 levels in those mice were quantified by ELISA and real-time RT-PCR. CR supplementation significantly attenuated weight loss in tumor-bearing mice without changing food intake or tumor growth. Furthermore, these mice maintained good nutritional status. IL-6 mRNA levels in tumors and spleens and IL-6 protein levels in tumors and sera were significantly lower in tumor-bearing mice treated with CR supplement than in those treated with a normal diet. CR supplementation did not affect food intake, body weight, nutritional parameters and IL-6 levels in non-tumor-bearing mice. An in vitro study showed that C. rhizoma and its major component, berberine, inhibited IL-1-induced IL-6 mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner in colon 26/clone 20 cells. Our results showed that C. rhizoma exerts an anticachectic effect on colon 26/clone 20-transplanted mice and that its effect is associated with tumor IL-6 production. We also suggest that its effect might be due to berberine.

Induction of rcl, a novel growth-related gene by coptidis rhizoma in rat H4IIE cells

Exposure of rat hepatoma cells to a low concentration of Coptidis Rhizoma reduces cell viability and probably induces apoptotic cell death. However, Coptidis Rhizoma treatment increased the expression of a putative c-myc-responsive gene rcl and could increase the activity of a transcription factor in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. This increase was accompanied by an increment in the expression of mRNA for c-myc-responsive gene. The expression was analysed by PCR and confirmed by Northern blot analysis. The rcl expression level increases with the Coptidis Rhizoma concentration, and in the time-course study. The results suggest the expression of rcl is important to the fate of cell growth, since overexpression of the c-myc proto-oncogene cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis can be regulated by the treatment of Coptidis rhizoma. Additionally, difference between overexpression of c-myc-responsive gene in the control suggested that this protein was responsible for the inhibitory effect of a transcriptional factor on cell growth. The results support the notion of rcl as an important antiapoptotic protein mediating sensitivity to Coptidis Rhizoma induction in cancer cells. rcl may play an important role during cellular proliferation and c-myc-mediated transformation.

Determination of berberine and strychnine in medicinal plants and herbal preparations by pressurized liquid extraction with capillary zone electrophoresis

A simple and rapid method for the determination of berberine and strychnine in medicinal plants and herbal preparations for regulatory purposes using a home-made pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) system with capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) using ultraviolet detection at 254 nm was developed. The effects of pH, concentration of buffer, and organic modifiers in the electrophoretic separation were investigated. The buffer used for CZE contained 50 mM ammonium acetate, pH 3.1. The effect of temperature on the extraction efficiency of strychnine in medicinal plants by PLE was demonstrated. Comparable or higher extraction efficiency was achieved with PLE for strychnine in medicinal plants and berberine in herbal preparations compared to soxhlet extraction. The effect of matrix interference in medicinal plants and herbal preparations containing a number of medicinal plants samples using CZE was investigated by standard additional experiments. The reproducibility of the method using PLE with CZE was found to vary between 2.4 and 10.7% (n = 5/6) for different types of samples on different days.