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Chen X, Zhu N, Wu Y, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Jin K, Zhou Z, Chen G, Wang J. Withaferin A, a natural thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) inhibitor, synergistically enhances the antitumor efficacy of sorafenib through ROS-mediated ER stress and DNA damage in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 128:155317. [PMID: 38537439 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sorafenib (Sora), a multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is widely recognized as a standard chemotherapy treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, drug resistance mechanisms hinder its anticancer efficacy. Derived from Withania somnifera, Withaferin A (WA) exhibits remarkable anti-tumor properties as a natural bioactive compound. This study aimed to examine the mechanisms that underlie the impacts of Sora and WA co-treatment on HCC. METHODS Cell proliferation was evaluated through colony formation and MTT assays. Flow cytometry was employed to determine cellular apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The evaluation of apoptosis-related protein levels, DNA damage, and endoplasmic reticulum stress was conducte utilizing IHC staining and western blotting. Moreover, the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK, ATF4 siRNA, ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), and TrxR1 shRNA were used to elucidate the underlying signaling pathways. To validate the antitumor effects of Sora/WA co-treatment, in vivo experiments were ultimately executed using Huh7 xenografts. RESULTS Sora/WA co-treatment demonstrated significant synergistic antitumor impacts both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, the enhanced antitumor impact of Sora by WA was achieved through the inhibition of TrxR1 activity, resulting in ROS accumulation. Moreover, ROS generation induced the activation of DNA damage and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathways, eventually triggering cellular apoptosis. Pre-treatment with the antioxidant NAC significantly inhibited ROS generation, ER stress, DNA damage, and apoptosis induced by Sora/WA co-treatment. Additionally, the inhibition of ATF4 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) attenuated Sora/WA co-treatment-induced apoptosis. In vivo, Sora/WA co-treatment significantly suppressed tumor growth in HCC xenograft models and decreased TrxR1 activity in tumor tissues. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that WA synergistically enhances the antitumor effect of Sora, offering promising implications for evolving treatment approaches for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiaojiang 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ning Zhu
- Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiaojiang 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yajie Wu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiaojiang 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiaojiang 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuxuan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiaojiang 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kaiwen Jin
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiaojiang 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhiyi Zhou
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiaojiang 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guang Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiaojiang 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiabing Wang
- Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Taizhou University, Taizhou, Jiaojiang 318000, Zhejiang, China.
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Shi J, Zhu L, Tang BY, Yang WQ, Xi SY, Zhang CL, Li PF, Wang YJ, Guo KH, Huang JR, Huang CR, Yu ZX, Yu BK, Zhang CF, Zhang YM. Regulatory effect of Yinchenhao decoction on bile acid metabolism to improve the inflammatory microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma in mice. J Nat Med 2024; 78:633-643. [PMID: 38704807 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-024-01812-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with extremely high mortality. The tumor microenvironment is the "soil" of its occurrence and development, and the inflammatory microenvironment is an important part of the "soil". Bile acid is closely related to the occurrence of HCC. Bile acid metabolism disorder is not only directly involved in the occurrence and development of HCC but also affects the inflammatory microenvironment of HCC. Yinchenhao decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, can regulate bile acid metabolism and may affect the inflammatory microenvironment of HCC. To determine the effect of Yinchenhao decoction on bile acid metabolism in mice with HCC and to explore the possible mechanism by which Yinchenhao decoction improves the inflammatory microenvironment of HCC by regulating bile acid metabolism, we established mice model of orthotopic transplantation of hepatocellular carcinoma. These mice were treated with three doses of Yinchenhao decoction, then liver samples were collected and tested. Yinchenhao decoction can regulate the disorder of bile acid metabolism in liver cancer mice. Besides, it can improve inflammatory reactions, reduce hepatocyte degeneration and necrosis, and even reduce liver weight and the liver index. Taurochenodeoxycholic acid, hyodeoxycholic acid, and taurohyodeoxycholic acid are important molecules in the regulation of the liver inflammatory microenvironment, laying a foundation for the regulation of the liver tumor inflammatory microenvironment based on bile acids. Yinchenhao decoction may improve the inflammatory microenvironment of mice with HCC by ameliorating hepatic bile acid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Shi
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Binhai County People's Hospital, Yancheng, China
| | - Bang-Yi Tang
- Department of Science and Education, Yancheng TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Yancheng, China
| | - Wan-Qing Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Sheng-Yan Xi
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chen-Long Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Peng-Fei Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yu-Jie Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Kai-Hang Guo
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jing-Ru Huang
- Central Laboratory, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chen-Rui Huang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhou-Xin Yu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Bao-Kang Yu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chun-Fang Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
| | - Yu-Mei Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
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Ghosh S, Das SK, Sinha K, Ghosh B, Sen K, Ghosh N, Sil PC. The Emerging Role of Natural Products in Cancer Treatment. Arch Toxicol 2024:10.1007/s00204-024-03786-3. [PMID: 38795134 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03786-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
The exploration of natural products as potential agents for cancer treatment has garnered significant attention in recent years. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the diverse array of natural compounds, including alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, lignans, polyketides, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids, highlighting their emerging roles in cancer therapy. These compounds, derived from various botanical sources, exhibit a wide range of mechanisms of action, targeting critical pathways involved in cancer progression such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Through a meticulous examination of preclinical and clinical studies, we provide insights into the therapeutic potential of these natural products across different cancer types. Furthermore, we discuss the advantages and challenges associated with their use in cancer treatment, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize their efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and delivery methods. Overall, this review underscores the importance of natural products in advancing cancer therapeutics and paves the way for future investigations into their clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Ghosh
- Department of Zoology, Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira, Belur Math, Howrah, 711202, India
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, 700054, India
| | - Sanjib Kumar Das
- Department of Zoology, Jhargram Raj College, Jhargram, 721507, India
| | - Krishnendu Sinha
- Department of Zoology, Jhargram Raj College, Jhargram, 721507, India.
| | - Biswatosh Ghosh
- Department of Zoology, Bidhannagar College, Kolkata, 700064, India
| | - Koushik Sen
- Department of Zoology, Jhargram Raj College, Jhargram, 721507, India
| | - Nabanita Ghosh
- Department of Zoology, Maulana Azad College, Kolkata, 700013, India
| | - Parames C Sil
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, 700054, India.
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Cai H, Meng Z, Yu F. The involvement of ROS-regulated programmed cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 197:104361. [PMID: 38626849 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxidative species (ROS) is a crucial factor in the regulation of cellular biological activity and function, and aberrant levels of ROS can contribute to the development of a variety of diseases, particularly cancer. Numerous discoveries have affirmed that this process is strongly associated with "programmed cell death (PCD)," which refers to the suicide protection mechanism initiated by cells in response to external stimuli, such as apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, etc. Research has demonstrated that ROS-induced PCD is crucial for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). These activities serve a dual function in both facilitating and inhibiting cancer, suggesting the existence of a delicate balance within healthy cells that can be disrupted by the abnormal generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby influencing the eventual advancement or regression of a tumor. In this review, we summarize how ROS regulates PCD to influence the tumorigenesis and progression of HCC. Studying how ROS-induced PCD affects the progression of HCC at a molecular level can help develop better prevention and treatment methods and facilitate the design of more effective preventative and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanchen Cai
- The First Afliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ziqi Meng
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China; The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Fujun Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China.
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El-Masry TA, El-Nagar MMF, El Mahdy NA, Alherz FA, Taher R, Osman EY. Potential Antitumor Activity of Combined Lycopene and Sorafenib against Solid Ehrlich Carcinoma via Targeting Autophagy and Apoptosis and Suppressing Proliferation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:527. [PMID: 38675487 PMCID: PMC11055160 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
An FDA-approved kinase inhibitor called sorafenib (SOR) is used to treat primary kidney and liver cancer as well as to stop the spread of advanced breast cancer. Side effects from SOR, such as palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, can negatively impact an individual's quality of life. There are a lot of data supporting the importance of lycopene (LYC) in preventing cancer. The antitumor properties of the combination of sorafenib and lycopene were examined in this study. A viability test against MDA-MB-231 was used to assess the anticancer efficacy of sorafenib, lycopene, and their combination in vitro. Moreover, a cell cycle analysis and Annexin-V/PI double staining were performed by using flow cytometry. In addition, the protein level of JNK-1, ERK-1, Beclin-1, P38, and P53 of the MDA-MB-231 cell line was estimated using ELISA kits. In addition, mice with SEC were divided into four equal groups at random (n = 10) to investigate the possible processes underlying the in vivo antitumor effect. Group IV (SEC-SOR-LYC) received SOR (30 mg/kg/day, p.o.) and LYC (20 mg/kg/day, p.o.); Group I received the SEC control; Group II received SEC-SOR (30 mg/kg/day, p.o.); and Group III received SEC-LYC (20 mg/kg/day, p.o.). The findings demonstrated that the combination of sorafenib and lycopene was superior to sorafenib and lycopene alone in causing early cell cycle arrest, suppressing the viability of cancer cells, and increasing cell apoptosis and autophagy. Likewise, the combination of sorafenib and lycopene demonstrated inhibition of the levels of Bcl-2, Ki-67, VEGF, IL-1β, and TNF-α protein. Otherwise, the quantities of the proteins BAX, P53, and caspase 3 were amplified. Furthermore, the combined treatment led to a substantial increase in TNF-α, caspase 3, and VEGF gene expression compared to the equivalent dosages of monotherapy. The combination of sorafenib and lycopene enhanced apoptosis and reduced inflammation, as seen by the tumor's decreased weight and volume, hence demonstrating its potential anticancer effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanaa A. El-Masry
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt; (N.A.E.M.); (R.T.); (E.Y.O.)
| | - Maysa M. F. El-Nagar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt; (N.A.E.M.); (R.T.); (E.Y.O.)
| | - Nageh A. El Mahdy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt; (N.A.E.M.); (R.T.); (E.Y.O.)
| | - Fatemah A. Alherz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Reham Taher
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt; (N.A.E.M.); (R.T.); (E.Y.O.)
| | - Enass Y. Osman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt; (N.A.E.M.); (R.T.); (E.Y.O.)
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Vanli S, Kurtoglu F, Alan BS, Akcakavak G, Ozdemir O. Investigation of the effects of Theranekron and Sorafenib treatments on carcinogenesis, apoptosis and biochemical profile in hepatocellular carcinoma in rats. Toxicol Mech Methods 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38577837 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2024.2332909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of Tarantula cubensis alcohol extract (TCAE, Theranekron) and Sorafenib (S) treatments on carcinogenesis, apoptosis and biochemical profile of rats with experimentally induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the presented study, 58 male rats were divided into 7 groups; Negative Control (NC, n = 6), NC + TCAE (NCT, n = 6), NC + Sorafenib (NCS, n = 6), Positive Control (PC, n = 10), Positive Control + TCAE (PCT, n = 10), Positive Control + Sorafenib (PCS, n = 10), Positive Control + TCAE + Sorafenib (PCTS, n = 10). The active ingredients Diethylnitrosamine (DEN, 120 mg/kg, single dose) and Nitrosomorpholine (NMOR, 50 ppm, 21 weeks orally) were used to induce HCC in rats. At the end of the experiment, the animals were euthanized under appropriate conditions and samples were collected for biochemical and pathological investigations. In the PC group, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels were higher (p < 0.001) and urea levels were lower (p < 0.001) compared to all other groups. Treatment groups reorganized the relevant markers (ALT, AST, GGT, and urea). A significant increase was detected in Caspase-10, Caspase-3 and Granzyme-B (GrzB) (p < 0.001) in blood and Caspase-10 and GrzB (p < 0.05) in liver tissue in PCT, PCS and PCTS groups compared to the PC group. Histopathological examination revealed that the PC group showed cancer morphology, and the treatment groups caused a decrease in tumor incidence and size. Our current findings suggest that the mechanism of action of TCAE in HCC is through the NKs/CTLs-GrzB-Casp10-Casp3 signaling pathway and can be used in combination with chemotherapy drugs for the development of future drug designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serdar Vanli
- Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ilgin District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, Konya, Turkey
| | - Firuze Kurtoglu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Beyza S Alan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Gokhan Akcakavak
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Ozdemir
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
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Prasad YR, Anakha J, Pande AH. Treating liver cancer through arginine depletion. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103940. [PMID: 38452923 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer, the sixth most common cancer globally and the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths, presents a critical public health threat. Diagnosis often occurs in advanced stages of the disease, aligning incidence with fatality rates. Given that established treatments, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy and transarterial radioembolization, face accessibility and affordability challenges, the emerging focus on cancer cell metabolism, particularly arginine (Arg) depletion, offers a promising research avenue. Arg-depleting enzymes show efficacy against Arg-auxotrophic cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thus, in this review, we explore the limitations of current therapies and highlight the potential of Arg depletion, emphasizing various Arg-hydrolyzing enzymes in clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yenisetti Rajendra Prasad
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali 160062, Punjab, India
| | - J Anakha
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Abhay H Pande
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali 160062, Punjab, India.
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Chaisupasakul P, Pekthong D, Wangteeraprasert A, Kaewkong W, Somran J, Kaewpaeng N, Parhira S, Srisawang P. Combination of ethyl acetate fraction from Calotropis gigantea stem bark and sorafenib induces apoptosis in HepG2 cells. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300051. [PMID: 38527038 PMCID: PMC10962855 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The cytotoxicity of the ethyl acetate fraction of the Calotropis gigantea (L.) Dryand. (C. gigantea) stem bark extract (CGEtOAc) has been demonstrated in many types of cancers. This study examined the improved cancer therapeutic activity of sorafenib when combined with CGEtOAc in HepG2 cells. The cell viability and cell migration assays were applied in HepG2 cells treated with varying concentrations of CGEtOAc, sorafenib, and their combination. Flow cytometry was used to determine apoptosis, which corresponded with a decline in mitochondrial membrane potential and activation of DNA fragmentation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed in combination with the expression of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (Akt)/ mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which was suggested for association with ROS-induced apoptosis. Combining CGEtOAc at 400 μg/mL with sorafenib at 4 μM, which were their respective half-IC50 concentrations, significantly inhibited HepG2 viability upon 24 h of exposure in comparison with the vehicle and each single treatment. Consequently, CGEtOAc when combined with sorafenib significantly diminished HepG2 migration and induced apoptosis through a mitochondrial-correlation mechanism. ROS production was speculated to be the primary mechanism of stimulating apoptosis in HepG2 cells after exposure to a combination of CGEtOAc and sorafenib, in association with PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway suppression. Our results present valuable knowledge to support the development of anticancer regimens derived from the CGEtOAc with the chemotherapeutic agent sorafenib, both of which were administered at half-IC50, which may minimize the toxic implications of cancer treatments while improving the therapeutic effectiveness toward future medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pattaraporn Chaisupasakul
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Dumrongsak Pekthong
- Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Health and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | | | - Worasak Kaewkong
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Julintorn Somran
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Naphat Kaewpaeng
- Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Supawadee Parhira
- Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Health and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Piyarat Srisawang
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
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Ma Z, Chen W, Liu Y, Yu L, Mao X, Guo X, Jiang F, Guo Q, Lin N, Zhang Y. Artesunate Sensitizes human hepatocellular carcinoma to sorafenib via exacerbating AFAP1L2-SRC-FUNDC1 axis-dependent mitophagy. Autophagy 2024; 20:541-556. [PMID: 37733919 PMCID: PMC10936616 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2261758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib is the most widely used first-line drug for the treatment of the advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Unfortunately, sorafenib resistance often limits its therapeutic efficacy. To evaluate the efficacy of artesunate against sorafenib-resistant HCC and to investigate its underlying pharmacological mechanisms, a "sorafenib resistance related gene-ART candidate target" interaction network was constructed, and a signaling axis consisting with artesunate candidate target AFAP1L2 and sorafenib target SRC, and the downstream FUNDC1-dependent mitophagy was identified as a major contributor to the sorafenib resistance and a potential way of artesunate to mitigate resistance. Notably, our clinical data demonstrated that AFAP1L2 expression in HCC tissues was markedly higher than that in adjacent non-cancerous liver tissues (P < 0.05), and high AFAP1L2 expression was also significantly associated with an unfavorable overall survival of HCC patients (P < 0.05). Experimentally, AFAP1L2 was overexpressed in sorafenib resistant cells, leading to the activation of downstream SRC-FUNDC1 signaling axis, further blocking the FUNDC1 recruitment of LC3B to mitochondria and inhibiting the activation of mitophagy, based on both in vitro and in vivo systems. Moreover, artesunate significantly enhanced the inhibitory effects of sorafenib on resistant cells and tumors by inducing excessive mitophagy. Mechanically, artesunate reduced the expression of AFAP1L2 protein, suppressed the phosphorylation levels of SRC and FUNDC1 proteins, promoted the FUNDC1 recruitment of massive LC3B to mitochondria, and further overactivated the mitophagy and subsequent cell apoptosis of sorafenib resistant cells. In conclusion, artesunate may be a promising strategy to mitigate sorafenib resistance in HCC via exacerbating AFAP1L2-SRC-FUNDC1 axis-dependent mitophagy.Abbreviations: AFAP1L2, actin filament associated protein 1 like 2; ANOVA, analysis of variance; ANXA5, annexin V; ART: artesunate; CETSA, cellular thermal shift assay; CI: combination index; CO-IP: co-immunoprecipitation; CQ: chloroquine; CT, computed tomography; [18F]-FDG, fluoro-2-D-deoxyglucose F18; FUNDC1: FUN14 domain containing 1; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma; H&E Staining: hematoxylin - eosin staining; HepG2R, sorafenib resistant HepG2; IF, immunofluorescence; IHC, immunohistochemistry; LAMP1: lysosomal associated membrane protein 1; MAP1LC3B/LC3B: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; miR, microRNA; mRNA: messenger RNA; OE, overexpression; OS, overall survival; PET, positron emission tomography; qRT-PCR: quantitative real-time PCR; sh, short hairpin; shNC: negative control shRNA; shAFAP1L2: short hairpin AFAP1L2; SORA, sorafenib; SPR, surface plasmon resonance; SRC, SRC proto-oncogene, non-receptor tyrosine kinase; SUV, standardized uptake value; TEM, transmission electron microscopy; TOMM20: translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaochen Ma
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjia Chen
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yudong Liu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lingxiang Yu
- The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Mao
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodong Guo
- The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Funeng Jiang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiuyan Guo
- Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Na Lin
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanqiong Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Hussain Y, Singh J, Meena A, Sinha RA, Luqman S. Escin-sorafenib synergy up-regulates LC3-II and p62 to induce apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:840-856. [PMID: 37853854 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common solid cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Sorafenib is the first drug used to treat HCC but its effectiveness needs to be improved, and it is important to find ways to treat cancer that combine sorafenib with other drugs. Synergistic therapies lower effective drug doses and side effects while enhancing the anticancer effect. PURPOSE In the present study, the therapeutic potential of sorafenib in combination with escin and its underlying mechanism in targeting liver cancer has been established. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS The IC50 of sorafenib and escin against HepG2, PLC/PRF5 and Huh7 cell lines were determined using MTT assay. The combination index, dose reduction index, isobologram and concentrations producing synergy were evaluated using the Chou-Talaly algorithm. The sub-effective concentration of sorafenib and escin was selected to analyze cytotoxic synergistic potential. Cellular ROS, mitochondrial membrane potential, annexin V and cell cycle were evaluated using a flow-cytometer, and autophagy biomarkers were determined using western blotting. Moreover, autophagy was knocked down using ATG5 siRNA to confirm its role. A DEN-induced liver cancer rat model was developed to check the synergy of sorafenib and escin. RESULTS Different concentrations of escin reduced the IC50 of sorafenib in HepG2, PLC/PRF5 and Huh7 cell lines. Chou-Talaly algorithm determined cytotoxic synergistic concentrations of sorafenib and escin in these cell lines. Mechanistically, this combination over-expressed p62 and LC-II, reflecting autophagy block and induced late apoptosis, further reconfirmed by ATG5 knockdown. Sorafenib and escin combination reduced HCC serum biomarker α-feto protein (α-FP) by 1.5 folds. This combination restricted liver weight, tumor number and size, also, conserved morphological features of liver cells. The combination selectively targeted the G0 /G1 phase of cancer cells. CONCLUSION Escin and sorafenib combination potentially up-regulates p62 to block autophagy to induce late apoptosis in liver cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf Hussain
- Bioprospection and Product Development Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Jyoti Singh
- Bioprospection and Product Development Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India
- Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Abha Meena
- Bioprospection and Product Development Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Rohit Anthony Sinha
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Suaib Luqman
- Bioprospection and Product Development Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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11
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Hussain Y, Meena A, Sinha RA. Gossypol synergises antiproliferative effect of sorafenib in metastatic lung cancer cells following Chou-Talalay algorithm. Toxicol In Vitro 2023; 93:105666. [PMID: 37611852 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2023.105666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Combination therapy has been proposed as a promising approach for lung cancer treatment, as it can enhance anticancer efficacy, and reduce dosages and adverse effects. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of gossypol, a natural polyphenolic compound with sorafenib for treating lung cancer cells and elucidating its mechanism of action. The MTT assay was utilized to determine the IC50 of sorafenib and gossypol against A549 and NCI H460 cell lines. The Chou-Talaly algorithm was employed to determine the combination index (CI). A sub-effective concentration of sorafenib and gossypol was chosen to investigate the possibility of cytotoxic synergy. Autophagy biomarkers were identified using Western blotting, and the function of autophagy was determined using ATG5 siRNA. Results show that IC50 of sorafenib significantly reduced in A549 and NCI H460 cells when co-treated with gossypol. The combination treatment showed a synergistic cytotoxic effect against tested cell lines. The Chou-Talaly algorithm confirmed sorafenib's dose reduction index (DRI) up to 3.86. In A549 cells, combination treatment down-regulated p62 and up-regulated LC3-II, indicating the initiation of autophagy-dependent cytotoxicity. This was further confirmed by siRNA ATG5 knockdown. Additionally, the combination treatment exclusively targeted G0/G1 phase cancer cells. In conclusion, the combination of gossypol and sorafenib shows a synergistic increase in the cytotoxic effect by promoting autophagy and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf Hussain
- Bioprospection and Product Development Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow 226015, Uttar Pradesh, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Abha Meena
- Bioprospection and Product Development Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow 226015, Uttar Pradesh, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Rohit Anthony Sinha
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow 226014, Uttar Pradesh, India
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12
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Yin H, Fu XY, Gao HY, Ma YN, Yao JF, Du SS, Qi YK, Wang KW. Design, synthesis and anticancer evaluation of novel oncolytic peptide-chlorambucil conjugates. Bioorg Chem 2023; 138:106674. [PMID: 37331169 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen mustards (NMs) are an important class of chemotherapeutic drugs and have been widely employed for the treatment of various cancers. However, due to the high reactivity of nitrogen mustard, most NMs react with proteins and phospholipids within the cell membrane. Therefore, only a very small fraction of NMs can reach the reach nucleus, alkylating and cross-linking DNA. To efficiently penetrate the cell membrane barrier, the hybridization of NMs with a membranolytic agent may be an effective strategy. Herein, the chlorambucil (CLB, a kind of NM) hybrids were first designed by conjugation with membranolytic peptide LTX-315. However, although LTX-315 could help large amounts of CLB penetrate the cytomembrane and enter the cytoplasm, CLB still did not readily reach the nucleus. Our previous work demonstrated that the hybrid peptide NTP-385 obtained by covalent conjugation of rhodamine B with LTX-315 could accumulate in the nucleus. Hence, the NTP-385-CLB conjugate, named FXY-3, was then designed and systematically evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. FXY-3 displayed prominent localization in the cancer cell nucleus and induced severe DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) to trigger cell apoptosis. Especially, compared with CLB and LTX-315, FXY-3 exhibited significantly increased in vitro cytotoxicity against a panel of cancer cell lines. Moreover, FXY-3 showed superior in vivo anticancer efficiency in the mouse cancer model. Collectively, this study established an effective strategy to increase the anticancer activity and the nuclear accumulation of NMs, which will provide a valuable reference for future nucleus-targeting modification of nitrogen mustards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yin
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao 266073, China; Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, #38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Xing-Yan Fu
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao 266073, China
| | - Han-Yu Gao
- School of Stomatology, Jining Medical University, #133 Hehua Road, Jining 272067, China
| | - Yan-Nan Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao 266073, China
| | - Jing-Fang Yao
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao 266073, China
| | - Shan-Shan Du
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao 266073, China; College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Yun-Kun Qi
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao 266073, China; Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, #38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao 266021, China.
| | - Ke-Wei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao 266073, China; Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, #38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao 266021, China
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Yu H, Li JM, Deng K, Zhou W, Li KH, Wang CX, Wang Q, Wu M, Huang SW. GPX4 inhibition synergistically boosts mitochondria targeting nanoartemisinin-induced apoptosis/ferroptosis combination cancer therapy. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:5831-5845. [PMID: 37439624 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm00601h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinin, originally used for its antimalarial activity, has received much attention in recent years for cancer therapy. The anticancer mechanisms of artemisinin are complicated and debatable. Challenges in the delivery of artemisinin also persist because the anticancer effect of artemisinin alone is often not satisfactory when used with traditional nanocarriers. We herein report the mitochondrial delivery of artemisinin with extremely high anticancer capacity. The action mode of artemisinin in the mitochondria of cancer cells includes heme-participating and oxygen-independent conversion of artemisinin into a carbon-centered radical, which is partly converted into ROS in the presence of molecular oxygen. We reveal that artemisinin alone in the mitochondria can induce strong cancer cell apoptosis. In addition, due to the weak inhibition of GPX4 activity by artemisinin, weak ferroptosis is also observed. We further discover that GPX4 activity in MCF-7 cells is greatly inhibited by RSL3 to synergistically enhance the anticancer capacity of artemisinin via enhancing ferroptosis. The synergistic anticancer activity of artemisinin and RSL3 in the mitochondria not only improves cancer cell-killing ability, but also inhibits the re-proliferation of residual cancer cells. This study provides a new insight into developing highly efficient and practical artemisinin nanomedicines for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
- Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases of Xiangyang City, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang 441000, China
| | - Jia-Mi Li
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Kai Deng
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
- Department of Radiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Kun-Heng Li
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Cai-Xia Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Qian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Meng Wu
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Shi-Wen Huang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
- Wuhan Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
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Pan X, Huang J, Liu S, Shao Y, Xi J, He R, Shi T, Zhuang R, Yu W. pH-Responsive and liver-targeting drug delivery system for combination delivery of artesunate with arsenic trioxide prodrug against hepatocellular carcinoma. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2023; 49:485-496. [PMID: 37470495 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2023.2239342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Arsenic trioxide (ATO) exerts therapeutic effects on various solid tumors, and artesunate (ART) synergizes with antitumor drugs. We herein combined ART and an ATO prodrug (ATOP) in pH-responsive and liver-targeting liposomes to improve targeted hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. METHODS 1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DSPE)-hydrazone (HYD)-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) (DSPE-HYD-PEG-GA) was synthesized and characterized. The optimal ratio of ART and ATOP was selected. Calcium arsenate nanoparticles (CaAs NPs) and DSPE-HYD-PEG-GA@ART/CaAs NPs liposomes were prepared and their physicochemical properties were characterized. Their intracellular uptake, intracellular localization, uptake pathway identification, cytotoxicity, proapoptotic effects, and relevant mechanisms were studied. RESULTS The DSPE-HYD-PEG-GA was successfully synthesized. The best ratio of ART and ATOP was 7:1. The particle size of CaAs NPs under transmission electron microscopy was 142.39 ± 21.50 nm. Arsenic (As), calcium, and oxygen elements were uniformly distributed in CaAs NPs, and the drug loading and encapsulation efficiency of As are 37.28% and 51.40%, respectively. The liposomes were elliptical, and the particle size was 100.91 ± 39.31 nm. The liposome cell intake was significantly increased in Huh-7 cells. The liposomes entered the cell through macropinocytosis and caveolin-mediated endocytosis and were predominantly distributed in the cytoplasm. They exerted an excellent inhibitory effect on Huh-7 cells and promoted tumor cell apoptosis through lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial membrane potential reduction, and cell-cycle blockage. CONCLUSIONS The pH-responsive and liver-targeting drug delivery system for the combination delivery of ART with ATOP showed promising effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuwang Pan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Preparation, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinsong Huang
- Department of Hepatology, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shourong Liu
- Department of Hepatology, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yidan Shao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Preparation, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianjun Xi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Preparation, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruoyu He
- Department of Pharmaceutical Preparation, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tingting Shi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Preparation, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rangxiao Zhuang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Preparation, Affiliated Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenying Yu
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Sun L, Mi K, Hou Y, Hui T, Zhang L, Tao Y, Liu Z, Huang L. Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Drug-Drug Interactions: Research Methods and Applications. Metabolites 2023; 13:897. [PMID: 37623842 PMCID: PMC10456269 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13080897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Because of the high research and development cost of new drugs, the long development process of new drugs, and the high failure rate at later stages, combining past drugs has gradually become a more economical and attractive alternative. However, the ensuing problem of drug-drug interactions (DDIs) urgently need to be solved, and combination has attracted a lot of attention from pharmaceutical researchers. At present, DDI is often evaluated and investigated from two perspectives: pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. However, in some special cases, DDI cannot be accurately evaluated from a single perspective. Therefore, this review describes and compares the current DDI evaluation methods based on two aspects: pharmacokinetic interaction and pharmacodynamic interaction. The methods summarized in this paper mainly include probe drug cocktail methods, liver microsome and hepatocyte models, static models, physiologically based pharmacokinetic models, machine learning models, in vivo comparative efficacy studies, and in vitro static and dynamic tests. This review aims to serve as a useful guide for interested researchers to promote more scientific accuracy and clinical practical use of DDI studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Sun
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China; (L.S.); (K.M.); (Y.H.); (T.H.); (L.Z.); (Y.T.)
- MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China;
| | - Kun Mi
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China; (L.S.); (K.M.); (Y.H.); (T.H.); (L.Z.); (Y.T.)
- MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Yixuan Hou
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China; (L.S.); (K.M.); (Y.H.); (T.H.); (L.Z.); (Y.T.)
- MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China;
| | - Tianyi Hui
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China; (L.S.); (K.M.); (Y.H.); (T.H.); (L.Z.); (Y.T.)
- MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China;
| | - Lan Zhang
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China; (L.S.); (K.M.); (Y.H.); (T.H.); (L.Z.); (Y.T.)
- MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China;
| | - Yanfei Tao
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China; (L.S.); (K.M.); (Y.H.); (T.H.); (L.Z.); (Y.T.)
- MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China;
| | - Zhenli Liu
- MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China;
- MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Lingli Huang
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China; (L.S.); (K.M.); (Y.H.); (T.H.); (L.Z.); (Y.T.)
- MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China;
- MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430000, China
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Yin H, Fu X, Gao H, Gao H, Ma Y, Chen X, Zhang X, Du SS, Qi YK. Hybrid peptide NTP-217 triggers ROS-mediated rapid necrosis in liver cancer cells by induction of mitochondrial leakage. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1028600. [PMID: 36713538 PMCID: PMC9881410 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1028600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-associated mortality globally, and >830,000 patients with liver cancer undergoing treatment succumbed to the disease in 2020, which indicates the urgent need to develop a more effective anti-liver cancer drug. In our previous study, nucleus-targeting hybrid peptides obtained from the fusion of LTX-315 and the rhodamine B group possessed potent anti-adherent cancer cell activity. Hybrid peptides accumulated in the cell nucleus and damaged the nuclear membrane, resulting in the transfer of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and the induction of apoptosis. However, the source of the high concentration of ROS within the cytoplasm is unclear. Moreover, although our previous study demonstrated that hybrid peptides possessed potent anticancer activity against adherent cancer cells, their efficacy on liver cancer remained unexplored. The current study found that the hybrid peptide NTP-217 killed liver cancer cells after 4-h treatment with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 14.6-45.7 μM. NTP-217 could stably accumulate in the liver tumor tissue and markedly inhibited liver tumor growth in mice. Furthermore, NTP-217 destroyed mitochondria and induced the leakage of mitochondrial contents, resulting in the generation of a substantial quantity of ROS. Unlike the apoptosis induced by 24 h of treatment by NTP-217, 4 h of treatment caused ROS-mediated necrotic cell death. These findings suggested that short-time treatment with hybrid peptides could trigger ROS-mediated rapid necrosis in liver cancer cells, and provided a basis for the future development of hybrid peptides as anti-liver cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yin
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China,*Correspondence: Hao Yin, ; Shan-Shan Du, ; Yun-Kun Qi,
| | - Xingyan Fu
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hanyu Gao
- School of Stomatology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Han Gao
- Department of Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yannan Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xitong Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xueqi Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shan-Shan Du
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China,College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China,*Correspondence: Hao Yin, ; Shan-Shan Du, ; Yun-Kun Qi,
| | - Yun-Kun Qi
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China,*Correspondence: Hao Yin, ; Shan-Shan Du, ; Yun-Kun Qi,
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Yin H, Chen XT, Chi QN, Ma YN, Fu XY, Du SS, Qi YK, Wang KW. The hybrid oncolytic peptide NTP-385 potently inhibits adherent cancer cells by targeting the nucleus. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:201-210. [PMID: 35794372 PMCID: PMC9813345 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00939-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of oncolytic peptides with activity against a wide range of cancer entities as a new and promising cancer therapeutic strategy has drawn increasing attention. The oncolytic peptide LTX-315 derived from bovine lactoferricin (LfcinB) was found to be highly effective against suspension cancer cells, but not adherent cancer cells. In this study, we tactically fused LTX-315 with rhodamine B through a hybridization strategy to design and synthesize a series of nucleus-targeting hybrid peptides and evaluated their activity against adherent cancer cells. Thus, four hybrid peptides, NTP-212, NTP-217, NTP-223 and NTP-385, were synthesized. These hybrid peptides enhanced the anticancer activity of LTX-315 in a panel of adherent cancer cell lines by 2.4- to 37.5-fold. In model mice bearing B16-F10 melanoma xenografts, injection of NTP-385 (0.5 mg per mouse for 3 consecutive days) induced almost complete regression of melanoma, prolonged the median survival time and increased the overall survival. Notably, the administered dose of NTP-385 was only half the effective dose of LTX-315. We further revealed that unlike LTX-315, which targets the mitochondria, NTP-385 disrupted the nuclear membrane and accumulated in the nucleus, resulting in the transfer of a substantial amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from the cytoplasm to the nucleus through the fragmented nuclear membrane. This ultimately led to DNA double-strand break (DSB)-mediated intrinsic apoptosis. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that hybrid peptides obtained from the fusion of LTX-315 and rhodamine B enhance anti-adherent cancer cell activity by targeting the nucleus and triggering DNA DSB-mediated intrinsic apoptosis. This study also provides an advantageous reference for nucleus-targeting peptide modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao, 266073, China
- Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, 38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Xi-Tong Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao, 266073, China
| | - Qiao-Na Chi
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Yan-Nan Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao, 266073, China
| | - Xing-Yan Fu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao, 266073, China
| | - Shan-Shan Du
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China.
| | - Yun-Kun Qi
- Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, 38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao, 266021, China.
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao, 266073, China.
| | - Ke-Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao, 266073, China.
- Institute of Innovative Drugs, Qingdao University, 38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao, 266021, China.
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Luan Y, Bao Y, Wang F. Artesunate regulates the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells by activating the JAK‑2/STAT‑3 signaling pathway in ischemic stroke. Exp Ther Med 2022; 25:2. [PMID: 36561626 PMCID: PMC9748661 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is one of the most common causes of disability and death globally; therefore, the repair and reconstruction of the central nervous system (CNS) after stroke is very important. Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) may be the key to cell replacement therapy to treat CNS damage. It has previously been reported that artesunate (ART) is involved in the regulation of the biological functions of NSPCs; however, the mechanism of action of ART remains unclear. In the present study, different concentrations of ART were used to treat NSPCs following oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). Cell viability and apoptosis were analyzed using Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively, whereas immunofluorescence analysis was used to measure the expression levels of the differentiation-related molecule doublecortin (DCX) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Western blotting was performed to analyze the expression levels of molecules related to the JAK-2/STAT-3 signaling pathway. The present results indicated that treatment with ART following OGD significantly promoted the viability of NSPCs, inhibited the apoptosis of NSPCs, and promoted the expression of PCNA and DCX. Moreover, ART significantly downregulated the protein expression levels of phosphorylated (p)-JAK-2 and p-STAT-3. Furthermore, activation of the JAK-2/STAT-3 signaling pathway and treatment with ART reversed the effects of ART on the proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation of NSPCs. In conclusion, the present data suggested that ART may promote the proliferation and differentiation of NSPCs, and reduce the apoptosis of NSPCs, by inhibiting the JAK-2/STAT-3 signaling pathway. ART may potentially be used for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Luan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Yanan Bao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Intensive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China,Correspondence to: Professor Fei Wang, Department of Intensive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 295 Xichang Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
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Li G, Ling M, Yu K, Yang W, Liu Q, He L, Cai X, Zhong M, Mai Z, Sun R, Xiao Y, Yu Z, Wang X. Synergetic delivery of artesunate and isosorbide 5-mononitrate with reduction-sensitive polymer nanoparticles for ovarian cancer chemotherapy. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:471. [PMID: 36335352 PMCID: PMC9636721 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01676-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a highly fatal gynecologic malignancy worldwide. Chemotherapy remains the primary modality both for primary and maintenance treatments of ovarian cancer. However, the progress in developing chemotherapeutic agents for ovarian cancer has been slow in the past 20 years. Thus, new and effective chemotherapeutic drugs are urgently needed for ovarian cancer treatment. A reduction-responsive synergetic delivery strategy (PSSP@ART-ISMN) with co-delivery of artesunate and isosorbide 5-mononitrate was investigated in this research study. PSSP@ART-ISMN had various effects on tumor cells, such as (i) inducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which contributes to mitochondrial damage; (ii) providing nitric oxide and ROS for the tumor cells, which further react to generate highly toxic reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and cause DNA damage; and (iii) arresting cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase and inducing apoptosis. PSSP@ART-ISMN also demonstrated excellent antitumor activity with good biocompatibility in vivo. Taken together, the results of this work provide a potential delivery strategy for chemotherapy in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Li
- grid.413107.0Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630 China
| | - Mingjian Ling
- Southern Medical University Shenzhen Stomatology Hospital (Pingshan), Shenzhen, 518000 China
| | - Kunyi Yu
- grid.513392.fShenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, 518110 China
| | - Wei Yang
- grid.417404.20000 0004 1771 3058Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280 China
| | - Qiwen Liu
- grid.413107.0Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630 China
| | - Lijuan He
- grid.413107.0Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630 China
| | - Xuzi Cai
- grid.413107.0Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630 China
| | - Min Zhong
- grid.413107.0Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630 China
| | - Ziyi Mai
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 China
| | - Rui Sun
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 China
| | - Yuanling Xiao
- grid.417404.20000 0004 1771 3058Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280 China
| | - Zhiqiang Yu
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Department of Laboratory Medicine, Dongguan Institute of Clinical Cancer Research, Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, 523018 China
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- grid.413107.0Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630 China
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20
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Pre-referral intranasal artesunate powder for cerebral malaria: a proof-of-concept study. Malar J 2022; 21:291. [PMID: 36221071 PMCID: PMC9555123 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04309-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria still kills young children in rural endemic areas because early treatment is not available. Thus, the World Health Organization recommends the administration of artesunate suppositories as pre-referral treatment before transportation to the hospital in case of severe symptoms with an unavailable parenteral and oral treatment. However, negative cultural perception of the rectal route, and limited access to artesunate suppositories, could limit the use of artesunate suppositories. There is, therefore, a need for an alternative route for malaria pre-referral treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of intranasal route for malaria pre-referral treatment. Methods The permeability of artesunate through human nasal mucosa was tested in vitro. The Transepithelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) of the nasal mucosa was followed during the permeation tests. Beside, regional deposition of artesunate powder was assessed with an unidose drug delivery device in each nostril of a nasal cast. Artesunate quantification was performed using Liquid Chromatography coupled to tandem Mass Spectrometry. Results The experimental model of human nasal mucosa was successfully implemented. Using this model, artesunate powder showed a much better passage rate through human nasal mucosa than solution (26.8 ± 6.6% versus 2.1 ± 0.3%). More than half (62.3%) of the artesunate dose sprayed in the nostrils of the nasal cast was recovered in the olfactory areas (44.7 ± 8.6%) and turbinates (17.6 ± 3.3%) allowing nose-to-brain and systemic drug diffusion, respectively. Conclusion Artesunate powder showed a good permeation efficiency on human nasal mucosa. Moreover it can be efficiently sprayed in the nostrils using unidose device to reach the olfactory area leading to a fast nose-to-brain delivery as well as a systemic effect. Taken together, those results are part of the proof-of-concept for the use of intranasal artesunate as a malaria pre-referral treatment.
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21
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SHP-1/STAT3-Signaling-Axis-Regulated Coupling between BECN1 and SLC7A11 Contributes to Sorafenib-Induced Ferroptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911092. [PMID: 36232407 PMCID: PMC9570040 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a type of iron-dependent cell death pertaining to an excess of lipid peroxidation. It has been suggested that sorafenib—an anti-angiogenic medication for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)—induces ferroptosis, but the underlying mechanism for this remains largely unknown. We employed siRNA-mediated gene silencing to investigate the role of Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1 (SHP-1), following sorafenib treatment, in cystine/glutamate-antiporter-system-Xc−-regulated cystine uptake. Co-immunoprecipitation was also performed to examine the interactions between MCL1, beclin 1 (BECN1), and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), which functions as the catalytic subunit of system Xc−. The results of this study showed that sorafenib enhanced the activity of SHP-1, dephosphorylated STAT3, downregulated the expression of MCL1 and, consequently, reduced the association between MCL1 and BECN1. In contrast, increased binding between BECN1 and SLC7A11 was observed following sorafenib treatment. The elevated interaction between BECN1 and SLC7A11 inhibited the activity of system Xc−, whereas BECN1 silencing restored cystine intake and protected cells from ferroptosis. Notably, ectopic expression of MCL1 uncoupled BECN1 from SLC7A11 and rescued cell viability by attenuating lipid peroxidation. The results revealed that ferroptosis could be induced in HCC via SHP-1/STAT3-mediated downregulation of MCL1 and subsequent inhibition of SLC7A11 by increased BECN1 binding.
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22
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Yao M, Wang X, Huang K, Jia X, Xue J, Guo B, Chen J. Fluorescence-Reporting-Guided Tumor Acidic Environment-Activated Triple Photodynamic, Chemodynamic, and Chemotherapeutic Reactions for Efficient Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Ablation. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:5381-5391. [PMID: 35467866 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c03211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Tumor acidic environment-activated combination therapy holds great promise to significantly decrease side effects, circumvent multiple drug resistance, and improve therapeutic outcomes for cancer treatment. Herein, Sorafenib/ZnPc(PS)4@FeIII-TA nanoparticles (SPFT) are designed with acid-environment turned-on fluorescence to report the activation of triple therapy including photodynamic, chemodynamic, and chemotherapy on hepatocellular carcinoma. The SPFT are composed of SP cores formulated via self-assembly of sorafenib and ZnPc(PS)4, with high drug loading efficiency, and FeIII-TA shells containing FeCl3 and tannic acid. Importantly, the nanoparticles suppress reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation of ZnPc(PS)4 due to their formation in nanoparticles, while assisting simultaneous uptake of the uploaded drugs in cancer cells. The tumor acidic environment initiates FeIII-TA decomposition and accelerates a chemodynamic reaction between FeII and H2O2 to generate toxic •OH. Then, the SP core is decomposed to separate ZnPc(PS)4 and sorafenib, which leads to fluorescence turning-on of ZnPc(PS)4, expedited photodynamic reactions, and burst release of sorafenib. Notably, SPFT shows low dark cytotoxicity to normal cells but exerts high potency on hepatocellular carcinoma cells under near-infrared light irradiation, which is much more potent than either sorafenib or ZnPc(PS)4 alone. This research offers a facile nanomedicine design strategy for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Yao
- National and Local Joint Biomedical Engineering Research Center on Photodynamic Technologies, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- National and Local Joint Biomedical Engineering Research Center on Photodynamic Technologies, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, Fujian, China
| | - Kunshan Huang
- National and Local Joint Biomedical Engineering Research Center on Photodynamic Technologies, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, Fujian, China
| | - Xiao Jia
- National and Local Joint Biomedical Engineering Research Center on Photodynamic Technologies, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, Fujian, China
| | - Jinping Xue
- National and Local Joint Biomedical Engineering Research Center on Photodynamic Technologies, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, Fujian, China
| | - Bing Guo
- School of Science, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Flexible Printed Electronics Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Juanjuan Chen
- National and Local Joint Biomedical Engineering Research Center on Photodynamic Technologies, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, Fujian, China
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23
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Hyaluronic acid functionalized ZnO nanoparticles co-deliver AS and GOD for synergistic cancer starvation and oxidative damage. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4574. [PMID: 35301389 PMCID: PMC8931118 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08627-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Artesunate was reported to have inhibition effect on tumors via amplified oxidative stress while the lack of intratumoral ferrous ions supply greatly hinders its efficacy. Herein, the AS/GOD@HAZnO NPs we proposed could be efficiently taken in by the affinity between hyaluronic acid and the CD44 receptors. DLS and TEM results manifested the nano-size (~ 160 nm) and circular shape of AS/GOD@HAZnO NPs. Due to the acid-responsive degradation, AS/GOD@HAZnO NPs realized responsive release (up to 80%) in acid environment while only 20% was released in neutral medium. The cellular and in vivo experiment showed that co-delivery of AS and GOD via HAZnO NPs could effectively induce the overproduction of ROS and cut the glucose supply of tumor cells, and thus result in efficient cell apoptosis and tumor inhibition.
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24
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Zheng L, Fang S, Chen A, Chen W, Qiao E, Chen M, Shu G, Zhang D, Kong C, Weng Q, Xu S, Zhao Z, Ji J. Piperlongumine synergistically enhances the antitumour activity of sorafenib by mediating ROS-AMPK activation and targeting CPSF7 in liver cancer. Pharmacol Res 2022; 177:106140. [PMID: 35202819 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor, is the first-line agent for advanced liver cancer. Sorafenib strongly inhibits both cell proliferation and tumour angiogenesis. However, the development of drug resistance hampers its anticancer efficacy. To improve the antitumour activity of sorafenib, we demonstrate that piperlongumine (PL), an alkaloid isolated from the fruits and roots of Piper longum L., enhances the cytotoxicity of sorafenib in HCCLM3 and SMMC7721 cells using the cell counting kit-8 test. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that PL and sorafenib cotreatment induced robust reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial dysfunction, thereby increasing the number of apoptotic cells and the ratio of G2/M phase cells in both HCCLM3 and SMMC7721 cells. Furthermore, AMP-protein kinase (AMPK) signalling was activated by excess ROS accumulation and mediated growth inhibition in response to PL and sorafenib cotreatment. RNA-sequencing analysis indicated that PL treatment disrupted RNA processing in HCCLM3 cells. In particular, PL treatment decreased the expression of cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor 7 (CPSF7), a subunit of cleavage factor I, in a time- and concentration-dependent manner in HCCLM3 and SMMC7721 cells. CPSF7 knockdown using a gene interference strategy promoted growth inhibition of PL or sorafenib monotherapy, whereas CPSF7 overexpression alleviated the cytotoxicity of sorafenib in cultured liver cancer cells. Finally, PL and sorafenib coadministration significantly reduced the weight and volume of HCCLM3 cell xenografts in vivo. Taken together, our data indicate that PL displays potential synergistic antitumour activity in combination with sorafenib in liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyun Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui 323000, China; Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Shiji Fang
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui 323000, China; Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Aifang Chen
- The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Weiqian Chen
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Enqi Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Minjiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Gaofeng Shu
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Dengke Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Chunli Kong
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Qiaoyou Weng
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Suqin Xu
- Clinical Laboratory, Fuyuan Hospital of Yiwu, Jinhua 321000, China.
| | - Zhongwei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui 323000, China.
| | - Jiansong Ji
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui 323000, China; Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China; Clinical College of the Affiliated Central Hospital, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, China.
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25
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Therapeutic Potential of Certain Terpenoids as Anticancer Agents: A Scoping Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051100. [PMID: 35267408 PMCID: PMC8909202 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a life-threatening disease and is considered to be among the leading causes of death worldwide. Chemoresistance, severe toxicity, relapse and metastasis are the major obstacles in cancer therapy. Therefore, introducing new therapeutic agents for cancer remains a priority to increase the range of effective treatments. Terpenoids, a large group of secondary metabolites, are derived from plant sources and are composed of several isoprene units. The high diversity of terpenoids has drawn attention to their potential anticancer and pharmacological activities. Some terpenoids exhibit an anticancer effect by triggering various stages of cancer progression, for example, suppressing the early stage of tumorigenesis via induction of cell cycle arrest, inhibiting cancer cell differentiation and activating apoptosis. At the late stage of cancer development, certain terpenoids are able to inhibit angiogenesis and metastasis via modulation of different intracellular signaling pathways. Significant progress in the identification of the mechanism of action and signaling pathways through which terpenoids exert their anticancer effects has been highlighted. Hence, in this review, the anticancer activities of twenty-five terpenoids are discussed in detail. In addition, this review provides insights on the current clinical trials and future directions towards the development of certain terpenoids as potential anticancer agents.
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26
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Ma Z, Woon CYN, Liu CG, Cheng JT, You M, Sethi G, Wong ALA, Ho PCL, Zhang D, Ong P, Wang L, Goh BC. Repurposing Artemisinin and its Derivatives as Anticancer Drugs: A Chance or Challenge? Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:828856. [PMID: 35035355 PMCID: PMC8758560 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.828856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer has become a global health problem, accounting for one out of six deaths. Despite the recent advances in cancer therapy, there is still an ever-growing need for readily accessible new therapies. The process of drug discovery and development is arduous and takes many years, and while it is ongoing, the time for the current lead compounds to reach clinical trial phase is very long. Drug repurposing has recently gained significant attention as it expedites the process of discovering new entities for anticancer therapy. One such potential candidate is the antimalarial drug, artemisinin that has shown anticancer activities in vitro and in vivo. In this review, major molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effect of artemisinin and its derivatives are summarised. Furthermore, major mechanisms of action and some key signaling pathways of this group of compounds have been reviewed to explore potential targets that contribute to the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells. Despite its established profile in malaria treatment, pharmacokinetic properties, anticancer potency, and current formulations that hinder the clinical translation of artemisinin as an anticancer agent, have been discussed. Finally, potential solutions or new strategies are identified to overcome the bottlenecks in repurposing artemisinin-type compounds as anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaowu Ma
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Clariis Yi-Ning Woon
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chen-Guang Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Jun-Ting Cheng
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Mingliang You
- Hangzhou Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.,Affiliated Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andrea Li-Ann Wong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Paul Chi-Lui Ho
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Daping Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Peishi Ong
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Boon-Cher Goh
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
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27
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Zhao S, Li P, Wu W, Wang Q, Qian B, Li X, Shen M. Roles of ferroptosis in urologic malignancies. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:676. [PMID: 34922551 PMCID: PMC8684233 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02264-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of non-apoptotic cell death, is believed to strongly contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple cancers. Recently, the positive association between ferroptosis and urologic malignancies has drawn considerable attention, while a comprehensive review focused on this issue is absent. Based on this review, ferroptosis has been implicated in the development and therapeutic responses of prostate cancer, kidney cancer, and bladder cancer. Mechanistically, a large number of biomolecules and tumor-associated signaling pathways, including DECR1, PANX2, HSPB1, ACOT8, SUV39H1, NCOA4, PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling, VHL/HIF-2α pathway, and Hippo/TAZ signaling pathway, have been reported to regulate ferroptosis in urologic cancers. Ferroptosis inducers, such as erastin, ART, CPNPs, and quinazolinyl-arylurea derivatives, exert potential therapeutic effects per se and/or enhance the anticancer response of other anticancer drugs in urologic oncology. A better understanding of ferroptosis may provide a promising way to treat therapy-resistant urologic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shankun Zhao
- Department of Urology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou, 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Urology, Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Weizhou Wu
- Department of Urology, Maoming People's Hospital, Maoming, 525000, Guangdong, China
| | - Qinzhang Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University Medical School, Shihezi, China
| | - Biao Qian
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Urology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou, 318000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Maolei Shen
- Department of Urology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou, 318000, Zhejiang, China.
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Zheng Y, Liu Z, Yang X, Liu L, Ahn KS. An updated review on the potential antineoplastic actions of oleuropein. Phytother Res 2021; 36:365-379. [PMID: 34808696 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Oleuropein is an ester of elenolic acid and hydroxytyrosol (3, 4-dihydroxyphenylethanol). It is a phenolic compound and the most luxuriant in olives. The detailed information related to the anticancer effects of oleuropein was collected from the internet database PubMed/Medline, ResearchGate, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, and Cnki using appropriate keywords until the end of October 2021. Oleuropein has been shown to have antioxidant, anticancer, antiinflammatory, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective effects. Previous studies also revealed that oleuropein could effectively inhibit the malignant progression of esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, and cervical cancer. Recently, the role of oleuropein in inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and migration and inducing tumor cell apoptosis has gained extensive attention. In this review, we have summarized the latest research progress related to the antioncogenic mechanisms and the potential role of oleuropein in targeting different human malignancies. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that oleuropein can function as a promising chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent against cancer, but its more detailed anticancer effects and underlying mechanisms need to be further validated in future preclinical as well as clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudong Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Zhenzhen Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Xiulan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Lian Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Kwang Seok Ahn
- Kyung Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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29
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Bieniek A, Wiśniewski M, Czarnecka J, Wierzbicki J, Ziętek M, Nowacki M, Grzanka D, Kloskowski T, Roszek K. Porphyrin Based 2D-MOF Structures as Dual-Kinetic Sorafenib Nanocarriers for Hepatoma Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011161. [PMID: 34681820 PMCID: PMC8536990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The existing clinical protocols of hepatoma treatment require improvement of drug efficacy that can be achieved by harnessing nanomedicine. Porphyrin-based, paddle-wheel framework (PPF) structures were obtained and tested as dual-kinetic Sorafenib (SOR) nanocarriers against hepatoma. We experimentally proved that sloughing of PPF structures combined with gradual dissolving are effective mechanisms for releasing the drug from the nanocarrier. By controlling the PPF degradation and size of adsorbed SOR deposits, we were able to augment SOR anticancer effects, both in vitro and in vivo, due to the dual kinetic behavior of SOR@PPF. Obtained drug delivery systems with slow and fast release of SOR influenced effectively, although in a different way, the cancer cells proliferation (reflected with EC50 and ERK 1/2 phosphorylation level). The in vivo studies proved that fast-released SOR@PPF reduces the tumor size considerably, while the slow-released SOR@PPF much better prevents from lymph nodes involvement and distant metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Bieniek
- Physicochemistry of Carbon Materials Research Group, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 87-100 Toruń, Poland;
| | - Marek Wiśniewski
- Physicochemistry of Carbon Materials Research Group, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 87-100 Toruń, Poland;
- Correspondence: (M.W.); (K.R.)
| | - Joanna Czarnecka
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 87-100 Toruń, Poland;
| | - Jędrzej Wierzbicki
- Student’s Scientific Society, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Jagiellońska Street 13/15, 85-067 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Marcin Ziętek
- Department of Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.Z.); (M.N.)
- Lower Silesian Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Surgical Oncology, Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Nowacki
- Department of Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.Z.); (M.N.)
- Department of Dermatology, Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Immunodermatology, Ludwik Rydygier Medical College in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie 9 Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Dariusz Grzanka
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie 9 Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Kloskowski
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell and Tissue Bank, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Ludwik Rydygier Medical College in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Roszek
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 87-100 Toruń, Poland;
- Correspondence: (M.W.); (K.R.)
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30
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Dillon M, Lopez A, Lin E, Sales D, Perets R, Jain P. Progress on Ras/MAPK Signaling Research and Targeting in Blood and Solid Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205059. [PMID: 34680208 PMCID: PMC8534156 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling pathway is responsible for regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Overexpression and overactivation of members within the signaling cascade have been observed in many solid and blood cancers. Research often focuses on targeting the pathway to disrupt cancer initiation and progression. We aimed to provide an overview of the pathway’s physiologic role and regulation, interactions with other pathways involved in cancer development, and mutations that lead to malignancy. Several blood and solid cancers are analyzed to illustrate the impact of the pathway’s dysregulation, stemming from mutation or viral induction. Finally, we summarized different approaches to targeting the pathway and the associated novel treatments being researched or having recently achieved approval. Abstract The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, consisting of the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling cascade, regulates genes that control cellular development, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Within the cascade, multiple isoforms of Ras and Raf each display differences in functionality, efficiency, and, critically, oncogenic potential. According to the NCI, over 30% of all human cancers are driven by Ras genes. This dysfunctional signaling is implicated in a wide variety of leukemias and solid tumors, both with and without viral etiology. Due to the strong evidence of Ras-Raf involvement in tumorigenesis, many have attempted to target the cascade to treat these malignancies. Decades of unsuccessful experimentation had deemed Ras undruggable, but recently, the approval of Sotorasib as the first ever KRas inhibitor represents a monumental breakthrough. This advancement is not without novel challenges. As a G12C mutant-specific drug, it also represents the issue of drug target specificity within Ras pathway; not only do many drugs only affect single mutational profiles, with few pan-inhibitor exceptions, tumor genetic heterogeneity may give rise to drug-resistant profiles. Furthermore, significant challenges in targeting downstream Raf, especially the BRaf isoform, lie in the paradoxical activation of wild-type BRaf by BRaf mutant inhibitors. This literature review will delineate the mechanisms of Ras signaling in the MAPK pathway and its possible oncogenic mutations, illustrate how specific mutations affect the pathogenesis of specific cancers, and compare available and in-development treatments targeting the Ras pathway.
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31
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Yang X, Zheng Y, Liu L, Huang J, Wang F, Zhang J. Progress on the study of the anticancer effects of artesunate. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:750. [PMID: 34539854 PMCID: PMC8436334 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.13011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Artesunate (ART) is a derivative of artemisinin that is extracted from the wormwood plant Artemisia annua. ART is an antimalarial drug that has been shown to be safe and effective for clinical use. In addition to its antimalarial properties, ART has been attracting attention over recent years due to its reported inhibitory effects on cancer cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Therefore, ART has a wider range of potential clinical applications than first hypothesized. The aim of the present review was to summarize the latest research progress on the possible anticancer effects of ART, in order to lay a theoretical foundation for the further development of ART as a therapeutic option for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiulan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, The School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P.R. China
| | - Yudong Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, The School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P.R. China
| | - Lian Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, The School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P.R. China
| | - Jiangrong Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, The School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P.R. China
| | - Fei Wang
- Center of Experiment and Training, Hubei College of Chinese Medicine, Jingzhou, Hubei 434020, P.R. China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, The School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P.R. China
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32
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Liao H, Shi J, Wen K, Lin J, Liu Q, Shi B, Yan Y, Xiao Z. Molecular Targets of Ferroptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2021; 8:985-996. [PMID: 34466409 PMCID: PMC8403010 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s325593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a special form of regulatory cell death caused by the accumulation of intracellular iron and lipid peroxidation. Here, we summarize the research progress on ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), trace the development of the concept of ferroptosis and its key regulatory factors, and discuss the application value of ferroptosis in the treatment of HCC from different perspectives. We believe that exploring the relationship between ferroptosis and HCC and clarifying the metabolism and expression of ferroptosis-specific genes and molecules will accelerate the development of novel ferroptosis-related molecules as HCC markers and therapeutic targets. We hope to provide a theoretical basis for better diagnosis and treatment to effectively improve the prognosis of patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Juanyi Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Wen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhong Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinghua Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingchao Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongcong Yan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyu Xiao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
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33
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Xiong Y, Huang J. Anti-malarial drug: the emerging role of artemisinin and its derivatives in liver disease treatment. Chin Med 2021; 16:80. [PMID: 34407830 PMCID: PMC8371597 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-021-00489-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives belong to a family of drugs approved for the treatment of malaria with known clinical safety and efficacy. In addition to its anti-malarial effect, artemisinin displays anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects in vivo and in vitro. Recently, much attention has been paid to the therapeutic role of artemisinin in liver diseases. Several studies suggest that artemisinin and its derivatives can protect the liver through different mechanisms, such as those pertaining to inflammation, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and induction of apoptosis and autophagy. In this review, we provide a comprehensive discussion of the underlying molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways of artemisinin and its derivatives in treating liver diseases. Further pharmacological research will aid in determining whether artemisinin and its derivatives may serve as promising medicines for the treatment of liver diseases in the future. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Xiong
- The Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Jianrong Huang
- The Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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34
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Chen YJ, Wu JY, Deng YY, Wu Y, Wang XQ, Li ASM, Wong LY, Fu XQ, Yu ZL, Liang C. Ginsenoside Rg3 in combination with artesunate overcomes sorafenib resistance in hepatoma cell and mouse models. J Ginseng Res 2021; 46:418-425. [PMID: 35600776 PMCID: PMC9120623 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sorafenib is effective in treating hepatoma, but most patients develop resistance to it. STAT3 signaling has been implicated in sorafenib resistance. Artesunate (ART) and 20(R)-ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) have anti-hepatoma effects and can inhibit STAT3 signaling in cancer cells. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Rg3 in combination with ART (Rg3-plus-ART) in overcoming sorafenib resistance, and to examine the involvement of STAT3 signaling in these effects. Methods Sorafenib-resistant HepG2 cells (HepG2-SR) were used to evaluate the in vitro anti-hepatoma effects of Rg3-plus-ART. A HepG2-SR hepatoma-bearing BALB/c-nu/nu mouse model was used to assess the in vivo anti-hepatoma effects of Rg3-plus-ART. CCK-8 assays and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining were used to examine cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. Immunoblotting was employed to examine protein levels. ROS generation was examined by measuring DCF-DA fluorescence. Results Rg3-plus-ART synergistically reduced viability of, and evoked apoptosis in HepG2-SR cells, and suppressed HepG2-SR tumor growth in mice. Mechanistic studies revealed that Rg3-plus-ART inhibited activation/phosphorylation of Src and STAT3 in HepG2-SR cultures and tumors. The combination also decreased the STAT3 nuclear level and induced ROS production in HepG2-SR cultures. Furthermore, over-activation of STAT3 or removal of ROS diminished the anti-proliferative effects of Rg3-plus-ART, and removal of ROS diminished Rg3-plus-ART's inhibitory effects on STAT3 activation in HepG2-SR cells. Conclusions Rg3-plus-ART overcomes sorafenib resistance in experimental models, and inhibition of Src/STAT3 signaling and modulation of ROS/STAT3 signaling contribute to the underlying mechanisms. This study provides a pharmacological basis for developing Rg3-plus-ART into a novel modality for treating sorafenib-resistant hepatoma.
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35
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Jiu X, Liu Y, Wen J. Artesunate combined with verteporfin inhibits uveal melanoma by regulation of the MALAT1/yes-associated protein signaling pathway. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:597. [PMID: 34188699 PMCID: PMC8228376 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common ocular malignancy and has no effective clinical treatment. Therefore, novel drugs to suppress UM tumor progression are urgently required. The present study aimed to clarify the underlying mechanism of the inhibitory effects of artesunate on UM. By using plasmid transfection and detecting apoptotic level, the present study identified artesunate as a potential candidate for UM treatment. Compared with those in the vehicle (DMSO)-treated control cells, artesunate enhanced the apoptotic rate and increased lactate dehydrogenase release, reactive oxygen species and IL1b and IL18 levels in C918 cells. Overexpression of yes-associated protein (YAP) or metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) in C918 cells reversed the effects of artesunate and reduced the apoptotic rate compared with those observed in cells transfected with the negative control plasmid. Notably, verteporfin enhanced the effects of artesunate on C918 cells by increasing the apoptotic rate, indicating that combined therapy was more effective compared with treatment with artesunate alone. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated that artesunate elevated the apoptotic rate and suppressed C918 cell viability by regulating the MALAT1/YAP signaling pathway, and these effects were enhanced by supplementation with verteporfin. These results suggested that artesunate may exert an inhibitory effect on C918 cells and that the MALAT1/YAP signaling may serve important role in mediating these effects, providing evidence of its potential for treating UM in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Jiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730020, P.R. China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730020, P.R. China
| | - Jin Wen
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
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36
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Chen D, Chen Y, Yang D, Zheng Z, Zhou Z. Synthesis and
antitumor
activity of novel pyridino[2,3‐
d
]pyrimidine urea derivatives. J Heterocycl Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jhet.4287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Guizhou University Guiyang PR China
- Guizhou Engineering Laboratory for Synthetic Drugs Guiyang PR China
| | - Yumei Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Guizhou University Guiyang PR China
- Guizhou Engineering Laboratory for Synthetic Drugs Guiyang PR China
| | - Di Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Guizhou University Guiyang PR China
- Guizhou Engineering Laboratory for Synthetic Drugs Guiyang PR China
| | - Zhaopeng Zheng
- Department of Oncology Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital Guiyang PR China
| | - Zhixu Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Guizhou University Guiyang PR China
- Guizhou Engineering Laboratory for Synthetic Drugs Guiyang PR China
- Department of Dermatology Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University Guiyang PR China
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37
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Jiang Z, Wang Z, Chen L, Zhang C, Liao F, Wang Y, Wang Y, Luo P, Luo M, Shi C. Artesunate induces ER-derived-ROS-mediated cell death by disrupting labile iron pool and iron redistribution in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:691-711. [PMID: 33791148 PMCID: PMC7994160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant iron homeostasis is a typical characteristic of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and perturbation of iron metabolism is an effective strategy for HCC therapy. However, there are few safe and effective targeting agents available in clinical practices. The artemisinin and its derivatives have shown potential anti-cancer activity by disturbing cellular iron homeostasis, but the specific mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that Artesunate (ART), a water-soluble anti-malaria agent in clinical use, can regulate the labile iron pool (LIP) and effectively induce ROS-dependent cell death in multiple HCC cells. Mechanistically, ART increases the LIP by promoting lysosomal degradation of iron-storage protein ferritin through acidizing lysosomes. Then the accumulation of labile iron in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) promotes excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and severe ER disruption, which leads to cell death. Our results provide a new understanding of how ART modulates iron metabolism in HCC cells at the subcellular level, demonstrate the significance of endoplasmic reticulum as iron-vulnerability of HCC cells. More importantly, our findings suggest ART is a safe and potential anti-HCC agent via disturbing iron homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyong Jiang
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Ziwen Wang
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Long Chen
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Fengying Liao
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yawei Wang
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Peng Luo
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Min Luo
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Chunmeng Shi
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China
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38
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He W, Huang X, Berges BK, Wang Y, An N, Su R, Lu Y. Artesunate Regulates Neurite Outgrowth Inhibitor Protein B Receptor to Overcome Resistance to Sorafenib in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:615889. [PMID: 33716742 PMCID: PMC7946852 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.615889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The multireceptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib is a Food and Drug Administration-approved first-line drug for the treatment of advanced liver cancer that can reportedly extend overall survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Primary and acquired resistance to sorafenib are gradually increasing however, leading to failure of HCC treatment with sorafenib. It is therefore crucial to study the potential mechanism of sorafenib resistance. The results of the current study indicate that neurite outgrowth inhibitor protein B receptor (NgBR) is overexpressed in cultured sorafenib-resistant cells, and that its expression is negatively correlated with the sensitivity of liver cancer cells to sorafenib. Artesunate can inhibit the expression of NgBR, and it may block sorafenib resistance. Herein we report that sorafenib treatment in combination with artesunate overcomes HCC resistance to sorafenib alone in a cell culture model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wubin He
- Key laboratory of surgery of Liaoning Province of The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaoxu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology and New Drug Development of Jinzhou Medical University, Liaoning, Jinzhou, China
| | - Bradford K Berges
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology of Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Pathlogy of The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Ni An
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology and New Drug Development of Jinzhou Medical University, Liaoning, Jinzhou, China
| | - Rongjian Su
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology and New Drug Development of Jinzhou Medical University, Liaoning, Jinzhou, China
| | - Yanyan Lu
- Department of Orthopedic Spine Surgery of The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Liaoning, China
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Han M, Liao Z, Liu F, Chen X, Zhang B. Modulation of the TGF-β signaling pathway by long noncoding RNA in hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomark Res 2020; 8:70. [PMID: 33292618 PMCID: PMC7709261 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-020-00252-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a type of liver cancer with poor prognosis. There have been demonstrated to exist many possible mechanisms in HCC tumorigenesis, and recent investigations have provided some promising therapy targets. However, further mechanisms remain to be researched to improve the therapeutic strategy and diagnosis of HCC. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a pleiotropic cytokine which plays critical roles in networks of different cellular processes, and TGF-β signaling has been found to participate in tumor initiation and development of HCC in recent years. Moreover, among the molecules and signaling pathways, researchers paid more attention to lncRNAs (long non-coding RNAs), but the connection between lncRNAs and TGF-βremain poorly understood. In this review, we conclude the malignant procedure which lncRNAs and TGF-β involved in, and summarize the mechanisms of lncRNAs and TGF-βin HCC initiation and development. Furthermore, the interaction between lncRNA and TGF-β are paid more attention, and the potential therapy targets are mentioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengzhen Han
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zhibin Liao
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Furong Liu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China. .,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Bixiang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China. .,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Pan X, Liu S, Ju L, Xi J, He R, Zhao Y, Zhuang R, Huang J. Preparation, evaluation, and in vitro cytotoxicity studies of artesunate-loaded glycyrrhetinic acid decorated PEG-PLGA nanoparticles. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2020; 46:1889-1897. [PMID: 32975456 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2020.1825475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to prepare the liver targeting drug delivery system (TDDS) of artesunate (ART)-loaded polyethylene glycol (PEG)-poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) modified by glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), and evaluate its in vitro cytotoxicity. SIGNIFICANCE The GA-PEG-PLGA-ART NPs enhanced the in vitro cytotoxicity on HCC cell lines. The development of GA-PEG-PLGA NPs will greatly push the clinical applications of ART as a novel anticancer drug. METHODS The NPs were prepared using solvent evaporation method, and the formulation was optimized through an orthogonal design. In addition, physical properties were determined, including particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), morphology, drug loading capacity (LC) and encapsulation efficiency (EE), and in vitro drug release. Moreover, the in vitro cytotoxicity of NPs with three human cancer cell lines viz. HepG2, Hep3B, and SMCC-7721 was conducted using the SRB assay. Additionally, lyophilization was conducted to improve the long-term physical stability. RESULTS The GA-PEG-PLGA-ART NPs have spherical shape, small particle size (around 88 nm) with a narrow size distribution (PDI < 0.3), high drug LC (up to 59.3 ± 1.65%), and high EE (up to 73.13 ± 5.17%). In vitro drug release behavior showed that drugs were released from NPs in a sustained and controlled release pattern. Cytotoxicity study indicated the NPs achieved lower cancer cell survival fraction. The GA-PEG-PLGA NPs freeze-dried with 3% (w/v) of mannitol showed better effect on long-term physical stability. CONCLUSION The GA-PEG-PLGA-ART NPs appear as a potential liver targeted intracellular delivery platform for ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuwang Pan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Preparation, Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shourong Liu
- Department of Liver Disease, Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liping Ju
- Department of Pharmaceutical Preparation, Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianjun Xi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Preparation, Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ruoyu He
- Department of Pharmaceutical Preparation, Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanmei Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Preparation, Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rangxiao Zhuang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Preparation, Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinsong Huang
- Department of Liver Disease, Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Hangzhou, China
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