Hirsutine induces mPTP-dependent apoptosis through ROCK1/PTEN/PI3K/GSK3β pathway in human lung cancer cells

Hydroxysafflor yellow A for ischemic heart diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal experiments

Background

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) possesses a variety of pharmacological activities which has been demonstrated to be effective against ischemic heart disease (IHD). This study aimed to comprehensively examine the efficacy and summarize the potential mechanisms of HSYA against IHD in animal models.

Methods

We conducted electronic searches for preclinical studies on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, SinoMed, Wanfang, and Chinese VIP databases from inception to 31 January 2024. The CAMARADES checklist was chosen to assess the quality of evidence. STATA 14.0 software was utilized to analyze the data. The underlying mechanisms were categorized and summarized.

Results

Twenty-eight studies involving 686 rodents were included and the mean score of methodology quality was 5.04 (range from 4 to 7). Meta-analysis observed that HSYA could decrease myocardial infarction size (SMD: -2.82, 95%CI: -3.56 to -2.08, p < 0.001) and reduce the levels of biomarkers of myocardial injury including cTnI (SMD: -3.82, 95%CI: -5.20 to -2.44, p < 0.001) and CK-MB (SMD: -2.74, 95%CI: -3.58 to -1.91, p < 0.001). HSYA displayed an improvement in cardiac function indicators including LVEF, LVSP, +dp/dt max and -dp/dt max. Furthermore, HSYA was able to reduce the levels of MDA, TNF-α and IL-6, while increasing SOD and NO levels. Mechanistically, the protective effect of HSYA in alleviating myocardial injury after ischemia may be associated with NLRP3 inflammasome, Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, eNOS proteins, and TLR/NF-κB, Nrf2/HO-1, JAK/STAT, PI3K/Akt, AMPK/mTOR, VEGFA pathways.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that HSYA exerts cardioprotective effects in decreasing infarct size, reducing myocardial enzymes and improving cardiac function, which may be mediated by anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, regulation of autophagy, improvement of microcirculation and promotion of angiogenesis. However, the absence of safety assessment, lack of animal models of co-morbidities, and inconsistency between timing of administration and clinical practice are limitations of preclinical studies.

Systematic Review Registration

clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier, CRD42023460790.

Yes-associated protein indispensably mediates hirsutine-induced inhibition on cell growth and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling emerges as one of the promising strategies for colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment, as this signaling is highly activated in CRC progression. Despite reports on the cytotoxic effects of hirsutine (HT), an indole alkaloid found in herbal medicines from the genus Uncaria, its therapeutic potential for CRC and the involved mechanisms are poorly understood. This study investigates the anticancer efficacy and the probable mechanisms of HT against CRC.

METHODS

To evaluate in vitro anticancer activity of HT, cell growth examined by MTT and colony formation assay, and apoptosis examined by flow cytometry were analyzed. To explore the mechanisms, RNA-sequencing, western blotting, dual-luciferase reporter assays, immunofluorescence, and co-immunoprecipitation were performed. Mouse model of azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS)-induced colon cancer was utilized to assess HT's in vivo anticancer efficacy.

RESULTS

HT significantly inhibited CRC cell proliferation with IC50 values of 22.25 ± 3.27 μM for SW620 cells and 22.24 ± 2.36 μM for HCT116 cells, and induced apoptosis. HT decreased protein levels of Wnt3a and β-catenin dose- and time-dependently, and inhibited TOP/FOP FLASH reporter activity, nuclear travel of β-catenin, and downstream targets like c-Myc, Cyclin D1, VEGF. HT reduced β-catenin protein half-life, and the reversal of this effect by MG132 indicated that HT facilitated proteasome-dependent degradation of β-catenin in these two cell lines. HT also increased β-catenin ubiquitination without affecting Axin and β-TrCP levels. HT treatment for 24 h induced YAP cytoplasmic retention, enhanced YAP interacting with β-catenin and β-TrCP, triggering destruction complex formation and β-catenin ubiquitination and degradation, while YAP siRNA impaired these effects. Additionally, β-catenin overexpression and LiCl treatment counteracted HT-induced inhibition on cell growth and Wnt/β-catenin cascade. In model of AOM/DSS-induced mouse colon cancer, compared with AOM/DSS treatment group, HT recovered colon length, reduced tumor numbers and radius, and downregulated β-catenin and Ki-67, while upregulated cleaved PARP in the colorectal tissue with tumors.

CONCLUSION

HT exhibits anticancer activity against CRC probably by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling, with YAP playing an indispensible role during the process, highlighting HT as a potential novel candidate drug for CRC therapy.

ARG2 knockdown promotes G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and mitochondrial dysfunction in adenomyosis via regulation NF-κB and Wnt/Β-catenin signaling cascades

BACKGROUND

Adenomyosis is a common gynecological disease, characterized by overgrowth of endometrial glands and stroma in the myometrium, however its exact pathophysiology still remains uncertain. Emerging evidence has demonstrated the elevated level of arginase 2 (ARG2) in endometriosis and adenomyosis. This study aimed to determine whether ARG2 involved in mitochondrial function and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in adenomyosis and its potential underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RNA interference was used to inhibit ARG2 gene, and then Cell Counting Kit (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometery were performed to detect the cell proliferation capacity, cell cycle, and apoptosis progression, respectively. The mouse adenomyosis model was established and RT-PCR, Western blot analysis, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) detection and mPTP opening evaluation were conducted.

RESULTS

Silencing ARG2 effectively down-regulated its expression at the mRNA and protein levels in endometrial cells, leading to decreased enzyme activity and inhibition of cell viability. Additionally, ARG2 knockdown induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, promoted apoptosis, and modulated the expression of cell cycle- and apoptosis-related regulators. Notably, the interference with ARG2 induces apoptosis by mitochondrial dysfunction, ROS production, ATP depletion, decreasing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, releasing Cytochrome c, and increasing the expression of Caspase-9/-3 and PARP. In vivo study in a mouse model of adenomyosis demonstrated also elevated levels of ARG2 and EMT markers, while siARG2 treatment reversed EMT and modulated inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, ARG2 knockdown was found to modulate the NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways in mouse adenomyosis.

CONCLUSION

Consequently, ARG2 silencing could induce apoptosis through a mitochondria-dependent pathway mediated by ROS, and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest via suppressing NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways in Ishikawa cells. These findings collectively suggest that ARG2 plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis and may serve as a potential target for therapeutic intervention.

Effects of HTLV-1 on leukocyte trafficking and migration in ACs compared to healthy individuals

Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a RNA virus belonging to Retroviridae family and is associated with the development of various diseases, including adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Aside from HAM/TSP, HTLV-1 has been implicated in the development of several disorders that mimic auto-inflammation. T-cell migration is important topic in the context of HTLV-1 associated diseases progression. The primary objective of this case-control study was to assess the relationship between increased mRNA expression in virus migration following HTLV-1 infection. PBMCs from 20 asymptomatic patients and 20 healthy subjects were analyzed using real-time PCR to measure mRNA expression of LFA1, MLCK, RAC1, RAPL, ROCK1, VAV1 and CXCR4. Also, mRNA expression of Tax and HBZ were evaluated. Mean expression of Tax and HBZ in ACs (asymptomatic carriers) was 0.7218 and 0.6517 respectively. The results revealed a noteworthy upregulation of these genes involved in T-cell migration among ACs patients in comparison to healthy individuals. Considering the pivotal role of gene expression alterations associated with the progression into two major diseases (ATLL or HAM/TSP), analyzing the expression of these genes in the ACs group can offer probable potential diagnostic markers and aid in monitoring the condition of ACs.

Comprehensive transcriptomic analysis identifies SLC25A4 as a key predictor of prognosis in osteosarcoma

Background

Osteosarcoma (OS) is highly malignant and prone to local infiltration and distant metastasis. Due to the poor outcomes of OS patients, the study aimed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in OS and explore their role in the carcinogenesis and progression of OS.

Methods

RNA sequencing was performed to identify DEGs in OS. The functions of the DEGs in OS were investigated using bioinformatics analysis, and DEG expression was verified using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. The role of SLC25A4 was evaluated using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and then investigated using functional assays in OS cells.

Results

In all, 8353 DEGs were screened. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated these DEGs showed strong enrichment in the calcium signaling pathway and pathways in cancer. Moreover, the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed ten hub genes were related to the outcomes of OS patients. Both SLC25A4 transcript and protein expression were significantly reduced in OS, and GSEA suggested that SLC25A4 was associated with cell cycle, apoptosis and inflammation. SLC25A4-overexpressing OS cells exhibited suppressed proliferation, migration, invasion and enhanced apoptosis.

Conclusion

SLC25A4 was found to be significantly downregulated in OS patients, which was associated with poor prognosis. Modulation of SLC25A4 expression levels may be beneficial in OS treatment.

Study on the mechanism of inhibition of Escherichia coli by Polygonum capitatum based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology: A review

This study aims to analyze the effective components of Polygonum capitatum (PC) inhibiting Escherichia coli based on network pharmacology methods and predict its molecular mechanism of action. PC compounds and targets were collected from the TCMSP database, Swiss Target Prediction, and the literature. E coli targets were searched using the GeneCards database. The targets of E coli and the targets of the active ingredients of PC were taken as intersections to obtain the intersecting targets. The resulting overlapping targets were uploaded to the STRING database to construct the protein interaction network diagram of E coli target inhibition. The key targets for the inhibitory effect of PC on E coli were obtained. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed by uploading key targets into the DAVID database. The results showed that there were 50 targets for PC to inhibit E coli. Among them, there are 5 core targets, mainly including AKT1, TNF, EGFR, JUN, and ESR1. A total of 196 gene ontology functional analysis results and 126 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis results were obtained. These include cellular response to cadmium-ion, cellular response to reactive oxygen species, pathways in cancer, prostate cancer, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Molecular docking results indicate that Lutedin, Hirsutin, Flazin, and Ellagic acid in PC have high affinity for the target genes AKT1, TNF, MAPK3 and EGFR. PC exerts its inhibitory effect on E coli through multi-targets and multi-pathways, which provides a new basis for the new use of PC as an old medicine.

EFHD1 promotes osteosarcoma proliferation and drug resistance by inhibiting the opening of the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore (mPTP) by binding to ANT3

Chemoresistance is the main obstacle in the clinical treatment of osteosarcoma (OS). In this study, we investigated the role of EF-hand domain-containing protein 1 (EFHD1) in OS chemotherapy resistance. We found that the expression of EFHD1 was highly correlated with the clinical outcome after chemotherapy. We overexpressed EFHD1 in 143B cells and found that it increased their resistance to cell death after drug treatment. Conversely, knockdown of EFHD1 in 143BR cells (a cisplatin-less-sensitive OS cell line derived from 143B cells) increased their sensitivity to treatment. Mechanistically, EFHD1 bound to adenine nucleotide translocase-3 (ANT3) and inhibited its conformational change, thereby inhibiting the opening of the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore (mPTP). This effect could maintain mitochondrial function, thereby favoring OS cell survival. The ANT3 conformational inhibitor carboxyatractyloside (CATR), which can promote mPTP opening, enhanced the chemosensitivity of EFHD1-overexpressing cells when combined with cisplatin. The ANT3 conformational inhibitor bongkrekic acid (BKA), which can inhibit mPTP opening, restored the resistance of EFHD1 knockdown cells. In conclusion, our results suggest that EFHD1-ANT3-mPTP might be a promising target for OS therapy in the future.

Mitochondrial carrier homolog 2 increases malignant phenotype of human gastric epithelial cells and promotes proliferation, invasion, and migration of gastric cancer cells

BACKGROUND

The precise role of mitochondrial carrier homolog 2 (MTCH2) in promoting malignancy in gastric mucosal cells and its involvement in gastric cancer cell metastasis have not been fully elucidated.

AIM

To determine the role of MTCH2 in gastric cancer.

METHODS

We collected 65 samples of poorly differentiated gastric cancer tissue and adjacent tissues, constructed MTCH2-overexpressing and MTCH2-knockdown cell models, and evaluated the proliferation, migration, and invasion of human gastric epithelial cells (GES-1) and human gastric cancer cells (AGS) cells. The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial permeability transformation pore (mPTP) and ATP fluorescence probe were used to detect mitochondrial function. Mitochondrial function and ATP synthase protein levels were detected via Western blotting.

RESULTS

The expression of MTCH2 and ATP2A2 in gastric cancer tissues was significantly greater than that in adjacent tissues. Overexpression of MTCH2 promoted colony formation, invasion, migration, MMP expression and ATP production in GES-1 and AGS cells while upregulating ATP2A2 expression and inhibiting cell apoptosis; knockdown of MTCH2 had the opposite effect, promoting overactivation of the mPTP and promoting apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

MTCH2 can increase the malignant phenotype of GES-1 cells and promote the proliferation, invasion, and migration of gastric cancer cells by regulating mitochondrial function, providing a basis for targeted therapy for gastric cancer cells.

β-Sitosterol targets ASS1 for Nrf2 ubiquitin-dependent degradation, inducing ROS-mediated apoptosis via the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in ovarian cancer

The exploration of drugs derived from natural sources holds significant promise in addressing current limitations in ovarian cancer (OC) treatments. While previous studies have highlighted the remarkable anti-cancer properties of the natural compound β-sitosterol (SIT) across various tumors, its specific role in OC treatment remains unexplored. This study aims to investigate the anti-tumor activity of SIT in OC using in vitro and in vivo models, delineate potential mechanisms, and establish a preclinical theoretical foundation for future clinical trials, thus fostering further research. Utilizing network pharmacology, we pinpoint SIT as a promising candidate for OC treatment and predict its potential targets and pathways. Through a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments, we unveil a novel mechanism through which SIT mitigates the malignant biological behaviors of OC cells by modulating redox status. Specifically, SIT selectively targets argininosuccinate synthetase 1 (ASS1), a protein markedly overexpressed in OC tissues and cells. Inhibiting ASS1, SIT enhances the interaction between Nrf2 and Keap1, instigating the ubiquitin-dependent degradation of Nrf2, subsequently diminishing the transcriptional activation of downstream antioxidant genes HO-1 and NQO1. The interruption of the antioxidant program by SIT results in the substantial accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in OC cells. This, in turn, upregulates PTEN, exerting negative regulation on the phosphorylation activation of AKT. The suppression of AKT signaling disrupted downstream pathways associated with cell cycle, cell survival, apoptosis, migration, and invasion, ultimately culminating in the death of OC cells. Our research uncovers new targets and mechanisms of SIT against OC, contributing to the existing knowledge on the anti-tumor effects of natural products in the context of OC. Additionally, this research unveils a novel role of ASS1 in regulating the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant program and governing redox homeostasis in OC, providing a deeper understanding of this complex disease.

Cancer Therapeutic Potential and Prognostic Value of the SLC25 Mitochondrial Carrier Family: A Review

Transporters of the solute carrier family 25 (SLC25) regulate the intracellular distribution and concentration of nucleotides, amino acids, dicarboxylates, and vitamins within the mitochondrial and cytoplasmic matrices. This mechanism involves changes in mitochondrial function, regulation of cellular metabolism, and the ability to provide energy. In this review, important members of the SLC25 family and their pathways affecting tumorigenesis and progression are elucidated, highlighting the diversity and complexity of these pathways. Furthermore, the significant potential of the members of SLC25 as both cancer therapeutic targets and biomarkers will be emphasized.

The mechanisms of action of mitochondrial targeting agents in cancer: inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation and inducing apoptosis

The tumor microenvironment affects the structure and metabolic function of mitochondria in tumor cells. This process involves changes in metabolic activity, an increase in the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tumor cells compared to normal cells, the production of more intracellular free radicals, and the activation of oxidative pathways. From a practical perspective, it is advantageous to develop drugs that target mitochondria for the treatment of malignant tumors. Such drugs can enhance the selectivity of treatments for specific cell groups, minimize toxic effects on normal tissues, and improve combinational treatments. Mitochondrial targeting agents typically rely on small molecule medications (such as synthetic small molecules agents, active ingredients of plants, mitochondrial inhibitors or autophagy inhibitors, and others), modified mitochondrial delivery system agents (such as lipophilic cation modification or combining other molecules to form targeted mitochondrial agents), and a few mitochondrial complex inhibitors. This article will review these compounds in three main areas: oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), changes in ROS levels, and endogenous oxidative and apoptotic processes.

Comparison with gastric cancer-associated genes reveals the role of ferroptosis-related genes in eosinophils of asthma patients: A bioinformatic study

Ferroptosis-inducing agents (FIAs) induced lipid-peroxidation-independent ferroptosis in eosinophils, thus ameliorating airway inflammation in asthmatic mice. Differences in ferroptosis-related genes (FerrGs) between eosinophils and cells in which FIAs induce canonical ferroptosis are supposed to contribute to this noncanonical ferroptosis but remain unclear. This study aims to explore these differences. This study used gastric cancer cells (GCCs) in stomach adenocarcinoma as the representative of cells in which FIAs induce canonical ferroptosis. FerrGs in Ferroptosis Database V2 respectively intersected with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of eosinophils (E-MTAB-4660 dataset) and GCCs (GEPIA2 Stomach adenocarcinoma dataset) to obtain original ferroptosis DEGs (FerrDEGs). Then, they were subjected to Venn analysis to identify FerrDEGs shared by them and FerrDEGs exclusively expressed in eosinophils or GCCs. Identified genes were subjected to functional enrichment analysis, protein-protein interactions analysis, Hub genes analysis, and construction of the LncRNA-mediated ceRNA network. Sixty-six original FerrDEGs in eosinophils and 110 original FerrDEGs in GCCs were obtained. Venn analysis identified that eosinophils and GCCs shared 19 FerrDEGs that presented opposite expression directions and were involved in the ferroptosis pathway. Four upregulated and 20 downregulated FerrDEGs were exclusively expressed in eosinophils and GCCs, respectively. The former were enriched only in glycerolipid metabolism, while the latter were not enriched in pathways. Forty downregulated and 68 upregulated FerrDEGs were solely expressed in eosinophils and GCCs, respectively. The former was associated with the FoxO signaling pathway; the latter was related to glutathione metabolism and they were all implicated in autophagy. PPI analysis shows that the top 10 Hub genes of 66 original FerrDEGs and 44 exclusive FerrDEGs in eosinophils shared 9 genes (STAT3, NFE2L2, MAPK8, PTEN, MAPK3, TLR4, SIRT1, BECN1, and PTGS2) and they were also involved in the FoxO signaling pathway and autophagy pathway. Among them, PTEN is involved in forming a ceRNA network containing 3 LncRNAs, 3 miRNAs and 3 mRNAs. In contrast to FerrGs in cells in which FIAs induce canonical ferroptosis, the FerrGs in eosinophils differ in expression and in the regulation of ferroptosis, FoxO signaling pathway, and autophagy. It lays the groundwork for targeted induction of eosinophils lipid-peroxidation-independent ferroptosis in asthma.

The role of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

Myocardial ischemia has a high incidence and mortality rate, and reperfusion is currently the standard intervention. However, reperfusion may lead to further myocardial damage, known as myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI). There are currently no effective clinical treatments for MIRI. The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is involved in cardiovascular health and disease and plays an important role in reducing myocardial infarct size and restoring cardiac function after MIRI. Activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway provides myocardial protection through synergistic upregulation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and autophagy activities and inhibition of mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Many studies have shown that PI3K/Akt has a significant protective effect against MIRI. Here, we reviewed the molecular regulation of PI3K/Akt in MIRI and summarized the molecular mechanism by which PI3K/Akt affects MIRI, the effects of ischemic preconditioning and ischemic postconditioning, and the role of related drugs or activators targeting PI3K/Akt in MIRI, providing novel insights for the formulation of myocardial protection strategies. This review provides evidence of the role of PI3K/Akt activation in MIRI and supports its use as a therapeutic target.

Hirsutine, an Emerging Natural Product with Promising Therapeutic Benefits: A Systematic Review

Fruits and vegetables are used not only for nutritional purposes but also as therapeutics to treat various diseases and ailments. These food items are prominent sources of phytochemicals that exhibit chemopreventive and therapeutic effects against several diseases. Hirsutine (HSN) is a naturally occurring indole alkaloid found in various Uncaria species and has a multitude of therapeutic benefits. It is found in foodstuffs such as fish, seafood, meat, poultry, dairy, and some grain products among other things. In addition, it is present in fruits and vegetables including corn, cauliflower, mushrooms, potatoes, bamboo shoots, bananas, cantaloupe, and citrus fruits. The primary emphasis of this study is to summarize the pharmacological activities and the underlying mechanisms of HSN against different diseases, as well as the biopharmaceutical features. For this, data were collected (up to date as of 1 July 2023) from various reliable and authentic literature by searching different academic search engines, including PubMed, Springer Link, Scopus, Wiley Online, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Findings indicated that HSN exerts several effects in various preclinical and pharmacological experimental systems. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant activities with beneficial effects in neurological and cardiovascular diseases. Our findings also indicate that HSN exerts promising anticancer potentials via several molecular mechanisms, including apoptotic cell death, induction of oxidative stress, cytotoxic effect, anti-proliferative effect, genotoxic effect, and inhibition of cancer cell migration and invasion against various cancers such as lung, breast, and antitumor effects in human T-cell leukemia. Taken all together, findings from this study show that HSN can be a promising therapeutic agent to treat various diseases including cancer.

Promising Strategy of mPTP Modulation in Cancer Therapy: An Emerging Progress and Future Insight

Cancer has been progressively a major global health concern. With this developing global concern, cancer determent is one of the most significant public health challenges of this era. To date, the scientific community undoubtedly highlights mitochondrial dysfunction as a hallmark of cancer cells. Permeabilization of the mitochondrial membranes has been implicated as the most considerable footprint in apoptosis-mediated cancer cell death. Under the condition of mitochondrial calcium overload, exclusively mediated by oxidative stress, an opening of a nonspecific channel with a well-defined diameter in mitochondrial membrane allows free exchange between the mitochondrial matrix and the extra mitochondrial cytosol of solutes and proteins up to 1.5 kDa. Such a channel/nonspecific pore is recognized as the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). mPTP has been established for regulating apoptosis-mediated cancer cell death. It has been evident that mPTP is critically linked with the glycolytic enzyme hexokinase II to defend cellular death and reduce cytochrome c release. However, elevated mitochondrial Ca2+ loading, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial depolarization are critical factors leading to mPTP opening/activation. Although the exact mechanism underlying mPTP-mediated cell death remains elusive, mPTP-mediated apoptosis machinery has been considered as an important clamp and plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of several types of cancers. In this review, we focus on structure and regulation of the mPTP complex-mediated apoptosis mechanisms and follow with a comprehensive discussion addressing the development of novel mPTP-targeting drugs/molecules in cancer treatment.

Inactivation of KDM5A suppresses growth and enhances chemosensitivity in liver cancer by modulating ROCK1/PTEN/AKT pathway

Liver cancer is a kind of malignant tumor with poor sensitivity to chemotherapy. It is urgent to investigate approaches to improve the outcome of chemotherapy. KDM5A has been reported to be an oncogene in various cancers and is associated with drug resistance. However, the functions of KDM5A in chemotherapeutic sensitivity of liver cancer not been well illustrated. In this study, we found that KDM5A was upregulated in liver cancer tissue and cell lines. KDM5A knockdown using a gene interference strategy suppressed the growth of liver cancer in vitro and in vivo. CPI-455, a pharmacological inactivation of KDM5A enhanced the cytotoxicity of cisplatin (CDDP) in liver cells. CPI-455 and CDDP cotreatment resulted in apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. We also found that knockdown or inactivation of KDM5A resulted in the downregulation of ROCK1, an oncogene regulating the activation of the PTEN/AKT signaling pathway. In particular, overexpression of ROCK1 or SF1670, a pharmacological inhibitor of PTEN, alleviated the cytotoxicity of CPI-455 and CDDP cotreatment. In HCCLM3 xenografts, CPI-455 and CDDP cotreatment dramatically inhibited the growth of xenograft tumor compared to CPI-455 or CDDP treatment alone. In conclusion, this study suggested that targeting the inactivation of KDM5A is an efficient strategy to enhance the chemosensitivity of liver cancer cells to CDDP by modulating the ROCK1/PTEN/AKT signaling pathway.

Klf4 deficiency exacerbates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice via enhancing ROCK1/DRP1 pathway-dependent mitochondrial fission

RATIONAL

Excessive mitochondrial fission is considered key process involved in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the upstream mechanism remains largely unclear. Decreased level of Kruppel Like Factor 4 (KLF4) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of mitochondrial dysfunction and heart's adaption to stress. However, the role of Klf4 in I/R process is not fully elucidated. This study aims to investigate how Klf4 regulates mitochondrial dynamics and further clarify its underlying mechanism during cardiac I/R injury.

METHODS

Loss-of-function and gain-of-function strategies were applied to investigate the role of Klf4 in cardiac I/R injury via genetic ablation or intra-myocardial adenovirus injection. Mitochondrial dynamics was analyzed by confocal microscopy in vitro and transmission electron microscopy in vivo. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assay were performed to explore the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

KLF4 was downregulated in I/R heart. Cardiac-specific Klf4 knockout significantly exacerbated cardiac dysfunction in I/R mice. Mechanistically, Klf4 deficiency aggravated mitochondrial apoptosis, reduced ATP generation and boosted ROS overproduction via enhancing DRP1-dependent mitochondrial fission. ROCK1 was identified as a kinase regulating DRP1 activity at Ser616. Klf4 deficiency upregulated the expression of ROCK1 at transcriptional level, thus increasing S616-DRP1-mediated mitochondrial fission during I/R. Finally, reconstitution of Klf4 inhibited mitochondrial fission, restored mitochondrial function and alleviated I/R injury.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides the first evidence that Klf4 deficiency exacerbates myocardial I/R injury through regulating ROCK1 expression at transcriptional level to induce DRP1-mediated mitochondrial fission. Targeting mitochondrial dynamics by restoring Klf4 might be potentially cardio-protective strategies attenuating I/R injury.

Bioactive PI3-kinase/Akt/mTOR Inhibitors in Targeted Lung Cancer Therapy

One of the central signaling pathways with a regulatory effect on cell proliferation and survival is Akt/mTOR. In many human cancer types, for instance, lung cancer, the overexpression of Akt/mTOR has been reported. For this reason, either targeting cancer cells by synthetic or natural products affecting the Akt/mTOR pathway down-regulation is a useful strategy in cancer therapy. Direct inhibition of the signaling pathway or modulation of each related molecule could have significant feedback on the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. A variety of secondary metabolites has been identified to directly inhibit the AKT/mTOR signaling, which is important in the field of drug discovery. Naturally occurring nitrogenous and phenolic compounds can emerge as two pivotal classes of natural products possessing anticancer abilities. Herein, we have summarized the alkaloids and flavonoids for lung cancer treatment together with all the possible mechanisms of action relying on the Akt/mTOR pathway down-regulation. This review suggested that in search of new drugs, phytochemicals could be considered as promising scaffolds to be developed into efficient drugs for the treatment of cancer. In this review, the terms "Akt/mTOR", "Alkaloid", "flavonoid", and "lung cancer" were searched without any limitation in search criteria in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google scholar engines.

[Shenbai Jiedu Fang inhibits AOM/DSS-induced colorectal adenoma formation and carcinogenesis in mice via miRNA-22-mediated regulation of the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the inhibitory effect of Shenbai Jiedu Fang (SBJDF, a compound recipe of traditional Chinese herbal drugs) on chemically induced carcinogenesis of colorectal adenoma in mice and explore the role of PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in mediating this effect.

METHODS

Four-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group (n=10), AOM/DSS model group (n=20), low-dose (14 g/kg) SBJDF group (n=10) and high-dose (42 g/kg) SBJDF group (n= 10). In the latter 3 groups, the mice were treated with azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) to induce carcinogenesis of colorectal adenoma. In the two SBJDF treatment groups, SBJDF was administered daily by gavage during the modeling. The survival rate, body weight, general condition of the mice, and intestinal adenoma formation and carcinogenesis were observed. The expressions of proteins associated with the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the intestinal tissue were detected using immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Compared with those in the model group, the mice treated with SBJDF, especially at the high dose, showed a significantly lower incidence of intestinal carcinogenesis and had fewer intestinal tumors with smaller tumor volume. Pathological examination showed the occurrence of adenocarcinoma in the model group, while only low-grade and high-grade neoplasia were found in low-dose SBJDF group; the mice treated with high-dose SBJDF showed mainly normal mucosal tissues in the intestines with only a few lesions of low-grade neoplasia of adenoma. Compared with those in the control group, the mice in the model group had significantly elevated plasma miRNA-222 level (P < 0.05), which was obviously lowered in the two SBJDF groups (P < 0.01). The results of immunohistochemistry revealed that compared with the model group, the two SBJDF groups, especially the high-dose group, had significantly up-regulated expressions of PTEN, P-PTEN and GSK-3β and down-regulated expressions of p-GSK-3 β, PI3K, AKT, P-AKT, β-catenin, c-myc, cyclinD1 and survivin in the intestinal tissues.

CONCLUSION

SBJDF can significantly inhibit colorectal adenoma formation and carcino-genesis in mice possibly through regulating miRNA-222 and affecting PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Cyclophilin D: Guardian or Executioner for Tumor Cells?

Cyclophilin D (CypD) is a peptide-proline cis-trans isomerase (PPIase) distributed in the mitochondrial matrix. CypD regulates the opening of the mitochondrial permeability conversion pore (mPTP) and mitochondrial bioenergetics through PPIase activity or interaction with multiple binding partners in mitochondria. CypD initially attracted attention due to its regulation of mPTP overopening-mediated cell death. However, recent studies on the effects of CypD on tumors have shown conflicting results. Although CypD has been proven to promote the aerobic glycolysis in tumor cells, its regulation of malignant characteristics such as the survival, invasion and drug resistance of tumor cells remains controversial. Here, we elaborate the main biological functions of CypD and its relationships with tumor progression identified in recent years, focusing on the dual role of CypD in tumors.

BRAF V600E protect from cell death via inhibition of the mitochondrial permeability transition in papillary and anaplastic thyroid cancers

BRAF T1799A mutation is the most common genetic variation in thyroid cancer, resulting in the production of BRAF V600E mutant protein reported to make cells resistant to apoptosis. However, the mechanism by which BRAF V600E regulates cell death remains unknown. We constructed BRAF V600E overexpression and knockdown 8505C and BCPAP papillary and anaplastic thyroid cancer cell to investigate regulatory mechanism of BRAF V600E in cell death induced by staurosporine (STS). Induced BRAF V600E expression attenuated STS-induced papillary and anaplastic thyroid cancer death, while BRAF V600E knockdown aggravated it. TMRM and calcein-AM staining showed that opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) during STS-induced cell death could be significantly inhibited by BRAF V600E. Moreover, our study demonstrated that BRAF V600E constitutively activates mitochondrial ERK (mERK) to inhibit GSK-3-dependent CypD phosphorylation, thereby making BRAF V600E mutant tumour cells more resistant to mPTP opening. In the mitochondria of BRAF V600E mutant cells, there was an interaction between ERK1/2 and GSKa/ß, while upon BRAF V600E knockdown, interaction of GSKa/ß to ERK was decreased significantly. These results show that in thyroid cancer, BRAF V600E regulates the mitochondrial permeability transition through the pERK-pGSK-CypD pathway to resist death, providing new intervention targets for BRAF V600E mutant tumours.

Inhibition of the PINK1-Parkin Pathway Enhances the Lethality of Sorafenib and Regorafenib in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common fatal malignancies and the main cause of cancer-related deaths. The multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) sorafenib and regorafenib are systemic therapeutic drugs approved for the treatment of HCC. Here, we found that sorafenib and regorafenib injured mitochondria by inducing mitochondrial Ca²⁺ (mtCa²⁺) overload and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening, resulting in mitochondria-mediated cell death, which was alleviated by cyclosporin A (CsA), an inhibitor of mPTP. Meanwhile, mPTP opening caused PINK1 accumulation on damaged mitochondria, which recruited Parkin to mitochondria to induce mitophagy. Inhibition of autophagy by the lysosomal inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) or inhibition of mitochondrial fission by mdivi-1 aggravated sorafenib- and regorafenib-induced cell death. Moreover, knockdown of PINK1 also promotes sorafenib- and regorafenib-induced cell death. An in vivo study showed that sorafenib and regorafenib inhibited HepG2 cell growth more effectively in PINK1 knockdown cells than in shNTC cells in null mice. Thus, our data demonstrate that PINK1-Parkin-mediated mitophagy alleviates sorafenib and regorafenib antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo.

Dual efficacy of Fasudil at improvement of survival and reinnervation of flap through RhoA/ROCK/PI3K/Akt pathway

Fasudil is reported to be effective at protecting against ischaemic diseases, and at augmenting axon growth. In this study, we aim to evaluate its efficacy in promoting flap survival and reinnervation. Ninety-two Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were used and divided into the control, Fasudil, LY294002, Fasudil+LY294002 groups, receiving a daily intraperitoneal injection of normal saline, Fasudil (10 mg/kg), LY294002 (5 mg/kg), and Fasudil (10 mg/kg) + LY294002 (5 mg/kg), respectively. On days 0 and 5, the blood perfusion and diameter of the iliolumbar artery in the pedicle of the flaps in the four groups were evaluated using laser speckling contrast imaging (LSCI). On day 5, the flaps were photographed and the necrosis rate of the flaps was calculated using Photoshop CS6. In addition, tissues were harvested from the flaps and divided into two parts. One part underwent routine cryosection and immunofluorescent staining using the antibody against CD31 for evaluation of the microvascular density in the four groups. In the other part, the expression of RhoA, ROCK1+2, p-CPI-17, p-MYPT, p-PTEN, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) within the flaps were determined using western blotting. Moreover, at days 0, 7, 15, and 30 after flap surgery, the axons within the flaps were evaluated using immunofluorescent staining with the antibody against Neurofilament-200. It turned out that the necrosis rate was (24.4 ± 7.7)%, (5.2 ± 1.6)%, (29.8 ± 4.2)%, and (30.9 ± 7.1)%, respectively, in the control, Fasudil, LY294002, LY294002+Fasudil groups. There was a significant reduction in the necrosis rate of the flaps in the Fasudil group (P < .001). The LSCI and immunofluorescent staining demonstrated that Fasudil could significantly expand the diameter of the iliolumbar artery in the pedicle, boost the overall blood perfusion, and increase the microvascular density of the flaps in the Fasudil group (P < .05), which could all be abolished by PI3K inhibitor LY294002. On day 5, the expression of p-CPI-17, p-MYPT, and p-PTEN were downregulated, whereas pPI3K, p-Akt, and VEGF were upregulated in the Fasudil group (P < .001). As for reinnervation, Neurofilament-200 fluorescent staining revealed that at days 15 and 30 after flap harvest, only in the Fasudil group could new axons be observed. It can be concluded that Fasudil could simultaneously improve the survival and axon growth after flap harvest, a dual efficacy achieved by inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK pathway, which in turn activates /PI3K/AKT pathway.

rAAV-delivered PTEN therapeutics for prostate cancer

Effective treatments for prostate cancer (PCa) require further development, and previous studies have reported that PTEN and its downstream target CDKN1B are significantly downregulated in PCa cells compared with normal cells. Therefore, modulation of PTEN and CDKN1B expression might be a promising therapeutic approach for PCa treatment. Expression of PTEN and CDKN1B was verified in specimens from PCa patients and transgenic adenocarcinoma mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice. The effect of PTEN on PCa cell migration, apoptosis, and the cell cycle was analyzed in vitro using a wound-healing assay and flow cytometry. We assessed the ability of intraprostatic and intratumoral injections of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) 9 expressing Pten or Cdkn1b into TRAMP mice and a subcutaneous tumor xenograft mouse model, respectively, to inhibit PCa progression. PTEN and CDKN1B were significantly downregulated in human and mouse PCa samples, and CDKN1B expression correlated positively with PTEN expression. PTEN overexpression significantly inhibited cell migration and cell-cycle progression and promoted apoptosis in PCa cells by decreasing Ccnd1 expression and increasing that of Cdkn1b. Importantly, treatment with the rAAV9.Pten or rAAV9.Cdkn1b extended the lifespan of TRAMP mice and inhibited the growth rate of tumor xenografts by regulating downstream gene expression. Moreover, neoplasia in treated prostates was significantly diminished compared with that in control prostates, and apoptosis was markedly observed in xenografts treated with Pten or Cdkn1b. These data indicate that rAAV-based PTEN/CDKN1B delivery is promising for the development of novel therapeutics for PCa.

Targeting the mitochondrial permeability transition pore for drug discovery: Challenges and opportunities

Several drug targets have been amenable to drug discovery pursuit not until the characterization of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), a pore with an undefined molecular identity that forms on the inner mitochondrial membrane upon mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) under the influence of calcium overload and oxidative stress. The opening of the pore which is presumed to cause cell death in certain human diseases also has implications under physiological parlance. Different models for this pore have been postulated following its first identification in the last six decades. The mitochondrial community has witnessed many protein candidates such as; voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT), Mitochondrial phosphate carrier (PiC), Spastic Paralegin (SPG7), disordered proteins, and F1Fo ATPase. However, genetic studies have cast out most of these candidates with only F1Fo ATPase currently under intense argument. Cyclophilin D (CyPD) remains the widely accepted positive regulator of the MPTP known to date, but no drug candidate has emerged as its inhibitor, raising concern issues for therapeutics. Thus, in this review, we discuss various models of MPTP reported with the hope of stimulating further research in this field. We went beyond the classical description of the MPTP to ascribe a 'two-edged sword property' to the pore for therapeutic function in human disease because its inhibition and activation have pharmacological relevance. We suggested putative proteins upstream to CyPD that can regulate its activity and prevent cell deaths in neurodegenerative disease and ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Jolkinolide B attenuates laryngeal cancer cell growth and induces apoptosis via PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

Jolkinolide B (JB) is a bioactive diterpenoid, isolated from the root of Euphorbia fischeriana Steud, and has been reported to have anti-tumor and anti-inflammation function by regulation of cell migration, invasion, apoptosis, and cell cycle. We aimed to evaluate the effect of JB on laryngeal cancer cells. Human normal larynx epithelial (HBE) cells and cancer cell lines TU212, TU177, and Hep-2 were cultured; MTT assay was used to assess cell proliferation. LY294002 (a PI3K/Akt inhibitor) and IGF-1 (a PI3K/Akt activator) were employed to investigate the expression of PI3K/Akt pathway. Cell migration and invasion activities were detected by scratch wound healing and transwell assay, respectively. Flow cytometry assay was used to assess cell apoptosis. The expression levels of proteins were assessed by immunofluorescence and Western blotting assay. JB inhibited TU212, TU177, and Hep-2 cell viability with an IC₅₀ value of 54.57 ± 0.53 μg/mL, 44.82 ± 0.32 μg/mL, and 49.63 ± 0.47 μg/mL, respectively. Compared with control group, the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cells significantly decreased after JB and LY294002 treatment, while cell apoptosis increased. In IGF-1 group, the results were opposite compared to the JB and LY294002 groups. Western blotting results showed that JB and LY294002 treatment significantly inhibited the levels of Bcl-2, p-PI3K, and p-Akt while the levels of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and PTEN protein significantly increased. Our study suggested that JB exhibits an inhibition effect on laryngeal cancer cell growth in vitro.

Graphene oxide disrupted mitochondrial homeostasis through inducing intracellular redox deviation and autophagy-lysosomal network dysfunction in SH-SY5Y cells

Graphene oxide (GO) nanomaterials have significant advantages for drug delivery and electrode materials in neural science, however, their exposure risks to the central nervous system (CNS) and toxicity concerns are also increased. The current studies of GO-induced neurotoxicity remain still ambiguous, let alone the mechanism of how complicated GO chemistry affects its biological behavior with neural cells. In this study, we characterized the commercially available GO in detail and investigated its biological adverse effects using cultured SH-SY5Y cells. We found that ultrasonic processing in medium changed the oxidation status and surface reactivity on the planar surface of GO due to its hydration activity, causing lipid peroxidation and cell membrane damage. Subsequently, ROS-disrupted mitochondrial homeostasis, resulting from the activation of NOX2 signaling, was observed following GO internalization. The autophagy-lysosomal network was initiated as a defensive reaction to obliterate oxidative damaged mitochondria and foreign nanomaterials, which was ineffective due to reduced lysosomal degradation capacity. These sequential cellular responses exacerbated mitochondrial stress, leading to apoptotic cell death. These data highlight the importance of the structure-related activity of GO on its biological properties and provide an in-depth understanding of how GO-derived cellular redox signaling induces mitochondrion-related cascades that modulate cell functionality and survival.

Targeting mitochondrial ion channels for cancer therapy

Pharmacological targeting of mitochondrial ion channels is emerging as a promising approach to eliminate cancer cells; as most of these channels are differentially expressed and/or regulated in cancer cells in comparison to healthy ones, this strategy may selectively eliminate the former. Perturbation of ion fluxes across the outer and inner membranes is linked to alterations of redox state, membrane potential and bioenergetic efficiency. This leads to indirect modulation of oxidative phosphorylation, which is/may be fundamental for both cancer and cancer stem cell survival. Furthermore, given the crucial contribution of mitochondria to intrinsic apoptosis, modulation of their ion channels leading to cytochrome c release may be of great advantage in case of resistance to drugs triggering apoptotic events upstream of the mitochondrial phase. In the present review, we give an overview of the known mitochondrial ion channels and of their modulators capable of killing cancer cells. In addition, we discuss state-of-the-art strategies using mitochondriotropic drugs or peptide-based approaches allowing a more efficient and selective targeting of mitochondrial ion channel-linked events.

Effective Drug Concentration and Selectivity Depends on Fraction of Primitive Cells

Poor efficiency of chemotherapeutics in the eradication of Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) has been driving the search for more active and specific compounds. In this work, we show how cell density-dependent stage culture profiles can be used in drug development workflows to achieve more robust drug activity (IC₅₀ and EC₅₀) results. Using flow cytometry and light microscopy, we characterized the cytological stage profiles of the HL-60-, A-549-, and HEK-293-derived sublines with a focus on their primitive cell content. We then used a range of cytotoxic substances—C-123, bortezomib, idarubicin, C-1305, doxorubicin, DMSO, and ethanol—to highlight typical density-related issues accompanying drug activity determination. We also showed that drug EC₅₀ and selectivity indices normalized to primitive cell content are more accurate activity measurements. We tested our approach by calculating the corrected selectivity index of a novel chemotherapeutic candidate, C-123. Overall, our study highlights the usefulness of accounting for primitive cell fractions in the assessment of drug efficiency.

Sappanone A alleviates hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced cardiomyocytes injury through inhibition of mitochondrial apoptosis and activation of PI3K-Akt-Gsk-3β pathway

Myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury (MIRI) is a complex pathophysiological process involved with the activation of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. Sappanone A (SA), a homoisoflavanone isolated from the heartwood of Caesalpinia sappan L., could exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities. Therefore, we assumed that SA has a potential use for preventing against MIRI. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of SA treatment on MIRI and its mechanism. Cardiomyocytes (H9c2 cells) were treated with SA for 1 h, followed by 6 h of hypoxia/3 h of reoxygenation. Cell viability assay was detected by CCK-8 assay. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and Hoechst staining. Mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening and mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) were measured by spectrophotometry and JC-1 staining. The changes of mitochondrial apoptosis-related proteins and PI3K–Akt–Gsk-3β signaling pathway were evaluated by Western blotting. The results showed that SA pretreatment enhanced the cell viability and decreased the activity of myocardial enzyme in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, SA pretreatment significantly inhibited apoptosis, blocked mPTP opening, suppressed the release of ΔΨm, prevented the cytochrome c releasing from mitochondria into cytoplasm, and repressed the cleavage of caspase-9 and caspase-3. Furthermore, SA pretreatment increased the phosphorylation levels of Akt and Gsk-3β but not of Stat-3. Meanwhile, the protective effect of SA was abrogated by PI3K inhibitor (LY294002). In conclusion, our results demonstrate that SA could prevent hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced cardiomyocytes injury through inhibition of mitochondrial apoptosis and activation of PI3K–Akt–Gsk-3β pathway. Thus, SA may have a potential use for the prevention of MIRI.

Inhibitory effect and mechanism of action (MOA) of hirsutine on the proliferation of T-cell leukemia Jurkat clone E6-1 cells

Background

The bark of Uncaria rhynchophylla has been traditionally used to treat convulsion, bleeding, hypertension, auto-immune conditions, cancer, and other diseases. The main focus of this research is done for the purpose of exploring the antitumor activity and mechanism of action (MOA) for hirsutine isolated from U. rhynchophylla.

Methods

Jurkat clone E6-1 cells were treated using 10, 25 and 50 μM for 48 h. Inhibition of cell proliferation due to hirsutine treatment was evaluated by CCK8 assay. Flow cytometry was applied to ascertain Jurkat cell cycle progression and apoptosis after treatment with 10, 25 and 50 μM hirsutine for 48 h. The expression and level of the apoptosis-related genes and proteins was analyzed by Real-time Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blotting method, respectively.

Results

CCK8 analyses revealed that hirsutine could significantly inhibit the proliferation of Jurkat clone E6-1 cells, in a concentration and time-dependent fashion. Flow cytometry assays revealed that hirsutine could drive apoptotic death and G0/G1 phase arrest in Jurkat cells. Apoptotic cells frequencies were 4.99 ± 0.51%, 13.69 ± 2.00% and 40.21 ± 15.19%, and respective cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 accounted for 34.85 ± 1.81%, 42.83 ± 0.70% and 49.12 ± 4.07%. Simultaneously, compared with the control group, Western blot assays indicated that the up-regulation of pro-apoptotic Bax, cleaved-caspase3, cleaved-caspase9 and Cyto c proteins, as well as the down-regulation of Bcl-2 protein which guards against cell death, might be correlated with cell death induction and inhibition of cell proliferation. QPCR analyses indicated that hirsutine could diminish BCL2 expression and, at the same time, improve Bax, caspase-3 and caspase-9 mRNA levels, thus reiterating a putative correlation of hirsutine treatment in vitro with apoptosis induction and inhibition of cell proliferation (p-value < 0.05). Excessive hirsutine damages the ultrastructure in mitochondria, leading to the release of Cyt c from the mitochondria to cytoplasm in Jurkat clone E6-1 cells, thereby inducing the activated caspase cascade apoptosis process through a mitochondria-mediated pathway.

Conclusion

An important bioactive constituent-hirsutine-appears to have antitumor effects in human T-cell leukemia, thus enlightening the use of phytomedicines as a novel source for tumor therapy. It is speculated that hirsutine may induce apoptosis of Jurkat Clone E6-1 cells through the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.

Recent progress in the use of mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore in mitochondrial dysfunction-related disease therapies

Mitochondria have various cellular functions, including ATP synthesis, calcium homeostasis, cell senescence, and death. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been identified in a variety of disorders correlated with human health. Among the many underlying mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction, the opening up of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) is one that has drawn increasing interest in recent years. It plays an important role in apoptosis and necrosis; however, the molecular structure and function of the mPTP have still not been fully elucidated. In recent years, the abnormal opening up of the mPTP has been implicated in the development and pathogenesis of diverse diseases including ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), neurodegenerative disorders, tumors, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This review provides a systematic introduction to the possible molecular makeup of the mPTP and summarizes the mitochondrial dysfunction-correlated diseases and highlights possible underlying mechanisms. Since the mPTP is an important target in mitochondrial dysfunction, this review also summarizes potential treatments, which may be used to inhibit pore opening up via the molecules composing mPTP complexes, thus suppressing the progression of mitochondrial dysfunction-related diseases.

ANTs and cancer: Emerging pathogenesis, mechanisms, and perspectives

Adenine nucleotide translocases (ANTs) are a class of transporters located in the inner mitochondrial membrane that not only couple processes of cellular productivity and energy expenditure, but are also involved in the composition of the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore (mPTP). The function of ANTs has been found to be most closely related to their own conformational changes. Notably, as multifunctional proteins, ANTs play a key role in oncogenesis, which provides building blocks for tumor anabolism, control oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis homeostasis, and govern cell death. Thus, ANTs constitute promising targets for the development of novel anticancer agents. Here, we review the recent findings regarding ANTs and their important mechanisms in cancer, with a focus on the therapeutic potential of targeting ANTs for cancer therapy.

The genus Uncaria: A review on phytochemical metabolites and biological aspects

The genus Uncaira (Rubiaceae) comprises of 34 species, many of which are usually used as traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) to treat hypertension, fever, headache, gastrointestinal illness, and fungal infection. Over the past twenty years, Uncaira species have been paid the considerable attentions in phytochemical and biological aspects, and about 100 new secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, triterpenes, and flavonoids, have been elucidated. This review aims to present a comprehensive and up-to date overview of the biological source, structures and their biosynthetic pathways, as well as the pharmacological of the compounds reported in the genus Uncaria for the past two decades. It would provide an insight into the emerging pharmacological applications of the genus Uncaria.

Recent research progress of Uncaria spp. based on alkaloids: phytochemistry, pharmacology and structural chemistry

Medicinal plants are well-known in affording clinically useful agents, with rich medicinal values by combining with disease targets through various mechanisms. Plant secondary metabolites as lead compounds lay the foundation for the discovery and development of new drugs in disease treatment. Genus Uncaria from Rubiaceae family is a significant plant source of active alkaloids, with anti-hypertensive, sedative, anti-Alzheimer's disease, anti-drug addiction and anti-inflammatory effects. This review summarizes and discuss the research progress of Uncaria based on alkaloids in the past 15 years, mainly in the past 5 years, including biosynthesis, phytochemistry, pharmacology and structural chemistry. Among, focusing on representative compounds rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline, the pharmacological activities surrounding the central nervous system and cardiovascular system are described in detail. On the basis of case studies, this article provides a brief overview of the synthesis and analogues of representative compounds types. In summary, this review provides an early basis for further searching for new targets and activities, discussing the mechanisms of pharmacological activity and studying the structure-activity relationships of active molecules.

The role of mitochondrial ATP synthase in cancer

The mitochondrial ATP synthase is a multi-subunit enzyme complex located in the inner mitochondrial membrane which is essential for oxidative phosphorylation under physiological conditions. In this review, we analyse the enzyme functions involved in cancer progression by dissecting specific conditions in which ATP synthase contributes to cancer development or metastasis. Moreover, we propose the role of ATP synthase in the formation of the permeability transition pore (PTP) as an additional mechanism which controls tumour cell death. We further describe transcriptional and translational modifications of the enzyme subunits and of the inhibitor protein IF1 that may promote adaptations leading to cancer metabolism. Finally, we outline ATP synthase gene mutations and epigenetic modifications associated with cancer development or drug resistance, with the aim of highlighting this enzyme complex as a potential novel target for future anti-cancer therapy.

The HMGB1-2 Ovarian Cancer Interactome. The Role of HMGB Proteins and Their Interacting Partners MIEN1 and NOP53 in Ovary Cancer and Drug-Response

High mobility group box B (HMGB) proteins are overexpressed in different types of cancers such as epithelial ovarian cancers (EOC). We have determined the first interactome of HMGB1 and HMGB2 in epithelial ovarian cancer (the EOC-HMGB interactome). Libraries from the SKOV-3 cell line and a primary transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) ovarian tumor were tested by the Yeast Two Hybrid (Y2H) approach. The interactome reveals proteins that are related to cancer hallmarks and their expression is altered in EOC. Moreover, some of these proteins have been associated to survival and prognosis of patients. The interaction of MIEN1 and NOP53 with HMGB2 has been validated by co-immunoprecipitation in SKOV-3 and PEO1 cell lines. SKOV-3 cells were treated with different anti-tumoral drugs to evaluate changes in HMGB1, HMGB2, MIEN1 and NOP53 gene expression. Results show that combined treatment of paclitaxel and carboplatin induces a stronger down-regulation of these genes in comparison to individual treatments. Individual treatment with paclitaxel or olaparib up-regulates NOP53, which is expressed at lower levels in EOC than in non-cancerous cells. On the other hand, bevacizumab diminishes the expression of HMGB2 and NOP53. This study also shows that silencing of these genes affects cell-viability after drug exposure. HMGB1 silencing causes loss of response to paclitaxel, whereas silencing of HMGB2 slightly increases sensitivity to olaparib. Silencing of either HMGB1 or HMGB2 increases sensitivity to carboplatin. Lastly, a moderate loss of response to bevacizumab is observed when NOP53 is silenced.

Rg1 protects H9C2 cells from high glucose-/palmitate-induced injury via activation of AKT/GSK-3β/Nrf2 pathway

Our previous studies have assessed ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1)‐mediated protection in a type 1 diabetes rat model. To uncover the mechanism through which Rg1 protects against cardiac injury induced by diabetes, we mimicked diabetic conditions by culturing H9C2 cells in high glucose/palmitate. Rg1 had no toxic effect, and it alleviated the high glucose/palmitate damage in a dose‐dependent manner, as indicated by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay and lactate dehydrogenase release to the culture medium. Rg1 prevented high glucose/palmitate‐induced cell apoptosis, assessed using cleaved caspase‐3 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling staining. Rg1 also reduced high glucose‐/palmitate‐induced reactive oxygen species formation and increased intracellular antioxidant enzyme activity. We found that Rg1 activates protein kinase B (AKT)/glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK‐3β) pathway and antioxidant nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, indicated by increased phosphorylation of AKT and GSK‐3β, and nuclear translocation of Nrf2. We used phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase inhibitor Ly294002 to block the activation of the AKT/GSK‐3β pathway and found that it partially reversed the protection by Rg1 and decreased Nrf2 pathway activation. The results suggest that Rg1 exerts a protective effect against high glucose and palmitate damage that is partially AKT/GSK‐3β/Nrf2‐mediated. Further studies are required to validate these findings using primary cardiomyocytes and animal models of diabetes.

The function of SOX2 in breast cancer and relevant signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to explore the functional roles of SOX2 in the progression of breast cancer and relevant molecular mechanism.

METHODS

A total of 108 breast cancer patients were included, and breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 was selected for this research. Real time-qualitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was conducted to measure the expression level of SOX2 mRNA. MTT and Transwell assays were used to detected the proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells, respectively. Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to reveal the relationship of SOX2 with PTEN. Western blot was performed to detect the expressions of Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related proteins.

RESULTS

The expression of SOX2 mRNA was up-regulated in breast cancer tissues and cells (P < 0.001). SOX2 expression was significantly associated with TNM stage and lymph node metastasis of breast cancer patients (P < 0.05). SOX2 knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells (P < 0.05). PTEN was a direct target of SOX2. The inhibition of PTEN could significantly suppress the progression of breast cancer cells with SOX2 overexpression. SOX2 knockdown also inhibited the expressions of β-catenin, TCP-4, FZD7, C-myc and MMP-7 proteins. Moreover, PTEN knockdown reversed the results caused by SOX2 overexpression, that is, increased expressions of β-catenin, TCP-4, FZD7, C-myc and MMP-7 proteins (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

SOX2 promotes the progression of breast cancer through activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via regulating PTEN.

Vitamin C Inhibits Metastasis of Peritoneal Tumors By Preventing Spheroid Formation in ID8 Murine Epithelial Peritoneal Cancer Model

High mortality is associated with exclusively metastasis within the peritoneal cavity among patients with epithelial ovarian cancer that is the most lethal gynecologic cancer. There is an unmet need to develop more effective therapies to prevent metastasis of peritoneal cancer. Multicellular spheroid formation, during which cancer cells migrate and adhere to tumor-associated macrophages, is a critical step of ovarian cancer metastasis. Here, we showed that vitamin C inhibited spheroid formation and metastasis in ID8 ovarian cancer-bearing mice. We further found that vitamin C treatment decreased the levels of M2 macrophages in tumor nodules and suppressed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In vitro studies revealed that vitamin C inhibited proliferation, arrested cell cycle, attenuated migration, and prevented the spheroid formation of ID8 ovarian cancer cells. Vitamin C induced apoptosis of ID8 cells, which was confirmed by membrane potential collapse, cytosolic calcium overload, ATP depletion, and caspase-3 activation in vitamin C-treated cells. Intriguingly, vitamin C treatment caused striking morphological change and apoptosis of macrophages. The presented proof of concept study strategically identifies new anticancer mechanisms of vitamin C.

Arctiin attenuates high glucose-induced human retinal capillary endothelial cell proliferation by regulating ROCK1/PTEN/PI3K/Akt/VEGF pathway in vitro

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most prominent microvascular complications of diabetes, which remains the leading cause of legal blindness in the world. Arctiin, a bioactive compound from Arctium lappa L., has been reported to have antidiabetic activity. In this study, we investigated the effect of arctiin on a human retinal capillary endothelial cell (HRCEC) line and how arctiin inhibits cell proliferation in high glucose (HG)-induced HRCECs. Results showed that arctiin decreased HG-induced HRCECs proliferation in a dose-dependent manner by inducing cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. Tube formation assay and immunofluorescence staining indicated that arctiin abrogated tube formation induced by HG-induced HRCECs in a dose-dependent manner via down-regulation of VEGF expression. Mechanistic study indicated that perturbation of the ROCK1/PTEN/PI3K/Akt signalling pathway plays a vital role in the arctiin-mediated anti-proliferative effect. Furthermore, pre-incubation of HRCECs with Y-27632 attenuated arctiin-induced cell cycle arrest, cell proliferation and tube formation inhibition. Y-27632 also reversed the activation of PTEN, the inactivation/dephosphorylation of PI3K/Akt and down-regulation of VEGF. Taken together, the results demonstrated that arctiin inhibits the proliferation of HG-induced HRCECs through the activation of ROCK1 and PTEN and inactivation of PI3K and Akt, resulting in down-regulation of VEGF, which inhibits endothelial cell proliferation.

A Novel Rhynchophylline Analog, Y396, Inhibits Endothelial Dysfunction Induced by Oxidative Stress in Diabetes Through Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor

Aims: Endothelial dysfunction appears in early diabetes mellitus partially because of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) abnormal activation and downstream oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to determine whether Y396, a synthesized analog of rhynchophylline, could protect against endothelial dysfunction in diabetes and the underlying molecular mechanism. Results: Y396 could directly target the EGFR and inhibit its phosphorylation induced by high glucose and EGF, downstream translocation to the nucleus of E2F1, and its transcriptional activity and expression of Nox4. Diabetes-induced endothelium malfunction was ameliorated by Y396 treatment through EGFR inhibition. Downstream oxidative stress was decreased by Y396 in the aortas of type 1 diabetes mellitus mice and primary rat aorta endothelial cells (RAECs). Y396 could also ameliorate tunicamycin-induced oxidative stress in the aorta and RAECs. In addition, we again determined the protective effects of Y396 on high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus. Innovation: This is the first study to demonstrate that Y396, a novel rhynchophylline analog, suppressed high-glucose-induced endothelial malfunction both in vivo and in vitro by inhibiting abnormal phosphorylation of EGFR. Our work uncovered EGFR as a novel therapeutic target and Y396 as a potential therapy against diabetes-induced complication. Conclusion: Y396 could directly bind with EGFR, and inhibit its phosphorylation and downstream E2F1 transcriptional activity. It could also preserve tunicamycin-evoked endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress. It could protect against diabetes-induced endothelium malfunction in vivo through EGFR inhibition and downstream oxidative stress. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 32, 743-765.

ROCK1 activation-mediated mitochondrial translocation of Drp1 and cofilin are required for arnidiol-induced mitochondrial fission and apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Arnidiol is a pentacyclic triterpene diol that has multiple pharmacological activities. However, the apoptotic activities of arnidiol in human cancer cells have not yet been explored, nor has the mechanism by which arnidiol induces apoptosis been examined in depth.

METHODS

MDA-MB-231 cells and xenografted mice were treated with arnidiol. Mitochondrial fission and apoptosis were determined by immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and related molecular biological techniques. The interaction and colocalization of cofilin and Drp1 was determined by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assays.

RESULTS

Arnidiol induces mitochondrial fission and apoptosis through mitochondrial translocation of Drp1 and cofilin. Importantly, the interaction of Drp1 and cofilin in mitochondria is involved in arnidiol-induced mitochondrial fission and apoptosis. Knockdown of either Drp1 or cofilin abrogated arnidiol-induced mitochondrial translocation, interaction of Drp1 and cofilin, mitochondrial fission and apoptosis. Only dephosphorylated Drp1 (Ser637) and cofilin (Ser3) were translocated to the mitochondria. Mutants of Drp1 S637A and cofilin S3A, which mimic the dephosphorylated forms, enhanced mitochondrial fission and apoptosis induced by arnidiol, whereas mutants of Drp1 S637D and cofilin S3E, which mimic the phosphorylated forms, suppressed mitochondrial fission and apoptosis induced by arnidiol. A mechanistic study revealed that ROCK1 activation plays an important role in the arnidiol-mediated Drp1 and cofilin dephosphorylation and mitochondrial translocation, mitochondrial fission, and apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data reveal a novel role of both Drp1 and cofilin in the regulation of mitochondrial fission and apoptosis and suggest that arnidiol could be developed as a potential agent for the treatment of human cancer.

miR-31 Modulates Liver Cancer HepG2 Cell Apoptosis and Invasion via ROCK1/F-Actin Pathways

PURPOSE

Liver cancer is one of the most common malignant tumor in the world. miR-31 is downregulated in liver cancer and associated with tumor growth and metastasis. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

METHODS

Cellular apoptosis was detected via MTT, TUNEL assay, LDH release and Annexin V/PI flow-cytometry analysis. Cellular migration and invasion were measured by the Transwell chamber assay. Mitochondrial functions were evaluated via mitochondrial membrane potential JC-1 staining and mPTP opening assessment. The mitophagy activity was examined via Western blots.

RESULTS

In the present study, our results confirm that miR-31 promotes apoptosis and inhibits proliferation and metastasis in liver cancer HepG2 cells. In vitro, miR-31 promotes HepG2 cell apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway as indicated by mitochondrial potential reduction, increased mPTP opening time, cty-c release and imbalance of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins. Furthermore, miR-31 reduces the energy generation by inhibiting mitochondrial respiratory function. At last, it is demonstrated that miR-31 triggers the mitochondrial damage via ROCK1/F-actin pathway. Inhibiting the ROCK1/F-actin pathway abolishes the effects of miR-31 mimic on mitochondrial injury, apoptosis, proliferation arrest and migration inhibition.

CONCLUSION

Our results reveal that miR-31 can inhibit HepG2 cell survival and metastasis by activating the ROCK1/F-actin pathway.

NR4A1 promotes TNF‑α‑induced chondrocyte death and migration injury via activating the AMPK/Drp1/mitochondrial fission pathway

Nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 (NR4A1)-induced chondrocyte death plays a critical role in the development of osteoarthritis through poorly defined mechanisms. The present study aimed to investigate the role of NR4A1 in regulating chondrocyte death in response to tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and cycloheximide (CHX) treatment, with a focus on mitochondrial fission and the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. The results demonstrated that NR4A1 was significantly upregulated in TNF-α and CHX exposed chondrocytes. Increased NR4A1 triggered mitochondrial fission via the AMPK/dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) pathway, resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction, and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening-related cell death. Furthermore, excessive mitochondrial fission impaired chondrocyte migration through imbalance of F-actin homeo-stasis. Inhibiting NR4A1 attenuated TNF-α and CHX-induced mitochondrial fission and, thus, reduced mitochondrial dysfunction in chondrocytes, mPTP opening-related cell death and migration injury. Altogether, the present data confirmed that mitochondrial fission was involved in NR4A1-mediated chondrocyte injury via regulation of mitochondrial dysfunction, mPTP opening-induced cell death and F-actin-related migratory inhibition.

Down-regulation of GAS5 ameliorates myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury via the miR-335/ROCK1/AKT/GSK-3β axis

Growth arrest‐specific transcript 5 (GAS5), along non‐coding RNA (LncRNA), is highly expressed in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)‐cardiomyocytes and promotes H/R‐induced apoptosis. In this study, we determined whether down‐regulation of GAS5 ameliorates myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and further explored its mechanism. GAS5 expression in cardiomyocytes and rats was knockdown by transfected or injected with GAS5‐specific small interfering RNA or adeno‐associated virus delivering small hairpin RNAs, respectively. The effects of GAS5 knockdown on myocardial I/R injury were detected by CCK‐8, myocardial enzyme test, flow cytometry, TTC and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) staining. qRT‐PCR and luciferase reporter assay were carried out to analyse the relationship between GAS5 and miR‐335. The regulation of GAS5 on Rho‐associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) expression, the activation of PI3K/AKT/GSK‐3β pathway and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening was further evaluated. The results indicated that GAS5 knockdown enhanced the viability, decreased apoptosis and reduced the levels of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase‐MB in H/R‐treatment cardiomyocytes. Meanwhile, down‐regulation of GAS5 limited myocardial infarct size and reduced apoptosis in I/R‐heart. GAS5 was found to bind to miR‐335 and displayed a reciprocal inhibition between them. Furthermore, GAS5 knockdown repressed ROCK1 expression, activated PI3K/AKT, thereby leading to inhibition of GSK‐3β and mPTP opening. These suppressions were abrogated by miR‐335 inhibitor treatment. Taken together, our results demonstrated that down‐regulation of GAS5 ameliorates myocardial I/R injury via the miR‐335/ROCK1/AKT/GSK‐3β axis. Our findings suggested that GAS5 may be a new therapeutic target for the prevention of myocardial I/R injury.

ROCK1 promotes migration and invasion of non‑small‑cell lung cancer cells through the PTEN/PI3K/FAK pathway

Rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1), a member of the ROCK family, serves an important function in cell migration and invasion in neoplasms. ROCK1 has been found to be overexpressed in several types of cancers. However, the role of ROCK1 in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is poorly understood. In the present study, ROCK1 was found to be overexpressed in NSCLC cells and tissues, and it was associated with poor survival of NSCLC patients. Subsequently, ROCK1 knockdown NSCLC cell lines were established using shRNA. ROCK1 knockdown significantly reduced the migration and invasion ability in the cell monolayer scratching and Transwell assays. ROCK1 knockdown was also found to markedly inhibit cell adhesion ability. Moreover, the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) was inhibited by ROCK1 knockdown, reducing NSCLC cell migration and invasion ability. This mechanistic study revealed that ROCK1 significantly enhanced cell migration and invasion by inhibiting the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/FAK pathway. More importantly, the interruption of the PTEN/PI3K/FAK pathway markedly rescued the inhibition of cell migration and invasion mediated by ROCK1 knockdown. Taken together, these results suggest a novel role for ROCK1 in cell migration and invasion by inhibiting cell adhesion ability, and indicate that ROCK1 may be of value as a therapeutic target for the treatment of NSCLC.

The Role of Herbal Bioactive Components in Mitochondria Function and Cancer Therapy

Mitochondria are highly dynamic double-membrane organelles which play a well-recognized role in ATP production, calcium homeostasis, oxidation-reduction (redox) status, apoptotic cell death, and inflammation. Dysfunction of mitochondria has long been observed in a number of human diseases, including cancer. Targeting mitochondria metabolism in tumors as a cancer therapeutic strategy has attracted much attention for researchers in recent years due to the essential role of mitochondria in cancer cell growth, apoptosis, and progression. On the other hand, a series of studies have indicated that traditional medicinal herbs, including traditional Chinese medicines (TCM), exert their potential anticancer effects as an effective adjunct treatment for alleviating the systemic side effects of conventional cancer therapies, for reducing the risk of recurrence and cancer mortality and for improving the quality of patients' life. An amazing feature of these structurally diverse bioactive components is that majority of them target mitochondria to provoke cancer cell-specific death program. The aim of this review is to summarize the in vitro and in vivo studies about the role of these herbs, especially their bioactive compounds in the modulation of the disturbed mitochondrial function for cancer therapy.