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Dong H, Chang CD, Gao F, Zhang N, Yan XJ, Wu X, Wang YH. The anti-leukemia activity and mechanisms of shikonin: a mini review. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1271252. [PMID: 38026987 PMCID: PMC10651754 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1271252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukemia encompasses a group of highly heterogeneous diseases that pose a serious threat to human health. The long-term outcome of patients with leukemia still needs to be improved and new effective therapeutic strategies continue to be an unmet clinical need. Shikonin (SHK) is a naphthoquinone derivative that shows multiple biological function includes anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic effects. Numerous studies have reported the anti-leukemia activity of SHK during the last 3 decades and there are studies showing that SHK is particularly effective towards various leukemia cells compared to solid tumors. In this review, we will discuss the anti-leukemia effect of SHK and summarize the underlying mechanisms. Therefore, SHK may be a promising agent to be developed as an anti-leukemia drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Dong
- Department of Geriatrics, Jilin Geriatrics Clinical Research Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chun-Di Chang
- Department of Neurology, Jilin Province People’s Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Endocrine Department, Qian Wei Hospital of Jilin Province, Changchun, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Electrodiagnosis Department, Jilin Province FAW General Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Xing-Jian Yan
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xue Wu
- Department of Geriatrics, Jilin Geriatrics Clinical Research Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yue-Hui Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Jilin Geriatrics Clinical Research Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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2
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Wang Q, Wang J, Wang J, Ju X, Zhang H. Molecular mechanism of shikonin inhibiting tumor growth and potential application in cancer treatment. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2021; 10:1077-1084. [PMID: 34956612 PMCID: PMC8692723 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfab107] [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: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Shikonin is one of the major bioactive components of Lithospermum erythrorhizon. It has a good killing effect in a variety of tumor cells. Its antitumor effect involves multiple targets and pathways and has received extensive attention and study in recent years. In this review, we systematically review recent progress in determining the antitumor mechanism of shikonin and its derivatives, specifically their induction of reactive oxygen species production, inhibition of EGFR and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activation, inhibition of angiogenesis and induction of apoptosis and necroptosis. We also discuss the application of nanoparticles loaded with shikonin in the targeted therapy of various cancers. Finally, we suggest new strategies for the clinical application of shikonin and its derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, PR China
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, PR China
| | - Jiayou Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, PR China
| | - Xiaoli Ju
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Lishui District People’s Hospital, Zhongda Hospital Lishui Branch, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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3
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Alam MM, Kariya R, Boonnate P, Kawaguchi A, Okada S. Induction of apoptosis by Shikonin through ROS-mediated intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways in primary effusion lymphoma. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101006. [PMID: 33401054 PMCID: PMC7785961 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.101006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Shikonin (SHK) induced apoptosis in Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL). SHK treatment rabidly generated ROS and activated JNK and p38. SHK inhibited ascites formation in xenograft mice.
Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is an incurable non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and novel biology-based treatments are urgently needed in clinical settings. Shikonin (SHK), a napthoquinone derivative, has been used for the treatment of solid tumors. Here, we report that SHK is an effective agent for the treatment of PEL. Treatment with SHK results in significant reduction of proliferation in PEL cells and their rapid apoptosis in vitro. SHK-induced apoptosis of PEL cells is accompanied by the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), an activation of c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38, as well as caspase-3, -8, and -9. Scavenging of ROS in the presence of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) almost blocks the loss of mitochondrial membrane Δψm, activation of JNK, cleavage of caspase-3, -9, and an induction of apoptosis in SHK treated PEL cells. SP600125, a specific inhibitor of JNK, also rescues a proportion of cells from the apoptotic effect of SHK. In addition, inhibition of caspase activation in the presence of pan-caspase inhibitor, Q-VD-OPh, blocks the SHK-inducing apoptosis, but doesn't completely inhibit SHK-mediated JNK activation. Therefore, ROS is an upstream trigger of SHK-induced caspase dependent apoptosis of PEL cells through disruption of mitochondrial membrane Δψm in an intrinsic pathway and an activation of JNK in an extrinsic pathway. In a PEL xenografted mouse model, SHK treatment suppresses PEL-mediated ascites formation without showing any significant adverse toxicity. These results suggested that SHK could be a potent anti-tumor agent for the treatment of PEL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Masud Alam
- Division of Hematopoiesis, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1, Honjo, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Ryusho Kariya
- Division of Hematopoiesis, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1, Honjo, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Piyanard Boonnate
- Division of Hematopoiesis, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1, Honjo, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Azusa Kawaguchi
- Division of Hematopoiesis, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1, Honjo, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Seiji Okada
- Division of Hematopoiesis, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1, Honjo, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan.
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Fayez H, El-Motaleb MA, Selim AA. Synergistic Cytotoxicity Of Shikonin-Silver Nanoparticles As An Opportunity For Lung Cancer. J Labelled Comp Radiopharm 2019; 63:25-32. [PMID: 31785206 DOI: 10.1002/jlcr.3818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The combined action of shikonin and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for apoptosis in human cancer cells has not been elucidated. Hence, we investigated the synergistic combinatorial effect of shikonin and AgNPs in human lung cancer cells. Shikonin was used as a reducing and capping agent for AgNPs synthesis as a green method avoiding the hazards of chemical methods. Radiolabeling of shikonin-AgNPs with radioactive iodine forming [131 I]I-Shikonin-AgNPs was carried out to enable the intracellular tracking of NPs. The antitumor effect of a combined treatment (shikonin-AgNPs) was evaluated using tissue culture assay. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) of SHK-AgNPs on A549 cells after 24 hours determined by an MTT assay is 2.4 ± 0.11 μg/mL. As a deduction, this study revealed that the combination of shikonin and AgNPs treatment significantly inhibited cell viability and proliferation of A549 cells (human lung carcinoma cell line) with a great potential than the monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hend Fayez
- Labeled Compounds Department, Hot Labs Center, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Abd El-Motaleb
- Labeled Compounds Department, Hot Labs Center, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Adli Abdullah Selim
- Labeled Compounds Department, Hot Labs Center, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt
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5
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Li B, Zhu M, Ma H, Ma T, Dai Y, Li H, Li Y, Wu CZ. Biosynthesis of Novel Shikonin Glucosides by Enzymatic Glycosylation. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2019; 67:1072-1075. [DOI: 10.1248/cpb.c19-00284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bohan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College
| | - Meilin Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College
| | - Hui Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College
| | - Tao Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College
| | - Yiqun Dai
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College
| | - Hongmei Li
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College
| | - Yu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University
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Yuzbasioglu Baran M, Guvenalp Z, Saracoglu I, Kazaz C, Salih B, Demirezer LO, Kuruuzum-Uz A. Cytotoxic naphthoquinones from Arnebia densiflora (Nordm.) Ledeb and determining new apoptosis inducers. Nat Prod Res 2018; 34:1669-1677. [PMID: 30449173 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2018.1525714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In this study, phytochemical composition of Arnebia densiflora (AD) was determined and cytotoxic effects of the n-hexane extract and compounds isolated from this species on various cell lines were investigated. By means of serial chromatographic studies, 6 naphthoquinone derivatives were yielded, which are isovalerylalkannin, α-methyl-n-butyl alkannin, acetylalkannin, β-acetoxy isovalerylalkannin, alkannin and a new compound: 4-hydroxy 4-methyl valeryl alkannin. Structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated using UV, IR, 1D-2D NMR, MS and CD methods. Cytotoxic effects of the extract and isolated alkannins were investigated on L929, HeLa, HEp-2 cells. AD and the isolated compounds demonstrated moderate to strong cytotoxic effects (IC50 range: 4.92-172.35 µg/ml). The results of DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activity studies on HeLa cells exhibited that AD and the naphthoquinones isolated from it caused cytotoxicity through induction of apoptosis.[Formula: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zuhal Guvenalp
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Iclal Saracoglu
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Cavit Kazaz
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Bekir Salih
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - L Omur Demirezer
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayse Kuruuzum-Uz
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Wang Y, Hao F, Nan Y, Qu L, Na W, Jia C, Chen X. PKM2 Inhibitor Shikonin Overcomes the Cisplatin Resistance in Bladder Cancer by Inducing Necroptosis. Int J Biol Sci 2018; 14:1883-1891. [PMID: 30443191 PMCID: PMC6231221 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.27854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin-based chemotherapy often results in the development of chemo-resistance when used to treat bladder cancer (BC), which is difficult to overcome. Recent data indicate that pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), a glycolytic enzyme for Warburg effect, is strongly upregulated in BC, and contributes to the cisplatin resistance in BC. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we also found that the expression level of PKM2 is also higher in cisplatin resistant BC cells and tumors. Down-regulation of PKM2 by siRNA or inhibition of PKM2 by shikonin re-sensitized the cisplatin resistant T24 cells. Shikonin and cisplatin together exhibit significantly greater killing effects than when used alone. Interestingly, we found shikonin kills the T24 cisplatin resistant cells by inducing necroptosis, as the cell death could not inhibited by apoptosis inhibitor, z-VAD, but compromised by RIP3 inhibitor, GSK872, or RIP3 siRNA. In contrast, shikonin induced apoptosis in T24 parental cells. We further investigate the underlying mechanism, and found that the dysregulation of Bcl-2 family proteins, including Bcl-2, PUMA, Bax, play an important role in deciding that shikonin kills the BC cells by necroptosis or apoptosis. Collectively, our results suggested that inducing necroptosis is an alternative way to overcome the apoptosis resistant in BC therapy, and orchestrating the regulation of Bcl-2, PUMA, and Bax in BC cisplatin resistant cells may improve the therapy effect of cisplatin in BC tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonggang Wang
- Department of Urology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fangshi Hao
- Department of Urology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yonghao Nan
- Department of Urology, The Frist Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou
| | - Licheng Qu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Center for Prenatal Diagnosis, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wanli Na
- Department of Urology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chunshu Jia
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Center for Prenatal Diagnosis, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoliang Chen
- Department of Urology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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8
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Shikonin causes apoptosis by disrupting intracellular calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial function in human hepatoma cells. Exp Ther Med 2017; 15:1484-1492. [PMID: 29434733 PMCID: PMC5776525 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.5591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Shikonin is known to suppress proliferation and induce apoptosis in a variety of cancer cell lines. In the present study, SMMC-7721 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells were treated with shikonin (1, 2 or 4 µM) for 12–48 h. Cell morphological alterations and DNA damage were determined. Furthermore, changes in cell cycle, mitochondrial transmembrane potential, calcium homeostasis and levels of reactive oxygen species were measured. Shikonin-treated SMMC-7721 cells exhibited morphological changes and DNA damage. Shikonin inhibited cell proliferation causing cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase and induced apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Shikonin-induced apoptosis was associated with activation of caspases-3, −8 and −9, elevated levels of intracellular Ca2+ and reactive oxygen species, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and enhanced efflux of Ca2+ and K+. Gene expression B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax), p53 and caspase-3 was up-regulated, whereas Bcl-2 expression was downregulated. Shikonin caused apoptosis by inhibiting cell cycle progression, disrupting Ca2+ homeostasis, inducing oxidative stress and triggering mitochondrial dysfunction. Activation of caspases-3, −8 and −9, K+ efflux, and regulation of Bax, Bcl-2, p53 and caspase-3 expression are involved in the process. These results provide in-depth insight into the mechanisms of action of shikonin in the treatment of cancer.
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Kim DJ, Lee JH, Park HR, Choi YW. Acetylshikonin inhibits growth of oral squamous cell carcinoma by inducing apoptosis. Arch Oral Biol 2016; 70:149-157. [PMID: 27371806 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2016.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recently, shikonin derivatives from Lithospermum erythrorhizon have been suggested as potential chemotherapeutic agents against numerous types of cancers in addition to their traditional uses, e.g., as anti-inflammatory agents. Acetylshikonin, one of shikonin derivatives, has also been reported to possess anticancer activity. However, few studies of the effectiveness of acetylshikonin against cancer cells have been conducted, and there are no studies of oral cancers. In this study, we investigated the usefulness of acetylshikonin as a treatment regimen for oral cancers by observing the growth inhibitory function of acetylshikonin and the involved mechanisms. DESIGNS The viability, cell cycle, and ratio of apoptotic cells of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells were observed after treatment with acetylshikonin using MTT assay, flow cytometric analysis, and Annexin V/PI staining, respectively. In addition, molecular changes of apoptosis-related pathways and the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were analyzed in acetylshikonin-treated cells. RESULTS We observed that acetylshikonin significantly suppressed the growth of OSCC cells by inducing apoptotic cell death, and acetylshikonin affected the viability of a normal keratinocyte cell line HaCaT to a lesser degree, suggesting that acetylshikonin may be a good chemotherapeutic reagent with less toxicity to normal tissues. In addition, we found that acetylshikonin-induced apoptosis of OSCC cells is mediated by ROS as well as G2 cell cycle arrest. ROS production in response to acetylshikonin treatment enhanced the phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK, which are in the major pathways of apoptotic cell death mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our data suggest that acetylshikonin is a strong candidate for use as a selective chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Jeong Kim
- Department of Oral Pathology & BK21 PLUS Project, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea; School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, 49 Busandaehak-Ro, Yangsan 626-870, South Korea
| | - Ji Hye Lee
- Department of Oral Pathology & BK21 PLUS Project, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea; School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, 49 Busandaehak-Ro, Yangsan 626-870, South Korea
| | - Hae Ryoun Park
- Department of Oral Pathology & BK21 PLUS Project, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea; School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, 49 Busandaehak-Ro, Yangsan 626-870, South Korea; Institute of Translational Dental Sciences, Pusan National University, 49 Busandaehak-Ro, Yangsan 626-870, South Korea.
| | - Young Whan Choi
- Department of Horticultural Bioscience, Pusan National University, Samnangjin-Ro 1268-50, Samnangjin-eup, Miryang 627-706, South Korea.
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Jing H, Sun W, Fan J, Zhang Y, Yang J, Jia J, Li J, Guo J, Luo S, Zheng Y. Shikonin induces apoptosis of HaCaT cells via the mitochondrial, Erk and Akt pathways. Mol Med Rep 2016; 13:3009-16. [PMID: 26935874 PMCID: PMC4805065 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.4917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Shikonin, which is a major ingredient of the traditional Chinese herb Lithospermum erythrorhizon, possesses various biological functions, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities. The present study aimed to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of shikonin on HaCaT cell apoptosis. Treatment with shikonin significantly inhibited the viability of HaCaT cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and promoted cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase and apoptosis. In addition, shikonin treatment reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential and induced reactive oxygen species generation. The results of a western blot analysis demonstrated that shikonin significantly activated caspase 3 expression, downregulated B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expression, and upregulated Bcl-2-associated X protein and Bcl-2 homologous antagonist killer expression in a dose-dependent manner in HaCaT cells. Furthermore, shikonin decreased extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) and Akt phosphorylation. These results indicated that shikonin may exert its anti-proliferative effects by inducing apoptosis via activation of the mitochondrial signaling pathway and inactivation of the Akt and Erk pathways in HaCaT cells. Therefore, the present study suggested that shikonin may have potential as a component of therapeutic strategies for the treatment of skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiling Jing
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Wenyan Sun
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Jinghua Fan
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Yanmin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Jiao Yang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Jinjing Jia
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Jichang Li
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Jiaqi Guo
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Suju Luo
- Department of Dermatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300070, P.R. China
| | - Yan Zheng
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
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11
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Li W, Zhang C, Ren A, Li T, Jin R, Li G, Gu X, Shi R, Zhao Y. Shikonin Suppresses Skin Carcinogenesis via Inhibiting Cell Proliferation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126459. [PMID: 25961580 PMCID: PMC4427333 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The M2 isoform of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) has been shown to be up-regulated in human skin cancers. To test whether PKM2 may be a target for chemoprevention, shikonin, a natural product from the root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon and a specific inhibitor of PKM2, was used in a chemically-induced mouse skin carcinogenesis study. The results revealed that shikonin treatment suppressed skin tumor formation. Morphological examinations and immunohistochemical staining of the skin epidermal tissues suggested that shikonin inhibited cell proliferation without inducing apoptosis. Although shikonin alone suppressed PKM2 activity, it did not suppress tumor promoter-induced PKM2 activation in the skin epidermal tissues at the end of the skin carcinogenesis study. To reveal the potential chemopreventive mechanism of shikonin, an antibody microarray analysis was performed, and the results showed that the transcription factor ATF2 and its downstream target Cdk4 were up-regulated by chemical carcinogen treatment; whereas these up-regulations were suppressed by shikonin. In a promotable skin cell model, the nuclear levels of ATF2 were increased during tumor promotion, whereas this increase was inhibited by shikonin. Furthermore, knockdown of ATF2 decreased the expression levels of Cdk4 and Fra-1 (a key subunit of the activator protein 1. In summary, these results suggest that shikonin, rather than inhibiting PKM2 in vivo, suppresses the ATF2 pathway in skin carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Neuroscience, LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Chunjing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Neuroscience, LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Amy Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Neuroscience, LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Teena Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Neuroscience, LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Rong Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Guohong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Xin Gu
- Department of Pathology, LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Runhua Shi
- Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Yunfeng Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Neuroscience, LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States of America
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Wada N, Kawano Y, Fujiwara S, Kikukawa Y, Okuno Y, Tasaki M, Ueda M, Ando Y, Yoshinaga K, Ri M, Iida S, Nakashima T, Shiotsu Y, Mitsuya H, Hata H. Shikonin, dually functions as a proteasome inhibitor and a necroptosis inducer in multiple myeloma cells. Int J Oncol 2014; 46:963-72. [PMID: 25530098 PMCID: PMC4324584 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2014.2804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Shikonin (SHK), a natural small agent (MW 288.3), reportedly induces cell death in various tumor cells. We have found that SHK also exerts potent cytocidal effects on human multiple myeloma (MM) cells, but its anticancer mechanism in MM cells remains to be elucidated. SHK at 2.5–5 μM induced apoptosis in seven MM cell lines, including the bortezomib-resistant cell line KMS11/BTZ. The IC50 value of SHK against KMS11/BTZ was comparable to that of a parental cell line KMS11 (1.1 and 1.56 μM, respectively). SHK induces accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins and activates XBP-1 in MM cells, suggesting that SHK functions as a proteasome inhibitor, eventually inducing ER stress-associated apoptosis. SHK increases levels of HSP70/72, which protects cells from apoptosis, and exerts greater cytocidal effects in combination with the HSP70/72 inhibitor VER-155008. At higher concentrations (10–20 μM), SHK induced cell death, which was completely inhibited by a necroptosis inhibitor, necrostatin-1 (Nec-1), while the cytocidal activity was unaffected by Z-VAD-FMK, strongly suggesting that cell death is induced by SHK at high concentrations through necroptosis. The present data show for the first time that SHK induces cell death in MM cells. SHK efficiently induces apoptosis and combination of heat shock protein inhibitor with low dose SHK enhances apoptosis, while high dose SHK induces necroptosis in MM cells. These findings together support the use of SHK as a potential therapeutic agent for MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Wada
- Department of Hematology, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yawara Kawano
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shiho Fujiwara
- Department of Hematology, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | | | - Yutaka Okuno
- Department of Hematology, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Tasaki
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Mitsuharu Ueda
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yukio Ando
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kazuya Yoshinaga
- Department of Anatomy, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masaki Ri
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Iida
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | - Yukimasa Shiotsu
- Translational Oncology, Kyowa Hakko Kirin California Inc., La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Hiroaki Mitsuya
- Department of Hematology, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Hata
- Department of Hematology, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
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13
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Sagar S, Esau L, Moosa B, Khashab NM, Bajic VB, Kaur M. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis induced by a plumbagin derivative in estrogen positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2014; 14:170-80. [PMID: 24164046 PMCID: PMC3894702 DOI: 10.2174/18715206113136660369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2013] [Revised: 06/25/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Plumbagin [5-hydroxy- 2-methyl-1, 4-naphthaquinone] is a well-known plant derived anticancer lead compound. Several efforts have been made to synthesize its analogs and derivatives in order to increase its anticancer potential. In the present study, plumbagin and its five derivatives have been evaluated for their antiproliferative potential in one normal and four human cancer cell lines. Treatment with derivatives resulted in dose- and time-dependent inhibition of growth of various cancer cell lines. Prescreening of compounds led us to focus our further investigations on acetyl plumbagin, which showed remarkably low toxicity towards normal BJ cells and HepG2 cells. The mechanisms of apoptosis induction were determined by APOPercentage staining, caspase-3/7 activation, reactive oxygen species production and cell cycle analysis. The modulation of apoptotic genes (p53, Mdm2, NF-kB, Bad, Bax, Bcl-2 and Casp-7) was also measured using real time PCR. The positive staining using APOPercentage dye, increased caspase-3/7 activity, increased ROS production and enhanced mRNA expression of proapoptotic genes suggested that acetyl plumbagin exhibits anticancer effects on MCF-7 cells through its apoptosis-inducing property. A key highlighting point of the study is low toxicity of acetyl plumbagin towards normal BJ cells and negligible hepatotoxicity (data based on HepG2 cell line). Overall results showed that acetyl plumbagin with reduced toxicity might have the potential to be a new lead molecule for testing against estrogen positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Mandeep Kaur
- Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), Building 2, Level 4, R-4336, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal- 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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14
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Duan D, Zhang B, Yao J, Liu Y, Fang J. Shikonin targets cytosolic thioredoxin reductase to induce ROS-mediated apoptosis in human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells. Free Radic Biol Med 2014; 70:182-93. [PMID: 24583460 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2014.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Shikonin, a major active component of the Chinese herbal plant Lithospermum erythrorhizon, has been applied for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Although shikonin demonstrates potent anticancer efficacy in numerous types of human cancer cells, the cellular targets of shikonin have not been fully defined. We report here that shikonin may interact with the cytosolic thioredoxin reductase (TrxR1), an important selenocysteine (Sec)-containing antioxidant enzyme with a C-terminal -Gly-Cys-Sec-Gly active site, to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated apoptosis in human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells. Shikonin primarily targets the Sec residue in TrxR1 to inhibit its physiological function, but further shifts the enzyme to an NADPH oxidase to generate superoxide anions, which leads to accumulation of ROS and collapse of the intracellular redox balance. Importantly, overexpression of functional TrxR1 attenuates the cytotoxicity of shikonin, whereas knockdown of TrxR1 sensitizes cells to shikonin treatment. Targeting TrxR1 with shikonin thus discloses a previously unrecognized mechanism underlying the biological activity of shikonin and provides an in-depth insight into the action of shikonin in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongzhu Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Baoxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Juan Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Yaping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Jianguo Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China.
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15
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Jang SY, Lee JK, Jang EH, Jeong SY, Kim JH. Shikonin blocks migration and invasion of human breast cancer cells through inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-9 activation. Oncol Rep 2014; 31:2827-33. [PMID: 24789371 DOI: 10.3892/or.2014.3159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Shikonin, a natural naphthoquinone isolated from a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has been reported to promote tumor cell death. However, there are few reports concerning its effect on metastasis-related cell invasion and migration behavior. In the present study, we investigated the effect of shikonin on human breast cancer invasion and migration. We found that shikonin inhibited phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced cell migration and invasion in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, which was correlated with modulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) through suppression of both expression and proteolytic and promoter activity. We also found that shikonin inhibited both MMP-9 expression and promoter activity in MDA-MB‑231 cells with high metastatic potential. These results indicated that shikonin induces the suppression of migration and invasion through modulation of MMP-9 in human breast cancer cells. Therefore, shikonin may be a potential anticancer drug for human breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soon Young Jang
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Koan Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Hyang Jang
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo Young Jeong
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Ho Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
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16
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Jang SY, Jang EH, Jeong SY, Kim JH. Shikonin inhibits the growth of human prostate cancer cells via modulation of the androgen receptor. Int J Oncol 2014; 44:1455-60. [PMID: 24573652 PMCID: PMC4027940 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2014.2306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Shikonin, a natural naphthoquinone isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Zi Cao (gromwell), has been shown to possess tumor cell killing activity. The human androgen receptor (AR) is a nuclear transcription factor that serves as a major therapeutic target for prostate cancer. However, AR regulation by shikonin has not been reported. We investigated the effects of shikonin on the growth of prostate cancer cells. We observed that shikonin decreased the expression of AR at both the mRNA and the protein levels in LNCaP and 22RV1 human prostate cancer cells. The results from a luciferase assay showed that shikonin decreased the transcriptional activity of AR. Moreover, shikonin treatment inhibited AR target gene expression, PSA and growth inhibition of prostate cancer cells. In conclusion, the present study shows for the first time that shikonin treatment causes transcriptional repression of AR and inhibition of its nuclear localization in human prostate cancer cells. We propose that shikonin, an anticancer drug extracted from natural sources, induces inhibition of cell growth through modulation of AR in androgen-responsive prostate cancer cells and is a candidate for use in cancer chemotherapy for human prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soon Young Jang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Hyang Jang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo Young Jeong
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Ho Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
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17
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Kim SJ, Kim JM, Shim SH, Chang HI. Shikonin induces cell cycle arrest in human gastric cancer (AGS) by early growth response 1 (Egr1)-mediated p21 gene expression. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2014; 151:1064-1071. [PMID: 24384380 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.11.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Revised: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/29/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Lithospermum erythrorhizon, a naphthoquinone compound derived from a shikonin, has long been used as traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of various diseases, including cancer. To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of shikonin on AGS gastric cancer cells via induction of cell cycle arrest. MATERIALS AND METHODS We observed the effects of 12.5-100 ng/mL dosage of shikonin treatment on AGS cancer cell line with the incubation time of 6h. Cytotoxic effects were assessed by measuring the changes in the intracellular ROS, appearance of senescence phenotype, cell cycle progression, CDK and cyclins expression levels upon shikonin treatment. We also examined upon the activation of Egr1-mediated p21 expression, by siRNA transfection, Luciferase assay, and ChIP assay. RESULTS In this study, we found that shikonin inhibits cell proliferation by arresting cell cycle progression at the G2/M phase via modulation of p21 in AGS cells. Also, our results revealed that the p21 gene was transactivated by early growth response1 (Egr1) in response to the shikonin treatment. Transient Egr1 expression enhanced shikonin-induced p21 promoter activity, whereas the suppression of Egr1 expression by small interfering RNA attenuated the ability of shikonin to induce p21 promoter activity. CONCLUSION Our results suggested that the anti-proliferative activity of shikonin was due to its ability to induce cell cycle arrest via Egr1-p21 signaling pathway. Thus, the work stated here validates the traditional use of shikonin in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Joong Kim
- College of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Korea University, 5-1 Anam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea; Department of Molecular & Cellular Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd Unit 108, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jee Min Kim
- College of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Korea University, 5-1 Anam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea
| | - So Hee Shim
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, 5-1 Anam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Ihl Chang
- College of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Korea University, 5-1 Anam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea.
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18
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Lee MJ, Kao SH, Hunag JE, Sheu GT, Yeh CW, Hseu YC, Wang CJ, Hsu LS. Shikonin time-dependently induced necrosis or apoptosis in gastric cancer cells via generation of reactive oxygen species. Chem Biol Interact 2014; 211:44-53. [PMID: 24463199 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2014.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2013] [Revised: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The effects of shikonin on gastric cancer cells were investigated in this study. Exposure to shikonin reduced the viability of gastric cancer cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. However, apoptosis was not observed in gastric cancer cell treatment with different concentrations of shikonin for 6h. By contrast, treatment with shikonin for 24h significantly induced apoptosis, as evidenced by the results of TUNEL assay and flow cytometry analysis in proportion to the concentration. Disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential was observed in gastric cancer cells that were treated with shikonin for 6 and 24h. Pretreatment with necrostatin-1 recovered cell death and mitochondrial membrane potential in the 6h shikonin treatment, but not in the 24h shikonin treatment. Western blot results reveal enhanced p38 phosphorylation, downregulated AKT phosphorylation, and increased caspase3 and PARP cleavage in cells that were treated with shikonin for 24h, but not in cells treated for 6h. Shikonin also triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation both in the 6 and 24h treatments. Pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine blocked shikonin-induced cell death. In summary, our findings suggest that shikonin, which may function as a promising agent in the treatment of gastric cancers, sequentially triggered necrosis or apoptosis through ROS generation in gastric cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Jang Lee
- Cardiovascular Center, Antai Tian-Sheng Memorial Hospital, Pingtung 92843, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Hsuan Kao
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Jing-En Hunag
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Gwo-Tarng Sheu
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Wei Yeh
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - You-Cheng Hseu
- Department of Cosmeceutics, College of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Jong Wang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan; Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan.
| | - Li-Sung Hsu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan; Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan.
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19
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Wang XM, Lin HY, Kong WY, Guo J, Shi J, Huang SC, Qi JL, Yang RW, Gu HW, Yang YH. Synthesis and biological evaluation of heterocyclic carboxylic acyl shikonin derivatives. Chem Biol Drug Des 2013; 83:334-43. [PMID: 24118825 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2013] [Revised: 09/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A series of shikonin derivatives (1-13) that were acylated selectively by various thiophene or indol carboxylic acids at the side chain of shikonin were synthesized, and their biological activities were also evaluated as potential tubulin inhibitors. Among them, compound 3 ((R)-1-(5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)-4-methylpent-3-enyl 3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanoate) and compound 8 ((R)-1-(5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)-4-methylpent-3-enyl 2-(thiophen-3-yl)acetate) exhibited good antiproliferative activity of A875 (IC50 = 0.005 ± 0.001 μm, 0.009 ± 0.002 μm) and HeLa (IC50 = 11.84 ± 0.64 μm, 4.62 ± 0.31 μm) cancer cell lines in vitro, respectively. Shikonin (IC50 = 0.46 ± 0.002 μm, 4.80 ± 0.48 μm) and colchicine (IC50 = 0.75 ± 0.05 μm, 17.79 ± 0.76 μm) were used as references. Meanwhile, they also showed the most potent growth inhibitory activity against tubulin (IC50 of 3.96 ± 0.13 μm and 3.05 ± 0.30 μm, respectively), which were compared with shikonin (IC50 = 15.20 ± 0.25 μm) and colchicine (IC50 = 3.50 ± 0.35 μm). Furthermore, from the results of flow cytometer, we found compound 3 can really inhibit HeLa cell proliferation and has low cell toxicity. Based on the preliminary results, compound 3 with potent inhibitory activity in tumor growth may be a potential anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
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20
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Zhang FL, Wang P, Liu YH, Liu LB, Liu XB, Li Z, Xue YX. Topoisomerase I inhibitors, shikonin and topotecan, inhibit growth and induce apoptosis of glioma cells and glioma stem cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e81815. [PMID: 24303074 PMCID: PMC3841142 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas, the most malignant form of brain tumors, contain a small subpopulation of glioma stem cells (GSCs) that are implicated in therapeutic resistance and tumor recurrence. Topoisomerase I inhibitors, shikonin and topotecan, play a crucial role in anti-cancer therapies. After isolated and identified the GSCs from glioma cells successfully, U251, U87, GSCs-U251 and GSCs-U87 cells were administrated with various concentrations of shikonin or topotecan at different time points to seek for the optimal administration concentration and time point. The cell viability, cell cycle and apoptosis were detected using cell counting kit-8 and flow cytometer to observe the inhibitory effects on glioma cells and GSCs. We demonstrated that shikonin and topotecan obviously inhibited proliferation of not only human glioma cells but also GSCs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. According to the IC50 values at 24 h, 2 μmol/L of shikonin and 3 μmol/L of topotecan were selected as the optimal administration concentration. In addition, shikonin and topotecan induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 and S phases and promoted apoptosis. The down-regulation of Bcl-2 expression with the activation of caspase 9/3-dependent pathway was involved in the apoptosis process. Therefore, the above results showed that topoisomerase I inhibitors, shikonin and topotecan, inhibited growth and induced apoptosis of GSCs as well as glioma cells, which suggested that they might be the potential anticancer agents targeting gliomas to provide a novel therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Lei Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, College of Basic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, College of Basic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yun-Hui Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li-bo Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, College of Basic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Bai Liu
- The 96 Class, 7-Year Program, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi-Xue Xue
- Department of Neurobiology, College of Basic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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Kong WY, Chen XF, Shi J, Baloch SK, Qi JL, Zhu HL, Wang XM, Yang YH. Design and Synthesis of Fluoroacylshikonin as an Anticancer Agent. Chirality 2013; 25:757-62. [DOI: 10.1002/chir.22209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yao Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology; Nanjing University; Nanjing People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Feng Chen
- Department of oncology; the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Nanjing People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology; Nanjing University; Nanjing People's Republic of China
| | - Shahla Karim Baloch
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology; Nanjing University; Nanjing People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Liang Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology; Nanjing University; Nanjing People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Liang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology; Nanjing University; Nanjing People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Ming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology; Nanjing University; Nanjing People's Republic of China
| | - Yong-Hua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology; Nanjing University; Nanjing People's Republic of China
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22
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Deng S, May BH, Zhang AL, Lu C, Xue CCL. Topical Herbal Formulae in the Management of Psoriasis: Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Clinical Studies and Investigation of the Pharmacological Actions of the Main Herbs. Phytother Res 2013; 28:480-97. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Revised: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shiqiang Deng
- School of Health Sciences, and Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research Program, Health Innovations Research Institute; RMIT University; Bundoora VIC 3083 Australia
| | - Brian H. May
- School of Health Sciences, and Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research Program, Health Innovations Research Institute; RMIT University; Bundoora VIC 3083 Australia
| | - Anthony L. Zhang
- School of Health Sciences, and Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research Program, Health Innovations Research Institute; RMIT University; Bundoora VIC 3083 Australia
| | - Chuanjian Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences & Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine; Guangzhou China
| | - Charlie C. L. Xue
- School of Health Sciences, and Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research Program, Health Innovations Research Institute; RMIT University; Bundoora VIC 3083 Australia
- Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences & Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine; Guangzhou China
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23
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Liang D, Sun Y, Shen Y, Li F, Song X, Zhou E, Zhao F, Liu Z, Fu Y, Guo M, Zhang N, Yang Z, Cao Y. Shikonin exerts anti-inflammatory effects in a murine model of lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting the nuclear factor-kappaB signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2013; 16:475-80. [PMID: 23651796 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2013.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Revised: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Shikonin, an analog of naphthoquinone pigments isolated from the root of Lithospermum erythrorhyzon, was recently reported to exert beneficial anti-inflammatory effects both in vivo and in vitro. The present study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effect of shikonin in a murine model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Dexamethasone was used as a positive control to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of shikonin in the study. Pretreatment with shikonin (intraperitoneal injection) significantly inhibited LPS-induced increases in the macrophage and neutrophil infiltration of lung tissues and markedly attenuated myeloperoxidase activity. Furthermore, shikonin significantly reduced the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid induced by LPS. Compared with the LPS group, lung histopathologic changes were less pronounced in the shikonin-pretreated mice. Additionally, Western blotting results showed that shikonin efficiently decreased nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) activation by inhibiting the degradation and phosphorylation of IκBα. These results suggest that shikonin exerts anti-inflammatory properties in LPS-mediated ALI, possibly through inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway, which mediates the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Shikonin may be a potential agent for the prophylaxis of ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejie Liang
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province 130062, People's Republic of China
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In vitro studies of α-glucosidase inhibitors and antiradical constituents of Glandora diffusa (Lag.) D.C. Thomas infusion. Food Chem 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.09.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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25
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Wu H, Xie J, Pan Q, Wang B, Hu D, Hu X. Anticancer agent shikonin is an incompetent inducer of cancer drug resistance. PLoS One 2013; 8:e52706. [PMID: 23300986 PMCID: PMC3536779 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Accepted: 11/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer drug resistance is a major obstacle for the success of chemotherapy. Since most clinical anticancer drugs could induce drug resistance, it is desired to develop candidate drugs that are highly efficacious but incompetent to induce drug resistance. Numerous previous studies have proven that shikonin and its analogs not only are highly tumoricidal but also can bypass drug-transporter and apoptotic defect mediated drug resistance. The purpose of this study is to investigate if or not shikonin is a weak inducer of cancer drug resistance. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Different cell lines (K562, MCF-7, and a MDR cell line K562/Adr), after repeatedly treated with shikonin for 18 months, were assayed for drug resistance and gene expression profiling. RESULTS After 18-month treatment, cells only developed a mere 2-fold resistance to shikonin and a marginal resistance to cisplatin and paclitaxel, without cross resistance to shikonin analogs and other anticancer agents. Gene expression profiles demonstrated that cancer cells did strongly respond to shikonin treatment but failed to effectively mobilize drug resistant machineries. Shikonin-induced weak resistance was associated with the up-regulation of βII-tubulin, which physically interacted with shikonin. CONCLUSION Taken together, apart from potent anticancer activity, shikonin and its analogs are weak inducers of cancer drug resistance and can circumvent cancer drug resistance. These merits make shikonin and its analogs potential candidates for cancer therapy with advantages of avoiding induction of drug resistance and bypassing existing drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- Cancer Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiansheng Xie
- Cancer Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiangrong Pan
- Cancer Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Beibei Wang
- Cancer Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Danqing Hu
- Cancer Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xun Hu
- Cancer Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Wang R, Yin R, Zhou W, Xu D, Li S. Shikonin and its derivatives: a patent review. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2012; 22:977-97. [PMID: 22834677 DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2012.709237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Shikonin and its derivatives are the main components of red pigment extracts from Lithospermum erythrorhizon, whose medicinal properties have been confirmed for a long history, and have aroused great interest as the hallmark molecules responsible for their significant biological activities, especially for their striking anticancer effects. AREAS COVERED Areas covered in this paper include a review of the total synthesis, biological effects and mechanisms of shikonin and its derivatives for their anticancer activities in the past decade, basing on literature and patents. The current state and problems are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION At present, screening for anticancer shikonin derivatives is based on cellular level to find compounds with stronger cytotoxicity. Though several compounds have been discovered with striking cytotoxicity in vitro, however, no selectivity was observed and undoubtedly, the further outcomes have been disappointing because of their great damage to normal cells. Meanwhile, the presumed mechanisms of action are also established in terms of their cytotoxicity. From a pharmacological point of view, most of the shikonin derivatives are at an early stage of their development, and thus it is difficult to determine the exact effectiveness in cancer treatment. With research in this field going deeper, it can be expected that, despite the difficulties, shikonin derivatives as potential anticancer agents will soon follow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubing Wang
- Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Pharmacy, 800 Dongchun Road, Shanghai 200240, PR China.
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Anxiolytic and Hypnotic Effects of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Aerial Parts of Echium italicum L. in Mice. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod 2012. [DOI: 10.5812/jjnpp.4589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Hosseinzadeh H, Shahandeh S, Shahsavand S. Anxiolytic and Hypnotic Effects of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Aerial Parts of Echium italicum L. in Mice. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod 2012. [DOI: 10.17795/jjnpp-4589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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29
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Synthesis and preclinical pharmacological evaluation of a novel 99mTc–shikonin as a potential tumor imaging agent. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-012-1701-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Hosseinzadeh H, Shahandeh S, Shahsavand S. Anxiolytic and Hypnotic Effects of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Aerial Parts of Echium italicum L. in Mice. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod 2012; 7:71-9. [PMID: 24624158 PMCID: PMC3941860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2011] [Revised: 02/15/2012] [Accepted: 02/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research in the area of herbal psychopharmacology has clearly improved in recent decades. Self-administration of herbal medicines has been the most popular therapeutic alternative to standard medicine. OBJECTIVES Since the extract of Echium amoenum exhibits an anxiolytic effect, the aim of this study is to evaluate the anxiolytic and hypnotic effects in mice of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of aerial parts of E. italicum, a member of the Boraginaceae family. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mice were administered the agents intraperitoneally before the start of the experiments for evaluation of hypnotic activity (induced by sodium pentobarbital, 30 mg/kg, i.p.), anxiolytic activity (elevated plus-maze [EPM] test), locomotor activity (open field test), and motor coordination (rotarod test). RESULT The ethanolic and aqueous extracts of E. italicum, at doses of 1.2 and 2.1 g/kg, increased the percentage of time-spent and the percentage of arm entries in the open arms of the EPM and decreased the percentage of time-spent in the closed arms of the EPM. Moreover, both extracts decreased the pentobarbital-induced latency to sleep and significantly increased the total sleeping time induced by pentobarbital. In addition, locomotor activity was affected by aqueous extracts and ethanolic extract (at higher doses). Both extracts showed no effect in the rotarod test. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that both ethanolic and aqueous extracts of E. italicum may have anxiolytic effects and sedative activity but no effect on muscle relaxation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Pharmacodynamy and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IR Iran,Corresponding author: Hossein Hosseinzadeh, Pharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Pharmacodynamy and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 1365-91775, Mashhad, IR Iran. Tel: +98-5118819042, Fax: +98-5118823251, E-mail:
| | - Shabnam Shahandeh
- Department of Pharmacodynamy and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IR Iran
| | - Shabnam Shahsavand
- Department of Pharmacodynamy and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IR Iran
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SIRISHA P, PEDNEKAR SUHAS, KAPDI ANANTR, NAIK MINAL. Facile solvent-free one-pot synthesis of pyranobenzopyrans and their derivatives. J CHEM SCI 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s12039-011-0135-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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32
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Tan W, Lu J, Huang M, Li Y, Chen M, Wu G, Gong J, Zhong Z, Xu Z, Dang Y, Guo J, Chen X, Wang Y. Anti-cancer natural products isolated from chinese medicinal herbs. Chin Med 2011. [PMID: 21777476 DOI: 10.1186/1749-8546-6- 27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a number of natural products isolated from Chinese herbs have been found to inhibit proliferation, induce apoptosis, suppress angiogenesis, retard metastasis and enhance chemotherapy, exhibiting anti-cancer potential both in vitro and in vivo. This article summarizes recent advances in in vitro and in vivo research on the anti-cancer effects and related mechanisms of some promising natural products. These natural products are also reviewed for their therapeutic potentials, including flavonoids (gambogic acid, curcumin, wogonin and silibinin), alkaloids (berberine), terpenes (artemisinin, β-elemene, oridonin, triptolide, and ursolic acid), quinones (shikonin and emodin) and saponins (ginsenoside Rg3), which are isolated from Chinese medicinal herbs. In particular, the discovery of the new use of artemisinin derivatives as excellent anti-cancer drugs is also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jinjian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 548 Binwen Rd., Binjiang Dist., Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mingqing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1 Huatuo Rd., Shangjie University Town, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, China
| | - Yingbo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Meiwan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Guosheng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jian Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Zengtao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yuanye Dang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jiajie Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Xiuping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yitao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
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Tan W, Lu J, Huang M, Li Y, Chen M, Wu G, Gong J, Zhong Z, Xu Z, Dang Y, Guo J, Chen X, Wang Y. Anti-cancer natural products isolated from chinese medicinal herbs. Chin Med 2011; 6:27. [PMID: 21777476 PMCID: PMC3149025 DOI: 10.1186/1749-8546-6-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a number of natural products isolated from Chinese herbs have been found to inhibit proliferation, induce apoptosis, suppress angiogenesis, retard metastasis and enhance chemotherapy, exhibiting anti-cancer potential both in vitro and in vivo. This article summarizes recent advances in in vitro and in vivo research on the anti-cancer effects and related mechanisms of some promising natural products. These natural products are also reviewed for their therapeutic potentials, including flavonoids (gambogic acid, curcumin, wogonin and silibinin), alkaloids (berberine), terpenes (artemisinin, β-elemene, oridonin, triptolide, and ursolic acid), quinones (shikonin and emodin) and saponins (ginsenoside Rg3), which are isolated from Chinese medicinal herbs. In particular, the discovery of the new use of artemisinin derivatives as excellent anti-cancer drugs is also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jinjian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 548 Binwen Rd., Binjiang Dist., Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mingqing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1 Huatuo Rd., Shangjie University Town, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, China
| | - Yingbo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Meiwan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Guosheng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jian Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Zengtao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yuanye Dang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jiajie Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Xiuping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yitao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China.,Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Av. Padre Toma's Pereira S.J., Taipa, Macao SAR, China
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Min R, Zun Z, Min Y, Wenhu D, Wenjun Y, Chenping Z. Shikonin inhibits tumor invasion via down-regulation of NF-κB-mediated MMP-9 expression in human ACC-M cells. Oral Dis 2010; 17:362-9. [PMID: 21029262 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-0825.2010.01758.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the anti-invasion effect of Shikonin on human high-metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC-M) cells and to explain the possible molecular mechanism involved. METHODS The ACC-M cells were treated with Shikonin (0, 2.5, 5, 10 μM) for 24 h. The protein levels and gelatinolytic activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were analyzed using Western blot and Gelatin zymography test, respectively. Matrigel invasion assays were used to investigate tumor invasive potential and electromobility shift assays were used to determine the activity of NF-κB. RESULTS The invasiveness of ACC-M cells was reduced in a dose dependent manner following 24-h treatment of up to 10 μM of the Shikonin at which concentration no cytotoxicity occurred. The protein levels and gelatinolytic activities of MMP-9 were significantly suppressed by increasing Shikonin concentrations. The down-regulation of MMP-9 appeared to be via the inactivation of NF-κB as the treatment with Shikonin suppressed the protein level of phosphate-IkBa, which was accompanied by a decrease in DNA-binding level of the factor. CONCLUSIONS Shikonin inhibits tumor invasion via downregulation of MMP-9 expression in ACC-M cells. Pharmacologic inhibition of the NF-κB-mediated MMP-9 expression by Shikonin might be a powerful treatment option for ACC patients in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Min
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated No. 9 People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Assimopoulou AN, Papageorgiou VP, Kiparissides C. Synthesis and release studies of shikonin-containing microcapsules prepared by the solvent evaporation method. J Microencapsul 2010. [DOI: 10.3109/02652040309178348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. N. Assimopoulou
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - V. P. Papageorgiou
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - C. Kiparissides
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Rinner B, Kretschmer N, Knausz H, Mayer A, Boechzelt H, Hao XJ, Heubl G, Efferth T, Schaider H, Bauer R. A petrol ether extract of the roots of Onosma paniculatum induces cell death in a caspase dependent manner. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2010; 129:182-188. [PMID: 20226848 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2010.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2009] [Revised: 02/16/2010] [Accepted: 02/18/2010] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has become very popular in Western countries during the last years. Zicao, a remedy of TCM, has been traditionally used to treat cancer, and, its main constituents, naphthoquinones, have been reported to possess antitumor activity (Chen et al., 2002; Papageorgiou et al., 1999). Here, we prepared extracts of different polarities of Onosma paniculatum Bur. & Franch., a plant which is amongst others used as Zicao, but, much less investigated. The extracts were analyzed concerning their growth inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing activity in various tumor cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cell viability was measured by XTT viability and a growth inhibition assay. Effects on the cell cycle and caspase-3 were determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS From three different extracts, a petrol ether extract showed significant growth inhibitory effect, cell cycle influence and caspase-3 dependent induction of apoptosis which was time and dose dependent. CONCLUSION To further determine the activity and mechanism of action of the petrol ether extract, we would like to isolate and identify the active principle and investigate the effects in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beate Rinner
- Center of Medical Research, Core Facility Flow Cytometry, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
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Lee H, Kang R, Yoon Y. Shikonin inhibits fat accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Phytother Res 2010; 24:344-51. [PMID: 19610030 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.2942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Shikonin, 5,6-dihydroxyflavone-7-glucuronic acid, is the main ingredient of Lithospermum erythrorhizon Sieb. et Zucc, and was reported to have various biological activities including antiinflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial and others. This study aimed to elucidate, for the first time, the antiobesity activity of shikonin and its mechanism of action. Shikonin was found to inhibit fat droplet formation and triglyceride accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The half inhibitory concentration, IC(50), for the inhibition of triglyceride accumulation was found to be 1.1 microM. The expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism, such as FABP4 and LPL, were significantly inhibited following shikonin treatment. Shikonin also inhibited the ability of PPAR gamma and C/EBP alpha, the major transcription factors of adipogenesis, to bind to their target DNA sequences. The expressions of mRNA and protein of PPAR gamma and C/EBPa were significantly down-regulated following shikonin treatment. Among the upstream regulators of adipogenesis, only SREBP1C was found to be down-regulated by shikonin. The results of this study suggest that shikonin down-regulates the expression of SREBP1C and subsequently the expression of PPAR gamma and C/EBP alpha. Together, these changes result in the down-regulation of lipid metabolizing enzymes and reduced fat accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haeyong Lee
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 156-756, Korea
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Chang IC, Huang YJ, Chiang TI, Yeh CW, Hsu LS. Shikonin Induces Apoptosis through Reactive Oxygen Species/Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Pathway in Osteosarcoma Cells. Biol Pharm Bull 2010; 33:816-24. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.33.816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- I-Chang Chang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital
| | - Yu-Jen Huang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University
| | - Tsay-I Chiang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital
| | - Chi-Wei Yeh
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University
| | - Li-Sung Hsu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University
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A novel antiestrogen agent Shikonin inhibits estrogen-dependent gene transcription in human breast cancer cells. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2009; 121:233-40. [PMID: 19760501 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-009-0547-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2009] [Accepted: 09/03/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Shikonin (SK) has been isolated and identified as a key bioactive component in an herbal plant, Shikon (gromwell). In this study, we investigated antiestrogen activity of SK in breast cancer cells. In human breast cancer cells, we observed that treatment with SK inhibits tumor cell growth in estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha)-positive, but not ERalpha-negative breast cancer cells. Estrogen-dependent cell growth was inhibited by co-treatment with SK. A potential molecular mechanism by which SK inhibits estrogen action was explored. We found that SK has no effect on ERalpha mRNA expression, but decreases its protein level. This effect is associated with an increase in ubiquitinated ERalpha for degradation. Our results suggest that SK downregulates ERalpha protein through a proteasome-mediated pathway. We also found that the treatment with SK inhibits estrogen-induced estrogen response elements reporter gene activity. Furthermore, SK inhibits recruitment of ERalpha at the estrogen-dependent gene promoters, and subsequently suppresses gene expression. Finally, co-treatment with SK enhanced sensitivity of breast cancer cells to endocrine therapy. Collectively, our studies suggested that SK has a potential for antihormone therapy in ERalpha-positive breast cancer cells, and should serve as a target for new drug developments.
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Xiong W, Luo G, Zhou L, Zeng Y, Yang W. In vitro and in vivo antitumor effects of acetylshikonin isolated from Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst (Ruanzicao) cell suspension cultures. Chin Med 2009; 4:14. [PMID: 19594888 PMCID: PMC2717966 DOI: 10.1186/1749-8546-4-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2008] [Accepted: 07/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Shikonin derivatives have cytotoxic and antitumor effects. This study aims to investigate the antitumor effects of acetylshikonin isolated from a Chinese medicinal herb Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst. Methods The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to determine the in vitro antitumor effects of acetylshikonin on human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549, human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Bel-7402, human breast adenocarcinoma cell line MCF-7 and mouse Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cell line. C57BL/6 mice with LLC model were used to study the in vivo antitumor effects of acetylshikonin. The expression of bax, bcl-2 and caspase-3 proteins in LLC tissue was determined with immunohistochemical staining. Results In A549, Bel-7402, MCF-7 and LLC cell lines, acetylshikonin inhibited cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. IC50 (means ± SD) were 5.6 ± 0.86 μg/ml, 6.82 ± 1.5 μg/ml, 3.04 ± 0.44 μg/ml and 2.72 ± 0.38 μg/ml respectively. Acetylshikonin suppressed tumor growth in C57BL/6 mice with LLC. The inhibition rate of acetylshikonin (2 mg/kg) was 42.85%. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that in the acetylshikonin groups the expression of bax and caspase-3 increased, whereas the expression of bcl-2 decreased, suggesting that acetylshikonin induced tumor cell apoptosis through activating the pro-apoptotic bcl-2 family and caspase-3. Conclusion Acetylshikonin isolated from Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst cell suspension cultures exhibits specific in vivo and in vitro antitumor effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbi Xiong
- Department of Pharmacology, West China Center for Medical Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
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Yang H, Zhou P, Huang H, Chen D, Ma N, Cui QC, Shen S, Dong W, Zhang X, Lian W, Wang X, Dou QP, Liu J. Shikonin exerts antitumor activity via proteasome inhibition and cell death induction in vitro and in vivo. Int J Cancer 2009; 124:2450-9. [PMID: 19165859 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.24195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway plays an essential role in tumor growth and development. Shikonin, a natural naphthoquinone isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Zi Cao (gromwell), has been reported to possess tumor cell-killing activity, and results from a clinical study using a shikonin-containing mixture demonstrated its safety and efficacy for the treatment of late-stage lung cancer. In this study, we reported that shikonin is an inhibitor of tumor proteasome activity in vitro and in vivo. Our computational modeling predicts that the carbonyl carbons C(1) and C(4) of shikonin potentially interact with the catalytic site of beta 5 chymotryptic subunit of the proteasome. Indeed, shikonin potently inhibits the chymotrypsin-like activity of purified 20S proteasome (IC(50) 12.5 micromol/L) and tumor cellular 26S proteasome (IC(50) between 2-16 micromol/L). Inhibition of the proteasome by shikonin in murine hepatoma H22, leukemia P388 and human prostate cancer PC-3 cultures resulted in accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins and several proteasome target proapoptotic proteins (I kappaB-alpha, Bax and p27), followed by induction of cell death. Shikonin treatment resulted in tumor growth inhibition in both H22 allografts and PC-3 xenografts, associated with suppression of the proteasomal activity and induction of cell death in vivo. Finally, shikonin treatment significantly prolonged the survival period of mice bearing P388 leukemia. Our results indicate that the tumor proteasome is one of the cellular targets of shikonin and inhibition of the proteasome activity by shikonin contributes to its antitumor property.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanjie Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guangzhou Medical College, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
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Xuan Y, Hu X. Naturally-occurring shikonin analogues – A class of necroptotic inducers that circumvent cancer drug resistance. Cancer Lett 2009; 274:233-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2008.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2008] [Revised: 05/25/2008] [Accepted: 09/14/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Wu SJ, Qi JL, Zhang WJ, Liu SH, Xiao FH, Zhang MS, Xu GH, Zhao WG, Shi MW, Pang YJ, Shen HG, Yang YH. Nitric oxide regulates shikonin formation in suspension-cultured Onosma paniculatum cells. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2009; 50:118-28. [PMID: 19022805 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcn178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Endogenously occurring nitric oxide (NO) is involved in the regulation of shikonin formation in Onosma paniculatum cells. NO generated after cells were inoculated into shikonin production medium reached the highest level after 2 d of culture, which was 16 times that at the beginning of the experiment, and maintained a high level for 6 d. A nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), and a nitrate reductase (NR) inhibitor, sodium azide (SoA), consistent with their inhibition of NO biosynthesis, decreased shikonin formation significantly. This reduction could be alleviated or even abolished by exogenous NO supplied by sodium nitroprusside (SNP), suggesting that the inhibition of NO biosynthesis resulted in decreased shikonin formation. However, when endogenous NO biosynthesis was up-regulated by the elicitor from Rhizoctonia cerealis, shikonin production was enhanced further, showing a dependence on the elicitor-induced NO burst. Real-time PCR analysis showed that NO could significantly up-regulate the expression of PAL, PGT and HMGR, which encode key enzymes involved in shikonin biosynthesis. These results demonstrated that NO plays a critical role in shikonin formation in O. paniculatum cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Jing Wu
- Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, PR China
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Min R, Tong J, Wenjun Y, Wenhu D, Xiaojian Z, Jiacai H, Jian Z, Wantao C, Chenping Z. Growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis in human oral squamous cell carcinoma Tca-8113 cell lines by Shikonin was partly through the inactivation of NF-kappaB pathway. Phytother Res 2008; 22:407-15. [PMID: 18167055 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.2340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Shikonin, a naphthoquinone pigment isolated from the Chinese herbal therapeutic, Zicao, has been shown to exhibit antioxidant and anticancer effects. In this study, its ability to induce apoptosis in cultured Tca-8113 oral cancer cells was studied. Treatment of the Tca-8113 cells with a variety of concentrations of Shikonin (10-40 microm) resulted in dose- and time-dependent sequences of events marked by apoptosis, as shown by the loss of cell viability, chromatin condensation, internucleosomal DNA fragmentation and sub-G1 phase accumulation. Furthermore, apoptosis in the Tca-8113 cells was accompanied by the activation of protease caspase-8, -9, -3 and low expression of Bcl-2 protein. Interestingly, inactivation of the NF-kappaB pathway was found in shikonin-induced apoptosis in Tca-8113 cells. These results raise the possibility that the anti-tumor effects of Shikonin in Tca-8113 cells are at least partly through the inactivation of the NF-kappaB pathway and subsequent activation of protease caspase family. Pharmacological inhibition of the NF-kappaB activity by Shikonin might be a powerful treatment option for OSCC in which activation of NF-kappaB plays a critical role in tumor growth and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruan Min
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated No. 9 People's Hospital, College of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200011, PRC
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LEE HJ, LEE HJ, MAGESH V, NAM D, LEE EO, AHN KS, JUNG MH, AHN KS, KIM DK, KIM JY, KIM SH. Shikonin, Acetylshikonin, and Isobutyroylshikonin Inhibit VEGF-induced Angiogenesis and Suppress Tumor Growth in Lewis Lung Carcinoma-bearing Mice. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2008; 128:1681-8. [DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.128.1681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hyo-Jung LEE
- Cancer Preventive Material Development Research Center, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyunghee University
| | - Hyo-Jeong LEE
- Cancer Preventive Material Development Research Center, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyunghee University
| | - Venkataraman MAGESH
- Cancer Preventive Material Development Research Center, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyunghee University
| | - Dongwoo NAM
- Cancer Preventive Material Development Research Center, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyunghee University
| | - Eun-Ok LEE
- Cancer Preventive Material Development Research Center, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyunghee University
| | - Kwang Seok AHN
- Cancer Preventive Material Development Research Center, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyunghee University
| | | | - Kyoo-Seok AHN
- Cancer Preventive Material Development Research Center, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyunghee University
| | | | - Ji-Young KIM
- Graduate School of Biotechnology and Institute of Life Sciences and Resources, Kyunghee University
| | - Sung-Hoon KIM
- Cancer Preventive Material Development Research Center, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyunghee University
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Chang MJ, Huang HC, Chang HC, Chang TM. Cosmetic formulations containing Lithospermum erythrorhizon root extract show moisturizing effects on human skin. Arch Dermatol Res 2008; 300:317-23. [PMID: 18542977 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-008-0867-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2007] [Revised: 04/09/2008] [Accepted: 05/23/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Retention of water in the stratum corneum of skin epidermis plays an important role in regulation of skin function. Loss of water may decline skin appearance gradually and lead to irregular skin disorders. The root extract of Lithospermum erythrorhizon (LES) is known for its various pharmacological activities. However, the potential skin care effect of LES is not clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the moisturizing efficacy and skin barrier repairing activity of LES. For this study, 30 healthy Asian females (age 20-30) with healthy skin had applied the test emulsions twice daily over a period of 28 days. The skin properties were measured by skin bioengineering techniques. Our preliminary results indicated that LES show moisturizing effect on skin hydration in a time- and dose-dependent pattern, and the maximum increase in skin humidity was 11.77 +/- 1.18% for emulsion LES5.00. Particularly, LES-containing emulsions significantly improve skin barrier function by decreasing the value of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in a time- and dose-dependent pattern, and the maximum decrease in TEWL value was 7.68 +/- 0.79% for emulsion LES5.00. Taken together, our data demonstrate that LES is more effective in increasing skin humidity and decreasing the TEWL values, indicating the potential skin care effects of LES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Jau Chang
- Graduate Institute of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
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Cho HR, Cho Y, Kim J, Seo DB, Kim SH, Lee SJ, Kim NI. The Effect of Gromwell (Lithospermum erythrorhizon) Extract on the Stratum Corneum Hydration and Ceramides Content in Atopic Dermatitis Patients. Ann Dermatol 2008; 20:56-66. [PMID: 27303161 PMCID: PMC4904053 DOI: 10.5021/ad.2008.20.2.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2007] [Accepted: 03/27/2008] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A disruption of the balance between the water content of the stratum corneum (SC) and skin surface lipids may lead to the clinical manifestation of dryness of skin in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). OBJECTIVE To determine whether supplementation of gromwell (Lithospermum erythrorhizon), one of herbs used in East Asia in remedies for various abnormal skin conditions, may improve the SC level of hydration and ceramides, major lipid in SC in patients with AD. METHODS A total of 28 subjects with AD were randomly assigned into two groups: either gromwell group received dextrose contained capsules with 1.5 g of gromwell extracts or placebo group received only dextrose contained capsules for 10 weeks. RESULTS In contrast to no alteration of SC hydration and ceramides in placebo group, the SC hydration in gromwell group was significantly increased in parallel with an increase of SC ceramides. Furthermore, % increase of SC hydration in gromwell group bore a positive correlation with the clinical severity, which suggests that the increase of SC hydration in gromwell group was more effective as AD was more severe. CONCLUSION Supplementation of gromwell improves SC hydration in parallel with an increase of ceramides in part.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Ryung Cho
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yunhi Cho
- Department of Medical Nutrition, Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Juyoung Kim
- Department of Medical Nutrition, Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dae Bang Seo
- Amorepacific Corporation R & D Center, Yongin, Korea
| | | | - Sang Jun Lee
- Amorepacific Corporation R & D Center, Yongin, Korea
| | - Nack In Kim
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
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Han W, Li L, Qiu S, Lu Q, Pan Q, Gu Y, Luo J, Hu X. Shikonin circumvents cancer drug resistance by induction of a necroptotic death. Mol Cancer Ther 2007; 6:1641-9. [PMID: 17513612 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-06-0511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 297] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Defect in apoptotic signaling and up-regulation of drug transporters in cancer cells significantly limits the effectiveness of cancer chemotherapy. We propose that an agent inducing non-apoptotic cell death may overcome cancer drug resistance and showed that shikonin, a naturally occurring naphthoquinone, induced a cell death in MCF-7 and HEK293 distinct from apoptosis and characterized with (a) a morphology of necrotic cell death; (b) loss of plasma membrane integrity; (c) loss of mitochondrial membrane potentials; (d) activation of autophagy as a downstream consequence of cell death, but not a contributing factor; (e) elevation of reactive oxygen species with no critical roles contributing to cell death; and (f) that the cell death was prevented by a small molecule, necrostatin-1, that specifically prevents cells from necroptosis. The characteristics fully comply with those of necroptosis, a basic cell-death pathway recently identified by Degterev et al. with potential relevance to human pathology. Furthermore, we proved that shikonin showed a similar potency toward drug-sensitive cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and HEK293) and their drug-resistant lines overexpressing P-glycoprotein, Bcl-2, or Bcl-x(L), which account for most of the clinical cancer drug resistance. To our best knowledge, this is the first report to document the induction of necroptosis by a small molecular compound to circumvent cancer drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Han
- Cancer Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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