Berberine reverses epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and inhibits metastasis and tumor-induced angiogenesis in human cervical cancer cells

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

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

Modulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 signaling pathways in cancer angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis by natural compounds: a comprehensive and critical review

Tumor cells employ multiple signaling mediators to escape the hypoxic condition and trigger angiogenesis and metastasis. As a critical orchestrate of tumorigenic conditions, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is responsible for stimulating several target genes and dysregulated pathways in tumor invasion and migration. Therefore, targeting HIF-1 pathway and cross-talked mediators seems to be a novel strategy in cancer prevention and treatment. In recent decades, tremendous efforts have been made to develop multi-targeted therapies to modulate several dysregulated pathways in cancer angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. In this line, natural compounds have shown a bright future in combating angiogenic and metastatic conditions. Among the natural secondary metabolites, we have evaluated the critical potential of phenolic compounds, terpenes/terpenoids, alkaloids, sulfur compounds, marine- and microbe-derived agents in the attenuation of HIF-1, and interconnected pathways in fighting tumor-associated angiogenesis and invasion. This is the first comprehensive review on natural constituents as potential regulators of HIF-1 and interconnected pathways against cancer angiogenesis and metastasis. This review aims to reshape the previous strategies in cancer prevention and treatment.

Anti-tumor therapy of glycyrrhetinic acid targeted liposome co-delivery of doxorubicin and berberine for hepatocellular carcinoma

During the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), hepatic stellate cells undergo activation and transform into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) due to the influence of tumor cells. The interaction between CAFs and tumor cells can compromise the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs and promote tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. This study explores the potential of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA)-modified liposomes (lip-GA) as a strategy for co-delivery of berberine (Ber) and doxorubicin (Dox) to treat HCC. The characterizations of liposomes, including particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, stability and in vitro drug release, were investigated. The study evaluated the anti-proliferation and anti-migration effects of Dox&Ber@lip-GA on the Huh-7 + LX-2 cell model were through MTT and wound-healing assays. Additionally, the in vivo drug distribution and anti-tumor efficacy were investigated using the H22 + NIH-3T3-bearing mouse model. The results indicated that Dox&Ber@lip-GA exhibited a nanoscale particle size, accumulated specifically in the tumor region, and was efficiently taken up by tumor cells. Compared to other groups, Dox&Ber@lip-GA demonstrated higher cytotoxicity and lower migration rates. Additionally, it significantly reduced the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and inhibited tumor angiogenesis, thereby suppressing tumor growth. In conclusion, Dox&Ber@lip-GA exhibited superior anti-tumor effects both in vitro and in vivo, highlighting its potential as an effective therapeutic strategy for combating HCC.

The pharmacological effects of Berberine and its therapeutic potential in different diseases: Role of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT signaling pathway

The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway plays a central role in cell growth and survival and is disturbed in various pathologies. The PI3K is a kinase that generates phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PI (3-5) P3), as a second messenger responsible for the translocation of AKT to the plasma membrane and its activation. However, due to the crucial role of the PI3K/AKT pathway in regulation of cell survival processes, it has been introduced as a main therapeutic target for natural compounds during the progression of different pathologies. Berberine, a plant-derived isoquinone alkaloid, is known because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antitumor properties. The effect of this natural compound on cell survival processes has been shown to be mediated by modulation of the intracellular pathways. However, the effects of this natural compound on the PI3K/AKT pathway in various pathologies have not been reviewed so far. Therefore, this paper aims to review the PI3K/AKT-mediated effects of Berberine in different types of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, and central nervous system diseases.

The composition, pharmacological effects, related mechanisms and drug delivery of alkaloids from Corydalis yanhusuo

Corydalis yanhusuo W. T. Wang, also known as yanhusuo, yuanhu, yanhu and xuanhu, is one of the herb components of many Chinese Traditional Medicine prescriptions such as Jin Ling Zi San and Yuanhu-Zhitong priscription. C. yanhusuo was traditionally used to relieve pain and motivate blood and Qi circulation. Now there has been growing interest in pharmacological effects of alkaloids, the main bioactive components of C. yanhusuo. Eighty-four alkaloids isolated from C. yanhusuo are its important bioactive components and can be characterized into protoberberine alkaloids, aporphine alkaloids, opiate alkaloids and others and proper extraction or co-administration methods modulate their contents and efficacy. Alkaloids from C. yanhusuo have various pharmacological effects on the nervous system, cardiovascular system, cancer and others through multiple molecular mechanisms such as modulating neurotransmitters, ion channels, gut microbiota, HPA axis and signaling pathways and are potential treatments for many diseases. Plenty of novel drug delivery methods such as autologous red blood cells, self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems, nanoparticles and others have also been investigated to better exert the effects of alkaloids from C. yanhusuo. This review summarized the alkaloid components of C. yanhusuo, their pharmacological effects and mechanisms, and methods of drug delivery to lay a foundation for future investigations.

Berberine-loaded engineered nanoparticles attenuate TGF-β-induced remodelling in human bronchial epithelial cells

Airway remodelling occurs in chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is characterized by aberrant activation of epithelial reparation, excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and airway obstruction. The master regulator is Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β), which activates tissue repair, release of growth factors, EMT, increased cell proliferation, and reduced nitric oxide (NO) secretion. Due to its fundamental role in remodelling, TGF-β is an emerging target in the treatment of CRDs. Berberine is a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic activities whose clinical application is hampered by poor permeability. To overcome these limitations, in this study, berberine was encapsulated in monoolein-based liquid crystalline nanoparticles (BM-LCNs). The potential of BM-LCNs in inhibiting TGF-β-induced remodelling features in human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) was tested. BM-LCNs significantly inhibited TGF-β-induced migration, reducing the levels of proteins upregulated by TGF-β including endoglin, thrombospondin-1, basic fibroblast growth factor, vascular-endothelial growth factor, and myeloperoxidase, and increasing the levels of cystatin C, a protein whose expression was downregulated by TGF-β. Furthermore, BM-LCNs restored baseline NO levels downregulated by TGF-β. The results prove the in vitro therapeutic efficacy of BM-LCNs in counteracting TGF-β-induced remodelling features. This study supports the suitability of berberine-loaded drug delivery systems to counteract airway remodelling, with potential application as a treatment strategy against CRDs.

Current understanding and future prospects on Berberine for anticancer therapy

Berberine (BBR) is a potential plant metabolite and has remarkable anticancer properties. Many kinds of research are being focused on the cytotoxic activity of berberine in in vitro and in vivo studies. A variety of molecular targets which lead to the anticancer effect of berberine ranges from p-53 activation, Cyclin B expression for arresting cell cycles; protein kinase B (AKT), MAP kinase and IKB kinase for antiproliferative activity; effect on beclin-1 involved in autophagy; reduced expression of MMP-9 and MMP-2 for the inhibition of invasion and metastasis etc. Berberine also interferes with transcription factor-1 (AP-1) activity responsible for the expression of oncogenes and neoplastic transformation of the cell. It also leads to the inhibition of various enzymes which are directly or indirectly involved in carcinogenesis like N acetyl transferase, Cyclo-oxygenase-2, Telomerase and Topoisomerase. In addition to these actions, Berberine plays a role in, the regulation of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines in preventing cancer formation. Berberine anticancer properties are demonstrated due to the interaction of berberine with micro-RNA. The summarized information presented in this review article may help and lead the researchers, scientists/industry persons to use berberine as a promising candidate against cancer.

Pharmacotherapeutic values of berberine: A Chinese herbal medicine for the human cancer management

Berberine (BBR), a traditional Chinese phytomedicine extracted from various parts of Berberis plants, is an isoquinoline alkaloid used for centuries to treat diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and so forth. It has recently received immense attention worldwide to treat cancer due to its potent pro-apoptotic, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory properties. BBR efficiently induces tumor apoptosis, replicative quiescence and abrogates cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, tumor neovascularization, and metastasis by modulating diverse molecular and cell signaling pathways. Furthermore, BBR could also reverse drug resistance, make tumor cells sensitive to current cancer treatment and significantly minimize the harmful side effects of cytotoxic therapies. This review comprehensively analyzed the pharmacological effects of BBR against the development, growth, progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance in wide varieties of cancer. Also, it critically discusses the significant limitations behind the development of BBR into pharmaceuticals to treat cancer and the future research directions to overcome these limitations.

13-Butoxyberberine Bromide Inhibits Migration and Invasion in Skin Cancer A431 Cells

Cancer metastasis is the primary cause of cancer morbidity and mortality. Anti-metastasis mechanism of skin cancer by 13-butoxyberberine bromide, a novel berberine derivative, has not yet been reported. This study investigated the effects of 13-butoxyberberine bromide on migration and invasion of skin cancer A431 cells. The cytotoxicity of 13-butoxyberberine bromide was determined by MTT assay. The effect of 13-butoxyberberine bromide on cell migration and invasion were examined using a wound-healing assay, transwell migration assay, and transwell invasion assay, respectively. The cell adhesion ability was determined by an adhesion assay. Protein expressions that play important roles in cancer migration and invasion were evaluated by Western blot analysis. The results showed that 13-butoxyberberine bromide effectively inhibited cell migration, invasion, and adhesion in A431 cells. Interestingly, 13-butoxyberberine bromide was more effective for cell migration inhibition than berberine. In addition, 13-butoxyberberine bromide showed anti-migration and anti-invasion effects by down-regulated MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression and up-regulated TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 expression in A431 cells. Moreover, pretreatment with 13-butoxyberberine bromide significantly inhibited EGF-induced cell migration and p-EGFR, ERK, p-ERK, STAT3, and p-STAT3 expressions in A431 cells at lower concentrations when compared with the berberine. These findings indicated that 13-butoxyberberine bromide could be further developed as an anticancer agent.

Probing the Efficiency of 13-Pyridylalkyl Berberine Derivatives to Human Telomeric G-Quadruplexes Binding: Spectroscopic, Solid State and In Silico Analysis

The interaction between the series of berberine derivatives 1-5 (NAX071, NAX120, NAX075, NAX077 and NAX079) and human telomeric G-quadruplexes (G4), which are able to inhibit the Telomerase enzyme's activity in malignant cells, was investigated. The derivatives bear a pyridine moiety connected by a hydrocarbon linker of varying length (n = 1-5, with n number of aliphatic carbon atoms) to the C13 position of the parent berberine. As for the G4s, both bimolecular 5'-TAGGGTTAGGGT-3' (Tel12) and monomolecular 5'-TAGGGTTAGGGTTAGGGTTAGGG-3' (Tel23) DNA oligonucleotides were considered. Spectrophotometric titrations, melting tests, X-ray diffraction solid state analysis and in silico molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to describe the different systems. The results were compared in search of structure-activity relationships. The analysis pointed out the formation of 1:1 complexes between Tel12 and all ligands, whereas both 1:1 and 2:1 ligand/G4 stoichiometries were found for the adduct formed by NAX071 (n = 1). Tel12, with tetrads free from the hindrance by the loop, showed a higher affinity. The details of the different binding geometries were discussed, highlighting the importance of H-bonds given by the berberine benzodioxole group and a correlation between the strength of binding and the hydrocarbon linker length. Theoretical (MD) and experimental (X-ray) structural studies evidence the possibility for the berberine core to interact with one or both G4 strands, depending on the constraints given by the linker length, thus affecting the G4 stabilization effect.

Anti-tumor effect of berberine on chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a blood malignancy that is characterized by remarkable expression of CD69 and Ki67 in CLL cells. Elevated levels of Cleaved-Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) and microRNA-155 (MiR-155) are related to poor prognosis of disease. Berberine as a natural isoquinoline alkaloid, has shown an anti-tumor potential in tumor cells. The objective of present study was to explore some aspects of molecular mechanisms of berberine effect in CLL cells. To analyze the expression of CD69 and Ki67 using flow cytometry, 16 peripheral blood samples and seven bone marrow aspirates were collected from CLL patients. Isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs) were treated with 25 µM of berberine for 24 h. The level of miR-155 expression was subsequently evaluated by real-time PCR. Furthermore, western blot was used for assessment of cleaved PARP1. Our results demonstrated a significant reduction in CD69 and Ki67 expression on CD19⁺ cells when the cells were treated by berberine. Interestingly, the expression level of miR-155 was reduced after berberine treatment in compare to the control group. Furthermore, western blotting revealed an increased level of cleaved PARP1 in dose-dependently manner in CLL cells. The results confirmed the anti-tumor impact of berberine on CLL cells through reducing CD69, Ki67, and miR-155 expression and increasing cleaved PARP1 may be considered as an option for future clinical studies.

Berberine: An Important Emphasis on Its Anticancer Effects through Modulation of Various Cell Signaling Pathways

Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of disease and a major cause of death worldwide. Despite advancement in various treatment modules, there has been little improvement in survival rates and side effects associated with this disease. Medicinal plants or their bioactive compounds have been extensively studied for their anticancer potential. Novel drugs based on natural products are urgently needed to manage cancer through attenuation of different cell signaling pathways. In this regard, berberine is a bioactive alkaloid that is found in variety of plants, and an inverse association has been revealed between its consumption and cancer. Berberine exhibits an anticancer role through scavenging free radicals, induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of angiogenesis, inflammation, PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Wnt/β-catenin, and the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. In addition, synergistic effects of berberine with anticancer drugs or natural compounds have been proven in several cancers. This review outlines the anticancer effects and mechanisms of action of berberine in different cancers through modulation of various cell signaling pathways. Moreover, the recent developments in the drug delivery systems and synergistic effect of berberine are explained.

Anticancer Effects and Mechanisms of Berberine from Medicinal Herbs: An Update Review

Cancer has been a serious public health problem. Berberine is a famous natural compound from medicinal herbs and shows many bioactivities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, and antimicrobial activities. In addition, berberine shows anticancer effects on a variety of cancers, such as breast, lung, gastric, liver, colorectal, ovarian, cervical, and prostate cancers. The underlying mechanisms of action include inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, suppressing metastasis, inducing apoptosis, activating autophagy, regulating gut microbiota, and improving the effects of anticancer drugs. This paper summarizes effectiveness and mechanisms of berberine on different cancers and highlights the mechanisms of action. In addition, the nanotechnologies to improve bioavailability of berberine are included. Moreover, the side effects of berberine are also discussed. This paper is helpful for the prevention and treatment of cancers using berberine.

Underlying Anticancer Mechanisms and Synergistic Combinations of Phytochemicals with Cancer Chemotherapeutics: Potential Benefits and Risks

Cancer therapies are associated with various challenges including the emergence of multidrug resistant tumors, toxicological issues, severe side effects, and economic burden. To counteract these effects, natural products as substitutes and adjuvant therapies have received considerable attention owing to their safety, efficacy, and economic aspects. Various preclinical and clinical studies revealed that natural products and their combinations with chemotherapeutics mediate their anticancer effects via modulation of various signaling pathways implicated in promoting apoptosis, inhibiting excessive cellular proliferation, and mobilizing the immune system. Several lead phytochemicals including curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, and cannabinoids synergistically act with cancer chemotherapeutics reducing cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. However, clinical studies on the subject matter are limited and need further extensive studies. It has been observed that patients undergoing chemotherapy use alternative therapies to ameliorate the symptoms associated with the use of chemotherapeutic agents. Nevertheless, some of the patients inform their physicians regarding herbal medicine during chemotherapy while others do not, and even most of the patients do not know the composition of herbal medicine they consume during chemotherapy. Herbal interactions with chemotherapeutics are associated with both beneficial and harmful aspects, but the beneficial aspect overweighs the harmful ones in terms of controlling the symptoms associated with the chemotherapy. Nonetheless, a large number of herbal medicines have been demonstrated to have synergistic effect with chemotherapy and alleviate the side effects of chemotherapeutic agents. The concomitant use of the majority of herbal medicines with chemotherapy has been demonstrated to be beneficial in multiple malignant tumors like cancer of blood, lungs, kidneys, liver, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. However, herbal medicines which possess positive interaction and improve the quality of life of patients should be sorted out and integrated with the chemotherapy. There should be a quality control system for the appraisal of herbal medicine, and there should also be an appropriate system of patient-doctor communication to counsel the patients regarding the beneficial and deleterious effects of the herbal medicine in combination with chemotherapy.

Reduction of invasion and cell stemness and induction of apoptotic cell death by Cinnamomum cassia extracts on human osteosarcoma cells

Cinnamomum cassia possesses antioxidative activity and induces the apoptotic properties of various cancer types. However, its effect on osteosarcoma invasion and cancer stemness remains ambiguous. Here, we examined the molecular evidence of the anti-invasive effects of ethanoic C. cassia extracts (CCE). Invasion and migration were obviously suppressed after the expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator and matrix metalloprotein 2 in human osteosarcoma 143B cells were downregulated. CCE reversed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by transforming growth factor β1 and downregulated mesenchymal markers, such as snail-1 and RhoA. CCE suppressed self-renewal property and the expression of stemness genes (aldehyde dehydrogenase, Nanog, and CD44) in the 143B cells. CCE suppressed cell viability, reduced the colony formation of osteosarcoma cancer cells, and induced apoptotic cell death in the 143B cells, as indicated by caspase-9 activation. The xenograft tumor model of immunodeficient BALB/c nude mice showed that CCE administered in vivo through oral gavage inhibited the growth of implanted 143B cells. These findings indicated that CCE inhibited the invasion, migration, and cancer stemness of the 143B cells. CCE reduced proliferation of 143B cell possibly because of the activation of caspase-9 and the consequent apoptosis, suggesting that CCE is a potential anticancer supplement for osteosarcoma.

Evaluation of the Cytotoxic Activity and Anti-Migratory Effect of Berberine–Phytantriol Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticle Formulation on Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer In Vitro

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common form of lung cancer, which is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid that is commercially available for use as a supplement for the treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. However, the therapeutic benefits of berberine are limited by its extremely low bioavailability and toxicity at higher doses. Increasing evidence suggests that the incorporation of drug compounds in liquid crystal nanoparticles provides a new platform for the safe, effective, stable, and controlled delivery of the drug molecules. This study aimed to formulate an optimized formulation of berberine–phytantriol-loaded liquid crystalline nanoparticles (BP-LCNs) and to investigate the in vitro anti-cancer activity in a human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell line. The BP-LCN formulation possessing optimal characteristics that was used in this study had a favorable particle size and entrapment efficiency rate (75.31%) and a superior drug release profile. The potential mechanism of action of the formulation was determined by measuring the mRNA levels of the tumor-associated genes PTEN, P53, and KRT18 and the protein expression levels with a human oncology protein array. BP-LCNs decreased the proliferation, migration, and colony-forming activity of A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner by upregulating the mRNA expression of PTEN and P53 and downregulating the mRNA expression of KRT18. Similarly, BP-LCNs also decreased the expression of proteins related to cancer cell proliferation and migration. This study highlights the utility of phytantriol-based LCNs in incorporating drug molecules with low GI absorption and bioavailability to increase their pharmacological effectiveness and potency in NSCLC.

Antiproliferative Effect of Phellodendron amurense Rupr. Based on Angiogenesis

Phellodendron amurense Rupr. is medicinal plant used for supplemental therapy of various diseases based on their positive biological activities. The aim of this study was evaluated the main metabolite, safety of application and anticancer potential. Berberine was determined by HPLC as main alkaloid. Harmful character was determined by irritation test in ovo. The potential cancerogenic effect was studied in vitro on a cellular level, in ovo by CAM assay and in vivo on whole organism Artemia franciscana. Extract from the bark of Phellodendron amurense showed antiproliferative and antiangiogenic effects. The results of our work showed promising anticancer effects based also on the inhibition of angiogenesis with minimum negative effects.

Berberine as a Potential Agent for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed and deadly malignancies worldwide. The incidence of CRC has been increasing, especially in young people. Although great advances have been made in managing CRC, the prognosis is unfavorable. Numerous studies have shown that berberine (BBR) is a safe and effective agent presenting significant antitumor effects. Nevertheless, the detailed underlying mechanism in treating CRC remains indistinct. In this review, we herein offer beneficial evidence for the utilization of BBR in the management and treatment of CRC, and describe the underlying mechanism(s). The review emphasizes several therapeutic effects of BBR and confirms that BBR could suppress CRC by modulating gene expression, the cell cycle, the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and several signaling pathways. In addition, BBR also displays antitumor effects in CRC by regulating the gut microbiota and mucosal barrier function. This review emphasizes BBR as a potentially effective and safe drug for CRC therapy.

Phytocompounds from the medicinal and dietary plants: Multi-target agents for cancer prevention and therapy

Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Due to cervical cancer's high incidence and mortality, there is an unmet demand for effective diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive agents. At present, the preferred treatment strategies for advanced metastatic cervical cancer include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, cervical cancer is gradually developing resistance to chemotherapy, thereby reducing its efficacy. Over the last several decades, phytochemicals, a general term for compounds produced from plants, have gained attention for their role in preventing cervical cancer. This role in cervical cancer prevention has garnered attention on the medicinal properties of fruits and vegetables. Phytochemicals are currently being evaluated for their ability to block proteins involved in carcinogenesis and chemoresistance against cervical cancer. Chemoresistance to cancer drugs like cisplatin, doxorubicin, and 5-fluorouracil has become a significant limitation of drug-based chemotherapy. However, the combination of cisplatin with other phytochemicals has been identified as a promising alternative to subjugate cisplatin resistance. Phytochemicals are promising chemo-preventive and chemotherapeutic agents as they possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative potential against many cancers, including cervical cancer. Furthermore, the ability of the phytochemicals to modulate cellular signaling pathways through up and down regulation of various proteins has been claimed for their therapeutic potential. Phytochemicals also display a wide range of biological functions, including cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, inhibition of invasion, and migration in cervical cancer cells. Numerous studies have revealed the critical role of different signaling proteins and their signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer. Here, we review the ability of several dietary phytochemicals to alter carcinogenesis by modulating various molecular targets.

Anticancer mechanisms of Berberine: a good choice for glioblastoma multiforme therapy

The most typical malignant brain tumor, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), seems to have a grim outcome, despite the intensive multi-modality interventions. Literature suggests that biologically active phytomolecules may exert anticancer properties by regulating several signaling pathways. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, has various pharmacological applications to combat severe diseases like cancer. Mechanistically, Berberine inhibits cell proliferation and invasion, suppresses tumor angiogenesis, and induces cell apoptosis. The effect of the antitumoral effect of Berberine in GBM is increasingly recognized. This review sheds new light on the regulatory signaling mechanisms of Berberine in various cancer, proposing its potential role as a therapeutic agent for GBM. ‎.

A Low Dose Combination of Withaferin A and Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Possesses Anti-Metastatic Potential In Vitro: Molecular Targets and Mechanisms

Simple Summary

Cancer therapy suffers from its high cost and high rate of adverse effects and relapse of the disease. Hence, the new (preferably natural), economic and safer therapeutic as well preventive measures have been on demand and have been subject of priority research. We have, earlier, demonstrated anticancer activity in the extracts of Ashwagandha leaves and propolis. A combination of Wi-A (an active anticancer ingredient in Ashwagandha extract) and CAPE (an active anticancer ingredient in propolis) was earlier shown to offer higher and cancer cell-selective cytotoxicity. In the present study, we report an anti-metastasis activity in the low dose combination of Wi-A and CAPE along with its mechanism of action and propose its use in cancer metastasis treatment.

Abstract

Withaferin A (Wi-A) and Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) are the bioactive ingredients of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and propolis, respectively. Both of these natural compounds have been shown to possess anticancer activity. In the present study, we recruited a low dose of each of these compounds and developed a combination that exhibited remarkably potent anti-migratory and anti-angiogenic activities. Extensive molecular analyses including a cDNA array and expression analyses of the specific gene targets demonstrated that such activities are mediated through their effect on cell adhesion/tight junction proteins (Claudins, E-cadherin), inhibition of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways and the consequent downregulation of EMT-signaling proteins (Vimentin, MMPs, VEGF and VEGFR) that play a critical role in cancer metastasis. The data supported that this novel combination of Wi-A and CAPE (Wi-ACAPE, containing 0.5 µM of Wi-A and 10 µM of CAPE) may be recruited for the treatment of metastatic and aggressive cancers and, hence, warrant further evaluation by recruiting a variety of experimental and clinical metastatic models.

Targeting Aberrant Expression of STAT3 and AP-1 Oncogenic Transcription Factors and HPV Oncoproteins in Cervical Cancer by Berberis aquifolium

Background: Present study examines phytochemical preparation that uses berberine's plant source B. aquifolium root for availability of similar anti-cervical cancer (CaCx) and anti-HPV activities to facilitate repurposing of the B. aquifolium based drug in the treatment of CaCx. Purpose: To evaluate therapeutic potential of different concentrations of ethanolic extract of B. aquifolium root mother tincture (BAMT) against HPV-positive (HPV16: SiHa, HPV18: HeLa) and HPV-negative (C33a) CaCx cell lines at molecular oncogenic level. Materials and Methods: BAMT was screened for anti-proliferative activity by MTT assay. Cell cycle progression was analyzed by flowcytometry. Then, the expression level of STAT3, AP-1, HPV E6 and E7 was detected by immunoblotting, whereas nuclear localization was observed by fluorescence microscopy. Phytochemicals reportedly available in BAMT were examined for their inhibitory action on HPV16 E6 by in silico molecular docking. Results: BAMT induced a dose-dependent decline in CaCx cell viability in all cell types tested. Flowcytometric evaluation of BAMT-treated cells showed a small but specific cell growth arrest in G1-phase. BAMT-treatment resulted in reduced protein expression of key transcription factors, STAT3 with a decline of its active form pSTAT3 (Y705); and components of AP-1 complex, JunB and c-Jun. Immunocytochemistry revealed that BAMT did not prevent the entry of remnant active transcription factor to the nucleus, but loss of overall transcription factor activity resulted in reduced availability of transcription factors in the cancer cells. These changes were accompanied by gradual loss of HPV E6 and E7 protein in BAMT-treated HPV-positive cells. Molecular docking of reported active phytochemicals in B. aquifolium root was performed, which indicated a potential interference of HPV16 E6's interaction with pivotal cellular targets p53, E6AP or both by constituent phytochemicals. Among these, berberine, palmatine and magnoflorine showed highest E6 inhibitory potential. Conclusion: Overall, BAMT showed multi-pronged therapeutic potential against HPV infection and cervical cancer and the study described the underlying molecular mechanism of its action.

Berberine Suppresses EMT in Liver and Gastric Carcinoma Cells through Combination with TGFβR Regulating TGF-β/Smad Pathway

Berberine (BBR), a natural alkaloid derived from Coptis, has anticancer activity. Some researchers have found that it could restrain epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of melanoma, neuroblastoma, and other tumor cells. However, it is unclear whether BBR can reverse EMT in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and gastric carcinoma (GC). In our study, BBR inhibited the migration and invasion of HepG2, MGC803, and SGC7901 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Transcription sequencing assays showed that Vimentin, MMP, and Smad3 were downregulated, but Smad2, Smad6, TAB2, ZO-1, and claudin 7 were upregulated when treated with BBR. GO Enrichment analysis of KEGG pathway showed that BBR significantly inhibited TGF-β/Smad at 12 h, then, PI3K/Akt and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways at 24 h, which were closely related to the proliferation, migration, and EMT. The results of the transcriptome sequencing analysis were verified by Western Blot. It showed that the expression of epithelial marker E-cadherin and ZO-1 remarkably augmented with BBR treatment, as well as declined mesenchymal markers, including N-cadherin and Vimentin, decreased transcription factor Snail and Slug. The effects of BBR were similar to those of the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and TGF-β receptor inhibitor SB431542. Furthermore, β-catenin and phosphorylation of AKT, Smad2, and Smad3 were changed dose-dependently by BBR treatment, which upregulated p-Smad2 and downregulated the others. Combined with LY or SB, respectively, BBR could enhance the effects of the two inhibitors. Simultaneously, IGF-1 and TGF-β, which is the activator of PI3K/AKT and TGF-β/Smad, respectively, could reverse the anti-EMT effect of BBR. The Molecular Docking results showed BBR had a high affinity with the TGF-β receptor I (TGFβR1), and the binding energy was -7.5 kcal/mol, which is better than the original ligand of TGFβR1. Although the affinity of BBR with TGF-β receptor II (TGFβR2) was lower than the original ligand of TGFβR2, the more considerable negative binding energy (-8.54 kcal/mol) was obtained. BBR upregulated p-Smad2, which was different from other reports, indicating that the function of Smad2 was relatively complex. Combination BBR with SB could enhance the effect of the inhibitor on EMT, and the results indicated that BBR binding to TGFβR was not competitive with SB to TGFβR since different binding amino acid sites. Our experiments demonstrated BBR increased p-Smad2 and decreased p-Smad3 by binding to TGFβR1 and TGβFR2 inhibiting TGF-β/Smad, then, PI3K/AKT and other signaling pathways to restrain EMT, metastasis, and invasion in tumor cells. The effect of BBR was similar on the three tumor cells.

Potential of natural products in osteosarcoma treatment: Focus on molecular mechanisms

Osteosarcoma is the most frequent type of bone cancer found in children and adolescents, and commonly arises in the metaphyseal region of tubular long bones. Standard therapeutic approaches, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, are used in the management of osteosarcoma. In recent years, the mortality rate of osteosarcoma has decreased due to advances in treatment methods. Today, the scientific community is investigating the use of different naturally derived active principles against various types of cancer. Natural bioactive compounds can function against cancer cells in two ways. Firstly they can act as classical cytotoxic compounds by non-specifically affecting macromolecules, such as DNA, enzymes, and microtubules, which are also expressed in normal proliferating cells, but to a greater extent by cancer cells. Secondly, they can act against oncogenic signal transduction pathways, many of which are activated in cancer cells. Some bioactive plant-derived agents are gaining increasing attention because of their anti-cancer properties. Moreover, some naturally-derived compounds can significantly promote the effectiveness of standard chemotherapy drugs, and in certain cases are able to ameliorate drug-induced adverse effects caused by chemotherapy. In the present review we summarize the effects of various naturally-occurring bioactive compounds against osteosarcoma.

Potential Mechanisms of Plant-Derived Natural Products in the Treatment of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the second most common gynecological malignancy globally; it seriously endangers women’s health because of its high morbidity and mortality. Conventional treatments are prone to drug resistance, recurrence and metastasis. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new drugs with high efficacy and low side effects to prevent and treat cervical cancer. In recent years, plant-derived natural products have been evaluated as potential anticancer drugs that preferentially kill tumor cells without severe adverse effects. A growing number of studies have shown that natural products can achieve practical anti-cervical-cancer effects through multiple mechanisms, including inhibition of tumor-cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, suppression of angiogenesis and telomerase activity, enhancement of immunity and reversal of multidrug resistance. This paper reviews the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of plant-derived natural products on cervical cancer and provides references for developing anti-cervical-cancer drugs with high efficacy and low side effects.

Nanocomplex of Berberine with C60 Fullerene Is a Potent Suppressor of Lewis Lung Carcinoma Cells Invasion In Vitro and Metastatic Activity In Vivo

Effective targeting of metastasis is considered the main problem in cancer therapy. The development of herbal alkaloid Berberine (Ber)-based anticancer drugs is limited due to Ber’ low effective concentration, poor membrane permeability, and short plasma half-life. To overcome these limitations, we used Ber noncovalently bound to C₆₀ fullerene (C₆₀). The complexation between C₆₀ and Ber molecules was evidenced with computer simulation. The aim of the present study was to estimate the effect of the free Ber and C₆₀-Ber nanocomplex in a low Ber equivalent concentration on Lewis lung carcinoma cells (LLC) invasion potential, expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in vitro, and the ability of cancer cells to form distant lung metastases in vivo in a mice model of LLC. It was shown that in contrast to free Ber its nanocomplex with C₆₀ demonstrated significantly higher efficiency to suppress invasion potential, to downregulate the level of EMT-inducing transcription factors SNAI1, ZEB1, and TWIST1, to unblock expression of epithelial marker E-cadherin, and to repress cancer stem cells-like markers. More importantly, a relatively low dose of C₆₀-Ber nanocomplex was able to suppress lung metastasis in vivo. These findings indicated that сomplexation of natural alkaloid Ber with C₆₀ can be used as an additional therapeutic strategy against aggressive lung cancer.

Effects of berberine on cholinesterases and monoamine oxidase activities, and antioxidant status in the brain of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats

OBJECTIVES

Several studies had been conducted to examine the link between diabetes and diabetes encephalopathy. This study was conducted to examine the potency of berberine (BER) on the restoration of impaired neurochemicals in the brain of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats.

METHODS

Fifty-six (56) adult rats weighing between 200 and 230 g were randomly divided into seven groups (n=8) as follows; Group I is normal control; Groups II and III were normal rats treated with 50 and 100 mg/kg respectively; Group IV-VII were STZ-induced rats, but Groups V-VII were treated with acarbose (25 mg/kg), 50 and 100 mg/kg of BER, respectively.

RESULTS

The result of the study showed that untreated STZ-induced diabetic rats have increased acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), monoamine oxidase (MAO) activities, and malonylaldehyde (MDA) level, with concomitant decrease of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, and glutathione (GSH) level. However, daily treatment with 50 and 100 mg/kg BER and ACA significantly reversed these effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study clearly indicated that BER possesses neuro-protective and antioxidative potentials and normalize neurochemical impairment distort by diabetes.

α-Solanine Inhibits Proliferation, Invasion, and Migration, and Induces Apoptosis in Human Choriocarcinoma JEG-3 Cells In Vitro and In Vivo

α-Solanine, a bioactive compound mainly found in potato, exhibits anti-cancer activity towards multiple cancer cells. However, its effects on human choriocarcinoma have not been evaluated. In the present study, we investigated the effect of α-solanine on cell proliferation and apoptosis in human choriocarcinoma in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that α-solanine, at concentrations of 30 μM or below, did not affect the cell viability of the choriocarcinoma cell line JEG-3. However, colony formation was significantly decreased and cell apoptosis was increased in response to 30 μM α-solanine. In addition, α-solanine (30 μM) reduced the migration and invasion abilities of JEG-3 cells, which was associated with a downregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2/9. The in vivo findings provided further evidence of the inhibition of α-solanine on choriocarcinoma tumor growth. α-Solanine suppressed the xenograft tumor growth of JEG-3 cells, resulting in smaller tumor volumes and lower tumor weights. Apoptosis was promoted in xenograft tumors of α-solanine-treated mice. Moreover, α-solanine downregulated proliferative cellular nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Bcl-2 levels and promoted the expression of Bax. Collectively, α-solanine inhibits the growth, migration, and invasion of human JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells, which may be associated with the induction of apoptosis.

Synthesis and investigation of quadruplex-DNA-binding, 9-O-substituted berberine derivatives

A small series of five novel berberine derivatives was synthesized by the Cu-catalyzed click reaction of 9-propargyladenine with 9-O-(azidoalkyl)berberine derivatives. The association of the resulting berberine-adenine conjugates with representative quadruplex-forming oligonucleotides 22AG dA(G3TTA)3G3 and a2 d(ACAG4TGTG4)2 was examined with photometric and fluorimetric titrations, thermal DNA denaturation analysis, and CD spectroscopy. The results from the spectrometric titrations indicated the formation of 2:1 or 1:1 complexes (ligand:G4-DNA) with log K b values of 10-11 (2:1) and 5-6 (1:1), which are typical for berberine derivatives. Notably, a clear relationship between the binding affinity of the ligands with the length of the alkyl linker chain, n, was not observed. However, depending on the structure, the ligands exhibited different effects when bound to the G4-DNA, such as fluorescent light-up effects and formation of ICD bands, which are mostly pronounced with a linker length of n = 4 (with a2) and n = 5 (with 22AG), thus indicating that each ligand-G4-DNA complex has a specific structure with respect to relative alignment and conformational flexibility of the ligand in the binding site. It was shown exemplarily with one representative ligand from the series that such berberine-adenine conjugates exhibit a selective binding, specifically a selectivity to quadruplex DNA in competition with duplex DNA, and a preferential thermal stabilization of the G4-DNA forms 22AG and KRAS. Notably, the experimental data do not provide evidence for a significant effect of the adenine unit on the binding affinity of the ligands, for example, by additional association with the loops, presumably because the adenine residue is sterically shielded by the neighboring triazole unit.

Berberine reverses epithelial-mesenchymal transition and modulates histone methylation in osteosarcoma cells

Osteosarcoma is the most frequently occurring cancer in children as well as young adolescents and the metastatic forms worsen this condition to a further great extent. The metastatic dissemination of cancer cells is often acquired through a process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Since, phytochemicals have attracted intense interest in recent years due to their diverse pharmacological effects, in the present study, we investigated if berberine, a naturally occurring isoquinoline quaternary alkaloid, could modulate the EMT in osteosarcoma cells. Our experimental studies showed that berberine reduced cell viability, colony formation, wound healing ability and migration of osteosarcoma cells. Also, berberine significantly reduced the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, suggesting its inhibitory action on the matrix metalloproteinases that are required for cancer cell invasion. The significant reduction in the expression of vimentin, N-cadherin, fibronectin and increased expression of E-cadherin further suggested its role in the inhibition of EMT in osteosarcoma cells. The downregulation of H3K27me3, as well as the decreased expression of the histone methyl transferase enzyme EZH2, further substantiated the fact that the plant alkaloid can be used as an epigenetic modulator in the treatment of osteosarcoma. In conclusion, our findings suggest that berberine inhibits proliferation and migration of osteosarcoma cells and most importantly reverses EMT along with modulation of key epigenetic regulators.

Exposure to the natural alkaloid Berberine affects cardiovascular system morphogenesis and functionality during zebrafish development

The plant-derived natural alkaloid berberine displays therapeutic potential to treat several pathological conditions, including dyslipidemias, diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. However, data on berberine effects during embryonic development are scarce and in part controversial. In this study, using zebrafish embryos as vertebrate experimental model, we address the effects of berberine treatment on cardiovascular system development and functionality. Starting from the observation that berberine induces developmental toxicity and pericardial edema in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, we found that treated embryos display cardiac looping defects and, at later stages, present an abnormal heart characterized by a stretched morphology and atrial endocardial/myocardial detachment. Furthermore, berberine affected cardiac functionality of the embryos, promoting bradycardia and reducing the cardiac output, the atrial shortening fraction percentage and the atrial stroke volume. We also found that, during development, berberine interferes with the angiogenic process, without altering vascular permeability. These alterations are associated with increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor aa (vegfaa) mRNA, suggesting an important role for Vegfaa as mediator of berberine-induced cardiovascular defects. Altogether, these data indicate that berberine treatment during vertebrate development leads to an impairment of cardiovascular system morphogenesis and functionality, suggesting a note of caution in its use during pregnancy and lactation.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) and its active constituents: A critical review of their efficacy and toxicological issues

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) is a medicinal plant widely used in various traditional systems of medicine and as a food supplement. It has been traditionally used by Native Americans as a coloring agent and as medicinal remedy for common diseases and conditions like wounds, digestive disorders, ulcers, skin and eye ailments, and cancer. Over the years, goldenseal has become a popular food supplement in the USA and other regions. The rhizome of this plant has been used for the treatment of a variety of diseases including, gastrointestinal disorders, ulcers, muscular debility, nervous prostration, constipation, skin and eye infections, cancer, among others. Berberine is one of the most bioactive alkaloid that has been identified in different parts of goldenseal. The goldenseal extract containing berberine showed numerous therapeutic effects such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, neuroprotective (anti-Alzheimer's disease), cardioprotective, and gastrointestinal protective. Various research finding suggest the health promoting effects of goldenseal components and their extracts. However, few studies have also suggested the possible neurotoxic, hepatotoxic and phototoxic activities of goldenseal extract and its alkaloids. Thus, large randomized, double-blind clinical studies need to be conducted on goldenseal supplements and their main alkaloids to provide more evidence on the mechanisms responsible for the pharmaceutical activity, clinical efficacy and safety of these products. Thus, it is very important to review the scientific information about goldenseal to understand about the current scenario.

Antimetastatic effects of gossypol on colon cancer cells by targeting the u-PA and FAK pathways

Metastasis is the most prevalent cause of treatment failure in patients with colon cancer. Gossypol is reported to exhibit antioxidant, anticancer, antivirus and antimicrobial properties. However, the effects of gossypol on cancer invasion and tumour growth of human colon cancer remain unclear. This study aimed to provide molecular evidence associated with the antimetastatic and anti-tumour effects of gossypol on human colorectal carcinoma (CRC) cells. Gossypol inhibited the viability of human colon cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Gossypol was sufficient to reduce the invasion, migration and adhesion in DLD-1 and COLO 205 cells. Zymography and western blot assay showed that gossypol reduced the activities and protein expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA), respectively. Gossypol suppressed the level of p-focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers, including N-cadherin, fibronectin and vimentin. Gossypol also inhibited the lung metastasis of DLD-1 cells, as indicated by the nude mouse model. These results suggested that gossypol inhibited the metastatic properties of human colon cancer cells by targeting u-PA through the FAK pathway, suggesting that gossypol could be used as an adjuvant therapeutic agent for the treatment of human colon cancer cells.

The Anti-Cancer Mechanisms of Berberine: A Review

Berberine (BBR) has been extensively studied in vivo and vitro experiments. BBR inhibits cell proliferation by regulating cell cycle and cell autophagy, and promoting cell apoptosis. BBR also inhibits cell invasion and metastasis by suppressing EMT and down-regulating the expression of metastasis-related proteins and signaling pathways. In addition, BBR inhibits cell proliferation by interacting with microRNAs and suppressing telomerase activity. BBR exerts its anti-inflammation and antioxidant properties, and also regulates tumor microenvironment. This review emphasized that BBR as a potential anti-inflammation and antioxidant agent, also as an effective immunomodulator, is expected to be widely used in clinic for cancer therapy.

Repurposing of plant alkaloids for cancer therapy: Pharmacology and toxicology

Drug repurposing (or repositioning) is an emerging concept to use old drugs for new treatment indications. Phytochemicals isolated from medicinal plants have been largely neglected in this context, although their pharmacological activities have been well investigated in the past, and they may have considerable potentials for repositioning. A grand number of plant alkaloids inhibit syngeneic or xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Molecular modes of action in cancer cells include induction of cell cycle arrest, intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis, autophagy, inhibition of angiogenesis and glycolysis, stress and anti-inflammatory responses, regulation of immune functions, cellular differentiation, and inhibition of invasion and metastasis. Numerous underlying signaling processes are affected by plant alkaloids. Furthermore, plant alkaloids suppress carcinogenesis, indicating chemopreventive properties. Some plant alkaloids reveal toxicities such as hepato-, nephro- or genotoxicity, which disqualifies them for repositioning purposes. Others even protect from hepatotoxicity or cardiotoxicity of xenobiotics and established anticancer drugs. The present survey of the published literature clearly demonstrates that plant alkaloids have the potential for repositioning in cancer therapy. Exploitation of the chemical diversity of natural alkaloids may enrich the candidate pool of compounds for cancer chemotherapy and -prevention. Their further preclinical and clinical development should follow the same stringent rules as for any other synthetic drug as well. Prospective randomized, placebo-controlled clinical phase I and II trials should be initiated to unravel the full potential of plant alkaloids for drug repositioning.

Reversal of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition by Natural Anti-Inflammatory and Pro-Resolving Lipids

Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process in the progression of malignant cancer. Therefore, blocking the EMT can be a critical fast track for the development of anticancer drugs. In this paper, we update recent research output of EMT and we explore suppression of EMT by natural anti-inflammatory compounds and pro-resolving lipids.

Naturally occurring anti-cancer compounds: shining from Chinese herbal medicine

Numerous natural products originated from Chinese herbal medicine exhibit anti-cancer activities, including anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic, anti-angiogenic effects, as well as regulate autophagy, reverse multidrug resistance, balance immunity, and enhance chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. To provide new insights into the critical path ahead, we systemically reviewed the most recent advances (reported since 2011) on the key compounds with anti-cancer effects derived from Chinese herbal medicine (curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, berberine, artemisinin, ginsenoside Rg3, ursolic acid, silibinin, emodin, triptolide, cucurbitacin B, tanshinone I, oridonin, shikonin, gambogic acid, artesunate, wogonin, β-elemene, and cepharanthine) in scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, and Clinical Trials). With a broader perspective, we focused on their recently discovered and/or investigated pharmacological effects, novel mechanism of action, relevant clinical studies, and their innovative applications in combined therapy and immunomodulation. In addition, the present review has extended to describe other promising compounds including dihydroartemisinin, ginsenoside Rh2, compound K, cucurbitacins D, E, I, tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone in view of their potentials in cancer therapy. Up to now, the evidence about the immunomodulatory effects and clinical trials of natural anti-cancer compounds from Chinese herbal medicine is very limited, and further research is needed to monitor their immunoregulatory effects and explore their mechanisms of action as modulators of immune checkpoints.

Berberine protects steatotic donor undergoing liver transplantation via inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated reticulophagy

Steatotic livers are more susceptible to ischemia/reperfusion injury, and increase the risk of primary graft non-function after liver transplantation. The protective effects of berberine have been described in various liver pathological models. However, it is unknown if berberine exerts its beneficial action in steatotic donors undergoing liver transplantation. In the present study, male Wistar rats were fed with high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks to induce moderate steatotic liver. Then orthotropic liver transplantation was constructed. Berberine (200 mg/kg/d) was given intragastrically one week before liver transplantation. Thapsigargin (TG) (0.2 mg/kg) was administrated intravenously 24 h before liver transplantation. Liver function, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokine were detected by biochemical or histopathological analysis. The morphology of autophagosomes and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The expression of CHOP, BIP, the phosphorylation of PERK, LC3-II/I, Beclin-1, and p62 were determined by Western blot assay. The co-localization of endoplasmic reticulum marker (KDEL) and autophagic protein (LC3B) was analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy. The level of reticulophagy hallmark (FAM134B) was determined by immunohistochemistry. Compared with HFD + LT group, berberine ameliorated hepatocellular damage, decreased the oxidative stress level and inflammatory cytokine release. Simultaneously, berberine inhibited the expression of both endoplasmic reticulum stress parameters and autophagy-related proteins. Additionally, the co-localization of endoplasmic reticulum marker and LC3B was also reduced in HFD + BBR + LT group. berberine down-regulated the level of FAM134B. TG reversed the beneficial effects of berberine. Our study revealed that berberine exerts protective effects on steatotic livers undergoing transplantation by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated reticulophagy.

Impact statement

Berberine is isolated from traditional Chinese medicine plants and has dramatically therapeutic potential against inflammation, diarrhea, and diabetes. But the benefits of BBR on steatotic grafts after liver transplantation remain poorly understood. Our findings might help explain the mechanism of berberine in protecting steatotic livers undergoing transplantation and give advantageous insights that berberine has potential as a suitable candidate for preventing hepatic injury after steatotic liver transplantation by inhibiting ER stress-mediated reticulophagy.

Phloretin suppresses metastasis by targeting protease and inhibits cancer stemness and angiogenesis in human cervical cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Phloretin, a dihydrochalcone flavonoid, possesses anti-inflammatory activity and inhibits the growth of various cancers. However, the flavonoid's effect on cervical cancer metastasis and angiogenesis remains unknown.

PURPOSE

In this study, we provide molecular evidence associated with the antimetastatic and antiangiogenic effects of phloretin.

METHODS

In this study, the anti-invasive effect of phloretin (0-60 μM) in cervical cancer cells was evaluated using the Matrigel invasion assay, gelatin zymography, cell-matrix adhesion assay, wound healing assay, and Western blotting. Antiangiogenic potential of phloretin (0-100 μM) was assessed by the Matrigel tube formation assay. The in vivo antitumor effect of phloretin (10 or 20 mg/kg) was fed by oral gavage and determined using subcutaneous inoculation and tail vein injection in immunodeficient nude mice.

RESULTS

Phloretin (60 μM) showed marked suppression of invasion and migration through downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-3, and cathepsin S in human SiHa cervical cancer cells. Phloretin (60 μM) reversed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition induced by transforming growth factor-β1 and downregulated mesenchymal markers, such as fibronectin, vimentin, and RhoA. Phloretin (100 μM) treatment significantly inhibited the aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 activity of SiHa cells, reduced the self-renewal properties and stemness signatures of CD44 and Sox-2 in sphere-forming cervical cancer-derived tumor-initiating cells, and inhibited the invasion, MMP-2 activity, and tube formation capacity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The ability of phloretin (20 mg/kg) to suppress lung metastasis and tumor growth in SiHa cells was evidenced by tail vein injection and subcutaneous inoculation in a tumor xenograft model.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the findings indicate that phloretin inhibits the metastatic and angiogenic abilities and cancer stemness of SiHa cells, thereby suggesting that this flavonoid is a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of human cervical cancer cells.

TGF-β-mediated regulation of plasminogen activators is human telomerase reverse transcriptase dependent in cancer cells

Telomerase is a specialized reverse transcriptase/terminal transferase enzyme that adds telomeric repeat sequences at the extreme end of a newly replicated chromosome. Apart from telomere lengthening, telomerase has many extracurricular activities. Telomerase is known to regulate the expression of many genes and helps in cancer progression and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs). We have previously reported that human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) regulates the expression of plasminogen activator such as urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) in cancer cells following a genome-wide transcriptomic study. Here, we present data substantiating these results in terms of real-time assays, western blots, and immunofluorescence. Another aim of this study is to find out the possible mechanism by which hTERT regulates the expression of plasminogen activators. We have used some molecular biology techniques such as quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunofluorescence and some assays such as wound healing assay and colony formation assay to solve this question. In this study, we show a positive association between hTERT and uPA. We also demonstrate that hTERT enhances uPA expression concomitant with EMT. Knocking down of hTERT reduces uPA expression as well as reverses EMT in cancer cells. We have also found that uPA is a transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)-induced protein. Our observations establish that TGF-β-induced uPA expression is hTERT dependent.

The uPAR System as a Potential Therapeutic Target in the Diseased Eye

Dysregulation of vascular networks is characteristic of eye diseases associated with retinal cell degeneration and visual loss. Visual impairment is also the consequence of photoreceptor degeneration in inherited eye diseases with a major inflammatory component, but without angiogenic profile. Among the pathways with high impact on vascular/degenerative diseases of the eye, a central role is played by a system formed by the ligand urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor uPAR. The uPAR system, although extensively investigated in tumors, still remains a key issue in vascular diseases of the eye and even less studied in inherited retinal pathologies such as retinitis pigmantosa (RP). Its spectrum of action has been extended far beyond a classical pro-angiogenic function and has emerged as a central actor in inflammation. Preclinical studies in more prevalent eye diseases characterized by neovascular formation, as in retinopathy of prematurity, wet macular degeneration and rubeosis iridis or vasopermeability excess as in diabetic retinopathy, suggest a critical role of increased uPAR signaling indicating the potentiality of its modulation to counteract neovessel formation and microvascular dysfunction. The additional observation that the uPAR system plays a major role in RP by limiting the inflammatory cascade triggered by rod degeneration rises further questions about its role in the diseased eye.

Berberine inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and promotes apoptosis of tumour-associated fibroblast-induced colonic epithelial cells through regulation of TGF-β signalling

Tumour-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) mediate the differentiation of adjacent stromal cells. Berberine (BBR), a monomer of traditional Chinese herbs, exhibits a potent therapeutic effect against cancer. However, the effects of BBR on the differentiation of normal colonic epithelial cells induced by TAFs have not been determined. In the present study, we selected the TAF-like myofibroblast cell line CCD-18Co. CCD-18Co-derived conditioned medium (CM) and co-culture induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) changes in colonic epithelial HCoEpiC cells with decreased E-cadherin and increased vimentin and α-SMA expression. In addition, CCD-18Co stimulated the expression of ZEB1 and Snail and promoted motility. We used LY364947, a TGF-β receptor kinase type I (TβRI) inhibitor, and BBR. Our results showed that LY364947 and BBR inhibited these phenomena. BBR decreased the expression of ZEB1 and Snail, and this effect was concentration dependent. BBR also downregulated the expression of TβRI, TβRII, Smad2/p-Smad2 and Smad3/p-Smad3. In addition, BBR induced apoptosis in EMT-like HCoEpiC cells in a concentration-dependent manner with upregulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2. However, VX-702, an inhibitor of p38 MAPK, significantly suppressed the apoptosis rate. BBR promoted the expression of p38 MAPK and phosphorylated p38 MAPK. In conclusion, berberine inhibits EMT and promotes apoptosis in TAF-induced colonic epithelial cells through mediation of the Smad-dependent and SMAD-independent TGF-β signalling pathways.

An Insight Into the Molecular Mechanism of Berberine Towards Multiple Cancer Types Through Systems Pharmacology

Over the past several decades, natural products with poly-pharmacological profiles have demonstrated promise as novel therapeutics for various complex diseases, including cancer. Berberine (PubChem CID: 2353), a soliloquies quaternary alkaloid, has been validated to exert powerful effects in many cancers. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is not yet fully elucidated. In this study, we summarized the molecular effects of berberine against multiple cancers based on current available literatures. Furthermore, a systems pharmacology infrastructure was developed to discover new cancer indications of berberine and explore their molecular mechanisms. Specifically, we incorporated 289 high-quality protein targets of berberine by integrating experimental drug-target interactions (DTIs) extracted from literatures and computationally predicted DTIs inferred by network-based inference approach. Statistical network models were developed for identification of new cancer indications of berberine through integration of DTIs and curated cancer significantly mutated genes (SMGs). High accuracy was yielded for our statistical models. We further discussed three typical cancer indications (hepatocarcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma, and bladder carcinoma) of berberine with new mechanisms of actions (MOAs) based on our systems pharmacology framework. In summary, this study systematically provides a powerful strategy to identify potential anti-cancer effects of berberine with novel mechanisms from a systems pharmacology perspective.

Berberine Effects on NFκB, HIF1A and NFE2L2/AP-1 Pathways in HeLa Cells

Background:

Berberine has multitudinous anti-cancer stem cells effects making it a highly promising candidate substance for the next-generation cancer therapy. However, berberine modes of action predispose it to significant side-effects that probably limit its clinical testing and application.

Materials and Methods:

HeLa cells were treated with two concentrations of berberine (30 and 100 µM) for 24 hours to assess the functioning of the NFE2L2/AP-1, NFκB and HIF1A pathways using 22 RNAs expression qPCR-based analysis.

Results:

Berberine effects appeared to be highly dose-dependent, with the lower concentration being capable of suppressing the NFκB functioning and the higher concentration causing severe signaling side-effects seen in the HIF1A pathway and the NFE2L2 sub-pathways, and especially and more importantly in the AP-1 sub-pathway.

Conclusion:

The results of the study suggest that berberine has clinically valuable anti-NFκB effects however jeopardized by its side effects on the HIF1A and especially NFE2L2/AP-1 pathways, its therapeutic window phenomenon and its cancer type-specificity. These, however, may be ameliorated using the cocktail approach, provided there is enough data on signaling effects of berberine.