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Du S, Yang F, Wu L, Hu D, Zhang Y, Gong M, Yang Y, Yang X, Zeng Q. Assessing the potential molecular mechanism of arsenite-induced skin cell senescence. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2023; 12:843-852. [PMID: 37915474 PMCID: PMC10615813 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfad075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Arsenic exposure is a public health concern worldwide. Skin damage, as a typical lesion of arsenic exposure, the mechanism is still unknown. Studies have found that cellular senescence plays a key role in arsenic-induced skin damage, and the previous research found that the ERK/CEBPB signaling pathway may be an important molecular event of arsenic-induced skin cell senescence, but its specific mechanism is unknown. In this study, genetic engineering technology was used to construct stable HaCaT cell lines, and the role and mechanism of ERK/CEBPB signaling pathway in arsenic-induced HaCaT cell senescence were verified by knockdown and overexpression of ERK and CEBPB in both forward and backward. It was found that knockdown of CEBPB or ERK can downregulate the ERK/CEBPB signaling pathway and reduce arsenic-induced skin cell senescence. In contrast to knockdown, overexpression of CEBPB or ERK can upregulate the ERK/CEBPB signaling pathway and aggravate the senescence of skin cells caused by arsenic. These findings suggest that sodium arsenite can further promote SASP secretion and the expression of p53, p21 and p16 INK4a by activating the ERK/CEBPB signaling pathway, induce cell cycle arrest and trigger cellular senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sufei Du
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education & School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Dongqing Road 2, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education & School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Dongqing Road 2, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Liping Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education & School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Dongqing Road 2, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Dexiu Hu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education & School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Dongqing Road 2, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yuhong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education & School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Dongqing Road 2, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Maoyuan Gong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education & School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Dongqing Road 2, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education & School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Dongqing Road 2, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Xingcan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education & School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Dongqing Road 2, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Qibing Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education & School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Dongqing Road 2, Guiyang 550025, China
- Guizhou Provincial Engineering Research Center of Food Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Dongqing Road 2, Guiyang 550025, China
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2
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Tseng TY, Lee CH, Lee HL, Su CY, Kao CY, Tsai JP, Hsieh YH. Licochalcone A Suppresses Renal Cancer Cell Proliferation and Metastasis by Engagement of Sp1-Mediated LC3 Expression. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020684. [PMID: 36840005 PMCID: PMC9966374 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Licochalcone A (LicA) is a strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic substance that is useful against a variety of human malignancies. However, its precise mechanism in mediating the development of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is not entirely understood. In this work, LicA was discovered to limit cell growth and survival, induce cell cycle arrest, promote autophagy and LC3B expression, and inhibit the migration and invasion of RCC cells. In addition, the proliferation, migration, and invasion inhibited by LicA were restored by the transfection of siRNA-LC3. The effects of LC3B on the metastatic phenotype of ACHN cells was enhanced with the overexpression of Sp1 or suppressed by inhibiting the phosphorylation of FAK and Src. Finally, LicA showed antitumor properties against RCC in an in vivo xenograft model. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the chemotherapeutic potential of LicA on proliferation, migration, invasion, and autophagy through the activation of LC3B expression, ultimately modulating FAK/Src signaling pathway-mediated Sp1 expression. These findings illustrate the novel role and molecular mechanisms of LicA against RCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsai-Yi Tseng
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children’s Hospital of China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hsing Lee
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children’s Hospital of China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Lin Lee
- Department of Surgery, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Yu Su
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yen Kao
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Life Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Pi Tsai
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970374, Taiwan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chiayi 62247, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (J.-P.T.); (Y.-H.H.)
| | - Yi-Hsien Hsieh
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (J.-P.T.); (Y.-H.H.)
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3
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Liu SC, Wu TY, Hsu TH, Lai MN, Wu YC, Ng LT. Chemical Composition and Chronic Toxicity of Disc-Cultured Antrodia cinnamomea Fruiting Bodies. TOXICS 2022; 10:587. [PMID: 36287867 PMCID: PMC9610047 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10100587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Antrodia cinnamomea (AC) is a popular fungus for use as folk medicine in health maintenance and disease prevention and treatment. Disc culture is a novel technique for producing AC fruiting bodies. This study aimed to investigate the bioactive components and toxicological properties of disc-cultured AC fruiting body powders (ACP) in rats. The HPLC technique was used to quantify the composition of bioactive triterpenoids in ACP. Toxicological properties were evaluated on male and female Sprague-Dawley rats receiving ACP orally at 200, 600, and 1000 mg/kg body weight for 90 days; the control group received only distilled water. The results show that ACP contained seven important AC index compounds, namely antcins A, B, C, K, and H, dehydrosulphurenic acid, and dehydroeburicoic acid. At the tested doses, oral ACP administration for 90 days caused no mortality, adverse effects on general health, body and organ weights, and food intake. Furthermore, no significant variations were observed in hematological and biochemical parameters among either sex of ACP-treated and control animals. An histopathological examination of vital organs showed no significant structural changes in organs, even in high-dose ACP-treated animals. This study indicated that ACP contained the major bioactive triterpenoids of AC fruiting bodies, and its no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) was 1000 mg/kg/day, about 20 times the recommended daily intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shou-Chou Liu
- College of Biotechnology and Bioresources, Da-Yeh University, Changhua County 51591, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Ying Wu
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Meiho University, Pingtung 912009, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Hao Hsu
- Department of Medicinal Botanicals and Foods on Health Applications, Da-Yeh University, Changhua County 51591, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Nan Lai
- Kang Jian Biotech Co., Ltd., Nantou 54245, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Chang Wu
- College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
| | - Lean-Teik Ng
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University, No.1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
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4
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Feng C, Lyu Y, Gong L, Wang J. Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products in the Treatment of Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Review. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14112274. [PMID: 35684073 PMCID: PMC9182762 DOI: 10.3390/nu14112274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common cancer of the urinary system. The potential therapeutic effects of certain natural products against renal cell carcinoma have been reported both in vivo and in vitro, but no reviews have been published classifying and summarizing the mechanisms of action of various natural products. In this study, we used PubMed and Google Scholar to collect and screen the recent literature on natural products with anti-renal-cancer effects. The main mechanisms of action of these products include the induction of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, inhibition of metastasis and reduction of drug resistance. In total, we examined more than 30 natural products, which include kahweol acetate, honokiol, englerin A and epigallocatechin-3-gallate, among others, have demonstrated a variety of anti-renal-cancer effects. In conclusion, natural products may have a wider application in kidney cancer than previously believed and are potential candidates for treatment in RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Feng
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100000, China; (C.F.); (L.G.)
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China;
| | - Yinfeng Lyu
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China;
| | - Lingxiao Gong
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100000, China; (C.F.); (L.G.)
| | - Jing Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), Beijing 100000, China; (C.F.); (L.G.)
- Correspondence:
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5
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Assessing the Potential Value and Mechanism of Kaji-Ichigoside F1 on Arsenite-Induced Skin Cell Senescence. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:9574473. [PMID: 35069981 PMCID: PMC8767413 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9574473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic is a major environmental public health issue worldwide affecting more than 220 million of people. Previous studies have shown the correlation between arsenic poisoning and cellular senescence; however, knowledge regarding the mechanism and effective prevention measures has not been fully studied. First, the associations among the ERK/CEBPB signaling pathway, oxidative stress, and arsenic-induced skin cell senescence were confirmed using the HaCaT cell model. In the arsenic-exposed group, the relative mRNA and protein expressions of ERK/CEBPB signaling pathway indicators (ERK1, ERK2, and CEBPB), cell cycle-related genes (p21, p16INK4a), and the secretion of SASP (IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, TGF-β1, MMP-1, MMP-3, EGF, and VEGF) and the lipid peroxidation product (MDA) were significantly increased in cells (P < 0.05), while the activity of antioxidant enzyme (SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT) was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and an increased number of cells accumulated in the G1 phase (P < 0.05). Further Kaji-ichigoside F1 intervention experiments showed that compared to that in the arsenic-exposed group, the expression level of the activity of antioxidant enzyme was significantly increased in the Kaji-ichigoside F1 intervention group (P < 0.05), but the indicators of ERK/CEBPB signaling pathway, cell cycle-related genes, and SASP were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the cell cycle arrest relieved to a certain extent (P < 0.05). Our study provides some limited evidence that the ERK/CEBPB signaling pathway is involved in low-dose arsenic-induced skin cell senescence, through regulating oxidative stress. The second major finding was that Kaji-ichigoside F1 can downregulate the ERK/CEBPB signaling pathway and regulate the balance between oxidation and antioxidation, alleviating arsenic-induced skin cell senescence. This study provides experimental evidence for further understanding of Kaji-ichigoside F1, a natural medicinal plant that may be more effective in preventing and controlling arsenic poisoning.
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6
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Kuang Y, Li B, Wang Z, Qiao X, Ye M. Terpenoids from the medicinal mushroom Antrodia camphorata: chemistry and medicinal potential. Nat Prod Rep 2020; 38:83-102. [PMID: 32720965 DOI: 10.1039/d0np00023j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Covering: up to February 2020Antrodia camphorata is a medicinal mushroom endemic to Taiwan for the treatment of intoxication, liver injury, cancer, and inflammation. Owing to its rare occurrence and potent pharmacological activities, efforts have been devoted to identify its bioactive constituents, especially terpenoids. Since 1995, a total of 162 terpenoids including triterpenoids, meroterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids, and steroids have been characterized. The ergostane-type triterpenoids (antcins) and meroterpenoids (antroquinonols) are characteristic constituents of A. camphorata. The terpenoids show anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and neuroprotective activities. This review summarizes the research progress on terpenoids in A. camphorata during 1995-2020, including structural diversity, resources, biosynthesis, pharmacological activities, metabolism, and toxicity. The medicinal potential of the terpenoids is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Kuang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China.
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Liu L, Wang C. Effect of ethanol extracts of Antrodia cinnamomea on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell line. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 53:e8694. [PMID: 32401928 PMCID: PMC7228547 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20208694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors. Ethanol extract of Antrodia cinnamomea (EEA) has been widely studied for its health benefits including anticancer effects. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of EEA on HNSCC. Cell proliferation, transwell, and wound healing assays were performed. The impact of EEA on tumor growth was investigated using a xenograft model. Expressions of migration-related proteins (MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2) and apoptosis-related proteins (cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved PARP) were determined using western blot analysis. The results indicated that EEA significantly inhibited the capacities of proliferation, invasion, and migration of HNSCC cells in a dose-dependent manner. Cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved PARP expressions were increased in cells treated with an increasing concentration of EEA, which suggested that EEA induced apoptosis of HNSCC. MMP-2 and MMP-9 were downregulated when cells were administered EEA, while TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were not affected, which uncovered the mechanisms mediating the EEA-induced inhibition on cell invasion and migration. The animal experiment also suggested that EEA inhibited tumor growth. Our study confirmed the inhibitive effects of EEA on cell proliferation, invasion, and migration of HNSCC in vitro and in vivo, providing the basis for further study of the application of EEA as an effective candidate for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Anhui Medical College, Hefei, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Fuyang Vocational Technical College, Fuyang, China
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8
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Regulation of cancer cell signaling pathways as key events for therapeutic relevance of edible and medicinal mushrooms. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 80:145-156. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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9
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Jana P, Acharya K. Mushroom: A New Resource for Anti-Angiogenic Therapeutics. FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/87559129.2020.1721529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pradipta Jana
- Molecular and Applied Mycology and Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Calcutta, India
| | - Krishnendu Acharya
- Molecular and Applied Mycology and Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Calcutta, India
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10
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Ganesan N, Baskaran R, Velmurugan BK, Thanh NC. Antrodia cinnamomea-An updated minireview of its bioactive components and biological activity. J Food Biochem 2019; 43:e12936. [PMID: 31368557 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.12936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Antrodia cinnamomea or Antrodia camphorata is a distinctive mushroom of Taiwan, which is being used as a traditional medicine to treat various health-related conditions. More than 78 compounds have been identified in A. cinnamomea. Large numbers of phytochemical studies have been carried out in A. cinnamomea due to the high amount of terpenoids. Besides that, the extracts and active components of A. cinnamomea were reported to have various biological activities including hepatoprotective, antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and immunomodulatory activities. In this review article, we have summarized the recent findings of A. cinnamomea and its molecular mechanisms of action in various disease models. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: A. cinnamomea, medicinal fungus used in traditional medicine in Taiwan also possess high market value. Aim of the present review is to highlight the compounds present in A. cinnamomea and their different pharmacological activities in preventing/cure various diseases/disorders. A. cinnamomea can be potentially developed into health foods or drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagarajan Ganesan
- Basic Sciences Department, Preparatory Year Deanship, King Faisal University, Al Hofuf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rathinasamy Baskaran
- Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | - Nguyen Chi Thanh
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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11
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Wang YJ, Lee SC, Hsu CH, Kuo YH, Yang CC, Lin FJ. Antcins, triterpenoids from Antrodia cinnamomea, as new agonists for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α. J Food Drug Anal 2019; 27:295-304. [PMID: 30648583 PMCID: PMC9298643 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfda.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) is a nuclear hormone receptor that transcriptionally regulates lipid metabolism and inflammation; therefore, PPARα agonists are promising agents to treat dyslipidemia and metabolic disorders. PPARα full agonists, such as fibrates, are effective anti-hypertriglyceride agents, but their use is limited by adverse side effects. Hence, the aim of this study was to identify small molecules that can activate PPARα while minimizing the adverse effects. Antrodia cinnamomea, a rare medical mushroom, has been used widely in Asian countries for the treatment of various diseases, including liver diseases. Antcin B, H and K (antcins) and ergostatrien-3β-ol (EK100) are bioactive compounds isolated from A. cinnamomea with anti-inflammatory actions. Antcins, ergostane-type triterpenoids, contain the polar head with carboxylate group and the sterol-based body. Here, we showed at the first time that sterol-based compounds, antcins, but not EK100, activate PPARα in a cell-based transactivation study. The in silico docking studies presented several significant molecular interactions of antcins, including Tyr314, and His440 in the ligand-binding domain of PPARα, and these interactions are required for helix 12 (H12) stabilization. We propose that PPARα activation activity of antcins is related to their binding mode which requires conventional H12 stabilization, and that antcins can be developed as safe selective PPARα modulators.
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Zhu PL, Fu XQ, Li JK, Tse AKW, Guo H, Yin CL, Chou JY, Wang YP, Liu YX, Chen YJ, Hossen MJ, Zhang Y, Pan SY, Zhao ZJ, Yu ZL. Antrodia camphorata Mycelia Exert Anti-liver Cancer Effects and Inhibit STAT3 Signaling in vitro and in vivo. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1449. [PMID: 30618745 PMCID: PMC6304454 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the major form of primary liver cancer, is a common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling is constantly activated in HCC and has been proposed as a chemotherapeutic target for HCC. Antrodia camphorata (AC), a medicinal mushroom unique to Taiwan, is traditionally used for treating HCC. Whereas natural AC is scarce, cultured AC mycelia are becoming alternatives. In this study, we investigated the anti-HCC effects of the ethyl acetate fraction of an ethanolic extract of AC mycelia (EEAC), particularly exploring the involvement of STAT3 signaling in these effects. We found that EEAC reduced cell viability, induced apoptosis, and retarded migration and invasion in cultured HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells. Immunoblotting results showed that EEAC downregulated protein levels of phosphorylated and total STAT3 and JAK2 (an upstream kinase of STAT3) in HCC cells. Real-time PCR analyses showed that STAT3, but not JAK2, mRNA levels were decreased by EEAC. EEAC also lowered the protein level of nuclear STAT3, decreased the transcriptional activity of STAT3, and downregulated protein levels of STAT3-targeted molecules, including anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-xL and Bcl-2, and invasion-related proteins MMP-2 and MMP-9. Over-activation of STAT3 in HCC cells diminished the cytotoxic effects of EEAC. In SMMC-7721 cell-bearing mice, EEAC (100 mg/kg, i.g. for 18 days) significantly inhibited tumor growth. Consistent with our in vitro data, EEAC induced apoptosis and suppressed JAK2/STAT3 activation/phosphorylation in the tumors. Taken together, EEAC exerts anti-HCC effects both in vitro and in vivo; and inhibition of STAT3 signaling is, at least in part, responsible for these effects. We did not observe significant toxicity of EEAC in normal human liver-derived cells, nude mice and rats. Our results provide a pharmacological basis for developing EEAC as a safe and effective agent for HCC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Li Zhu
- Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.,Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.,Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiu-Qiong Fu
- Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.,Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.,Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jun-Kui Li
- Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.,Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.,Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Anfernee Kai-Wing Tse
- Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Hui Guo
- Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.,Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.,Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cheng-Le Yin
- Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.,Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.,Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ji-Yao Chou
- Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.,Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.,Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ya-Ping Wang
- Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.,Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.,Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu-Xi Liu
- Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.,Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.,Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ying-Jie Chen
- Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.,Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.,Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Muhammad Jahangir Hossen
- Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Yi Zhang
- Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Si-Yuan Pan
- Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zong-Jie Zhao
- Shenzhen Union Assets Biological Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhi-Ling Yu
- Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.,Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.,Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
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